Leeds linked with Aaron Ramsey transfer

With Leeds United having the second-youngest squad in the Premier League with an average age of 24.8 according to Transfermarkt, it seems as though the Yorkshire club could be looking to add a player to their squad that could offer them a lot of Premier League experience.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from Calcio Mercato (via Sport Witness) Leeds are interested in signing Juventus and former Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey on a loan deal in the upcoming January transfer window.

Before jetting off to Juventus back in the 2019 summer transfer window, Ramsey made a total of 371 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions, scoring 65 goals and providing 65 assists in the process.

  

With 262 of those appearances coming in the Premier League, this shows just how much experience the Welshman could offer Marcelo Bielsa’s side if he does leave Juventus next month and fancies a return to England with Leeds and play alongside some of his Wales teammates such as Dan James and Tyler Roberts.

Labelled as an “outstanding technician” in the past by pundit and former Arsenal star Martin Keown, Ramsey could definitely offer some creativity and goals to this Leeds side who have only managed to score 15 times in as many games so far this season.

Additionally, with Leeds only having four central-midfield options in their squad at the moment, this backs up why signing a midfielder such as Ramsey, who is currently valued at £9m according to Transfermarkt, would be a good idea for the Yorkshire club to do in January to give Bielsa that bit of extra depth in that area of his squad.

The report does claim, however, that Leeds would look for a loan deal for Ramsey whereas fellow Premier League club Everton could be willing to make a permanent deal for the 30-year-old, which might be more appealing to Juventus rather than a loan deal and therefore put the Whites on the backfoot in the chase for his signature.

Either way, with January around the corner, Leeds and Victor Orta should definitely explore the option of signing Ramsey either on a loan deal or permanent basis if they can, as it would definitely start their transfer window with a bang given his pedigree at the top level.

In other news: Huge setback: Leeds struck with double injury blow that’ll surely have Bielsa fuming – opinion

Man Utd linked to Youri Tielemans

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Leicester City midfielder Your Tielemans as the summer transfer window approaches.

What’s the story?

According to Belgian reporter Sven Claes, who keenly tracks the latest developments of his compatriots across Europe, the Red Devils are interested in acquiring the 24-year-old’s services after an impressing 2020/21 campaign.

In an interview with The Empire of the Kop, the journalist revealed that the Liverpool target is also attracting admiring glances from fellow Premier League giants United as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer aims to build a title-winning side.

Next Carrick

“It will be a very difficult decision for Tielemans. The tears speak for themselves after receiving the POTY award two weeks ago,” Claes told EOTK Insider.

“When he’ll play a good Euros, I expect him to be leaving yes. He’s ready for a new challenge/next step – and I also believe that. It’s an absolute talent with an excellent mentality on and off the pitch.

“A lot of clubs like Man U and a Spanish top team already want him. He had it difficult in the past at AS Monaco, but at Leicester, everyone saw his real qualities again. I think we’ll hear soon more about his near future.”

Tielemans was the Foxes’ standout performer last season as they won their maiden FA Cup crown and finished a highly respectable fifth in the top-flight table.

His impressive performances have caught the eye of the continent’s top clubs, and Brendan Rodgers faces a fight to retain the services of his prized asset.

United are currently assessing their options after the Old Trafford outfit achieved a consecutive top-four finish for the first time since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, with several big names linked to the 10-time English champions.

Many have outlined the need for a new right-winger and central defender in the red half of Manchester, but with Paul Pogba set to entire the final 12 months of his contract, the need for a midfield conductor could be greater than ever.

The club have arguably failed to replace Michael Carrick since his retirement back in 2018. He was the heartbeat of United for many years, dictating the tempo and setting the rhythm for his teammates to follow.

Pogba’s range of passing makes him the closest embodiment of the now United coach, although, in truth, Tielemans has a skillset far closer to that of the former England international than Pogba ever will.

Claes values the Belgium star at around £56 million, and the man once labelled as “quality” by former Leicester defender Steve Howey would certainly improve United’s chances of ending their eight-year wait for Premier League crown next season.

United should be doing all they can to get the Belgian to Old Trafford.

