Ralph has headache after Redmond display

Ralph Hasenhuttl is facing a headache at Southampton following the international break, with Nathan Redmond’s superb performance against Bournemouth at the weekend highlighting his potential as a striker in the Austrian’s 4-2-2-2 system.

The former Norwich City man, who reportedly earns £60k per week at Southampton, has endured a poor campaign that has seen him manage just one goal and one assist in 20 Premier League appearances, resulting in a less than impressive 6.45 average rating.

However, despite having not found the net in any competition since the 3-0 win against Sheffield United in December, the 27-year-old looked full of confidence at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday and contributed two goals and one assist in the 3-0 win.

This could give Hasenhuttl a very difficult decision to make following the international break, with Southampton set to face Burnley at St Mary’s in their first game back on April 4th.

Danny Ings is currently sidelined through injury but it is expected that he could make his return against his old side following the international break, so it will be interesting to see whether or not Hasenhuttl throws him straight back in.

There is also the added competition of young Nathan Tella, who has impressed in recent weeks in a striker role, particularly in the 2-0 win against Sheffield United recently.

Che Adams has also found his feet again after a poor run of form that saw him fail to find the net in January and February, before breaking his duck with a screamer at Bramall Lane, which he then followed up with goals against Manchester City and Brighton.

He was also unfortunate not to make it four goals in four in the 3-0 win at Bournemouth, as his fierce strike from 25 yards was ruled out for a tight offside.

Redmond was undoubtedly the star of the show though, as he played in Moussa Djenepo for the opening goal with a perfectly-timed pass and then making it 2-0 before half-time with a superb run and finish, before completing his brace by finding the bottom corner after Stuart Armstrong’s effort came back off the post.

Therefore, Hasenhuttl arguably has three in-form strikers to choose from right now, whilst Ings will surely demand a place in the starting eleven when he returns from injury, which gives the Austrian a huge decision to make following the international break.

And, in other news… Southampton could sign their next Mane with £8.5m swoop for 18-goal beast

Oscar Bobb pens new Man City contract until 2029 and explains 'why everybody wants to play' for Pep Guardiola

Manchester City starlet Oscar Bobb has signed a new contract with the club, keeping him at the Etihad until 2029.

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  • Bobb has impressed at City
  • Signs new contract until 2029
  • Reveals what it's like to play under Guardiola
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The 20-year-old Norwegian forward came through Manchester City's academy and has enjoyed a breakout season under Pep Guardiola this term. Bobb's two goals and two assists in 16 appearances across all competitions have been rewarded with a new five-year contract, City have confirmed, keeping him at the club until 2029.

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    WHAT BOBB SAID

    On extending his stay at the Etihad, the young forward said: "It’s an amazing moment and to know that I get the chance for at least a few years now to hopefully be a part of this club’s first team. It’s an honour. It’s something I really wanted when the opportunity came – it was the only thing I wanted to do. Being part of it for the last couple of months, I feel like I’ve developed more than ever – it was an easy choice.

    “Playing with some of my idols growing up, it’s a dream come true. It’s strange talking to my friends at home who always ask, ‘how is it?’ and in a way it is crazy, but you do get used to it and you start seeing them as people. It’s nice.”

    Bobb added on what it's like to play under Guardiola: "I grew up watching not only his early City teams but from his Barcelona and Bayern Munich days. The type of football he plays is amazing and how he improves players is a big factor for why everybody wants to play under him. He’s proven time and time again that he improves players – so intense, so hard working and a nice guy.”

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Bobb has already made several vital contributions to City in his breakout season. He scored his first senior goal for the club in a Champions League clash against Red Star Belgrade in December before netting the last-minute winner in the league against Newcastle in January, which was awarded the Premier League Goal of the Month. Bobb joins the likes of fellow academy stars Phil Foden and Rico Lewis in signing new deals as City look to cement their position at the top of European football for many years to come.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR CITY?

