Football transfer news

It may have been a season to forget for Sheffield United, but there could be one nugget of joy to come from the year 2021.

The future is bright at Bramall Lane and supporters will be hopeful that once their relegation from the Premier League is mathematically confirmed, they can begin contemplating an immediate return back to the top flight.

There are a number of bright prospects at the Lane, but none more so than 18-year-old centre-back Kyron Gordon. The youth star has been making plenty of progress in the Blades’ Under-23 side, and he has even been training with the first-team in recent months.

But as always, his improvements have caught the attention of some of the Premier League’s giants. Manchester United, Liverpool and Everton have all been linked with a move for the teenager, with the Red Devils and Leeds United becoming the latest to take note, according to the Daily Mail.

But what is there to know about the youngster?

Manchester United and Leeds have joined Everton and Liverpool in monitoring young Sheffield United centre-back Kyron Gordon. 18 year old Gordon has been named in 3 first team squads this season but is yet to make his debut. [mail]#twitterblades #sufc pic.twitter.com/h4QcyiDqdh

— The Bladesman (@The_Bladesman) April 10, 2021

As mentioned, Gordon is catching the eye at youth level. He has come up through the ranks at Sheffield United, and at 18 years of age, is already a steady presence in the Under-23’s side.

The defender is incredibly highly thought of by the youth coaches at the club, and their belief has seen him promoted to train and travel with the senior squad.

There is the feeling that it’s only a matter of time until he makes his first-team debut, although the Blades may try to keep him hidden, to avoid tempting Premier League sides into making an offer.

For those who want to know what type of player he is, he’s grown up learning the Chris Wilder way. Now, the credit in that particular bank has diminished over the past 12 months, but it counts a great deal for the development of youngsters.

The Blades’ youth team play in a similar fashion to that of the senior team, so all of the centre-backs will have learnt how to play out from the back and feel comfortable on the ball.

That ease in possession is crucial in the modern game, so while he is ready-made to step into the Sheffield United defence, he’s also set up to thrive at plenty of clubs.

It’s not been such a successful season for Sheffield United this year, but prior to this nightmare campaign, they had been seen as trailblazers for a bold style of play.

Key to that brilliant adaptation to the Premier League was Chris Basham and his overlapping runs from centre-back into wider areas. It was something rarely seen in the top flight and caught everyone by surprise.

Gordon’s displays for the youth team have led to many believing he could take over from Basham in the future, as he boasts some similar traits in possession.

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Just listening to interviews with Gordon makes you realise how ready he is for senior football. The teenager’s head remains firmly screwed onto his shoulders, and he speaks as a leader of a group and as a mature professional.

The youngster also confessed that it’s his dream to play at Bramall Lane at senior level. “The lads love playing here (Bramall Lane),” he said. “We thrive off it.

“We always play better in stadiums, and obviously one day this is where we want to play with the first team, so It’s better to get used to it now.” Promising words for the Blades, at least.

#mufc are one of four Premier League clubs monitoring Sheffield United centre-back Kyron Gordon (18) [Mail] pic.twitter.com/pa8CitulNT

— utdreport Academy (@utdreportAcad) April 10, 2021

Now this might be worrying news for the Sheffield United faithful. Gordon is young, catching the eye of the biggest teams in England, and is not tied down for the long-term future.

He signed a professional contract with the Blades back in the summer of 2019, which came into effect at the end of his scholarship agreement last year.

The Yorkshire club will be desperate to nail him down to an extended deal before the summer, or they’ll risk losing him for cheap in the coming months, or for nothing in later windows.

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No player in world football is as synonymous with wondergoals than Ruben Neves.

He may not get many, but when the midfielder does score there is an almost 100% chance it’ll be from at least 25 yards out.

Neves’ has scored so many long-range thunderbolts they can often seem to blend into one. No longer though, as 90min has decided to take a trip down memory lane by ranking Neves’ best ever goals. With skills like this, no wonder Manchester United are interested…

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This was the goal that proved Neves could do it on a cold Friday night in Yorkshire.

With Wolves being frustrated by a determined Sheffield Wednesday side, he popped up with a moment of magic, side-footing the ball delicately home to earn his side the three points.

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Dead balls are one of Neves’ specialities and he showed this during Wolves’ 3-0 victory over Brentford back in January 2018.

As opposed to going up and over the wall, his strike arrowed into the top corner, much to the delight of the Wanderers supporters behind the goal.

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It only took Neves three games to get off the mark in England and he did so in scintillating fashion.

