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According to the Daily Star, Liverpool are amongst a number of top Premier League clubs interested in signing Leicester City star James Maddison, who enjoyed a wonderful debut campaign in the top-flight.

The report states that Manchester United, Tottenham, Manchester City and Liverpool have all enquired about the Englishman’s availability this summer, but with the Foxes under no pressure to sell, Maddison’s valuation stands at £60m.

You can relive Liverpool’s Champions League celebrations in glorious 2D thanks to the guys at 442oons in the video below…

That figure is three times what Leicester paid for the 22-year-old last summer when they parted with £20m to sign the attacking midfielder from Norwich, and it looks to have been a shrewd investment.

Maddison scored seven goals and recorded seven assists last season, whilst he also created the most chances in the Premier League to truly announce himself at the top level of English football – his form led to a call-up to the England team.

So, would the former Coventry academy graduate be a good fit at Anfield? Football FanCast’s writers have their say…

Luke Glanville

“I think the thing that many people forget is that Maddison has only been a Premier League player for one season. Yes, he looks to be a real talent, but we need to see if he can produce consistently over two to three seasons in the top flight first. Maddison is not yet the finished article and in my opinion, wouldn’t fit in at any top-six club at the moment, let alone Liverpool.”

Harry Sherlock

“James Maddison would be a great fit at any top-six club. He’s just got the kind of talent that makes him attractive to any potential suitor. He’d fit right in at Liverpool as he’d be able to supplement the ferocious talents of the front three, while adding some dynamism to the club’s midfield. That is perhaps their one weak spot, with Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Naby Keita not the most dynamic, creative trio. Adding Maddison in would be like adding cream to strawberries; it makes all the sense in the world.”

Charles Jones

“Maddison is undoubtedly an incredible player, but Liverpool may be the only club in the top six where he doesn’t quite fit in. Klopp has just won the Champions League and finished the Premier League season with 97 points using a midfield made up of three less creative players. Maddison is at his best when playing as a number 10 and at the moment there isn’t room for a player in his mould in the Liverpool XI.”

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Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa will have his fingers firmly crossed after reports that the Poland national team have been struck down by a flu outbreak that has affected eight players, with midfielder Mateusz Klich of course currently with the squad.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the 28-year-old who has been such a favourite under the Argentine boss at Elland Road has been away representing his country during the international break, but head coach Jerzy Brzeczek admitted prior to the game against Latvia on Sunday that his side were struggling with illness.

In quotes as reported by Leeds Live, he said: “We have an epidemic in the team and the first to have problems ahead of the game with Austria was Arkadiusz Milik.

“Our medical staff are working quickly to ensure the virus doesn’t spread further. Jan Bednarek and Bartosz Bereszynski did not take part in today’s training session.

“The flu has hit eight players, including Piatek.”

Klich started and played 62 minutes of the 2-0 win against Latvia, before being replaced by Jakub Blaszczykowski.

The last thing Bielsa needs

This is a potential issue the 63-year-old could do without.

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Already missing the likes of Kiko Casilla, Pontus Jansson and Kemar Roofe for the weekend visit of Millwall, he won’t want to lose anymore key players to illness as the Yorkshire club look to force their way back into the automatic promotion spots in the Championship.

Firstly, Bielsa must hope that Klich doesn’t contract the flu which has reportedly struck down so many of his international teammates, and if he does he will then have to pray that it doesn’t get passed on to any of the other Leeds players.

It is no secret that Jurgen Klopp has made a handful of truly world-class signings for Liverpool since arriving on Merseyside, signings that have made the Reds serious title challengers once again as they look to overcome Pep Guardiola’s record-breaking Manchester City side.

The German boss has attracted the likes of £75m Virgil van Dijk, £36m Mohamed Salah and £66m Alisson Becker to Anfield, all of whom are the spine of one of the best Liverpool sides in recent memory.

It is a particularly tough ask to decipher just who is the best of the lot out of the aforementioned trio, as well as names such as Andrew Robertson, Fabinho and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

So, as a result, we asked Liverpool fans who they think their best signing under the former Borussia Dortmund boss has been.

