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Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has bemoaned Luke Ayling’s injury layoff which will see him miss a chunk of the season.

The Lowdown: Ayling set for injury layoff

The Whites won their first Premier League game of the campaign on Saturday after beating Watford 1-0 at Elland Road, but they had to do it without the 30-year-old.

As noted by Marcelo Bielsa in recent days, the right-back requires knee surgery after being missing since the 1-1 draw at Newcastle United, meaning that he is set for an extended spell on the sidelines.

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The Latest: Whelan reacts to news

Whelan has bemoaned that news and told Football Insider that Leeds will miss both Ayling’s quality and character on the pitch. He said:

“He’s a character in the changing room he’s a leader in there as well.

“Ayling brings some fun to the changing room, you can see what kind of personality he is.

“It’s the personality that he brings on the field that’s more important. That energy, bursting up and down the right-hand side.

“Defensively as well, covering round, he’s a massive part of the Leeds United defence.

“It’s going to be a sorry blow to miss him. The international break, that’s two weeks that will allow him to recover after the operation.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-18/” title=”Latest Leeds United news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Big all-round blow for Leeds

As Whelan says, it is the all-round package which makes Ayling such an influential figure and explains why he will be a big miss for Leeds in the coming weeks.

He may not necessarily be the most gifted player in Bielsa’s squad, but he is a leader and also possesses great consistency at right-back, making 198 appearances for the Whites to date. His defensive quality is evident in his match average of 2.2 tackles this season prior to his injury, the third-highest at Elland Road (WhoScored), while he led the way for that metric last term with 2.8 per game.

It also means that youngster Jamie Shackleton may have to continue at right-back for the time being – Stuart Dallas is an option there, too – which is far from ideal with neither of them being a natural in that position.

In other news, Phil Hay has been discussing a boost that Leeds have received. Read more here.

Former Premier League striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has said that Liverpool’s squad depth is a major concern. 

Writing in his talkSPORT column, the 34-year-old described the Reds as a ‘top team’ but said that injuries would leave them in ‘big trouble’ because they have the bench of a ’10th-place team’.

Do Liverpool find themselves light on options?

Liverpool made only one signing ahead of the 2021/22 season, bringing in central defender Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig for £36m. In fact, only six Premier League clubs spent less than the Reds over the course of the summer transfer window (via Football Transfers).

Jurgen Klopp’s side lost Georginio Wijnaldum to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer after the Dutchman reached the end of his contract and also sold Xherdan Shaqiri to Lyon.

Klopp appears to have little faith in his attacking reserves in particular, with neither Takumi Minamino nor Divock Origi seeing a minute of action across the first three games of the season.

Liverpool fans hit back at Agbonlahor comments

Twitter an feed Anfield Edition relayed Agbonlahor’s warning, and here’s what some Liverpool supporters made of his verdict on the Reds’ squad depth.

“Liverpool bench in last game: Konate, Thiago, Keita, Gomez, Ox, Minamino, Jota, Tsimikas and Kelleher. Go back to bed Gabby”

Credit: @CannonChico

“Another ex footballer making a silly statement, they’ll say anything to keep their seat as a pundit”

Credit: @ramzanamin

“We’ve actually let these people disrespect us. Our squad is poor, yes but are there 9 teams that can boast of having better than Konate, Jota, Keita, Chamberlain, Gomez, Tsimikas, and Thiago on their bench? I think not.”

Credit: @Shuaibu_Mk

“Some of that 10th place bench were directly involved in winning Champions League”

Credit: @MICKDARKVOICE

“Well that’s funny because that bench got 3rd last season”

Credit: @Johnb2005

“Someone should show him last season’s league table with our 7th/8th choice centre halves.”

Credit: @lfc_mnm

In other news, fans react to Liverpool’s reported interest in this midfielder.

Many Manchester City supporters have been left fuming after John Stones and Aymeric Laporte both missed training ahead of today’s RB Leipzig game.

Both players are now doubtful for City’s opening Champions League fixture against the German outfit this evening, meaning Nathan Ake is likely to start alongside Ruben Dias at centre-back. [Manchester Evening News, via City Xtra]

Stones is yet to appear for City this season, being an unused substitute in three of the opening four games of the season, despite starting two of England’s World Cup qualifying fixtures during the international break.

However, Laporte has played every minute of Pep Guardiola’s three wins this season, conceding zero goals in the process as they recovered from the opening day defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

Manchester Evening News journalist Simon Bajkowski has confirmed the pair didn’t train on Tuesday on his Twitter and the news could mean Ake could start for the first time since the defeat at Spurs.

