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Leeds United managed to secure a vital three points earlier on today at Elland Road, which helped keep the pressure on the likes of Sheffield United and Norwich City. 

The Whites are certainly heading in the right direction at this moment in time but they must ensure consistency from here on in, with dropped points possibly damaging their automatic promotion chances.

One thing that has been a worry for some supporters in recent times is Kemar Roofe’s future, as according to The Chronicle, Newcastle United are continuously monitoring the Englishman.

Indeed, it would make perfect sense for Leeds to pack the forward’s bags and send him on his way to St James’ Park if they come calling in the summer transfer window, as he just hasn’t been able to ensure consistency in front of goal in recent times and he could attract quite a hefty fee, which could be used to strengthen in many areas.

Interestingly, the Whites should look to renew their interest in Algerian international Baghdad Bounedjah, who was reportedly (as per Le Buteur) on Leeds’ radar back in the summer transfer window.

Bounedjah is a forward who plays his football for Al-Sadd and it’s safe to say that he’s been simply sensational in the current campaign, having produced an incredible 31 goals in just 17 games in the Qatar Stars League. And, he has been impressive on the international stage with Algeria as he’s scored eight goals in 20 appearances.

He is a tall and physical forward who is aerially dominant and bullies defenders in the opposition’s box. Bounedjah is as well-rounded as strikers get with the ability to pick the final pass and an incredible eye for goal, so he would bring a different dimension to Leeds United’s play in the final third.

What do you think Leeds United fans?

Wolves head coach, Bruno Lage, has made no secret that the upcoming transfer window will be something he fully intends to get involved in, as the side attempts to continue their fantastic run of form in the Premier League.

Lage’s side are in impressive form and have managed to sustain a high top half position, putting them into the European spots around sixth in the Premier League so far.

However, many slow starters like Arsenal, for example, are coming up to ruin the party for Wolves and finding their form to compete for the highly anticipated European football spots obtainable just outside of the top four.

Wolves could really capitalise on their position in the league by attracting players to join their developing side in January, to help them carry on their impressive form and successfully secure Europa League football next season.

The lack of defensive depth in the side is set to be challenged and exposed as the upcoming AFCON tournament will see both Romain Saiss and Willy Boly taken from the team for up to four weeks, depending on the length of their countries run in the tournament, with the pair being expected to at least miss two Premier League fixtures during their time away for the African tournament.

There is one player that is on the radar of many Premier League clubs including Wolves, that could squash this fear. That happens to be Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic, a player dubbed “extraordinary” by former team-mate Pol Lirola;

The 24-year-old centre back was previously linked with Wolves in the summer and has continued to impress in Italy with West Ham and Tottenham both interested in swooping in for the 6 foot 5 titan’s signature in the January transfer window.

He stands a gigantic height and thus, is a real weapon in the air, winning a colossal 3.2 aerial duels per game this term, more than anyone in the Wolves team.

The Serbian international’s contract is set to run out next year, so Lage and Shi will need to do whatever they can to offer him a deal he cannot refuse in the winter transfer window, where the asking price from Florentina is reported to be considerably lower than what he would be worth, in a bid to make some quick cash for the club.

According to Viola News, Florentina could accept just €25m (£21m).

Wolves will need to close in on the centre back quickly to bat off their Premier League competitors and secure his signature before a better offer is put to him. The signing could solve one of Lage’s biggest headaches heading into January help the side secure European football in the long run.

In other news: Lage could be exploring other positions for Adama Traore

A key Newcastle United update has emerged, regarding the club’s search for a director of football to work with Eddie Howe.

What’s the talk?

Magpies reporter Liam Kennedy has revealed that he has heard the likes of Michael Edwards, Paul Mitchell and Victor Orta mentioned as possible targets for the club’s director of football role. He has claimed that PIF will take their time with the appointment, with a number of candidates still in contention.

