All posts by h716a5.icu

One Leeds player has been making all of the headlines over the past few days, and that man has been Patrick Bamford.

To be fair, the striker deserves all the plaudits that are coming his way – he’s netted six goals in six Premier League games after scoring once in his first 27 top-flight appearances.

Bamford’s transformation has undoubtedly been brilliant, but it’s one that we all could have seen coming.

The striker should have been the most deadly striker in the Championship if his xG is anything to go by, as he should have bagged around 35 goals last term according to that metric.

The former Chelsea man has always gotten into great positions in Marcelo Bielsa’s side, so it’s not all that surprising to see him finally finding some regular scoring form, but there is one man whose improvement can’t be ignored.

Indeed, Helder Costa has been outstanding for Leeds this term after a stop-start first season at Elland Road.

Costa joined Leeds in 2019 on an initial loan deal that was due to be made permanent for £16m this summer, and it seems as though a permanent move is exactly what he needed to find his best form.

Costa was largely underwhelming in the Championship last term, scoring four goals and assisting a further four in 43 appearances, and he’s already on course to smash those numbers this season netting two and setting up two in his first six games this term, despite stepping up a division.

His best showing of the season was undoubtedly at Elland Road against Fulham as he netted a brace against the Whites.

“Helder Costa was Man of the Match against Fulham for me,” Noel Whelan said after the game.

“I did not think I would say that too many times this season. I think he has been excellent so far this season.

“He has really set his stall out and we are seeing the standards we expected to see from him.

“He has had a year and a bit to bed himself in at Leeds and he looks a lot more like himself. A lot more like the player that we bought for £16million. If he continues to play like that he will be a bargain.”

This form has come at exactly the right time for the speedy winger as well with the signing of Raphinha added some real competition in his position, but he’s managed to stave him off so far.

Glasgow Rangers defender George Edmundson faces an uncertain future as Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard has been given a huge injury boost, if recent reports are to be believed.

What’s the word?

According to The Daily Record, Nikola Katic is expected to make a full recovery from his long-term injury in January. The Croatian sustained an injury in training before the start of the season which has ruled him out of action for several months.

Gerrard brought in Leon Balogun as emergency cover in the summer and the Nigeria international has turned out to be a real bargain so far. But Katic is targeting a return from rehab for some time in January.

His agent Ives Cakarun said, as quoted by The Daily Record: “All is going well.

“We hope Nikola will be ready for January. It was a big operation, cruciate ligaments and both meniscus.”

The timing couldn’t be any better for Gerrard, as Balogun somewhat survived unscathed during the international break after a minor injury scare, which would have left him with only two viable centre-back options in Connor Goldson and Filip Helander, as Edmundson has been handed a lengthy suspension after breaking coronavirus protocols to attend a party with people from outside his household.

The Daily Record revealed both Edmundson and Jordan Jones have been hit with seven-game bans by the SFA for breaching COVID rules, which means they will only be available for selection by the end of December. So Gerrard and Ross Wilson must rid themselves of the Oldham Athletic academy graduate when the transfer market reopens in the winter as this is surely the final straw.

Get him gone, Wilson!

When trust is broken in a relationship, that is in essence where the problem lies. Gerrard, ever the consummate professional during his heydays at Anfield, will have been appalled by the fact that they couldn’t adhere to COVID regulations like the rest of their teammates.

Anyone who has watched The Last Dance will remember the time when Dennis Rodman went partying in Las Vegas during the NBA season. The trouble is, Edmundson isn’t Gerrard’s Michael Jordan, let alone Dennis Rodman. If anything, he’s a bit-part fringe squad player at best, someone who is often on the outside looking in. He has only made one appearance in the Europa League qualifying rounds so far this season, playing the full 90′ minutes against Lincoln Red Imps, before being left out of the squad along with Jermain Defoe and Jones for the group stage matches.

In two games in the Europa League last season, the 23-year-old made 6 clearances per game, but only managed 0.5 tackles and 0.5 interceptions per game, via WhoScored. On the other hand, Katic, who is only one year older than his clubmate, managed 2 tackles per game in the European competition last term, as per WhoScored.

Former Celtic centre-back Gary Caldwell believes Edmundson, who reportedly earns wages worth £4,200-per-week, has made a “terrible” decision after the COVID breach. He told BBC Sportsound, as quoted by The Daily Record: “It’s terrible. Steven Gerrard will have something to say about it.

“If you can’t trust the players to adhere to Covid regulations, how can he trust them on the football park? To mark a man from a set-piece?

