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Leeds United have been name-checked as one of the Premier League clubs interested in signing Arsenal starlet Eddie Nketiah.

What’s the story?

According to journalist Ekrem Konur on Twitter, Marcelo Bielsa’s side are in the race to sign the England under-21 international, with the likes of Brentford and Aston Villa also mentioned.

He added that Nketiah wants to leave the Emirates Stadium in the January transfer window due to a lack of game-time, and is keen for more first team football elsewhere.

He loves Marcelo Bielsa

While he may only have played half a season under Bielsa – he featured just 19 times (mostly off the bench) and scored five goals for the Whites – the £13m-rated forward made a real impression at Elland Road during a loan spell in 2019/20, not least with the manager himself.

The Argentine said of the 22-year-old: “He’s a specialist great player with a lot of resources and our play is a collective way of playing and one player needs to adapt to this style.

“For this reason when we felt he was part of the team we thought that we were going to feel the same and that he would continue with us. He didn’t take this decision but he is a great player, an excellent professional and he had very good behaviour, he is a gentleman in every sense.”

Former Leeds striker Noel Whelan has also waxed lyrical about Nketiah, claiming that his style of play is very much reminiscent of Jermain Defoe.

The 46-year-old said: “He reminds me of another Jermain Defoe and look at how well he did at West Ham. He’s very much that similar sort of player. He plays off the shoulder, very dangerous in the box. He’s a player you can’t take your eyes off because his movement’s so good.”

Crucially, despite the lack of consistent game-time at Elland Road, Nketiah left Leeds clearly feeling like he learned a lot in Yorkshire, and he paid tribute to Bielsa in particular after his recall.

The striker said: “I’m grateful for my time at Leeds. Bielsa is a very demanding manager, so every day I was pushing myself to the limit in training, and I feel that mentality has stuck with me at Arsenal, to always give my all in training and in matches.

“I also learned a lot defensively off the ball with the way Leeds play, I learned a lot about the importance of pressing from the front, defending from the front and the impact it can have to the team and the way we play.

“I definitely learned a lot, I put myself out of my comfort zone which was a good thing for me, it’s made me a lot stronger mentally and has improved me as a player. I’m grateful for my time there.”

Given the recent injury to Patrick Bamford and the lack of cover up front at Leeds, a fresh move for Nketiah would surely have fans buzzing.

Meanwhile, Beren Cross has dropped a Leeds United transfer update…

Leeds United are interested in re-signing former Whites midfielder Ronaldo Vieira, according to a transfer rumour which has emerged.

The Lowdown: Vieira’s time at Leeds

Vieira made 71 appearances for Leeds prior to their return to the Premier League, adopting a holding midfield role and playing 63 times in the Championship, so he is already a familiar face to the Yorkshire faithful.

His impact at Elland Road eventually saw him earn a move to Sampdoria in 2018 but he has fallen out of favour there, being loaned out to Hellas Verona last season.

Vieira has appeared only once this term due to injury and it could be that he looks for a move elsewhere in the January transfer window.

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The Latest: Whites linked with Vieira move

According to Club Doria 46 [via Sport Witness], Leeds are eyeing up a move for Vieira after he was ‘one step away’ from joining Sheffield United in the summer.

A move back to England is thought to appeal to the 23-year-old and the Whites are ‘focusing on this aspect’ as a way of trying to entice the player back to the club.

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The Verdict: Does it make sense?

Leeds simply must make midfield reinforcements in January, with Kalvin Phillips out injured for a lengthy period and Adam Forshaw still only recently back from nearly two years on the sidelines.

Despite his previous at the club, though, there would be an element of risk in re-signing Vieira, considering that he hasn’t exactly thrived in Italy and hasn’t played since March because of injury. Also, while he may have been a regular for the Whites before, that was when they were a mid-table Championship outfit rather than the Premier League club they are now.

