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Leeds United youngster Charlie Cresswell has lauded centre-back Pascal Struijk, admitting he looks up to the ‘amazing’ Whites defender.

The Lowdown: Struijk shines for Leeds

Marcelo Bielsa’s sides enjoyed a superb season back in the Premier League, finishing ninth in the table and proving to be entertaining on the eye.

Struijk was one of many Leeds players who impressed throughout the campaign, appearing in 27 league games and rarely letting the side down.

At 21, he is already playing with great maturity and it appears as though his efforts are appreciated by those around him.

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The Latest: Cresswell lauds centre-back

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds Under-23s’ captain Cresswell heaped praise on Struijk, admitting he is someone the entire academy looks up to:

“Pascal has been brilliant this season, he has done amazing. All of the Academy boys here have just looked up to him and gone ‘wow’.

“If he can be given an opportunity like that in the Premier League then that is something for us to strive for too. He gives us all hope.”

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The Verdict: Top-quality addition

Struijk has been a great signing since arriving in 2019, and while he isn’t necessarily a guaranteed starter, his age means that could become a given over time.

His versatility makes him an even more priceless member of the squad, shining at both centre-back and in midfield, and Leeds will be desperate to keep hold of him for many years.

Struijk averaged 3.1 clearances per game in the league last season, which was more than any other Whites player, highlighting his defensive quality despite not always playing in his primary position.

In other news, a reliable journalist has provided a key update on Leeds’ quest to sign one player this summer. 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

Derby County remained in the Championship after a dramatic 3-3 draw with Sheffield Wednesday at Pride Park on the final day of the season.

Sam Hutchinson gave Wednesday the lead in the relegation shoot-out on the stroke of half-time.

Martyn Waghorn equalised four minutes into the second half before an excellent Patrick Roberts strike gave Derby the advantage.

Incredibly, though, the visitors then wrestled back control through goals from Callum Paterson and Julian Borner.

But Kamil Jozwiak entered the fray on 73 minutes, replacing Graham Shinnie, and he came up with a crucial contribution.

The Pole won a penalty just over 10 minutes from time after he was taken down by Chey Dunkley.

Waghnorn stepped up and scored to restore parity – meanwhile, Cardiff City found an equaliser against Rotherham in the dying stages, and that proved to be enough to keep Derby up.

Here’s what Derby fans had to say about Jozwiak after his vital contribution.

Jozwiak plays key role as Derby survive

“I WANT TO CUDDLE KAMIL JOZWIAK”

Credit: @RJConway92

“Get in line pal”

Credit: @Joeya7xdcfc2000

“Jóźwiak was a hero when he came on. Performed a textbook reducer when they were on the break to stop them, won the penalty, took a bruising tackle at the end to take time off the clock. Hopefully we’ll see the best of him next season”

Credit: @bojanglez

“Jozwiak my boy”

Credit: @rheaakilgourr

“Kamil Jozwiak appreciation post”

Credit: @JakubKrupa

“go on kamil”

Credit: @joepotts_

“Jozwiak proving his worth too great performance”

Credit: @DannyPorter97

In other news, fans fumed at this takeover development.

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has dropped a new transfer update on Leeds United’s plans for the rest of the summer window.

What’s the story?

Marcelo Bielsa’s side had only seen Junior Firpo arrive through the door as a new first team signing this summer, with Jack Harrison finally seeing his move from Manchester City made permanent.

However, following confirmation of the arrival of Kristoffer Klaesson from Valerenga, Hay delivered an update on where things stand with the Whites at the moment.

Writing on Twitter, he said: “They were very keen on Conor Gallagher but he’s gone to Palace. LB was the priority this summer but they do still want a CM.

“The attitude towards a winger was that if the right player came up (like James, for example), they’d think about doing it, even if it was late in the window.

“But a CM was more of a priority.”

Fans will be excited

While Firpo’s arrival from Barcelona addressed the crucial need for a natural left-back this summer – especially with Gjanni Alioski leaving – Leeds have had a relatively slow start to the transfer window overall.

However, Hay’s update that the Whites still want a new central midfielder to join before the end of the window, and that they are open to making a new winger signing if an ideal opportunity opens up, should make for much more exciting reading for Leeds fans.

The Whites have done the first part of the main job in landing Firpo, and now they need to make a move towards bringing in a new midfielder and potentially even another left winger

If those deals get done, Leeds supporters will surely be absolutely delighted at how this transfer window will have gone.

Meanwhile, Leeds United have opened talks to sign this ace…

Sunderland are considering parting ways with Lee Johnson this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football League World, who claim that a Sunderland source has revealed that, following the Black Cats’ play-off semi-final defeat against Lincoln City, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is contemplating the 39-year-old’s position as manager of the club ahead of next season.

However, the report goes on to state that no decision has been made regarding the former Bristol City boss at present, while also commenting on the Mackems’ apparent displeasure with Johnson following the emergence of footage that appeared to show a confrontation between the Sunderland manager and the club’s fans.

