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Bournemouth seem to be in the market for a new goalkeeper and, after last season, it is no surprise.

Simply put, Asmir Begovic was not good enough for the Cherries. Between the sticks, he made mistake after mistake, with five of them leading to the opposition scoring in the Premier League.

The south coast club could now look to sign Burnley’s Joe Hart, with the Sun reporting that Eddie Howe sees him as an alternative to Jack Butland.

With plenty of experience at the highest level, Howe’s thinking is not completely unfathomable here. But even so, he would still have to be pretty crazy to go anywhere near Hart this summer.

The 32-year-old has been on the decline for some time now and, like Begovic, he can also be prone to making very silly and costly mistakes.

For example, back in the 2017/18 Premier League season, Hart made four errors leading to goals for West Ham, with only Begovic once again (5), Hugo Lloris (5) and Petr Cech (6) having made more.

It must be said that in the season that has just gone by, Hart managed to reduce that number down to zero. The defensive protection of James Tarkowski and Ben Mee, though, arguably played a part in that.

Will the former Manchester City man get that sort of shielding at the Vitality Stadium? Probably not with Bournemouth being a much more adventurous side under Howe.

Of course, you never quite know what kind of Hart is going to turn up after witnessing his inconsistent past couple of seasons, so avoiding a move for him would be sensible.

When you consider all of that, the Cherries would be better off looking elsewhere this summer.

Bournemouth fans, would Hart be an upgrade on Begovic? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below.

[ad_pod ]Loads of Crystal Palace fans on Twitter have been sharing their happy memories of a historic club outing on its 30th anniversary.Monday spelt 30 years to the day since an Ian Wright and Mark Bright-inspired Eagles team came back from two goals down in the second leg of the Football League Second Division play-off final to defeat Blackburn Rovers and get back to the big time.

Goals from Wright (2) and David Madden on the day sealed a 3-0 victory for Steve Coppell’s men, enough to overturn the 3-1 deficit from the first leg at Ewood Park just a couple of days earlier.

And to celebrate, the club’s official account on the social media platform Twitter posted highlights from the thrilling game, featuring two famous pitch invasions at Selhurst Park.

This caused masses of the Palace faithful to drool over the landmark day, a vital one in the history of the South London club and one they’ll never, ever forget.

Pl>ymaker FC’s Matchday with Max caught up with Jamaica’s women’s team. See what happened when he met the history makers in the video below…

Below is a list of their best reactive Tweets…

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Now that Neil Lennon knows he will be taking permanent charge of Celtic heading into next season he can get on the with the business of rebuilding a squad at the end of its current cycle.

The club may have just won a treble for the third consecutive year but fans will be expecting that success to be sustained, with the dream of progressing in Europe also a consideration.

With experienced players like Mikael Lustig out of contract and others first-team regulars such as Dedryck Boyata leaving, the Hoops boss has quite a task ahead of him when it comes to strengthening his squad for the challenges ahead.

On the chalkboard

The defensive line is the key priority for Lennon this summer, with arguably four or five defenders in different positions needing to come into the club and replace those moving on and improve upon what’s already available.

At centre-back both Boyata and Filip Benkovic will not be around so two quality first-team ready players will be needed to compete with Kristoffer Ajer and Jozo Simunovic.

Watch the best fails from the world of indoor football in the video below…

At right-back, Anthony Ralston is currently the only player expected to be available and given he has hardly played any matches for the Hoops over the last few years then another first-team calibre star is required in the position.

Those are simply the signings needed to keep up the numbers in the squad currently and although less of a priority, fans are craving a left-back that can play effective back-up to Kieran Tierney, who has been overused and run down in recent seasons to the detriment of his fitness and health.

Setting the tone

It’s fair to say that Lennon’s appointment has been fairly divisive amongst supporters of the Hoops, with many feeling he is a step backwards for the club and not able to maintain the standards set by Brendan Rodgers.

The way to get fans on board will be to both comfortably take care of early European qualifiers and also show real intent in the transfer market.

Fans are concerned that Lennon is simply the cheap option, but by showing authority and bringing in the signings he wants early in pre-season, he can demonstrate to supporters there is no reason to worry.

Sign a few quality players and there’ll be more hope around Celtic Park, providing the momentum needed heading into the new season.

Celtic fans recently said goodbye to one of their more impressive young loanees soon in Timothy Weah. The young American striker has proved to be very good when he’s played and a lack of game time for the striker has been frustrating for the fans. However, if this report from Turkish-Football is true they could have a perfect replacement.

The Bhoys are reportedly interested in Wolfsburg’s young 19-year-old striker Charles-Jesaja-Herrmann and if they can get the young German, who has impressed at youth levels for his country as well as his club, then it will be as if they never lost Timo Weah in the first place. Goals have flown freely for the young Wolfsburg man, and with 19 combined goals and assists this season, he’d be perfect at Parkhead.

