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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

Liverpool are in the mix to secure the services of Leicester City midfielder James Maddison, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

What’s the word?

The 22-year-old is one of the hottest properties in the Premier League at this time and has already got off to a decent start for Brendan Rodgers’ side this season, with two goals and two assists in eight Premier League matches.

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The Reds have joined the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham in competing for the England international’s signature.

Ornstein revealed that Manchester City are also a possible rival but have a ‘less so’ chance of opting for a move. The Red Devils cannot offer Champions League football which could influence Maddison’s decision if he decides to leave the Foxes.

The end for Shaqiri

The arrival of Maddison at Anfield would be disastrous for the Swiss midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri, who has found himself ostracised from the playing squad at Anfield.

After his £13m from Stoke City in 2018, the Switzerland international saw his playing time dramatically slashed compared to his final season at the Potters.

Watch a Liverpool fan discover the internet and get a nasty surprise in the video below…

The 28-year-old played just 1,057 minutes of Premier League action during the 2018/19 campaign while he played 3,049 minutes during his final year at the bet365 Stadium. If Liverpool decide to move for Maddison, Shaqiri could see himself fall even further down the pecking order.

The Foxes midfielder experienced over twice the amount of game time, with 2,849 minutes under the Englishman’s belt.

Shaqiri can play across both wings and has been used across the midfield trio within Klopp’s typical 4-3-3 formation. Meanwhile, Maddison has played three times on the left for Leicester this season and scored against the Reds during the Foxes’ 2-1 defeat earlier this month.

Both players are versatile and with the momentum that Maddison currently has, a move to Anfield could see the end for another man at Anfield.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Crystal Palace’s start to the season has been a mixed one, to say the least.

Impressive wins over Manchester United and Aston Villa have been slightly stained by a drab defeat to Sheffield United and a disappointing draw against 10-men Wolves, but one thing has remained constant – their lack of depth at full-back.

As it stands, the south Londoners have just one senior left-back and one senior right-back in Joel Ward and Patrick van Aanholt – if you decide to see Jeffrey Schlupp as a midfielder now, of course.

However, a recent transfer target could help add depth to both of these positions.

The Sun (print version, 22 September, page 61) reported earlier this week that Crystal Palace are interested in signing West Brom youngster Nathan Ferguson as they look to add cover to their full-back positions.

The 18-year-old is an encouraging target for the south Londoners due to his age and potential to improve – we have previously detailed the problems that come with Palace often signing older players, who end up leaving the Eagles in a problematic position in terms of failing to make a profit on their investments.

Ferguson has shown plenty of signs so far this season to suggest that he is a promising young player whose value will only grow as he learns his trade in the game – he has started seven of the Baggies’ Championship games this term, grabbing one assist while making 2.6 tackles and 2.6 clearances per game. Decent beginnings.

With just Ward and van Aanholt available, those areas of the field are problematic for Palace – even more so after the latter’s worrying display against Tottenham, which did not go down well with some supporters.

Roy Hodgson was recently forced to play academy centre-back Sam Woods and centre-midfielder Jairo Riedewald at right-back and left-back respectively in the Carabao Cup, after injuries to Ward and van Aanholt – the 72-year-old later said he felt “sorry” for the makeshift duo. Indeed, Palace lost the game on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

Significantly, Ferguson can actually play in both full-back positions, having appeared four times on the right of Slaven Bilic’s backline so far this term, as well as three times on the left. That could make him an incredibly important member of Hodgson’s squad, even if it’s primarily from the bench.

He does lack a little going forward, averaging just 0.3 key passes per game this season, but the trade-off appears to be greater defensive solidity, and that only fits the Hodgson mould after his side finished up with the sixth-most clean sheets of any Premier League side last term.

Ferguson, then, appears to tick some crucial boxes in terms of the type of defender Palace need – defensively sound, versatile and offering genuine resale value. We’ll have to see whether that’s enough to convince the Eagles to make a concerted effort for his services.

Conor Coventry is holding out for more money in his contract negotiations with West Ham United, as reported by Football Insider.

The 19-year-old is reportedly demanding £5,000 a week during negotiations about a contract extension with the club, with his current deal coming to an end in the summer of 2020, as per Transfermarkt.

However, West Ham are not willing to pay him that amount, as they want to see evidence the Republic of Ireland U21 international can play in the Premier League before doing so.