Man City fans panic of duo news

These City fans have took to Twitter to react to the news about their defensive duo, with some worried about Ake following his shaky performance against Leicester City in the Community Shield.

“Rather have Fernandinho at cb than Ake”

Credit: @4miraizat

“no I’ve had enough”

Credit: @supcersonic

“How is this even possible”

Credit: @ItsYanCity

“That’s our UCL season over. WE GO AGAIN NEXT SEASON!”

Credit: @mvx_mcfc

“How? How did they just randomly become unfit lmao”

Credit: @abzMCFC

“shambles”

Credit: @mcfcRobbo23

In other news, City fans have gone crazy over what this player said following Leicester City win. Find out more here.

Former Glasgow Rangers defender Alan Hutton has revealed he is worried about the lapses of concentration the Gers experienced during their Champions League third qualifying round defeat to Malmo.

The Lowdown: Gers lose to Malmo

The Gers had the chance to reach the Champions League group stages after winning the Premiership last term, and they faced Swedish champions Malmo in the third qualifying round.

However, the Light Blues lost 2-1 in both games, meaning they dropped down to the Europa League instead.

The Latest: Hutton shares fears

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton, who remains the Gers’ record sale (The Scotsman) since making the £9m switch to Tottenham in 2008 (The Mirror), shared his worries over the lapses of concentration.

He said it will be a big concern for Steven Gerrard at Ibrox:

“The biggest worry is lapses in concentration really, so far.

“I mean, if you go all the way back to the first game, those defensive mistakes. I thought Rangers had got rid of them, especially last season. They were so strong.

“To take the game back to Ibrox, they knew what they had to do. They started off really well. It’s the best I’ve seen them in a first-half performance in the competition.

“Malmo going a man down, everything was in Rangers’ favour. They came out the second half and they just didn’t look the same. There wasn’t the same intensity, they looked a little bit fearful at times.

“Whenever there was a lot of pressure on them, they didn’t look the same Rangers team to me. To lose two goals from two throw-ins, I think that’s what’s going to really hurt the most.

“I thought they eradicated those sort of mistakes a couple of seasons ago. To see them come back and then get nervous after that, that’s probably the most worrying thing for me. Probably Steven Gerrard as well.”

The Verdict: Need to improve

The worrying thing from those two matches was that the Gers effectively lost the game in the same way. During the first match, they conceded twice in four minutes at the start of the second half, while they shipped two in two minutes in the second clash.

If you want to compete at the highest level, you simply cannot switch off – the game can be won and lost in a matter of moments.

Gerrard will have been livid with this way his team imploded in a short amount of time not once but twice. Perhaps the current Gers squad just aren’t quite ready for the Champions League yet, but they still have the chance to reach the Europa League group stages instead if they can get past Alashkert.

In other news, Rangers fans rage at these club struggles.

Ralph Hasenhuttl made it clear during the summer that Southampton would stick with Alex McCarthy and Fraser Forster as his goalkeepers this season, but the former’s performances thus far suggest that this was the wrong call.

The Austrian manager confirmed earlier in the summer, when Southampton were being linked with a move for various goalkeepers, that McCarthy and Forster would remain as his main options in between the sticks this season after they rotated on a regular basis in the 2020/21 campaign.

Despite the regular changes in goal, Southampton still conceded 68 goals in the top-flight, which was the second-most of any side, which suggests that getting a new goalkeeper might have been a good idea.

Given that Southampton were expected to concede just 58.55 goals according to Understat, fingers must be pointed at the goalkeepers, who certainly underperformed for the Saints in the second half of the campaign.

Strangely, it has been reported that Southampton will be in the market for a long-term option in goal next summer, which is hardly going to do Hasenhuttl’s current options’ confidence any good.

Considering the way McCarthy – whose manager called him ‘fantastic’ not so long ago – has started the new season, you could already argue that the Austrian manager has made a mistake in not pursuing a new goalkeeper for this season.

The former QPR man was slow to come off his line for Richarlison’s equaliser against Everton in the opening day, before being beaten to the ball by Dominic Calvert-Lewin for the Blues’ third.

He also looked anxious against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon and flapped at a number of crosses, before eventually being beaten by one of the visitors’ first real attempts on goal, a tame shot from Mason Greenwood that squirmed under the ‘keeper, despite it being hit straight at him with very little power.

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Therefore, it is already time to give Forster an opportunity to start in goal, which Hasenhuttl may well do against Newport County in midweek, but in reality, a new goalkeeper should’ve been brought in this summer.

