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Aston Villa haven’t just been successful in the transfer market over the last few years but they’ve also unearthed some fantastic gems from the academy.

Jack Grealish is always looked up to as a role model after he progressed through the Villa ranks to stardom, and Unai Emery is hoping the youngsters in his squad can have a similar impact as the Manchester City star once had at Villa Park.

Tim Iroegbunam and Jacob Ramsey are two exciting prospects who have been included in the first team, with the latter – who registered 13 goals and assists in the Premier League last season – becoming a key player.

However, there is a figure in the ranks who could surpass them both and become the dream successor to Ollie Watkins.

Ollie Watkins’ 2023/24 PL season

Simply put, Watkins is absolutely instrumental to the way Villa play, their chances of picking up three points, and their overall success.

This season in the Premier League, the England international has started every game, scoring 13 goals and picking up 12 assists, which makes him an extremely valuable asset.

Watkins is currently the joint-top assister in the league, alongside Kieran Trippier, and his ability to win games on his own makes him such a frightening forward to have, as proven by Villa’s recent 2-1 win over Fulham when he scored a brace.

Unfortunately for Villa, his incredible consistency and performances have piqued the interest of other Premier League rivals, with Arsenal being the main club reportedly interested in signing Watkins, and therefore, let’s take a look at who could be the heir to the number 11.

Louie Barry could become Watkins 2.0

Louie Barry is a name that both Villa and Liverpool fans will be very aware of, with the young striker scoring against the Reds in a 4-1 FA Cup defeat back in 2021.

Since then, the “incredible” gem, as per Declan Rice, has yet to receive a real opportunity with the Villa first team, spending most of his time on loan at numerous EFL clubs.

This season, the 20-year-old was starring for League Two leaders Stockport County before picking up a serious hamstring injury, which has kept him out since October.

Any injury is extremely disappointing, but it’s even more frustrating when in excellent form like Barry was. The attacker had scored nine goals and picked up two assists in 15 games. The Villa loanee even holds a club record, scoring in seven consecutive league games.

Minutes per game

77

Goals

9

Assists

2

Shots per game

2.5

Key passes per game

1.1

As can be seen in the table above, he was influential for the Hatters at the start of the season, terrorising defenders with his elite movement and direct approach.

A frequent attribute of Barry’s is the ability to drift out wide to the left-hand side, where he can dribble directly at the defender, cut inside, and either curl an effort into the far corner or pull it to the near post. Even the Stockport admin in a live match report said he’s “unstoppable” when he does the above.

Overall, Barry has the potential to become the perfect successor to Watkins, and if the star does leave Villa Park, Emery will know who to call on.

Tottenham Hotspur are enjoying success under Ange Postecoglou and there is every possibility that the club will return to the Champions League next season after failing to qualify for European football at all last year.

It's also quite clear that Postecoglou is building something set to last in north London, shrewdly signing talented players and encouraging the quality of the existing crop back into the limelight.

Tottenham were made mincemeat of on too many occasions last season and Postecoglou's appointment was crucial to prevent further woes, a plummet into the abyss of midtable.

Last weekend, victory over Brighton & Hove Albion pushed Spurs back into fourth place and Aston Villa's home defeat against Manchester United the next day confirmed the position – with just 14 matches left to play in the Premier League, there is hope indeed.

While this senior success is at the forefront of the club's current endeavours, the formative fold are actually surpassing Postecoglou's men and top the Premier League 2 table with a perfect record after 11 matches.

Much has been made of Spurs' lack of squad depth over the duration of the campaign and indeed the likes of Jamie Donley and Alfie Dorrington have found regular places in the matchday plans since November to combat these issues, now alleviated after chairman Daniel Levy welcomed Radu Dragusin and Timo Werner in the winter transfer market.

Spurs could have bigger talent than Bergvall in 18 y/o Romero clone

Ange Postecoglou has one of the Premier League’s most exciting youngsters at his disposal.

