Category Uncategorized

Presenter and YouTuber Conor McGilligan has been reacting to an off-field Leeds United update involving coach Chris Armas.

The Lowdown: Gracia’s comments

Armas arrived at Elland Road towards the end of January as an assistant to Jesse Marsch, however, new head coach Javi Gracia confirmed on Thursday that he isn’t part of his backroom staff.

Phil Hay shared the comments from the Spaniard ahead of Leeds’ Premier League meeting with Brighton on Saturday, with Armas previously forming part of a three-man caretaker team alongside Michael Skubala and Paco Gallardo.

The Latest: McGilligan reacts

McGilligan was one of many to respond to Hay’s post on Twitter regarding Armas. The presenter of One Leeds Fan Channel described it as ‘ridiculous’ that Gracia has had to answer questions on the situation, taking aim at sporting director Victor Orta.

“Orta sanctions, Orta hides until Leeds win. Ridiculous how Gracia has to answer this stuff.”

The Verdict: A mess

It hasn’t been a good start to the year in the boardroom at Elland Road, with Armas hardly having time to unpack his things before being out of work in Yorkshire.

He was brought in to help Marsch, with the club backing the former manager in the January window with moves for Max Wober, Georginio Rutter and Weston McKennie only to then sack the American at the beginning of February.

Leeds didn’t share any news on Armas following Gracia’s appointment and left the manager to face the questions regarding the former assistant. It’s not exactly a good look, so we’re not surprised that McGilligan is one of a number of supporters to criticise club officials over this update.

West Ham United are ready to fight it out to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Odilon Kossounou, according to a report.

The Lowdown: West Ham eyeing defender

West Ham manager David Moyes has set his sights on a new defender this summer, with AS Roma’s Chris Smalling recently being linked with a move to the London Stadium.

Angelo Ogbonna has recently admitted that he wants to extend his stay with the Irons beyond the end of the season, when his current deal expires, however no talks have yet been held, meaning a couple of new centre-back additions could be required.

The Latest: Kossounou targeted

According to a report from The Sun, the Hammers are ready to fight it out for Koussounou, who could be available for a summer move, given that he has expressed his desire to leave Leverkusen.

The report claims that Moyes failed in a bid to loan the defender in the January transfer window, but he still remains interested, with the Bundesliga club looking to receive £25m if they are going to sanction his departure.

That price appears to be too high for the Irons, however, and they could instead look to strike a loan-to-buy agreement.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-news-6/” title=”West Ham latest news” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/cropped-david-moyes-premier-league-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Get it done?

There is some evidence that the 6 foot 3 colossus would be an upgrade on some of West Ham’s current options at centre-back, averaging more interceptions and aerials won per 90 than both Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma over the course of the past year.

The Ivorian has been lauded as having a ‘crazy amount of talent’ by football scout Jacek Kulig, but he has struggled to cement his place in the Leverkusen team this season, often featuring off the bench rather than as a starter.

That said, Kossounou is still only 22-years-old, meaning he has plenty of time to develop, and a move could be exactly what he needs to reignite his career, considering he wants to leave Leverkusen. As such, West Ham should definitely pursue a deal in the summer transfer window.

Arsenal were eyeing the Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi over the January window and he could be a name to keep an eye on for the summer.

What’s the latest?

Mikel Arteta welcomed the Premier League veteran Jorginho to north London on Tuesday as the Italian made the move from their London rivals Chelsea.

It was clear a new midfielder was on the radar for the Gunners over the January window with the league leaders testing a few options throughout the month.

One of those being Moises Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion but the Gunners saw big-money money rejected for the Ecuadorian midfielder.

And it seems another name who Arsenal were monitoring was Zubimendi with Fabrizio Romano saying on his YouTube channel that this could be a player to watch ahead of the summer:

“One of the players they were considering is Martin Zubimendi. Playing for Real Sociedad, a very good midfielder. Already in the list of Barcelona. He’s a player that Barca are following for the summer.

“Arsenal were considering a move for Zubimendi. He has a release clause, but on the player’s side, he was happy to stay at Real Sociedad, at least until the end of the season.

“And so Arsenal decided not even to proceed in talks with Real Sociedad because they saw the player wanted to complete the season in Spain. So he was not rejecting Arsenal or any other club. He just wanted to stay at Real Sociedad. So we will see if Zubimendi will be one of the names to keep an eye on in the summer transfer window.”

One for the summer?

There is the belief the Gunners were hit with a hefty price tag for the Spanish midfielder last month with Real Sociedad reportedly informing the north London side it would take €60m (52.8m).

This comes as the La Liga side felt the only way they would part ways with their influential midfielder was if the Gunners paid his release clause.

And we do wonder whether the widely-reported interest in Brighton’s Caicedo may have had an influence on Sociedad’s stance surrounding the player.