And, in other news… Southampton should reignite interest in “powerful” beast after transfer news emerges

The appointment of Patrick Vieira as manager could be a game-changer for Crystal Palace when it comes to signings, says former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer.

After missing out on the likes of Nuno Espirito Santo and Lucien Favre, Steve Parish and the rest of the Palace board turned to Vieira and decided to make the Frenchman Roy Hodgson’s successor.

Since then, the south London club have gone on to sign the likes of Conor Gallagher, who snubbed Palmer’s old side Leeds United in the process, and Joachim Andersen. And Palmer believes more players will be lured to Selhurst Park by Vieira’s presence.

Speaking exclusively to FFC about the Arsenal legend’s recent appointment, he said:

“It’s a game changer in terms of attraction. Who wouldn’t want to play for a legend of the game, Patrick Vieira?

“He was a phenomenal football player, phenomenal football player, so he will have huge pulling power for his name.

“I think it’s a good signing for Crystal Palace and it could be a good fit for Patrick Vieira.”

On top of Gallagher and Andersen, Palace have also brought in Marc Guehi from Chelsea, who is arguably one of the most promising centre-backs in the country right now, so this is turning out to be a really good transfer window for the Eagles.

Many Wolves fans have been left buzzing as a transfer update emerged on Lee Kang-In.

As per AS, the Midlands club still have an interest in signing the South Korea international before the summer window ends, but Getafe now also hold an interest.

Lee can play in a wide variety of positions across the forward line and in midfield, and at just 20 years of age, may have the ability to reach the very top if he can supplement his versatility and potential with end product.

His signing would not only benefit the Molineux faithful on the pitch, but off it as well, as they would likely to benefit commercially from an upcoming Asian talent – just look at Tottenham mega star Son Heung-min.

Nonetheless, the Valencia ace is certainly a player who would help bolster Bruno Lage’s squad going into the new 2021/22 season.

Wolves fans on Lee transfer update

These WWFC supporters were left buzzing as the transfer update on Lee was shared by Talking Wolves on their Twitter page:

“Would be happy if this happens. We need a cam like player. He can play upfront too which is a bonus.”

Credit: @parker_bradley

“I would love to have the next Sonny in my team, I just hope he smiles as much”

Credit: @BramTrevorWelch

“He makes senses on and off the pitch for #wolves.”

Credit: @joshuabuckley

“Genuinely what our club needs and I think the owners have been crying out for since taking over @Wolves a young Asian talent who will sell shirts over there”

Credit: @Jaywolvesfc

“Would be a great signing, exactly what we need and he’s only 20”

Credit: @FPL_BakedBeans

“This is a total and complete no-brainer. Exactly what we need.”

Credit: @Wolfus1492

In other news, find out what transfer update has Wanderers fuming here!

Davinson Sanchez’s agent has dropped an update on the defender’s potential departure from Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

What’s been said?

In recent comments cited by Gol Caracol (via Sport Witness), Nestor Villarreal claimed that he is working on a number of deals which could see the centre-back leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer, although he ruled out the possibility of the 25-year-old being used as a makeweight in a potential swap deal for Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.

Sport Witness added that, while the sale of the Colombia international appeared a foregone conclusion with Jose Mourinho at the helm, it remains to be seen what Nuno Espirito Santo’s stance is on the defender’s future.

Villarreal insisted that Sanchez is indeed happy to remain in north London beyond the summer transfer window, although he did not entirely close the door on a potential exit in the coming weeks.

The agent said: “In the case of Davinson and Duvan [Zapata] we are working on some things, on the lookout and looking to see if something comes out.

“However, it must be said that the two are calm where they are, at Tottenham and Atalanta.

“They have a contract, if something better or more important comes out, they will leave or else they will stay. They are having no problem there [at their respective clubs].”

Fans surely buzzing

While Sanchez has undoubtedly shown signs of promise in spells during his time at Spurs, it would be difficult to say that the 25-year-old has lived up to his then-club record £42m transfer fee.

Indeed, the centre-back struggled to hold down a place in the Tottenham starting XI last season, making just 18 appearances in the Premier League.

When he did feature, the £28.8m-rated man hardly set the world alight, helping his side to keep four clean sheets, along with averaging 0.8 interceptions, 2.2 tackles and 4.7 clearances and winning 5.4 duels per game.

The defender also made one error leading to a shot, one error leading to a goal and was dribbled past 0.6 times per league fixture.

