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Leeds United will hope by the end of this week, when the Whites travel down to Bristol City, that a new signing here and there have been added to the group to help in their push for promotion.

With a number of failed attempts to land new signings increasing fears at Elland Road that Leeds' lack of depth will be exposed as the season goes on – notable snubs from the likes of Fabio Carvalho and now Daiki Hashioka in this transfer window to date coming to mind – Leeds will pray that a brand-new right-back will still walk through the door before deadline day.

Having been linked with Leeds, Ryan Giles' name will now be added to the ever-growing list of faces that have turned down the opportunity to sign for Leeds this window, but there could well be a silver lining for Farke's men if the second-tier giants can sign this right-back instead over the current Luton Town left-back.

Leeds going in for Ryan Giles alternative

Leeds could land an improvement on Giles after his rejection if they can secure a deal for Wales international Connor Roberts before deadline day, the Daily Mail reporting last weekend that the Whites are still keen on signing the frozen-out Burnley man to bolster their threadbare right-back spot.

With the same report stating that both Brentford and Feyenoord are also interested in the Clarets defender, Leeds will need be persistent in their approach to sign the 28-year-old owing to his previous exploits at Championship level.

A title-winner from the division just last season, Roberts could take Leeds to the next level in their bid to launch into the Championship top two between now and the end of the gruelling 46-game campaign.

Why Connor Roberts is better than Ryan Giles

Across his career playing in the second tier to date, the £30k-per-week defender has garnered a reputation for being a fruitful assist machine.

Helping himself to 15 goals and 20 assists from 173 second-tier appearances, the 28-year-old right-back has the obvious quality to cut through Championship defences with ease that should see him come into the Leeds first team without much disruption being caused.

Although Giles did have a breakthrough campaign last term with Middlesbrough – notching up a very impressive 12 assists – it could be argued Leeds don't need any more reinforcements at left-back with Junior Firpo a man possessed pulling on a Leeds shirt so far this year.

The former Barcelona left-back has magnificently reemerged onto the scene at Elland Road with four assists from his last four games after looking to be a certainty for the exit door, with Farke in more of an urgent need to improve on the opposite flank now.

Once described by football journalist Will Lancaster as being a "top quality Championship right-back", Roberts' added acumen of what it takes to win promotion could mean he's a far better signing at this point in time than going after Giles.

With the clock ticking ever closer to deadline day acting against Leeds now, deals will soon need to be wrapped up with the West Yorkshire titans still hopeful of Roberts being added to the ranks ahead of the clash away at Bristol City.

As the excitement of deadline day begins to die down in the direct aftermath of the whirlwind occasion, Leeds will be able to put the disappointment of Giles' rejection behind them if a deal for Roberts can be reached.

Tottenham Hotspur are way ahead in the race to conclude transfer business in January, having wrapped up deals for Radu Dragusin and Timo Werner earlier this month and now focusing on concluding their efforts with a new midfielder.

Ange Postecoglou will want to combat the absences of Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Biossouma (both at AFCON) and the expected departure of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, and a new target has been lined up.

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ByBrogan Clasper Jan 5, 2024 Spurs eyeing midfielder this month

According to Turkish outlet Star Gazetesi – via Football 365 – Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is willing to change his course of action in the transfer market and forge ahead with a move for Fenerbahce playmaker Sebastian Szymanski, with Postecoglou said to be a very keen admirer of the player.

Chelsea's Conor Gallagher has been the No. 1 target this month but it's increasingly unlikely that he will be allowed to leave this month, with Levy now willing to 'do anything' to land Szymanski.

Incredible goal scorer 1 of 3 Richarlison upgrades Spurs could sign in 2024

The Brazilian dynamo has been in fine form of late but Tottenham will still push for a new centre-forward.

ByAngus Sinclair Jan 23, 2024

Valued at €35m (£30m), the Poland international has been in fine fettle over the past few years and has reportedly convinced the Lilyewhites to send scouts to watch him in action.

Sebastian Szymanski would banish Giovani Lo Celso

Since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, Tottenham have demonstrated their ability to succeed in the Premier League once again after enduring a difficult year that resulted in a lowly eighth-placed finish and Harry Kane's sale to Bayern Munich.

But Postecgolou's appointment has changed all and there is now a real sense that a glowing new chapter has arrived, with the lack of depth the main reason behind a decline in form before the festive period.

Star playmaker James Maddison is soon set to return from injury after a few months on the sidelines and while Szymanski would not disrupt the England star's playing time, it could spell the end for Giovani Lo Celso, who is out of contract in 2025 and has been linked with a move away this season despite enjoying some success in the first-team.

