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According to The Yorkshire Evening Post, Barnsley are interested in signing Leeds United defender Tom Pearce before this summer’s transfer window slams shut.

And the same report claims that Leeds would be open to allowing the 21-year-old to leave Elland Road ahead of the 2019-20 campaign.

Pearce, who spent the second half of last term on loan at Scunthorpe United, signed a new four-year contract with the Whites last summer, but he has not been involved in the club’s preparations for the new season.

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The Yorkshire Evening Post reports that Barnsley have ‘a strong interest’ in the defender.

And it would be fair to say that the transfer report has not gone down very well with the Leeds fans on social media.

Check out what happened when Thogden mixed with some of Montenegro’s craziest ultras in the video below…

It has been a frustrating transfer window for the Championship outfit and many of the supporters see little sense in losing another first-team player.

A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:

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[ad_pod ]This article is part ofÂFootball FanCast’sÂTransfer FocusÂseries, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…Aston Villa have announced that they have agreed to terminate Birkir Bjarnason’s contract so he can pursue a move elsewhere without any restriction as the transfer deadline was rapidly closing on any potential deals.

What’s the word?

After a two year spell at the club, Bjarnason has left Villa Park on a free transfer.

The Iceland international joined the West Midlands club in 2017 for £1.7m from Basel and went on to make 54 appearances, scoring six goals and laying on three assists.

However, he was limited for game time in their promotion-winning campaign, being restricted to just 11 starts.

As such, it now appears as though he’s been able to leave the club.

Inevitable departure

As summer progressed, it seemed more and more likely that some form of departure was going to happen in midfield.

The trio of Conor Hourihane, John McGinn and Jack Grealish were the regular choice during the course of last season and since then, manager Dean Smith has added Douglas Luiz from Manchester City for £15m and Club Brugge’s Marvelous Nakama for £11m. He joined his former teammate and Villa’s club-record signing Wesley Moraes.

Bjarnason featured in a bit-part role during pre-season but that was before the addition of the two aforementioned players and it was very unlikely that the 31-year-old would even make the bench in this upcoming campaign.

Therefore time was always running out for Bjarnason and instead of simply selling him – in some part down to the transfer window coming to a close – his manager has acknowledged his professionalism and attitude whilst in a claret and blue shirt to allow him to go freely.

This feels an amicable parting of ways for a player who has been quite happy to get on with his football.

The departure is unlikely to have much of an impact on the club.

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The Women’s World Cup is beginning to move towards its conclusion and there is a huge semi-final clash tonight be between two heavyweights of women’s football – France, the hosts of the tournament, and the world-famous USA, who don’t need much of an introduction.

Paul Pogba is still enjoying his holiday touring the States, judging by his latest Instagram activity, and he has now shared a story in which the coveted Manchester United player can be heard chanting “Come on, France” while zooming in on the match poster on one of the buildings.

This huge clash is on the schedule tonight and could very well already determine the winner of the whole tournament given the strength of both teams.

Pogba, however, still has his own future to resolve as he is reportedly pushing for a return to Italy and Juventus but the Red Devils are still not budging.

Last season, he played a total of 35 games in the Premier League, scoring 13 goals and assisting eight in the process, finishing as the team’s top goal-scorer.

كشف أمير توفيق رئيس لجنة التعاقدات بالنادي الأهلي، حقيقة توقيعه على عقود ضم صفقة جديدة للمارد الأحمر، خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية الجارية.

وقال توفيق في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر فضائية “أون تايم سبورتس”: “لم أوقع مع حازم هاني لاعب المنصورة، لم يحدث هذا إطلاقًا، وحال ضم لاعب ناشئ للأهلي فالأمر سيتعلق بـ خالد بيبو”.

طالع | أمير توفيق: أليو ديانج سيفيد الأهلي مستقبلا.. وانتهينا من خطة موسمي الانتقالات المقبلين

وأضاف: “لكن بالنسبة للفريق الأول لم يحدث أي شئ، أنا سمعت حديث اللاعب وتفاجأت به، ولكن بالنسبة لي لا أعرف أي شيء، أما إذا كان الموضوع له علاقة بقطاع الناشئين فيسأل عن الأمر خالد بيبو رئيس القطاع”.

