Former Arsenal chief scout explains one mistake Erik ten Hag did at Manchester United

By: Muhammad Saeed on January 26, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Former Arsenal and Dortmund chief scout Sven Mislintat highlighted how Jadon Sancho was misused by Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.

Jadon Sancho was exiled from all first-team facilities at Manchester United after responding publicly to criticism from his manager back in September.

The winger was handed a lifeline however after recently completing his return to Borussia Dortmund, signing a loan contract until the end of the season with no purchase option.

A bright start to life in his second spell at Dortmund saw Sancho grab an assist on his first game back in the Bundesliga against Darmstadt before inspiring his side to a 4-0 win over Koln last week.

Having signed Sancho at Dortmund back in 2017, Sven Mislintat spoke about the Englishman’s qualities and believes he could’ve been a ‘difference-maker’ for Manchester United under Erik ten Hag.

Mislintat blames Erik ten Hag

“Jadon Sancho was the last transfer that Michael Zorc [ex-Dortmund sporting director] and I worked on together,” Mislintat told Sky Germany.

“On one hand, he’s a sensational guy and has a good heart, and on the other, he’s an absolute difference-maker in the Bundesliga.

“If you get the chance to sign a player like that and your budget allows it, it’s a no-brainer. I’m a bit negatively surprised that Erik ten Hag wasn’t able to get the best out of him, because Manchester United would have benefited from this quality.”

While it remains to be seen whether Sancho will represent Manchester United again next season, the Red Devils will certainly feel they could’ve gotten more out of the 23-year-old.

After his big £73 million move to the Premier League in 2021, Sancho looked destined to succeed at the record English champions but his fallout with Ten Hag could be the final straw.

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Brighton make move for Championship midfield star with £30m price tag who Arsenal admire

By: Muhammad Saeed on January 26, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Brighton & Hove Albion have opened talks with Leicester City over midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, HITC understands.

The Premier League Seagulls have been tracking Dewsbury-Hall for a considerable amount of time and now made an approach for the 25-year-old.

Leicester are not keen on selling their homegrown star and sources have confirmed they would like more than £30million for Dewsbury-Hall and it remains to be see if Brighton will match their valuation.

Dewsbury-Hall is contracted to Leicester until 2027, so they don’t need to sell the player this month as they look to seal promotion from the Championship back to the Premier League at the first-time of asking.

Will Leicester sell?

Having sold James Maddison and Harvey Barnes last summer, sources close to Leicester insist they do not need to sell this month – but Brighton are testing their resolve.

HITC understands that Brighton are not the only admirers but many are not ready or wiling to make a bid this month. Arsenal, Newcastle and Everton are all huge fans of Dewsbury-Hall but as it stands they don’t look like mounting a rival bid.

Brentford and Fulham both like the player, but we are told the £30million price tag as put them off, but if Brighton can make headway in their talks – other may launch counter offers.

Leicester themselves are not over blessed with midfielders having lost loan ace Cesare Casadei after he was recalled by Chelsea – something they were shocked by.

Foxes have already lost one midfielder

“We were surprised Casadei went back to Chelsea,” Foxes boss Enzo Maresca told the club’s website.

“They own him, so they can decide. We can’t do anything. We didn’t expect it, but we deal with it and we see if we can do something before the transfer window closes.”

Leicester have moved to replace Casadei with Inter Milan midfielder Stefano Sensi set to complete his move to the King Power – a confirmed by HITC earlier this month.

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West Ham move could be a stroke of genius, Declan Rice hailed star as 'one of the best professionals I’ve ever seen'

By: Muhammad Saeed on January 26, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

During the summer, West Ham United were resigned to the fact that Declan Rice was to leave East London and would most likely move to Manchester or North London.

Whether it was Manchester City, Arsenal, or even the outside chance of it being Manchester United, Declan Rice was set to leave West Ham United and David Moyes was having to get used to that possibility.

Edson Alvarez was brought in as a replacement for Rice and he has done superbly well but another man, who has just been brought in, is surely the heir to the Rice throne that they have been looking for.