According to the article, it may be tough for the Bhoys to get this one wrapped up as Celtic will be set to do battle with both Newcastle and Everton for his signature, as well as interest from Turkey. The chances are that Wolfsburg will not be keen on letting their young sensation leave cheaply so Celtic could be the perfect destination, as they’d be able to offer a loan option for the striker knowing he’d play.

At the age of 19, it is so important that Jesaja-Herrmann is treated right wherever he goes and if that means going on loan to get a taste of the more robust brand of football on offer in Scotland then so be it. The Bhoys have got a talented squad, but the level of football north of the border can be brutish at times, and it would be a good lesson for the young striker.

His combination of 19 goals and assists this season is mightily impressive as he tears up the German youth league. Goals have flown freely and he’s also helped to chip in wish assists when needed, and it really is no surprise to see so many top clubs eyeing up a move for the young German hitman. It would come as no shock to see him put Weah’s goal return to shame and the Bhoys will be keen to see just that if he does find himself at Parkhead on-loan or permanently next season.

Do you want to sign Charles-Herrmann-Jesaja, Celtic fans? Comment below!

Well, the smile has certainly been wiped off of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s face.

There isn’t really any reason to smile right now for the Manchester United fans, who’ve been haunted by the reality that their team just isn’t very good. Or particularly care.

That’s the crux of it.

To his credit, Solskjaer isn’t crumbling to this pressure. Even after the embarrassing drubbing at Goodison Park, he was the first to head into the away section to apologize to the fans. Indeed, he looked genuinely disturbed after the game and gave some bold statements to prove he isn’t sailing into the sunset anytime soon.

The Norwegian pointed out how he’ll be successful in the club and there are some players who won’t be there to share the success. A direct shot to the mediocrity plaguing the club, Solskjaer must put his money where his mouth his to back up this statement.

This means he must have complete authority over who stays and who goes. Anything else is hollow.

While a miracle can still help them qualify for the UEFA Champions League, tough games ahead mean that is almost impossible. Even if United are without Champions League duties, it can actually be a blessing in disguise for the overhaul process. Solskjaer can decide whom to push out in the summer, give time to his new signings and properly implement his structure over next season.

It’s not a race, but a marathon for United to regain long-lost glory. Solskjaer just needs to make sure they reach the finish line soon, having to make some tough decisions in determining how his Manchester United will operate going forward.

United fans, do you think Solskjaer needs total control over the squad to bring success? Join the discussion by commenting below…

Ashley Fletcher was sensational at Bolton on Tuesday night, and with his two-goal display, provided more ammunition for fans in their growing frustration at manager, Tony Pulis.

His refusal to play the 23-year-old more, or give him a long run in the team, has been something the fans have been vocal about during the recent bad run Boro’ have endured.

If the Teesside club do miss out on the play-offs, they will wonder why Pulis did not turn to the young striker earlier, despite his argument that the player’s age means he cannot play in every game.

Fletcher, who endured a tough time on loan at rivals Sunderland last season, was speaking today before the game against Hull on Saturday, which Pulis has already hinted he will start in.

He only scored two goals for the Black Cats during his temporary spell at the Stadium Of Light, but insists that, even when he was struggling for form, he “never ducked the issue” and it helped him “develop as a player”.

He said: “I think the experiences of last season have helped me, 100 per cent.

“In a weird way, it was definitely character building for me. I had to grow up a lot and handle a lot of things. The biggest thing was that I never ducked the issue, and that’s been important for helping me develop as a player.

“We all knew we were in trouble, but I didn’t hide away, and so whatever is thrown at me in the future, I know I can handle it and deal with it.

“As long as you go out there and give 100 per cent, that’s all you can influence as a player. That’s an important lesson I learned.”

His form recently with Boro’ has been anything but a struggle, however, and he will hope to see that continue by scoring against Hull this weekend, with fans eager for him succeed.

There has always been a big rivalry between Boro’ and their neighbours up the A19, and Fletcher’s comments on the Wearsiders promotion hopes this season may upset a few of the Riverside faithful, regardless of him having spent time there last season.

He added: “In a strange way, I have to thank Sunderland. I went there as their number nine, and it’s a huge club. I hope to see them back in the Championship next season.”

But his loyalties are well and truly on Boro’ now, and it will be interesting to see the decision Pulis makes if he puts in another good performance against Hull, particularly with the manager’s insistence that he needs rest between games.

The manager may be in for a torrid time if he leaves the young striker out again, and the following results go against them.

What do you think of Ashley Fletcher’s performance at Bolton on Tuesday? Do you agree he needs rest, or would you give him a decent run in the side? Let us know your thoughts…

Alfredo Morelos’ sending off in the Old Firm derby has landed him in hot water with Steven Gerrard once again. If the manager’s patience finally runs out, he should swoop for Huddersfield’s Karlan Ahearne-Grant.

The Rangers forward signed a new deal just last month, but his hot head could be his downfall at Ibrox with pundits such as Charlie Nicholas and Andy Gray suggested he should be sold. Steven Gerrard is earning a no-nonsense reputation with regard to the media and now he must be looking to do the same with his players, so that means the club should plan ahead so they don’t rely on him too much.