ByAngus Sinclair Feb 9, 2024

Donley and Dorrington are exciting prospects but they are not the only teenage talents capable of wedging their way into the first-team, with left-back Charlie Sayers pushing for more after some excellent displays this season.

Charlie Sayers' season in numbers

Sayers, aged 19, joined Tottenham from Southend United in December 2021 and has since gone from strength to strength within the youth fold, at present a standout member of England's finest-performing U21 squad.

Having amassed 38 appearances for Tottenham's respective development outfits, Sayers is indeed now knocking on Postecoglou's doorstep and will be among the most likely options to wedge their way into the senior set-up going forward.

Of course, the fact that Spurs have been knocked out of both domestic cups and failed to qualify for Europe last season means that if Sayers is to grace the pitch with the first team before the summer it will come in the Premier League, and with everything on the line the Australian manager will be more circumspect than he might like when handing out debuts to the formative players.

Regardless, Sayers is proving himself and will be sure to take the next step in his development sooner rather than later, having completed nine appearances in all competitions this term and started five times for his table-topping team in the Premier League 2.

In the EFL Trophy, as per Sofascore, he has exhibited his elite athleticism and energy down the left channel by averaging 1.3 key passes, two tackles and 7.3 ball recoveries per match across three fixtures, also completing 85% of his passes.

Charlie Sayers' style of play

Club insider Superhotspur has described Sayers as a tall defender capable of performing both centrally and out wide, boasting a wide range of passing and with good pace to keep things ticking down the flank.

The report goes on to denote a preference to play the ball out and maintain fluency in possession, two points that certainly work in his favour when considering the system that Postecoglou implements and the style that he expects his players to bring to the table.

Eric Dier, Spurs stalwart to a degree, was ostracised from the first-team action and sold to Bayern Munich last month after clearly not offering the skill set that Tottenham now require.

Radu Dragusn was brought in as a replacement but there is definitely room for a new left-sided defender to bolster the ranks – the likes of which Tottenham perhaps haven't seen since a certain former club captain, Jan Vertonghen, who was equally as supreme in possession in the two positions Sayers is capable of playing in. As a result, the teenager – who has been hailed for his "outstanding" qualities by former Southend manager Phil Brown in the past – seems to fit the Belgian's void perfectly.

There has been much talk about the likes of Donley as the Lilywhites' standout prospect and indeed the playmaker has been in scintillating form this season with six goals and 12 assists from 16 matches, but Sayers has demonstrated that he has the making of a star and could make the left-back role his own in the years to come.

After all, it's potentially easier to break in as a full-back than in the forward areas of the pitch; just ask Bukayo Saka at Arsenal who began his career as a left-sided defender.

Of course, Destiny Udogie is the first-choice left-back at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and that doesn't look like it will change any time soon, but Sayers could be an excellent understudy to add some depth and dynamism over the coming years.

How Charlie Sayers compares to Destiny Udogie

Udogie signed for Tottenham from Udinese in a £15m deal back in 2022 but spent the 2022/23 campaign back on loan with the Serie A side, honing his craft and doing so rather impressively, praised as an "incredible talent" by journalist Josh Bunting.

He's taken to life in English football, under Postecoglou's stewardship, seamlessly, the 21-year-old posting two goals and three assists across 21 league outings, with his efforts leading footballJOE's Hunter Godson to remark that he "gets into nearly every team in the world already."

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 20% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 15% for pass completion, the top 12% for tackles and interceptions and the top 11% for progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90.

On the note of ball-carrying, he also averages 6.1 ball recoveries per match in the Premier League this season so Sayers would be able to slot right into that role as the understudy. The Italian defender is also similarly crisp in his passing with an 86% success rate this term.

Sayers still has a bit of a way to go until he establishes himself as a senior at Spurs but he definitely has the tools to do so and might just find himself attracting attention in the years to come as he bids to emulate both Vertonghen and Udogie.