Kalvin Phillips completed his move to West Ham from City today and the Englishman could be that midfield anchor that the Hammers have been searching for.

Phillips’ struggles

Since moving to the Etihad Stadium from Leeds United in the summer of 2022, things have been very difficult for the 28-year-old, despite winning an amazing treble with City last season.

Due to Rodri’s superb performances for City, Phillips hardly got a look in and a move away from the champions of Europe always looked like a possibility either in the summer or this month.

Well, the move didn’t happen in the summer but it was confirmed that West Ham had completed the signing of the Yorkshireman, who will wear the number 11 shirt.

“There’s an unbelievable group here,” Phillips told the West Ham website, “and if I can come in and add the quality that I know I’m capable of, I’m sure we can give the West Ham fans plenty to be excited about between now and the end of the season.”

He has only made four appearances in the Premier League this season with a further four appearances coming in the Champions League. For Phillips’ sake, he needed to get out of Manchester.

Phillips showed during his successful spell at Leeds that he is a player with superb quality, multiple of the league’s top sides were keen on the 28-year-old.

If Pep Guardiola is keen on you, then you certainly have superb potential and talent, and Phillips has that in abundance.

Rice on Phillips

Perhaps the only way to replace Rice is to sign the midfielder the Arsenal star played alongside as England made it to the European Championship final at Wembley in 2021.

It seems that Rice was full of praise for the attitude shown by the 28-year-old when his game time at City was limited.

Speaking to talkSPORT back in November, Rice said: “He’s one of the best professionals I’ve ever seen, if I’m honest with you.

“I’ve seen players who don’t play and throw their toys out of the pram completely and with Kal, every time he comes back here he pops on a shirt and puts in 110 per cent.

“He played with me against Scotland and I think that was his first start in a while and he played really well, so I’ll never question his professionalism and I don’t think any of the lads will.”

Replacing the Arsenal midfielder was never easy but a midfielder who, despite his limited appearances, still ranks in the top two in Europe’s top five leagues for passes attempted and completed, according to FBREF, could well go some way to filling the Rice-shaped whole in the West Ham engine room.

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'Exceptional': Jurgen Klopp blown away by Liverpool player after Tottenham transfer rumour

By: Muhammad Saeed on January 25, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has praised Joe Gomez as ‘exceptional’ after his performance against Fulham on Wednesday night.

Chelsea booked their place in the Carabao Cup final on Tuesday night, beating Middlesbrough 6-1 to overturn a first-leg deficit.

It was Liverpool’s turn on Wednesday night as they headed to West London to take on Fulham, leading 2-1 from the first leg at Anfield.

Luis Diaz fired Liverpool into an early lead and the Reds were chasing through until Issa Diop pulled one back for Fulham.

The final 15 minutes or so were a little stressful for Liverpool but Jurgen Klopp’s got the job done, booking a spot alongside Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final.

Jurgen Klopp hails Liverpool defender Joe Gomez

This was another strong display from a Liverpool side who look to be serious challengers on all fronts this season.

Even when players go down with injuries, their replacements step up – and that is the case with defender Joe Gomez.

Gomez is now shining as a left back, filling in for both Andy Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas as they deal with injuries.

Capable of playing at centre back and left back too, Gomez keeps stepping up to the challenge for Liverpool and is nearing his best form once again.

Gomez is surely in contention for an England call-up ahead of Euro 2024 and Liverpool boss Klopp has now proved to praise him.

Klopp has told Liverpool’s official website that he thinks the Reds would have been lost without Gomez because of how he has filled in for injured players on a regular basis.

Klopp noted that Gomez was ‘exceptional’ against Fulham and is simply a ‘top-class player’, showing his appreciation for the former Charlton Athletic talent.

“Without Joe nothing would’ve happened in the last pretty much 13 [or] 14 weeks since Robbo is out. Yes, because he could play there, but the things we could do with Trent when we brought Joey on, I don’t exactly [know] how many games [he] played now this year, but I would say 20-something already,” said Klopp.

