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Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has told BT Sport that he has no regrets about turning down a move to Arsenal in the summer.

What’s been said?

The England international was at the centre of a big transfer story at the end of last season, with the Gunners keen to poach him from the King Power Stadium.

Vardy was instrumental in the Foxes’ historic Premier League title win, scoring 24 top-flight goals to help his team take the crown with a 10-point margin.

The speculation dominated the headlines, but instead of making the move to North London, Vardy penned a new long-term contract with the champions.

It was unrealistic for Leicester to sustain another title challenge this season, but not many would have predicted how far they have tumbled.

Claudio Ranieri’s men are one point above the relegation zone after winning just five of their 25 league games so far this season.

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Vardy has also struggled to replicate his 2015-16 form, scoring just six goals in all competitions.

Although, he will hope that netting his first Champions League goal in Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Sevilla in the last-16 clash will kickstart a positive run.

Life could have been very different for Vardy had he taken up the offer to join Arsene Wenger’s side, but he maintains that he made the right decision.

When asked by BT Sport if he had any regrets about not joining Arsenal, the 30-year-old replied:

“None whatsoever.”

Was Vardy wrong to snub Arsenal?

The benefit of hindsight tells us that he should probably regret not taking up the offer of signing for the Gunners.

At the time of the interest there may have been a sense of abandonment had Vardy moved on so soon after winning the league.

It may not have put him in the best light, but on the other hand, it is not every day that a former non-league player has an opportunity to join one of the biggest clubs around.

The forward would have had to have stood out in an Arsenal team that boasts the attacking presence of Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud, and taking into account how Lucas Perez is struggling for minutes, Vardy may have spent most of his time on the bench.

The bottom line, though, is that Arsenal have a chance of playing Champions League football next season, while Leicester could be fighting it out in the Championship.

If that transpires, it is difficult to see Vardy attracting interest from many big clubs in the future.

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Is he the worst referee in the Premier League? Former referee’s chief Keith Hackett seems to think so.

In an article written in The Telegraph back in November, Hackett called into question Roger East’s ability to hack it in the Premier League. After failing to give a penalty against Ryan Shawcross for a clear foul on Callum Wilson on 19th November, East was roundly criticised and even dropped from officiating in the Premier League, finding himself relegated down the divisions.

His 111 yellow cards given in just 25 games all season means he gives 4.4 yellow cards per game, a rate far higher than most Premier League referees. Having only taken charge of six games in the top division this season, though, East’s rate drops significantly when you only take into account those games at the highest level.

His red card rate, on the other hand, is the highest in the league, as is his propensity to give penalties. East has given penalties this season at a rate of more than one every two games, as well as two cards in his six outings. That means only two thirds of his games don’t involve a red: if your team kept that rate over an entire season, you could expect to rack up around 13 red cards a season.

If West Ham and Leicester fans weren’t already worried about East’s stats coming into their game this weekend, however, perhaps the Hammers will spot one stat that seems to really stand against them: although home teams win most of the games in the Premier League, when East is in charge, exactly half the games he officiates end in away wins. Only one third of his games have ended in home wins.

That’s the kind of stat you would usually expect to find reversed to reflect home advantage. And as the home team this weekend, West Ham will have to make sure they control the game themselves rather than end up at the mercy of a dodgy decision.

It’s clear that the stats don’t make great reading, but it should be pointed out that East has only taken charge of one Premier League game since his nightmare in November. That was on January 31st, when he was in the middle of Swansea’s 2-1 win over Southampton, drawing only two yellow cards all game in a fairly serene outing. He hasn’t given a red card in any competition since December 3rd.

Perhaps some time refereeing down the divisions and away from the spotlight has helped East rediscover his form and get back into his groove. Perhaps his rough start to the season was just the refereeing equivalent of the turbulent starts both West Ham and Leicester have had themselves. And perhaps Saturday’s game is about redemption for all involved: pretty much everyone on the pitch at the London Stadium this weekend will be hoping they’ve turned their seasons around.

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Premier League champions-elect Chelsea are undoubtedly one of the most cosmopolitan teams in world football, able to attract players from all over the globe to come and play for the Blues.

Still, other than the signing of Matt Miazga from New Red Bulls last season, the American market remains relatively untapped in west London and, with Visit Britain running an exciting competition to bring the biggest Super Fan in the world over to England, which MLS stars could follow suit?