    Guardiola's side come up against Luton in the FA Cup fifth round on Tuesday, where the Catalan coach will be able to count on Jack Grealish again after he passed a late fitness test. Bobb will be hoping to feature at some capacity in that fixture as Guardiola looks to rotate his side amid a busy schedule.

Leeds youngster tipped to leave

Leeds United youngster Robbie Gotts has been tipped to leave the club this summer, with Marcelo Bielsa not seeing him as part of his plans.

The 21-year-old is currently on loan at Salford City, having moved to the League Two club in January, affording him more regular first team football.

Gotts’ current Leeds deal expires at the end of next season, raising question marks over what the next chapter in his career will be.

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Gotts could leave Leeds, claims Hay

According to The Athletic‘s Phil Hay, the youngster is unlikely to convince Bielsa to be part of his future plans, with a move elsewhere appearing to be on the cards:

“He’s [Gotts] a lovely lad and a good player but I got a distinct impression that he suspects his future lies elsewhere. Bielsa always keeps his leading under-23s close to him. He’d rather they trained at Thorp Arch than played elsewhere on loan.

“This naturally concludes that anyone who is allowed to leave on loan is a fair distance from his plans.”

Gotts has managed three appearances for Leeds to date, making his debut away to Arsenal in the FA Cup third round in January 2020.

Transfer Tavern take

In truth, it makes sense for all parties for Gotts to find a new permanent club moving forward, with the midfielder once described as ‘excellent’ by Richie Wellens.

If Bielsa can’t guarantee him a regular squad role, he risks growing stagnant in his career, so being a key man at a different club makes far more sense.

Leeds are now at a level where they are a mid-table Premier League club with aspirations of improving further – Gotts doesn’t appear to be at that standard in Bielsa’s eyes.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with an outrageous move this summer – find out who the player in question is here.

WATCH: 'I drive several Ferraris' – Zlatan Ibrahimovic joins Inter Miami owner David Beckham among celebrities in attendance as Max Verstappen wins Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix

Zlatan Ibrahimovic took the opportunity to boast about his Ferrari collection during the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix.

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  • Ibrahimovic attends Las Vegas Grand Prix
  • Former striker reveals Ferrari collection
  • Swede could return to AC Milan
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The great and good of the sports and showbiz worlds watched Max Verstappen win the first-ever Las Vegas Grand Prix. Never one to shy away from the spotlight, Ibrahimovic was front and centre. The former striker was in the pits ahead of the race when he spoke to Sky Sports about Ferrari.

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  • WHAT IBRAHIMOVIC SAID

    When asked what he made of the set-up in Las Vegas, Ibrahimovic said: "It looks good, it's very exciting. I'm looking forward to the race. Ferrari is my team." When reporter Martin Brundle suggested the star has a few Ferraris in his collection, he replied: "Yes, several of them."

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Ibrahimovic was joined in Las Vegas by a host of famous names including Brad Pitt, Rod Stewart and Inter Miami owner David Beckham. Unfortunately for the former AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and LA Galaxy star, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc had to settle for a second-place finish behind Red Bull's Verstappen.

'Hasn't done it in the Champions League' – Bukayo Saka given brutal reality check amid scintillating Arsenal form as Rio Ferdinand insists England winger is not yet 'world-class'

Rio Ferdinand does not think in-form Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is in the "world-class" bracket, having yet to make his mark in the Champions League.

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  • Ferdinand says Saka is not world-class yet
  • Has scored four times in the last three matches
  • Arsenal's top scorer this season
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The England international has displayed scintillating form of late, having scored five times in Arsenal's last five Premier League outings, including a brace against West Ham last weekend. Despite his rich vein of form, Manchester United legend Ferdinand thinks that the winger is yet to attain world-class status as he has not proved his worth in the Champions League yet.

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  • WHAT RIO FERDINAND SAID

    Speaking on the podcast, the former England defender said: "Not yet. Listen. I think Saka's been unreal. I actually think he needs a bit of a rest, so many games for a young kid. But I think, it's almost like what is world-class? He hasn't done it in the Champions League, has he? I'm talking in the nitty-gritty stages. Saka's top, don't get me wrong. He's not world-class yet."

