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Celtic are back in action in the Scottish Premiership on Boxing Day as they prepare to welcome Motherwell to Parkhead for the first game since Christmas Day.

The Hoops will be hoping for a late Christmas treat after they failed to pick up all three points last time out against Dundee United at Tannadice Park.

Brendan Rodgers’ side were held to a 0-0 draw in that clash on Sunday, which was only the second time the Bhoys have dropped points in the division this season.

The Scottish giants were, however, without star forward Nicolas Kuhn for that match, and it remains to be seen whether or not he will be available this time around.

The latest on Nicolas Kuhn's injury

The German forward missed out on the draw with Dundee United after pulling up with a knee injury in training ahead of the game, and the extent of the blow remains a mystery.

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After the 0-0 draw, Rodgers said: “I don’t know how long Nicolas will be out for. Hopefully it’s not long term – we will need to see.”

Whilst the Northern Irish head coach did not rule out a return on Thursday, his wording did not suggest that he is sure that Kuhn will be available in the short-term.

This means that the former Liverpool boss will need to find a way to get his attack firing without the left-footed magician, who has produced 12 goals and 11 assists in all competitions this season.

Hyun-jun Yang started in his place on Sunday and failed to take a shot or create a chance in his 61 minutes on the pitch, which suggests that Rodgers needs to look elsewhere to ease the blow of losing Kuhn.

Celtic star should be unleashed in new role

The Celtic boss could find a solution to this problem by unleashing Daizen Maeda in a new role on the right side of the attack for this clash with Motherwell.

He has started 20 times on the left wing and twice as a striker across all competitions this season, but is yet to be unleashed on the right flank for the Hoops.

It is a role the £18k-per-week star has some experience in, with 25 appearances in his career on the right wing, and the Japan international, who Rodgers claimed can produce “magic” at the top end of the pitch, could use his pace to provide a direct threat down that side.

Playing him on the right wing would also allow Rodgers to bring Luis Palma back into the starting XI, with the hope that he can recapture the form that he displayed in the Premiership last season.

Appearances

28

Starts

18

Goals

7

Big chances created

14

Assists

9

As you can see in the table above, the Honduras international showed plenty of signs of promise in his first campaign at Parkhead, with 16 goal contributions in the league, but has failed to produce a goal or an assist in five league outings this term.

The 24-year-old star did, however, come off the bench against Dundee United and created two chances in 29 minutes – two more than Yang managed in the first 61 – and this suggests that he can offer more than the South Korean whiz.

Therefore, Celtic should move Maeda, who has scored 11 goals this season, to a new role on the right and bring Palma in on the left to make up for the potential absence of Kuhn on Boxing Day.

Celtic must finally sell Hoops dud who's worth 10x less than Trusty

The Celtic dud made a rare appearance in the 0-0 draw with Dundee United.

2 ByDan Emery Dec 24, 2024

Everton once again frustrated a team near the top of the Premier League this weekend as Chelsea became the latest title chaser to fail to find the back of the net against a dogged Toffees outfit.

This isn’t even Everton’s first victim when it comes to high-flying teams from London either, as Sean Dyche’s men travelled to Arsenal last time out and shut up shop at the Emirates Stadium in a very similar fashion, before then getting under Chelsea’s skin back on their own turf.

Dyche would have loved the resilience on display from his side, with Enzo Maresca left to curse how well-drilled the hosts were defensively at the full-time whistle.

Everton's defensive heroics vs Chelsea

Whilst the likes of Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers have shipped goals for fun near the foot of the league, leaking 37 and 40 strikes respectively, the constantly switched-on Toffees have only given up 21.

Jordan Pickford is already up to seven clean sheets for the season as his reputation for being a dependable option between the sticks only increases in strength, with his showing against the unusually goal-shy Blues seeing him make four saves, which included an expert denial of Nicolas Jackson from point-blank range during the first 45 minutes.

Moreover, the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite and Vitaliy Mykolenko stood out across the back four, with the Ukranian full-back lively throughout by winning seven duels, whilst his partner in crime in Branthwaite won 100% of his own duels alongside registering four tackles.