Coventry has played a total of 53 minutes for the Hammers’ first-team, all of which have come in the Carabao Cup.

The first 45 of those came in the form of a substitute appearance during an 8-0 victory over Macclesfield Town last season, while the other 8 came courtesy of a cameo in the 2-0 win over Newport County.

He has shown promising signs at youth level, having become captain of West Ham U23s, while also going on to play in 8 of Republic of Ireland U21s’ last 9 matches.

While it is important for a player to get what they are worth, it seems a bit early for Coventry to be worrying about contract negotiations.

It needs to be ensured this doesn’t impact the focus he has on his development and working towards getting a place in the first-team – if he is able to get the £5,000 a week then great, but he shouldn’t risk his future with the club over it.

West Ham fans, is Coventry right to stick to his demands? Join the discussion by commenting below…

Benji Kimpioka’s contract at Sunderland comes to an end in the summer of 2020, as per Transfermarkt.

However, there has been no agreement reached on that being extended, with the 19-year-old wanting to become a first-team player and to get terms which reflect that, as reported by Roker Report, who interviewed his agent Martin Klette:

While insisting that his client is happy to be at Sunderland, Klette suggested that Kimpioka won’t sign terms to merely be sent out on loan, claiming that he wants to be in the first-team plans.

This seems like a big demand though, as he has only ever played nine times for Sunderland, with five of those appearances coming in the EFL Trophy.

In addition, his four league appearances total just 27 minutes, while he has only made the bench once this campaign, in the Carabao Cup against Burnley, though even then he didn’t come on.

With all of this in mind, there are not many Sunderland fans who are impressed by the 19-year-old’s demands.

A selection of Twitter reaction to the interview, including posts from dismissive Sunderland fans, can be seen below:

Sunderland fans, do you want Kimpioka to stay? Join the discussion by commenting below…

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Speaking at the World Football Summit in Madrid this week to Off The Pitch, Victor Orta has delivered a message on how he thinks Leeds’ transfer business panned out but his words hint at a lack of further incomings in January.

What’s he said?

Leeds were extremely busy over the summer as they saw 31 players walk through the exit door at Elland Road either on a temporary or permanent basis.

The Whites added six players on loan as they also sold two key players from last term in Kemar Roofe and Pontus Jansson.

That was a cause for concern heading into the new season but those worries have quickly been expelled with Marcelo Bielsa’s men sitting top of the league.

However, Orta’s recent message suggests that bodies won’t be added to the squad in January, something that might cause added anxiety when the window next comes around.

He told Off The Pitch:

“With the rules of financial fair play we cannot afford a permanent transfer, but we are really happy if you can make good loans it can be a good strategy. And in the past a lot of teams have been promoted with a good loan policy.”

Worrying signs?

It’s certainly no secret that Leeds had a goal in mind to only bring in loans and it’s worked for clubs in the past, certainly with Aston Villa who had players like Tammy Abraham and Tyrone Mings in their ranks.

Angus Kinnear has spoken about this policy in the past but despite the success their new faces have had in putting Leeds in top spot, there are two sides to the coin.

As Orta says, they cannot afford a permanent deal. That hints a lack of activity could be on the cards, thus dealing a blow ahead of January.

The fact is that the west Yorkshire side already have six loan players in their team. This is a stumbling block because they can only include five of them in a given matchday squad.

That has seen Jack Clarke miss out on a regular basis and even if he returns to Tottenham, signing another loan player would be rather pointless.

Profit and sustainability played a big part in Leeds’ summer and it looks like it could continue to over the course of the season.

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The Whites aren’t significantly struggling but they have only used 17 players in the Championship this season – the fewest of anyone in the division.

That suggests that squad depth is slim and extra bodies could be what they need over the winter to really strengthen their promotion hopes.

Orta’s quotes suggest that’s unlikely to happen which could be worrying in a few months time.

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Loads of Leeds fans have been reacting to a shocking deadline day revelation, as their deal for Swansea attacker Daniel James fell through at the last minute.

Leeds fans have been absolutely desperate to sign James this month as they look to improve the depth in an injury-hit squad.

However, the deal is 100 per cent off, as reported by Phil Hay, after the Swans quite literally stopped responding to Leeds’ calls.