Arsenal made two big bids for the Premier League midfielder and having failed to land him, the only result of the attempts was informing other clubs of how much money they had available to spend.

For Sociedad, the 24-year-old has played a big role in their promising campaign so far with 18 appearances in the league and 17 of those coming from the starting XI (via Transfermarkt).

Given they currently sit just three points off second-placed Real Madrid and eight points adrift of Villarreal in fifth spot, Imanol Alguacil will have been keen to keep his squad together.

Ahead of the summer, there are already the likes of Declan Rice being touted as a potential target so we do wonder whether Zubimendi could be an option they possibly fall back on.

Liverpool have a number of players coming to the end of their contracts this summer with Naby Keita set for an Anfield exit and now an update has emerged on a potential replacement.

What’s the latest?

According to The Independent’s chief football writer Miguel Delaney, Liverpool could reignite their interest in RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara this summer.

As per the report, it is claimed that Liverpool have taken an interest in the player before alongside Manchester United and could be tempted to revisit that at the end of the season as Haidara’s contract has a release clause.

It said that following a rejected bid from Brighton for the player, the German outfit are not willing to sell in the winter.

Dream Keita upgrade

There is no doubt that Jurgen Klopp and the powerbrokers at Anfield will be working hard to identify the right targets to recruit in their midfield rebuild expected to take place in the summer with Jude Bellingham already touted as the number one priority for the club.

Whilst the Borussia Dortmund wonderkid would be a fantastic piece of business for Liverpool, the club will need to add a few more midfielders to their squad with Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner – as it stands- lined up to leave for free this summer.

As a result, the signing of Haidara could be exactly what Klopp is looking for in a Keita successor as the player was brought into Leipzig to do the exact same thing for the Bundesliga club when the 27-year-old made the move to Merseyside back in 2018.

Haidara was hailed “exceptional” by former Leipzig sporting director Ralf Rangnick, who commented on his potential to fill Keita’s boots at the club:

“We’ve been following his progress in Salzburg as he’s developed into an absolutely exceptional player there. There aren’t many players his age with so much potential. He has all the requirements to follow in Naby Keita’s footsteps.”

The 24-year-old sensation – who has a release clause worth £33m – ranks in the top 25% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for non-penalty goals, assists, progressive passes, interceptions and tackles, displaying his potency in progressive play.

In fact, he could be the dream Keita upgrade as Haidara has outperformed his positional peer in a number of midfield attributes this season so far with a better pass completion rate (83.04% v 75.2%), more ball recoveries (42 v 18), duels won (17 v 6), clearances (7 v 1) and interceptions (5 v 1), according to Squawka.

The Mali international has also spoken out on his admiration of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and even compared himself to his role model:

“He was an exemplary player who had it all and battled on the pitch.

“I’m a combative player who works hard in defence and I try to do my best going forward. I’ve also got a good shot.”

With that being said, if Liverpool do reignite their interest in Haidara they would surely be in a great position to compete for his signature in the summer as he clearly possesses midfield traits that Klopp admires and already has a vested interest in the Merseyside giants with his admiration for Gerrard.

Wolves look to be edging closer to their second signing of the Julen Lopetegui era with reports suggesting that Atletico Madrid defender Felipe could be on his way to Molineux.

What’s the word?

According to Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Brazilian centre-back is in talks with the Old Gold over a potential transfer this month, but any deal could be reliant on Diego Simeone’s side landing Caglar Soyuncu from Leicester City.

Romano tweeted: “Atletico Madrid are negotiating with Wolves for Felipe — next step of the domino effect would be Atléti to sign Çağlar Söyüncü from LCFC already in January.”

Any such move could well be the Spanish tactician’s second deal of the winter, with Matheus Cunha having previously arrived.

That said, Lopetegui clearly feels that he needs added competition at centre-back for the remainder of the campaign, as he currently has just four natural centre-backs to choose from at Molineux, with Toti Gomes and Yerson Mosquera both lacking Premier League experience.

Felipe solves a big problem

Wolves have operated for much of this season with a back four, which was initiated by Bruno Lage in the summer, as he felt the club could cope without experienced heads such as Conor Coady, Romain Saiss and Willy Boly, all of whom moved on to pastures new.

Max Kilman and summer signing Nathan Collins have been the main partnership in the heart of Wolves’ defence but there has been a lingering issue in that the Old Gold lack an experienced head at the back who can help steer the youngsters in difficult times, which the Midlands club have definitely endured for much of the current campaign.

Felipe is 33 now and has made over 100 appearances playing at the top level for both Porto and Atletico Madrid, while he also boasts two caps for Brazil, so would bring a huge amount of experience with him to Molineux.

He has been limited to just two appearances in La Liga so far this campaign and his contract is set to expire at the end of the current campaign, so he could definitely represent a very cheap option for Lopetegui as he looks to bolster his defensive options.