And, in other news…Woodward heading for another huge Man Utd mistake over £160k-p/w liability 

Hendrie backs move to hand Cash new deal

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, ex-Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie believes it would be the right decision for his old side to hand Matty Cash a new contract.

Cash only joined Villa in the last summer transfer window, but the former Nottingham Forest defender looks set to put pen to paper on fresh terms.

According to The Telegraph’s John Percy, the Midlands club are keen to discuss a new deal with Cash, clearly impressed with what they have seen from the 23-year-old right-back this season.

And it appears that Hendrie has also been pleased with Cash’s form, with the ex-Villa player calling for the Premier League outfit to get this new contract sorted.

On Cash, Hendrie told FFC in an exclusive interview:

“I watched him at Forest and he was exactly the same, but I feel that he’s got better coming into this Villa side. He’s granted a new contract because people will be looking for someone of his calibre and the way and styles teams play these days… he likes to get forward and he’s got that aggressive manner in him.

“Get him signed up. You know, these are the players that we want to see signed and we want to build on, and he’s still got plenty of years ahead of him.”

As well as Cash, left-back Matt Targett could also be in line for a new contract. According to The Athletic (via Goal), the Villans have already opened talks with the former Southampton man over an improved deal.

Man City UCL injury news: Stones & Walker missing in training

Sky Sports News journalist Ben Ransom has shared some worrying footage of Manchester City training ahead of their Champions League semi-final clash against Real Madrid.

The Lowdown: City’s UCL run

An ill-tempered draw in the second-leg of the Sky Blues’ quarter-final tie against Atletico Madrid sent Pep Guardiola’s side through to the last four of the Champions League.

Kevin De Bruyne’s second half goal in the first-leg was enough to secure the win for City, who now face Real Madrid in the semi-finals later on tonight at the Etihad.

When questioned in yesterday’s lunchtime press conference about the availability of Kyle Walker and John Stones following, Guardiola responded:

“They are doubts, they didn’t train for the last week to ten days and John since Brighton. We’ll see how they feel, we’ll speak to them tomorrow and then make the decision.”

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The Latest: Footage emerges

Taking to Twitter just 24 hours before kick-off, Sky Sports News reporter Ben Ransom has shared footage of Man City’s training session.

Captioning the video, he claimed: “No Walker nor Stones on the training pitch for Man City ahead of the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.”

The Verdict: Huge blow

This injury news will come as a huge blow for Guardiola’s selection, if indeed both players have not miraculously recovered in the hours since the footage was leaked.

With Joao Cancelo already suspended, City now do not have a player available who has been utilised at right-back before.

This suggests that one of Oleksandr Zinchenko or Nathan Ake will have to step up in Walker’s absence.

This will see to a makeshift back-line which Guardiola will hope can keep a strong Madrid side out, before his squad can recuperate for the second-leg.

In other news: Manchester City: Daily Mail makes Declan Rice claim

West Ham fans flock to Dawson claim

According to a report by club insiders Claret & Hugh, via West Ham Central, defender Craig Dawson will sign for West Ham United once he makes just two more appearances for the club – a fee which will apparently total £2.2 million. 

Manager David Moyes also confirmed in a press conference that Dawson is ‘very close’ to becoming a permanent player as the club near his obligation to buy clause over the amount of matches featured (football.london).

Now, Claret & Hugh claim that the exact number of appearances needed is two – with the transfer fee paid to parent club Watford amounting to around £2.2m when the clause is triggered.

Flocking to this claim, plenty of Hammers were in full reaction as one supporter called it the ‘best news I have heard all day’.

Given the unexpected impact Dawson has made at the London Stadium, keeping the likes of Fabian Balbuena and Issa Diop out the team at points this season, it’s hardly surprising some supporters are excited.

Find all of their verdicts down below.

West Ham fans flock to Dawson claim

“Great business he is a decent solid pro”

Credit: @StuartPiner

“Best news I have heard all day”

Credit: @Lydgate1

“7.2 million for Coufal and Dawson… Ridiculously good business. Quite rare for us.”

Credit: @ConCroucher

“What a bargain”

Credit: @mattw00druf

“Wow we need to wrap him up in cotton wool and hope he don’t get injured and be out for the rest of the season, which would normally be our luck (just hope he actually wants to stay)”

Credit: @Ludders59

“Absolute bargain”

Credit: @DazzaG77

“unbelievable signing”

Credit: @Tynam76161269

In other news: West Ham are eyeing this 44-cap star, find out more here.