”Not only games, [he] played exceptional today again. He’s a real defender and he comes inside. He’s doing that really well. He tried a couple of times obviously to finish the discussion about not scoring. I would say for my taste from a bit too far but it’s still alright. He is a life-saver, to be honest, that he was here, that he could play, and people forget how important Joey was in the best years we had. I don’t know how many games he played in the year when we became champions and how many games he played when we won the Champions League. A lot and rightly so because he’s a top-class player,” he added.

Gomez is making the most of his Liverpool opportunity right now and his performances in recent weeks have effectively ruled out a January transfer.

Reports in December suggested that Tottenham wanted to sign Gomez but feared they wouldn’t be able to sign him because of his increased importance at Anfield.

Tottenham ended up signing Radu Dragusin to bolster their defence and Liverpool will hope that this run in the team means Gomez isn’t itching to leave any time soon.

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Ranked: Top four clubs Victor Osimhen could sign for if he leaves Napoli, Premier League side number one

By: Muhammad Saeed on January 24, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Victor Osimhen is looking more and more set to leave Napoli this summer with a host of European teams keen.

HITC Football reported that Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, who has struggled to match the season output that he did last campaign, is being tracked by Chelsea in particular.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side have been working hard to convince the Nigerian forward that Stamford Bridge should be his next destination if he is to move on from Naples in the summer.

However, it is not only the Blues who are keen on the forward’s signature, a host of Europe’s elite are keen. Here are the four most likely destinations for the 25-year-old.

4. Manchester United

HITC have reported the Red Devils are keen on the Nigerian but it seems rather unlikely that Manchester United would invest such a big amount into the forward.

Since moving to the Serie A from Lille in Ligue 1, he has netted 67 times but it is another striker from the Italian league who United are relying on, Rasmus Hojlund.

The Danish striker has scored just twice in the Premier League but has netted five times in the Champions League and the club will continue to rely on the 20-year-old, so a move for Osimhen looks unlikely.

3. Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain have also been credited with an interest in the Nigerian but any deal for the Napoli forward will depend on the future of Kylian Mbappe.

For every transfer window over the past three years, the future of the Frenchman has come under question but if he remains in Paris, a move for Osimhen seems unlikely.

The £100 million fee it could cost to sign Osimhen would certainly not be out of PSG’s reach but you get the sense Mbappe’s future at the club could play a key part.

2. Arsenal

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are firmly in the hunt for a new world-class striker to lead the line and finally bring the Premier League title back to North London.

The club’s goalscoring problems have been laid bare this season and the Gunners have been linked with a move for Ivan Toney, who only recently made his return from his ban.

Arsenal are understood to be interested and may well have the straight choice between Toney and Osimhen and there are certainly positives to both deals but you would think the Gunners would pivot to the Nigerian in that scenario.

1. Chelsea

The favourites for this deal, and the team who are understood to be working hardest behind the scenes to get this done, is, of course, Pochettino’s Chelsea.

Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku have either struggled with consistency or injuries this season and a new forward to lead the line at Stamford Bridge is needed.

The Blues are working hard on the deal as they fear rival interest but if there is one man who will pay over the odds to land the player he wants it’s Todd Boehly.

Don’t be surprised if the Blues pull off a deal like this despite the odds being against them.

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Confirmed: Klopp makes Andy Robertson decision as Fulham v Liverpool lineups emerge

By: Muhammad Saeed on January 24, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Fulham starting XI: Leno; Castagne, Adarabioyo, Diop, Robinson; Palhinha, Cairney; De Cordova-Reid, Pereira, Willian; Raul.

Fulham substitutes: Rodak, Tete, Ream, Reed, Lukic, Francois, Wilson, Muniz, Vinicius.

Liverpool starting XI: Kelleher; Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Gomez; Mac Allister, Elliott, Gravenberch; Gakpo, Diaz, Nunez.

Liverpool substitutes: Alisson, Konate, Jones, Jota, Robertson, Clark, McConnell, Beck, Nyoni.

Fulham and Liverpool will do battle again tonight with a place in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea up for grabs.

Liverpool won the first leg at Anfield, coming from a goal down to claim a 2-1 win thanks to two goals in three minutes.

