Former Liverpool defender and current ESPN pundit Steve Nicol has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane has better qualities than his Everton counterpart Romelu Lukaku.
Both forwards are fighting it out for the Premier League Golden Boot, so it is natural for comparisons to be made.
Lukaku currently has a nose in front in the goal tally as he has 23 to his name, four more than Kane.
In fairness to the Tottenham man, though, he has had a spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury.
They are both on the same track in terms of topping the scoring charts, but they are in very different situations.
Lukaku’s future at Everton is uncertain as he is yet to sign a new contract at Goodison Park and has regularly reiterated his desire to play Champions League football.
In contrast, Kane is settled at White Hart Lane, and is expected to be the team’s main striker for years to come after signing a new long-term contract in December.
Nicol believes that while both strikers have strong qualities, Kane possesses two things that Lukaku is missing.
The pundit told ESPN:
“I have to say I think Harry Kane has has the brighter future. I think Kane has more to his game and what he has is, his quality is higher. I think Harry Kane is far superior to Lukaku in holding the ball up and I think in tighter spaces Kane is superior to Lukaku.”
Arsenal showed a resilience that has been lacking for the majority of the season on Sunday, coming from behind to beat Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.
Sergio Aguero’s opener had threatened to pile the misery on Arsene Wenger and his side but an equaliser from Nacho Monreal was followed up by an extra-time winner from, who else, Alexis Sanchez to set-up a May showdown with Chelsea.
It means that in a dramatic and acrimonious season, the Gunners may end up with major honours under Wenger once again.
One man in particular has been receiving praise for his unlikely performance; Nacho Monreal. Having been roasted initially by Aguero for City’s opener, he rallied and made amends shortly after, sparking the comeback that has left Arsenal fans so jubilant.
The 31 year old has had a tough season at times but his vital contribution has come at the perfect time for the North London side.
Supporters took to Twitter to pay tribute to his performance and his importance to Arsenal in general…
According to reports in the Liverpool Echo, Everton manager Ronald Koeman wants to sign the £55m-rated Southampton defender Virgil van Dijk this summer.
The Toffees boss is keen to bring in a new, younger centre-back with Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams getting no younger, and Ramiro Funes Mori picking up a knee injury while away on international duty with Argentina last month.
The Dutchman brought his compatriot Van Dijk to St Mary’s from Celtic in 2015 when he was the south coast outfit’s boss, and the 25-year-old has gone on to establish himself as one of the best centre-halves in the Premier League.
Although he has been missing since January because of a foot injury, Saints will be bracing themselves for interest in their star man this summer, although they are ready to demand what would be a world-record fee for a defender.
Here are three reasons Everton shouldn’t waste their time pursuing Van Dijk…
Ambition
Britain Soccer Football – Southampton v Tottenham Hotspur – Premier League – St Mary’s Stadium – 28/12/16 Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk celebrates scoring their first goal Action Images via Reuters / Matthew Childs Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account
Along with Everton, Van Dijk has also been linked with moves to the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City, and while the Toffees have the financial backing of Farhad Moshiri, they would still struggle to compete with those teams from an ambition point of view.
If truth be told, the 25-year-old may not even consider a move to Goodison Park as being the step up from Southampton he deserves.
While he knows Koeman well, playing for the potential Premier League champions or under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium would surely be far more appealing, and he would take some convincing to make the switch to Goodison Park.
Former Saints
Having seen former Saints stars depart for the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham in recent summers, Van Dijk will know that he has the opportunity to perhaps make a move to a bigger club than Everton this summer if he chooses to leave Southampton.
The Dutchman is considered to be one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League and he will know that he will be able to use that to his advantage to secure a transfer to one of the best sides in the Premier League, or even across Europe.
Stepping stone
Britain Football Soccer – Everton v Tottenham Hotspur – Premier League – Goodison Park – 13/8/16Everton owner Farhad Moshiri and chairman Bill Kenwright in the stands before the matchAction Images via Reuters / Jason CairnduffLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please con
If Everton want to gradually start becoming a regular competitor for the Champions League spots in the Premier League over the next few seasons, then they need players that want to buy into Farhad Moshiri’s project for the long-term.
Signing Van Dijk could destabilise that plan as he has the quality to play for any of the top Premier League and European sides, and the chance to win trophies and play regular European football in the future could be too good for the Dutchman to turn down.
According to reports in the Daily Mail, Newcastle United are among a host of clubs keeping a close eye on £9m-rated Celtic centre-back Jozo Simunovic with a view to making a summer move.
Following a string of fine performances at the heart of the defence – including in the Brendan Rodgers’ side’s brilliant 5-1 win against arch-rivals Rangers in the Old Firm derby at Ibrox on Saturday – the 22-year-old has attracted interest from sides all across Europe.
