All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester United star Diogo Dalot has revealed his thoughts on ‘The United Strand’, who has vowed not to cut his hair until Ruben Amorim’s side win five games in a row.

Man Utd make it two wins on the bounce with victory at Anfield

After nearly one year in charge, Amorim has finally managed to win two Premier League games on the bounce, with his side pulling off a shock 2-1 victory against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, courtesy of a late Harry Maguire header.

Having been critical of the United boss at times this season, Jamie Carragher was full of praise for the 40-year-old after the match, claiming he got his tactics “absolutely spot on”.

There is still a long way to go, but supporter Frank Ilett, who has become known as ‘The United Strand’ will have renewed confidence the Red Devils can make it five wins on the spin, having pledged not to have a haircut until Amorim’s side do so.

The story has made waves to such an extent that Dalot was even asked for his thoughts after the victory against Liverpool, and the full-back made it clear he believes five wins on the spin could be possible, sending a short message of hope to the fan.

He continued: But we have to go game by game. Obviously, we know this is a very difficult league, we have tough games.

“And, of course, we have to go after that consistency that we have lacked because we have already shown in the past that we can compete against any team in the world.

“We get to the big games, we get to have good performances. Now it’s trying to make it happen every game.”

£62m Man Utd star looks like their best player "since Fergie retired"

Manchester United might just have turned a corner under Ruben Amorim’s wing.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Oct 20, 2025 Victory at Anfield could kickstart the Amorim era

Although Liverpool have not been in the best of form, winning at Anfield is no mean feat, with United failing to do so in nine years, and INEOS will be hoping that the result can kickstart the Amorim era.

Five wins on the bounce may be a tall order, but it is definitely possible when you look at the fixture list, given that United have won every home game so far this season, while Nottingham Forest are in the relegation zone, and Aston Villa won at Tottenham Hotspur last time out.

Man United’s upcoming fixtures

Date

Brighton & Hove Albion (h)

October 25th

Nottingham Forest (a)

November 1st

Tottenham Hotspur (a)

November 8th

Either way, things are finally starting to look up for Man United, with Amorim’s side now just two points off the top four.

Tottenham Hotspur chiefs are now targeting an ex-Manchester City gem who’s been praised for his attacking excellence in the penalty area, with manager Ange Postecoglou and co attempting to bolster their squad further.

Postecoglou makes promise to win trophy at Tottenham

Spurs’ humbling 3-2 defeat away to Brighton – where they squandered a two-goal lead and showcased some questionable defending – highlights that there is still a lot of work for Postecoglou to do in N17.

Lange weighing up Tottenham move for in-demand talent after 22-goal season

The Lilywhites have been watching him very closely.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 10, 2024

Postecoglou stated in the summer that he usually wins trophies during his second season in charge, appearing to make a promise to supporters that the north Londoners will end their 17-year wait for a piece of silverware this season.

“Usually in my second season I win things,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham challenging for trophies.

“That’s the whole idea. First year is about establishing principles and creating a foundation. Hopefully, the second year is going on to win things. Of course, it’s easier said than done, particularly in the Premier League and the competition we’re in. That’s always the way I’ve looked at it, is that the second year you should be in a position where you can push on, depending on how the first year has gone.

Tottenham vs West Ham

October 19

Crystal Palace vs Tottenham

October 27

Tottenham vs Aston Villa

November 3

Tottenham vs Ipswich Town

November 10

Man City vs Tottenham

November 23

“Last year we had some really good moments, obviously we had some tough moments. I think we learnt as much from the tough moments as we did from the good stuff and hopefully that means we’re in a good place. We’re definitely a better-prepared team than we were last year.”

If Postecoglou wants to fulfil his pledge, Spurs may have to strengthen in key areas this coming January. Before Brighton, the Lilywhites were on a winning run of five straight games, so there is clearly potential there.

However, they could need one or two more star options in key areas. Reports claim Tottenham are eyeing up Viktoria Plzen midfielder Pavel Sulc, and it is believed Spurs are also interested in Espanyol forward Javi Puado ahead of January.