Dyche’s side would have definitely trudged off at the end happier with the final scoreline, but Dominic Calvert-Lewin would have been left frustrated by his individual showing once more regardless of the points being shared, as another league game without a goal rudely greeted him.

Calvert-Lewin's performance in numbers

Not finding the back of the net in the Premier League since the middle of September, it’s fair to say Calvert-Lewin isn’t loving his football at the moment.

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In truth, this hasn’t just been a sharp decline in form that’s come out of nowhere this campaign, with his numbers gradually dwindling over the years amidst recurring injury problems.

24/25

16

2

23/24

32

7

22/23

17

2

21/22

17

5

20/21

33

16

The Sheffield-born striker will desperately want to reach his 2020-21 peak again, but even as he is now relatively injury-free, the 27-year-old looks completely short of confidence.

That was definitely the case against Maresca’s visitors, as the anonymous Everton number nine failed to register a single shot all game before being hooked off the pitch on the 73rd-minute mark.

Other worrying numbers from the goalless affair saw Calvert-Lewin complete just seven accurate passes from his minimal 24 touches of the ball (fewer than Pickford’s 45), alongside only winning two of his 11 duels on the day, meaning he lost 81% of his duels whilst Chelsea number four Tosin Adarabioyo showed off his prowess in the air.

Dyche could be prepared to roll the dice and drop his misfiring striker for the trip to Manchester City on Boxing Day, therefore, with Beto perhaps preferred as the lone attacker at the Etihad.

That might well be a personnel switch that catches a lacklustre Man City off-guard, with Liverpool Echo journalist Paul Wheelock handing out a mediocre 6/10 rating to Calvert-Lewin after the dust had settled on the uneventful contest, stating that he had ‘no chance’ of breaking his goal drought.

An absolute stalwart of Everton XIs over recent years when fit, Dyche will just want his team to be more of a threat going forward in games to come, which could result in Calvert-Lewin having to become more familiar with a spot on the substitutes bench.

Everton now want new Calvert-Lewin replacement who is wowing their scouts

It comes with the Englishman set to leave at the end of the season.

ByBen Browning Dec 18, 2024

Leeds United are heading into the second half of the season in pretty good shape. Daniel Farke’s side are top of the Championship table, three points clear of Burnley and Sheffield United, and are undefeated in seven games.

To ensure they can keep up that form between now and the summer and seal a return to the Premier League, the Whites are reportedly getting ready to raid the transfer market in January, and have been linked with several big names.

Among them is Borussia Monchengladbach’s Nico Elvedi and RC Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who is also thought to be attracting interest from Manchester City, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

To fund moves for those players, Leeds will have to raise some money by selling some of their current crop. With that in mind, we have listed six players who could leave Elland Road this month.

1 Joe Gelhardt Linked with: Rangers, Portsmouth, Stoke

Since joining Leeds in 2020 from Wigan Athletic, Joe Gelhardt has struggled for minutes at Elland Road as the years have gone by.

After a respectable 22 appearances during his debut season at senior level, he made 19 the next year as he was shipped on loan to Sunderland.

In 2023/24, after Leeds were relegated back to the Championship, he then made only 13 appearances, while this term, he has not even managed 90 minutes.

Amid that ever-growing lack of game time, Gelhardt was being widely linked with a move away from Leeds before Christmas, with a number of clubs across Europe reportedly keen on acquiring his services.

According to The Yorkshire Evening Post, Rangers, Portsmouth, Stoke City, Plymouth Argyle, Preston North End and two Belgian clubs were interested in moving for Gelhardt, and that the winger himself is open to the idea of calling time on his career at Elland Road.

2 Patrick Bamford Linked with: Genoa, Wrexham

It was only a few years ago that Patrick Bamford was setting the Premier League alight, scoring 17 goals to help Leeds to an impressive ninth-placed finish in 2020/21. These days, the 31-year-old is lucky if he gets called off the bench.

Bamford hasn’t started a Championship game all season for Leeds and has managed just 123 minutes off the bench, meaning more often than not, he’s left watching the action from the sidelines.