“It’s disappointing for Rangers but also disappointing for Scottish football.

“The situation clubs find themselves in financially, they’re going to need help at some point so we need to be showing Scottish football in the best light and unfortunately we didn’t do that.”

He burst onto the scene after a strong showing against Hamilton Academical at Ibrox last season, but will have hardly done himself any favours whatsoever with his latest blunder.

If everything plans out as is expected, it’s likely we will see Edmundson heading for the exit, either by way of a loan move or on a permanent basis, as Katic will probably battle Balogun, Goldson and Helander for a place in the starting line-up. You have to set an example, one way or another.

AND in other news, Steven Gerrard must put his faith in Ianis Hagi after “super” verdict from Romania U21 boss Adrian Mutu…

Although Manchester City may be casting one eye ahead to the January transfer window, the board must prioritise giving Kevin De Bruyne a new contract first.

It was suggested recently by Italian Football journalist Fabrizio Romano on his ‘Here We Go’ podcast that the Citizens have begun negotiations with the Belgian midfielder over a new contract with the club.

The 29-year-old has established himself as one of the best players in the Premier League since joining from Wolfsburg in 2015, having contributed a superb 58 goals and 96 assists in 233 appearances for the Etihad Stadium outfit (per Transfermarkt).

Although his current contract is set to run until 2023, extending that further would all but ensure that he stays with City for the rest of his career, while he is still able to play at the very top.

However, with the Belgian’s superb passing and crossing ability a key part of his current game, we see no reason why he couldn’t play at the top well into his 30’s, even if he does lose a yard of place.

Therefore, the Citizens must prioritise giving the midfielder a new deal as soon as possible, to ensure that the £108 million rated maestro is fully focused on pushing City back up the league.

During his time with City, De Bruyne has won the Premier League on two occasions, the FA Cup once, and the League Cup four times (per Transfermarkt).

Securing his long-term future would give City the best chance of adding to that trophy haul, as the Belgian international demonstrated his immense quality in the Premier League last season, as he contributed 13 goals and 20 assists in 35 top-flight appearances, which earned him a season rating of 7.97 – the best of any player across the campaign (per WhoScored).

After that wonderful season, he was heavily praised by Alan Shearer on Match of the Day, with the former Newcastle United man saying:

“He’s unbelievable, that right foot is absolutely deadly and he provides ridiculous entertainment. The speed of his feet and to have the ability [to score].”

“When you’re a forward, he finds you. He’s got every right to go for goal but he’s probably trying to get the assist record, which he gets, and the weight of his pass in behind is superb.

“Whatever it is, he can do it. What a player, what a season, he’s unbelievable. I gave Player of the Year to Jordan Henderson as well but he has been a stand-out performer.” (per Manchester Evening News)

Therefore, De Bruyne is clearly a hugely important player in City’s side, and fans will be hoping that he follows Guardiola’s suit and commits his future to the club in the coming weeks.

And, in other news… Manchester City dodged a huge bullet by not signing playmarker loved by Iniesta in 2018

Steve Bruce has confirmed he will make changes to the side which beat West Bromwich Albion when Newcastle United visit Leeds on Wednesday night.

The Toon are still feeling the effects of a coronavirus outbreak, but are eager not to overuse those available for selection after Isaac Hayden battled through at the weekend despite being “knocked to hell” and left bed-ridden for 10 days.

Bruce admitted he found it “frightening” to see how quickly the virus took effect of the players who contracted Covid-19, and will now have to manage the workload of those recovering as fatigue begins to set in.

Newcastle will be without several of their usual starters at Elland Road, with Bruce confirming that Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar, Javier Manquillo and Allan Saint-Maximin will not make the trip to West Yorkshire.

However, the Magpies have received more positive news on a handful of others. So, with that in mind, here’s a line-up Bruce could name against Marcelo Bielsa’s Whites…

Karl Darlow has stood up to the task of keeping Newcastle’s goal clear of danger while the Magpies manage without Martin Dubravka, with the 30-year-old performing at such a level that the Slovakian may struggle to regain the starting gig once he has overcome a heel injury.

Though Darlow will likely find a new name lining up at centre-half, with Bruce sharing that Hayden, who Southend academy manager Ricky Duncan lauds as “a gifted footballer”, will need a rest after starring in Saturday’s win over West Brom.

“Hayden is tired. He climbed out of bed to play against West Brom,” Bruce said, via quotes by Sky Sports’ Keith Downie. “Isaac is arguably our fittest player, so it just shows you that this thing [Covid-19] has no boundaries.”

