December 2021 – Football Flame

31Dec

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TRANSFERS

Barcelona offered chance to sign Tottenham attacker

Bryan Gil of Tottenham Hotspur during the Tottenham Hotspur training session at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on December 30, 2021 in Enfield, England. Barcelona have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Tottenham attacker Bryan Gil in the January transfer window.According to reputed Spanish journalist Gerard Romero, Bryan Gil has been offered to Barcelona through his representatives over a possible move in the January transfer window. The Tottenham attacker could be a long-term replacement for Ousmane Dembele.Bryan Gil is widely regarded as one of the most promising young attackers in Spain, having made significant progress during his youth playing days with Sevilla. The 20-year-old joined Tottenham Hotspur from the Andalusian club in July 2021, with Erik Lamela heading the othe...

31Dec

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PREMIER LEAGUE

Ralf Rangnick praises four Manchester United stars after Burnley victory

Interim Manager Ralf Rangnick of Manchester United watches from the touchline during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Burnley at Old Trafford on December 30, 2021 in Manchester, England. Ralf Rangnick praised four Manchester United players after his side got back to winning ways in the Premier League against Burnley.United were widely criticised after their below-par performance in a 1-1 draw with relegation-battlers Newcastle United earlier in the week, but produced a better display to down Sean Dyche’s Burnley 3-1 at Old Trafford.Scott McTominay fired the Red Devils in front with an early strike from the edge of the box, and Ben Mee’s unfortunate own goal saw Rangnick’s side take control.Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 14th goal of the season before Aaron Lennon netted...

30Dec

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PREMIER LEAGUE

Jamie Vardy adds to Leicester’s growing injury woes

Brendan Rogers, Manager of Leicester City talks with Jamie Vardy of Leicester City following the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Leicester City at St Mary's Stadium on December 01, 2021 in Southampton, England. Leicester's injury problems continue to worsen after striker Jamie Vardy was ruled out for three to four weeks with a hamstring problem.The former England international, 35 next month, had complained of an issue in the Carabao Cup defeat at Anfield last week, was rested for the Stephen's Day trip to Manchester City but played and then sustained the injury in the second half of Tuesday's win at home to Liverpool.Attacking midfielder James Maddison is fit after he came off against Jurgen Klopp's side but with Patson Daka also injured - forcing him to miss the Africa Cu...

30Dec

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NEWS

NFF appoints Portugal’s Jose Peseiro as Super Eagles head coach

José Peseiro reacts during a Group B match between Venezuela and Ecuador as part of Copa America Brazil 2021 at Estadio Olímpico Nilton Santos on June 20, 2021 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, on Wednesday announced the appointment of Jose Peseiro as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles.The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Peseiro’s appointment was announced in a statement by Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications.According to the statement, the NFF Executive Committee endorsed the proposal for the appointment of Peseiro at a virtual meeting held on Wednesday to deliberate on important issues in Nigerian football.Mr Olajire noted however that the appointment of Peseiro would take effect after the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Cameroon.“Aft...

30Dec

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LALIGA

Dembele could cause Barcelona problems in Ferran Torres’ registration

Ousmane Dembele of FC Barcelona during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Elche CF at Camp Nou Stadium on December 18, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. News broke late on Wednesday that Ousmane Dembele will not be signing a new contract with Barcelona.After having dragged on the contract negotiations for months, the 24-year-old’s camp rejected the club’s latest contract proposal, insisting that the only way he would sign an extension would be if his €40 million per year salary demands were met, along with a signing-on bonus of €40 million.With the Catalans in no position to meet such lofty demands, talks have come to a screeching halt and all things point towards the Frenchman leaving Camp Nou on a free transfer when his current deal runs out in the summer.Apart from the prospec...

30Dec

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PREMIER LEAGUE

City boss hoping for January window conversation

Dean Smith posed for a picture with the Manager of the Month Award at Aston Villa's training ground on January 18, 2021 in Bodymoor Heath, Birmingham, England. Dean Smith is hoping to have a conversation with Norwich City sporting director Stuart Webber over plans for the upcoming transfer window.City's chief has seen his squad decimated by injuries, Covid infections and other illnesses that led to 10 players being absent for their recent encounter against Crystal Palace. Since he was appointed as head coach in November, Smith has been rather coy on plans for January, instead opting to focus on the current group of players at his disposal. But on the back of five straight defeats in the Premier League and the squad not looking up to the standard required, Smith has conceded that ...

29Dec

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PREMIER LEAGUE

Brighton score late equaliser at Chelsea

Romelu Lukaku of Chelsea and Danny Welbeck of Brighton & Hove Albion interact following the Premier League match between Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge on December 29, 2021 in London, England.Substitute Danny Welbeck scored a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser for Brighton to deny Chelsea victory and deal a blow to their hopes of keeping pace with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.Chelsea looked set to move three points clear of fellow title contenders Liverpool when Romelu Lukaku marked his first top-flight start for two months by giving his side a lead, which they held until the 91st minute.Brighton carved out 18 chances in total at Stamford Bridge but looked set for disappointment before Welbeck met Marc Cucurella's chipped cross.On a bad nigh...