The Magpies are said to have been joined in the race to sign the Croatian by West Bromwich Albion, Crystal Palace, Torino, RB Leipzig, Sevilla and Espanyol for the highly-rated defender.
Toon manager Rafa Benitez is keen to strengthen his squad following their immediate return to the Premier League in order to avoid being in another relegation scrap next season, and the Bhoys star looks to be a potential target.
Here are three reasons Newcastle must win the race to sign Simunovic…
Performances and potential
Britain Football Soccer – Celtic v FC Barcelona – UEFA Champions League Group Stage – Group C – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland – 23/11/16 Celtic’s Jozo Simunovic in action Reuters / Russell Cheyne Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.
The Croatian – who only joined the Bhoys in 2015 – nearly joined Torino last summer after missing the last four months of the season following knee surgery, but the Italian moved the goalposts on the deal and he ended up staying at Celtic Park.
The 22-year-old has since gone on to become a first-choice starter at the heart of the defence under Brendan Rodgers and he has impressed with his committed performances – shown by a crunching tackle on Kenny Miller in the Old Firm derby on Saturday – and all-round defensive game.
At his age, there is still plenty of room for improvement too and that will be an attractive proposition for potential buyers.
His reported price tag
Britain Soccer Football – Dundee v Celtic – Scottish Premiership – Dens Park – 19/3/17 Celtic’s Jozo Simunovic celebrates scoring their first goal with Dedryck Boyata and Scott Brown Reuters / Russell Cheyne Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact your account represe
At 22 years of age and with a seemingly bright future ahead of him, the reported £9m price tag that Simunovic is understood to be available for could prove to be something of a bargain for Newcastle.
Having won league titles in Croatia and Scotland already – as well as playing in the Champions League – the defender has plenty of experience despite being relatively young and the 6’3” centre-back could prove to be an imposing figure at the back for Rafa Benitez’s side in the Premier League next season.
The success of former Celtic players in the PL
While some may have their reservations on players coming to the Premier League from the Scottish Premiership and being able to replicate their performances from across the border, Benitez will be aware that a number of individuals have been a success after making the move in recent seasons.
Victor Wanyama moved to Southampton initially and then to Tottenham last summer, and he has been a key man in their midfield as they remain in the hunt for the top flight title.
Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk looks set to command a £50m fee at the end of the season with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City all interested in the impressive Saints defender.
According to the Evening Standard, Slaven Bilic is looking to bring Pablo Zabaleta to West Ham when his contract expires at Manchester City this summer.
What’s the Word?
32-year-old Zabaleta is out of contract this summer and it appears unlikely that Pep Guardiola will be offering the defender a new deal.
Slaven Bilic is reportedly keen to bring the Argentinian to the London Stadium, in a bid to cure the perennial problems on the right side of West Ham’s defence.
With Alvaro Arbeloa a certified flop, Sam Byram still learning and still struggling with injuries and Michail Antonio clearly a better player in a more offensive role, Zabaleta is seen as the ideal remedy for the Hammers.
How good has Zabaleta been this season?
Despite only making 18 league appearances for City this season, Pablo Zabaleta has been as consistent as ever this season. The Argentinian is rarely to blame for City’s regular defensive mistakes this season and approaches every game with fervent passion, desire and willing.
Is Zabaleta a good fit for West Ham?
Should Slaven Bilic manage to convince the 32-year-old to join West Ham, Zabaleta would bring a wealth of talent but most importantly, a wealth of Premier League experience to the Hammers often disjointed defence.
The Argentinian would be able to play as a right-back or on the right side of a back three and would be a constant and demanding voice that West Ham seem to need on occasions. If Billic wants leaders, he needn’t look further than Pablo Zabaleta.
Chelsea loanee Bertrand Traore was named in the starting line-up for Ajax in the Europa League final against Manchester United on Wednesday, but despite ending up on the losing side Blues fans were impressed with the forward’s performance.
The 21-year-old joined the Dutch giants on a season-long loan deal last summer with manager Antonio Conte keen for him to get regular playing time to aid his development, and he has certainly done that after scoring 13 goals and providing a further six assists in 39 appearances in all competitions.
Even though he couldn’t make too much of an impact or get on the scoresheet as a young Ajax side were beaten 2-0 by Jose Mourinho’s men in Stockholm, Chelsea supporters were quick to take to social media to praise the Burkina Faso international for his showing.
While many were impressed with the attributes he showed in the Swedish capital, others want to see him return to Stamford Bridge this summer and be given a chance next season.
According to the Bleacher Report, Chelsea are likely to come unstuck in their efforts to sign Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye this summer.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the two clubs are already understood to be in discussions over a deal for Romelu Lukaku and Blues boss Antonio Conte is also said to have enquired about the availability of Gueye.
With the futures of Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas far from certain, the Italian is keen to strengthen in central midfield to provide support and competition for N’Golo Kante ahead of the club’s return to the Champions League group stages.