The young winger was set to join on an initial loan deal with a view to a permanent move in the summer, reported The Yorkshire Evening Post on Thursday afternoon, but the turmoil at the south Wales club has clearly played its part.

Who are the best away fans in the Championship? Pl>ymaker FC’s Thogden gives his top 10 in the video below…

James, 21, can play in various positions across the attack, but is probably most comfortable on the left wing, where he was seen as the long-term successor for Pablo Hernandez.

The youngster scored eight goals and added 12 assists for Swansea’s Under-23 side before graduating to the senior side, where he has found the net three times and chipped in with four assists, per Transfermarkt.

Victor Orta has taken plenty of stick since he took over the transfer dealings at Elland Road, but the Spaniard surely can’t be blamed for this one, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

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This article is part of Football Fancast’s Loan Watch series, which takes a closer look at those players who are aiming to galvanise their careers away from the spotlight of their parent club.

Jay-Roy Grot endured a torrid first season at Leeds in 2017/18.

Failing to ever show the form that saw him net five times for NEC Nijmegan, he scored just once. He only started one game all season and was consequently shipped on temporarily.

That was before Marcelo Bielsa, however, who following that term never saw a use for him.

The 21-year-old returned to the Netherlands last campaign for a season with VVV-Venlo and didn’t have the worst of campaigns, contributing to nine goals in the Eredivisie.

It appears as though the youngster thrives in this league and during his start to the term at Vitesse, a club known for its links with developing young Chelsea players, he is showing tremendous strides.

In his first five games, the Leeds man has played in a variety of roles including up front and on the flanks. He’s proving to be versatile and given the way Bielsa uses players like Kalvin Phillips and Jamie Shackleton in different positions, he seems like someone the Argentine would like.

However, that is far from the truth. When Yorkshire Evening Post initially reported Vitesse’s interest in the Dutchman this summer, they claimed that he would be let go if Bielsa couldn’t find room for him in his plans.

Despite that, he wasn’t deemed surplus at Elland Road.

But his performances in 2019/20 are showing why those plans may have been wrong.

In four starts, Grot has scored one goal and also laid on an assist for a teammate, per WhoScored, proving to be a threat for a side that currently sits top of its division.

Vitesse are above both Ajax and PSV by a solitary point after the first month. His impact, therefore, has played a part in lifting a team beyond expectations.

His goal threat, producing 2.4 shots per game, is impressive and considering the lack of strikers within Leeds’ squad there could have been a use for him in west Yorkshire.

At present Eddie Nketiah and Patrick Bamford are the only viable options unless you mull over a different role for Tyler Roberts or bring Ryan Edmondson into the fray.

Grot appeared 12 times as a centre forward in his opening season at Leeds and this is a role he could yet thrive in.

A loan spell seems beneficial, but his form so far provides evidence that Bielsa’s plans for him were wrong.

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Tottenham Hotspur was at least three additions before transfer deadline day on January 31st…

What’s the word?

That’s according to ever-reliable Daily Mail journalist Sami Mokbel, who delivered an exciting claim to GIVEMESPORT this week.

“My understanding is that Conte wants a new right wing-back, he wants a new striker to supplement [Harry] Kane and a central midfielder,” he said. “Whether they can do all of those, I’m not sure they will, but that’s what they’re aiming for.”

One name heavily linked with the north London outfit has been Adama Traore, who fits the bill as their potential new right wing-back, though Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly knocked back Spurs’ initial offer of £15m this week.

Meanwhile, the Lilywhites could look to seal a move for AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie now, rather than the summer, when he’s out of contract at the San Siro.

Hugely exciting news

Spurs remain unbeaten under the Italian in the Premier League, which already displays the sort of magic he’s been able to pull off at Hotspur Way. However, he needs to be backed to truly elevate the club to the next level.

There have already been fears behind-the-scenes that he could walk should he not get such financial support during the transfer window. Not only is Conte dealing with injuries but largely, they lack the strength in depth that those in the top four possess.

The former Chelsea boss seemingly doesn’t trust summer signing Emerson Royal at right wing-back, particularly in the final third, so it’s easy to see why they are targeting Traore, who on his day is “unplayable” in the final third, according to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

And whilst the north Londoners are well-stocked in the engine room, it’s believed that Tanguy Ndombele and Dele Alli are free to leave and there isn’t much quality behind the likes of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skip anyway.

