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Leeds United are considering a late move for Takumi Minamino…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Independent journalist Carl Markham, who claimed the Yorkshire outfit were interested in signing the Liverpool outcast before the January transfer window deadline on Monday evening.

“Takumi Minamino attracting interest from Leeds and Monaco but @LFC have rebuffed early approaches as they have no inclination to sell. Would take seriously really good offer to change their minds,” he tweeted.

The 36-cap Japan international is well behind the likes of Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota in the pecking order at Anfield, and could yet drop even further amid reported interest in FC Porto star Luis Diaz.

It remains to be seen exactly what a ‘really good offer’ is, with the 27-year-old currently valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt.

Aaronson alternative

Primarily a left-winger by trade, Minamino is capable of operating on both flanks and through the middle, where he can thrive the best when operating as a ‘half-winger’.

Just like fellow Whites target Brenden Aaronson, who doesn’t appear likely to be coming to Elland Road any time soon, at least in this current window.

Leeds’ two bids of £15m and £20m have been rejected but there is hope that a deal can be struck for the summer instead as RB Salzburg do not want to offload him before a crucial Champions League tie with Bayern Munich.

Instead, it appears as if Victor Orta and co are lining up a last-minute alternative in a player that also once played for the Austria champions.

Minamino’s growth has always been stunted in Merseyside due to the sheer volume of quality starting ahead of him but he’s still proven his worth in abundance whenever given the opportunity.

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For instance, this season he has provided six goals and one assist across 18 appearances, with those primarily coming in cup competitions as he’s yet to register a start in the Premier League, even despite Salah and Mane being at AFCON.

The Japanese attacker also impressed during a loan spell at Southampton last season.

“He’s a very special player for me – not because of his physical strength but more of his way of playing football,” claimed manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.

“He is very quick in his mind, has good decision-making, knows about our pressing style and hopefully a lot of running. He knows when you come to me you have to run a lot, but that’s not a problem for him”

Right there is why he’s an absolute dream for Marcelo Bielsa. There isn’t a side that presses the opposition as intensely as Leeds, so his presence to do that from the front would be hugely beneficial to the Argentine, who must be desperate for additions.

Also dubbed a “machine” by Reds boss Jurgen Klopp, Minamino could be an ideal alternative to Aaronson as we head into the final few days of the window.

Bielsa badly needs an option in the role and the Liverpool ace could well provide him with exactly what he needs for the remainder of the current campaign.

AND in other news, Leeds United eyeing late January bargain in £10m “phenomenon”…

Leeds United have been handed a major boost over Kalvin Phillips as a huge update emerges on his future at Elland Road…

What’s the story?

The England international has been the subject of big interest from rival Premier League clubs in recent weeks, with the likes of West Ham and Aston Villa both said to be monitoring the situation.

But now, it appears Phillips could be ready to commit his long-term future to his boyhood club.

Writing on Twitter, The Daily Mirror’s Northern football correspondent, David Anderson, revealed: “Big boost for Leeds after Kalvin Phillips tells the board he wants to sign a new deal in the summer.”

Huge news for Leeds

Make no mistake about it, more than any new signing Leeds could potentially make this summer, sealing a new deal for Phillips would absolutely top the lot.

The England star is very much Leeds through and through, and having helped the side get promoted from the Championship, has established himself as a Premier League force – that’s not to mention the international recognition that has come his way which saw him become one of the Three Lions’ heroes in their run to the EUROs final last summer.

Speaking last month, former Leeds shot-stopper Paddy Kenny insisted Phillips would eventually put pen to paper on a new deal to stay at Elland Road, saying: “He’s come through the ranks at Leeds. There’ll be a lot of clubs interested in him, but I’m 100 per cent sure they’ll get it sorted.

“These deals have to be right for all parties, but I’m sure it’s something Leeds will be confident they can get over the line. He’s playing a big part in the England setup now, and he’s massive for Leeds. When he’s not in the team they can really struggle. I’m sure this is just the due process of sorting the contract out.”

While West Ham and Aston Villa are certainly big clubs in their own right, neither really genuinely represent a real step-up in class from Leeds – Champions League football has not been on offer for either for a number of years now, while trophies have also been very hard to come by too.

So while Leeds fans may not have been too worried about hearing that it was West Ham and Villa who were interested in their talismanic midfielder, news that he wants to stay at Elland Road for the long-term will have put to bed any lingering fears if there were any.

It’s news that will surely delight Leeds boss Jesse Marsch too.

