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In the end, Leeds United’s first game of the new Premier League season turned into a nightmare.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side were thrashed 5-1 at Old Trafford by Manchester United, with the Whites blown away by a rampant attack led by a Bruno Fernandes hat-trick.

The Leeds manager had to make one significant pre-match call over Kalvin Phillips, leaving his talismanic midfielder on the bench given his lack of fitness. In his place, Robin Koch started in the anchor man role, and it was a position with which he never really got to grips whatsoever.

As per Sofascore, he was dribbled past twice over the course of the game (only Luke Ayling was beaten more) and managed just two tackles as United’s midfielders overran him and were too quick for him. In possession, Koch really struggled, completing just 78% of his passes, providing no key passes and actually having 17 fewer touches than goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

At half-time, former Leeds and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand tore into the German’s positioning on BT Sport’s live coverage, saying that his marking was “criminal” in allowing one of the most dangerous players in the Premier League in Fernandes to spin off him for the home side’s opening goal.

Writing on Twitter, The Athletic’s Phil Hay said: “Not the only difference but Koch and Leeds haven’t been able to contain Fernandes. Was apparent in the first half too. Tough last half-hour coming up. #lufc”

Given that Bielsa trusted him to play the Phillips role in the middle of the park, Koch’s performance was nothing short of a shambles.

He looked all at sea defensively and didn’t have the composure in possession which the England international usually brings to the table either.

It was just an embarrassing display all round from Koch, and one which again shows why Leeds desperately need to sign some genuine quality cover for Phillips in the engine room.

Meanwhile, Leeds must finally sign this long-term Bielsa target…

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans are buzzing after Sky Sports dropped claim involving Liverpool defender Nathaniel Phillips.

Irons boss David Moyes is on the look out for centre-halves this summer as after the departure of Fabian Balbuena on a free transfer, with reports suggesting that is one of his main priorities.

West Ham face a difficult 2021/2022 season as they gear up to take part in the Europa League group stages and the club need to strengthen in key areas.

Sky Sports, dropping a claim on live TV (via Football Daily), now say that West Ham are one of the teams interested in signing Phillips this summer alongside Brighton, Burnley and Newcastle United.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-news/” title=”West Ham news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

In reaction to this news, many Hammers fans have been left overjoyed in social media and believe he could be a brilliant signing.

According to WhoScored, out of Liverpool’s entire squad, Phillips averaged the most clearances per 90 (4.8) and won the most aerial duels (5.6) – leaving little wonder why some of these supporters believe he could be ‘perfect’.

Find all of their best verdicts, in reply to Westham_hub and West Ham Transfers, down below.

West Ham fans buzz over Phillips claim

“Yes! Perfect cb for us”

Credit: @Irons_Stuff

“Imagine”

Credit: @joe_matt6_13

“Happily take him here. Was solid against us, and nearly every time I’ve watched him.”

Credit: @Lawrenceee_B

“Yes please”

Credit: @whu_cal

“He’s perfect for us, hope we get it done”

Credit: @RobWaldon

“YESSSS SUIIIIIIII”

Credit: @USAWestHamUSA

“Now I like this”

Credit: @TalkinWestHam

“I really like this signing if I’m honest”

Credit: @DNXN90

In other news: ‘What a day’, ‘On my knees’…ExWHUemployee’s news has some West Ham fans talking, find out more here.

Monde Zondeki looks set to tour England in July and August this year, after being awarded a national contract by the South African board for 2008-09