Tottenham now targeting ex-Man City gem Jamie Gittens

According to German newspaper Bild (via Sport Witness), Tottenham are targeting Borussia Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens and have sent scouts to watch the 20-year-old ply his trade in the Bundesliga.

The former Man City gem, who left their academy a few years ago, is playing fairly regularly for Dortmund and scored in their opening league game of the season against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Chelsea and Liverpool are also courting the forward, who Transfermarkt now values at around £29 million, perhaps highlighting his serious potential. As well as this, former Dortmund captain and current sporting director Sebastian Kehl has claimed that Gittens is “almost impossible to defend against”.

“The reaction from Jamie is that of a champion,” said Kehl.

“We expect that the lads that come on change the game. When he is in the penalty area, he’s almost impossible to defend against.”

It’s been quite the start to life at the helm for Arne Slot, who has inherited Jurgen Klopp’s squad at Liverpool and recorded 11 victories in 12 matches across all competitions thus far – a club record.

The Premier League’s table toppers, who have also won each of their three opening Champions League contests, boast one of the most formidable frontlines across Europe, with Slot’s system also reviving Virgil van Dijk’s defence to redoubtable status.

But there’s an elephant in the room, and it’s starting to become a noisy one. Skipper Van Dijk, homegrown vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold and all-powerful talisman Mohamed Salah are just over two months away from being free to negotiate with suitors overseas for a pre-contract agreement.

The superstars’ Liverpool deals are firmly into their final year, and though it’s unthinkable, contingency plans must be taken. The £350k-per-week Salah is the highest-paid player on the books, and, understandably, FSG are looking at long-term successors.

Liverpool weighing up move for Salah heir

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool and Arsenal have sent scouts to watch Arda Güler in action and will pounce if anything changes in the prodigious talent’s situation at Real Madrid.

The Turkey international, 19, signed for Los Blancos in July 2023 for a reported €20m (£17m) fee, but he’s struggling to find space in Carlo Ancelotti’s superteam and may move for pastures new if the situation does not improve.

Newcastle United were interested earlier in 2024 and Spanish sources claimed that a bid of €80m (£67m) would convince Real to sell, though this exorbitant valuation might deter suitors such as thrifty Liverpool.

Arda Güler's talent in numbers

Replacing Salah with a teenager might feel like a foolish move, but Güler is a remarkable player and has already showcased his ability to step up in big moments, as he did for his nation at Euro 2024 this summer.

And he’s hardly flattered to deceive when blessed with football on the prestigious Santiago Bernabeu pitch, having scored six goals from just 23 appearances, of which only eight have come from the outset.

Güler, let’s be clear, is jockeying for the agency of success against the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior – de facto Ballon d’Or winner – and Rodrygo, with Endrick and Brahim Diaz also pushing for minutes of their own.

His lack of action is by no means a negation of the stunning skillset that impelled Florentino Perez and his transfer team to fork out funds for his signature, right at the fledgling phase.

As per FBref, despite his lack of minutes, Güler ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 6% for pass completion and the top 10% for tackles won per 90.

Examine Güler’s statistics from another angle. As per Sofascore, the winger has only started three La Liga games this term but has created three big chances, completed 88% of his passes, averaged 1.3 key passes per outing and won 61% of his ground duels.

Van Dijk, by comparison, has only won 50% of his ground duels in the Premier League under Slot’s management – though there’s no need to worry about that one.

Güler’s metrics point toward worth, such worth, that will have convinced Liverpool bosses, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, that this is a player worth investing in.

Of course, the only way that the £83k-per-week talent would be signed by Liverpool is if Salah does indeed leave at the end of the term, but if he does, this might just be the perfect young buck to keep Slot’s attack purring.

Why Arda Güler could succeed Salah

Salah might turn 33 next summer but there’s little notion that this supreme athlete is set to suffer a nosedive in performance any time soon.

He’s scored seven goals and added seven more assists across just 12 matches so far in 2024/25, starting 11 times. Pundit Gary Neville recently hailed the prolific winger as a “superstar” and the praise couldn’t be more apt.

With each passing season, never falling off, Salah is proving that he’s indeed one of the finest to ply their art on English soil, and his efforts under Slot’s leadership might just hold sway in the pursuit of the biggest silver prizes.