Big mistake

While it is undeniable that failing to beat Lincoln City – a team who Sunderland had picked up four points against in the regular season, with a 5-1 aggregate score over the two fixtures – in the play-off semi-final was a huge disappointment for the club, Johnson has shown in his short time at Sunderland that he can get the best out of the team.

Shortly after being appointed in December of last year, the 39-year-old led the club on a run of 12 straight league games without defeat, with the end of the run coinciding with the loss of a number of first-team players due to injury, none more important than the on-loan Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-back Dion Sanderson.

Furthermore, while it is by no means a major trophy, Sunderland did win the Papa John’s Trophy under the leadership of Johnson this season, ending a 48-year wait for a victory at Wembley.

And, with a pre-season and a summer transfer window ahead of the club this summer, Johnson has a real opportunity to mould the squad into one in his image, something that the former Oldham Athletic boss did not have a chance to do this season – making his achievements appear slightly more impressive.

As such, considering how well Johnson had the team playing earlier this year, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus could be heading for a massive mistake if he does go on to sack the 39-year-old before he has had an extended period of time improve the team – both on the training pitch and in the transfer window – regardless of his failure in the play-offs.

In other news: Lost possession 28x: Careless £5k-p/w SAFC flop massively betrayed Johnson’s trust – opinion

Celtic are enjoying a busy summer on the transfer front as Ange Postecoglou desperately tries to repair the disarray the Hoops found themselves in last term.

The Bhoys ended the 2020/21 campaign without a trophy to their name, being completely embarrassed by the fiercest rivals.

What’s the word?

The new manager has already welcomed Liam Shaw and Osaze Urhoghide to Paradise from the same club but he is now keen to press on with strengthening the goalkeeper position.

It’s been a great topic of debate during the ongoing market with Benjamin Siegrist linked with a move to Parkhead.

However, it’s not the Dundee United stopper who forms their next target.

According to the Daily Record, Brighton ‘keeper Mat Ryan is now a top priority for Dominic McKay and co as they look to bolster their backline.

Unfortunately, he could be heading back to Spain with Real Sociedad are closing in on a move to lure him away from the south coast of England.

A fantastic signing

It’s no secret but Celtic’s biggest weakness last season was undoubtedly their defence.

That’s despite having Kristoffer Ajer in their ranks, a man now linked with Premier League and Bundesliga moves.

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If he departs then you have to fear the worst for their backline.

However, Postecoglou and the supporters could rest easy if they land Ryan this summer. The Australian has worked under the new Celtic boss before and they appear to get on like a house on fire.

Speaking about the 55-year-old manager back in 2017, the Seagulls gem said: “I’ve always loved Ange’s approach, the way he doesn’t see Australia as an underdog and how he asks the question, ‘Why can’t Australia do great things in the football world?’”

The 60-cap international became Brighton’s second choice last term but moved on loan to Arsenal.

He didn’t earn much football but impressed whenever he played, particularly with his communication skills. Ryan was regularly seen barking orders at his defence and was even heard speaking Spanish to members of the Gunners’ team who found English difficult.

Communicating wasn’t one of Celtic’s stronger points last term so this could help Postecoglou’s side greatly as they aim to get back to the top of Scottish football.

Ryan was also a big presence on the training field. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta once remarked: “He trains like a beast.”

Scott Bain, Vasilis Barkas and Conor Hazard all made their own individual mistakes last season which makes this signing a particularly good idea.

He ranks in the 77th percentile for crosses stopped across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year while his save percentage from three Premier League outings was a whopping 88.9%.

That made him the best in the division last term for goalkeepers to have started more than one match.

Commanding, vocal and full of experience, this would be an ideal way for Postecoglou to continue his summer spending. They must make a late dart to beat Sociedad to his signature.

AND in other news, Forget Soro: Ange can find Celtic’s new Scott Brown by signing “very exciting” £4m gem…

Many Southampton fans have been reacting to the news that Adam Armstrong is set to complete a move to St Mary’s.

Last season, the Saints went through a mixed campaign as they finished 15th in the Premier League table but also reached an FA Cup semi-final. As such, there is likely to be plenty of business conducted by Ralph Hasenhuttl and co during this current transfer window – they have already confirmed the capture of Romain Perraud from French club Brest (southamptonfc.com).

With Danny Ings continuing to be linked with an exit (via Daily Express), the Saints may need a new striker. According to The Sunday Mirror (via Hampshire Live), that man could be 24-year-old Armstrong – the Blackburn Rovers marksman is set to move to the south coast, with the deal likely to cost the Saints £10m plus add-ons.

He enjoyed a superb 2020/21 campaign, netting 28 times in 40 Championship appearances (Transfermarkt). That was more than double the tally of Southampton’s top scorer from the season (Ings with 13).

The news was shared on Twitter by @SaintsExtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters. These fans took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the Armstrong news

“Mirror isn’t always wrong”

Credit: @ollie60848715

“We like an Armstrong or two at our club!”