29Dec

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TRANSFERS

Report: £13m star open to leaving Tottenham in 2022, Conte’s desperate for him to stay

Hugo Lloris of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after their teammate Steven Bergwijn (not pictured) scores their side's first goal during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 22, 2021 in London, England. Hugo Lloris could leave Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the season as the goalkeeper is open to joining Nice on a free transfer once his contract ends, according to Foot Mercato.The Frenchman has just six-months remaining on his current deal in north London and talks over new terms are unsatisfactory. Spurs would like Lloris to remain at the Premier League side into an 11th season, with the 35-year-old remaining their first-choice so far this term.Lloris has opened all 17 of Tottenham’s top-flight fixtures an...

29Dec

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TRANSFERS

Report: Arsenal stand to make £9m profit on 24-year-old ace Arteta labelled as ‘unique’

Ainsley Maitland-Niles of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Watford at Emirates Stadium on November 07, 2021 in London, England. Arsenal could make as much as £9m for Ainsley Maitland-Niles should AS Roma go through with all their financial obligations for the England midfielder.According to Corriere della Sera, Jose Mourinho’s side will pay a €750,000 loan fee (£630,000) loan fee for Maitland-Niles, with Roma having an option to sign the versatile Arsenal star for €10m (£7.37m) in the summer.The 24-year-old Hale End academy graduate is expected to leave Arsenal in 2022. Maitland-Niles came close to departing last summer after Everton came in with a late offer. However, as reported by the Athletic, the Gunners rejected the transfer.The midfielder, who can also pla...

29Dec

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PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool: Virgil van Dijk admits his side deserved to lose at Leicester City

Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk (left) is tracked by Leicester City's Wilfred Ndidi during the Premier League match at the King Power Stadium, Leicester. Picture date: Tuesday December 28, 2021. Virgil van Dijk admits Liverpool 'must improve' if they wish to maintain their challenge for the Premier League title this term.The Liverpool defender returned to the Reds team at the back following a spell out with Covid-19 but was unable to prevent his side slipping to a 1-0 defeat at Leicester City on Tuesday.Ademola Lookman fired the Foxes' winner in the 59th minute winner but Liverpool also wasted good chances to score, with Mohamed Salah missing a first-half penalty while Sadio Mane also fired over from inside the box in the second half. While Van Dijk admitted the Foxes were the better team...

28Dec

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PREMIER LEAGUE

West Ham fight back to beat Watford

Mark Noble, Tomas Soucek and Michail Antonio of West Ham United appeal for a penalty which is later given after a VAR check during the Premier League match between Watford and West Ham United at Vicarage Road on December 28, 2021 in Watford, England. West Ham ended their recent run of poor form by coming from behind to overwhelm struggling Watford at Vicarage Road.The Hammers had gone into the game with just one win in seven games - a run that had seen them seemingly slip out of top-four contention.It looked like the slump was going to continue when Emmanuel Dennis knocked the ball past Craig Dawson in the fourth minute before firing a superb strike into the top corner.West Ham initially struggled to impose themselves but improved as the half wore on and then shocked the Hornets with two g...

28Dec

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PREMIER LEAGUE

Crystal Palace Outclass Norwich to go ninth

Odsonne Edouard of Crystal Palace controls the ball during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Norwich City at Selhurst Park on December 28, 2021 in London, England. Crystal Palace climbed into the top half of the Premier League after easing to victory against Norwich at Selhurst Park.Three first-half goals from Odsonne Edouard, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Jeffrey Schlupp condemned the Canaries to the foot of the table at the end of 2021.The visitors started brightly but found themselves a goal down after eight minutes when Kenny McLean fouled Will Hughes in the area and Edouard converted from the spot for his first goal since October.Palace took charge from there with Hughes their driving force. He sprung forward and slipped in Mateta, who could only find the side-netting.Mat...

28Dec

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PREMIER LEAGUE

Ten-man Southampton frustrate Tottenham Hotspur

Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur is tackled by Mohammed Salisu of Southampton leading to a red card and a penalty for Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary's Stadium on December 28, 2021 in Southampton, England. Southampton put on a show of resilience in holding Tottenham to a draw despite playing with 10 men for over 50 minutes at St Mary's.Ralph Hasenhuttl's side started admirably when James Ward-Prowse cut across a bouncing ball to volley a swerving shot past Hugo Lloris for a superb opener.But Saints looked to have undone their fine work when Mohammed Salisu fouled Son Heung-min in the box to earn a second booking in 12 first-half minutes and allow Harry Kane to score from the penalty spot.Spurs twice had the ball in th...