Given that the Old Gold have managed just four clean sheets in the top flight so far this campaign after they were such a big part of Wolves’ success in the first half of last season, it seems clear that the Midlands club do need some new defenders in this month’s window.

Therefore, this deal looks to be a good one for both parties, and Lopetegui will be hoping that the transfer can be completed before Wolves face fellow strugglers West Ham this weekend.

Newcastle United are reportedly set to watch Dundee United striker Rory MacLeod over the next few days ahead of a potential move.

The Lowdown: Scottish talent

16-year-old MacLeod is an upcoming talent in Scottish football, having already made four senior appearances for Dundee United, including one in the Scottish Premiership so far this season (Transfermarkt).

Having already signed the talented Australian Garang Kuol, the St. James’ Park outfit are reportedly ‘very keen’ on 15-year-old Sunderland gem Chris Rigg as well, as they look to build up their development squads.

The Latest: Scouting MacLeod

As per The Scottish Daily Express, the Magpies, as well as fellow Premier League rivals Southampton, are ‘set to watch’ MacLeod ‘in the coming days’, having had him on their radar for ‘some time’.

He has been one of the ‘standouts’ in Dundee United’s academy, and the North East club see him very much as ‘one of Scotland’s best upcoming talents’.

However, it would take a ‘significant bid’ with guaranteed add-ons for Dundee United to sell.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-7/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Exciting

The fact that the Tynesiders are looking to strengthen their academy with the likes of MacLeod among other young talents is certainly exciting for the future.

The long-term project of the club will need players coming through into the first team, so that they will not have to continuously dip into the transfer market.

At 16, MacLeod is a player that could develop in the academy, before learning off of the likes of Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson in the first team and eventually making a name for himself at the Toon.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou will likely be prioritising new additions at Parkhead as the transfer market reopens next month, although the 57-year-old could also have potential outgoings on the agenda, with both Giorgos Giakoumakis and Josip Juranovic having been linked with an exit of late.

Another Hoops player could well join that pair in possibly moving on from Glasgow in January, with recent reports having claimed that defender Stephen Welsh is attracting interest from clubs across Europe.

The suggestion is that the centre-back’s lack of game-time has raised hopes among potential suitors that a deal can be agreed, with the 22-year-old having been restricted to just four appearances in the Premiership – and six in all competitions – so far this term.

While it may appear something of a shame to move on one of the few players to have emerged from the Celtic academy into the first team in recent times, Postecoglou could well fill the void by promoting another in-house starlet in the form of Bosun Lawal.

The 19-year-old defender – who can also feature in midfield – was named on the bench for Saturday’s 1-0 win over Aberdeen, with the teenager having only recently been part of the travelling party for the Sydney Super Cup voyage.

The former Watford gem – who arrived in Scotland in the summer of 2021 – was also among a handful of youngsters to have been named as part of the Hoops’ first-team squad for the pre-season trip to Austria, having clearly caught the attention of Postecoglou as a result of his performances in the youth ranks.

Lauded as a “real find” for the Scottish champions by Tommy McIntyre, the youngster has been a truly commanding presence for Celtic’s B team of late, scoring three goals in 11 outings in the Lowland League this season and netting twice in two Challenge Cup appearances.

That standout form has seen the emerging prospect – and fellow starlet Tobi Oluwayemi – described as “immense” by team-mate Ben Summers, with all the signs pointing to a player who could well have a big future at first-team level.

The “strong and powerful” asset – as described by former Hornets U23 coach Omer Riza – has also earned notable praise from Troy Deeney in the recent past, with the former Vicarage Road talisman stating: “I think there’s not many young players that catch your eye and you think ‘he’s going to have a career’, but he certainly does that.”

Such a glowing assessment is a marker of the Republic of Ireland youth international’s undoubted talent, with the rumoured exit of Welsh from Celtic potentially set to allow the up-and-coming 19-year-old the chance to secure a more prominent role in Postecoglou’s side.

West Ham United have seen plenty of their players leave to play in the World Cup, which will please David Moyes.

The opportunity to represent one’s country in what is the paramount competition in world football offers vital experience, however, for some, this is not their first experience in a major tournament.

For Declan Rice, their 23-year-old captain, it marks his second foray into international waters, after playing a starring role in England’s run to the EURO 2020 final last year.

With his consistently reliable displays in midfield, the 35-cap star has translated his domestic form into international success once again, and outdone his Brazilian teammate Lucas Paqueta, who starred in a similar role for his country on Thursday.

Having had little to do in their curtain-raiser against Iran, the match against the USA posed a wholly different challenge.

Despite recording an admittedly poor 0-0 draw, it was only Rice of outfield players outside the back four who came out of the game with any credit after a toothless attacking display.