Mohamed Salah

12 (11)

7

7

Luis Diaz

11 (7)

5

1

Diogo Jota

10 (9)

4

2

Cody Gakpo

12 (5)

2

2

Darwin Nunez

9 (4)

2

1

Federico Chiesa

3 (1)

0

1

Salah’s ball-striking ability has foiled incalculable defences, but in Güler, FSG might just find the second coming, especially since he’s been hailed as a “magician with a wand of a left foot” by one scout.

Though the Egyptian’s absurd consistency in front of goal is something that simply cannot be replicated, Real’s teenage talent has showcased a clinical edge and carries the full package besides.

160 goals for Liverpool in the Premier League (plus two for Chelsea) leave him joint-ninth in the all-time scoring charts, with just 16 goals required to leapfrog Chelsea legend Frank Lampard into sixth place.

Replacing him is a daunting task indeed, and even if Salah does pen fresh terms, extending his time at the club by a couple more years, prudently bringing in an heir would be a good call.

Who better than Güler? Though Real Madrid will view the Turk in their long-term plans, he might not find regular minutes coming his way for several seasons yet, and Liverpool can be sure to put together a compelling case to move to Anfield.

A magician of a young player, this would be a statement of intent to send waves of excitement rippling across Merseyside.

Liverpool must axe star who earns 2x more than Jones & Bradley combined

Liverpool arguably wasted £21.4m on one statement signing

1 ByJoe Nuttall Oct 22, 2024

The January transfer window is now officially open for business and is set to run for the next four weeks or so, giving Leeds United a chance to make changes to their squad.

Daniel Farke’s team are currently sat at the top of the Championship table, two points ahead of Sheffield United, after the first 24 matches of the campaign.

This shows that they do not need wholesale changes to the playing group, as they are already on course to achieve their ultimate goal of promotion, but that does not mean that they will not do anything.

They are three points ahead of Burnley in third place, ahead of today’s clash with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park, and this means that they could easily end up in the play-off places if their standards drop.

Therefore, Farke may want to add one or two players to his arsenal to ensure that competition for places remains high in the second half of the season.

That does appear to be the case because Leeds have already been linked with an interest in bringing in a new central defender to bolster the manager’s options.

Leeds eyeing up Bundesliga titan

According to GIVEMESPORT, the West Yorkshire outfit are considering a bid to sign Borussia Monchengladbach centre-back Nico Elvedi in the January transfer window.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The report claims that Farke is keen to reunite with the defender, whom he worked with during his time as manager of Monchengladbach in the 2022/23 campaign, ahead of the second half of the season.

It states that there is a belief within the club, however, that the Switzerland international will not want to join a Championship team and that they may have to wait until the summer transfer window to secure a deal for his services.

GIVEMESPORT adds that Borussia Monchengladbach are willing to allow the 28-year-old star to leave if an offer of £10m is placed on the table, and it remains to be seen whether or not the Whites are prepared to offer that kind of money to snap him up.

The report reveals that Elvedi plays in one of the three positions that Leeds are interested in recruiting for this month, as they are also in the market to sign a left-back and an attacking midfielder.

Farke does, of course, already have a player starting regularly in the Swiss star’s position. Joe Rodon joined permanently from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer and has been a regular starter at the heart of the defence in the right-sided centre-back role next to Pascal Struijk.

Joe Rodon's performances this season

The Wales international joined the club on a long-term contract in the summer after he spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Elland Road, helping the team to reach the play-off final.

Rodon played 43 times in the regular season for Leeds last term and provided a dominant presence in the backline, winning 69% of his ground duels and 67% of his aerial battles throughout the season.

The 27-year-old was a consistent performer for the Whites and ended the campaign with zero errors that led to shots, goals, or penalties for the opposition, which illustrates how impressive and almost faultless his defensive work was for the club.

Appearances

43

24

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.3

1.5

Clearances per game

4.5

3.9

Ground duel success rate

69%

60%

Aerial duel success rate

67%

54%

Error led to shot/goal

0

2

Penalties committed

0

1

As you can see in the table above, however, he has allowed his standards to drop since joining Leeds on a permanent basis, as pretty much all of his defensive numbers have fallen off.