If the three-time former England under-21 international is to come in, there needs to be another more proven top-flight player signed as well, or Leeds could find themselves not much better off.

In other news, one man has been backed as the favourite to eventually replace Marcelo Bielsa. Find out who it is here.

Tonight, Manchester United take on an inspired Liverpool side who have their eyes on an unprecedented quadruple.

The last time these two sides met saw the Merseyside outfit dismantle Manchester United, though that was under the tenure of Ole Gunnar Solskjær.

Nevertheless, it was complete domination from Jurgen Klopp’s side, with the Reds certainly looking to recreate the 5-0 drubbing that was seen in late October.

On the chalkboard

Since the interim appointment of Ralf Rangnick, very little has improved. The Old Trafford side still lack consistency, whilst their tactical identity is also hit and miss.

There are many ways in which Ralf can approach this game, with United looking to derail Liverpool’s Premier League title ambitions and boost their own hopes of securing a Champions League place, come next season.

United are expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation against Liverpool, natively giving them more numbers in midfield.

This could be a viable option, but in order to reduce the threat of Liverpool, Manchester United should look to restrict their freedom within the central areas of the pitch.

They will naturally lose the possession battle against the Anfield side, so will look to create their chances through counterattacks.

Therefore, central pressure from United could create a problem for Klopp, though United will require two strikers who can apply constant pressure on Van Dijk and co, with the Dutchman’s long-balls proving to be a real danger.

Therefore, a slight system tweak could see United contest Liverpool tonight.

A 4-1-3-2 system, could frustrate Klopp’s side and would also see Marcus Rashford recalled to the starting XI for what would be his 11th start this campaign.

The 24-year-old, who has been described as “elite” as per OptaJoe, has struggled for minutes this season and at current, is also having his worst season in a United shirt.

The Englishman has contributed just four goals and two assists in the Premier League this term, though a chance as a central striker, in a likely partnership with Bruno Fernandes, due to Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence, could be enough inspiration to break his 13-game goal duck.

The deployment of the energetic £180k-per-week talent would also improve Fernandes’ game, with Rashford’s blistering pace an unwelcome distraction for the Liverpool backline.

Ralf should unleash Rashford for tonight’s big clash in a partnership that could terrify the Reds.

In other news: Manchester United plotting move for £5.9m-rated “rising star”, he’s better than Fred – opinion

West Brom picked up another win in the Championship this afternoon with a convincing 3-0 victory over Peterborough United at The Hawthorns, having lost 1-0 to Queens Park Rangers in their previous league fixture.

Valerien Ismael’s side had to bide their time before finding the net through defender Cedric Kipre in the 78th minute. Further goals from Karlan Grant and Grady Diangana secured the three points for the Baggies as they aim to move up the table and win automatic promotion back to the Premier League.

One man who played a big part in the win despite only featuring for 16 minutes is Callum Robinson, who set up both of West Brom’s final two goals after replacing Matt Clarke in the 74th minute, showing what a good tactical move it was from Ismael to unleash him from the substitutes’ bench.

As well as providing the two assists, Robinson – who is currently earning £18k-per-week according to Salary Sport – also had two shots, completed seven passes and won both duels that he contested. This short but impactful performance ultimately earned the 26-year-old an impressive overall match rating of 8.3/10, making him the joint-highest rated West Brom player on the day alongside Kipre according to SofaScore.

Birmingham Live also picked up on the Irishman’s late efforts for the team by saying that he had an “important contribution” which ultimately led to the win.

Moving forward, it’ll be intriguing to see whether or not this late performance and the attacking impact that the 26-year-old had will convince Ismael to pick him in the starting XI for their next Championship game against Preston North End in midweek.

Given how Daryl Dike was forced off the pitch through injury after making his full debut for the club since joining from Orlando City earlier this month, this could lead to Robinson getting the chance to shine from the start in midweek. He certainly deserves it after stealing the show today with his hugely impressive 16-minute cameo against Posh.