Juventus winger Federico Chiesa has emerged as a summer transfer target for Bayern Munich as his contract approaches its final year.

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Bayern eye new attacking targetChiesa out of contract in 2025Transfer considered possibleWHAT HAPPENED?

reporter Florian Plettenberg has shared that Chiesa's name has been added to Bayern's shortlist. The Italy winger is out of contract next summer and an initial price range is estimated at a relative bargain €30-40 million (£25m-£34m/$32m-$43m). But with Chiesa away at Euro 2024, no decision is expected to be made on his part for several weeks.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Juventus are unsurprisingly said to be open to extending Chiesa's contract beyond next season, but a transfer is ultimately thought to be possible given that he is expected to have plenty of options on the table. Liverpool were notably linked just last month, with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain both also rumoured to be interested within the last year.

DID YOU KNOW?

Chiesa scored 10 goals for Juventus in all competitions in 2023-24, marking a return to his best form after suffering an ACL injury in January 2022 that had massively disrupted two seasons. Even just the idea of having him link up with Harry Kane should have Bayern fans licking their lips in anticipation.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN MUNICH?

Bayern won't get an answer on Chiesa for a little while, but there is still plenty to be done for new manager Vincent Kompany. The Belgian currently has precious time to familiarise himself with his new surroundings before pre-season training begins early next month for those not on international duty. With Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting moving on and Thomas Muller to turn 35 in September, the attacking ranks are in need of fresh blood if the Bundesliga title is to be wrestled back from Bayer Leverkusen.

Liverpool have identified a "candidate" to take a big backroom role at the club this summer, according to an update from reliable journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.

Klopp announces shock Liverpool exit

The Reds were rocked on Friday when Jurgen Klopp confirmed that he will be leaving Anfield at the end of the season, bringing an end to a legendary spell at the club. It was a piece of news that came from nowhere, even though the German had informed those high up of his decision back in November, and supporters have been left stunned.

The 56-year-old cited an increasing lack of energy as a key reason for deciding to move on this summer, at which point he will be approaching nine years in the role. It has been a period of huge success for Liverpool, including Champions League and Premier League glory, and Klopp will be leaving as one of the most iconic figures in Reds history.

Related Liverpool could sign dream Klopp heir with swoop for "serial winner"

Anfield was rocked by Jurgen Klopp’s announcement that he will leave the club at the end of the season.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jan 26, 2024

It isn't only the manager who will depart, however, with his coaching staff moving on as well, including highly rated assistant manager Pep Lijnders. Jorg Schmadtke is also leaving as sporting director as early as next month, with the German always only on a short-term contract.

Liverpool identify potential sporting director

According to Di Marzio on X, Liverpool see Bournemouth technical director Richard Hughes as a potential option to replace Schmadtke as sporting director this summer.

"Richard Hughes is a candidate at @LFC to replace Jorg Schmadtke as Sporting Director at the [start] of next season. He is currently working as Technical Director at @afcbournemouth."

The Klopp news is clearly going to dominate the headlines for some time given the vast influence he has and the fact that he is a huge name in the world of football, but nailing Schmadtke's replacement is also hugely important.

The role of a sporting director in the modern game is so important in terms of working with the manager on new signings – Michael Edwards and Klopp had a wonderful working relationship in the past, signing the likes of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Alisson – so it is vital that Liverpool's next manager has the right person alongside them.

Not a huge amount will be known about Hughes by Reds fans, but if FSG believe he is the ideal figure to come in and even be an upgrade on Schmadtke, they have to be trusted. In fact, the Scot is a former player and once knocked Liverpool out of the FA Cup, scoring the only goal of the game for Portsmouth in a fifth-round replay back in 2004.

Related Liverpool could land dream Alonso alternative in 44 y/o "genius"

This exciting manager could be the perfect under-the-radar replacement for the departing Jurgen Klopp.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jan 27, 2024

For all their faults as owners, FSG still managed to acquire Klopp's signature back in 2015, and other impressive appointments have also been made since then, including that of Edwards. This is a huge period that they must get right, however, or risk setting Liverpool back after making so much headway under their legendary current boss.