He has already made two errors that have directly led to shots or goals for the opposition and given away one penalty, in the 1-1 draw with Norwich City at Carrow Road, after not giving any away last season, and has not been as dominant in his duels on the deck and in the air.

This suggests that Leeds could benefit from bringing in another centre-back to seriously compete with Rodon for a starting spot in the

team, as it could motivate the Welsh ace to get back to his best form from the 2023/24 campaign.

Why Leeds should sign Nico Elvedi

The Whites should push to convince Elvedi to make the move to the Championship before the end of the January transfer window, despite the feeling that he may wait until the summer for Premier League offers, because he could come in as a big upgrade on Rodon.

His form in the Bundesliga for Borussia Monchengladbach since the start of last season shows that the Swiss star is a defender who can perform consistently well in a major European league, which suggests that he would thrive as a star in the Championship – a second tier in England.

Firstly, Elvedi has already played under Farke before and knows the system and tactics. He is suited to playing in a ball-dominant team that wants to progress the ball out from the back, as the centre-back ranks within the top 10% of his positional peers in the Men’s Big 5 Leagues and European competitions over the last 365 days for progressive carries (1.24) per 90.

This shows that he is comfortable at bringing the ball out from defence to start attacks, but it is his defensive work that shows the £10m-rated star could come in as a big upgrade on Rodon.

Appearances

9

24

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.4

1.5

Error led to shot/goal

0

2

Ground duel success rate

76%

60%

Aerial duel success rate

55%

54%

Clearances per game

5.2

3.9

As you can see in the table above, Elvedi has significantly outperformed Rodon as an out-and-out defender this season, winning a higher percentage of his duels, making more defensive interventions per match, and making fewer clear errors.

Elvedi, who was once hailed as having “incredible composure” by former sporting director Max Eberl, also won 65% of his duels across 30 appearances in the Bundesliga during the 2023/24 campaign, which shows that he has been consistent in his defensive dominance over the last 18 months.

Leeds could, therefore, bring in a big upgrade on Rodon and create real competition for the right-sided centre-back position by securing a £10m deal for the Switzerland international, whose form this season suggests that he could improve Farke’s defence.

Leeds could land bigger talent than McAtee in move for "game-changing" star

Leeds United could find a better alternative to James McAtee by signing this star.

ByDan Emery Dec 31, 2024

Manchester United’s season so far has been disappointing, although they have had an upturn in form since Erik ten Hag was sacked from his position.

Club legend Ruud van Nistelrooy was tasked with the role of interim manager until Ruben Amorim officially takes over on the 11th of November.

The former Red Devils striker has yet to lose in charge of the Red Devils. The Dutchman has overseen two wins and a draw so far, with one game left to play. His first game in temporary charge was a 5-2 thrashing of Leicester City in the Carabao Cup, before a 1-1 draw in the Premier League against Chelsea.

Most recently, the Red Devils beat Greek side PAOK in the Europa League, thanks to two goals from winger Amad.

Amad’s stats this season

It has been a tough season for the Ivorian winger. Despite his obvious quality, the 22-year-old has not been given much of an opportunity by either Ten Hag or Van Nistelrooy, until his start against PAOK from which he grabbed the chance with both hands.

This term, the youngster has played 15 games in all competitions, scoring three goals and registering one assist. As well as his brace against the Greek side, he also scored in the Premier League against Brighton and grabbed an assist against Southampton.

Prior to Thursday’s night win, he had been named on the bench in six successive games, despite an initially encouraging start to the campaign.

It is certainly strange that the Red Devils number 16 has only played 700 minutes of football all season, especially given the start to the season that he had.

Following his exploits against PAOK, football statistician Statman Dave explained that he has created 18 chances in all competitions, which is more than any United winger. That is even more remarkable given the minutes he has been given.

It certainly seems like Amad has done enough to earn a start in United’s next outing, and likely for the foreseeable future, too. In fact the Red Devils have been linked with a striker who could make the 22-year-old even better.

