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Leeds United are eyeing a move for Hoffenheim’s versatile star Florian Grillitsch, and that could spell bad news for Robin Koch at Elland Road…

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have claimed that Jesse Marsch’s side have joined fellow Premier League sides Arsenal and Newcastle in the race to sign the Austria international this summer.

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It’s been suggested that the midfielder’s representatives have sounded out a move abroad amid his contract at Hoffenheim expiring this summer.

Marsch can axe Koch

Reports earlier last year claimed that former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa actually thought the versatile defender was “too soft” to really succeed at Premier League level, and when you look at how he has fared in general, it’s perhaps understandable to see why.

The German had a injury-hit debut campaign at Elland Road last season, playing just 17 times in the Premier League and missing a number of games with a knee problem between December and March.

And, when he has played, he has shown signs of really struggling to get to grips with the pace and intensity of the English game – you only have to look at his performance against Spurs recently to see that.

Writing in his post-match player ratings against Spurs, Leeds Live’s Beren Cross gave him a four, saying: “No protection for the defence or any presence in the middle of the park as Adam Forshaw was left isolated and alone.”

The £50k-a-week earning ace just isn’t a natural fit when deployed in midfield, while at centre-back, he already has a significant amount of competition to battle against with the recently returned Liam Cooper, Diego Llorente and Pascal Struijk all ahead of him in the pecking order.

But in Grillitsch, they could find someone who is equally comfortable of playing in the middle of the park, and also being trusted with playing at the back too – in the 18 games he has played in the Bundesliga this season, 12 of them have come in central defence, while the rest have seen him used as either a holding midfielder or in a more box-to-box role.

Indeed, Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann raved about the kind of under-rated nature of the Austrian ace, saying: “In my opinion, Flo Grillitsch is one of the best six in the Bundesliga who is already a little under the radar. At least you rarely read anything about him.

“He still has a few construction sites, he knows that, I’ve told him that often enough. But he is an extraordinary footballer and has an incredible ability to determine the rhythm of the game.”

The 6 foot 2 Grillitsch could be a superb addition to this Leeds side, and could see Marsch finally axe one of his side’s poorer players.

AND in other news – Leeds facing major nightmare as worrying news emerges, Elland Road would be devastated

Football Insider have shared an update on Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips and a possible new Elland Road contract.  

The Lowdown: Manchester United links

Rumours have emerged in recent days regarding Manchester United’s interest in Phillips.

The Daily Star believe Old Trafford bosses have abandoned their interest in West Ham’s Declan Rice and will target Phillips as a result.

Phillips, 25, is under contract until 2024, but it appears as if the Whites want to tie him down to a new deal over the coming months.

The Latest: Source shares new update

Football Insider shared a story on Tuesday afternoon, where Alan Hutton gave his thoughts on Phillips’ future.

Within their report however, they shared the latest from a Leeds source, who told the site that talks of a new Whites contract are at an early stage.

Interestingly, they also added that Leeds, led by Andrea Radrizzani, want a new deal completed before January 1.

The Verdict: Next few months key

It seems as if Leeds want to put to bed rumours of their star man leaving by the New Year to avoid any uncertainty during the next transfer window, so the coming months will be key.

The holding midfielder only signed a new Elland Road contract in 2019, however, he has taken his game to the next level over the past two years.

Phillips picked up England’s Player of the Year recently, so, on that basis, you’d like to think Leeds would be willing to make him their top earner ahead of Raphinha and Patrick Bamford.

In other news: Phil Hay drops six-word Leeds verdict that could be bad news for Bamford.

Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou would excite fans by securing the signing of Georgios Giakoumakis, according to The Celtic Way reporter Anthony Haggerty.

Following a summer of change, which saw former Australia chief Postecoglou appointed as manager, the Bhoys have welcomed a host of fresh faces to Parkhead.

Celtic have been heavily linked with a move for VVV-Venlo striker Giakoumakis, who finished last season as the Eredivisie’s top goalscorer having found the back of the net 26 times.

However, Giakoumakis’ goals were not enough to stop VVV-Venlo from suffering relegation from the Netherlands’ top flight.

Celtic have seemingly suffered a blow in their pursuit of the 26-year-old Greece international as, according to Bild, Giakoumakis would rather head to the Bundesliga and join Werder Bremen than link up with Celtic. The report suggests the frontman has also drawn interest from Qatar.

However, the development comes after Werder Bremen sporting director Frank Baumann claimed the German side cannot compete with Celtic’s financial muscle.

