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Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has been reacting to the injury that Liam Cooper sustained against Brentford on Sunday.  

The Lowdown: Phillips and Bamford worries

Marcelo Bielsa has had to deal with plenty of injury issues this season and may well have three more players sidelined after the 2-2 draw on the weekend.

Kalvin Phillips had to make way in the second half against Brentford, with The Daily Mail now believing that he could be out until February with a hamstring injury.

Patrick Bamford made his return to action late on against Thomas Frank’s side and managed to salvage a draw with a 95th-minute equaliser. However, he too may be back on the injury table after reportedly suffering a hamstring issue in the celebrations after the goal.

The Latest: Cooper’s injury; Whelan reacts

Cooper also had to be withdrawn early on at Elland Road against the Bees, with Bielsa unsure in regards to the extent of the Scotland defender’s injury. However, reliable reporter Phil Hay believes the Scot is facing a ‘lengthy spell out’ along with Phillips.

Whelan, who contributes as a pundit for the BBC, was talking to Football Insider about the injuries to Cooper and Phillips in a story on Tuesday morning, saying: “It’s a massive worry. One’s our club captain, and the other is invaluable to how we play.”

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Whelan added: “We can’t afford this, to be missing players like them over this Christmas period, they’re vitally important.”

The Verdict: Back to square one…

Bielsa was edging closer to a fully fit squad prior to the latest triple blow, with Pascal Struijk and Robin Koch the only major first-team absentees on Sunday. However, it now seems as if the Whites could be back to square one when it comes to injuries at the worst possible time.

Leeds have five fixtures before the end of the year, and it seems as if Bamford, Phillips and possibly Cooper may end up missing some of those, leaving Bielsa searching for answers once again at a crucial stage of the season. It’s no wonder that Whelan is so worried about the Whites’ immediate prospects given the latest glut of body blows.

In other news: Leeds receive boost in quest to sign 13-cap beast who’s been hailed as a “young star”. 

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has provided an update on the future of star player Wilfried Zaha and it’s not great news for the club’s supporters.

What’s the story?

The 28-year-old has been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park for several years now, but rumours resurfaced in recent weeks, citing fellow Premier League sides Tottenham Hotspur and Everton as potential suitors.

In an interview with BBC Sport, Parish addressed the speculation surrounding Zaha, providing a fresh update on his future.

Fans will be gutted

However, since rejoining the south London outfit on a permanent basis back in 2015, the £40.5 million rated gem has gone from strength to strength.

The Ivory Coast international has been the Eagles’ talisman in recent seasons, scoring 68 goals and providing 72 assists in 393 appearances for his boyhood club.

His impressive form saw Arsenal attempt to acquire his services before settling for Nicolas Pepe a couple of years ago, but links to the Gunners have never fully died, with Mikel Arteta labelling the skilful winger “phenomenal” back in January 2020.

Zaha himself openly admitted that if an opportunity to play for a bigger club arose over the coming months, then he “wouldn’t turn it down” as he wants to win some silverware before he retires.

And Parish’s latest comments are bound to leave the Palace supporters feeling gutted as they prepare themselves for a turbulent off-season.

“We understand his position,” Parish said. “It’s no secret that he would like to challenge himself.”

“But it has to be right for the football club. He understands that as well. If those two things collide then we will have to look at it. But right now, we are two days into the transfer window, so it’s a bit early to talk about it.”

The capital club’s chief appeared to leave the door open to a possible exit for Zaha, which could be extremely damaging to their chances in the Premier League next term.

Palace are entering a transitional period following Roy Hodgson’s departure, and they’ll need their star man around to ensure things don’t turn sour in 2021/22.

The fact that Parish is seemingly willing to listen to offers for Zaha will leave plenty of Palace fans gutted as it opens the door for a club to come in and sign their club’s best player.

And, in other news…Imagine him and Lampard: Palace could form a dream duo with “different class” £15m gem 

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Sheffield United striker Brian Deane has tipped Rhian Brewster to make an impact in the Championship next season.

Brewster has really struggled at Bramall Lane this term following his £23.5m move from Liverpool, failing to score a single Premier League goal for his new club.

However, back in the 2019/20 Championship campaign, the division Brewster will be playing in come August, the 21-year-old forward excelled.

During his loan spell at Swansea City, Brewster managed to score 11 goals in 22 appearances after arriving at the Liberty Stadium in January 2020, proving his credentials in that league. And Deane is expecting more of the same once he returns to English football’s second division.

When asked if Brewster could help fire Sheffield United back into the Premier League, Deane told FFC:

“I don’t see why not. He obviously is very comfortable in the Championship. I think the other thing you have to understand is that, you know, you can buy a player, but do you have the infrastructure and the support networks for somebody like that both on and off the pitch?”

While Brewster has certainly had a difficult time this season, the England U21 international is not the only Sheffield United striker who has struggled in front of goal.

Team-mate Oliver McBurnie has only managed to find the back of the net on a sole occasion in the current campaign.

Sunderland provided a huge response following their midweek stalemate with Plymouth Argyle by taking an impressive 5-1 victory from Cambridge United yesterday.