Cricinfo staff19-May-2008
Monde Zondeki: ‘In the end I just didn’t want there to be any more controversy’ © Getty Images
Monde Zondeki looks set to tour England in July and August this year, after being awarded a national contract by the South African board for 2008-09. The offer was originally made to Charl Langeveldt, but he has since quit the international scene to pursue a career in county cricket with Derbyshire.”We are sorry to lose a player of Charl’s calibre who has given excellent service to South Africa over a long period of time,” said Cricket South Africa’s CEO, Gerald Majola. “He is currently playing the best cricket of his career and we all have fond memories of his five-wicket haul on Test match debut against England and his hat-trick against West Indies in 2005 that not only won an ODI but a series. It was one of the memorable moments in South African cricket history.”Langeveldt’s final days in the South African squad were less memorable, however. He was selected to tour India with the Test squad in April, but withdrew belatedly because he felt undermined by South Africa’s quota system. A minimum of five players of colour were required in the 14-man squad, so Andre Nel, who is currently playing for Essex, was omitted and Langeveldt was called up in his place. However, after much deliberation, Langeveldt withdrew, saying he didn’t feel mentally ready to take part.Zondeki was instead given the final quota place, a situation that he didn’t feel entirely comfortable with, even though his form in first-class cricket – 54 wickets at 20.16 for the Cape Cobras in 2007-08 – more than merited a call-up. “It wasn’t easy for me to accept my selection for that tour,” he told the Birmingham Post. “Not easy at all. It was an awkward way to be selected. It wasn’t the way I’d hoped it would happen. It wasn’t an easy decision to go. In the end I just didn’t want there to be any more controversy.”Zondeki didn’t end up playing in the series, which was drawn 1-1, but having signed for Warwickshire for the start of the 2008 season, he is now well placed to resume a Test career that began at Headingley five years ago, where he unexpectedly made 59 in his debut innings to help set up a 191-run victory. “We are delighted that Monde has accepted the vacant contract,” said Majola. “He fully deserves it after an outstanding season for the Cape Cobras that earned him a national call-up for the Proteas recent Test tour of India.”South Africa contracted players for 2008-09 Graeme Smith (capt), Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, Mark Boucher (wk), AB de Villiers, JP Duminy, Herschelle Gibbs, Paul Harris, Jacques Kallis, Morne Morkel, Andre Nel, Makhaya Ntini, Ashwell Prince, Dale Steyn, Monde Zondeki.

Dalby’s Julian Nielsen will captain the Australia Post QueenslandUnder-19 cricket team for the national championships in Canberra fromDecember 11-22.Nielsen, a right-hand opening bat who plays first grade with Wests inthe Brisbane XXXX Grade competition, will continue a proud record inyouth cricket having captained the Australia Post Queensland Under-17team two seasons ago.He leads a team that contains two leg-spinners in Beenleigh/Logan’s LukeDavis and Redlands’ Ryan Le Loux and two players from regional centresin Gladstone right-arm pace bowler Matthew Turich and Toowoombaallrounder Peter Reimers.It will be the third championship in a row in the Under-19 team forDavis, a regular first grade player with Beenleigh for the past twoseasons.Turich, Gold Coast batsman Andrew Hicks, University left-hander NathanReardon and Valley pace bowler David Marriott have all graduated fromlast season’s Queensland Under-17 team.Turich and Hicks were selected in the Australian U-17 team followinglast year’s tournament.He and Reimers are members of the Queensland Academy of Sport Regionalcricket program, which has also provided Norths pace bowler GrantSullivan, a member of the program last year when he lived in Mackay.Reimers is a former Queensland U-17 player who was a member of theQueensland Country team that won last year’s national championships inWarrnambool. He has also represented the QAS in the national institutechallenge in Darwin in August.The Australia Post Queensland Under-19 cricket team for the nationalchampionships in Canberra, Dec 11-22: Julian Nielsen (Wests, c), AndrewHicks (Gold Coast), Steven Ledger (Sunshine Coast), Peter Reimers(Toowoomba), Chris Howe (Sunshine Coast), Nathan Reardon (University ofQueensland), Ryan LeLoux (Redlands), Luke Davis (Beenleigh/Logan),Murray Bragg (Norths), David Marriott (Valley), John Loader(Sandgate-Redcliffe), Grant Sullivan (Norths), Matthew Turich(Gladstone). Coaches: Mark McLatchey, Justin Sternes.

The Tasmanian Selectors have today announced the Cascade Tasmanian Tigers ACB Cup team to play the Queensland Bulls 2nd X1 in Brisbane on the Allan Border Field, on Monday, 16th – Thursday, 19th December 2002.

Tasmanian Cricket Association11-Dec-2002The Tasmanian Selectors have today announced the Cascade Tasmanian Tigers ACB Cup team to play the Queensland Bulls 2nd X1 in Brisbane on the Allan Border Field, on Monday, 16th – Thursday, 19th December 2002.CASCADE TASMANIAN TIGERS

George BAILEY
Travis BIRT
Graeme CUNNINGHAM
Brett GEEVES
Shane McDERMOTT
Ben OLIVER
Mathew PASCOE
Adam POLKINGHORNE
David SAKER
Brad THOMAS
Shannon TUBB
Luke WILLIAMS

Christian Falk has dropped an update on the transfer situation of Liverpool reported summer target, Kingsley Coman.

What’s been said?

According to the SportBild journalist, Bayern Munich have informed Jurgen Klopp’s side that it will require a fee of €90m (£77m) in order to get a deal over the line for the 25-year-old this summer, before adding that the winger himself does not believe that a switch to Anfield is likely to happen any time soon.

In a post on Twitter, Falk said: “Message from Munich to Liverpool and United: Bayern want a transfer fee of minimum €90m for Kingsley Coman. Also, the player thinks this is unrealistic for this summer.”