وأردف: “هذا الموسم تعاقدنا مع أربع صفقات، وأعدنا 5 لاعبين معارين”.

وأتم: “اليوم أبناء الأهلي الذين يخرجون للإعارة لابد أن نستفيد منهم، مثل عمار حمدي وأحمد عبد القادر لاعب سموحة، نحن نرسل لاعبينا لأندية ستفيد اللاعبين فنيًا، وأيضا نستفاد منها ماديًا بما يليق بالأهلي”.

The months have turned into weeks and now the weeks have turned into days, and Rafa Benitez still doesn’t have a new deal at St James Park. His current deal is set to expire on the final day of June, yet with no breakthrough looking imminent, we’ve had a look at the next potential manager for the famous Northeast club.

Most of the fans clearly wouldn’t want one of the most popular Newcastle managers in years to leave, yet it looks like nothing can be done from this point. The Spaniard has worked wonders in his time with the Geordies, but as we reach crunch time it’s hard not to turn an eye to who could replace him, especially as The Chronicle have picked out the most likely replacements.

According to the trusty Newcastle outlet, the likes of Laurent Blanc, Gennaro Gattuso, Jose Mourinho, Arsene Wenger and David Moyes are in the running. So, let’s have a look at some of these names.

David Moyes’ time with Sunderland and time spent flopping at Old Trafford too surely make him a calamity option. Meanwhile, Mourinho wouldn’t be given the budget he’s used to at St James Park outside of the takeover his name was linked alongside of late, and it would be impossible to imagine Arsene Wenger lining up a team to try and topple Arsenal (he previously said he’d never manager another English club), the side he spent 22 seasons with as a gaffer.

That leaves just Gattuso and Blanc, and we’re picking out the Frenchman as the man for the job. His last job in management was back in 2016 when he left PSG on mutual consent, and looking back it was a harsh call for him to depart. Meanwhile, Gattuso has recently been let go by AC Milan after failing to secure Champions League football.

It’s hard to see a way in which Blanc wouldn’t be able to adapt to the managerial role at Newcastle United. The former defender picked up the nickname ‘Le Président’ during his time as a player at Marseille for his incredible leadership skills, and those kind of skills will be crucial for any manager set to take up the reigns of Newcastle post-Benitez.

The Frenchman, should he join Newcastle, would only be taking his fourth job in management, and his first in England. After a three year absence from the dugout and at the age of 53-years-old, there’s no reason why the Northeast wouldn’t be an ideal location. FourFourTwo did talk up his ability to promote youngsters, keep egos in check and play an attacking brand of football, traits which would surely stand him in good stead should he walk into a club reeling after Benitez’s departure.

Having won the league with Bordeaux, the World Cup-winning defender has also proven he’s far from a chequebook manager, something that’d stand him in good stead on Tyneside considering the budgets often afforded in the transfer market by Mike Ashley.

If you’re sceptical over Blanc returning to football, just a matter of months ago he was in contention for the vacant Man United job, which Sky Sports reported. We know that Newcastle are far from the club that Man United are, but it could prove a brilliant option for Blanc to get back on his feet with, and whilst following Benitez would be tough, Blanc has the credentials to do so.

Newcastle fans, would you take Laurent Blanc if Benitez leaves? Comment below!

"I like the Premier League. It's easier to play there than in Italy, where there is little space,” were the unfathomable words that dribbled out of the mouth of Manchester City mega flop Stevan Jovetic, who has since crumbled into obscurity.

Goodness. Gracious. Me. We’ve come across some truly questionable things in our time but this one just about takes the biscuit as the most bizarre, inconceivable, unsubstantiated load of tosh (insert any expletive you see fit) we've ever had the misfortune of laying our eyes upon.