United’s striker target

The player in question here is RB Leipzig and Slovenia striker Benjamin Sesko. According to a report from Christian Falk earlier this week, the Red Devils will compete with German giants Bayern Munich for his signature. He could cost upwards of £50m, a price GiveMeSport believe Arsenal were quoted by the Bundesliga side.

It has been a superb start to the season for the 21-year-old centre-forward. He has played 14 times so far this term, scoring seven goals and grabbing three assists. He has been in fine form in the Champions League in particular. Sesko has three goals in four games, scoring against Atletico Madrid and two against Juventus.

His shooting stats on FBref show just how deadly the Leipzig number 30 is in front of goal. Over the past 365 days, the 21-year-old averages 0.23 goals per shot and 1.47 shots on target each game. That ranks him in the top 8% and 15% respectively amongst strikers in Europe’s big five leagues.

Stat (per 90)

Number

Percentile

Goals

0.65

81st

Shots on target

1.47

85th

Shots on target %

55.4%

96th

Goals per shot

0.23

92nd

Non-penalty goals – npxG

+0.19

96th

The striker, who was described as a “menace” by football scout Antonio Mango, could form a deadly partnership with Amad. Sesko’s stats prove that it does not take him much to score, with a good number of his shots finding the back of the net.

Combine that with Amad’s impressive ability to create chances, both from in and around the penalty box and from deeper crossing positions, and United could have a match made in heaven. The 6 foot 4 striker could have a field day on the end of some of Amad’s passes.

United have struggled for goals this term, and have scored nine times in the Premier League, the third worst in the competition. Unleashing the young Ivorian would certainly help this, but getting a marksman as deadly as Sesko into the side could elevate this even more.

Should United get the deal over the line, a £50m investment could be a bargain if the Slovenian attacker can develop a frightening partnership with United’s talented winger, and help Amorim’s new side climb the Premier League table quickly.

Saved by Amad: Ruud must instantly axe 4/10 Man Utd star after PAOK

Manchester United secured their first win of the Europa League last night.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 8, 2024

Chelsea have made contact over signing a very highly-rated striker, who’s drawn comparisons with Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen, coming after Enzo Maresca’s side failed with a late summer move for the Nigerian.

Chelsea draw up striker shortlist after botched Victor Osimhen deal

During the latter phase of the summer transfer window, Chelsea held late talks over signing Osimhen from Napoli, but the move couldn’t come to fruition.

Agents tell Chelsea they can sign "underrated" 16-goal striker for £25m

He’s been in the form of his life this season.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 19, 2024

Chelsea were directly Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli for his services, but neither team could come to terms on both a fee and terms for Osimhen, who later settled for a season-long loan move to Super Lig champions Galatasaray.

Appearances

25

Goals

15

Assists

3

Shots Per 90

3.86

Key Passes Per 90

1.05

Successful Take-Ons Per 90

0.73

The African superstar’s deal with Galatasaray is rumoured to include a break-clause, meaning certain interested sides, including Chelsea, can elect to activate it and make a swoop for Osimhen in January.

According to reliable journalist Simon Phillips, the 25-year-old remains on Chelsea’s striker shortlist for 2025, alongside the likes of Liam Delap, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Boniface, but it is unclear whether they’re keen on bringing him in for January.

Nicolas Jackson is leading the line superbly right now, and Chelsea are currently the Premier League’s top goalscorers, with both Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer already hitting double figures across all competitions.

That being said, if Chelsea were to move for him in the summer, there is every reason to believe Osimhen would be keen on a switch to Stamford Bridge.

“I know what Victor wanted,” said ex-Chelsea midfielder John Obi-Mikel on Osimhen’s eagerness to join Chelsea earlier this year.

“Both sides really played their part in terms of getting the deal done, and I commend Chelsea for that, because I can see their ambition of where they want to take this club now, and also on Victor’s side, how much he really wanted to come to the club.”

The desire to join Chelsea is clearly there, but BlueCo may not even elect to go back in his direction next year. There are many different options on the table for Maresca’s side, and one of them is RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko.

Chelsea make contact over signing RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko

Chelsea had an offer rejected to sign Sesko mid-way through the summer window, alongside both Man United and Arsenal (Fabrizio Romano), with the Slovenia international choosing to remain and sign a new contract with Leipzig.