Wolves: Fans react to Rafael Leao update

Wolves have been linked with a move for AC Milan striker Rafael Leao as they firm up their summer recruitment activity [Calciomercato, via Sport Witness].

In need of striking reinforcements after the serious injury sustained by talisman Raul Jimenez, it is said that Leao could be available for ‘offers over €30m’ [Sport Witness].

The Portuguese striker enjoyed a decent 2020/21 season for I Rossoneri, registering 13 goal contributions in 40 appearances; seven goals and six assists [Transfermarkt].

Despite this, the 22-year-old did not make the final cut for Fernando Santos’ Portugal Euro 2020 squad [Telegraph].

Furthermore, he has not hit double figures as a centre-forward since the 2017/18 campaign for the Sporting Lisbon B team [Transfermarkt].

In light of this, no wonder loads of Wolves diehards took to Twitter to vent their frustrations as these recent developments.

Wolverhampton Wanderers fans react:

Replying to popular Wolverhampton Wanderers fan outlet Talking Wolves, here is what some fans had to say regarding the latest news, as one supporter called a move ‘pointless’:

“No chance we’ll pay that unless we sell some of our own big players. Would be pointless!!”

Credit: @SteveWiles20″No thanks had our fingers burned by cutrone”Credit: @Tofts8″Please, no”Credit: @marcobertoli87″Not worth that much money”Credit: @lewis__wwfc7″That’s a no go then with the price tag”Credit: @DuckinsDavid”Is he better than we already have? #wwfc”Credit: @BlosephIn other news, Wolves fans react to a pursuit of a reported target.

Rangers transfer update on Morelos

A big Rangers transfer update has emerged involving the future of Alfredo Morelos.

The Lowdown: Another top season for Morelos

Morelos has come off the back of yet another great season with the Light Blues, scoring no fewer than 17 goals and making a further 13 assists in 44 games in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

Inevitably, he will attract attention from potential suitors in the summer window, especially if he performs well in the Copa America with Colombia.

The Latest: Porto eye Morelos

As per A Bola (via Sport Witness), FC Porto are considering Morelos as a potential replacement for exit-bound Moussa Marega.

However, it is claimed that the striker would cost at least €20m (£17.1m), a fee that the Portuguese outfit are unlikely to be able to afford.

The Verdict: More!

£17.1m is simply too little for the Glasgow giants to even be considering selling their top man, given just how important he is to the team and the sorts of prices goalscorer go for around Europe.

There is no doubt that Morelos is capable of mixing it up at sides like Porto, as Steve Gerrard claimed that he was ‘outstanding’ in a UEFA Europa League display against their rivals Benfica back in November, but the Ibrox faithful should be holding out for a lot more money if they were to sell their prized asset.

At just 24 years of age, his value is only going to increase over the next few years, so the Gers will have plenty of other opportunities to cash in.

In other news, find out what worrying RFC transfer claim has been dropped here!

Fabrizio Romano has news on Villa target Edouard

Fabrizio Romano has handed Aston Villa a major boost in their chase to sign Celtic’s Odsonne Edouard this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent months have linked Dean Smith’s side with a move for the striker, and now Romano has delivered a decisive update on his long-term future with the Hoops.

Speaking exclusively to GiveMeSport, Romano confirmed that Edouard is likely to leave Celtic Park this summer: “I think, yes. Now it’s time for him to decide on a new club, and we’ll have to see if the right bid arrives. Obviously if you want to sign a player like this, you have to pay.

“There are lots of opportunities for him, but I think yes, this summer there will be chances for him to leave. They (Celtic) will love to keep him, but probably with big and important bids, they need to sell him.”

Time for Sawiris

While Celtic will understandably look to get big-money in Edouard, Villa must surely seize this opportunity to go after Edouard. The Frenchman has been in outstanding form for the Hoops once again this season, netting 16 goals in just 26 league games.

His former boss at Celtic, Neil Lennon, has raved about the kind of importance the £13.5m-rated talent holds at Celtic Park, and was particularly effusive in his praise after a win against Ross County.