Speaking on the latest edition of NUFC Matters, via ThisIsFutbol, Kennedy said:

“There are other people in line. I’ve heard loads of names mentioned. Of course, we’ll have heard the lad at Liverpool, whose name escapes me at the moment [Michael Edwards]; there’s the lad [Paul] Mitchell, who used to be at Southampton who’s now at AS [Monaco], is one that is mentioned.

“I’ve heard Victor Orta mentioned – the lad at Leeds who had a meltdown the other day, I’ve seen him on Sky Sports News shouting at some fans.

“And again, it’ll be one that they take their time on, it’s a big appointment.”

Buzzing

Newcastle fans will surely be buzzing with this update from Kennedy as it illustrates the calibre the club are aiming for. They are targeting top operators and want to ensure that they get the best possible person in to fill the role, as they will be leading the club’s football operations in the long-term and this is not an appointment they can afford to get wrong.

Edwards, in particular, is an intriguing target for the Magpies given his impressive work for Liverpool. He is due to depart Anfield at the end of the season and Newcastle could hold out and wait for him to join ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The sporting director helped to build a squad capable of winning the Champions League and Premier League for the Reds, whilst having a net spend of £130m. He is also said to have convinced the club to spend the money required to land Mo Salah, who has scored 145 goals and provided 56 assists in 224 games for the Premier League side.

To illustrate his impact on Merseyside, Jurgen Klopp heaped praise on the director for the positive contributions he has made. The German head coach said:

“If we are as fortunate and blessed as we have been so far, maybe we can create more special memories for our club in this remaining time.

“He has been a constant presence during my period at LFC and his contribution to our success is clear for everyone to see.”

This highlights the standard of candidate Newcastle are eyeing, according to Kennedy, and why fans will be buzzing with someone like Edwards being under consideration.

However, it is now down to the board to go out and ensure that they are able to convince him, or one of the other targets, to make the switch and come in to help Howe and his team.

AND in other news, 98x possession lost: Howe must brutally axe NUFC’s “manager’s dream”, he’s a passenger…

Aston Villa have turned their sights towards signing Robin Olsen after suffering a transfer blow over Darren Randolph…

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days had suggested Steven Gerrard’s side were keen on landing the Republic of Ireland international, with an enquiry having already been made for the West Ham goalkeeper.

But now, according to journalist Alex Crook, Villa have failed in their pursuit of the Hammers man, and have instead lined up a swoop for Sheffield United loanee Olsen.

Writing on Twitter, he said: “#AVFCnow turning their attentions to Robin Olsen after failing to land Darren Randolph.”

Villa making moves

On loan from AS Roma, Olsen has played 11 times in the Championship this season for the Blades, but has fallen out of contention in recent weeks and months after being a virtual ever-present for the opening of the campaign.

With 53 caps for Sweden, the 32-year-old is a highly-experienced campaigner who of course has had previous experience of playing in the top-flight.

Indeed, the 6 foot 5 shot-stopper was impressive over his seven Premier League appearances while on loan at Everton last year, helping to keep two clean sheets, conceding an average of just 1.3 goals and also making three saves per game too.

While the signing of Olsen himself is hardly like to set hearts aflutter in Villa fans – especially when you consider they have just signed Philippe Coutinho in recent days – it should still be a move that has supporters very much impressed though.

Gerrard’s side have been quick and decisive in this transfer window, taking advantage of every opportunity that has arisen and come their way.

Whether it was snapping up Coutinho on loan and Gerrard using his pull and previous links to the Brazilian, or swooping in ahead of the likes of Chelsea to land Digne, Villa have been very fast to act.

Now, Crook’s update that after hitting a roadblock in trying to sign Randolph, they have already lined up an alternative target in Olsen suggests a highly thought-out planning structure that bodes well for their future recruitment.

Meanwhile, this Aston Villa target is now set to join their Premier League rivals…

An update has emerged on Newcastle United’s pursuit of Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata…

What’s the talk?