He added, via quotes by the Chronicle: “I am looking at the three or four who played at the weekend. The one thing I am looking at is fatigue. With that in mind, I will look to make two or three changes.”

Bruce had better news on Frederico Fernandez, confirming that the Argentine has recovered from coronavirus and will be in the squad to face Leeds alongside the returning Ryan Fraser following his hamstring injury.

The ex-Bournemouth winger will only make the bench, allowing for Jacob Murphy to replace Miguel Almiron at right-midfield after delivering a delightful inch-perfect cross for Dwight Gayle to glance home the winning goal against the Baggies at the weekend.

Almiron fared well against Slaven Bilic’s side but the same could not be said for Sean Longstaff, who offered no dribbles, successful aerial duels, key balls or tackles on Saturday, per SofaScore, and will find his starting role under threat as Bruce looks to make changes.

Emil Krafth will also face Bruce’s axe after struggling in Saturday’s win, opening an avenue for DeAndre Yedlin to earn his first start of the league season after coming off the bench to make his campaign debut late on against West Brom.

AND in other news: “Typical Newcastle” – Exclusive: Rob Lee drops fresh £300m takeover claim…

Carlo Ancelotti must unleash Cenk Tosun on Manchester United to see if the rumoured Feyenoord and Besiktas target has anything left to offer Everton.

Tosun has struggled to establish himself in Ancelotti’s plans since recovering from cruciate ligament surgery, with the Turkey striker earning just 32 minutes across all competitions this season.

The 29-year-old made his return from injury in last month’s 2-1 defeat at Newcastle United before playing the final 10 minutes at home to Man United in the league, yet has only been seen on the pitch for a mere two minutes since the 3-1 loss seven games ago.

Ancelotti unleashing Tosun on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in Everton’s Carabao Cup quarter-final on Wednesday night could be the £6.3m-rated striker’s last chance to impress the Italian, with reports emerging of growing interest in the 45-cap hitman’s services.

Claims by Algemeen Dagblad suggest that Everton will allow Tosun to leave Goodison Park in the upcoming January window, with the £60,000-per-week disaster seen as a leading option for the Blues to sell as the club looks to raise funds and free space on the wage bill.

Feyenoord would be keen to strike a deal if Tosun does leave Merseyside, yet could face competition from the man who signed the 29-year-old, Sam Allardyce, following his appointment as West Bromwich Albion’s new head coach.

Besiktas President Ahmet Nur Cebi has also admitted he would love to reunite the Black Eagles with the forward he sold for £27m in 2018, but only on loan, feeling Tosun is still a “special” player despite scoring just 10 Premier League goals in almost three years.

Ancelotti must use Everton’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against United as his last chance to truly see if Tosun has anything left in his locker for the Toffees, as depth behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been a vivid issue for the Goodison Park natives this term.

Tosun is the only other recognised senior centre-forward still on the blue side of Stanley Park after Moise Kean joined Paris Saint-Germain on a season-long loan but he has brought nothing to the table in his rare outings to date this term.

Facing the Red Devils in a cup quarter-final would be too much of a baptism of fire for youth prospect Ellis Simms, with the 19-year-old yet to play a single minute for the first-team, and solutions will need to be arranged swiftly if Tosun offers another toothless display in the midweek clash.

Everton cannot go for broke on Calvert-Lewin seeing out the season without missing a beat, thus Tosun must be given the chance to prove himself or be shown the door.

AND in other news: “Ancelotti’s sort of player” – Exclusive: Marcel Brands urged to make Everton swoop for £18m-rated maestro.

After the disappointing draw against Fulham on Boxing Day, Southampton will be looking to get back to winning ways as they face West Ham at St Mary’s on Tuesday evening.

Ralph Hasenhuttl is boosted by the news that Oriol Romeu is back from suspension, although Ibrahima Diallo deputised well on what was his first Premier League start at Craven Cottage.

Unfortunately for the Saints, Danny Ings, Nathan Redmond and Jannik Vestergaard are all likely to miss out through injury, meaning that the South Coast club will be far from full strength for the game against David Moyes’ side.

Here’s how we expect the Austrian manager to line his side up against West Ham, with two changes from the side that started on Boxing Day…

Whilst Southampton’s attacking play was not up to its usual standard against Fulham, the defence did an excellent job in cleaning a clean sheet, with Jack Stephens filling in well for Vestergaard, so it seems likely that Hasenhuttl will stick with the same back five.

