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Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Josko Gvardiol to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that a Leeds source has revealed that Victor Orta and his transfer team have been keeping a very close eye on the RB Leipzig centre-back ahead of a potential move for the 20-year-old at the end of the current campaign.

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However, despite Football Insider’s suggestion that the Bundesliga side value the Croatia international at a figure of around £27m, further reports have stated that Leipzig would in fact be demanding at least £42m in order to part with the defender this summer.

Huge coup for Leeds

Considering just how impressive Gvardiol has been in Germany this season, in addition to the fact that the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have all been linked with the centre-back in recent weeks, it is clear to see that, should Orta be able to get a deal over the line for the 20-year-old this summer, it would be a rather large coup for Leeds.

Indeed, over his 27 Bundesliga appearances this season, the £100m-rated defender has been imperious in the heart of Domenico Tedesco’s backline, helping his side keep six clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.7 interceptions, 1.7 tackles, two clearances and winning 6.1 duels – at a success rate of 58% – per game.

The £21k-per-week Croat has also impressed in an attacking capacity, scoring two goals, providing two assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 60.1 passes, 3.5 long balls and taking 0.9 shots per fixture.

These returns have seen the player who Germania Sport assistant editor Izak Ante Sucic dubbed a “tank” and claimed “can be as good as Virgil” van Dijk average a quite sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.12, ranking him as Leipzig’s joint third-best player in the top flight of German football.

Indeed, from his metrics so far this season, it is not difficult to see why Sucic suggests Gvardiol could go on to become as good as Van Dijk, nor is it hard to see why the 20-year-old’s signing would be a huge coup for Orta and the Whites.

AND in other news: Marsch can save Leeds millions by unleashing “frightening” £1.8m-rated “raw talent”

Back in the summer of 2020, Neil Lennon’s Celtic scouts were reported to have been incredibly impressed by the form of Grady Diangana, who had lit up the Championship during a season-long loan spell with West Bromwich Albion.

Indeed, over his 30 second-tier appearances in 2019/20, the West Ham United winger played an influential role in the Baggies’ promotion back to the Premier League, scoring eight goals, registering six assists and creating eight big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.6 shots and making 1.4 key passes per game.

These returns saw the former England U21 international average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.06, ranking him as Albion’s third-best player in the league that year.

And, as a result of this form, the likes of Celtic, Ajax, Newcastle United and Everton were all reported to be interested in the 23-year-old, for whom West Ham were demanding a fee in the region of £15m-£20m in order to part with.

However, it would ultimately be West Brom who went on to secure the forward on a permanent basis, with Slaven Bilic’s side coughing up around £18m in order to prise the youngster away from the London Stadium.

Although, while Diangana’s switch to The Hawthorns would undoubtedly have come as a gutting blow to Celtic at the time, nearly two years down the line, it is becoming apparent that the Baggies massively overpaid for the winger.

Indeed, over his 20 Premier League appearances in 2020/21, the £7.2m-rated forward failed to make any real mark on the top flight, scoring one goal, registering no assists and creating no big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of just 0.7 shots and making 0.3 key passes per game.

These returns saw the player who Lee Hendrie dubbed a “magnificent” talent who’s “easy on the eye” average an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.47, ranking him as Albion’s joint second-worst player in the division.

Things have not improved much for the £25k-per-week attacker over his 35 Championship outings this season, with the 23-year-old having scored two goals, provided one assist and created three big chances, with these metrics seeing the winger average a SofaScore match rating of 6.67 – ranking him as Steve Bruce’s joint eighth-worst performer in the second tier.

As such, it is clear to see that Celtic hit the jackpot when missing out on the £18m signing of a player who Adrian Goldberg labelled “desperate” and claimed looks “like a youth player playing in a men’s game” back in 2020 – as Diangana’s form has fallen off a cliff since his permanent move to West Brom.

AND in other news: Huge boost: Ange reveals major Lennoxtown development, it’s brilliant news for Celtic

According to a report by Gazzetta dello Sport (as relayed by Sport Witness), Antonio Conte is ‘pushing’ Fabio Paratici into signing Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie in the January transfer window, with the Turin side deeming this a real possibility.