These metrics saw the man Mauricio Pochettino dubbed a “beast” earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.80, ranking him as Tottenham’s worst-performing centre-back in the 2020/21 Premier League.

After Villarreal’s comments were relayed on Twitter, many fans of the club appeared delighted at the prospect of the £65,000-per-week defender leaving the club this summer, with one dubbing the news “fantastic,” while another admitted it was “time to move on” for the Colombian.

As such, reports that the agent seems to actively be working on a deal which would see Sanchez leave the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer looks sure to delight many Spurs fans, as it would very much appear that the centre-back is simply not up to the standard required to feature on a regular basis under Nuno.

In other news: Spurs dealt transfer blow over “important” £73k-p/w target, Paratici will be livid

West Ham United are reportedly considering making a move for Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

What’s the story?

According to The Daily Express, David Moyes’ charges are weighing up whether to make a loan bid to sign the 27-year-old England international this summer.

The report states that West Ham are prioritising the signatures of Jesse Lingard or Matheus Pereira over the Liverpool ace, meaning that a deal is unlikely to happen at this stage.

Jurgen Klopp will be fuming

Oxlade-Chamberlain arrived at Anfield in a £35m move back in 2017 and hit the ground running at his new surroundings. The box-to-box dynamo scored five goals and provided eight assists in 46 appearances for the Reds, playing a pivotal part as they reached the Champions League final.

However, a serious knee injury picked up in the first leg of Liverpool’s semi-final against AS Roma that year ruled him out for almost the entirety of the following campaign, limiting Oxlade-Chamberlain to just two outings in 2018/19.

He returned to form during Liverpool’s title-winning season, but a string of minor fitness issues once again plagued the former Arsenal ace last term.

Nevertheless, despite Oxlade-Chamberlain’s injury concerns, Jurgen Klopp will surely be fuming if the club’s hierarchy sanction his departure.

With Gini Wijnaldum already leaving Merseyside this summer, Liverpool are light on numbers in the middle of the park and need to bolster their current options, not deplete them further.

On his day, Oxlade-Chamberlain is a very useful asset to have, capable of scoring on a semi-regular basis, and is a perfect fit for Klopp’s gegenpressing style.

Therefore, director of football Michael Edwards must keep hold of the £120,000-per-week monster for at least another 12 months, avoiding a potential nightmare and allowing Klopp to slowly overhaul his first team squad.

Liverpool currently have several big names approaching the final two years of their contracts, with Oxlade-Chamberlain one of them.

Allowing him another season to prove his worth before deciding to extend his deal or cut him loose appears to be the best option for the 19-time English champions, and one which Edwards must choose in order to help prevent another disappointing campaign for the Reds.

In other news… Romano drops disappointing update over “devastating” LFC target, Klopp will be gutted 

Aston Villa have delighted many of their fans on Twitter after posting an image of club captain Jack Grealish and Ukraine manager Andriy Shevchenko engaging in a warm embrace following their respective countries’ encounter at Euro 2020 over the weekend.

Enjoying a fantastic 2020/21 campaign, the 25-year-old playmaker chipped in with a sensational 19 goal contributions from 26 fixtures, with seven goals and 12 assists for Villa [Transfermarkt].

Now embroiled in international tournament football with England, Grealish has made a marked impact, registering two vital assists in the Three Lions run to the semi-finals [uefa.com].

In spite of being an unused substitute in the 4-0 defeat of Ukraine on Saturday night [BBC], this didn’t stop Grealish from being thrust into the limelight following the circulation of the iconic picture with former Ballon D’Or winner Shevchenko.

In light of this image, which was accompanied by the caption “Real recognise real”, it’s little wonder that loads of Aston Villa fans took to Twitter to express their delight at the club’s post..

AVFC fans react:

Replying to the Villans’ official Twitter account, here is how some fans summarised their opinions on the embrace between Grealish and Shevchenko, which one supporter described as “class”:

“our captain”

Credit: @catrinedwards18″Whatever happens in this tournament Jack has more than proved he is world class, such a shame it doesn’t seem to be recognised as much by others. This guy is more than a super sub, he’s a game changer.”Credit: @bradfadbad69″A legend of the game and Shevchenko”Credit: @av_reece”This is such an incredible image, not just the picture, but the embrace. A sign of true respect from one of the true legends of the game. A great character, well done.”Credit: @Bhangra_Machine”Love this”Credit: @jasonstafforddj”Class is permanent.”Credit: @byr79438501In other news, Aston Villa are planning a £30m+ bid for this transfer target