AND in other news – Sold at £8m, now worth triple: Leeds had a nightmare over “fearless” 5 ft 9 magician

Leeds employee Noel Whelan has been left extremely impressed by the durability of goalkeeper Illan Meslier, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Meslier’s recovery

Meslier has kept up his record of starting every Premier League game this season, despite suffering an injury against Wolves last month.

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The 22-year-old, who has made the most saves in the Premier League this season, has featured against Southampton and Watford following the international break.

He was going to miss the win at Vicarage Road due to his hip issue, however, Jesse Marsch revealed after the win that Meslier made a ‘miraculous’ recovery 24 hours before the game to start.

The Latest: Whelan’s comments

Former Leeds striker Whelan, who is now an employee of the club, labelled Meslier as ‘an important player’ and hailed his mentality regarding that miracle recovery.

“He’s a really young, talented player.

“It’s good to see him hungry to play, no matter what the circumstances – and that’s the mentality with the young players all through this squad.

“Everyone wants to be a part of this because they know that Jesse Marsch will be taking stock ahead of next season.

“He’s such an important player for us, and it’s good to see him out there after that injury worry and getting a clean sheet.”

The Verdict: Fine for Palace?

Leeds aren’t in action now until April 25 when they travel to Crystal Palace, so the enforced break appears to have come at a good time for Meslier and the Whites.

Adam Forshaw missed the win at Watford with a calf strain, while Junior Firpo and Jamie Shackleton appear to be close to making a return to training.

Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips will also get the chance to build up their fitness with no game this weekend, so it does look as if Marsch could benefit from having no fixture this weekend.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals big transfer blow for Leeds as key 21 y/o target now set to move elsewhere

Everton took a huge win from their clash against Manchester United at Goodison Park yesterday, with the side embroiled in a difficult relegation battle this season the three points couldn’t have been more crucial for Frank Lampard.

With reports that sources from Everton had claimed the Toffees boss would be sacked if he didn’t take points from Ralf Rangnick’s side on Saturday, Lampard definitely put up a fight to prove the doubters wrong in his pursuit to lead Everton to safety this season.

Although the manager can’t take all the credit, the team performance from Everton was outstanding in a rarely-seen impressive defensive display from the whole team who put in a shift to hold onto a clean sheet following Anthony Gordon’s 27th-minute goal.

Despite having less possession than the visitors, the Toffees made more tackles (18) and over twice as many clearances (35) throughout the game, with Jordan Pickford a clear contender for man of the match after making four saves and two clearances in a fantastic performance.

There was one player who did make an important return and huge impact on the team following his selection in the starting line-up alongside Alex Iwobi and Allan, with Fabian Delph proving that the side desperately missed his experience in the centre of the pitch.

According to SofaScore, the 32-year-old midfielder won 100% of his duels, made six clearances, three tackles and two interceptions, as well as offering up a pass completion rate of 80% (24/30) before he was taken off in the 84th minute to be replaced by Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Delph who was hailed a “leader” by Gerard Houllier, recently returned to full fitness following a number of injury issues this season including a hamstring injury that has seen him unavailable for selection for the entirety of 2022 so far, and he surely made up for it in his seventh appearance this season against Man United.

Lampard was full of praise for the £92k-per-week midfielder following the victory, claiming that they “missed him” in his post-match interview;

“Yeah we’ve missed him.

“Delph gave us a sense of calm, his positional behaviours — like when a centre-back is out of position he falls into the backline.”

Everton may have found the key to unlocking survival in the Premier League this season by unleashing Delph in midfield and Lampard will be hoping the former Man City star can continue to lead and dominate in midfield ahead of the remaining fixtures this season to give the side their best chance of staying up.

In other news: Fewer touches than Pickford: Everton’s 9-pass flop was “wasteful” once again vs United

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Sheffield United take on fellow Championship title-chasers West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns on Saturday in what could be a season defining clash for both clubs.

With so much on the line for the Blades, Chris Wilder has to get his tactics and team selection right, but given the good form of so many in his squad he has some tough calls to make.

On the chalkboard

In Billy Sharp, David McGoldrick and January loan signing Gary Madine, Wilder has three in-form forwards to pick from. 26-year-old loanee Scott Hogan bolsters these options further. There’s an argument for each of these strikers to get the nod in the starting XI.

Who do you want to see promoted this year? The Pl>ymaker FC squad have picked their 3 favoured teams in the video below…

The partnership between 33-year-old club captain and top goalscorer Sharp and 31-year-old McGoldrick has been prolific all season. However, last time out, Hogan and Madine worked extremely well together. What’s more, the two loanees are something of an unknown quantity together, so could take the Baggies by surprise. 