Mohammed Salisu is no doubt pushing for his first appearance in a Saints shirt, however, so he could fill in for Stephens or Bednarek if the Austrian manager opts to rest either of his centre-backs against West Ham.

The first of two changes in midfield sees Romeu return in place of Diallo, with the Spanish midfielder having been superb in the Premier League so far this season, having averaged an impressive 7.09 rating across his 14 appearances in the top-flight.

Meanwhile, Moussa Djenepo comes in for Shane Long, with Theo Walcott moving up front. The £60k per week striker was rarely involved against Fulham, and Djenepo’s trickery could be key in unlocking the West Ham defence.

Che Adams partners the former Arsenal man up front, and they will have to be on top form if the Saints are to pick up three points on Tuesday, with the Hammers having started the season in impressive fashion.

And, in other news… Southampton must sign 6 foot 4 monster following Vestergaard setback

Southampton are reportedly one of the Premier League sides who have been offered the chance to sign Leicester City midfielder Hamza Choudhury on loan this month, and the 23-year-old could solve a key issue in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, Southampton, Newcastle and West Brom have all been offered the midfielder on loan during the January transfer window, as he struggles for first-team minutes under Brendan Rodgers.

The England U’21 international is reportedly desperate to play more regularly and he could offer the Saints some much-needed back up in midfield.

Do Southampton need him?

Southampton are flying high this season and sit sixth in the Premier League after Monday’s 1-0 win against Liverpool, with the partnership of James Ward-Prowse and Oriol Romeu in midfield perhaps a key part of why they are doing so well this season, with the duo amongst the top four performers for the Saints in the top-flight this season.

However, they are limited in terms of back up options in central midfield, with Ibrahima Diallo and Will Smallbone the only other senior players available to Hasenhuttl in that position.

Whilst Diallo has impressed in his limited appearances so far, he has made just two starts in the Premier League since his summer arrival from Stade Brest, whereas Choudhury has 40 top-flight appearances under his belt, which is comfortably more than Diallo and Smallbone combined, so he would add some experience to this young Saints squad.

Another option in midfield would perhaps allow Hasenhuttl to allow Ward-Prowse some rest, with the captain having played every single minute of the season so far.

Hasenhuttl has admitted previously that the only January business Southampton are planning to do will be similar to the deal that saw them sign Kyle Walker-Peters last January, which allowed them to assess him and sign him on a permanent deal in the summer, which could also prove to be the case with Choudhury.

Certainly, the £7.2 million-rated man doesn’t appear to be getting a look in under Rodgers this season, with just one start and two substitute appearances in the Premier League, so this deal could make a lot of sense for Southampton, and would arguably go some way towards fixing the real lack of options they have in central midfield.

And, in other news… Forget Diallo: Saints star who won 11 duels was Hasenhuttl’s best vs LFC

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, pundit Steve Howey delivered his verdict on the huge injury blow suffered to Celtic defender Christopher Jullien.

The centre-back was stretchered off against Dundee with significant swelling to his knee and scans have now revealed that he will face around four months out with a serious issue.

It’s a huge blow to Celtic’s hopes of retaining the SPFL title. They were already 19 points behind their rivals Rangers coming into this weekend’s fixtures and it looks like an uphill task.

Jullien has already suffered from a spell on the sidelines this season so his campaign has now got even worse. For a Hoops backline who have conceded on such a regular basis, it’s not great news for the team either.

They shipped 19 goals in just six Europa League outings and their defensive woes were bad enough before losing one of their key men.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Howey delivered a damning verdict on Jullien’s injury. He said:

“It’s obviously a big disappointment and I think it’s a huge disappointment, and you just hope the lad gets back fit and well and stronger and better.” 

Howey then opened up on the title race: “Listen, let’s be honest, it would have been a miraculous recovery if they did get anywhere near clawing that back. I think it’s done. I still think there’s 40 something points to play for so it’s still within the realms of possibility, but it’s a tall order.

“I mean, Rangers have to go on an absolutely horrendous run and have so many injuries and Celtic have to do exactly the opposite. But as I said, I think after that game at the weekend, and Rangers winning and bearing in mind, winning and not playing very well. Albeit, the lad did get sent off but I think that was the last chance.”

Celtic’s six-game winning run in all competitions before the New Year helped boost their confidence significantly but after suffering a loss to Rangers, any slight hope of beating Steven Gerrard’s men to the title are all but gone.