With that in mind, here are five MLS players Chelsea should target this summer…

Sebastian Giovinco

Arguably the best player to ever ply his trade across the pond, the Italian has worked with Antonio Conte with the national side. Many thought the former Juventus man was throwing away his top-level career when he moved to Toronto FC, though he’s been an absolute sensation in Canada.

Could be a cheap Eden Hazard alternative.

Justin Morrow

Giovinco’s Toronto teammate Justin Morrow could be another wise addition to Conte’s cause at Stamford Bridge. The 29-year-old is unlikely to pull up any trees, though has shown a pulsating ability to get up and down the flanks in the full-back role and could fit seamlessly into a 3-4-3.

Ronald Matarrita

Sticking with the full-back theme, New York City FC star Ronald Matarrita could be a younger option. One of the toughest tackling laterals in the MLS, the Costa Rican could well be moulded into a Premier League regular.

Cyle Larin

Another youngster, Orlando City forward Cyle Larin is certainly making a name for himself in Flordia, with over 30 league goals already to his name. If Diego Costa does leave Stamford Bridge, perhaps Larin could be a clever alternative.

Andre Blake

With Asmir Begovic touted as a potential exit for the Blues this summer, they’ll need to acquire a decent back-up ‘keeper, with a busier schedule next year. With that in mind, they could do far worse than Andre Blake of Philadelphia Union to plug that gap.

So, think you have what is takes to enter and win the competition? Click the link below for more details.

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West Ham United supporters have not had an easy time of it this season, and their frustrations continued on Wednesday night when watching their team lose to Arsenal.

Slaven Bilic’s side were underdogs heading into the encounter, but they failed to cause an upset as Arsenal ran out 3-0 winners.

The defeat was their 16th of the season and fifth consecutive one, which has left the club 15th in the Premier League table, five points adrift of the relegation zone.

It is a far cry from last season’s form, which resulted in a seventh-place finish.

In fact, the team have only managed to win nine of their 31 top-flight fixtures and with seven games left to play, some fans are concerned that the club could get dragged into the relegation zone.

It has been a big season of change for the Hammers as they moved into the London Stadium last summer and were forced to sell their best player Dimitri Payet in January after he refused to play for the club again.

After the team’s latest defeat, West Ham fans aired their frustrated views on Twitter.

The honeymoon period is over for Pedro Caixinha and Rangers. The optimism of the previous three weeks came crashing to an end on Saturday after a disappointing draw at home to Motherwell all but ended their hopes of hauling in Aberdeen in second place.They are now ten points behind the Dons and while almost none of that gap is the fault of Caixinha, supporters were still disappointed to see the inconsistent form continue after a bright performance against Hamilton.The fixtures roll on and this week is a big one for the Gers with two away matches likely to make or completely break their league season. Six points from their next two matches against Kilmarnock and Aberdeen are absolute musts, slip up and they should probably start looking below them instead of upwards.The match against Kilmarnock is not going to be easy. Lee McCulloch’s side will fancy their chances of getting a result despite the fact that on paper, Rangers should be romping to a win. Why?Here are threeÂreasons why Killie are well placed to pile more misery on the Govan giants…

They’ve already held Rangers this season

Back when things were way different at Ibrox, they travelled to Rugby Park in August full of optimism for the season ahead. However, even then there were warning signs that this season may not be one full of joy for the Light Blues.

Held to a 1-1 draw at Kilmarnock, Rangers had to come from behind to salvage a point after a Kris Boyd opener. James Tavernier hit the vital free-kick to earn a result although it was a match that the Gers really should have won.

Killie played half an hour with ten men, after a shocking Greg Taylor challenge on Joey Barton, but resisted Warburton’s men and managed to hold on for a vital point.

The two sides are surprisingly different heading into this match given we are in the same season but the core of the Killie side that day will take confidence from the early season result and it could play a factor in determining the winner on Wednesday.

Undefeated in three

Kilmarnock actually find themselves in pretty decent form and appear to have more chance of cracking the top six than being relegated, which was a fear of theirs earlier in the season.

With fellow top six contenders Partick Thistle away to Celtic with little hope of a result, a win against Rangers would put them within a point of the top half, giving them a fighting chance of a finance boosting end to the season.