Sesko’s fresh contract is rumoured to include a new release clause set at around £63 million, and he apparently has a gentlemen’s agreement that he can leave Leipzig in either 2025 or 2026.

The prospect of an exit for the 21-year-old is very much alive, with journalist Rudy Galetti now sharing an update on his future, which involves Chelsea.

Indeed, writing for TEAMtalk, he says that Chelsea have made contact over signing Sesko from Leipzig, as they hold talks with the agents and intermediaries of numerous striker targets who they believe could reinforce their attacking options.

“Benjamin Šeško is among the game’s top young talents and has enormous potential to become a top player,” said interim Man United recruitment director Christopher Vivell, formerly of Leipzig.

“He has all the qualities to do that. He’s extremely quick, has a great jump on him and is strong in the air. Benjamin is a real goalscorer, who despite his 1.95m (6’4″) is mobile and technically strong. His abilities make him a special player with a special profile.”

Interestingly, Football Transfers have also called Sesko a “similar” striker to Osimhen.

Daniel Farke will be relieved that Mateo Joseph is finally coming into his own in a Leeds United strip, with the striker department at Elland Road not exactly overflowing with top quality.

Joseph hasn’t proven himself to be a deadly goalscoring machine yet, with only one goal next to his name in the Championship to date, but he does have an impressive three assists this campaign as a worthwhile asset for the German boss to rely on.

Away from Joseph, the options aren’t brimming, with an injury-prone Patrick Bamford rarely available for selection, on top of former Swansea City man Joel Piroe often slotting in behind the sole striker instead of leading the line.

But, it’s forgotten man Joe Gelhardt that will frustrate Leeds fans most when looking over what is available up top, considering his unbelievable burst onto the scene under Marcelo Bielsa once upon a time.

Gelhardt's unbelievable form under Bielsa

Bielsa just had that knack of enhancing players when fixed in the Elland Road dug-out, turning Kalvin Phillips into a £45m star when he was still manager, whilst also helping Bamford pick up a senior England call-up under his guidance.

Gelhardt also felt the magic of the South American manager first-hand, with the former Wigan Athletic striker getting his first chance in the Whites senior mix under the mercurial Argentinian, which saw him shine during the 2021/22 campaign.

He would help himself to two goals and two assists from 20 Premier League clashes that season, with the promising attacker showcasing why he had previously earned comparisons to top-flight great Wayne Rooney, having been described as “looking Rooneyesque” when taken on trial by Merseyside Boys’ manager Tim Wyatt as a teenager.

His former Wigan teammate Chey Dunkley also noted those comparisons, having stated: “Most of the lads called him Wazza because there were so many similarities in his stature and style.”

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast's 'First Impressions' series has everything you need.

Since then, however, his Whites career hasn’t ever really progressed any further, with the now 22-year-old striker – who was previously referred to as a “human wrecking ball” for his tenacity and bravery by pundit Jamie Redknapp – a forgotten figure constantly warming the substitutes bench for Farke’s men, whilst Joseph steals the limelight now as the new exciting talent for the future.

Leeds even had interest from the likes of West Brom earlier in the year for the reserve attacker’s services, but batted away any parties looking at the left-footer.

Yet, if this season is anything to go by so far, his days in West Yorkshire look to be gradually becoming more and more numbered.

Gelhardt's season so far

The former Latics striker is yet to start a game this season for the Whites in the league, with his only appearance from the get-go full stop this campaign coming against Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup, as Leeds were humbled 3-0 by Michael Carrick’s men.

Not given the freedom to play up top, Gelhardt was shoehorned into the side in a right midfield spot, and visibly struggled on the night consequently.

Stat

Gelhardt

Minutes played

63

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Shots

1

Touches

27

Accurate passes

12/16 (75%)

Accurate crosses

0/2

Accurate long balls

0/1

Total duels won

3/7

It was very much a showing from a player low on confidence, with only one shot attempted on the Boro net all evening, before Gelhardt was then replaced by first-team stalwart Wilfried Gnonto just after the hour mark.