The Lowdown: McKennie’s improved form at Juventus

The prospect of signing the 23-year-old may have seemed far more tangible during the summer transfer window, as McKennie looked out of favour under former manager Andrea Pirlo. This was highlighted by the Italy legend’s choice to utilise the American as a substitute in the majority of games, rather than as a part of the starting eleven. During the 2020/21 Serie A campaign, McKennie made 36 appearances for the club, 16 of which came from the bench.

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However, this season McKennie seems to have impressed new boss Massimiliano Allegri, who has started the midfielder on 13 out of 18 occassions. The USA international secured himself a spot in the starting 11 following back-to-back goals against Sassuolo and Hellas Verona in late October, and has been virtually undroppable since.

The Latest: Conte ‘pushing’ for McKennie

According to Gazzetta dello Sport (as relayed by Sport Witness), Conte ‘appreciates him a lot and is pushing Fabio Paratici to try’ to sign the Juventus midfielder in the January window.

The report says the Old Lady currently ‘do not seem willing to open the door to Tottenham’, but also details how desperately they need the money to reinvest into a new centre forward and would listen to ‘suitable offers’, with Sport Witness adding that ‘money talks’.

The Verdict: A good signing for Spurs

McKennie’s versatility across the midfield could prove to be invaluable for Conte, as a number of Tottenham midfielders have been linked with January exits, including the likes of Dele Alli and Tanguy Ndombele.

The American leads the Italian side, alongside Leonardo Bonucci, in the number of interceptions averaged per game in the league, illustrating his ability to be break up play as a defensive midfielder.

However, having scored eight goals in 28 national team appearances, this also suggests he has an ability to cause havoc in the final third, something Conte has been missing from his midfielders this term. He has also been praised for his personality, with his former manager at Schalke, David Wagner, hailing the young star as a born ‘leader’.

Such has been his turnaround in form this season that ESPN pundit Sebastian Salazar even apologised for previous criticism of the USA star, admitting McKennie has been ‘unbelievable’ this season.

This could turn out to be a shrewd signing for Conte, but it could be a bit more difficult to pull-off in January following his return to prominence in Turin under Allegri.

As many as seven clubs want to sign Wolves centre-back Romain Saiss in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh update this weekend.

The Lowdown: Saiss has key decision to make

The Moroccan is out of contract at Molineux at the end of the season, with no new deal agreed currently at the club.

Saiss has been a model of consistency for Wolves throughout 2021/22, forging a strong back-three partnership with Max Kilman and Conor Coady, and scoring twice in 28 Premier League appearances.

A new update suggests Bruno Lage could have a fight on his hands keeping hold of his defender, though.

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The Latest: Seven clubs interested

According to L’Equipe [via Sport Witness], Saiss is ‘followed by many clubs’ ahead of a potential summer exit from Wolves.

The teams in question are Real Betis, Villarreal, Wolfsburg, Marseille, Lyon, Rennes and Strasbourg, highlighting the 32-year-old’s popularity.

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The Verdict: Exit most likely?

This is a hard situation to read, with Saiss at a key juncture in his career, in terms of still being young enough to move elsewhere and perform at the top level for a few more years.

He may feel that a fresh challenge makes the most sense while he has time on his side, rather than extending his stay at Wolves and drifting past his prime there.

Ideally, Saiss would sign a new Wanderers deal, however, with his performances consistently strong this season and Lage calling him a ‘very important’ player.

In other news, Tim Spiers has provided a key Wolves injury update. Read more here.

[ad_pod ]PSG have seen a second bid worth £26million for midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye rejected by Everton, per Times journalist Paul Joyce.

What’s the word?

Gueye has been linked with the French club throughout the January transfer window butÂSky Sports reported on Thursday morning that Everton had resolved to keep the midfielder. An initial £21.5m offer was made earlier this week, per a separate Sky Sports report.

Former Wigan & Fulham man, Jimmy Bullard recently showed that he’s still got it! Check out the video below…

However, a further bid was tabled with the deadline looming according to Joyce, which has again been rebuffed by Marco Silva’s side.

Gueye has made 21 appearances for Everton in all competitions this season, according to Transfermarkt.

No need to sell

Sometimes clubs get to keep their best players.

In previous years, Gueye could well have moved to the French capital, forcing his way out of the door at Goodison Park.