Alex Neil and his team are now on a 12-game unbeaten run, with the Scottish manager only losing once since he arrived at the club in February, and they now find themselves fourth in the League One table albeit only one point safe in the play-off position.

The Black Cats put in a phenomenal attacking performance that was boosted when Cambridge went down to ten men in the 12th minute of the game, with Lloyd Jones getting red-carded awarding their hosts a penalty which Ross Stewart scored to make it 1-0 a minute later.

Sunderland were dominant throughout the game holding 75% possession, making ten more shots on target and over 400 more accurate passes than their opponents on Saturday afternoon.

Elliot Embleton, Danny Batth and Nathan Broadhead all joined Stewart in getting on the scoresheet delivering five goals in total, and Embleton, in particular, was an absolute force in the attacking threat his team imposed on Cambridge and offered an unrivalled presence.

The 23-year-old who was labelled “complex” by former manager Lee Johnson, made an impressive 141 touches, 113 accurate passes, four key passes and was successful in the majority of his long balls and crosses (12/21).

Embleton has been integral in Sunderland’s play-off charge as of late and has delivered in the moments when it has been needed most, grabbing his opportunities to impress his new manager following a lack of game-time since the Scotsman took over at the Stadium of Light.

Neil had been playing the midfielder off the bench, but he has now finally integrated him back into the starting eleven over the last two games following an assist to the last-minute winning goal against Gillingham and scoring the winner against Oxford in the final moments in the following game, with his contribution earning the Black Cats six points in just 27 minutes of play.

The fight for a play-off place isn’t over with the North-East club safe by just a point with one game in hand over their competitors inside the top six, and with no room for error in the last two games, Sunderland must continue their unbeaten form to boost their chances of potential promotion.

AND in other news: Speakman howler: SAFC may now be on the verge of repeating brutal Hugill disasterclass

Steve Bruce has dropped a big injury blow for Newcastle United going into their away game against Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match against Graham Potter’s men, the former Aston Villa and Sunderland boss has revealed that it is ‘too early’ for Fabian Schar to come back into the team despite commenting on his progression and recovery from his latest injury setback.

Schar blow for Newcastle

It is certainly a huge blow for the St. James’ Park faithful that they will not be able to play Schar in what looks to be a crucial fixture against the Seagulls in the battle to avoid being relegated from the top flight down to the Championship.

The Switzerland international has missed the last five games in the division with a knee injury, and in those matches the Tyneside club have failed to pick up a win, losing two and drawing three, conceding seven goals in the process (Transfermarkt).

Schar has done a decent job for the Magpies whenever he has played in the league so far in the 2020/21 term, winning no fewer than 3.1 of his duels per appearance as well as averaging 3.1 clearances and 1.6 interceptions a game (Sofascore).

Nonetheless, the Toon will have to try and find a way to get the three points without the 29-year-old central defender.

In other news, find out what two managers Lee Ryder has named would listen to an offer from NUFC if Bruce left here!

Chelsea are ready to rival Manchester City in the race to sign Aston Villa star Jack Grealish this summer, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: All roads seemed to point towards City move

Manchester City were named as the favourites to sign Grealish back in March, and since then, rumours have continued to gather pace.

Grealish has told friends he is very interested in a move to the Etihad to work with Pep Guardiola, with reports in recent days claiming City are ready to smash the all-time Premier League transfer record in order to land the 25-year-old.

The Latest: Source shares Blues twist

Football Insider shared a story on Grealish’s future on Tuesday morning, hours prior to his starring display for England against the Czech Republic at the European Championships.

A Chelsea source informed the site that the Blues have a ‘concrete interest’ in the attacking midfielder and are ready to push City all the way this summer.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has made it clear to the Blues hierarchy that he will finance big-money signings like Grealish if deals can be agreed.

The Verdict: Could it be good news for Villa?

This latest update could actually be good news for Villa in what could be a difficult scenario. Villa are under no pressure to part ways with Grealish, who is under contract at Villa Park until 2025.

The only way Villa could be forced into selling their captain is if he makes it clear to the club he wants a move away and a remarkable bid is received.

Chelsea now being ready to rival City for his signature may only push the price up for Grealish in a possible bidding war, should Villa have to look into a potential sale.

Villa could therefore reap the financial benefits should a move materialise to either Stamford Bridge or the Etihad, with both clubs now seemingly extremely keen on Grealish’s services.

In other news: John McGinn linked with Villa exit, find out more here. 

A number of Liverpool supporters don’t want Philippe Coutinho to return to Anfield despite him reportedly wanting to move back.

The Brazilian was a hugely popular individual during his time with the Reds, scoring 54 goals in 201 appearances along the way (41 goals in 152 Premier League games). Coutinho’s flair lit up Anfield on many occasions and he proved to be an influential player under both Brendan Rodgers and Jurgen Klopp.

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He controversially traded Liverpool for Barcelona in January 2018, however, angering some supporters and ruining his Reds legacy. Ironically, Klopp’s men have never looked back since, winning the Champions League and Premier League, while Coutinho has struggled in Spain.

According to Sport [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter], it is the 29-year-old’s ‘big dream’ to return to Liverpool this summer, securing a move away from Barca.

