All posts by h716a5.icu

With Leeds United heading into the final day of the Premier League season knowing that, whatever happens elsewhere, they simply must pick up all three points against Brentford if they are to have any hope of securing survival, Jesse Marsch will undoubtedly already be plotting out his potential starting XI for the trip to west London.

And, with all of Stuart Dallas, Adam Forshaw, Tyler Robers and Crysencio Summerville being ruled out of Sunday’s fixture due to injury, while both Luke Ayling and Daniel James will also be sidelined as a result of suspension, it is true that some of the 48-year-old manager’s team selections pick themselves.

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This is not the case in attacking midfield – a position which the £58k-per-week Rodrigo usually fills. However, following the 31-year-old’s disastrous performance in the 1-1 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion last time out – not to mention a number of further disappointing displays in the weeks prior – whether or not Marsch will stick with the Spaniard this weekend is very much up in the air.

And, with Sam Greenwood sitting on the bench – a player who it is well known that Marsch is a huge fan of – it would seem as if the American coach not only possesses the answer to his attacking midfield conundrum for the Brentford game, but also following Rodrigo’s touted departure from Elland Road this summer.

Indeed, while it is true that the 20-year-old is naturally a centre-forward, he has often been deployed in the number 10 role for the U23s this season, striking up a deadly partnership with fellow Whites prodigy Joe Gelhardt in attack, with the duo having racked up a combined 16 goals and eight assists over 29 appearances for the Premier League 2 side.

And, regarding the positioning of Greenwood and Gelhardt, Marcelo Bielsa commented on the former’s ability to play a slightly deeper role, stating back in December: “His main position is as a centre forward. Normally he plays in conjunction with Gelhardt in the team.

“Gelhardt is a player that when he is close to the box is very dangerous and Greenwood is a player who has a lot of capacity to arrive into the free spaces. They can play either with Gelhardt in front and Greenwood behind or the other way round.”

As such, with it looking likely that Gelhardt will once again be deployed at centre-forward in the potential absence of Patrick Bamford this weekend, Marsch could well take advantage of the chemistry developed between the youngsters by deploying the “phenomenal” 49-goal Greenwood behind his U23 striking partner.

Indeed, with Rodrigo having been “non-existent” – in the words of Michael Dawson – in recent weeks, Greenwood would very much appear to be the man to take Leeds forward in attacking midfield – not only on Sunday but for the foreseeable future.

AND in other news: Huge blow: Leeds dealt fresh setback in relegation fight, supporters will be gutted

Newcastle United are reportedly now eyeing up a move for Eddie Nketiah this summer.

The Lowdown: Out of contract

The 22-year-old is out of contract in the summer and Arsenal have reportedly now made their final offer in order to try and convince him to remain at the Emirates Stadium.

Dubbed a player with an ‘incredible work-rate’, ‘pace’ and a ‘smell for goals’ by Gunners boss Mikel Arteta (Sportskeeda), the striker scored five goals in his last seven games in the Premier League, helping his team to secure five wins in the process (Transfermarkt).

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The Latest: Newcastle lurking for Nketiah

Taking to Twitter, Luke Edwards has revealed that Newcastle are now watching Nketiah’s situation ‘closely’, along with Crystal Palace.

Addressing the Arsenal man’s future, The Telegraph journalist outlined: “#nufc are also watching this situation closely and the player is good friends with Joe Willock.”

The Verdict: No-brainer

It is a no-brainer for Newcastle to sign Nketiah on a free transfer, especially given the fact that he is English (therefore contributing towards homegrown quota), in a rich vein of form and only 22 years of age.

He could be a great squad option to supplement both Callum Wilson and Chris Wood in attack, and if it did not work out at St James’ Park for whatever reason, the Magpies could still sell him on for a profit.

Nonetheless, with his friend and former Arsenal team-mate Willock on Tyneside, Nketiah should be able to settle in fairly comfortably should he end up making the move to the northeast.