Whoever Wilder goes with, the Blades stand a good chance of putting goals past Darren Moore’s inconsistent defence. That being said, it’s still a headache for the United manager, but not one that he’d be better off without.

A blessing

In title chases, the side with the best quality squad depth is often the one that prevails. When it comes to their attacking contingent, the Bramall Lane club absolutely have that strength in depth.

Whilst it may mean plenty of difficult selection problems for Wilder to solve between now and the end of the campaign, his plethora of high-class attacking options is a blessing. Having that kind of firepower at his disposal could be what fuels Sheffield United into the Premier League.

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona and USA full-back Sergino Dest this summer, according to journalist James Marshment.

The Lowdown: Dest doing well at Barca

The 21-year-old may not always have been a guaranteed starter for Barca this season but he has still enjoyed plenty of playing time for the La Liga giants.

Dest has started 15 league games in total, chipping in with three assists in that time, and he has been hailed as ‘spectacularly good’ by manager Xavi.

The American is currently contracted with Barca until the summer of 2025 but that hasn’t stopped interest emerging from Leeds.

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The Latest: Leeds keen on move

Taking to Twitter, TEAMtalk editor Marshment claims that Dest is seen as Victor Orta’s second American transfer target this summer, along with Brenden Aaronson:

“TEAMtalk understands that Leeds are pushing forward with plans for the summer window and, subject to Prem survival, remain actively in pursuit of Brenden Aaronson.

“He’s not the only American on their radar either, with sources informing us that Sergino Dest is also a target.”

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The Verdict: Hugely exciting option

Dest would be a superb signing if Jesse Marsch manages to pull it off, with the youngster someone who could come in as both a current and long-term key man.

He already has 48 La Liga appearances to his name, meaning he has proven himself in a top European League, and he will be a key figure for the USA at the World Cup later this year.

Dest could be seen as an eventual replacement for Luke Ayling, who turns 31 later this year and hasn’t always been at his best this season, despite his winner at Wolves. They could compete for the right-back spot, with the former eventually becoming the undisputed first choice.

In other news, a journalist has dropped a key Leeds update regarding one player. Find out who it is here.

Manchester United have officially appointed Erik ten Hag as their new manager at Old Trafford in the summer, and now Fabrizio Romano has given an update on the team the Dutch coach will build around him.

What’s the word?

According to the Italian transfer insider and journalist, Manchester United are in talks for Steve McClaren to join the coaching staff alongside their brand new manager at the end of the season.

Romano tweeted: “Mitchell van der Gaag has already accepted to join Erik ten Hag staff at Manchester United – green light from Dutch coach arrived one week ago. Contract details are still being discussed, while Steve McClaren had direct conversation with ten Hag on his possible role.”

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Supporters will be excited

It’s fair to say the Red Devils have been struggling ever since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club in 2013, and, having entered their longest trophy drought in 40 years, there clearly needs to be a revolution at the club – something which is starting to finally unfold ahead of the summer.

The appointment of Ten Hag alongside a brand new team to work with him will surely excite supporters, who will undoubtedly be desperate for huge changes that can positively impact the club’s future and pull them out of their trophyless rut.

Steve McClaren making a shock return to the Premier League and Old Trafford could be exactly what Man United need to reignite their identity as winners, as the former Newcastle manager was assistant to Ferguson between 1999 and 2001, joining during the treble-winning 1998/99 campaign.

Aside from his well-known career in England, McClaren has previously worked with the new Man United boss – when Ten Hag was assistant to McClaren at FC Twente back in 2008, and the pair continue to have a close relationship.

With that being said, these big shifts in responsibilities and fresh perspectives added to the Manchester United think tank will surely be welcomed by the supporters as the club looks to rebuild their reputation and pose a threat in the challenge for trophies in the future.

AND In other news: “Man United will 100% sign..”: Romano drops transfer claim that will excite supporters

A huge development has emerged regarding Rangers and the Ibrox giants’ participation in a tournament in November…

What’s the latest?

According to Rangers Review, the Sydney Super Cup is increasingly unlikely to go ahead as planned in Australia later this year.

Gio van Bronckhorst’s side are currently set to face off against their arch-rivals in an Old Firm clash in the tournament as part of a friendly competition, but it now appears as though that may not be the case for much longer as this report casts doubt over the state of play.

Big lift

This update will surely provide a big lift to the mood of the Rangers faithful this week, as some supporters have been protesting against their team’s involvement in the tournament.

There was chaos at Dundee last weekend as protests went on throughout the match in the away end. Many Gers fans made their feelings towards the competition clear as they engaged in chants and covered the goal in toilet paper at the start of both halves. They also chucked tennis balls onto the pitch as the referee was forced to delay the match three times throughout the afternoon.