According to The Mirror, via TEAMtalk, the Magpies are pushing to complete a deal to sign the attacker on loan with an obligation to land him permanently in the summer.

The report claims that the player is keen on a move to St. James’ Park, with the Serie A side wanting a £34m transfer fee and £8m to allow the initial loan.

New Demba Ba

Eddie Howe must ensure that the club are able to get this transfer over the line as the powerhouse could be a sensational signing for the side.

The Magpies could find Demba Ba 2.0 in a swoop for the striker, as he is a proven number nine who can be a talismanic figure for Howe.

Ba, who also played for Chelsea, scored ten headers, two free-kicks, three penalties, 27 goals with his right foot and six with his left foot during his Premier League career.

This shows that he was capable of scoring a variety of goals and was not a one-dimensional attacker for Newcastle, which is something that Zapata could replicate on Tyneside.

Throughout his career to date, the Colombian has scored 35 headers, 52 goals with his right foot and 16 with his left foot. In total, he has scored an impressive 78 strikes and provided 38 assists in 152 games for Atalanta.

This suggests that he could offer a similar level of quality to Ba in terms of his all-around play as a centre-forward at the top level, which is why he could be a fantastic addition to Howe’s squad.

His ex-teammate Papu Gomez once lauded his physical attributes, saying: “Zapata’s shorts look like underwear, he is so big. Sometimes I don’t even want to get close to him in a match because he’s a beast and it hurts. When he is feeling good he’s like a train – you throw the ball forward and ‘ciao!’”

This means that, much like Ba did, he could have the strength and running power to succeed at Premier League level. These comments indicate that he will not be caught out by the physical requirements of the division and that could allow him to thrive in England.

Hopefully, the club will be able to iron out a deal with Atalanta to bring him on an initial loan, as it would mean that they can send him straight back to Italy if they are relegated.

Carrying his wages at Championship level could be a burden, which is why this move could be ideal for the Magpies if they are able to get it over the line.

AND in other news, Howe plotting late NUFC swoop for “outstanding” £61k-p/w beast, fans will be amazed…

Rangers maintained their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table thanks to a comfortable 2-0 victory at Ibrox on Wednesday evening.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side consolidated their four point cushion over nearest rivals Celtic thanks to goals from Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent against St Johnstone, and while the two goal-scorers will rightly get the headlines, James Tavernier surely had his manager purring too.

Given a bit more freedom to go forward and join the attack like he’s done so effectively in years prior, the right-back looked far more dangerous than he has been in recent games.

As per Sofascore, he had a whopping 102 touches of the ball (only Glen Kamara and Connor Goldson had more), while he also provided three key passes and attempted 12 crosses – those latter stats ranking him joint-third and top among his teammates.

That’s also not to mention the fact he also looked assured defensively too, however, winning 86% of his duels on the night, and making a team-high five tackles too.

And, writing in his post-match player ratings for Football Scotland, Euan Robertson gave him a seven, saying: “Afforded more attacking licence than in recent weeks and produced a controlled performance.”

If Tavernier can match the kind of goals and assists he usually produces from those wide areas like he has done in previous seasons, Van Bronckhorst will feel very confident at the kind of potent attack his Rangers side could be.

In his previous three games in the Scottish Premiership, the 30-year-old had managed no goals or assists whatsoever, which is quite the drought for someone so involved as him – to put that into context, the previous five games before that little run saw him notch two goals and an incredible eight assists.

His performance against St Johnstone looked like Tavernier nearing his best, and his manager would no doubt have been delighted.

Meanwhile, this Rangers star has been a revelation…

Manchester United will be looking to return to winning ways when they take on Watford at Vicarage Road in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Red Devils slipped to sixth place in the top-flight table when they suffered a crushing 2-0 defeat to local rivals Manchester City prior to the international break, falling nine points behind league leaders Chelsea as a result.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be desperate to halt United’s recent slump amid mounting pressure on the 48-year-old.