In other news: Sky Sports pundit drops worrying WBA January claim, it would be a “huge blow” for Ismael

This January transfer window will be a pivotal one for Leeds United and their top-flight status.

It may also be a crucial one for Marcelo Bielsa who is under pressure to keep his job following a torrid season so far.

What’s the word?

Leeds headed into Christmas in 16th place and although they still have a cushion to the foot of the table, it might not be too long before they get dragged into a relegation battle.

Thus, the Whites must go against their winter traditions of rarely signing anyone by strengthening significantly next month.

One player who is a potential target for Victor Orta is Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Football FanCast exclusively revealed earlier this year that Leeds’ recruitment director had already spoken to him about a move and now the Express suggest that their chase of the attacker could be reunited in 2022.

He is currently valued at £16.2m via Transfermarkt.

Forget James

Last summer, Leeds finally managed to bring Dan James to Elland Road as he departed Manchester United for pastures new.

The zippy Welsh forward was in the building and was set to sign for the Elland Road outfit back in 2019 but a move fell through at the 11th hour despite documents being signed and James posing with a Leeds shirt.

Yet, two years on, they finally got their man a few months ago.

Sadly, his performances since moving to Yorkshire haven’t really been up to scratch. The Wales international has featured 16 times for Bielsa’s side but has only registered a solitary goal and two assists.

That form has led to considerable criticism, particularly from Darren Bent. He told Football Insider:

“The only thing about Dan James at times, for me, he’s a little bit headless.

“He’s shown great potential, when he first went to United he played really well, scored a few goals but at times he for me he’s fouled or he shoots sometimes when he should pass it, he’ll pass when he should shoot.”

Though, with Leeds’ mass injury problems, it’s been hard to ignore him in the starting XI.

That said, by signing Kvaratskhelia this winter, Bielsa could finally be granted the license to axe James from the starting XI.

The 20-year-old currently plays his football in Russia for Rubin Kazan and has proven to be a particularly tricky customer.

Although he’s only bagged one goal, he’s registered three assists and registered a whopping 2.7 dribbles per match. For context, that’s more than any player at Thorp Arch, including Raphinha who has managed 2.4 per game.

Described as a player with “crazy technique” by Russian coach Denis Bushuev, he has also been compared to two of the trickiest wingers we’ve seen in football.

“He is from the same constellation of players as Ribery or Robben,” Bushuev admitted.

Consequently, it would appear as if Kvaratskhelia would be an eye-catching signing for Leeds this winter. Not only would he add greater quality to the squad but it would give James a chance to rest on the sidelines and reapply himself.

AND in other news, Orta masterclass: Leeds struck dream deal with £36m-rated “magician” who’s “a storm”…

If anyone ever doubted the commitment or desire of Rafa Benitez’s group of players, then it was definitely put to bed on Tuesday evening after Newcastle United recorded a famous win over Manchester City.

Having not beaten the Citizens in any of the previous 22 encounters between the two teams, not many would’ve given the Magpies their backing to change that record.

And when Sergio Aguero found the back of the net after only 26 seconds, St. James’ Park started to fear for the worst.

But, the manner in which Benitez got his team together, with the on-field performances of some of the club’s senior players, Newcastle United proved to the rest of the Premier League just exactly what they are able to achieve as a group.

Goals by Salomon Rondon and Matt Ritchie saw the North East club take a surprising lead against Pep Guardiola’s men who couldn’t afford to drop points in their title challenge with Liverpool.

And it is not often that an underpressure Guardiola loses in that manner to a club who are fighting to avoid relegation.

The victory, however, was a symbol of what Newcastle United believe they can achieve and with the right backing of their owner Mike Ashley, these are the type of results the fans are desperate to see on a more consistent basis.

It was also fitting that the win over City came on the day where it was all but confirmed that the club would break its transfer record for MLS star Miguel Almiron.

The win should also provide Benitez and his squad with the belief and discipline to see out the rest of the season and remain in the Premier League for next season.