Credit: @bfgfox

“Bold statement though stating Armstrong’s ‘set’ for a move to Southampton”

Credit: @JoshW_SFC

“Pleaseee”

Credit: @WillsfcMitchell

“We might actually be serious this season”

Credit: @sfcdan_

“Really hope this is true”

Credit: @tugs081976

In other news, many Southampton fans react to this Jannik Vestergaard news.

Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that Celtic are in contract talks with Anthony Ralston.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by the Daily Record, the 56-year-old Hoops manager confirmed earlier reports that Michael Nicholson has initiated negotiations with the right-back regarding the extension of his current deal at Parkhead.

Speaking about the defender’s new deal, Postecoglou said: “In terms of Tony, Michael Nicholson is in charge of that area. My focus is trying to make sure that Anthony continues his development because he’s been fantastic.

“Contract negotiations will take care of themselves. There’s very little need to feel angst about it. The club has a lot of faith in Tony. That’s why they gave him a new contract before I even started here. I gave him a chance and you’d have to say he’s grabbed it with both hands so far.”

Fans will be buzzing

It is hard to disagree with Postecoglou’s claim that Ralston has taken the opportunity handed to him so far this season, as in the absence of injured summer signing Josip Juranovic, the 22-year-old right-back has been one of Celtic’s most impressive performers.

Indeed, over his eight Premiership appearances, the £5.5k-per-week defender has already scored two goals, provided two assists and has created six big chances for his teammates, as well as taking 1.5 shots and making 1.8 key passes per game.

The player who Brendan Rodgers dubbed a “huge” talent has also impressed in metrics more typical of his defensive position, helping his side to keep four clean sheets, in addition to making 0.5 interceptions, 2.5 tackles and 2.1 clearances and winning 7.5 duels per match.

These returns have seen the 22-year-old earn an exceptional average SofaScore match rating of 7.78, ranking him as the Bhoys’ best performer in the league among those still at Parkhead.

However, it is not only Ralston’s domestic displays which have caught the eye but also the right-back’s performances in his three Europa League fixtures, having scored one goal, made six key passes and averaged a SofaScore match rating of 7.10.

As such, considering these statistics, the news that the club are hoping to extend Raltson’s contract should not come as a surprise to Celtic fans, who must undoubtedly be buzzing with what they have seen from the £270k-rated man so far this season.

In other news: Postecoglou must unleash “phenomenal” 21 y/o Celtic prodigy, he’s destined for the top

Crystal Palace unveiled their new home kit on Tuesday evening, which naturally received plenty of interaction on social media from numerous Eagles supporters.

Palace had already released their away and third strips and shared their traditional red and blue kit 11 days before the new season gets underway.

The Eagles had a helping hand from the club’s ‘oldest fan ever’, Nan Pam, who modelled the shirt in a video with a number of Palace players.

The kit, available to view here, has diagonal red and blue stripes across the front with a red sleeve and a blue collar.

You’d expect that the first time Palace will wear their new home attire competitively would be in Patrick Vieira’s first game in charge at Selhurst Park against Brentford on August 21, as they are away to Chelsea in their season opener.

Palace fans react

The club shared a clip of the new kit on their official Twitter page. The response was largely positive from fans, with one labelling it as ‘epic’.

“Not sure how to feel about this”Credit: @Connormuz02″This is SO Palace! I love it all!”Credit: @fivestarjane”only we would do this”Credit: @xylottie”This is epic”Credit: @LucyGauntlett”I love they got Nan Pam in there… fantastic!”Credit: @RednBlueRich”Honestly what a club we are”Credit: @NathanBarclay98

In other news: ‘This hurts’ – Many Crystal Palace fans react to transfer news

A number of Liverpool supporters are excited to see Trent Alexander-Arnold in a rare central midfield role for England against Andorra.

The 22-year-old has already achieved so much in his blossoming career, leaping from youth team prospect at Anfield to arguably the best right-back in world football.

Alexander-Arnold is already a Premier League and Champions League winner and he looks highly likely to be a future Liverpool captain given his current trajectory.

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While the youngster has matured into a stunning right-back under Jurgen Klopp, he also used to play in midfield during his youth team days.

According to The Telegraph [via journalist Mike McGrath on Twitter], Alexander-Arnold will line-up in that role in England’s 2022 World Cup qualifier at home to Andorra on Sunday.

It will give Liverpool fans a chance to watch their hero in a different position, potentially seeing whether or not it will work further on in his career.

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Liverpool fans react to Alexander-Arnold claim

These Reds supporters on Twitter reacted to the news of the 22-year-old possibly lining out at midfield this evening for England.

“Oh Trent in midfield? Can’t wait!”

Credit: @unbearablemo

“Don’t watch England but I’m 100% watching this tomorrow”

Credit: @_EliteElliott_

“Interesting…”

Credit: @jj__lfc

“Oh man it’s happening!”

Credit: @JDsJustTalking

“Will be very interesting to see”

Credit: @LFC_James

“First time I’ve been excited to watch England in years”

Credit: @kat_lfc13

In other news, some Liverpool fans are unhappy at a fresh transfer claim. Read more here.