The Tavern has been active of late as Leeds fans continue to read about the possible transfers involving the club. Since Bielsa has joined, Leeds have been linked with a host of players and there’s another one they should consider.Â
When you’re behind, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, and Mohamed Salah, it’s going to be quite difficult to get a game for Liverpool. The front three were outstanding last season and due their consistent performances, the likes of Dominic Solanke and Danny Ings have been spending most of the time on the bench. As a result, Sky Sports confirmed this month that the latter will be allowed to leave this summer.
The Liverpool striker has endured a tough time at Liverpool due to two seriousÂknee injuries. His return against West Brom in April was only his second start for Jurgen Klopp and ended a 930-day wait for a Liverpool goal.
According to ESPN, Leeds had been interested in signing the former Burnley man last year and a move for Ings this summer might be a wise move.
Leeds need to strengthen their attacking options and have been heavily linked with a move for Derby striker, Matej Vydra. While the Championship’s top goal scorer would be a superb signing, the Lily Whites should still consider a move for Ings who may be available for a cut-price fee.
A loan move for the forward may not be the best option for the Yorkshire club considering Ings’ likely high wages but signing a player who scored 32 goals in 75 league games for Burnley, would signal Leeds’ intent for the upcoming season.
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So Leeds fans, should the club try to sign Danny Ings?
Aston Villa will attempt to return to winning ways in the Championship when they welcome Preston North End to Villa Park on Tuesday night.
Steve Bruce’s side will enter the match off the back of a 2-0 defeat at Fulham on Saturday afternoon, which brought to an end a fine run of form.
Villa are still third in the Championship table, but they will face a tough test against a Preston side that are also pushing for a spot in the playoffs this season.
On-loan Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe made his first start for Villa against Fulham, and the 20-year-old impressed despite ending up on the losing side.
Villa’s official Twitter account asked on Monday whether Tuanzebe should be in the XI for the clash with Preston, and the club’s supporters were certainly in favour of that occurring.
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Tuanzebe was sent on loan to Villa with the view to gaining regular first-team action, and Man United boss Jose Mourinho will also be desperate for the defender to start on Tuesday night.
A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:
According to Mirror Football, Leeds United are considering a contract offer for ex-Newcastle striker Nile Ranger.
The 23 year-old was once a hot prospect at St. James’s but a string of brushes with the law – most notably several charges of common assault and criminal damage – Ranger’s career has plummeted in recent years. He also got his own name tattooed onto his forehead, but that’s more a fashion crime than an actual legal issue.
With currently no criminal charges lingering over him, Massimo Cellino is reportedly prepared to offer the forward a route back into football.
But Ranger is undoubtedly a loose cannon and the Whites would be wise to consider viable alternatives first. Thus, we at Football Fancast have come up with FIVE…
[ffc-gallery]CLICK ON NILE RANGER TO REVEAL
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BRITT ASSOMBALONGA
If Massimo Cellino is prepared to get his chequebook out, Leeds could do a lot worse than a bid for League One sensation Britt Assombalonga.
The former Watford youngster netted 15 times on loan to Southend in League Two in the 2012/13 campaign, and last term, following a club-record move to Peterborough, bagged 23 goals in 43 League One outings, also firing the Posh to Football League Trophy glory.
Here’s a short clip of the Zaire-born assassin in action:
//www.youtube.com/embed/OQSeSQznviw?rel=0
As you can see, he offers power, pace and goal threat in abundance, and at just 21 years of age, the potential for further improvement is enormous.
But the Posh are well aware they’re sitting on hot transfer property following rumoured interest from the Premier League, and Director of Football Barry Fry claims the club wouldn’t even sell for £5million!
KIERAN AGARD
Another lower-tiers striking option for the Whites to consider is Rotherham United’s Kieran Agard. The 24 year-old opened a move to Elland Road earlier this month by rejecting a long-term contract at the New York Stadium, with his current deal set to expire in a year’s time:
The former Everton youngster destroyed League One last season, netting 26 times in all competitions as the Miners achieved promotion through the play-offs. Here’s a look at all his goals from the campaign:
//www.youtube.com/embed/2EY8tktd6HE
Massimo Cellino allegedly scouted Agard in person last season, but the Whites could face competition from Bristol City for his signature:
GEORGIOS SAMARAS
Opinions are fairly divided on Greek enigma Georgios Samaras, but a 6 foot 4 forward who sporadically produces moments of sublime individual quality, there’s no doubt he’d suit Championship football well.