Ashley, on the other hand, should see the victory over City as what can be achieved if he provides the manager with the players he need in order for Newcastle to grow as a club.

But in general, the victory showed to everyone the fighting spirit that is within the team and why this club should competing in the Premier League.

Fabrizio Romano has provided a major Newcastle managerial update regarding Portuguese coach Paulo Fonseca.

What’s the talk?

The Italian journalist has claimed that the ex-Roma head coach is prepared to accept the Magpies job after talks with the new owners at St James Park. However, they are keeping their options open and have not yet decided whether or not they will go with Fonseca to lead the club forward.

Romano told the ¡Que Golazo! podcast, via Shields Gazette: “As we mentioned last week, they were beginning talks with Fonseca and going in with optimism around these negotiations because Paulo Fonseca is prepared to accept the proposal from Newcastle.

“It’s now up to Newcastle. They have everything set with Fonseca but they need to decide if they want to go with him or do something different, talk with other managers and consider other opportunities.

“So Newcastle have not one-hundred percent decided yet, but Fonseca is the front-runner, everything is ready for him, he would be prepared to accept. They’re discussing about money and final things but I’m sure that Fonseca is the front-runner now.

“Let’s see if they want to do something surprising because these [talks] are going on but they’re not signing his contract or not completing his agreement so this is why they are maybe thinking of someone else or something surprising.” Excitement

These claims from Romano will surely leave Newcastle fans feeling excited for several reasons. For starters, Fonseca being prepared to accept an offer from the club is a major boost, as it means that no matter what happens with their other targets, they know that an impressive manager is ready to join at any point.

Fonseca has 320 games as a manager under his belt, averaging 1.94 points per game across five separate leagues. Steve Bruce, who recently left the club, has managed 477 Premier League matches in his career and averaged 1.11 points per game. This suggests that the Portuguese coach would be a significant upgrade on Bruce, which is why the fans would be happy to see him at the helm.

However, Magpies supporters could also be excited by Romano’s last quote. He suggests that PIF may be stalling on Fonseca as they plot a surprise appointment, and that could get fans on the edge of their seats as they ponder who else could arrive to take charge of the club. If Newcastle believe that they can bring in a manager with a better record than Fonseca, whose aforementioned career has been impressive so far, that is a very exciting thought for the fans.

It will be quite interesting to see where PIF go with this. As Romano has explained, a deal for Fonseca appears to be close and they could sign off on that and bring him to Tyneside, or else they may go left-field and appoint another head coach…

AND in other news, “Comfortably spend…”: Chris Waugh drops big Newcastle claim which should delight fans…

Rumoured Crystal Palace transfer target Sven Botman is wanted by Newcastle United in the January transfer window, according to the reliable David Ornstein.

The Lowdown: Botman a target for Palace

Back in the summer, the Eagles (Sky Sports) showed a keen interest in signing the Lille centre-back but he ended up staying put in France.

2020/21 title-winner Botman has continued to be a key man for the Ligue 1 champions, making 10 league starts and appearing twice in the Champions League this season.

Wolves have recently been showing an interest in him, too, as Premier League clubs seemingly all circle for his signature.

The Latest: Fierce competition for Eagles

On Monday, The Athletic‘s Ornstein confirmed that Newcastle are now eyeing up a January move for Botman, who has been described as ‘incredible’ by Ligue 1 journalist Robin Bairner.

Lille are desperate to hold onto the Netherlands international, preferring to lose him in the summer if he has to go.

The Verdict: Magpies the likely destination?

Newcastle’s recent takeover has seen them acquire unrivalled levels of wealth, which arguably puts them in pole position to snap up Botman.

The money that the Magpies may be able to promise the 21-year-old could blow Palace out of the water, meaning Patrick Vieira could well have to look at other options.