The Hoops have been rumoured with signing a new centre-back this month and that has only taken on greater importance with Jullien’s injury.

AND in other news, Celtic can find their new Van Dijk in £32k-p/w beast, Rodgers dubbed him “sensational”…

According to West Ham United outlet WestHamFans.org, deals for RB Leipzig duo Hee-Chan Hwang and Matthew Bondswell are expected to be concluded within the ‘next couple of days’ as manager David Moyes eyes a new striker and a potential star for the future.

Hwang and Bondswell, according to this report, have now emerged as likely signings – with the Irons looking to complete these acquisitions imminently.

West Ham expected to conclude signings

Hwang, a striker, is now being touted as a potentially great partner to Michail Antonio in the forward position, especially with a nickname like ‘The Bull’ – even despite playing just 136 minutes of Bundesliga action with RB Leipzig (WhoScored).

Indeed, according to the report, Hwang is apparently on his way to the London Stadium with an agreement for his signature expected to be concluded in the next few days.

As well as the South Korean, Bondswell is also expected to join – with the former Nottingham Forest left-back seen as a young, hungry player who can fit Moyes’ plans for the future alongside Frederik Alves (WestHamFans.org).

According to this report, once those moves are completed, West Ham’s business for January will be concluded – except for potential outgoings.

Transfer Tavern take

Judging by this inside claim, Irons fans could get excited by this news a striker could imminently be arriving at the London Stadium – but only time will tell if or when the club announce it.

Bondswell’s potential signing also outlines the way Moyes is planning for the future, and with West Ham sitting fourth in the Premier League, that future certainly looks bright.

In other news: West Ham fans praised this ace against Crystal Palace, find out more here.

Steve Bruce should push Newcastle United and Matty Longstaff to accept a half-season loan spell with Watford as the Toon reportedly near an agreement to sign Arsenal’s Joe Willock.

What’s the word?

According to the Press Association’s Mark Mann-Bryans, talks are taking place between the Magpies and Gunners to reach a definitive agreement over the temporary transfer of Willock.

A deal for the midfielder to see out the rest of the season at St. James’ Park is now considered to be very likely, following reports over the weekend that United were urging Mikel Arteta to grant Willock permission to leave the Emirates Stadium.

Willock is keen to secure a half-season loan move on Deadline Day in order to play regular first-team football after a bit-part role under Arteta, who had been reluctant to lose the box-to-box 21-year-old due to the potential exit fellow Newcastle target Ainsley Maitland-Niles.

Willock has only played 14 minutes of Premier League football in 2021, while starting just two of his seven top-flight appearances all season. The £14.5m-rated gem was a more regular fixture of the Arsenal side during their Europa League Group Stage efforts, scoring three and assisting three goals in five games.

Newcastle signing Willock may end Bruce’s long-running search for a new midfielder in the winter market, with Matt Ritchie no longer returning to AFC Bournemouth after the Magpies reportedly rejected the Cherries’ offer.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/newcastle-deadline-day-latest-news-transfer-rumours-and-more” title=”Deadline day is here: Read the latest Rangers news, transfer rumours and more!”]

Hello Willock, goodbye Longstaff?

Willock’s arrival on Tyneside may have a drastic impact on United’s Deadline Day business, having so far rejected approaches from Watford for academy graduate Longstaff, per the Daily Mail.

It is claimed the Toon are refusing to part with the 20-year-old on a six-month deal, following efforts by the Hornets to take Longstaff to Vicarage Road as a replacement for Leicester City target Nathaniel Chalobah amid their push for an immediate to the Premier League.

Newcastle are not in a position where they must listen to offers for Longstaff to free a squad spot for Willock to join, given the Magpies ace does not take up a place because of his age. But his chances of featuring will decrease with a deal for the Gunners talent, having already been slim in recent weeks.

Longstaff has not been given a role in any of Newcastle’s last three Premier League fixtures after been axed following last month’s 3-0 defeat at Arsenal, which marked only his fourth top-flight start of the season after a problematic and persistent thigh injury.

The £4.5m-rated gem had produced a solid start at the Emirates but lost his way in the second period, having been unable to replicate his performance against the champions when Longstaff proved ice cool in the engine room to dictate United’s game plan against Liverpool.

Bruce would likely have not needed to sign a replacement in Willock if Longstaff had been able to produce consistent performances, yet must now urge the Magpies and the Magpies product to leave on loan so that he can find his rhythm and come back even stronger.

AND in other news, Newcastle United have faced enquiries over a £15m deal to sell a Steve Bruce outcast…