Fans will be gutted

Considering just how impressive Coman has been for Bayern Munich in recent seasons, both the fact that the Bundesliga side are demanding such a large fee for the French international and the claim that Coman does not appear confident of a move to Liverpool this summer is sure to have left the Anfield faithful gutted.

Indeed, the £58.5m-rated winger was in particularly fine form over his 29 league appearances for Hansi Flick’s side last season, scoring five goals, registering 10 assists and creating a whopping 11 big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.6 key passes and taking 1.8 shots at goal per game.

These metrics saw the 25-year-old earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.11, ranking him as Bayern’s ninth-best performer in the top flight of German football.

The £141k-per-week man also impressed over his two appearances for France at Euro 2020, earning a SofaScore match rating of 6.8 in the 2-2 draw with Portugal and a 7.0 match rating in his side’s dramatic round of 16 exit against Switzerland.

As such, with Klopp hoping to build a team in the summer transfer window that is capable of going on to once again mount a title challenge next season, the addition of Coman would undoubtedly have been a huge step in the right direction for the German coach.

However, if Falk is to be believed, Klopp may well have to turn his attention elsewhere in the summer market, as a deal for the man Thomas Muller dubbed an “extraordinary” player appears to be unlikely at present.

In other news: Liverpool make an official offer for 26-year-old, Jurgen Klopp would love to have him

MatériaMais Notícias

O vice da Taça Guanabara deixou alguns problemas do Flamengo em evidência. O setor defensivo rubro-negro demonstrou fragilidades consideráveis e sofreu três gols. Houve problemas na cobertura dos laterais, vacilos de marcação na intermediária e erros de passes. Apesar disso, não há tempo para lamentar. Nesta terça-feira, no Maracanã, o técnico Zé Ricardo comanda o único treino com os titulares antes da estreia na Libertadores, contra o San Lorenzo, quarta-feira. Ou seja, o treinador terá um grande desafio, de arrumar a casa para a prioridade do clube neste ano.

Como o San Lorenzo tem um estilo de jogo diferente do Fluminense, mais voltado para os contra-ataques, mudanças no time titular do Flamengo não estão descartadas. Mancuello vem sendo substituído no decorrer dos jogos, mas é uma das armas do Rubro-Negro nas bolas paradas.

O técnico Zé Ricardo admite que o Fla vacilou contra o Flu, mas espera melhor resultado diante do San Lorenzo.

– Os lances dos gols foram até estranhos, mas não tiram nossa responsabilidade. Eles estiveram mais concentrados na partida do que a nossa equipe e acredito que mereceram mais a vitória. A torcida verá a equipe muito concentrada para fazermos um grande jogo contra o San Lorenzo – prometeu.

O goleiro Alex Muralha lembrou que não há tempo a perder, justamente por causa da estreia na Libertadores.

– Sempre conversamos, não tem tempo a lamentar. Temos que virar a chave. Perdemos nos pênaltis, mesmo invictos. Temos que virar o foco para a Libertadores, nosso principal objetivo neste momento – afirmou.

RIVAL É ESTUDADO

O goleiro Alex Muralha contou que o Flamengo vem se preparando muito para este jogo e já estudou o San Lorenzo.

– Já começamos a ter ideia do time do San Lorenzo. Recebemos alguns vídeos, vamos estudar o time deles, é inteligente, forte. Temos que nos preparar da melhora maneira possível. Vamos ter uma noção melhor do que fazer na quarta-feira – contou.

Na semana passada, o técnico Zé Ricardo contou que o Flamengo já tinha todos os seus três adversários da fase da grupos da Libertadores mapeados. O clube carioca chegou a enviar um ‘espião’ para a Argentina, para acompanhar uma partida do San Lorenzo, mas a greve dos jogadores atrapalhou os planos. Este mesmo funcionário do Rubro-Negro foi então para o Chile, para ver de perto o Universidad Católica.

RelacionadasBotafogoBotafogo lucra mais do que os rivais com clássico no Estádio Nilton SantosBotafogo06/03/2017FlamengoMuralha admite erros do Fla e diz que time poderia estar mais ‘concentrado’ contra o FluFlamengo06/03/2017FlamengoConca e Cirino inscritos, e Diego com a 10: a lista do Fla na LibertadoresFlamengo06/03/2017

Former Wolves striker Steve Bull has warned potential Adama Traore suitors that the 25-year-old will only leave Molineux for a top-four club.

Traore has been heavily linked with a move away from Wolves, with one Premier League rival said to be very keen in particular.