He was given a brief run-out away at Norwich recently, as the Whites had to settle for a 1-1 draw at Carrow Road, but it does feel as if the 22-year-old is now running out of time to break back into the first-team fold.

It has been a sharp fall-off for a promising talent once loved by Bielsa, but as Leeds continue to eye up winning promotion through any means necessary, Farke can’t be too charitable with giving Gelhardt more minutes to impress.

At this rate, the end of the line looks to be on the horizon very soon for the once much-talked-about attacker at Elland Road.

He could be Gnonto 2.0: Leeds lining up swoop for "electric" sensation

The Whites are reportedly keen on a deal for the teenage EFL starlet.

ByDan Emery Sep 30, 2024

A TalkSPORT pundit has suggested that an £89 million Chelsea player should make a move to Arsenal, as he would apparently be "a lot better" under Mikel Arteta.

Sterling awaits imminent Arsenal debut after deadline day loan move

The most headline-grabbing transfer of their summer window came right at the eleventh hour, with Raheem Sterling making a deadline day loan move to Arsenal after being deemed surplus-to-requirements by Enzo Maresca.

Officials dispatched as Real Madrid consider signing £100m Arsenal star

The Galacticos are very fond of him.

3 ByEmilio Galantini Sep 8, 2024

The England international will don Arsenal's number 30 shirt – previously worn by the likes of Eddie Nketiah, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Yossi Benayoun – and could make his debut in the north London derby against Tottenham this weekend.

Some reports suggest that Arteta is planning to use Sterling in a false-nine role at Spurs, which would drop fan favourite Kai Havertz back into midfield, but the Gunners head coach has at least confirmed that they've been getting the 29-year-old up to speed over this international break.

“We have to see him, speak to him (about) what he’s been doing and how he’s feeling about it," said Arteta on Sterling's imminent Arsenal debut.

Goals

19

Assists

12

Yellow cards

13

Red cards

0

Minutes played

5,335

“And try to find quick wins to get him up to speed as quickly as possible and for him to understand what we are looking for from him in the dynamics of the team. We will use that time to do that and get him involved as soon as possible.”

Arsenal had been chasing Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams as a top target for the wide area, but the Spaniard ultimately chose to remain at his current club despite serious interest from the Premier League.

Edu Gaspar and co then turned their attention to Sterling, who is a proven English top flight star, boasting 173 goals across his spells at Chelsea, Man City and Liverpool. It has also been claimed that Arsenal are only paying £100,000-per-week of Sterling's £325,000-per-week wages, so this looks like a fantastic deal on paper.

Chelsea has been a happy hunting ground for Arsenal in terms of signings, with Havertz becoming a fan favourite after his multi-million switch from Stamford Bridge last year.

Scott Minto suggests Mykhailo Mudryk should join Arsenal

Speaking on TalkSPORT, pundit Scott Minto has suggested that £89 million Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk should follow in Sterling and Havertz's footsteps.

Indeed, he says that Mudryk would play "a lot better" for Arsenal than he does for Chelsea right now, with the Ukraine international still yet to justify his mammoth price tag from Shakhtar Donetsk.

“You talk about Mykhailo Mudryk, who Arsenal wanted. I am not sure he is (a great footballer). He certainly is not showing it at the moment," said Minto. “I think he would be a lot better in an Arsenal shirt than he would in a Chelsea shirt. That is an indictment of Chelsea.”

The £100,000-per-week winger has racked up seven goals and five assists over 62 appearances for the Blues in all competitions, but is still just 23-years-old, so there is time for him to come good yet.

Before his move to west London, Mudryk won the 2022 Ukranian Footballer of the Year award, and is still regarded as one of the nation's star players.

Newcastle United are believed to be happy to sell a “unique” player during the January transfer window, according to a fresh update regarding his future.

Newcastle transfer news

One player who the Magpies have been linked with signing in recent days is Eintracht Frankfurt star Omar Marmoush, who is enjoying a fantastic season for the Bundesliga club. Scouts are said to have been sent to watch the 25-year-old in action, having registered 18 goal contributions (11 goals and seven assists) in just 11 league appearances in 2024/25 to date.