Ahearne-Grant has impressed in the Premier League since arriving in January, and that’s despite his club already being relegated. He’s scored three goals in seven and a further 14 in 28 for Charlton between August and January, proving his worth at all levels of the footballing pyramid.

The Scottish Sun claimed back at the start of the year that the Gers were interested, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they still were considering their main striker is unreliable, not in front of goal, but with his discipline. Indeed, if Rangers are to challenge for the title next season they need a reliable, on-form marksman.

Ahearne-Grant can be that insurance policy if Morelos’ attitude doesn’t improve. If anything, it’d be less of a risk than having Morelos as their sole main man.

The 21-year-old has a bright future ahead of him and surely he’d relish the chance to be managed by Steven Gerrard and maybe even pick up some silverware and become a club legend way before he would do playing for a Championship side or Premier League relegation fodder.

Simply put, if Gerrard doesn’t have the trust in Morelos, he should sign Ahearne-Grant to give Rangers a better chance of sustaining a title challenge next season.

Rangers fans, how do you think Alfredo Morelos’ career at Rangers will pan out? Join the discussion by commenting below.

Manchester United and Spurs are both looking ahead to potentially busy summers as they look to bring in new signings to the club.

The Red Devils and the London club will be looking to bring in players of suitable quality to keep their respective clubs progressing, and there’s a whole host of players who both clubs could be interested in signing.

One man who has emerged as a target for both clubs this weekend is Fulham starlet Ryan Sessegnon, who despite having a poor first season in the top flight is still seen as one of the most sought after talents in the country.

Sessegnon has plenty of talent, and could well be a victim of the demise of his club, but we here in the Tavern feel that both United and Spurs should be wary of spending too much money on a player who has so far seen little success in the Premier League.

The young winger was brilliant during the Cottager’s promotion season in the Championship, but it has simply not gone to plan for him in the top flight thus far.

And while the talent is clearly there, both at left back and left wing, it remains to be seen whether he can do it in the Premier League and perform to the standard that Champions League chasing clubs require.

Both clubs will be keen on investing in young talent for sure, but at the moment, ready made world class talents could be the order of the day, rather than players with nothing but big potential.

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Phil Neville has made the ridiculous assertion that Manchester United need to sign Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Eric Dier this summer, per Sky Sports.

Dier has struggled for form this season but Neville, the manager of the England Women’s team, believes that the 25-year-old should be on the club’s shortlist for the summer.

What’s the word?

Dier has been a key member of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad in recent seasons, making a total of 204 appearances for the club.

However, this season, Dier has struggled for form and consistency, enduring an injury-hit campaign.

He has completed 90 minutes 10 times in the Premier League, struggling with both appendicitis and tonsillitis.

Nevertheless, Neville believes that the England international would be a shrewd addition for United.

Asked by Sky Sports to name his dream signings for his former club, he said: “Eric Dier as the holding midfield player and Philippe Coutinho, who there has been a bit of speculation about.

“You have to have British players in a title-winning team. [Ander] Herrera, Fred and [Scott] McTominay are part of the squad. [Nemanja] Matic, this season, has had a dip.”

Has he watched Dier?

This is an absolutely ridiculous assertion from Neville.

Dier has endured a below-average season at best and a poor one at worst.

Per WhoScored, he averages a total of 1.5 tackles per game in the Premier League – this is a player who is routinely deployed in a defensive midfield role – as well as 1.3 fouls. He makes just 0.4 blocks across 90 minutes on average along with 0.9 interceptions.

In attack, he completes 0.1 dribbles across a game, meaning he may as well not carry the ball forward at all. He also has 0.4 shots per game, 0.4 key passes and has a pass completion rate of just 84.3%.

This is far from the elite central midfielder that United need.

As for the claim that a title-winning team needs a British player, that does not even bear unpicking, such is its sheer stupidity. But for argument’s sake, just two British players made 30+ Premier League appearances for Man City last season, and a mere four made above 17.

Liverpool continued their march towards a first Premier League title with a narrowly fought win over Fulham at Craven Cottage this weekend.

The Reds had a late penalty from James Milner to thank for handing them all three points, and the pressure is now back on rivals Man City to keep putting points on the board in what is sure to be an exciting finish to the Premier League season.

Manager Jurgen Klopp will be hopeful of landing that title and bringing success to Anfield, but we here in the Tavern also feel that the club need to be planning for the summer and making some big name signings to keep enhancing their squad.

And one man we feel would be a shrewd addition for the Reds is current Norwich City starlet, Max Aarons, who has been in fine form for the Canaries this season as they sit atop the Championship table.

While Norwich might well see themselves promoted come the end of the season, Aarons would be hard pressed to turn down a move to a club the size of Liverpool.

Despite playing at right back in the main, a position Liverpool do have options in, Aarons is a future star, and his ability to bomb down the wing, gold delivery, and adept defensive ability make him someone who is going to be a target for many top clubs.

Liverpool should therefore ensure they are at the head of that queue of clubs.