Plenty of fans are seemingly unhappy with the idea of facing Celtic in the format of a friendly, believing that the Old Firm should never be classed as such, and that is one of the reasons behind their protestations. However, it is impossible to know every single reason why fans may be opposed to it without asking each one of them, but another reason may be the timing.

The tournament is currently on course to go ahead in November, which is around the same time as the 2022 World Cup and midway through the 2022/23 campaign. It would mean long flights and a greater possibility for players to pick up injuries before the end of the World Cup and the resumption of the Premiership, which could negatively impact the club’s chances of winning major silverware if they end up becoming fatigued or incurring knocks to key players.

Therefore, those supporters will now be buzzing to learn that the tournament is unlikely to go ahead. They will now be hoping that the reports are accurate and that an official confirmation is on the way to put their minds at ease, knowing that their club will not be partaking in the tournament which has been the subject of vehement opposition from much of the Rangers fan base.

AND in other news, Forget Morelos: “Beautiful” gem who’s “unplayable” could fire Rangers to the title…

An update has emerged that could come as a big blow to Newcastle United’s January transfer window plans…

What’s the talk?

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the reported Magpies target has opted to turn down the chance to move elsewhere on deadline day.

He Tweeted: “Álvaro Morata has decided to stay at Juventus until the end of the season. No Arsenal, no Tottenham, no Barça move on #DeadlineDay. #Juventus Allegri wants him to stay and play alongside Dusan Vlahović. Álvaro se queda.”

This came in the same day that the Magpies lost out on a deal for Jesse Lingard and Hugo Ekitike.

Gutted

Magpies fans will surely be gutted with this news as Morata could have been an excellent late addition to the squad on deadline day.

Although his Chelsea move did not work out perfectly for him, he did prove that he can score goals at Premier League level and he has been able to find the back of the net wherever he has gone in his career.

The Spaniard scored 24 goals and provided six assists in 74 matches for the Blues during his time in England, including 16 in 47 league outings. In 166 games for Juventus, he has popped up with 55 goals and 35 assists, whilst he also managed 31 goals and 11 assists in 91 appearances for Real Madrid.

He also has 23 goals in 50 caps for Spain, showing that he can do it at international level as well as La Liga, the Serie A and the Premier League. Therefore, he could have been a fantastic signing for Howe as he could have been a difference-maker in the final third, both in terms of the goals and the assists that he could bring to the team, which means that he could have been key to helping the club avoid relegation.

This is why fans will be gutted that he will not be moving to St. James’ Park on deadline day and will, instead, be staying at Juventus. With a deal for Hugo Ekitike on the verge of collapse, supporters may begin to wonder where the club’s new striker will come from as names are being crossed off the list…

AND in other news, Newcastle now agree “terms” to sign “fantastic” £20k-p/w warrior, Howe surely buzzing…

Former Celtic striker Charlie Nicholas has stuck the boot in on Rangers after their Scottish Cup victory over the Hoops, claiming their celebrations were ‘extreme’.

The Lowdown: Celtic stinging after defeat

Ange Postecoglou’s side were beaten in the semi-final on Sunday afternoon, suffering a damaging 2-1 defeat at Hampden Park.

Celtic threw away a second-half lead to eventually lose in extra-time, as their hopes of winning a treble went up in smoke for another season.

Rangers’ players and supporters celebrated wildly at Hampden after the final whistle, which doesn’t seem to have gone down too well with one person.

The Latest: Nicholas makes Rangers dig

Writing in his Scottish Daily Express column (via The Scottish Sun), Nicholas claimed the scenes at the end were over-the-top:

“Rangers’ celebrations at the end of their Scottish Cup semi-final win over Celtic were a bit extreme.

“They deserved to go through because they were the better team at Hampden but there is still a lot of work to be done before they can really celebrate.

“I am not being bitter towards Rangers because I know the intensity of the emotions after an Old Firm derby.”

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The Verdict: Sour grapes?

In truth, Nicholas’ comments could easily be construed as being sour grapes, with the ex-Celtic man no doubt aggrieved by the outcome at Hampden. Any win in the derby is invariably met in a similar manner.

Celtic can certainly use Rangers’ celebrations as inspiration for the rest of the season, however, ensuring they don’t witness those scenes at Ibrox when the Scottish Premiership title race concludes.

With a six-point cushion, Postecoglou’s men are the overriding favourites to be crowned champions next month – they just have to bounce back from the Scottish Cup setback and get the job done.

In other news, a journalist has provided a worrying Celtic transfer update. Read more here.