In what would be a shock signing, in many ways, Paul Pogba has also emerged as a rumoured transfer target for Eddie Howe, with the 31-year-old available to play again in 2025 after completing a ban. The free agent has reportedly turned down Neecastle’s advances, though.

Miguel Almiron has been linked with a move away from St James’ Park plenty of times in recent months, with the Magpies targeting upgrades in his right-sided attacking role. One such figure is PSV Eindhoven ace Johan Bakayoko, who is a young winger with so much potential.

In terms of other attacking targets, Bournemouth hero Antoine Semenyo has been backed to join Newcastle, too, having matured into one of his side’s most important players. He is also predominantly right-sided, however, so it is unlikely that both he and Bakayoko would come in.

"Unique" Newcastle player allowed to leave

According to a new report from The Telegraph‘s Luke Edwards, Newcastle and PIF will let Almiron leave in the January window, allowing the £60,000-a-week winger to enjoy a new challenge in his career, possibly in Saudi Arabia.

The Paraguayan is happy to move on to pastures new and find another club, having increasingly struggled to become an important part of Howe’s plans at St James’ Park.

A January exit for Almiron makes complete sense of everyone involved, with the winger clearly no longer an influential figure at Newcastle, and understandably wanting more playing time at the age of 30.

He has always been a popular figure among Magpies supporters, such is his team ethic, but a lack of end product has too often been a problem, with only 30 goals coming his way in 216 appearances in a wide attacking role.

That said, Howe has always been a big fan Almiron, heaping praise on his “unique” style last year, saying: “He’s (Almiron) a unique footballer. I don’t think there’s anyone better at doing what he does – all energy, all action. I’d like to see his physical stats today because I’m sure they’d be through the roof.”

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Given his age, however, and the fact that he is out of contract in the summer of 2026, now feels like the right time to move him on, receiving a fee for his services and using those funds to find a superior replacement in January or next summer, making this one to watch in the coming weeks.

Birmingham City are believed to be preparing an offer to sign a defensive beast in the January transfer window, according to a new transfer update.

Birmingham eyeing immediate Championship return under Davies

It has been a positive start to the season for the Blues, who sit top of the League One table and in pole position to seal a quickfire return to the Championship.

Birmingham have opened up a three-point between themselves and second-place Wycombe Wanderers, and perhaps most importantly, they have a four-point advantage over Wrexham, who have also played a game extra but were also fancied by many to be among the leading clubs to go up.

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At this point, it would be a surprise if Chris Davies’ side didn’t return to the Championship at the first attempt – it would arguably even be a big disappointment, given their start to the campaign – and it is an exciting time for supporters with Tom Wagner and Tom Brady heavily involved behind the scenes, giving the club something of a Hollywood feel not dissimilar to promotion rivals Wrexham.

The January transfer window will provide Birmingham with an opportunity to bring in more reinforcements and strengthen Davies’ squad, and it looks as though that may be the case, following a new claim.

Birmingham preparing new offer for defensive beast

According to Football Insider, Birmingham are readying an improved offer for Hannover 96 centre-back Phil Neumann in January, having shown an interest in him during the summer transfer window.

The report points out that the League One side “had a £3.4million offer knocked back by the German outfit” at that point, as they held firm and ensured he remained at the club for the time being.

Neumann could be an ideal addition for Birmingham, adding more quality to the back-line for the second half of the season and hopefully being viewed as a player who could then thrive in the Championship next season and beyond.

At 27 years of age, the German now possesses a huge amount of experience, and he has a total of 168 appearances to his name in the 2.Bundesliga. He has scored four goals and registered eight assists for good measure.

Neumann has started 11 matches in the league this season, averaging an impressive number of clearances per game, and on top of that, good stats for aerial duels won per game and interceptions per match.

Appearances

11

Starts

11

Minutes played

990

Goals

0

Assists

0

Clearances per game

4.5

Aerial duel wins per game

2.5

Interceptions per game

1.9

It could feel like a statement signing if Birmingham get it done, not to mention impressive work by Wanger and Brady, further suggesting that exciting years could lie ahead. Building from a position of strength is always hugely important and that’s exactly what the Blues may well be doing if they got a deal over the line.