Manchester United could do with some new additions as they continue to navigate an inconsistent run of form and are reportedly eyeing up a high-profile swoop in 2024.

Man Utd's January plans…

Ending the year at the City Ground, Manchester United came up short against a resurgent Nottingham Forest side as Marcus Rashford's equaliser wasn't enough to claim anything in the East Midlands courtesy of strikes either side from Nicolas Dominguez and Morgan Gibbs-White.

Languishing seventh in the Premier League table, it is clear that Erik ten Hag's side could do with some reinforcements once the window opens to freshen things up at Old Trafford. Nonetheless, Red Devils' football director John Murtough revealed at a recent fans forum that his side aren't expected to be too busy in the mid-season market, saying:

"Looking ahead to the January transfer window, we are not expecting it to be particularly busy. There will always be the possibility of deals around the edges of the squad, particularly in terms of finding opportunities for players who are not playing as much football as they would like.

Serhou Guirassy

19th December

Nico Williams

19th December

Donyell Malen

8th December

Max Moerstedt

7th December

Timo Werner

1st December

"However, we've always been consistent in saying that we do not see January as the optimal time to do business and our recruitment strategy remains focused on summer windows."

Despite this, names of several players continue to be mentioned in connection with Manchester United as they prepare for a month of incomings and outgoings, with the likes of Mauro Icardi, Jean-Clair Todibo and Serhou Guirassy all believed to be on the radar in the North West. Now, the Red Devils are plotting a potential high-profile deal that could see one of Europe's best midfielders move to Ten Hag's side in 2024.

Man Utd keen on Joshua Kimmich

According to reports from Spain, Manchester United are keen to sign Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich in 2024, who is also being eyed by their rivals Liverpool. The outlet claim that Manchester City and Barcelona have been keen on the Germany international in the past; however, they won't go to insane lengths to land his services and United could make an offer next summer.

Joshua Kimmich key statistics in 2023/24 – Bundesliga (Sofascore)

Accurate passes per game

70.7 (90%)

Tackles won per game

2.0

Balls recovered per game

6.3

Expected assists

3.56

Big chances created

3

Average match rating

7.37/10

Versatile Kimmich is out of contract at the Allianz Arena in 2025 so could be sold on this summer if he doesn't renew his deal at the Bundesliga giants in light of the danger they would face of prospectively losing him on a free transfer.

Labelled "phenomenal" by Jose Mourinho, the Rottweil-born utility man has made 20 appearances in all competitions this season, registering one goal and six assists in the process (Kimmich statistics – Transfermarkt).

Manchester United are no stranger to a statement signing, though if they were able to pull off the capture of Kimmich it could be lauded as, on paper, an impressive deal for the Red Devils.

The 25-year-old allrounder had represented South Africa women in 3 ODIs and 1 T20I in 2013, and was active with coaching at the grassroots level after that

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Apr-2019Elriesa Theunissen-Fourie, the former South Africa women’s allrounder, died in a road accident on April 5.Theunissen-Fourie, who would have turned 26 on May 2, played three ODIs and one T20I for South Africa, all in 2013. She was part of South Africa’s squad for the Women’s World Cup in 2013, and made her ODI debut against Sri Lanka women in Cuttack. She last played for South Africa in a series against Bangladesh Women in September that year.In domestic cricket, she represented the North West Dragons and was described by Cricket South Africa as “very active at the grassroots level, coaching at the local community hub until she had to take maternity leave ahead of the birth of her first child”.CSA said she died in a “motor car accident in Stilfontein, North West. The life of her child was also lost in the accident.””This is a dreadful tragedy in the true sense of that word,” CSA chief executive Thabang Moroe said. “This is devastating news for all of us. Elriesa did so much for the community in which she lived and gave excellent service both as a national player of note and in the work she did at grassroots level to help in the less fortunate communities.”On behalf of the CSA family I extend our deepest sympathy to her husband, Rudy, her family, friends and all her cricketing colleagues.”