You can’t question the 29 year-old’s ability to turn a match on its head either. The ex-Celtic winger-forward netted 74 times in 248 appearances during seven campaigns at Parkhead – his most important goals coming on European nights, including this historic header against Barcelona:
//www.youtube.com/embed/_a8amSuQEJ8?rel=0
The former Manchester City man was in good form for Greece at the World Cup too, as viewable below:
His highlight being this converted penalty to see his country through to the round of 16:
Most appealingly, although wage demands could prove an issue, Samaras is currently without a club after leaving the Scottish champions last season.
A swift return to Parkhead has been mooted however:
NICK POWELL
Entrenched hatreds aside, Manchester United’s Nick Powell would be a decent stop-gap solution to Leeds’ striking woes on a season-long loan.
The highly-rated Crewe product impressed in the Championship last year during a term-long stay with Wigan, as viewable below:
He also netted three times in six Europa League outings. Here’s a collection of the 20 year-old’s career highlights thus far:
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//www.youtube.com/embed/ZfclynD35gY?rel=0
Powell, who can operate as a striker, in attacking or central midfield, is tipped for a bright future at Old Trafford but will be expected to go out on loan again next season to gain experience after missing on a place in Louis van Gaal’s pre-season tour squad.
Elland Road would be an interesting destination that can offer him first team football. But Wigan are keen on his services permanently and Premier League side Leicester City have also been linked:
GLENN MURRAY
According to online speculation, Leeds have already entered talks regarding Crystal Palace striker Glenn Murray:
The 30 year-old netted just once in 14 appearances last season after being sidelined for nine months with a serious knee injury.
But the campaign previous, the former Rochdale and Brighton front-man netted 31 times in the Championships to see the Eagles gain promotion through the play-offs.
Here’s all his goals from the 2012/13 season:
//www.youtube.com/embed/MSeEddgEn7g?rel=0
No doubt, Murray is a lethal finisher at Championship level, but with three years left on his contract and Tony Pulis in no great hurry to sell, it remains to be seen whether he’ll be allowed to leave Selhurst Park this summer.
Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew believes that his side are more than capable of coming away with a win against a ‘vulnerable’ Liverpool side at Anfield today.
The Magpies chief claimed that despite the Reds going in as favourites for the tie, the huge change in the side implemented by new boss Brendon Rodgers had damaged the Anfield outfit
He told Goal.com: “There’s a little bit more pressure at Liverpool because of the stature and the trophies that they’ve won.
“You have to look at Newcastle and say we haven’t won a trophy in so long. You’d have to put them, historically, much higher than us.
“It’s a period for Brendan and the team when they’re evolving and when they’re evolving they’re vulnerable.
“Perhaps they are at the moment but they still have some fantastic players. The England captain [Steven Gerrard] and [Luis] Suarez are two of the best players in the Premiership so we have to make sure we are very much on top of our game.”
Pardew took the Magpies to the brink of Champions League qualification last season despite some initial concerns about his appointment and has called for Rodgers to be given a similar chance to make his mark on the club.
“You have to remember that Brendan Rodgers is someone who was brought in to play a style of football and a vision they believe in,” Pardew asserted.
“They have to give him time and the right tools. In the last window, if I’m honest, I don’t think he was given the tools that he needed so I think it was always going to be difficult for him.
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“Hopefully he will get to the next window in a good competitive place, as that’s what Liverpool want to be, one of the top teams.
“I think for British football it’s good that Liverpool have a strong side, like Newcastle. We’re both striving to be a top-six team.”
According to Turkish website Milliyet, Everton’s Yannick Bolasie is a target for Fenerbahce.
The Congolese international joined Everton two years ago for a reported fee of £26million but has struggled to impress for the Toffees.
The 29-year-old made 16 appearances last season, scoring just once and not registering a single assist.
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The player did suffer a serious injury after only 13 Premier League appearances for the club which ruled him out for 12 months but it now appears that Everton are willing to let their player leave for the coming season.
The report says that Fenerbahce have made a loan offer for the player.
Having not yet managed a full season for the Merseyside club, it may be a bit harsh to judge Bolasie on his poor return, but Everton fans seem to be happy with the news that one of their players might soon be on his way out of the club.
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Supporters have been reacting to the news on social media and this is what they had to say:
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”255857″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Everton’s opening fixtures for the 201819 Premier League season”]
According to reports in The Mirror, Manchester United are ready to battle arch-rivals Manchester City for the signing of £50m-rated Leicester City defender Harry Maguire this summer, and Red Devils fans have been quick to have their say on the rumour.