Several reports have indicated that the Norwegian is on borrowed time after suffering six losses already in the opening weeks of the current campaign, so a positive result against the Hornets could be crucial for his future.

However, Solskjaer will have to contend without key players Paul Pogba and Raphael Varane through injury, while Edinson Cavani and Luke Shaw may also be sidelined.

With that in mind, here’s how Football FanCast expected United to line up when they take on Watford, with two changes to the side which started last time out in the Manchester derby…

David de Gea is set to keep his place in goal after maintaining his strong start to the season, increasing the speculation regarding the future of backup ‘keeper Dean Henderson.

Ahead of the 31-year-old will be a fairly unfamiliar back four due to a couple of enforced absences, with Alex Telles replacing Shaw. Club captain Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof will make up the centre-back unit, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the right as the 20-time English champions go in search of just their third clean sheet of 2021/22.

The midfield should see the double pivot of Fred and Scott McTominay return as Solskjaer opts for a tried and tested 4-2-3-1 approach, while Bruno Fernandes will play ahead of the defensive-minded duo, reverting from the more withdrawn role he took up in the derby.

In attack, Marcus Rashford is set to return to the starting XI as United change from a back five to four, which duly sees the £9m-rated Eric Bailly drop to the bench after his horror own goal two weeks ago.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Mason Greenwood will complete the starting lineup in a must-win clash for the Red Devils and Solskjaer.

In other news…Huge blow: Man Utd suffer potential selection setback pre-Watford, Ole will be gutted

Tottenham Hotspur could seal their best signing since Heung-min Son following an exciting claim from transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

The north London outfit are in desperate need of fresh additions this month, certainly if Antonio Conte is to stand a chance at reviving this sinking ship.

Given his tactical system – primarily deploying three-at-the-back – he needs further reinforcements to his backline, where left-back Ben Davies has been plugging a gap and the likes of Davinson Sanchez and Japhet Tanganga have had to be trusted.

One player that Spurs appear keen on is Villarreal defender Pau Torres, who rejected a move to the club during the summer window but back then, it was the underwhelming Nuno Santo in charge – rather than the trophy-laden Italian.

And Romano believes their interest is something to keep an eye on heading into deadline day in a little under two weeks time.

“Let’s see what happens with a centre-back. Tottenham want to sign a new centre-back in January. Pau Torres has always been on their list since last summer, but Villarreal have no intention to let him leave in January,” he told the ‘Here We Go’ podcast last week.

Torres’ desire may well hinge on any sort of Champions League involvement but Spurs are firmly in the race for a top-four finish and that could well be achieved with the Spaniard’s arrival.

He played an integral role for former Arsenal boss Unai Emery at the Yellow Submarines as they defeated Manchester United to clinch the Europa League title last season.

[snack-amp-story url = “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-transfer-gossip-rumours-conte-paratici-levy-premier-league” title=”Read the latest Spurs news, transfer updates and much, much more!”]

Meanwhile, domestically, the 25-year-old colossus ranked as their fourth-best player (6.76) in La Liga last season. Across 33 starts, he proved to be an excellent ball-playing option by averaging an 87.8% passing accuracy and 0.8 dribbles per game, as per WhoScored.

“When he was small you could see he had an extraordinary talent to construct the play, I even played him for a few games in midfield, but he told me he was more comfortable at the back. Bit by bit he picked up more intensity, more strength, becoming more physical and he kept developing,” once claimed his former youth coach, ex-Villarreal midfielder Javi Calleja.

His profile is exactly the sort of one that Conte would love in his backline – an aggressive but astute on-the-ball beast to pair alongside summer signing Cristian Romero and Eric Dier.

As such, any move for Torres would surely excite the manager and fanbase alike. He’d be such a necessary addition that it could well equal the arrival of Son, who has quickly become one of Tottenham’s most reliable players over the years.