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Liverpool fans don’t want Coutinho to return

These Liverpool fans don’t want to see it happen, however, taking to Twitter to provide their thoughts.

“We don’t care about his dreams”

Credit: @PrimeEJ

“Oh so now we’re his ‘dream’? Yeah keep dreaming then.”

Credit: @ryanpiyo

“Big Dream? Please don’t make me laugh”

Credit: @takilufhugu_

“Dream was to play for Barca as well”

Credit: @KiwiC10

“Dream on Phil”

Credit: @hara_anton

“Awwww stop…”

Credit: @Kop_A_Holic

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to a rumour linking the Reds with a move for an international winger. Read more here.

Noel Whelan is confident that Leeds United will spend up to £100m this summer as they look to go up another level in the Premier League.

The Whites have enjoyed a good first season back in the top flight, currently occupying 11th place in the table and arguably never looking relegation-threatened.

Marcelo Bielsa will know that he can’t afford to rest on his laurels, however, with new signings expected to be made in the summer transfer window.

The hope will be that Leeds can jump from being a mid-table team to pushing towards the European places in 2021/22, but only with reinforcements will that be likely to happen.

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Whelan expects Leeds to spend big this summer

Speaking to Football Insider, former Leeds striker Whelan said he firmly believes the plan is to spend up to £100m in order to meet those aforementioned goals. He said:

“I’ve heard about this big investment from the 49ers. That’s not gone on the field, it’s gone to balance the books and cover expenses.

“So the losses don’t worry me. Everyone’s posting big losses. Some are going to be double ours, quite frankly.

“I don’t think it will have much impact on transfer plans in the summer.

“The board realise they are going to have to spend £80-100m each season if they are going to be successful, if they are going to break into that top six. That’s the plan.”

Transfer Tavern take

This summer feels like a pivotal one at Elland Road, with Leeds in a position where they can really push on, assuming they do the right business.

Failure to build upon this strong campaign but would be hugely disappointing, but having funds available to make new signings should only be a good thing for the Whites.

In other news, one pundit has made a big claim ahead of Leeds’ clash with Fulham on Friday night. Read more here.

According to an update by Sky Sports journalist Paul Gilmore, via Football Daily, one foreign club is ‘extremely interested’ in a move for Harry Kane – coming after Sky Sports broke news that the Englishman has confirmed his desire to leave Tottenham.

The Lowdown: Kane tells Tottenham he wants to leave

The Lilywhites’ star striker has been at the centre of much speculation in recent weeks after another season of no silverware at Tottenham.

Kane, according to a big development by Sky, has even now reiterated his desire to leave north London with Spurs making enquiries to sign replacement forwards.

Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea have all apparently been in touch with the 27-year-old’s representatives as Tottenham brace for a possible summer saga (Sky Sports).

The Latest: Kane attracting interest from abroad…

When asked if a European giant could swoop for Kane, including, potentially, former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino at Paris-Saint Germain, journalist Gilmour stated:

“That is interesting, because we were told yesterday that one foreign club is extremely interested and has been in touch as well,” he explained on Sky Sports (via Football Daily).

“We haven’t been told the identity of that club, but of course Barcelona, Real Madrid, PSG, have all been mentioned in the past around Harry Kane.”

The Verdict: Europe the best option for Spurs…

If Kane does leave this summer or if Tottenham are indeed forced to sell their prized asset, Lilywhites supporters would surely want to see the striker move abroad as preferred to a domestic rival.

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The likes of Man City, Man United or Chelsea potentially acquiring the Spurs fan favourite would not only be a blow sentimentally, but his presence for one of their top six rivals could also hamper Tottenham’s chances of competing.

Therefore, if Spurs do have to let Kane move on, a move abroad could be the most appealing option.

In other news: Tottenham hold discussions with this Champions League-winning boss, find out more here.

The Celtic Way writer Tony Haggerty believes that Ryan Christie is enjoying his football under Ange Postecoglou and it may result in him staying with the Hoops. 

The Daily Record reported that Burnley are interested in Christie and have been admirers for some time. Alex Crook of talkSPORT also reported on his Twitter account this week that Southampton have no interest in Ryan Christie and there is nothing in the rumours linking Stuart Armstrong with a return to the Hoops.

Christie has started this season really well under Postecoglou, featuring in seven matches and scoring one goal and providing three assists.

Haggerty believes that Christie is happy playing under Postecoglou, telling Transfer Tavern: “I think Ange recognises that and I think the player recognises that, you know, there’s no substitute for a happy player.

“If you’re producing, the grass isn’t always greener, you might get the money and there’s no denying that, but will he be happy? Will he play? These are things that players have to weigh-up in their mind.”

Christie current Celtic deal expires on January 1, 2022 and the Scottish Sun reported earlier this month that there have been fresh talks between Celtic and Christie, but the 26-year-old has yet to receive a concrete offer.

After an opening day defeat to Hearts in the Scottish Premiership, Celtic have improved with back-to-back 6-0 victories against Dundee and St Mirren and are also just 90 minutes away from the Europa League group stages, as they hold a 2-0 lead of AZ Alkmaar going into the second leg of their play-off match.