But Everton have resolved to keep the midfielder and have achieved their goal, boosting their own chances of success as a result.

The club are only two points behind seventh-placed Wolves and should still harbour hopes of qualifying for the Europa League.

Gueye may well be disappointed for now but the club’s goals come first, and Everton are far more likely to overhaul Wolves with Gueye on Merseyside.

A number of Crystal Palace supporters were left unimpressed with Joel Ward’s display against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon. 

Patrick Vieira made two changes from the side which drew with Brighton last time out, with Vicente Guaita and Jean-Philippe Mateta coming in for Jack Butland and Eberechi Eze.

However, plenty of Palace fans didn’t like what they saw from the 32-year-old defender in the 3-1 defeat and duly vented their frustration on social media.

Ward was making his 21st appearance of the season in the Premier League and lined up alongside Joachim Andersen, Marc Guehi and Tyrick Mitchell in a back four.

Statistically, he had an afternoon to forget at Selhurst Park. As per SofaScore, Ward lost the ball on 21 occasions and failed to make an interception or block a shot all game, ending with a match rating of 6.1/10 – the lowest out of the Palace back four.

Palace fans react

Here is what these Palace fans had to say about their captain on social media, with a few wanting him to go and another labelling him as ‘useless’.

“Joel Ward is useless”

Credit: @D_ROBBO12

“It’s so unfair that we have to watch Joel Ward every single game. Why is he untouchable? If our forwards don’t score they get dropped. I’m sick of him.”

Credit: @Jack73851420

“If Fergie’s fit why ain’t he playing over Ward”

Credit: @cpfc_sean

“Still done with Ward.”

Credit: @CPFCDetroit

“WARD GO”

Credit: @CPFC_Trigs

“Constantly overwhelmed on the right side, Joel Ward is getting dragged all over the place”

Credit: @Danny_DNB

In other news: ‘We’re big time’ – Many Palace fans erupt at ‘class’ transfer news emerges

Everton manager Frank Lampard should cash in on “dreadful” defender Michael Keane this summer and re-build the club’s defence.

According to a report in The Daily Star, West Ham United would be keen on buying the 29-year-old if the Toffees are relegated from the Premier League.

We think that they should sell him regardless of what league they’re in next season and use the money to improve the rest of the team. He is rated at £19.8m by Transfermarkt, a far cry from the £30m they paid for his services in 2017.

It would be unfair to say that Everton don’t have any talented players, however, they simply haven’t been performing good enough this season and they find themselves in a real survival battle as a result.

They have conceded the fifth most amount of goals this season and have only kept six clean sheets in the league, and at the heart of that is Keane who has made 28 appearances.

When you analyse his statistics they further highlight Everton’s defensive worries. He is in the bottom 15% compared to other defenders in the league this season when it comes to progressive carries, proving that he isn’t great at playing out from the back. He’s also netted two own goals this campaign.

Last month former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy blasted Lampard for continuing to pick Keane in his team saying that “he’s physically gone” and didn’t understand why he kept being played.

The simple answer is that the Toffees don’t have many better options. Yerry Mina who is arguably the best defender at the club has been out injured for the majority of the season, with his current hamstring injury coming in February.

It won’t be long before Keane is the wrong side of 30, at which point his value will start decreasing and Everton will get even less of the money they paid for him back. It’s not all doom and gloom though; he has had a pretty decent career overall which includes 12 appearances and a goal for England.

But ultimately he can’t cut it at the top level, and with the position they’re in, now is the time for the Toffees to build for the future. They have a perfect manager in Lampard to do this, he even has experience managing in the Championship if they do end up being relegated.

IN other news: More misery: Alan Myers drops four-word Everton claim that’ll leave supporters fuming…

Taking to Twitter, Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas has now shared a Southampton transfer update involving West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

The Lowdown: Southampton eye summer moves…

The Saints and their transfer chief Martin Semmens reportedly have their eyes on the summer transfer window as they seemingly start to outline targets for 2022/23.

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Union Berlin striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been linked lately, with Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl allegedly eyeing a new striker addition. Meanwhile, lesser-known names like South Korea international Son Jun-ho are also on their radar alongside the potential addition of a new goalkeeper.

Taking to social media, Sky Sports reporter Thomas has now updated Saints supporters with some transfer news involving Johnstone.