The Argentine is one of the most creative midfielders around and ranks among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, pass completion and progressive passes, the top 8% for shot-creating actions and the top 4% for tackles per 90, as per FBref.

However, the 27-year-old has only started four Premier League matches under Postecoglou's leadership despite Maddison's injury and this could pave the way for his exit, with Szymanski the perfect replacement.

Described as an "exceptional" talent by scout Antonio Mango, the 24-year-old signed for his Turkish side in the summer after winning the Dutch Eredivisie with Feyenoord last term,

Since the summer, the creative gem has posted 12 goals and 14 assists across 33 appearances and contributed defensively with an average of 2.3 tackles and 4.3 duels in the Turkish Super Lig, as per Sofascore.

Long shots

Aerial duels

Key passes

Pass accuracy

Taking set-pieces

Through balls

Defensive contribution

This shows that he can produce the kind of rounded displays requisite for success in the Premier League, and given Lo Celso's relentless tackling, this is a good thing.

He also ranks among the top 4% of midfielders across divisions similar to the Turkish top-flight for goals, the top 5% for assists and the top 14% for shot-creating actions per 90, so his attacking approach clearly isn't too shabby either.

Lo Celso is doing a good job this term but Szymanski is younger and just as dynamic, if not more so, and he would be a great addition to a fast-rising Tottenham team.

Newcastle United have been linked with a shock move for Jordan Henderson this month, as the England international seeks a return to the Premier League, and Football FanCast sources reveal the latest on the transfer discussions.

Newcastle's injury crisis dictates January plans

The Magpies are in desperate need of some additional depth after a questionable summer transfer window and brutal injury crisis has left the squad in dire straits. Harvey Barnes and Sandro Tonali have barely featured due to injury and suspension respectively, while Lewis Hall has not earned Eddie Howe’s favour just yet.

Sandro Tonali

AC Milan

£55m

Tino Livramento

Southampton

£32m

Lewis Hall

Chelsea

Loan

Harvey Barnes

Leicester City

£37.85m

Yankuba Minteh

Odense BK

£6.89m

Meanwhile, on and off injuries to the likes of Callum Wilson, Alexander Isak, Sean Longstaff and Kieran Trippier, along with longer term issues for Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Joe Willock, have forced Howe to play largely the same XI through the hectic Christmas fixtures.

Youngster Lewis Miley has exceeded expectations in stepping into the void left by Willock and Longstaff, but the club are still expected to pursue midfield reinforcements this month.

Jordan Henderson transfer update

Reports earlier in the week revealed former Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson wants to leave Saudi Arabia just six months after signing for Al-Ettifaq from Liverpool. Intermediaries have made Newcastle and other clubs aware of Henderson's availability, leading to a report that his name had been “discussed” at St. James’ Park.

Appearances

35

Goals

0

Assists

2

Tackles per game

0.9

Pass accuracy

84.9%

Football FanCast sources tell us a move has “no chance, zero per cent”, and those discussions barely even got started, due to his age, wages and past connections at the Stadium of Light. Kalvin Phillips, on loan from Manchester City, is still the most likely solution to Howe’s midfield depth issue.

Truth be told, it feels like the right decision from PIF and Howe, regardless of Henderson’s apparent desperation to secure a move back to the top flight. Granted, he is a Premier League and Champions League winning captain, but the former Reds skipper has not played high-level domestic football since May of 2023.

Henderson is reportedly on around £350,000-a-week at Al-Ettifaq, which is miles above the wage structure on Tyneside, and even if he agreed to drop his wages, the pressure on his shoulders would be immense given his time on Wearside.

Cristiano Ronaldo was among the goals once again for Al-Nassr in their meeting with Al Akhdoud, taking him to 48 efforts for the season.

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• Portuguese superstar in fine form
• Could reach half-century in 2024
• Has major silverware in his sights

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Portuguese superstar appeared to have put his current employers in complete control of their latest Saudi Pro League fixture as they raced into a two-goal lead inside 15 minutes. They were to be pegged back by the 70th minute, but Marcelo Brozovic snatched a dramatic stoppage-time winner in a 3-2 victory.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo continues to do his bit when it comes to collecting positive results, with remarkable individual standards being maintained by the all-time great. His latest strike was not the most spectacular, but it was still important.

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  Ronaldo knew little about his goal in truth, as the ball cannoned in off his knee from four yards out, but he was in the right place at the right time and has made a useful habit of that down the years – with there no sign of him slowing down at 39 years of age.