The relentless Championship schedule is already starting to impact Leeds United and their performances as they have dropped points in the last two matches.

Daniel Farke's side were held to a 1-1 draw last time out against Coventry at Elland Road and that came off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Those two results have left the Whites a staggering ten points adrift of Ipswich Town in second and 13 points behind league-leaders Leicester City, who currently occupy the two automatic promotion places.

Leeds are competing to make an instant return to the Premier League after they were relegated from the top-flight at the end of last season, but will have to do so via the play-offs unless they can oust one of the top two out of the way during the second half of the campaign.

The January transfer window is set to open for business next month and the Yorkshire-based outfit could dip into the market to provide their promotion push with a boost heading into the final few months of the season.

Leeds transfer news – Kerem Akturkoglu

A recent report from Turkish outlet Fanatik claimed that Leeds are one of the teams showing an interest in Galatasaray forward Kerem Akturkoglu.

It was stated that the Whites and Italian side Lazio are both eyeing up the talented whiz ahead of a possible swoop for his services in 2024.

Fanatik also reported that several clubs from England, Italy, and France have been in 'frequent' contact with the player's agents to determine how viable a transfer could be either in January or next summer.

However, it was also claimed that Galatasaray have decided, after an internal meeting to discuss their strategy, that they will not be cashing in on any of their star players and only those already on the transfer list will be allowed to depart.

This means that Leeds could have a tough job on their hands to convince the Turkish giants to part ways with Akturkoglu when the window opens.

However, the sale of one of their current forwards could provide them with the funds to make an attractive offer to Galatasaray, which is where Wilfried Gnonto could come in.

Football Insider recently reported that Leeds could accept an offer for the Italy international in January as the 20-year-old wants to play regular first-team football.

Premier League and Serie A sides are said to be keeping an eye on his situation and it was previously claimed by TEAMtalk that Everton, Roma, and Lazio are keen on the gem, who would cost a fee in the region of £25m.

Cashing in on Gnonto could allow Farke to invest in another forward and this could, therefore, open the door for a swoop for Akturkoglu, who could come in as the manager's new version of Crysencio Summerville.

Summerville's season in numbers

The Dutch forward has been in terrific form so far this season in the Championship and has proven to be a reliable attacking outlet for his side.

Summerville managed four goals and two assists in 28 Premier League appearances for Leeds during the 2022/23 campaign as they were relegated to the second tier.

The 22-year-old has been able to use that top-flight experience to become a superstar for the Whites with his electric performances this term.

He has spearheaded Farke's attack on the left wing and has been one of the best players in the entire division, with his average Sofascore rating of 7.89 topping the league ahead of the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Gabriel Sara, and ex-Leeds forward Jack Clarke.

Summerville is currently third in the league for goals (ten), only behind Sammie Szmodics and Adam Armstrong, and is joint-fifth for assists (six), as it stands.

The impressive left-winger, who has created ten 'big chances' for his teammates, is also top of the Leeds squad for key passes (3.1) and dribbles completed (2.7) per game so far this season in the Championship.

These statistics show that the Dutch wizard has the quality to make a huge impact at the top end of the pitch week-in-week-out with his ability as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

He provides variety in his game that makes it difficult for defenders to stop him as Summerville can just as easily dribble on the outside to create a chance for a teammate as he can dribble inside to open up space for himself to score.

The statistics that show why Akturkoglu could be Summerville 2.0

Farke could now land his next version of the Leeds star by securing a deal ahead of Lazio to land Akturkoglu's signature before the end of next month.

The 25-year-old whiz, who can play out wide on either flank, has been in sublime form for Galatasaray since the start of last season and has the potential to offer similar qualities to Summerville in the final third.

He is a winger who has the ability to contribute with goals and assists at an impressive rate, which could make him a fantastic addition to the squad ahead of the second half of the season.