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As talented as he is, it’s rather telling that the 21-year-old gem has walked straight into the starting XI after a loan spell in the Championship last season.

Then there is the striker issue – it’s a catch-22 for Spurs. They need an alternative to Kane but no one in their right mind will want to play second fiddle to him. Although, there’s a chance that Conte reverts to his title-winning tactics at Inter Milan, where he played two up top.

Either way, this exciting revelation from Mokbel should leave much of the Lilywhites faithful absolutely buzzing heading into the final ten days of the transfer window.

It’s time for chairman Daniel Levy to open the chequebook. They now have a world-class manager capable of giving this club the silverware they are desperately craving but he needs to be backed, starting with this current window.

AND in other news, “Tottenham will”: Sky Sports reporter issues “exciting” transfer claim…

Sky Sports have reportedly been told that Newcastle United are now eyeing a move for Boubacar Kamara in the summer.

The Lowdown: Contract expiring

Kamara’s current deal at Marseille expires this summer, meaning that he can leave as a free agent.

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There are no signs of him signing a new one yet, and so it looks as if he will be free for clubs to pick up at the end of the season.

This has led to intense interest from the Premier League, with the likes of Newcastle, Tottenham and Crystal Palace reported as suitors in recent months.

The Latest: Newcastle interest

Sky Sports have been ‘told’ that the St. James’ Park faithful are indeed now ‘interested’ in signing Kamara on a Bosman deal, along with Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma.

However, he is also being ‘monitored’ by Manchester United, as they look to bolster their own options in midfield.

The Verdict: Sign

Given that Kamara is currently rated at £22.5m, to sign him on a free transfer would be a bargain.

Once dubbed a ‘phenomenon‘ by former teammate Rolando, the Frenchman is equally as comfortable at playing as a centre-back or in the middle of the park, the kind of versatility that would surely please Eddie Howe.

He has also proven to be a leader in the spine of the team at such a young age, captaining his side in a number of games in Ligue 1 this season, helping them rise to second spot in France’s top flight, only behind PSG.

On top of all that, Kamara is only 22 years of age, and so if things did not work out in the North East, he could be sold for a tidy profit.

In other news, find out what big NUFC update Craig Hope has now been ‘told’ here!

West Ham United are interested in a deal to bring Arthur Cabral to the London Stadium in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent report by Goal Brazil, who claim that David Moyes and his West Ham transfer team are set to make an offer for the FC Basel centre-forward this Thursday, with the Swiss Super League side believed to be commanding a figure in the region of €15m (£12.5m) in order to part with the 23-year-old this month.

The report goes on to state that the Brazil international is demanding a salary of €2.5m-per-year (£2m-per-year) in wages – roughly £40k-per-week – following a potential switch to East London, while it is also claimed that Barcelona and Newcastle United are two further clubs pursuing a deal for the forward in the current transfer window.

Cabral can finally replace Haller

Considering just how impressive Cabral has been in Switzerland so far this season, it would appear an extremely wise move for Moyes to do all he can to secure a deal for the FC Basel centre-forward this month.

Indeed, over his 18 Super League appearances in the current campaign, the £13.5m-rated striker has already scored a whopping 14 goals, registered four assists and created four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 4.2 shots and making 1.2 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the player who Jacek Kulig dubbed a “machine” average a quite extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.49, ranking the 23-year-old as the second-best player in the entirety of the Swiss top flight.

However, it is not only domestically that Cabral has been impressing, as the former Palmeiras hitman has bagged a further five goals over his six appearances in the Europa Conference League, in addition to averaging a SofaScore match rating of 7.35 in the competition.

Further still, the Brazilian also scored eight goals and registered four assists over Basel’s six Europa Conference League qualifying fixtures – taking his total haul for the season to an astonishing 27 strikes and eight assists in just 31 appearances in all competitions.

As such, it is clear for all to see that Cabral is undoubtedly the man to finally replace Sebastien Haller as Michail Antonio’s primary competition for the centre-forward spot at the London Stadium, with the 23-year-old looking to be a contender for the bargain of the season if he is indeed available for just £12.5m this month, as has been reported.

In other news: “I doubt…”: ExWHUemployee reveals big transfer twist that will have WHU fans buzzing