However, he looks set to be unsuccessful in his attempts to sign the Senegal international with the Toffees desperate to keep one of their key players.
How good was Gueye this season?
He enjoyed an outstanding campaign for Ronald Koeman’s men and was one of the best in his position in not only the Premier League, but across all of Europe’s top leagues too.
Having arrived at Goodison Park for just £7.1m last summer, expectations perhaps wouldn’t have been too high but the 27-year-old has quickly made a big impact and is already a fans’ favourite.
Gueye made 75 interceptions and 46 clearances in 33 top flight appearances in a role similar to the one Kante plays at Stamford Bridge.
Is that the end of the matter then?
It probably is, yes.
Having only signed Gueye last summer and with the futures of Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley in doubt, Koeman won’t want to potentially lose a third key player from his team – especially with Europa League football on the menu.
Who could Chelsea turn to?
Conte has been heavily linked with a move for Monaco’s Tiemoue Bakayoko in recent weeks and the Frenchman is still likely to be his top target, with the Italian boss likely just sounding out potential alternatives when he enquired about Gueye.
What’s the verdict, then?
Well, while there is no doubt that Chelsea will have been impressed with the performances of Gueye this term considering he is such a similar player to their PFA Player of the Year Kante, there seems to be little chance of a deal being done this summer at least.
According to reports in the Daily Mail, Tottenham Hotspur have made an enquiry for £35m-rated Nice midfielder Jean-Michael Seri but they could face competition from a number of clubs for his signature, including arch-rivals Arsenal.
What’s the word, then?
Well, Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is looking to strengthen his squad this summer in order to challenge for the Premier League title for the third season running – as well as making progress in the Champions League – and he is said to be interested in Seri, who was a standout performer in Ligue 1 last season.
However, the Gunners – along with AS Roma, Barcelona and Beijing Guoan – have all shown interest in the 25-year-old.
Roma had a £20m bid rejected last week with the French side only willing to sell if the player’s £35m release clause is met.
How good was he this season?
He was exceptional.
The 25-year-old helped Nice secure a third-place finish in Ligue 1 by scoring seven goals and providing a further nine assists in 34 appearances, despite either playing in defensive or central midfield.
Football Soccer – Nice v Schalke 04 – UEFA Europa League Group Stage – Group I – Allianz Riviera Stadium, Nice, France – 15/09/2016. Nice’s Jean Michael Seri in action against Schalke 04’s Leon Goretzka. REUTERS/Jean-Paul Pelissier
What type of player is he?
The Ivory Coast international is a box-to-box player who is equally comfortable defending as he is attacking – as shown by his impressive stats.
In the current Spurs side he is probably most similar in style to Dembele, but physically is more in the mould of N’Golo Kante.
Would he be a good signing for Tottenham?
From his showings last season, he certainly would be.
Spurs will need more depth to their squad if they are to make an impact in all competitions, and they will also need some more energy in the centre of midfield as they will be playing their home matches at Wembley – on a bigger pitch – next term.
Seri would provide that, as well as the ability to pick up assists from deeper positions.
What’s the verdict, then?
Well, Tottenham look to face a battle with a number of clubs to sign Seri this summer, but they could also provide him with the best chance of playing regular first team football.
Because of the energy and box-to-box style he has, he could be a hugely useful addition in what could prove to be a difficult season for Spurs at Wembley.
Newcastle United confirmed on Tuesday that they had completed the signing of Eibar centre-back Florian Lejeune on a five-year deal.
The 26-year-old becomes the second arrival at St James’ Park this summer following the addition of Christian Atsu from Chelsea in May, and he moves to England following a successful season in La Liga.
The Frenchman made an impressive 195 clearances and won 108 aerial duels in 34 Spanish top flight appearances last term to help Eibar to a 10th-place finish, and will provide competition for the likes of Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark at the heart of the defence.
Newcastle supporters were quick to have their say on the arrival of the defender via social media, and while many were delighted that the second deal of the summer had finally been completed, others believe it is another addition that shows the effect Rafa Benitez can have in the transfer market.
According to Sky Sports, West Ham United have reportedly failed with a £15m bid to sign Stoke City forward Marko Arnautovic, who handed in a transfer request on Monday.
The Irons are desperate to add to their attacking options this summer and are keen on the 28-year-old Austria international, who is currently on a pre-season tour with the Potters in Switzerland.
The attacker was taken off with a suspected knee injury during their match against Neuchatel Xamax on Monday night according to Sky Sports though, which may have put a deal in doubt depending on how serious the issue is.
However, if he is fine then the Hammers know they must increase their offer for the unhappy player if they are to bring him to the capital.
West Ham supporters were quick to have their say on the rumour via social media, and while some would certainly be keen on bringing Arnautovic to the London Stadium, others are not so keen on the Austrian attacker.