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    With his opening strike against the Hammers on Sunday, the attacker achieved the milestone of scoring his 50th club goal in 210 appearances at the age of just 22. Saka later doubled his tally in the second half to bring up his 51st goal for the Gunners. The English star is also the north London side's highest goalscorer this season with 13 goals to his name.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

    Mikel Arteta's side, who are currently tied on points with Manchester City and two behind league leaders Liverpool, will next take on Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday. Saka will then have the chance to prove Ferdinand wrong when Arsenal travel to Porto for the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.

'Madness' – Michael Owen left in disbelief by Darwin Nunez's dinked Liverpool goal and says it's proof he must 'adapt his way of thinking'

Michael Owen was left in awe of Darwin Nunez's dinked goal which opened the scoring for Liverpool against Brentford.

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  • Owen in awe of Nunez's dinked goal against Brentford
  • But advises him to "adapt his way of thinking"
  • Liverpool retained top position after win over Brentford
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The former Reds legend described Darwin Nunez's opening strike against Brentford as "insane" as he was left in disbelief by the Uruguayan forward's ability to convert such an outrageous goal. Owen, though, also shared a word of advice for the former Benfica player as he urged him to adapt his way of thinking going forward.

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  • WHAT MICHAEL OWEN SAID

    Reacting to Nunez's goal, the former England international took to X where he wrote, "That finish from Darwin Nunez yesterday was insane. I can’t stop watching it. And I can’t begin to explain how difficult a skill that is. Moving at pace, the ball running away from you, being inside the box with no room for error. Incredible. But, it is also further proof that if he is to get closer to becoming the great player many people think he can be, he has to adapt his way of thinking.

    "I mean, to even consider that finish is madness. It’s a 1 in 10, 2 in 10 finish at best. Learning to slot, dink or go round the GK is a far more productive way to score and will increase his chances to 4 or 5 in 10, thus massively increasing his end return. I’m really not trying to rain on his parade as that goal was pure class. But I’d rather see it when Liverpool are 3-0 up, not at 0-0."

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    After handing his team in the first half, the 24-year-old striker was taken offat half-time which Jurgen Klopp described to be a precautionary measure as the player felt some discomfort during the half-time break. Liverpool were also jolted by the injuries to Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota who were also forced off to add to the club's injury woes.

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    WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

    Klopp's side maintained their two-point lead at the top of the table after Saturday's victory. They will next take on Luton Town in the Premier League on Wednesday.

WATCH: Cristiano Ronaldo tricks Al-Wedha goalkeeper with clever free-kick routine as ex-Man Utd star Alex Telles steps in to curl home his first goal for Al-Nassr

Cristiano Ronaldo fooled the Al-Wedha goalkeeper during his latest outing for Al-Nassr, allowing Alex Telles to curl home a spectacular free-kick.

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  • Telles off the mark for Al-Nassr
  • Helped by smart thinking from Ronaldo
  • Al-Nassr run out 3-1 winners
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    With the ball spotted some 25 yards from goal, making a shooting opportunity very much on, the expectation was that Portuguese superstar Ronaldo would try his luck. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner marked out his run up and appeared all set to unleash a long-range effort.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    With all eyes fixed on Ronaldo, the distraction technique worked a treat as former Manchester United left-back Telles stepped up instead to catch everybody by surprise. Even as he was making his way towards the ball, Al-Wedha were ready for a dummy that would ultimately result in Ronaldo whipping in a right-footed effort.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Morocco international Munir Mohamedi was left rooted to the spot as Telles curled a spectacular strike over the wall with his left foot, and into the bottom corner of the net. The Brazilian wheeled away in celebration, with Ronaldo in hot pursuit as Al-Nassr’s clever set-piece plan played out to perfection.