Should a move to Selhurst Park still appeal to Botman, however, he could be welcomed with open arms, considering he has averaged 3.5 and 4.7 clearances per game in the Champions League and Ligue 1 this season, respectively.

Joel Ward (3.3) has the highest tally for Palace in the Premier League in 2021/22, highlighting the impact Botman could potentially have as the third option in the heart of defence alongside the promising partnership of Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen.

In other news, some Palace fans slammed one player’s performance against Manchester United. Find out who it is here.

Aston Villa have considered a move for Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, according to The Athletic.

And, as to be expected, a number of Villa fans have been reacting to the rumour on social media.

Steven Gerrard and Johan Lange have been extremely busy his month, bringing in three senior additions and one for the academy, with their attention now on securing a centre-back and a defensive midfielder.

However, according to Gregg Evans, Villa have also discussed attacking options. Nketiah has been considered as he is now into the final six months of his Gunners deal, whereas other forwards across Europe are also on the radar.

The 22-year-old is yet to start a Premier League fixture this season and has scored just five times in 41 appearances in the top flight.

Villa fans react

The AVFC Faithful relayed Evans’ claim regarding Nketiah on Twitter. These Villa supporters weren’t exactly thrilled at the links, with one describing the Englishman as ‘terrible’.

“I’d rather play a bin bag up front”

Credit: @VTID123

“Awful move if true he’s not even championship level he’s awful”

Credit: @Jamie_UTV

“No thanks, he’s terrible”

Credit: @lew_clamp

“No no & no again”

Credit: @TylerHinsley1

“Now that would be pointless”

Credit: @Nathhhavfc

“Would rather Barry and Archer on the bench thanks”

Credit: @ReeceTay_29

In other news: ‘Give them what they want’ – Many Villa fans flock to transfer update on potential ‘superstar’. 

Newcastle officially confirmed Eddie Howe as their new manager earlier this week as they finally replaced Steve Bruce, who was sacked last month.

The 43-year-old had been out of work since leaving Bournemouth at the end of the 2019/20 campaign and another key figure from that season on the south coast has been in the headlines recently.

Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale was in the limelight for making a terrific save from a James Maddison free-kick against Leicester in the Premier League. Peter Schmeichel called it one of the ‘best saves’ he has ever seen and Mikel Arteta hailed it as ‘incredible’ as he lauded his shot-stopper.

Evidently, he has come a long way since player under the tutelage of the new Newcastle boss.

Ramsdale 2.0

Howe brought Ramsdale into the first-team at the Vitality Stadium and trusted him to be his number one in the Premier League, giving him the experience he needed to push on and get to the position where is now earning praise for his performances for a big club in Arsenal.

The Sun recently reported that Newcastle are interested in a potential deal to sign Dean Henderson from Manchester United and Howe could find his next Ramsdale in the young goalkeeper. Both stoppers are young, English, players on the verge of the national team.

Ramsdale has been in the England set-up but is yet to receive his first senior cap, whilst Henderson has one cap to his name and is one year older at 24 than the Gunners number one. This suggests that they are on a similar career path, albeit the former is currently playing regularly whilst the latter is in need of a move away from Old Trafford to get regular minutes.

Henderson has previously shown that he has the quality to play in the Premier League. At the end of the 2019/20 campaign, Toon legend Alan Shearer named Henderson in his Team of the Season, for his performances on loan at Sheffield United. He said:

“It was tough to leave out Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, but Sheffield United’s season has been one of the best stories of the campaign and Henderson has been key to their success.

“The Manchester United loanee has kept 10 clean sheets and his bravery and confidence belie his 23 years. He is a star in the making.”

This suggests that he has the ability to come in and make an impact for the Magpies between the sticks. Howe’s previous with Ramsdale also indicates that he could help Henderson to take the next step in his career and ensure that the titan develops as a player, which is why this could be a shrewd transfer move by the club in January.

AND in other news, “I’m told” – Craig Hope issues exciting NUFC claim that’ll surely leave fans buzzing…