Once touted as the next big thing to burst onto the scene, the Montenegro international failed miserably to reach the heights that were expected of him. There were pockets of truly special moments, we admit, but these episodes were generally marred by extended periods on the sideline which would subsequently thrust him into temporary spells of absolute anonymity amongst fans.

Finally, after two painful years of hot and cold performances in Manchester, Jovetic made his return to Italy, Inter Milan the suitors.

Despite his outlandish statement, in which he also claimed Manuel Pellegrini didn’t use him properly (always someone else’s fault), Jovetic would continue to flop in his new surroundings, managing just seven goals in 33 games. According to him though, this will have been because he was playing in a more challenging competition.

Not sure we’re buying it.

Nor were I Nerazzurri who disposed of him two years later first to Sevilla on a temporary deal, before Monaco eventually secured his services in the summer of 2017.

Admittedly the forward's record is looking a little sharper in France and Ligue 1, having netted 12 times in 31 all competitions.

However, we'd have to argue that, with Monaco struggling to replicate their previous success – which has seen them spend long periods of time flirting with relegation, in what is one of the least regarded competitions in European football – his efforts, though improved, are somewhat insignificant. A bit like him really.

After all, until now, when was the last time you heard anything about Steven Jovetic?

Manchester City fans, what are your standout memories of Jovetic? Let us know in the comments section below…

It is fair to say that when the final whistle blows on Sunday during Huddersfield’s clash at Southampton, the majority of their supporters will be breathing a sigh of relief that their nightmare of a season is over.

With the Terriers suffering defeat after defeat in the Premier League, there has been very little to cheer about at the John Smith’s Stadium this year and therefore their imminent return to the Championship may be a blessing in disguise.

Considering the fact that the majority of their players have demonstrated that they are more suited to the second tier in comparison to the top-flight, relegation could result in an air of positivity to return to West Yorkshire.

However, this will all depend on what Jan Siewert decides to do to his squad this summer.

With Steve Mounie and Laurent Depoitre both expected to leave Huddersfield when their contracts expire next month, the club will need to bring in at least one striker in order to replace this duo.

According to Hull Live, the Terriers are reportedly interested in signing Frazier Campbell from Hull City on a free transfer when the window opens in July. Now 31-years-old, the former Blackpool ace enjoyed a fruitful year with the Tigers as his 12 goals and 6 assists helped the club secure a 13th place finish in the Championship.

Although he would be a cost-efficient signing to make, if Huddersfield are serious about launching a sustained push for promotion next season, they must resist the temptation to bring in Campbell.

Not only is the forward edging ever closer to the twilight of his career but it could be argued that he would struggle to get into the Terriers’ side ahead of Karlan Ahearne-Grant.

Signed from Charlton Athletic in the January transfer window, the 21-year-old has been one of the club’s only shining lights in the Premier League during the 2018/19 campaign and has all the ingredients needed to become a modern-day hero for the Terriers if given the chance to lead the line over the coming years.

What do you think Huddersfield fans? Should Siewert consider a move for Campbell in the summer? Or is Ahearne-Grant the right man to fire you to success next season? Let us know below.

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Leeds kept their first clean sheet in almost a month at Pride Park on Saturday, and that is in no small part down to the change of personnel at the back.

Gaetano Berardi stepped in for the injured Pontus Jansson and played brilliantly. The Swiss defender’s performance at the weekend should be enough to keep the Swede out of the team on Wednesday regardless of his fitness.

Berardi’s performance

Despite not being Marcelo Bielsa’s first choice centre-back Berardi was arguably the best player in the Whites’ backline at Pride Park.

The 30-year-old made six tackles and two clearances, while also having a pass completion rate of 85.4 %, more than any other player who played the full 90 minutes for the Whites.

Berardi didn’t let the occasion get to him, he allowed himself to play his natural game and was instrumental to the Yorkshire club keeping a clean sheet which sees them heading into the second-leg with a goal advantage.

Jansson’s tendencies

Although the 28-year-old is a great defender individually when he is supposed to be working in an organised unit, he can try to do too much which leaves spaces for the opposition to exploit.