Fabio Paratici and co must seal a move for the £45m-rated Villarreal star at all costs this month.

AND in other news, “I understand..”: Sky Sports reporter drops transfer claim that’ll anger Spurs fans…

Celtic moved six points clear at the top of the Premiership table as they beat their rivals 2-1 in the Old Firm clash on Sunday.

Ange Postecoglou may have been fearing the worst when the home side took the lead in the opening minutes of the match, as Aaron Ramsey fired past Joe Hart to make it 1-0 at Ibrox.

The Hoops rallied quickly and soon found themselves level as Tom Rogic followed up on a save from Allan McGregor to make it 1-1.

A scrappy sequence of play in the box from a cross then resulted in Cameron Carter-Vicker smashing the ball past the veteran Scot to make it 2-1 just before half-time, with Celtic able to see out the three points in the second half.

One player who let Postecoglou down badly was left-back Greg Taylor as the defender looked well off his best form on the day.

On the ball, he was not a reliable option for his teammates. As per SofaScore, he gave possession away 17 times as he only completed 64% of his attempted passes. He failed to complete a single long ball or cross in his 71 minutes on the pitch, whilst completing zero dribbles to get his team up the pitch.

This allowed Rangers to intercept his passes and regain possession from his mistakes. He found himself incredibly lucky as the home side were unable to make the most of the attacks that he gifted them, with Carl Starfelt and Carter-Vickers producing colossus displays at centre-back to keep them at bay.

Defensively, he was sloppy. Ally McCoist, in the Sky Sports commentary, dubbed his defending as “very poor” and the statistics back that up. Via SofaScore, he lost four of his five ground duels and only made one tackle in the match, whilst being dribbled past once.

This shows that Rangers were able to get the better of the full-back on the physical side of the game. He was too weak in his individual battles and, again, was lucky that Gio van Bronckhorst’s side did not punish him for it.

Postecoglou will now be hoping that he will be able to turn in a better display against St. Johnstone next time out in the Premiership. This performance was not good enough, defensively or offensively, and he will know that he must up his standards if he wants to keep his place in the starting XI.

AND in other news, £3m wasted: Celtic had a shocker on £7.9k-p/w “loner” who rinsed Desmond for 129 weeks…

Joseph Masi has now revealed some significant off-field West Brom news involving Xu Ke.

The Lowdown: Off-field shake-up

The Baggies have seen an almighty off-field shake-up which started with the departure of manager Valerien Ismael and his assistant Adam Murray this week after just a few months in charge.

Steve Bruce now looks set to take his place after talks, with their next match in the Championship not coming until next Wednesday, when they will face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

It was then announced on Albion’s official website that Controlling Shareholder Guochuan Lai would replace the departing Li Piyue as Chairman, while Ron Gourlay was appointed as Chief Executive Officer in place of Xu Ke.

The Latest: Xu Ke remains at West Brom

Taking to Twitter, Express & Star journalist Masi has now revealed that despite Piyue leaving, Ke is staying at West Brom and will now take up the role of a non-executive director. The journalist revealed:

“Understand Xu Ke has been moved aside but remains at the club as a non-executive director.

“Li Piyue, who was chairman but has been replaced in that role by Lai, has left completely.

“Looks like those two men are carrying the can for Ismael and his four year deal…”

The Verdict: Significant

It is certainly significant that Ke has been allowed to stay, despite others around him leaving. He will not oversee the day-to-day running of the club anymore, as that job has now been given to new CEO Gourlay, but as a non-executive director, he will still have a say in board meetings.

With Bruce seeming likely to be appointed, the next step will be whether West Brom will allow him to take his own backroom team with him, and then how much they would want to back him in the summer transfer window.

Nonetheless, given the failed appointment of Ismael, it does seem strange that Ke has not left when Piyue has.

In other news, find out who is now a ‘serious’ managerial option for WBA alongside Bruce