Last term, Akturkoglu racked up nine goals, 11 assists, and 17 'big chances' created in 34 Turkish Super Lig outings for Galatasaray.

The exciting dynamo has followed that up with a return of four goals, five assists, and 11 'big chances' created in 13 Super Lig starts so far during the 2023/24 campaign.

This means that the Turkey international, who was once described as “unstoppable” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has produced 13 goals, 16 assists, and created 28 'big chances' in his last 47 league outings, which highlights how productive he is at the top end of the pitch.

The Whites target is a right-footed winger, who can play on either side, and has the quality to score and assist goals at an eye-catching rate, just like Farke's current superstar on the left flank.

Akturkoglu has made 2.9 key passes per game for his teammates this season and only Summerville (3.1) has managed more than that within the Leeds squad.

These statistics all indicate that the 5 foot 8 Turkish sensation could be a phenomenal addition to the club if he is able to translate those performances over to English football, due to the impact he could have on matches with his attacking contributions.

يلتقي الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، نظيره بلدية المحلة، ضمن منافسات الجولة الرابعة والثلاثين من مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وتنطلق مباراة الزمالك ضد بلدية المحلة، في تمام الساعة التاسعة مساء الغد بتوقيت القاهرة والمملكة العربية السعودية، على ملعب استاد السلام.

طالع.. بمشاركة الزمالك والمصري.. كاف يعلن قيمة جوائز كأس الكونفدرالية

ويبحث الزمالك عن تحقيق فوز معنوي في ختام منافسات مسابقة الدوري المصري، قبل استكماله مواجهات كأس مصر.

بينما بلدية المحلة، يأمل في تحقيق مفاجأة والفوز في نهاية الدوري قبل الهبوط إلى دوري المحترفين.

ويحتل الزمالك، المركز الثالث في جدول ترتيب مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز برصيد 55 نقطة، حيث حقق الفوز في 17 مباراة وتعادل في 7 وخسر 9.

ويقع بلدية المحلة، في المركز السادس عشر برصيد 27 نقطة، حقق الفوز في 7 مباريات وتعادل في 6 وخسر 20 لقاء.

USA allrounder Jannisar Khan has been suspended for two matches and given four demerit points after being found guilty of breaching the ICC’s code of conduct. This is the first time a USA player has been suspended under the ICC’s current demerit points system and puts a cloud over his selection status for ICC WCL Division Two in Namibia next April.USA need a top-four finish in the six-team event to guarantee ODI status through 2021. The tournament consists of five round-robin matches which determine if USA finishes in the top four, before a final-day playoff match that has no bearing on ODI status. It means Jannisar would be guaranteed to miss 40% of the pivotal round-robin stage if USA decide to include him in their 14-man squad for the event.An ICC media release said Jannisar was charged with violating article 2.8 of the code of conduct, which relates to “showing dissent at a decision during an international match”. The release goes on to state that Jannisar “appeared to show dissent at the decision and directed abusive language towards the umpire and his decision.”The incident occurred during USA’s win over Singapore on the final day of WCL Division Three in Oman last week. Jannisar was given out caught behind for 24 with USA needing one run to achieve their target of 162.The match was live-streamed on USA Cricket’s YouTube page. Footage from the dismissal shows Jannisar throwing his hands up after being given out caught behind upon missing a cut shot to legspinner Anantha Krishna. Audio of the feed then clearly records Jannisar shouting, “Oh, come on, man! Oh, what the f***, man!” Jannisar then starts to walk off before the audio records him shouting, “S***, man!”Jannisar pleaded not guilty to the charge laid by on-field umpires Vinay Kumar Jha and Rahul Asher, and third umpire Akbar Ali Khan. The plea was apparently done under the premise that Jannisar’s language was expressed in general frustration at the decision rather than specifically directing abuse at the umpires.After a hearing, ICC match referee V Narayanan Kutty found Jannisar guilty and issued four demerit points, which equates to a two-match ban for USA’s next two T20Is or 50-over matches, whichever comes first. At the moment, USA have no matches scheduled prior to WCL Division Two in Namibia, due to be held from April 18 to 28.Jannisar, 37, is a former Pakistan Under-15 and Under-19 player belonging to the same batch that produced future Pakistan internationals such as Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal, Abdul Razzaq and Taufeeq Umar, and the future South Africa legspinner Imran Tahir. He migrated to Houston, Texas several years ago where he plays his club cricket and also works as a youth academy coach. He made his USA debut in September after qualifying to play for his adopted country under the ICC’s three-year residency rule.Jannisar was the third USA player found guilty of a code-of-conduct violation during WCL Division Three. Monank Patel was handed one demerit point for a level one violation after pleading guilty to giving batsman Irfan Karim a send-off during USA’s win over Kenya. Timil Patel was given one demerit point after pleading guilty to giving batsman Saif Ahmad a send-off during USA’s win over Denmark.