28Dec

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PREMIER LEAGUE

Leicester City could be without nine players through injury for Liverpool clash

Players of Leicester City throw Brendan Rodgers, Manager of Leicester City in the air after victory in The Emirates FA Cup Final match between Chelsea and Leicester City at Wembley Stadium on May 15, 2021 in London, England. Leicester City are likely to be without as many as nine players when they take on Liverpool on Tuesday.The Reds are back in Premier League action after their Boxing Day clash against Leeds United was postponed.While Liverpool got that day off, Leicester were in action against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, where they lost 6-3Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has been without a number of players due to injury and positive Covid-19 tests in recent weeks.Leicester do not have the same luxury, with many players still on the treatment table despite seeing the back of a recent ...

28Dec

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BUNDESLIGA

Robert Lewandowski reveals truth about collapsed Genoa move

Bayern Munichâs forward Robert Lewandowski celebrates his goal during the UEFA Champions League group E match between FC Barcelona and Bayern Muenchen at Camp Nou stadium on September 14, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain. Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski insists he is not considering retiring and reveals the truth about his collapsed transfer to Genoa.The Poland striker won the Fan’s Player of the Year award, named after Diego Maradona, at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on Monday.The 33-year-old spoke to Sky Sport Italia after the ceremony.He refused to rule out a move to Serie A in the future and revealed the truth on why he didn’t join Genoa in 2010.The striker, who was playing for Lech Poznan at that time, even underwent medical examinations with the Grifone.“I received an offer from Gen...

28Dec

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TRANSFERS

Barcelona given chance to land 28-year-old Argentine international in Bosman move

Paulo Dybala of Juventus celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and Genoa CFC at Allianz Stadium on December 05, 2021 in Turin, Italy. Barcelona have reportedly been offered the opportunity to sign 28-year-old Argentine international Paulo Dybala on a Bosman move next summer.According to a report by Catalan outlet El Nacional, Paulo Dybala could leave Juventus as a free agent in next summer’s transfer window. Such a development has come as a major boost for Barcelona, who have been offered the chance to secure the services of the 28-year-old Argentine international on a Bosman move.Paulo Dybala joined Juventus from US Palermo in July 2015 and has since come leaps and bounds. While the player has had some forgettable periods during his spel...

28Dec

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TRANSFERS

Real Madrid forward wanted in €35 million by Serie A giants

Marco Asensio of Real Madrid celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the La Liga Santander match between Real Madrid CF and Club Atletico de Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 12, 2021 in Madrid, Spain. Serie A giants AC Milan are reportedly keen on signing Marco Asensio from Real Madrid in a €35 million deal next summer.According to a report by Catalan outlet El Nacional, Marco Asensio has emerged as a key target for AC Milan heading into next summer’s transfer window. The Serie A giants are prepared to offer €35 million to secure the services of the Real Madrid forward, who will be weighing up his options after the season ends.Marco Asensio has endured a roller-coaster ride since joining Real Madrid from RCD Mallorca in July 2015. The Spanish international’s s...

28Dec

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PREMIER LEAGUE

Edinson Cavani salvages point for Man United at Newcastle

Edinson Cavani of Manchester United scores their first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St. James Park on December 27, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Substitute Edinson Cavani scored in the second half to help Manchester United salvage a 1-1 draw at struggling Newcastle United in the Premier League on Monday.The result stretched Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick's unbeaten start to four games in all competitions but the German will hardly be pleased by a toothless performance with goalkeeper David De Gea rescuing the visitors.Cavani netted an opportunist 71st-minute equaliser after Allan Saint-Maximin gave the home side a seventh-minute lead with a fine individual effort, side-stepping two markers before he fired pa...

27Dec

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SERIE A

Lazio Star Immobile Will Take Another Molecular COVID Test Today

Ciro Immobile of Lazio celebrates after scoring his second goal during the Serie A match between UC Sampdoria and Ss Lazio at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on December 5, 2021 in Genoa, Italy. Lazio star Ciro Immobile will undergo another COVID test today in the hopes of finally returning a negative result.As reported by Italian radio broadcaster Radiosei (via La Lazio Siamo Noi) earlier today, the 31-year-old Italian striker and his family have not suffered any serious symptoms but are still stuck in isolation at home.Immobile will take another molecular COVID test today and if a negative result is returned then he’ll be able to return to Formello on 30th December for Lazio’s first training session after the Christmas break.The 31-year-old Italian striker has been training at home under the guida...

27Dec

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LALIGA

When Barcelona will announce new signing Ferran Torres amid medical

Ferran Torres of Manchester City celebrates after scoring a goal which is later disallowed during the UEFA Champions League group A match between Manchester City and RB Leipzig at Etihad Stadium on September 15, 2021 in Manchester, England. Barcelona are closing in on their signing of Manchester City winger Ferran Torres.The Blaugrana have been heavily linked with Torres for weeks ahead of the January transfer window, and it seems Xavi Hernandez‘s dream is about to become reality.Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola recently confirmed that the deal was on the verge of being completed.And as reported by Mundo Deportivo, it’s expected Barcelona will announce the signing today, as long as all goes to plan in the medical.Torres has been suffering from a fractured foot in the last few weeks, but ...