Manchester United are keen to strengthen in January and a new report has emerged claiming that the Red Devils are now eyeing a swoop for one of Europe's rising stars.

Manchester United announce Sir Jim Ratcliffe deal

As the football world will now be aware, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has agreed to his purchase of 25% of Manchester United, which will go through as planned, subject to approval from all necessary regulatory bodies, including the Premier League.

The INEOS chief will acquire 25% of the Class B shares currently held by the Glazer family alongside up to 25% of Class A shares. Control of football operations will also come under the guise of INEOS; meanwhile, $300 million (£236.1 million) will be made available to refurbish Old Trafford.

Casting an eye towards the January window, The Daily Star claim that Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will have little spending power to alter his squad despite change behind the scenes at Old Trafford. The outlet indicates that Ratcliffe will be keener to start spending in the summer as opposed to the mid-season window as negotiations over the extent of the role regarding footballing matters INEOS will have continues to drag on.

Despite this, one report claims that the Red Devils are now eyeing an exciting transfer involving one of Europe's most heralded young defenders.

Man Utd and Real Madrid battle for Giorgio Scalvini

According to reports in Italy, via Sport Witness, Manchester United are eyeing Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini, who is also appreciated by La Liga giants Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

Giorgio Scalvini key statistics in 2023/24 – Serie A (Sofascore)

Tackles per game

2.1

Interceptions per game

2.1

Clean sheets

4

Balls recovered per game

5.6

Clearances per game

2.4

A deal will require a "crazy" offer of at least €50m (£43m), as his current employers have put any notion of losing the 20-year-old on the back burner, though the Red Devils have been impressed with Scalvini and are said to "appreciate" him alongside his other suitors.

Labelled "complete" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Italy international has made 20 appearances across all competitions this campaign, registering one goal and one assist in the process (Scalvini statistics – Transfermarkt).

Raphael Varane has uncertainty surrounding his Manchester United future and his contract is set to expire at the end of this campaign if his extension option isn't activated at Old Trafford. Looking ahead, Scalvini could feasibly offer some long-term stability in the Red Devils' defence if he were to complete a move to Manchester in the next couple of windows.

Brighton and Hove Albion could be set to lose one of their first-team stars next year, with a fresh report revealing that he’s wanted by a high-profile club in the summer.

Brighton's recent departures

The Seagulls sanctioned the sales of 21 players during the previous window on either a permanent or loan basis, with some of the biggest names to leave for good being the likes of Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister and Robert Sanchez, but there could soon be more following in their footsteps.

Roberto De Zerbi has Danny Welbeck, James Milner and Adam Lallana who will have all reached the expiration of their deals at the end of the current season (Brighton contracts), so they are likely to be heading for the exit door should they not be offered the chance to extend their stay.

At The Amex, Kaoru Mitoma first joined the club back in 2021 and he’s since gone on to make a total of 60 appearances to date (Transfermarkt – Mitoma statistics), and the left-winger was recently rewarded for his efforts by putting pen to paper on fresh terms.

Back in October, Japan’s international signed an improved contract which means he is set to stay at the club until at least 2027, as per the above outlet, but despite him committing his long-term future just two months ago, that hasn’t stopped the 26-year-old from emerging as a target for an admirer in the Premier League.

Man City interested in Kaoru Mitoma

According to Spanish reports (via The Hard Tackle), Mitoma is of interest to Man City ahead of 2024. The Sky Blues are keen to strike a deal for the forward upon the conclusion of the campaign, with Pep Guardiola being a huge admirer of his target.

Brighton have set a price tag of €70-80m (£59-68m) in order to sanction the sale of their prized asset, so it’ll be interesting to see whether this is a deal that comes to fruition.

Brighton need to keep "beautiful talent" in Mitoma

In the Premier League this season, Mitoma has racked up seven contributions (four assists and three goals) in 13 appearances, so considering his excellent current form alongside the positive influence he has on the side, Brighton need to do everything that they possibly can to retain his services.

The Kawasaki native, who is sponsored by Puma, has recorded 23 shots over the course of the term which is more than any other of his fellow teammates (FBRef – Brighton statistics), highlighting how he stands out in the final third compared to his peers.

De Zerbi’s “beautiful talent”, as hailed by journalist Josh Bunting, is even a versatile operator having been deployed in five different positions over the grass since the start of his career, including three roles across the frontline and two in the midfield, so it’s a no-brainer of a decision to keep him in the building beyond next summer.