Haggerty is keen to see the Bhoys fight off stiff competition for Giakoumakis’ services with the transfer deadline looming.

He told Football FanCast: “If you can score 26 goals for a team that gets relegated from the Eredivisie, I think you’ve got ability.

“I think he fits the bill and prototype that Celtic want – a big, bustling centre-forward. I think they’re having serious discussions with Giakoumakis.”

Arsenal will be looking to build on their recent form as they play host to the first north London derby of the 2021/22 season this afternoon.

After a difficult start to the new campaign, the Gunners have seemingly turned a corner with three straight victories in all competitions and manager Mikel Arteta is blessed with a fully fit and available squad for the very first time.

It does, however, give him a number of decisions to make in terms of team selection.

Here’s the starting XI we’re predicting at the Emirates Stadium today…

The north Londoners’ recent change in fortunes has been, in part, down to their changes at the back as summer signing Aaron Ramsdale has excelled in the place of Bernd Leno.

He should come straight back into the side, whilst the youthful backline of Kieran Tierney, Gabriel, Ben White and fellow new addition Takehiro Tomiyasu are expected to all start, having been rested against AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

Further up the pitch in midfield, things start to become a bit tricky for Arteta.

He has gone for a three-man engine room in recent matches, with Thomas Partey pairing up with Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe and all three could still remain in the starting lineup. However, the return of Granit Xhaka hands him a fresh dilemma.

Given his experience in this fixture, the Swiss international could come straight back in to partner the Ghanian in a deeper role, with the academy gem reverting to the left flank and the former Real Madrid star going back into the no.10 role.

They could be joined by Bukayo Saka on the right, meaning there is no place for Nicolas Pepe, though expect him to feature from the bench.

Whilst upfront, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is likely to be preferred to Alexandre Lacazette.

In total, there could be ten changes from their Carabao Cup triumph only a few days ago.

Arsenal’s predicted XI vs Spurs (4-2-3-1): Ramsdale; Tierney, Gabriel, White, Tomiyasu; Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard; Smith Rowe, Saka, Aubameyang

AND in other news, Arteta must unleash Arsenal’s £18m-rated “warrior” vs Spurs, he can thwart Kane & Son…

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has provided injury updates on Ryan Jack and Ryan Kent ahead of Sunday’s clash with St Mirren.

What’s the latest?

The 41-year-old has revealed that Jack has returned to first team training after recovering from his long-term injury, whilst Kent is expected to be back within the next week.

Gerrard told Rangers’ official Twitter channel: “It’s a big day for Ryan Jack as he is back with the team in training for the first time in months. Ryan Kent, we are hoping to have available in and around the Aberdeen game or just slightly after.”

Gers fans will be buzzing

Rangers fans will surely be buzzing with this news as it suggests that two key players are set to return from notable injuries. Kent’s last appearance came against Lyon in the Europa League on 16 September, whilst Jack has not played a single minute of football since February.

The Ibrox faithful will be delighted to see Kent return as he has shown his quality at Premiership level in recent years. Last season, he scored 10 goals and provided nine assists in 37 appearances as he averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.23. The fans will be looking forward to seeing him back in action as he can clearly make a difference in the final third for Gerrard’s side.

Former Gers marksman Kris Boyd once lauded the ex-Liverpool winger’s ability with the ball at his feet, hailing him as a player who gets fans off their seats. 

He said: “There’s Ryan Kent who is phenomenal – he gets you off your seat. His numbers have increased season after season. Even if the team are not at the level we saw at the start of the campaign, he is still a threat. He is so comfortable with the ball – it is like has superglue in his boots!”

Meanwhile, Jack was also impressive in the league last season. He averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.14 in 19 appearances prior to his calf injury, creating one chance per game and winning 56% of his duels as he completed 90% of his attempted passes.

This shows why Gers fans must be happy to see him back in the fold after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. He has proven that he can be a quality central midfield option in the Premiership and his return gives Gerrard another option to utilise as Rangers go in search of back-to-back league titles.

AND in other news, Gerrard could unearth McGregor 2.0 in Rangers gem who has shown “excellent progress”…

A number of Sheffield United supporters have laid into Rhian Brewster following the Blades’ disappointing 2-1 defeat to Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

The Blades were looking to get their Championship season up and running after a poor start to the campaign, but it hasn’t panned out that way.

Slavisa Jokanovic’s side faced a Yorkshire derby at home to Huddersfield Town on Saturday, but it was the visitors who claimed the bragging rights at Bramall Lane. United seemed to have earned a point with a last-gasp Billy Sharp equaliser, only for the Terriers to go straight up the other end and nick a dramatic win.