The Latest: Thomas makes Johnstone claim…

According to the journalist’s sources, Southampton are among the clubs eyeing a move for West Brom’s soon to be out-of-contract ace. However, they will face stern competition from the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham.

Thomas explained on Twitter: “Tottenham continuing to assess Sam Johnstone as an option to strengthen GK dept this summer, via my colleague @RobDorsettSky, Man Utd and Southampton among other clubs interested.”

The Verdict: Make a move…

Winning the race for Johnstone, a three-cap England international, would be a stellar move by the Saints and Semmens, especially on a free transfer.

Former Baggies boss Sam Allardyce was effusive in his praise for the 29-year-old for his Premier League form last year, while the likes of Wolves legend Steve Bull have heralded Johnstone as a ‘world class’ shot stopper.

For zero cost, he could be the ideal man to strengthen Hasenhuttl’s options between the sticks, but the only caveat is arguably all the competition Southampton face for his services.

In other news: ‘It is true’ – Southampton backed by close source as they also eye ‘star’ international for Ralph, find out more here.

A major update has emerged on Newcastle United’s pursuit of Sassuolo’s left-back Rogerio in the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Brazilian outlet TNTSports, the Magpies are on the verge of completing a deal to sign the full-back for a fee in the region of £12.5m (€15m).

The report claims that the transfer is close to being agreed and the player has decided to pursue a switch to St. James’ Park over other options in Europe.

Howe will love it

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe will surely be in love with this update as it suggests that his fourth signing of the window is set to be completed.

Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood are the only official additions of the window thus far and Bruno Guimaraes is poised to arrive from Lyon as the third, with Rogerio potentially set to come in after his compatriot.

The Magpies are currently 18th in the Premier League table and could be facing relegation down to the Championship unless their results turn around and they are able to string together a run of form.

Bringing in new players to improve the team could increase their chances of being able to do this and that is why Howe will be buzzing to have another potential improvement to his XI.

Rogerio could come in and prove to be an upgrade on Matt Ritchie at left-back. The 24-year-old has 107 Serie A appearances under his belt, which shows that he is an experienced player at the top level despite his age and can handle playing regularly in a big European league.

This season, the Brazilian has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.82, creating 1.2 chances per game from full-back for the Italian outfit and making 1.8 tackles and interceptions.

Ritchie, meanwhile, has averaged an unimpressive score of 6.66 for the Magpies. This shows that he has been consistently letting the side down and has been unable to deliver solid displays for the club, with his rating ranking him 17th in the Newcastle squad.

Therefore, Howe will love the prospect of being able to select Rogerio ahead of him in the Premier League in the weeks and months to come. If he is able to adapt to English football, his statistics suggest that he could be a dependable option for the head coach and provide quality at both ends of the pitch to aid them in their battle against the drop.

AND in other news,  Forget Lascelles: NUFC now eye late bid for £20m “leader”, he’d be “integral” for Howe…

Chris Waugh has now shared a double Newcastle United injury boost before they play Crystal Palace at home in the Premier League tonight.

The Lowdown: One more win?

With the St. James’ Park outfit currently on 37 points in the top-flight table, one more win would take them to 40, and so should all but guarantee their safety in the division for another season.

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That could well come in front of the Toon Army against the Eagles, who have just come off the back of a tiring 2-0 loss against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium over the weekend.

The Latest: Team news

Sharing some pre-match news on Twitter, The Athletic journalist Waugh relayed some comments made by Eddie Howe in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match.

The manager revealed that both Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson are ‘still on track’ in terms of their recoveries from their respective injuries, and added that they will ‘hopefully play’ again this season, although neither of the pair will return tonight.

The Verdict: Big boost

Of course, the fact that Howe could recall two of his key players for the rest of the run-in is no doubt a big boost for the North East club, even despite missing the clash with the Eagles.

Trippier is currently ranking as their best performer in the Premier League so far this term, while Wilson is still their top scorer with six goals, despite a long spell out with injury (WhoScored).

Nonetheless, should they not be able to get the result that they want against CPFC, both players will be key in ensuring that they get enough points on the board to stay up.

In other news, find out which ‘special, special’ ex-Magpie NUFC are now targeting here!