Barcelona star Aitana Bonmati has blasted Chelsea for "playing dirty" during the Blues' 1-0 win in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

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Barcelona stunned by Emma Hayes' sideChelsea take lead back to LondonBonmati furious with how they playedWHAT HAPPENED?

Chelsea pulled off a sensational result in Spain as an Erin Cuthbert goal gave them a 1-0 win over reigning Champions League holders Barcelona away from home. Prior to Saturday, no team had beaten Barcelona away for five years.

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In the second half, Barcelona were awarded a penalty for an apparent handball from Kadeisha Buchanan; Barca were preparing to take the kick, but the decision was overturned by VAR after a lengthy delay. Bonmati was left confused by the fact the penalty was not given, and also claimed that Emma Hayes' side employed "dirty" tactics.

WHAT BONMATI SAID

Per Mundo Deportivo, Bonmati said: "I have not understood why a penalty was called and why Mariona was preparing and then they began to review it. In the end this has to be done the other way around. It is clear that there was a prior offside by Salma, I have not seen the play and I can't say anything. If the VAR has marked this, we can't do anything.

"I am not in favor of playing with these interruptions, but we knew it. We had talked about Chelsea playing like this, which for me is playing dirty. We have warned the referee, but it is not up to us if they allow it. We have to know how to play with it."

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

Chelsea and Barcelona will renew hostilities next weekend in the second leg. It remains to be seen if the Blues can hold their nerve and pull off an astonishing upset.

Beating Zimbabwe is foremost on the Bangladesh coach’s mind, but making sure his side hones their skills for overseas conditions is a close second

Mohammad Isam in Sylhet01-Nov-2018

AFP

Bangladesh should keep in mind the need to improve on their Test performances abroad, even while they are playing at home, according to head coach Steve Rhodes. In his first home Test in charge of Bangladesh, Rhodes’ intentions of looking at the larger-picture is something that should please everyone in the set-up, although he maintained that the “win-first” mentality remains at the top of their agenda against Zimbabwe.Bangladesh’s last Test assignment, in the West Indies, Rhodes’ first as Bangladesh coach, had disastrous results, though Bangladesh beat the hosts in both the ODI and T20I series. Their performance in South Africa, India and New Zealand last year was disappointing although they drew the Test series in Sri Lanka. Their next tour is of New Zealand, where they will play three Tests in February and March next year.Rhodes said that playing a certain way at home can make it difficult for them to play at a similar level on tour. “We have a lot of work to do to be a good Test team,” Rhodes said. “We have learned a way of playing in Bangladesh that makes us compete with the best [at home].”When we go away from home, we need to learn how to bowl on those wickets. We need to produce some bowlers who can bowl well on those wickets. Most importantly, we are working on batters for conditions like New Zealand, England, West Indies, South Africa and Australia. I understand there’s a lot of work to do.”Because the home wicket is little bit more docile compared to the bounce and seam of Antigua, it means it is sometimes difficult to put [our skills] into place.”Of course, Rhodes knows achieving this goal of his will not be easy. “Trying to bring in slight changes to cope with the bounce and seam, whilst we play on these sorts of wickets is often quite difficult to do,” he admitted.Against Zimbabwe, Rhodes said that Bangladesh will stick to what they do best at home – attack with spin – but without losing sight of the bigger picture. “We have beaten Australia in these spin conditions. What do you play for? You play to win. They beat England. It doesn’t matter how you do it. We won.”We have had difficult wickets against those oppositions and we have also had very difficult wickets in overseas conditions. I am not disillusioned about that. There’s progress to be made. I am not making excuses. We could have done better.”I am a teacher and it is about trying to make players better. Give us a chance; let us see what happens and how these batsmen go.”Already, Bangladesh have moved towards finding cricketers who will fit both roles, home and away. Rookie fast bowler Khaled Ahmed was handed a maiden Test call-up after impressing with long spells for Sylhet Division in the first-class competition, as well as in the High Performance programme and for when playing for Bangladesh A in 2018.”I have been very impressed with Khaled, especially when he joined us in this Test’s preparation. He has come off the back of a 10-wicket haul in domestic cricket, which is a fine effort on a flat wicket. He has height. He hits the wicket. He is definitely the type of bowler who will bowl well on most conditions,” Rhodes said.He reiterated that he is not out to make significant changes to Bangladesh’s methods, but to get them to improve in other areas such as slip catching, fast bowling and playing fast bowling in overseas conditions.”Bangladesh have a certain style of playing, and it is not for me to change it. It is for me to work with it, and develop other areas in which we can still improve. I am not a coach coming here to change the things we do really well. I want to enhance that even more.”