In other news, find out what NUFC deal is reportedly now ‘close’

Celtic will likely be working hard on sealing a new contract for Ange Postecoglou imminently, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Ange working wonders

The Australian took charge at Parkhead last summer and has enjoyed an incredible start to life at the club, proving to be a hugely influential figure.

The 56-year-old won both the Premiership and Scottish League Cup in his maiden campaign in Scotland, quickly winning over many Celtic fans in the process as the Hoops put the misery of 2020/21 firmly behind them.

Worryingly, his one-year deal expires on Tuesday, so a new contract needs to be sorted almost immediately.

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The Latest: New deal imminent?

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke claimed that the Celtic hierarchy will already be hard at work behind the scenes to ensure that Postecoglou does not leave any time soon. The journalist stated:

“Celtic are hoping to build on this season and hopefully have Postecoglou around for quite a few years, so I’m sure talks will be ongoing right now to secure the Australian on a long-term contract and reward him for the success he’s had so far.”

The Verdict: Simply has to happen

Frankly, the thought of Postecoglou suddenly leaving Celtic doesn’t even bear thinking about, considering the massive success he has already enjoyed in Glasgow.

It would be a huge surprise if that were to happen, though, and it is surely just a case of the manager and the club agreeing terms on a deal in the coming days, especially with the 56-year-old recently speaking glowingly about his time in Scotland so far.

Postecoglou seems happy at Parkhead and has Champions League football coming his way next season – the hope is that this is just the start for him at Celtic.

In other news, Celtic are eyeing up a move for a Championship player. Find out who it is here.

Former Premier League striker Kevin Campbell has been reacting to Aston Villa’s  reported interest in Luis Suarez, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Move off?

Villa have already brought in two new players in Boubacar Kamara and Diego Carlos, while also making Phillipe Coutinho and Robin Olsen’s loan moves permanent.

Next up on Steven Gerrard’s wish list could be an attacking signing, with Suarez under consideration by Villa, according to The Athletic.

The Uruguayan – who played alongside the 42-year-old at Liverpool, scoring 69 goals in 110 Premier League games – is a free agent after being released by Atletico Madrid. However, according to the BBC’s Phil McNulty, the 35-year-old ‘will not be coming to Villa Park’.

The Latest: Campbell’s comments on Suarez

Campbell, who previously played for the likes of Arsenal and Everton and now contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider regarding Villa and Suarez.

He still can see a move to the Midlands materialising despite McNulty’s update, claiming that the striker’s ‘instinct is still there’.

However, Campbell did cite reservations over Suarez’s veteran status, saying:

“Listen, he’s not got the legs and he’s not the player that he once was.

“But I’ll tell you one thing, if you create chances for him he will take them. That instinct is still there.

“He hasn’t got that fitness, that sharpness that he once had, that relentless effort but he’s still a schemer.

“A couple of seasons ago, when they won La Liga, he was the top man, the top goalscorer. That just goes to show that he knows where the goal is.

“Villa do create a lot of chances, that is one thing that they do.

“Could I see it happening? Yes, I could see it happening. A couple of seasons with Suarez in and around the team I think would be a good team for Villa.”

The Verdict: Watkins and Ings going nowhere for now

Villa’s two senior strikers, Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings, have been linked with summer exits in recent weeks. However, with no immediate sign of another centre-forward coming in – especially Suarez – it may be wise to keep hold of the pair over the coming weeks before giving the green light to any potential sale.

Gerrard could still end up landing a star striker prior to his first full season in charge in the Midlands, which may then change things when it comes to Watkins and Ings. However, with the Villa manager finding success in a system using two centre-forwards, it would be wise to keep them around for now, especially following this Suarez transfer twist.

In other news: ‘Incomings…’ – Chief reporter drops what Villa supporters should now ‘expect’ after Olsen move

Injury expert Ben Dinnery has been reacting to Manchester United’s move for head of athletic development Matt Walker, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Walker joining Man United

United may not have made any first-team signings for Erik ten Hag as of yet, but the club have agreed a deal to bring in Walker, formerly of Cambridge United.