His incredible 30-yard strike set the tone for a brilliant personal season as Wolves romped to the Championship title.

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Ivan Cavaleiro might have saved himself a bit of running if he’d laid it off for Neves earlier and let him do his thing.

It is difficult to strike a football sweeter than this. The perfect mix of power and bend. Unstoppable.

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Scoring a free kick from a central position like this one is extremely challenging.

However, if anyone can do it Neves can. His perfectly placed strike gave Bernd Leno no chance. It is the best of the four free kicks he has scored for Wolves.

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Neves has been worshipped by Wolves fans since his arrival, but his strike in this West Midlands derby took their relationship to the next level.

Saying that, we just can’t get over Aston Villa allowing the midfielder a free strike from 20 yards. Complete madness.

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What this one lacks in power it more than makes up for in intelligence and finesse.

The speed of thought Neves showed to swivel the ball onto his right foot and pick his spot with four players closing him down was sensational.

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Neves does not discriminate between competitions. It does not matter if it’s the Championship, Europa League, Premier League or FA Cup.

If you give him some space 30 yards out he is going to kick it really hard into the bloody goal hole.

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Espanyol’s right-back probably thought he’d done an okay job with his clearance. It was a bit looping, yes, but at least he made solid contact.

We’re sure that gave him some solace as he watched the ball sail into the top corner.

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Neves had no right to score from here, particularly after that loose first touch.

Not to be disheartened, he managed to reposition his feet with the speed of a salsa dancer before hitting the sweetest volley you are ever likely to see. This one will take some beating, but we reckon he is up for the challenge.

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Declan Rice is out. Michail Antonio is out. Without his two best players, David Moyes’ West Ham bubble will surely burst.

That was the narrative heading into what was supposed to be a monumental challenge for West Ham on Sunday, the visit of third-placed Leicester City.

In just 90 minutes, the Hammers laughed off any idea that their top-four charge is under threat as they roared to an emphatic 3-2 victory to keep their future in their hands.

Now billed as even bigger underdogs than they have been all season, Moyes’ men looked to thrive on the doubt thrown their way. They clearly relished the idea that they were supposed to be awful, and they ran with it.

From back to front, West Ham were overwhelmingly superior, and they comfortably had the better of things in their two ‘problem positions’, defensive midfield and striker.

Replacing Rice was the ever-dependable Mark Noble, who looked like the best midfielder on a pitch which also included Youri Tielemans, Wilfred Ndidi and Tomas Soucek. His passing was superb and his tackling was just as solid.

Would Moyes have preferred to have Rice available? Yeah, obviously. However, any suggestions that Noble is a downgrade on the England international were laughed off here.

It was in attack that West Ham were most surprising. Losing Antonio and being forced to play winger Jarrod Bowen in a central role was a massive concern, but the former Hull City man had no troubles whatsoever.

He took his goal with real comfort and did well to link up with his fellow forwards – a job made infinitely easier when Jesse Lingard has his Ballon d’Or shoes on.

The duo formed a dominant partnership that had Leicester’s back line flopping about all afternoon long. The Foxes couldn’t handle it, and Lingard and Bowen were loving every second of it.

West Ham have made it abundantly clear that injuries to Rice and Antonio will not derail their magical season, but there will be more than a few nerves when it comes to Noble, who was forced off with an arm injury late on.

Noble’s not the kind of man to go off easily. He did try to play on with a limp right arm, but he was eventually brought off for closer inspection. If he needs any period on the sidelines, West Ham might be in a bit of trouble.

For now, however, let’s enjoy the positives. West Ham look like a genuinely good football team who can survive without two of their most influential players, and it’s been a long time since fans have been able to say that.

For more from ?Tom Gott, follow him on ?Twitter!

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West Ham reclaimed their place in the Premier League’s top four with a deserved 3-2 victory over fellow European hopefuls Leicester City.

After a scrappy start to the game, it was Jesse Lingard who opened the scoring with a glorious 28th-minute volley that curled into the bottom corner and left Kasper Schmeichel with no chance. Lingard’s second, a tap-in shortly before the break, wasn’t nearly as glamorous but still handed West Ham an imposing lead at the break.

The Hammers needed just a few minutes to add a third. Jarrod Bowen tapped home from close range, and Issa Diop thought he had added a fourth soon after, only for VAR to call it back for offside.

Leicester reduce the arrears through Kelechi Iheanacho, firstly with a thunderous strike with 20 minutes to go and a late poke for his second, but West Ham held on for a nervy three points.