Whereas Berardi complemented his defensive partner Liam Cooper, Jansson can sometimes be a burden as he tries too hard to be a hero.

There isn’t a greater chance for a player to be that than in the playoffs, but when it is a defender going out of line to make headlines, it can be dangerous.

During these crucial games Leeds need cool, calm and collected heads at the back, and whereas Jansson and his maverick style of defending can be counter-productive, Berardi provides stability.

Denis Odoi last season fell into the same trap that the Leeds man may fall into. The defender scored the header that sent Fulham to Wembley, but in an attempt to be the hero once again he overextended himself and was sent off in the final.

The Belgian’s blushes were spared as the London club won that day, but Bielsa can’t afford to run the risk of starting Jansson if he is going to be unpredictable at the back.

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Reports in Turkey claim Newcastle are eyeing 22 year-old midfielder Dorukhan Tokoz.

What’s the story?

According to Hurriyet, Newcastle have been scouting Tokoz with a view to a possible summer switch.

The report claims the Magpies have been tracking Tokoz for some time, and they will have certainly liked what he has produced this season.

Hurriyet have previously claimed that any offers below £12.8m (€15m) will be rejected, so should Newcastle pursue the youngster this summer?

Is he good enough?

It is hard to judge players performing well outside of Europe’s top five leagues, but Tokoz has serious potential.

Playing mostly as a defensive midfielder, the 5 ft 11 ace has scored three times and added four assists this season.

Pl>ymaker FC Exclusive: Jermaine Jenas reveals why Tyne-Wear is a more intense derby than anything London can offer – check out the video below….

He takes 1.3 shots per game, completes 78% of his passes and creates one chance per game, while also being dispossessed less than once per game (Whoscored).

It is on the defensive end where he really shines though, boasting an average of 2.9 tackles and two interceptions per game, while also winning two aerial duels every match.

With Sean Longstaff looking every bit of the midfielder fans hoped he would be, Rafael Benitez needs a quality partner for the young Geordie, and Tokoz could be just that.

With great reading of the game, tough tackling, aerial prowess and clever, insightful passing, pairing him with Longstaff would give the Magpies a midfield brimming with confidence, technique and physical prowess.

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Crystal Palace return to Premier League action on Saturday at home to rock-bottom club Huddersfield Town.

Following consecutive defeats, at home to fierce rivals Brighton in the league and then away at Watford in the FA Cup, pressure has started to mount on boss Roy Hodgson.

With dreams of silverware put aside for another year, the Eagles are yet to secure safety, and are only five points clear of the relegation zone with eight games still to play.

This weekend’s clash at Selhurst Park could prove to be a make-or-break game for the former England manager. The Terriers are all but down, 16 points adrift at the foot of the table and with one win in their last 18 league outings. But could this work to Palace’s detriment?

What’s the word?

Recent performances have demonstrated some fight and will in the Terriers’ tank, following Jan Siewert’s appointment in late January. In their last outing, they fell to an unfortunate injury-time 4-3 defeat at West Ham after leading for the majority of the match. Two-and-a-half weeks earlier, they beat FA Cup semi-finalists Wolves with a late winner of their own, demonstrating some promise.

They haven’t quite given up, then, and they’re perhaps not as bad as their league position suggests. Add to that the fact really they have little to lose, as opposed to Hodgson and Palace who will be feeling the heat by the time kick-off comes around.

Huddersfield’s biggest threat

The main problem that Palace will have to deal with is likely to be Karlan Grant. The 21-year-old has quickly emerged as a new favourite at the John Smith’s Stadium since his January move from Charlton Athletic and he has enjoyed his transition from League One to the Premier League.

Grant has three goals in six league appearances for Huddersfield and netted twice in that heart-breaking defeat to the Hammers, making him the Yorkshire side’s joint top-scorer this season.

The former England under-19 international will be keen to add to his tally at Selhurst Park, and with the Eagles not having kept a clean sheet in the league since the start of February, Grant will be confident of continuing his rich vein of form.