He has joined the club as head of athletic development and will work closely with United’s youth teams ranging from the under-17s to under-23s.

He was hailed as doing an ‘exceptional job’ with Cambridge as head of performance, and Dinnery believes that a move for Walker is an ‘important’ one for the Red Devils.

The Latest: Dinnery reacts to Walker appointment

Dinnery, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider regarding United’s move to bring in Walker.

The injury expert described it as ‘absolutely massive’ and a ‘fantastic role’, going into detail on Walker’s role with the crop of academy stars:

“Walker is working at an age group where kids are developing into adults.

“You have that transitional phase. You’re moving from functional training to a very serious, goal-driven style of training. You need to understand why you’re doing what you’re doing and the wider picture behind it.

“You need to look at the development and long-term impact of playing in competitive sports. To move on to the next level, these guys in the coaching department are pivotal.

“Without that foundational model and those building blocks, the players are going to be ill-prepared. It’s massive, absolutely massive. It’s important to get that right, and it’s a fantastic role to work with those young people.”

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The Verdict: Good to see

United lifted the FA Youth Cup for the 11th time last month and their first since 2011, defeating Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford in front of more than 67,000 supporters.

It’s clear to see that an exciting crop of future stars are coming through at Carrington, so bringing in someone like Walker to help with the physical transition seems to be a wise move.

The step up to the first team nowadays is huge, so having a head of athletic development in the academy could prove to be a smart decision which goes under the radar in an Old Trafford rebuild under Ten Hag.

In other news: Sky Sports relay big Man Utd news as Ten Hag plots move for English star

Midlands journalist Josh Holland has claimed at least three first-team Aston Villa stars could all leave this summer. 

The lowdown: Swift operators

Villa have already shown their hand in a big way this summer having completed deals for Diego Carlos, Boubacar Kamara, Robin Olsen and Philippe Coutinho, all following the eye-catching January signing of Lucas Digne from Premier League rivals Everton.

More incomings are expected at Villa Park as Steven Gerrard attempts to build his own squad having taken over from Dean Smith midway through the 2021/22 campaign.

However, one journalist has shed some fresh light on the other side of the coin as the club potentially look to balance the books with some outgoings…

The latest: Trio named

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Holland suggested that Douglas Luiz, Danny Ings and Morgan Sanson could all be facing uncertain futures as Villans.

He explained: “I think they could be in trouble. Douglas Luiz, Sanson and Ings, they are my three that I think we could see moving away from Villa Park.”

The verdict: One out two in

Valued at a combined £63.9million (Transfermarkt), ownership group NSWE could feasibly recoup a vast proportion of their expenditure and in turn, further furnish the budget by selling the aforementioned trio.

However, only signed last summer for £25million and under contract until 2024 (Sky Sports), the departure of Ings seems highly unlikely at this juncture as Gerrard will be looking to the proven goalscorers in the squad to drive a charge up the table next season.

Keeping hold of Luiz meanwhile could prove a difficult task however as the Brazilian has been the subject of interest from Arsenal previously having made great strides since joining Villa.

Despite being under terms until 2025, Sanson could well be free to leave the club in the summer after the French midfielder made just ten outings under Gerrard, starting on three occasions.

In other news, Aston Villa are eyeing a Champions League star Gerrard saw up close on a scouting trip. 

Leeds United have been linked with a move for 18-year-old Manchester City midfielder Romeo Lavia.

What’s the news?

According to Phil Hay of The Athletic, Leeds “are interested” in the midfielder, as they look to strengthen that area of the squad ahead of next season.

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It’s suggested that Man City are unlikely to sell but he could be used in a deal for Kalvin Phillips

The next Phillips

As a product of Anderlecht’s youth system, the Belgian joined City’s U18 side back in the 2020 summer transfer window.

Since then, the midfielder has gone on to make 60 appearances for the Manchester club across their senior and youth sides, chipping in with two goals and five assists along the way.

Back in September, Vincent Kompany had this to say about the youngster and his attributes on the pitch.