Brewster led the line for the Blades as he looks to kick on in his career, but he was disappointing, failing to have a big enough impact on proceedings. The 21-year-old had just 14 touches in the game and completed a mere four passes. He also won just one of his seven duels and failed to complete a single dribble (Sofascore).

Brewster, who cost the Blades a club record £23.5m, has scored just once in 33 appearances for United and there are no signs of his current woes in front of goal going away.

Sheffield United fans unhappy with Brewster

These Blades fans took to Twitter to vent their disgruntlement about Brewster’s performance yesterday, with one supporter making an unflattering comparison with the club’s former enigma Diego De Girolamo.

“From a contextual perspective, Rhian Brewster is the worst signing United have ever made”

Credit: @ThugWorkout93

“We’d be lucky to scrape £6million for Brewster. Liverpool had our pants down”

Credit: @ShorehamBoy89

“Brewster looking like the next De Girolamo to me. Bring in Jebbison”

Credit: @jonnyksparks

“If Brewster didn’t cost £24m, he’d be joining Rotherham on loan this window. Let’s be honest, what’s his motivation now, even just at 20? I think it’s a case of too much too soon! He’s got a UCL winners medal! Must be on huge wages, LFC on CV will always mean £££/transfers”

Credit: @JuddThomas6

“Bash was good but poor for the winning goal. Fleck was much better than of late. Brewster didn’t do enough for my liking.”

Credit: @johnlcritchley

“From what I’ve seen Jebbison is better than both Brewster and Burke, he should be given a chance”

Credit: @SBatts79

Leeds United have long lacked a Samuel Saiz-like presence in midfield, but that could soon change.

Last month, the Sunday People reported that the Yorkshire outfit were tracking RB Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson ahead of a potential move this January transfer window.

It’s thought that the USMNT international fits the athletic profile required to play under Marcelo Bielsa and he has impressed throughout his breakthrough in Austria.

Since then, further fuel has been added to the fire by journalist Pete O’Rourke, who delivered a fresh update to GIVEMESPORT this very week.

“With Aaronson at RB Salzburg, I know Leeds scouts have been watching him,” he revealed.

Of course, the priority at Elland Road appears to be in finding a new central midfielder before deadline day, and there’s a lot to like about the American dynamo.

Signed by Victor Orta in 2017, Saiz soon became a hit with supporters after scoring a hat-trick on his debut for the club. His tenacity and creativity in the engine room made him a very exciting talent but things just did not pan out.

He left after ten goals and 12 assists across 58 appearances (via Transfermarkt) and has never truly been replaced.

Enter Aaronson.

The Salzburg sensation, who former USA legend DeMarcus Beasley dubbed “silky”, has proven to be a major influence for both club and country. From midfield, he’s bagged five goals in only 15 caps, whilst in 51 appearances for the Austrian champions, he has delivered ten goals and 12 assists.

Valued at £10.8m by Transfermarkt, Aaronson has also been lauded as “young” and “exciting” by O’Rourke, and he could offer Leeds some valuable experience in the engine room, having featured in the Champions League numerous times now.

In his six appearances in the competition this season, the 21-year-old averaged two tackles, 1.3 dribbles, 1.2 shots and one key pass per game (via WhoScored), proving to be a major influence at either end of the pitch.

Also likened to Lionel Messi, Aaronsen has been dubbed the “future” of the American game by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who also touted him as “highly talented”.

On the above evidence, Orta could well discover his next Saiz with a move for the Salzburg sensation this month. It’s surely a deal that many around Elland Road would love to see happen, so he must get it done sooner rather than later.

AND in other news, Beren Cross drops positive Raphinha contract update…

This forms part of our Transfer Watch series, where The Transfer Tavern analyse whether a club should sign a transfer target based on a recent performance.

The Lowdown: Newcastle lurking for Osimhen

It has been widely reported that Newcastle will now look to battle a number of big European clubs to try and sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli in the summer.

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However, St James’ Park is not thought to be his preferred destination in the Premier League, and with the likes of top-four chasers Tottenham Hotspur reportedly joining the race, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) Public Investment Fund (PIF) may face an uphill battle to try and bring the Nigeria striker to Tyneside.

The Latest: Great individual performance from Osimhen

Even though Napoli lost 3-2 at home to Fiorentina in Serie A on Sunday afternoon, Osimhen put in a great individual performance, scoring one goal and supplying an assist as he ranked as their best player on SofaScore.