He coped well with the physical demands placed upon him by the Americans, who were keen to show up their rivals across the pond.

Earning a 7.0 SofaScore rating, this denoted a solid display in which he did little wrong despite having 70 touches of the ball.

Unsurprisingly, his 92% pass accuracy was characteristically high, as his composure allowed the Three Lions to hold 56% possession.

The fact that he recorded five successful long passes out of seven attempted is also a glowing recommendation of his range and technical ability to execute.

Despite his youth, he proves with each passing game that he is the remarkable “leader” that Toby Cudworth claimed he is, as he seldom lets his side down.

Defensively was where he truly shone on Friday night, however, as he recorded two clearances, three interceptions, one tackle and blocked a shot too, living up to his billing as a “force of nature” – as per journalist Rob Blanchette.

Rice’s quality is almost common knowledge across England now, with the midfield general having shone for club and country for what seems like forever.

His display helped keep the USA quiet and now leaves his country in a fine position to qualify top of the group when they face a wounded Wales on Tuesday.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has said that managerial target Michael Beale is ‘very highly regarded’ in the boardroom at Glasgow Rangers.

The Lowdown: Beale the ‘top target’ for Rangers

It was reported last week that the 42-year-old is the ‘top target’ to replace Giovanni van Bronckhorst, should the latter end up leaving Ibrox.

The Dutchman is reportedly under growing pressure to be sacked after another bad result in the Premiership against St Mirren last time out, with the 1-1 draw meaning that the Light Blues are nine points adrift from the top of the table.

The Latest: Beale ‘very highly regarded’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke has said that Beale is ‘very highly regarded’ from ‘within the Rangers boardroom’ following his time as assistant manager to Steven Gerrard, adding that the QPR boss will be ‘among the favourites’ for the job at Ibrox should Van Bronckhorst leave.

The journalist said of Beale: “I think he would be a realistic target. He’s obviously got links to the club from his previous time there working under Steven Gerrard and he’s still very highly regarded, I think, within the Rangers boardroom because of the work he did at Ibrox.

“He was a driving force in that Steven Gerrard management team and he’s done such a great job at QPR, in his managerial role, this season. I’m sure Michael Beale would be among the favourites if Rangers do look for a new manager.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/rangers-news-5/” title=”Rangers news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Get it done

Due to Rangers’ recent poor run of form, and the fact that there is now a break for the World Cup in Qatar, this seems is the optimal time for the board to make a change in the managerial department.

Hailed as ‘special‘ on the training pitch by Gerrard, Beale knows the club inside and out and was a key figure in the Gers winning the Premiership title in the 2020/21 season, duly stopping Celtic from winning 10 in a row.

Beale is now further showing his credentials at QPR, who he has guided to a promotion fight in the English Championship, and he was even linked with taking the manager’s job at English Premier League outfit Wolves before he rejected the opportunity.

Nonetheless, the fact that he was so strongly linked with a big Premier League job so early on in his managerial career highlights his potential, so the Light Blues should be jumping at the chance to bring him back to Ibrox, this time as the main man in charge.

Southampton are considering a move to sign Marseille midfielder Pape Gueye in January, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Bit-part player

The France-born talent made the move to the Velodrome in 2020, but he has recently fallen out of favour and is fourth in Igor Tudor’s pecking order behind Valentin Rongier, Matteo Guendouzi and Jordan Veretout.

He has played less than 400 minutes in all competitions this season, whereas the other three have all had more than 1,000 minutes of game-time (Transfermarkt).

Despite the 23-year-old still having nearly two years remaining on his contract, two clubs in particular have been alerted to his current situation and are keen on bringing him to the Premier League.

The Latest: Southampton eyeing Gueye

According to French outlet Jeunes Footeux (via Sport Witness), both Southampton and Leeds United are ‘keen’ on a deal for Gueye.

The source claims that Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side will be looking to ‘take advantage of the existing contacts’, with Saints chiefs already having a connection with Marseille following the transfer of Duje Caleta-Car.

The south coast club would reportedly ‘prefer a loan with a view to buy’ whilst the Ligue 1 outfit want straight cash, but given Marseille’s urgent need for funds, the maestro could be handed over on a ‘silver platter’.

The Verdict: Don’t do it…

Southampton already have plenty of midfield options at their disposal in the likes of James Ward-Prowse, Joe Aribo, Ibrahima Diallo, Stuart Armstrong and Romeo Lavia, so this area of the pitch doesn’t need any further additions.

Also, the Senegal international doesn’t contribute enough in the final third of the pitch, having only scored four goals and provided two assists in 92 appearances for Marseille (Transfermarkt).

Whilst he has been dubbed a ‘fantastic’ player by Josh Bunting, the Saints should turn their attention elsewhere as Hasenhuttl looks to bolster his ranks in the winter market.