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    WHAT NEXT?

    Ronaldo was also among the goals against Al-Wedha, as he put the finishing touches to a comfortable 3-1 win. The 38-year-old all-time great has now found the target on 22 occasions this season through 23 appearances in all competitions.

Eden Hazard: From Chelsea icon to Real Madrid's worst-ever signing and early retirement at 32

Having been released by Madrid in June, the Belgian has now confirmed his retirement following a spate of injury problems

How did we get here? Eden Hazard made a massive-money move from Chelsea to Real Madrid in June 2019, and appeared poised to be the next face of La Liga, the latest Galactico to walk out at Santiago Bernabeu and impose himself as one of Europe's greats.

Los Blancos, remember, had lost Cristiano Ronaldo a year previous, and with Gareth Bale struggling for fitness and Vinicius Jr. yet to find his feet, Hazard seemed set to be Madrid's winger of the future. And at 28, he still had plenty of football left.

Four years later, Hazard isn't in a Madrid shirt anymore. He won't even play football again after announcing his retirement at the age of 32 on Tuesday. The Belgian scored just seven goals, and added a meagre 12 assists during his injury-ravaged spell in the Spanish capital. He only managed 76 appearances and failed to ever better the production of his best season at Stamford Bridge. To say that he was a disappointment was an understatement.

Some of this, of course, was of Hazard's own making. The winger was irresponsible at times, failing to look after himself and drawing the ire of Madrid fans for a questionable commitment to the shirt. But he was also immensely unlucky, a victim of a recurring ankle injury that limited the trickery and explosiveness of his earlier days.

It all amounted to an opportunity wasted, transfer budget spurned, and a career cut short for a player who should have been one of the game's greats. GOAL takes a look at where it all went wrong for Hazard at Madrid…

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    June 2019: Big-money move

    Despite having been their poster boy for over half a decade, Chelsea were effectively powerless to keep Hazard when he left for Real Madrid in June 2019. He had only one year left on his contract, and amid something of a stand-off, Los Blancos were able to swoop in.

    The result was a massive initial €100 million (£88m/$107m) transfer agreement, and subsequent €600,000(£530,000/$640,000)-per-week salary.

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    July 2019: Showing up overweight

    The Belgian hardly made a good impression at the nexus of his Madrid career. Hazard showed up to training overweight, a fact that served as instant ammunition for social media trolls and sceptics.

    He later admitted that he was five kilograms heavier than he should have been, and revealed that he tends to gain and lose weight frequently, especially during pre-season.

  • October 2019: Early form

    His intial performances on the pitch, though, quashed any notions that his fitness would be an immediate issue. Hazard needed a few weeks to bed in, but by October was fit and firing for Los Blancos.

    He played crucial roles in a duo of La Liga contests, starring against first Eiber and then Real Sociedad. While he didn't score or assist in either, the Hazard of Chelsea — mazy dribbles, incisive passes and all — was well on display.

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  • November 2019: One foul changes things

    The foul that would go on to change the course of Hazard's footballing career didn't appear to be serious. Paris Saint-Germain's Thomas Meunier, his Belgium team-mate, swept Hazard's legs as he spun away from the full-back. Hazard's ankle got trapped awkwardly under Meunier's foot, and he could hardly walk as he was escorted off the pitch.

    Unfortunately for Hazard, Meunier had taken out an ankle that had been a cause of persistent pain. He had fractured it a few years before, and although he made a full recovery, something was now clearly wrong.

West Ham team news, predicted XI vs Man Utd

West Ham visit Manchester United on Sunday looking to stake their claim to Champions League qualification, but David Moyes has revealed there are a number of injury concerns.

The Irons are six points behind the Red Devils, albeit with a game in hand, and can put the pressure on fourth-placed Chelsea with a win after the Blues’ goalless draw with Leeds United on Saturday.

Manchester United have beaten West Ham in each of their previous two meetings this season, but required extra time to eliminate the Irons from the FA Cup last month. However, their Premier League form has been underwhelming, with five draws in their last eight fixtures.