According to Eurosport, Leeds United have a long-standing interest in Traore and are willing to pay up to £40m for the player this summer.

The same outlet reports that Wolves value Traore closer to the £80m mark, which may come as a shock to Leeds given his goal record and the fact that he has just two years left on his contract.

Whatever the case, Bull cannot see the Spanish winger moving to a club that is outside of the top four. He told TT in an exclusive interview:

“He’s too good to play for Leeds, put it that way. That’s no disrespect to Leeds. I think if he’s going to go anywhere, he’s going to go to a top-four club or he’ll go back to Spain, or Italy or Portugal – he’s a talented player.”

As well as Leeds, Chelsea are also said to be interested in Traore, with The Telegraph reporting that he is one target for Thomas Tuchel, so perhaps a move to a top-four club could be on the cards.

Dean Windass thinks Jack Grealish’s Aston Villa future could depend on how the club start the season, but has tipped the midfielder to be gone before Christmas.

Grealish is on the radar of champions Manchester City, who’re desperate to sign both the Aston Villa man and Harry Kane in a sensational double swoop this summer.

Whilst Manchester United and Chelsea might have their say, strong reports believe that both sides are willing to make the deal happen.

Grealish is currently away with England at the European Championships, with his excellent form for his club making him one of the hottest talents in the Premier League.

The Villa captain missed a large chunk of last season through injury, but still managed an impressive 18 goal contributions in just 26 appearances, with his 12 assists bettered only by Kevin De Bruyne, Bruno Fernandes, and Three Lions colleague Kane.

With four years remaining on the deal he signed following Villa’s escape last summer, City or whoever will need to pay around the £100m mark, but Windass told The Transfer Tavern that he doesn’t expect the 25-year-old to stay loyal to his boyhood club:

“I can’t see Jack Grealish being at Aston Villa by Christmas. If he has a good Euro’s, he starts well and then Villa struggle, but it depends on what Villa do.

“They’ve spent a lot of money on Buendia, but where does Jack Grealish want to go, where do his ambitions lie? He’s a local lad, he’s captain, he’s their king, but depending on how Villa do, will depend on what happens to Jack Grealish.”

Crystal Palace appear to be closing in on their new manager after several weeks of searching for Roy Hodgson’s successor.

Former Borussia Dortmund boss Lucien Favre is reportedly close to accepting a contract offer from the capital club, meaning an exciting new chapter awaits the Eagles.

The 63-year-old tactician is known for playing an exciting style of football and should bring a wave of optimism and hope to Selhurst Park upon his arrival.

However, Favre will have a tough job on his hands in south London. A major overhaul of the first-team squad is needed, key man Wilfried Zaha is angling for a move away, and Eberechi Eze is sidelined until the new year with an injury.

To make matters worse, the effects of the ongoing pandemic means the retired Switzerland midfielder is likely to have a shoestring budget to work with this summer, should he accept the club’s terms.

With that in mind, if he does take the job, how could Favre’s starting XI look next season once the summer transfer window has concluded?

Here’s our prediction…

Goalkeeper Vicente Guaita has been one of the Eagles’ standout performers over the last couple of years and is expected to keep his place irrespective of who takes control over the coming months.

The full-back positions are also likely to be occupied by familiar faces, with highly-rated 21-year-old Tyrick Mitchell on the left and experienced campaigner Nathaniel Clyne on the opposite flank, although the former Liverpool man would need to be handed a new contract first.

It’s at centre-back where Favre would be required to make the most changes. Gary Cahill, Scott Dann and Mamadu Sakho are all set to depart when they become free agents at the end of the month.

As a result, at least two new centre-halves will be required at Palace. Nottingham Forest’s Joe Worrall has been linked with a £10 million move in recent weeks and we think Favre would be happy to see that deal go through.

He could be partnered with Chelsea youngster Marc Guehi after an impressive loan spell at Swansea City attracted the attention of several Premier League sides and is expected to cost in the region of £15m.

Another Blues academy graduate who could be on the move this summer is Conor Gallagher. A £15m price tag has been placed on the England Under-21 international’s head and he’d offer energy next to the experienced Luka Milivojevic.

In attack, Zaha’s sale could fund an audacious swoop for Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey. The 30-year-old is reportedly available for a bargain price of £8.5m and getting Zaha’s salary off the books frees up cash to spend on the Welshman’s wages.

Ramsey could be partnered by free agent signing Josh King, Christian Benteke and January addition Jean Philippe Mateta in the final third as Favre looks to build a dynamic, well-rounded forward line in the same mould as the one he had at Dortmund.

And, in other news…Huge £220m update emerges from Crystal Palace, fans should be worried