The Mirror says that Jose Mourinho is looking to strengthen his central defensive options at the end of the season even though he has the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof and Marcos Rojo in his ranks, and he has been impressed with the 24-year-old’s performances for the Foxes following his summer move from Hull City.
It seems as though the England international won’t be available on the cheap though, with the report adding that he is valued at £50m.
Man United supporters took to social media to give their thoughts on the Maguire link, and while one said “not what we need”, another said “just do a swap deal with Jones”.
Thomas Rooney is back with his three essential bets for this weekend, with Chelsea v Arsenal and Real Madrid v Barcelona to look forward to.
It should definitely be an enjoyable couple of days. We’ve reached what many describe as the ‘business end’ of the campaign and there’s can’t afford to lose games all over the shop.
Not least at Chelsea and Real Madrid. You’d argue that if Arsenal and Barcelona fail to pick up anything – they are out of their respective title race. It’s a pivotal, pivotal (nearly said it again, thought better of it) weekend.
Then comes my team – Norwich City. I feel rather nauseous at the idea of Saturday’s home game with Sunderland. It’s a must-win, no two ways about it. Lose – we’re probably going down. Ugh.
Anyway, on with the tips…
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to score
I’ve been very impressed with The Ox since his return from injury and he has a goal in him this weekend. A certainty for England’s World Cup squad, he’s one of the bright young talents.
Arsenal’s rather dodgy injury situation – Ozil, Ramsey and Wilshere are all out – actually suites the former Southampton man too. He can operate centrally and really make an impact on the game.
There’s absolutely no fear there either and he will drive forward all game long for the Gunners. At 11/2 with Ladbrokes, he’s certainly worth backing for an anytime goal.
Under 2.5 goals Norwich v Sunderland
I promised myself I wouldn’t touch this game. I’m too emotionally involved. One thing for certain though, surely, is that it won’t be a classic. Not in terms of goals scored anyway.
Norwich are actually unbeaten in six games at Carrow Road and have only conceded twice in this sequence. It’s only four goals for the Canaries too though and both wins have been 1-0.
These two drew 0-0 earlier in the season too and given how important it is for both sides, it’s certainly worth sticking a few quid on under 2.5 goals. Stan James over 4/6.
Lionel Messi to score anytime
El Clasico time on Sunday! It’s one of the biggest in a few years too, with both firmly locked in as far as the title race is concerned. Barcelona go seven points adrift if they lose this one.
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They’ve performed admirably under pressure in recent years though and one man has been at the centre of that – Lionel Messi. With a long list of famous El Clasico moments, he’s one to watch as ever.
Backing Messi to score isn’t normally a worthwhile bet, but Paddy Power are offering a rather tempting 5/6, as well as money back on selected other markets if he finds the back of the net!
Quietly but surely, Tottenham have sneaked up into fourth place in the Premier League under the guidance of new manager Andre Villas-Boas, completely dispelling this myth of him being the village idiot, but despite them performing well so far, are they still a side built upon soft foundations?
Before some of you head for the hills, or even worse, the comment box below, this is far from a critique of the man in charge at White Hart Lane these days or the job that he’s done. I have a record of backing Villas-Boas from the ridiculous criticisms and agendas of Fleet Street and I even tipped Tottenham to finish in the top four before the season started. No, it’s simply more of an assessment of where the squad is currently at and whether they have the requisite depth to sustain a top four challenge.
The club have started the new league campaign reasonably well without ever quit hitting the heights that they did in terms of flowing football under predecessor Harry Redknapp, even if the former boss himself greatly exaggerates the point that Tottenham fans ‘never had it so good’. They’ve been durable, methodical and difficult to get the better of, but it’s telling that they lost two of their more challenging games against Newcastle away and league leaders Chelsea at home.
Of course, this is all understandable to an extent as they’ve enjoyed one of the most radical overhauls this summer in terms of staff, players and style and the gradual teething problems which first came to light against West Brom and Norwich at home haven’t completely disappeared. There’s a sense that they’re still vulnerable, despite going nine matches unbeaten across all competitions prior to the loss against Chelsea, including an historic 3-2 win at Old Trafford and they’re still far from the finished article.