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has revealed that a fully fit Cole Palmer has been left "disappointed" after being snubbed by Gareth Southgate.

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Palmer received England call up for March friendliesMissed Brazil match & was bench warmer vs BelgiumForward unhappy after failing to get minutesWHAT HAPPENED?

The 21-year-old midfielder has been in stellar form for Chelsea this season with 11 goals and eight assists in the Premier League. He was awarded an England call-up for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. However, Palmer's hopes of making an impact on the international stage were dashed as he was sidelined for the 1-0 defeat to Brazil due to an injury and subsequently found himself warming the bench for England's 2-2 draw with the Rode Duivels on Tuesday.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT POCHETTINO SAID

Speaking about Palmer's disappointment, Pochettino acknowledged the midfielder's frustration at being unable to represent his country on the field.

"I was talking with him, yes, he’s a little bit disappointed because he could not play with the national team," the Argentine manager told reporters. "I think the first game he had a small problem, I think he thought he could play in the second game against Belgium but he didn’t play."

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Pochettino is sure Palmer will be available for Chelsea's upcoming Premier League fixture against Burnley, saying: "Now he’s okay, he’s training well. Still one more training session tomorrow [Friday], but I think the plan is if he follows tomorrow in the same way I think he will be available for the game on Saturday."

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DID YOU KNOW?

Despite Palmer's absence from the two international friendlies, Southgate assured that he remains in contention for a spot in the squad for the upcoming Euros if he continues to perform in the same vein for his club.

"I said when I named the squad there is competition for places in those wide areas," Southgate said. "A bit of a shame that Cole Palmer missed so much training that we weren’t able to put him into the game [against Belgium] at the stage it was having missed most of the week. We weren’t 100 per cent certain what we would get whereas with [Anthony] Gordon we knew and with [James] Maddison we knew. I wouldn’t rule Cole out of that equation."

Tottenham Hotspur are flying at the moment, but it seems the international break could have done more than just damage momentum. After all, a long-term injury to Cristian Romero could prove devastating…

How long is Cristian Romero injured for?

Having cultivated a reputation for rash recklessness since making his £42m move, with Darren Bent having branded him a "liability" back in May, it is outstanding the speed with which the Argentina international has shifted such a narrative, rebranding himself as one of the squad's leaders and a reliable asset once again.

He has been a true rock at the back this campaign alongside Micky van de Ven, and played a huge role in their unbeaten Premier League status, of which only one other side boasts.

Whilst his two goals have aided positive results massively, it is the defensive control he exerts at the back that has allowed them to dominate, boasting a 92% pass accuracy in the league supported by his 2.5 tackles, 4.4 clearances and 5.6 ball recoveries per game, via Sofascore.

The former Atalanta ace would be a hard man to replace, but one that could need a successor now given his substitution whilst out playing with his national team.

When quizzed about his half-time removal against Peru, the World Cup winner suggested that his right ankle had swollen too much, and that he had to look ahead to "an important home game with Tottenham Hotspur on Monday against Fulham".

Whilst his forethought is both flattering and refreshing for a South American often renowned for favouring country over club, it could still prove a step too far for him to be fit for that clash.

Who could replace Cristian Romero?

Given that Ange Postecoglou's revolution is still in the early stages, the Australian has hardly had plenty of time to bolster his squad sufficiently to add the necessary depth to mitigate such potential disasters.

As such, he will be forced to simply survive with what he inherited, with Davinson Sanchez and Joe Rodon's departures now seemingly like a potential blunder.

Especially because that only leaves one outstanding name to step into the vacancy, with Eric Dier the only real senior option for a right-sided centre-back.

Having been the target of much scrutiny across his nine years in England, the 29-year-old is actually a loyal servant to Spurs, having featured 360 times for them despite never claiming any silverware.

Although his powers have waned more recently, there have been fine campaigns to boast of, the likes of which Postecoglou will seek to usher out. After all, if he can turn Romero from a liability into a superstar, then he may be able to perform a similar trick with the 49-cap ace, who too was branded a "liability" by writer Mitch Fretton.

After all, as recently as the 2021/22 season saw the £85k-per-week titan impress, even if he can remain somewhat shaky in possession. Despite that, he remained more than impressive enough to deputise now in Romero's absence, posting an 86% pass accuracy alongside 1.1 interceptions and 3.3 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

The former Sporting CP man has the defensive credentials to shine, and alongside Van de Ven and under Postecoglou, it could mark the perfect environment for this confidence-shy star to reignite his career in what could be one of his last chances to impress.