Understandably, the results were close, but the majority of those who voted think that van Dijk has been the best signing as shown by the results below…

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FFC’s James Jones has identified the one thing that could cost Liverpool the title. Find out what it is in the video below…

Rangers supporters have been very quiet in recent times after seeing their side suffer a second Scottish Premiership defeat of the season at the weekend.

Steven Gerrard’s men went into their trip to Livingston off the back of thumping victories over Ayr United and St Johnstone, and thus full of confidence ahead of their clash with Gary Holt’s side on Sunday. Yet it was the newly promoted outfit that had the last laugh at the weekend as a Dolly Menga strike 11 minutes before half time was enough to secure the hosts a 1-0 victory at the Almondvale Stadium, thus inflicting just a second defeat on Gerrard since his arrival as Rangers boss during the summer.

Thus, there have been many frustrated Light Blues supporters up and down the country in recent times, several of whom have taken to Twitter recently to slate the efforts of defender Joe Worrall in their team’s loss on Sunday.

And while the 21-year-old was by no means the only Gers player to underperform at the weekend, that alongside prior unconvincing displays underlines the fact that he seriously needs to buck up his ideas.

Ultimately, the centre back, valued at £7.2 million by Transfermarkt, made the move to Ibrox on loan from Championship side Nottingham Forest at the end of August in a bid for regular first team football, having made just 28 league starts for Aitor Karanka’s Reds last time round.

Yet things haven’t quite got going for the England Under-21 international north of the border with just three appearances to his name so far, and it doesn’t seem likely that he’ll be adding to that tally too much in the near future after another unconvincing display on Sunday.

The young defender struggled aerially and maybe didn’t inspire a great deal of confidence to those around him – it was something of a surprise to see him picked ahead of fellow centre back Nikola Katic, who has enjoyed a decent start to life at Rangers.

And factor in Worrall’s very nervy display in their 2-2 draw with Villarreal in their opening Europa League group stage match last month, and the 21-year-old simply isn’t at the races at present, and has so far done little to suggest that he should continue to command regular football.

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Yes, there is still a long way to go in the season and Gerrard will need the full array of his squad to deal with the demands of domestic and European competition, but in struggling in two of the three games he has started for the club so far, 21-year-old Worrall seriously needs to buck his ideas up if he is to become an asset to the Rangers chief this term.

Rangers fans… what do you think? Let us know!

Newcastle fans have been discussing their end of season awards, and it looks like a two-horse race for player of the year.

It’s been an odd season for Newcastle. Up until February the club looked doomed, both on the pitch and off it.

Since the monumental win over Manchester United though, Benitez’s Magpies have gone from strength to strength, and there is now an overwhelming sense of optimism around the club.

Fans are of course still awaiting news on a potential takeover from the infamous Mike Ashley, but nonetheless performances on the pitch have certainly distracted from the nonsense off it.

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With the club’s annual awards ceremony coming up, fans have been discussing who should be the player of the year, and the overwhelming favourite is captain Jamaal Lascelles.

The young centre-back has been a phenomenal leader for the Magpies and enjoyed the best form of his career this season.

Mo Diame is the other name being thrown in the mix, as the 30 year-old has gone from outcast to outstanding, dominating the midfield alongside Jonjo Shelvey in the second half of the season.

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There are a few other names in the mix as well, but the smart money is certainly on Lascelles.

Some of the best Twitter reactions can be found below…

West Bromwich Albion sacked Tony Pulis on Monday following a disastrous run of form, and Baggies fans want the Welshman to be replaced by former Everton boss Ronald Koeman.

The Dutchman was also relieved of his duties by the Toffees last month following a disastrous start to the campaign after a big summer of spending, but he had a great record with the Merseyside outfit and Southampton prior to this season.

The 54-year-old led Saints to seventh and sixth-place finishes in the Premier League respectively, before he also came seventh with Everton last term.

The west Midlands outfit certainly need someone who will make a difference to stop them being dragged into a relegation battle, as they have won just two of their last 21 top flight fixtures.