Leeds United have deployed chiefs to assess a new forward live in action, but a fresh report has revealed that there are also six other clubs chasing his signature.

Leeds United's season so far

Daniel Farke’s side have made a fairly mixed start to the new campaign having won seven, drawn four and lost three of their opening 14 games in the Championship, meaning that they currently find themselves in third place in the league table.

Victories	Draws	Defeats
Ipswich Town (4-3)	Cardiff City (2-2)	Birmingham City (1-0)
Millwall (3-0)	West Bromwich Albion (1-1)	Southampton (3-1)
Watford (3-0)	Sheffield Wednesday (0-0)	Stoke City (1-0)
QPR (1-0)	Hull City (0-0)
Bristol City (2-1)
Norwich City (3-2)
Huddersfield Town (4-1)

The Whites are sure to be full of confidence following the most recent thrashing over Huddersfield Town last weekend and they will know that they are more than capable of pushing for promotion this season, but regardless, that hasn’t stopped chiefs from wanting to strengthen their squad even further.

The Elland Road outfit have identified Fluminense’s right-winger Jhon Arias as a possible target, who has made a total of 135 appearances at the Maracana Stadium since first putting pen to paper back in 2021 (Transfermarkt – Arias statistics).

The Colombia international has made an outstanding beginning to this season having established himself as Fernando Diniz’s overall best-performing player with a match rating of 7.22 (WhoScored – Fluminense statistics), and the 26-year-old’s form has brought him onto the radar in West Yorkshire.

Leeds send scouts to watch Jhon Arias

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds have sent representatives to watch Arias, but they are far from alone in their pursuit ahead of January.

“A Colombian attacker who’ll play in the biggest club match of his life next weekend has been scouted by Rangers, West Ham, Crystal Palace, Wolves, Burnley, Leeds Utd and Leicester City, TEAMtalk can confirm.

"TEAMtalk has been told one of Andre’s midfield teammates – Jhon Arias – will also come under observation. We understand Crystal Palace, West Ham, Burnley, Wolves, Leicester, Leeds and Scottish giants Rangers have all checked on Arias.”

Arias is a crossing machine with fantastic assist numbers

During his time at Fluminense, Arias has posted 56 involvements (30 assists and 26 goals) in 135 outings, so it’s clear to see the positive and prolific impact he makes in the final third, but even if the end product isn’t always there, he constantly tries his best to create chances.

Sponsored by Adidas, Diniz’s £7.1k-per-week earner (Fluminense salaries), also ranks in the 95th percentile for successful take-ons so he loves to use his pace to dribble past his marker (FBRef – Arias statistics), and has made 140 crosses so far this season, which is more than any of his fellow teammates (FBRef – Fluminense statistics).

Leeds are additionally bound to find it attractive that he’s a versatile operator having been deployed in eight different positions since the start of his career, including everywhere across the frontline and in four roles in the midfield, so this really is a no-brainer of a deal to pursue should the right opportunity present itself.