He said: “He [Lavia] picked up a lot and showed that he is aggressive in recovering the ball and while also being calm on the ball.”

After completing his first and only full 90 minutes in a senior game for the Citizens during their 6-1 win over Wycombe Wanderers in the Carabao Cup, the Manchester Evening News said that Lavia “clearly likes a tackle, and his passes over the top and through the lines were Fernandinho-esque.”

This particular side of his game could make him the ideal heir to Leeds midfielder Phillips, who has been linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium this summer.

With 49 Premier League appearances under his belt, the England international has won 87 tackles in total, in addition to having a rating of 97/100 for his tackling ability according to FBref.

Taking this into account, despite still only being a teenager, the £1.8m-rated City youngster certainly has the talent to become a fully-fledged Premier League player.

Also, having spent time around the City first team and trained alongside their senior players under the coaching of Pep Guardiola will have undeniably been beneficial for Lavia and his knowledge of the game.

This could not only make him a suitable long-term replacement for Phillips if he leaves this summer, but also an exciting prospect for the Leeds fans to have in their team.

If the Whites see an opportunity to negotiate a deal for Lavia with City, then they should definitely test the waters to see if they would be willing to let the midfielder leave.

In other news: Leeds now given the green light to sign “massive” £34m gem, Marsch will be buzzing

The future of Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling looks set to be one of the major stories of the current transfer window, with fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur emerging as a potential destination.

What’s the word?

That’s according to journalist Graeme Bailey – speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast – who revealed that Spurs are still in the equation, despite the recent reports that the Englishman is of interest to London rivals, Chelsea.

Asked about the 27-year-old’s future, he stated: “Tottenham are in this as well. I’m told Harry Kane might be doing some background work here, might be trying to persuade his England teammate,

“They play very well together these two. So if he’s considering Chelsea, why wouldn’t he consider Tottenham. I’d take Tottenham seriously and they can offer Champions League football.”

Previous reports have also suggested that manager Antonio Conte is keen on bringing in the pacy wideman, with the player set to cost in the region of around £50m, despite having just a year remaining on his existing deal.

Explosive duo

Despite previously hinting at his desire to play in Spain, Sterling could well be seriously considering a move to another Premier League club this summer, with it looking as if his hugely successful spell at City is coming to an end.

Signed from Liverpool in a controversial £49m deal in 2015, the diminutive gem has gone on to score 131 goals and provide 95 assists in 339 games in all competitions for his current side, while his total Premier League career tally now sits at 109 goals and 56 assists in 320 games, across his spells at both clubs.

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Transformed from an exciting young talent into a prolific world-beater by Pep Guardiola, the £63m-rated machine has developed into one of the most lethal forwards both in the division and in Europe, having reached double figures for league goals in each of the past five seasons.

Equally, at international level, the “lethal” marksman – as described by Roger Bennett – has plundered 19 goals from his 77 appearances, notably netting three goals in England’s run to the European Championship final last summer.

A star attraction for his country in that tournament, the £200k-per-week predator has since been reduced unfairly to something of a backup role at club level, albeit while proving instrumental in the champions’ final day comeback victory over Aston Villa, registering an assist off the bench to help spark the dramatic turnaround.

Such an impact served as a reminder of his quality, with the “explosive” talent, as dubbed by commentator Glenn Davis, deserving of a more enhanced role elsewhere – something that Conte and co can no doubt offer.

As Bailey alluded to, there could also be the chance to rekindle what has become a blossoming partnership under Gareth Southgate between Sterling and Harry Kane, with the national team having become almost overly reliant on the goalscoring exploits of the pair.

Two of arguably only a handful of almost guaranteed starters for the Three Lions, the pair have dovetailed nicely in attack of late, with the City man providing that dynamic, attacking threat from either flank, while Kane takes on that deeper, playmaking role that has become his trademark.

The chance to replicate that duo for the Lilywhites should be hugely attractive for both Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici, with signing the Jamaica-born ace set to be another statement of intent in what has already proven an impressive window.