West Brom supporters have been quick to have their say on who should succeed Pulis, and while one said “Koeman would be the first name on my list”, another said the Dutchman should be “given a chance”.

Here is just a selection of the Twitter reaction…

As reported by The Telegraph, Arsene Wenger has held talks with Arsenal chiefs and agreed what positions the club will try to sign players for this summer.

What’s the story?

After a disappointing season in which yet another Premier League title bid fell by the wayside, Arsene Wenger knows the pressure is bigger than ever before to deliver success at the Gunners.

In order to challenge for major honours, Arsenal required a big transfer window this summer, so fans will be heartened to know the Emirates boss has already agreed with club officials what kind of players they need to sign.

In a story about Ivan Gazidis potentially moving to MLS, The Telegraph report that the club held a transfer summit last month in which it was agreed the club would sign a striker, a wide player, a central defender, a central midfielder and a left-back.

That will be welcome news to Gunners fans everywhere who have felt the club lack depth across the team and have been frustrated with performances in these areas all season.

The agreement shows that whatever happens this summer, Arsenal at least have their priorities in the right place and know exactly what they need in order to compete with the likes of Chelsea next season.

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Ryan Giggs makes his debut on Monday Night Football (Sky Sports 1) tonight alongside regulars Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher.

The Manchester United legend is the special guest on the show as Liverpool host Manchester United in a monster clash between two of the Premier League’s greatest ever clubs.

Giggs made nearly 1000 appearances for United in his 23 years at the club as a professional, scoring 168 goals along the way and forever writing himself in the annals of Red Devil’s history.

The Welshman is also the most decorated player in Premier League history, having picked up 13 Premier League titles, 4 FA Cups and 2 Champions League trophies amongst the 10’s of titles he has won with the club.

The once dazzling winger has proven he has got what it takes on the pitch, but as a pundit, judgement will be reserved till after more than one appearance on MNF.

That hasn’t stopped Twitter reacting to his appearance though, and some of the results are downright hilarious …..

Not sure what this has to do with his punditry, but fair point …

It’s Liverpool vs. United in the studio too …

Truth hurts …

Turn your mics up boys.

Well, not exactly like they’re the most popular men in the country.

Snoozefest.

You tell him, Michael. Not exactly a fascinating man to listen to and doesn’t exactly have the most intelligent comments

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His goalscoring heroics for Real Madrid against Atletico Madrid in midweek have well and truly put Javier Hernandez back on the transfer map. Somewhat exiled at the Bernabeu, the Manchester United hit-man has become a forgotten character, but a timely reminder of what he does best – scoring goals – ahead of the summer transfer window may well have opened up possibilities for him.

One side sitting up and taking notice is West Ham, with reports claiming that the east London outfit are seriously considering a move for the 26-year-old. Although the ‘Little Pea’ is not in the Red Devils’ plans, he could be perfect for the Irons as they build for the future… and here are FIVE reasons why.

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Guarantees goals

‘Chicharito’ may not be standout in any specific area, but he knows how to score goals. He’s not tall, not overly strong, not amazingly quick over the turf and he’s certainly not the sort of player to bring others into attacks, but put the ball in the six yard box, and he’ll somehow find a way to get it into the net. And, after all, scoring goals is the most important job on the football pitch!

Hernandez has a record of better than one goal in every two games for Mexico, averaged almost the same at Manchester United despite a largely ‘impact sub’ role and has even managed four goals in just over 400 minutes of La Liga action this season.

More prolific than West Ham’s current options

Building on the last point, Hernandez is much more dangerous that West Ham’s current options. Okay the stats (via Squawka) are comparing La Liga and the Premier League – although as two of the ‘top divisions’ in Europe, they should be on a par – and Hernandez is supported by the likes of Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo when called upon, but the numbers are still impressive.

Per 90 minutes, the Mexican nets 0.81 goals, making him almost twice as dangerous as Andy Carroll and significantly more deadly that top scorer, Diafra Sakho. A shot accuracy of 62% is also not to be sniffed at.