Lukasz Fabianski (GK) – 7/10 – Had to be alert throughout but didn’t really have too much to do. Made a few decent saves as well as a fantastic challenge to deny a certain goal from Pereira.

Vladimir Coufal (RB) – 7/10 – Did well at both ends of the pitch, although he fluffed a fantastic chance for a second goal. Clearly bottled it in the penalty area, but made up for it with the assist for Lingard’s opener.

Craig Dawson (CB) – 7/10 – Enjoyed a tough battle with Vardy and Iheanacho. Looked a little wobbly at times but was happy to throw himself at anything and everything.

Issa Diop (CB) – 8/10 – Excellent defensively but made his biggest impact in attack. His stunning through ball for Lingard’s second deserves plenty of praise.

Aaron Cresswell (LB) – 6/10 – Probably the shakiest of West Ham’s defenders. Spent time swapping between CB and LB, but didn’t really excel in either. Forced off with an injury early in the second half.

Mark Noble (DM) – 7/10 – On his 400th game for West Ham, Noble was solid. Did well to keep Leicester’s midfield quiet and kept things ticking with some decent passing. Left the game late on with a worrying arm injury.

Tomas Soucek (DM) – 7/10 – Didn’t get involved in attack as much as he would have liked, but Soucek did well at the back. Was unlucky to be shown an early yellow but didn’t get into any more trouble.

Pablo Fornals (RM) – 7/10 – Another whose attacking input was poor, Fornals was excellent with his relentless pressing. Hounded Leicester’s back line into plenty of mistakes and helped keep his side on top.

Jesse Lingard (AM) – 9/10 – Jeeeez. An excellent first goal and a simple second ensured Lingard’s fairytale continues. He was superb.

Arthur Masuaku (LM) – 7/10 – No idea where he was playing to be honest. Commentary described the formation as ‘four-and-a-half at the back’ (useful). Regardless, did some great work up and down the pitch, operating as both a winger and left-back.

Jarrod Bowen (ST) – 8/10 – Did a great job of replacing Michail Antonio. Involved in Lingard’s second and took his own strike with real composure.

Great shift from the skipper! ?

Let’s go, Ben! ?#WHULEI 3-1 (82) pic.twitter.com/zVqor6tGU7

— West Ham United (@WestHam) April 11, 2021

Fabian Balbuena – 6/10

Ben Johnson – N/A

Said Benrahma – N/A

Kasper Schmeichel (GK) – 3/10 – Perhaps should have done better with Lingard’s opener but was definitely at fault for the second. Caught in no-man’s land as he let Bowen waltz past him. Didn’t cover himself in glory with the third either.

Daniel Amartey (CB) – 3/10 – Hauled off at half time after a difficult first 45. Sloppy in possession and found it hard to deal with Bowen and Lingard. Didn’t enjoy being in a back three at all.

Jonny Evans (CB) – 3/10 – Poor positioning throughout allowed West Ham to waltz through the ‘offside trap’ far too often. Culpable for both the second and third goals.

Wesley Fofana (CB) – 4/10 – Was he Leicester’s best defender? Probably, but that’s hardly the biggest compliment. Didn’t directly contribute to his team’s downfall, so that’s nice.

Ricardo Pereira (RM) – 5/10 – Wrecked his usual havoc in attack but was fairly sloppy with his final ball. Struggled to deal with the weird two-headed left-back West Ham went with.

Youri Tielemans (CM) – 5/10 – Wanted the ball a lot but was absolutely hounded by Noble and Soucek. Couldn’t get anything going at all.

Wilfred Ndidi (CM) – 4/10 – Looked like he didn’t want this one at all. Passing was sloppy and was taught how to defend by Noble. The ‘Ndidi > Rice’ Twitter brigade went a little quiet.

Dennis Praet (CM) – 5/10 – On his first start in three months, Praet was fairly quite before being hooked at the hour mark. Got himself into a few decent positions but seemed scared of shooting and wasted possession once or twice.

Timothy Castagne (LM) – 4/10 – Underwhelming as a wing-back but even worse as a centre-back after the break. Visibly struggled to get to grips with the position.

Jamie Vardy (ST) – 4/10 – Non-existent in attack, Vardy’s dry spell in front of goal continues. He tried to make up for it with his passing but even that wasn’t there.

Kelechi Iheanacho (ST) – 7/10 – Was incredibly dangerous throughout, and although his clear-cut chances were few and far between, he did manage to bag a worldie and a tap-in to give Leicester a chance.