Undefeated in their last three matches, they have two wins, two losses and two defeats in their last six. It’s mid-table form for sure, but enough to potentially cause Rangers some problems, especially when you consider they ran Aberdeen very close in one of those defeats.

Can they stake a claim for a top six finish with a scalp of the Gers?

They already know the team

Pedro Caixinha took the bizarre step of naming his side almost 31 hours before kick-off on Tuesday. In a step that will be much discussed in the Scottish media over the next while, the new boss cared little for tradition in Scottish football, revealing the team at a press conference.

Whether it goes down as a stroke of genius or a fatal flaw remains to be seen but it certainly feels like a risk considering there are a few surprises thrown in. The likes of David Bates and Myles Beerman featuring could have thrown Killie off a bit in the lead-up to the match but now they have time to focus on those players in particular and scout for any weaknesses with footage.

It’s certainly got people talking anyway. Does this matter? Or is it all about application on the evening?

At least Kilmarnock know exactly what they’re up against, in our book that feels like an advantage.

Rangers have a lot of work to do this summer if they are to get back to where they want to be in Scottish football. A dreadful transfer window last year is arguably what set them back so much this season, some of the fall-out having a massive impact on morale at the club.

High profile signings like Joey Barton simply didn’t work out and the likes of Joe Garner, who cost a fair bit of money, didn’t live up to their price tag.

Assuming that Rangers chief Dave King follows through on his promise of investment this summer, Pedro Caixinha has an interesting few months ahead as he decides what kind of team he wants to assemble.

Whether he uses his contacts on the continent, in Mexico or in the Middle East remains to be seen, we could see players from all over the world arrive. That uncertainty about players is always exciting for fans but we reckon supporters might appreciated some more well known names coming to Ibrox.

Here are four players currently doing the business in Scottish football that we feel Rangers need in order to improve…

Jamie Walker

Currently having a fantastic season at Hearts, Jamie Walker would be a good shout for Player Of The Year awards if Celtic had not been so dominant this season.

Scoring a massive 15 goals, he’s been the driving force behind everything good at the Tynecastle club this season. Admittedly their season has gone off the rails but the 23 year old has shown enough about him that it would be a near certainty he’d be a success at Ibrox.

His dynamic displays in attacking midfield would give Rangers a cutting edge they simply don’t possess right now. Walker has a ruthlessness that makes fantastic players stand out from the ordinary and surrounded by even better players in Glasgow, could have a monster season next term.

Jason Cummings

Everyone is expecting Jason Cummings to make the next step up in his career sometime soon after a four season spell with Hibernian. Three of those have been spent in the Championship and in that time Cummings has forged a reputation for himself as one of the deadliest strikers in Scotland.

He’s scored 20+ goals for the third successive season while, of course, it has been against lower league competition, nobody would bet against him replicating that in the Scottish Premiership next season whether with it’s the about-to-be promote Hibs or with a team like Rangers.

He could even be destined for a move to English football but the Gers should show ambition and make their move to replace the ageing Kenny Miller, another player that a long time ago you’ll remember they also signed from the Easter Road club.

Callum Paterson

Currently out with a lengthy injury, Callum Paterson has been one of Hearts most impressive prospects over the last few years and is tipped to have a big future in the game.

His contract is up at the end of the season and despite talks with the Tynecastle club, has yet to agree terms on a new deal.

He would be an excellent and solid option on the right hand side to replace James Tavernier, who Rangers fans are growing increasingly impatient with after a series of indisciplined displays at right-back.

Paterson also has a natural tendency to attack from that position but has the discipline to also be an effective force in defence, something noted by Scotland manager Gordon Strachan, who has given the 22 year international caps.

On a free, he could be a very fine acquisition on the cheap, allowing Caixinha to use resources to strengthen in more areas of the team.

John McGinn

Like Jason Cummings, John McGinn is hailed as one of the top prospects in Scottish football despite plying his trade in the Scottish Championship with Hibs. He is undoubtedly capable of playing beyond that level and like another player on this list, Callum Paterson, has been given caps by Scotland manager Gordon Strachan.

Hibs are unlikely to want to give him up given his importance to their team, he is the beating heart of Neil Lennon’s side, however the pull of Rangers is strong, even though they’ve had a dire season and the chance to play in front of 50,000 fans every week could be tempting for the young Scot.