He said: “He’s hugely important (to us), he’s an outstanding footballer, talismanic almost, he’s so talented, so cool and he had two great finishes. He’s up there with some of the best we’ve had over the last 20 odd years.”

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Given Romano’s update on the situation, it’s surely now time for Villa’s co-owners of Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens to get their cheque-books out and strike a deal for Edouard this summer.

Click here to see the full interview with Fabrzio Romano

Meanwhile, Villa’s key backroom appointments will surely have Dean Smith buzzing…

Pundit surprised by Heckingbottom talk

Former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer has told The Transfer Tavern in an exclusive interview that he would be very surprised if Paul Heckingbottom landed the Sheffield United job full-time.

Heckingbottom is currently on a five-man shortlist of managers to replace Chris Wilder following his departure from Bramall Lane back in March.

The 43-year-old has been filling in on a caretaker basis but now looks to be in contention for the role permanently.

Having stepped in after Wilder’s exit, Palmer believes it is only fair for him to be interviewed, but the ex-Sheffield Wednesday player admitted he would be surprised if Heckingbottom ended up as Wilder’s permanent successor.

Speaking exclusively to TT about Sheffield United’s search for a new manager, Palmer said:

“I’d be very surprised if Paul’s in the front running for that job, very surprised. But, you know, you put him in until the end of the season, I think it’s only fair to give him an interview for the job.

“But the results and the performances, really, for me, would not warrant him getting the job full-time.”

It has also recently emerged, via The Sun, that United have made an approach for Slavisa Jokanovic – who could be a much safer bet for the club.

The Serbian has won promotion to the Premier League before, taking both Fulham and Watford from the Championship to English football’s top flight.

Houssem Aouar: Spurs eye Ndombele replacement

Tottenham Hotspur could be preparing for life after Tanguy Ndombele if emerging reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to Sky Sports, Spurs are targeting a move for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar before next week’s transfer deadline and have already held tentative talks with the player’s representatives.

The 23-year-old has two years to run on his current deal but will weigh up his options before making a decision on his future.

Interest in the Frenchman, who featured at the U21 European Championships earlier this year, should come as no surprise as the Lilywhites’ new sporting director Fabio Paratici held an interest in signing him whilst at Juventus.

“Paratici has always been in love with this player,” revealed Fabrizio Romano earlier this month.

It remains to be seen exactly how much Aouar would command, especially with less than a week to go before deadline day, though ESPN believe he could be available for a fee in the region of €25m (£21.5m).

Move on Ndombele

It’s also thought that the club are now prepared to offload Aouar’s former teammate after he requested to leave the club recently, so it would make sense to find someone fit to play a similar role.

And that has to be the Lyon star.

Last season he contributed eight goals and four assists, whilst a year earlier, he provided nine goals and ten assists as the French outfit made an impressive run in the Champions League. In total, Aouar has made a direct goal contribution every 196 minutes, as per Transfermarkt.

It’s this sort of creativity and goal threat from midfield that has been lacking at Spurs, even when Ndombele has been featuring. By comparison, his fellow countryman has only contributed towards 16 goals at a rate of one every 267 minutes since arriving in a club-record £55m deal.

Spurs should certainly look to move him on and Aouar, who can play in the no.8 and no.10 role, would be a perfect successor in north London.

The £26m-rated dynamo has been compared to Spain great Andres Iniesta in terms of playing style and an average of two key passes and an 86.8% passing accuracy last season would certainly reinforce that view.

“I’m a big fan of Aouar. I’ve often likened him to Andres Iniesta, which is obviously a big shout because, for me, he is one of the greatest players of all-time,” claimed Ligue 1 expert Adam White to Football FanCast.

“I don’t necessarily mean in quality but in style. He has silky movement and drifts in midfield to pick passes. At his best, he is absolutely brilliant to watch and he can play anywhere in midfield. He’s great on the ball and technically outstanding. His vision is brilliant. He’s a huge talent.”

Paratici must consider axing Ndombele in favour of signing the promising French gem. It would be an outstanding piece of business for less than £25m – a real bargain in comparison to that club-record fee.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Alli: Spurs must secure £22.5m-rated prodigy who’s “like a young Pogba”…

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