AND in other news: Paratici could seal “unreal” signing as Spurs now plot late bid for £225k-p/w target

Everton have been linked with a move for Steven Bergwijn this summer, and now there has been an update on the club’s progress in pursuit of the player.

What’s the latest?

According to Dutch news outlet De Telegraaf, Everton have tabled an offer to the Tottenham Hotspur attacker that is much more lucrative than what Ajax have put forward.

As per the report, the Toffees are making their fourth attempt to tempt Bergwijn with a move to Goodison Park this summer and seem willing to meet the transfer fee that has been requested by Tottenham Hotspur.

Lampard needs him badly

With the speculation surrounding Richarlison’s exit ramping up, Frank Lampard will be on the lookout for potential replacements who can come in and make an instant impact in the side, and the manager needs an attacker like Bergwijn badly.

The Dutch winger has had limited game time at Spurs as Bergwijn made 32 appearances in all competitions last term, averaging just 27 minutes per game, but during his appearances has shown glimpses of his talents and capabilities that could be a great asset at Goodison Park next season.

The £20m magician who was hailed “unique” by Nuno Espirito Santo, scored three goals, delivered one assist and created one big chance, with a pass accuracy of 88% in his own half over 25 appearances in the Premier League.

Bergwijn is also a consistent performer for his national team with 22 appearances, six goals and two assists, but Netherlands manager Louis Van Gaal has been concerned over the player’s lack of game-time.

Van Gaal claimed: “You don’t develop form at the Dutch national team, but at the club. Only not Bergwijn.”

“I can no longer maintain that players who play little at their club are no longer drafted into Oranje. Unlike twenty years ago, we are dealing with a generation that maintains itself well. That’s why it’s about the quality of the player.”

With that being said, Bergwijn will be desperate to find consistent game-time and first-team football in order to get into the World Cup squad at the end of this year, something Everton may be able to provide if Richarlison leaves the club this summer.

Lampard will be wanting to get his squad together in time to have a good pre-season to prepare for the Premier League season ahead, and Bergwijn could become a key player in Everton’s efforts to have a better campaign next season.

AND in other news: “My understanding”: Alan Myers drops Everton transfer update, supporters will love it

Rangers were struck down with an unfortunate blow last term when Alfredo Morelos suffered a season-ending thigh injury while away from Ibrox on international duty.

As a result, Giovanni van Bronckhorst had to turn to Kemar Roofe to help see out the campaign in the Colombian’s absence, before he then missed several matches through an injury of his own.

In 21 Premiership appearances, nine of which he started, the Jamaican scored 10 goals but didn’t manage to provide a single assist for his team.

Now that the season has ended and the summer transfer window is open, this could give Ross Wilson the chance to find a suitable upgrade on Roofe.

One player with whom the Gers have been linked previously and who could fit this particular bill is Sunderland striker Ross Stewart.

Having started his career in Scotland and played for the likes of St Mirren and Ross County, the striker joined the Wearside outfit in January 2021. Since then, the 25-year-old has found the net 29 times in 65 games for the Black Cats, supplying five assists in the process.

Last season saw the Scotsman score 26 goals in 49 League One appearances including the play-offs, showing just how important he was in the Wearside club’s promotion to the Championship.

In fact, only three other players in the division racked up more shots on target than Stewart (56) throughout the campaign.

In Roofe’s 45 Premiership games for Rangers over the past two seasons, the 29-year-old has had 92 shots at goal. In Stewart’s 46 regular-season league games in 2021/22, he had 130 in total. This shows just how much of a threat he is and why he could be a better option for the Light Blues than the Jamaican.

Praised by James McFadden in the past for his “exceptional” work rate, the Sunderland centre-forward could reportedly cost the Gers £5m this summer.

With all this in mind, while it would be safe to assume that the Black Cats would want to keep hold of their star striker to help them navigate their way through the Championship next season. However, Rangers should be doing all they can to bring him back to Scotland and try to help them regain the Premiership title.

AND in other news: Rangers leading the race to sign teenage “prospect”, Van Bronckhorst will be excited