A second substitution for Leicester.#WhuLei pic.twitter.com/67QOrsvlkH

— Leicester City (@LCFC) April 11, 2021

Luke Thomas – 6/10

Marc Albrighton – 6/10

For more from ?Tom Gott, follow him on ?Twitter!

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Juventus dispatched of Genoa to keep ahead in the race for the top four in Serie A on Sunday afternoon, emerging as 3-1 winners despite the visitors’ best efforts.

The Old Lady were quick out of the blocks and found a breakthrough for their efforts after just four minutes when Juan Cuadrado laid it on a plate for Dejan Kulusevski. They continued to press well and move quickly, and doubled their lead on the counter after 22 minutes through Alvaro Morata. Genoa tried to move forward, but were unable to get anywhere near Juve who marched into half time in full control.

??? ?????? ?????? ???? ? ?#JuveGenoa #FinoAllaFine #ForzaJuve pic.twitter.com/rubovFruFG

— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) April 11, 2021

Genoa started brightly after the break and pulled a goal back almost instantly with a strong header from Gianluca Scamacca, pulling them back into the game from nothing. Both teams pressed as the second half opened up, and the visitors almost drew level when Marko Pjaca smashed wide with acres of space inside the box.

The game stayed locked at 2-1 with both sides lacking quality in the final third, but it was Weston McKennie who added a third from the bench for Andrea Pirlo’s side after 70 minutes, lifting the ball beyond Mattia Perin.

McKennie’s finish proved to be decisive, taking the wind out of Genoa and confirming a big three points for Juventus, who impressed with a high intensity performance. Here’s how the Bianconeri rated.

Wojciech Szczesny (GK) – 6/10 – Straightforward first half and nothing he could do to stop Scamacca’s header. Pulled out a fine low stop to deny Pjaca after 55 minutes.

Juan Cuadrado (RB) – 7/10 – Exceptional footwork inside the opposition box to fashion an assist for Juve’s opener and continued to cause problems with an ever intelligent overlap down the right. Substituted at half time, perhaps for picking up a booking.

Matthijs de Ligt (CB) – 6/10 – Anticipated danger intelligently and stepped out to stop Genoa’s advances before they materialised. At fault for Genoa’s goal, however, being outmuscled from the corner.

Giorgio Chiellini (CB) – 7/10 – The veteran occupied a more relaxed role with his colleague doing the aggressive work, but distributed the ball well and kept things organised. A clean cut, composed performance.

Danilo (LB) – 7/10 – Solid outing for Danilo who showed his versatile qualities and defended the box well. Also provided the all-important assist for McKennie.

Dejan Kulusevski (RM) – 7/10 – A good early finish to give Juve the lead and was always a threat in possession. Kulusevski was difficult to mark and consistently ran at defenders, looking to find a pass or angle a shot.

Rodrigo Bentancur (CM) – 5/10 – The game passed by Bentancur somewhat, who wasn’t the most efficient in Juve’s midfield but instead a little quiet.

Adrien Rabiot (CM) – 6/10 – Set the tempo in midfield, working box to box and distributing play sharply. Rabiot’s influence did wane a touch in the second half, however, as Genoa grew into the game.

Federico Chiesa (LM) – 6/10 – Pressed high and hunted the ball down well, before moving quickly with it at his feet. Impressed fleetingly after leading the charge for the second goal.

Ronaldo with the assist off the post for Morata ? pic.twitter.com/Fy2YiLvZUT

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 11, 2021

Alvaro Morata (ST) – 7/10 – Rewarded for keeping up with a counter attack by tapping in Juve’s second, making good on the rebound in poacher’s fashion.

Cristiano Ronaldo (ST) – 6/10 – Missing his shooting boots in the first half, hitting the post from point blank in a rebounded effort. Those same issues plagued Ronaldo throughout; nothing he touched seemed to want to find its way into the goal. Frustrating afternoon.

Weston McKennie restores Juve’s two-goal advantage ??

A really composed finish from the American youngster ? pic.twitter.com/aURaiBMaU8

— Premier Sports ? (@PremierSportsTV) April 11, 2021

Alex Sandro – 6/10 – Didn’t bring the same attacking thrust as Juve were pinned by Genoa’s press in the second half, but fulfilled his defensive duties competently.

Weston McKennie – 7/10 – Brilliant impact from the bench, strengthening Juve’s lead when they needed it most. Cool as you like with the finish.

Paulo Dybala – 6/10

Arthur – 5/10

Aaron Ramsey – N/A

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