He’s definitely a player that could bring Pedro Caixinha’s team to the next level in the middle of the park.

It is sometimes easy to forget that just 16 months ago, Rafael Benitez held arguably the most coveted managerial position in world football. And while has tenure at Real Madrid was somewhat indifferent, the Spaniard still held his own at the very height of his industry.

It was therefore a surprise to many in the footballing community when Benitez agreed to join Newcastle in January 2016, with the seemingly impossible task of retaining their Premier League status. While the 57-year-old failed to accomplish this, he agreed to take charge of the Toon Army in the Championship at the hope of an immediate return to the top flight.

After a squad overhaul and a long and tiresome campaign, Newcastle have returned to the top flight as Champions of England’s second tier and the Toom Army have voiced their appreciation for having a manager of the calibre of Benitez at the helm.

Fans took to Twitter to have their say on Rafa…

According to reports from Mirror Football, Manchester City and Manchester United could go head-to-head for the services of Benfica goalkeeper Ederson during the summer transfer window.

Both Manchester giants could be set for a rejig of their goalkeeping options this summer. David De Gea’s future at Old Trafford is unclear whilst Claudio Bravo and Willy Caballero have struggled to convince for City this term and Torino loanee Joe Hart looks set to be sold.

Ederson has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising goalkeepers this season, helping Benfica clinch the Primeira Liga title, and at just 23 years of age represents a promising long-term investment.

And with both clubs keen on the uncapped Brazilian, winning the race for his signature could have a big bearing on next season’s Premier League title race – one club bagging one of the best glovesmen in Europe whilst forcing their rivals to settle for a lesser alternative.

So, United fans, does your club need to beat City to Ederson’s services this summer or should Jose Mourinho be targeting someone else? Let us know by voting below…

According to an interview with Bet Stars, via HITC, former Tottenham Hotspur defender Sol Campbell believes Spurs should look to sign Celtic striker Moussa Dembele and Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos this summer if they are to reach the next level.

For the second season running Spurs narrowly missed out on winning the Premier League title despite an outstanding campaign in which they scored the most goals, had the best defence and had the Golden Boot winner – Harry Kane – in their ranks.

With Champions League group stage football to come again next term, Mauricio Pochettino will know that he needs to strengthen his squad again this summer if they are to compete for the top flight title and in Europe.

Campbell, who controversially left White Hart Lane to join arch-rivals Arsenal in 2001, believes that Celtic marksman and former Fulham star would provide some decent competition for Kane following an impressive campaign for the Bhoys in which he scored 32 goals in 46 matches in all competitions.

The 42-year-old told Bet Stars: “He can play anywhere. He breaks the line, he’s very good at going forward and dragging defenders into areas where they don’t want to go.

“He’s got a good nous in front of goal as well, so I think he could definitely make a difference to Tottenham as they compete in four competitions next season.”

While Dembele would be a realistic addition this summer, it would be a huge statement of intent if they persuaded Real Madrid star Toni Kroos to move to north London.

The Germany international has enjoyed another outstanding season for the La Liga champions, providing 12 assists and creating a further 68 chances to help them beat Barcelona to the title.

His 92% passing accuracy is particularly impressive, and it would certainly be difficult to prise the 27-year-old away from the Bernabeu right now.

That hasn’t stopped Campbell suggesting Spurs make their move for Kroos though.

He added:  “He has passing ability and defensive ability as well, but he can also find that splitting pass going forward.

“I think that type of player can make a huge difference for Tottenham, especially at Champions League level, when you need that experienced player who can make the difference.”

On Thursday evening, Kyle Walker posted an epic image on Instagram thanking Tottenham fans for their support this season.

While in any normal situation, this post may not indicate anything in particular, the fact that Walker has posted this on the same day as Manchester City have released two more of their full-backs after Pablo Zabaleta has fuelled the ever-growing speculation that the Spurs man is on his way to the Etihad Stadium imminently.

Walker, 26, has been linked with a move to Manchester for some time, with Pep Guardiola expected to improve his full-back areas at City. A number of other factors have increased speculation of late, including the emergence of Kieran Trippier at Spurs, along with City releasing both of their right-backs.

Now, Walker’s Instagram post has seemingly all but confirmed the move to Spurs fans, who took to Twitter to react to the heartfelt message the player left on his social media…