Fulham are looking to throw a spanner in the works tonight though and go with Bernd Leno between the sticks as usual.

Timothy Castagne and former Everton man Antonee Robinson are the full backs this evening with Tosin Adarabioyo and Issa Diop as the centre backs.

Joao Palhinha is joined in midfield by Tom Cairney with Andreas Pereira further forward.

Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Willian are on the flanks, supporting Raul Jimenez in the final third.

Ex-Liverpool man Harry Wilson is on the bench, joining Marek Rodak, Kenny Tete, Tim Ream, Harrison Reed, Saka Lukic, Tyrese Francois, Rodrigo Muniz and Carlos Vinicius.

Liverpool go with Caoimhin Kelleher in goal as he deputises for Alisson, as he often does in cup games.

Jarell Quansah comes in for Ibrahima Konate at centre back, partnering Virgil van Dijk with Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez as the full backs.

Alexis Mac Allister will sit in midfield again with Harvey Elliott and Ryan Gravenberch going further forward.

Cody Gakpo comes into the side tonight, joining Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz in Liverpool’s front three.

Diogo Jota drops to the bench after destroying Bournemouth on Sunday, joining Alisson, Konate, Curtis Jones, Bobby Clark, James McConnell, Owen Beck and Trey Nyoni.

There is also a spot on the bench for Andy Robertson, who is part of the matchday squad for the first time since the 2-2 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion in October.

Robertson has been out with a shoulder problem but is now back on the bench tonight as he ramps up his return to action.

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'No reason': Manager confident his £10m star won't join Aston Villa after January bid

By: Muhammad Saeed on January 24, 2024 / comment : 0 HITC, news

Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick insists he has ‘no reason to believe’ that Morgan Rogers will leave this month despite an offers from Premier League challengers Aston Villa. 

HITC Football has been informed that Aston Villa launched a bid to bring the talented former West Brom forward back to the Midlands last week, Morgan Rogers catching Unai Emery’s eye during the recent FA Cup clash at the Riverside. 

Rogers, we understand, is keen on the move too. That is despite the fact he only joined Middlesbrough from Premier League champions Manchester City six months ago. 

But, with the January window now entering it’s final stages, Villa are running out of time as they look to bring in the Dudley-born 21-year-old alongside their new Serbian right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic. 

And, speaking after Rogers’ superb consolation during Tuesday’s 6-1 hammering by Chelsea in the EFL Cup semi-final second-leg, Boro boss Michael Carrick sounded like a man expecting to still have the twinkle-toed attacker at his disposal by the time February rolls around. 

Aston Villa knocked back in Morgan Rogers pursuit

“He’s our player at the minute,” the Manchester United icon tells the Northern Echo. “So, I have no reason to believe anything otherwise.”  

According to reports, Middlesbrough are looking for around £10 million for Rogers. The former England under-21 international, who has seven goals for the North East outfit, would become the latest former West Brom whizzkid to end up wearing claret-and-blue if Aston Villa do get their man, following in the footsteps of Tim Iroegbunam, Louis Barry and more. 

Versatile, technically gifted and brimming with potential, the right-footed Rogers has featured as an attacking midfielder, a winger and a centre-forward under Carrick. Like Nedeljkovic, he would not arrive at Villa Park as the finished article, but as a rough diamond for Emery to polish. 

Middlesbrough hope to keep Carrick favourite

“(Rogers) creates, he’s dangerous. He is a huge talent,” Carrick said in December (Teessive Live). “He’s fantastic to work with, he wants to learn and get better all the time and is desperate to give what he can for the team, which is brilliant. He’s got a terrific attitude for the game and is showing his quality. 

“There is definitely something there. Sometimes it can take a little time, especially for younger lads, learning a new game, a new environment and dealing with the expectations and performing with that on your shoulders. He’s really taken to it and starting to make a real difference.”

HITC Football understands that Aston Villa are likely to send Leander Dendoncker to Serie A champions Napoli before the month is out, but Iceland goalkeeper Hakon Rafn Valdimarsson looks set to slip through Emery’s fingers. Brentford are closing in on the Celtic-linked shot-stopper. 

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