Moyes will be without Jesse Lingard at Old Trafford, with the on-loan midfielder ineligible to face his parent club. With that in mind, here’s a potential line-up the Hammers may field…

Moyes confirmed on Friday that West Ham are facing a number of injury concerns ahead of travelling to Manchester United this weekend, but hopes that those facing late fitness tests will be able to feature.

“We’ve got a couple of slight doubts behind the scenes on a couple of players, who have just picked up slight injuries which I’m hoping will be okay,” he said. “I won’t know until tomorrow [Saturday] to see how a couple of them are going.

“That’s just something I’m nursing behind the scenes a little bit. It might be that they’re all okay, it might be that they’re not okay – that’s where it is.”

Lingard will be one who cannot feature against the Red Devils due to the terms of West Ham’s loan agreement, depriving Moyes of a four-goal, two-assist option who has been involved in more goals than any Hammers player since his arrival at the London Stadium.

“He’ll be a big loss because he’s had a big impact on the team and how we’ve played. He’s been a positive signing for us, coming in in January, so it is a loss to us, but we’ve got other people,” Moyes added.

Lingard is likely to be the only player who started Monday’s 2-0 win over Leeds to be withdrawn from the West Ham line-up against Manchester United, barring a tactical shift from the east London outfit or a late injury.

Jarrod Bowen will be expected to take over the England international’s place in the team and replace Pablo Fornals on the right wing, with the Spaniard changing sides and Said Benrahma moving centrally.

Bowen has not started either of West Ham’s last two Premier League games after falling out of the team which beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 last month, although the £25m-rated maestro has won plaudits this season, with Dean Windass telling Football FanCast that “he’s proved me wrong”.

Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford will be a big test for Benrahma after Moyes vocalised his desires to see a better end product from the Algerian after beating Leeds.

Benrahma is yet to score in claret and blue since his initial arrival on loan from Brentford last summer, while providing five assists in 22 appearances, of which he has started 12, across all competitions.

Moyes could look to reduce his forward options in Lingard’s absence, which may open the door for Ben Johnson to feature at left-back in a return to a five-man defence, or Mark Noble to start in a more congested engine room to try and thwart the dangerous Bruno Fernandes.

In other news, West Ham are keen to sign a “special talent” who his manager feels “privileged” to have in his squad

WATCH: Just like Emmanuel Adebayor! Jamie Vardy sprints length of pitch to celebrate in front of away fans after scoring for Leicester

Leicester star Jamie Vardy channeled his inner Emmanuel Adebayor when he ran the full length of the pitch to celebrate in front of Bristol City fans.

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  • Vardy scored penalty for Foxes
  • Celebrated in front of away fans
  • Reminiscent of Adebayor moment
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The striker tucked home a penalty to put Leicester 1-0 up in the King Power Stadium on Saturday. Vardy, 36, then ran all the way down to the other end of the stadium to celebrate in front of the 3,300 Bristol fans in attendance.

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    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    It is believed that Vardy made the long run to the away end to cheer in the faces of the opposition supporters because they had been singing about his wife during the match. Leicester went on to win the game 1-0, making it three straight victories in the Championship. The Foxes are top of the table and nine points above Bristol, who are in eighth place.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Vardy's celebration was reminiscent of Adebayor's famous sprint down the field to celebrate in front of Arsenal fans after his goal for Manchester City in 2009. The striker left Arsenal to join City and slid on his knees in front of the Gunners fans and he later clarified it was in response to racist chants he heard.

    “I remember getting to the stadium and Arsenal fans were there. All I heard was the the chant ‘Your mother is a whore and your father washes elephants', he told in 2019. "My father worked in currency exchange and my mother is a businesswoman. But this went on and on. So how can I reply? I didn’t have a voice to go against thousands of supporters."

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    WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

    Vardy and his Leicester team-mates face a difficult challenge in their next game, coming up against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

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