Won’t break the bank

With Real Madrid having a clause to sign Hernandez for £7m, that would appear to be the benchmark figure for the 26-year-old. However, with Los Blancos set to reject the opportunity to draft him in, Manchester United will be stuck with a player entering the last year of his contract who will, most likely, be of little use to Louis van Gaal. As a result, West Ham could negotiate a better deal, and it would be no surprise to see him move on for a fee of far below £7m.

Suited to the style of football the fans want

Although ‘Big Sam’ has moved away from ‘hoof-ball’ this season, the Hammers are still suited to a direct style of play. Getting the ball forward quickly is by no means an embarrassing way of playing, but many fans crave a more attractive short passing game, which Hernandez could suit. Although not a great passer of the ball, a lack of physical presence up front will cut off the option of the long ball, forcing the Irons to use their talented midfielders such as Mark Noble to thread neat passes.

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Point to prove

Despite boasting an impressive record and always performing when called upon, Hernandez wasn’t ever really give a fair crack at Man United. So, given a chance to perform in the Premier League, ‘Chicharito’ would have the motivation of getting one over on his former employers, which could be the sort of fire needed to push him on to fulfil his potential. West Ham would surely benefit from this.

It’s been less than 12 hours, but Luis Suarez’s bite incident with Branislav Ivanovic seems already predestined to enter the Premier League’s Hall of Shame. In the same week the Uruguayan was nominated for the PFA Players’ Player Of The Year, the latest of his misconducts has put the Liverpool striker in the eye of the storm – blurring his league merits in the process. But, is his behaviour reason enough for Suarez to lose, scandals apart, a well deserved award?

Just minutes after the PFA announced the shortlist of nominees for the Player Of The Year award, hundreds of polls in several media, websites and football forums were asking the fans who their favourite was to succeed Robin van Persie as the best Premier League footballer this season. The Dutchman, also nominated this year, Gareth Bale or even Michael Carrick were the most demanded names, while the Premier League top scorer and Liverpool hero took a secondary position. No doubt, his personality and manners on the pitch have an impact on people’s assessment of his footballing virtues.

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The sad reality is that if we merely stick to football reasons and try to choose the winner judging exclusively ‘who has been the best Premier League player this season’, the answer should be Luis Suarez. Having a bad temper on the pitch is not something that eases the always difficult task of sticking ball in the opponent’s net, and he has done it on 23 occasions this season – and there will be no more after he receives the appropriate punishment – similary, no adding to his 10 assists.

Only van Persie matches his numbers – 21 goals, 13 assists – and will probably beat them by the end of the season, but the club circumstances should not be overlooked when conceding individual awards, and it is here where the Uruguayan takes the lead. No other player – Gareth Bale would be the closest one on this aspect – has had a bigger importance to his club. Therefore, while van Persie has been the finisher of the indisputably best team in the league, Suarez has made his way through to the top of the scorers’ table in a team that lies in 7th position in the league. A true reflection of this is the percentage of goals they have scored for their respective teams: 37.7% compared to RVP’s 28%.

Regardless of his numerous controversies, Suarez has been one of the best players, if not the best, this season, and the nomination is simply admitting it whether we like him or not. Gary Lineker claimed via Twitter after the game that the striker should be withdrawn as a Player Of The Year contender. Doing that would be ruling out every one of his 23 goals for a bad gesture that was not related to any of them – if anything, to the 23rd, as he should have been sent off. The award recognises the best player of the season, and every player should be eligible to win it. His punishment should come from the FA and from his club, but never affect the merits he has earned by scoring goals and being a vital component of his team.

Is Suarez going to win the PFA award, then? Of course not. Dives, brawls, bad gestures to fans and racial scandals seem a way to heavy burden to shrug off. Biting an opponent is the straw that breaks the camel’s back and could cost him his future at Liverpool, but the PFA honour was lost long ago and it’s perfectly understandable.

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After all, Robert De Niro would have never won an Oscar if he had bitten, kicked, punched or racially abused the judges.

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