The Nigeria international won five of his individual duels, bettered only by two of his team-mates, while he also completed one successful dribble and a team-high three key passes (SofaScore).

The Verdict: Sign him

Given Callum Wilson’s injury problems this season, and the fact that Chris Wood has only managed two goals since arriving from Burnley in the January transfer window, the Magpies should be looking to bring in an elite forward to complete their attack for next term.

Described as a ‘perfect’ striker by journalist Aaron West after Sunday’s display, Osimhen would bring Newcastle’s attack to another level. After all, he has now scored 16 goals and provided five assists in total so far this season (Transfermarkt).

Also, he is still only 23 years of age, so he coukd spearhead Eddie Howe’s side for many years to come.

In other news, NUFC are now eyeing this shock transfer

An update has emerged on Newcastle United target Jesse Lingard, regarding Manchester United’s transfer plans for him.

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, the Red Devils are willing to part ways with the England international for a fee of £10m in January.

The report claims West Ham and Newcastle could be in the race to land his signature, with the latter’s interest potentially increasing the fee United can sell him for.

Ben Arfa 2.0

Eddie Howe could find Newcastle’s new Hatem Ben Arfa with a £10m deal for Lingard in the upcoming transfer window.

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The French attacking midfielder enjoyed an impressive spell at St. James’ Park as he produced 15 goals and 16 assists in 86 appearances for the club. He was capable of the spectacular and scored two sensational individual goals against Blackburn and Bolton during his time in England.

Lingard is a player who can provide Newcastle with similar qualities. He scored a stunning solo strike against Wolves for West Ham earlier this year and ended his loan spell with the Hammers on nine goals and five assists in 16 Premier League games, showing that – like Ben Arfa – he can provide plenty from advanced midfield positions.

United coach Michael Carrick once praised the midfielder’s willingness to make runs off the ball and move players around. He said:

“I think his movement is excellent. It’s something that sounds quite simple, but it’s difficult to defend against.

“He senses where the space is and how to use it. I wouldn’t necessarily say he’s a dribbler with skills and tricks but he’s dynamic. How he plays, he is unique in some ways. You don’t see so much of that now as everyone wants to get on the ball. Off the ball, he’s very effective.”

This highlights his work out of possession to go with his Ben Arfa-like quality in the final third on the ball, which makes him a well-rounded player who could offer a lot to Newcastle in the second half of the season. Howe could pull off a masterclass by bringing him to Tyneside as his statistics for West Ham suggest that he could make the difference at the top end of the pitch and win matches for the Magpies.

The ex-Bournemouth coach must ensure that he can get a deal over the line for Lingard as his goals and assists could end up being the difference between survival and relegation, should he help the club win more matches with his contributions. He has proven that he can deliver in the Premier League and produce magical moments, thus demonstrating he could be the Ben Arfa 2.0 that Howe needs.

AND in other news, Howe could win over NUFC fans by axing £41k-p/w dud and landing “magnificent” beast…

Leeds United have been tipped to consider bringing Reading midfielder John Swift to Elland Road this summer, LeedsLive report.

The Lowdown: Swift interest

Swift was linked with a move to Yorkshire in the January window, with reports suggesting the 26-year-old was on the club’s list of midfield targets.

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As we know, a move for the Royals star didn’t materialise, with Leeds failing to add to Marcelo Bielsa’s squad in any capacity.

Bielsa, who Phil Hay said admired Swift, was sacked in February, with Jesse Marsch the new man in charge, but despite the switch in manager, Swift has come up in conversation once again ahead of the summer window.

The Latest: Free transfer?

LeedsLive reporter Danny Bloomer shared a story on Thursday morning, looking at five free agents the Whites could be interested in this summer.

Swift was one of those, with no progress made with Reading regarding a new contract, and as a result, he could end his six-year stay with the club.

The Verdict: Smart signing?

Swift, labelled as ‘super-talented’ by former Reading boss Veljko Paunovic, has been in impressive form this season, contributing to 24 goals in 38 Championship games, netting 11.

Therefore, picking up the attacking midfielder on a free transfer to bolster Marsch’s midfield options could be a shrewd piece of business. The 26-year-old is clearly a player of interest to Victor Orta given the interest in January and the Whites only have four midfielders on the books at this moment in time.

He appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high £5.4m Transfermarkt valuation, so the coming months could be the perfect time to firm up their long-term interest in the former Chelsea youngster.

In other news: ‘Big’ – Journalist excited by who Orta and Marsch may now ‘bring’ to Leeds this summer.