The club’s summer transfer business was left incomplete given that a replacement for Luka Modric wasn’t secured and although Joao Moutinho has ruled out a January exit, he should be put right at the top of the list next summer. In his stead, Moussa Dembele, the £15m man brought in from Fulham has been excellent and he looks hugely missed whenever he’s absent from the team. His driving presence in the middle of the park and ability to beat a man with his superb dribbling ability means he’s an altogether different proposition to Modric in a side that’s evolved quickly.
Alongside him in midfield, Sandro has been steady and has benefited greatly from a continued run in the side, while Jermain Defoe has done surprisingly well with the lone striker role with Emmanuel Adebayor confined to the treatment table and subs bench. Clint Dempsey has been far from his best since moving, though and they still look short of numbers up top, with their reliance on Defoe in particular a concern if they continue to compete on three fronts. Elsewhere, Gylfi Sigurdsson has failed to live up to his billing and there’s a sense that unless he’s scoring that he doesn’t really contribute a whole lot more in his current role.
At the back is where the biggest dangers are being felt and it’s not got a jot to do with the manufactured scandal involving the goalkeeping debate. Tottenham have kept just one clean sheet all season in the league at home to Aston Villa and the fact that they’ve conceded 13 goals so far, more than Everton, Arsenal, West Brom, West Ham, Stoke and Sunderland all below them shows exactly where the side is being held back at the moment.
I argued in the summer that despite the signing of Jan Vertonghen that the club still required another recognised centre-back and I stand by that point today. There were simply too many mitigating factors as to why the back four was set to be a recipe for disaster this term, with Ledley King pondering retirement, Michael Dawson coming back from a year out injured, Vertonghen new to English football, Caulker still raw and in dire need of regular games and William Gallas for the knackers yard.
It’s the continued selection of Gallas which is perhaps most troubling and he’s featured in every single league game this season. Villas-Boas seems to have reservations over Dawson’s lack of pace, but his authority would surely bring a more calming influence to the back four than the the Frenchman, who has been erratic at best this term and at 35 years of age doesn’t really represent a long-term bet.
The injury to Benoit Assou-Ekotto has seen Vertonghen shifted out to left-back, making the most of the Belgian’s versatility in the process, which has necessitated Gallas play such a key role, but even so it’s odd that Dawson has been marginalised to such an extent and that Gallas has been forgiven for his numerous patchy performances.
At this stage last season Tottenham had 19 points from their opening nine league games, which would leave them in fourth in the current table, the same position that they’re in now. The media agenda against Villas-Boas has been sustained, cynical and misplaced but that shouldn’t detract from the fact that there is still work to be done right down the spine of the side. The Portuguese boss should look to strengthen and address these areas in January and make the most of a lead on those teams thought to be challenging for a top four place who have suffering from poor starts.
Which area concerns you the most about the current Tottenham side?
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According to L’Equipe, Manchester United are preparing a £31m move for Sevilla defender Clement Lenglet.United boss Jose Mourinho is in the market for a new centre-back this summer, and the Red Devils have been strongly linked with Tottenham Hotspur’s Toby Alderweireld.However, according to L’Equipe, Lenglet has emerged as a potential transfer target ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.The 22-year-old was in outstanding form for Sevilla last season – scoring four times in 54 appearances in all competitions for the Spanish outfit.[brid autoplay=”true” video=”253293″ player=”12034″ title=”Watch Four times Jose Mourinho spoiled the party”]Spanish champions Barcelona have been strongly linked with a move for the Frenchman, but it appears that United are confident of swooping in to land the centre-back, if they so wish.There is absolutely no question that Lenglet has talent, and he would certainly be cheaper than Alderweireld, who is believed to be valued in the region of £75m.The United fans have been reacting to the transfer speculation surrounding Lenglet, and a selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:
After fielding something close to his strongest side against Arsenal in the second leg of the League Cup semi-final on Wednesday night, it’s likely Antonio Conte will make changes when Chelsea host Newcastle United in the FA Cup this weekend.
The Magpies are a decent side but this competition isn’t their priority, while plenty of those on the fringes of Chelsea’s first-team squad will be desperate for a game and some of the starting XI are in need of a rest too.
The defence seems the likeliest department to be shaken up and we could well see Andreas Christensen given a break, opening up the sweeper slot in Chelsea’s back three. There are two obvious candidates to fill it; veteran defender David Luiz, who Transfermarkt value at £22.5million, and exciting academy product Ethan Ampadu.
So Chelsea fans, which defender would you start in the central defensive role when Newcastle come to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, or would you prefer to see both included in the Blues’ starting XI? Let us know by voting below…
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