According to TEAMtalk, Genoa and Wrexham are prepared to offer Bamford an escape route out of Elland Road in January, with the two teams keeping an eye on his situation. Football Insider had previously reported in October that Bamford is also keen on leaving.

3 Pascal Struijk Linked with: Tottenham

Back in July, Tottenham Hotspur prised away one of Leeds’ star players from last season in the form of Archie Gray, with a £30 million fee simply too good to refuse. And according to reports in late December, Spurs are planning to swoop for another of Leeds’ star players in Pascal Struijk.

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey said: “Struijk is coming into his prime and has really been under the radar to a lot of people – not Leeds fans – but he is very much on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs. He is real quality and I am told Tottenham are amongst those who have checked on him.”

However, Bailey added that Leeds do not want to lose the 25-year-old, who has started all but one of their 25 Championship games this season, and are prepared to offer him a new contract.

“Clearly, Leeds want him to stay and will look to tie him down to a new deal, but him staying long-term will be dictated by Leeds getting back to the Premier League.”

4 Illan Meslier Linked with: Arsenal, Man Utd

According to a recent report in the last couple of weeks from TEAMtalk, Manchester United have revived their interest in Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier.

The Frenchman was a previous target for the Red Devils before they decided to sign Andre Onana from Inter in summer 2023.

Arsenal are also thought to be interested in potentially making the goalkeeper their No 2, with Mikel Arteta thought to be happy with David Raya’s role in the Gunners squad.

United’s No 2, Altay Bayindir, who also joined the club in the summer of 2023 alongside Onana from Fenerbahce, has struggled when called upon this term, and according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, he could be sold in January.

It’s easy to see why United might want Meslier. This season, he’s kept 14 clean sheets in 25 Championship games.

5 Maximilian Wober Linked with: RB Salzburg

Maximilian Wober joined Leeds from RB Salzburg for £11m in January 2023, but was shipped to German side Borussia Monchengladbach barely six months later. Since his return to Elland Road in the summer, he’s found game time difficult to come by, making just one Championship start all term – mainly due to injury.

According to Austrian newspaper Kurier, as relayed by Sport Witness, Salzburg are now keen to take him back to the Red Bull Arena this month.

Salzburg director Rouven Schroder addressed the possibility of signing Wober (and Feyenoord’s Gernot Trauner) back in January, saying: “They are two very good players. We have a young team, so experienced players are of course exciting. But a lot of points have to be right, and we’ll examine transfers carefully.”

6 Junior Firpo Linked with: Real Betis

Junior Firpo’s Leeds future appears to rely on whether they get promoted to the Premier League at the end of the season, according to Football Insider, do so, and he’ll stay, but fail, and he is expected to leave.

Now in the final six months of his deal at Elland Road, Firpo, formerly of Barcelona, is free to talk to new clubs, and is reportedly a target for Real Betis, another of his former clubs.

TEAMtalk has reported that with the 28-year-old full-back’s future currently “unsolved”, Betis are “leading the chase” for his signature. Should he re-join Betis, he would be reunited with two of his former Leeds teammates, with Marc Roca and Diego Llorente both turning out for the La Liga side.

Looking to seal a dominant Scottish Premiership title victory, Celtic are reportedly set to accelerate their move to sign a young attacking reinforcement who could replace Daizen Maeda.

Celtic transfer news

The Bhoys are currently 18 points clear of closest title competitors in what has been a dominant campaign in the Scottish top flight, but are seemingly in a ruthless mood as the January transfer window continues to roll on.

Bye bye: Celtic agree £4m+ deal to sell "sensation" with medical now booked

It will net Celtic a profit to reinvest into their squad.

3 ByBen Browning Jan 10, 2025

And with Champions League action soon returning, the Scottish giants may even get the chance to cause further shocks on the European stage, having already defeated the likes of RB Leipzig this season.

The fact that they’re clear and away at the top of the Scottish Premiership should undoubtedly aid their push to reach the next stage of the Champions League, as could any potential reinforcements.

On that front, the likes of Bazoumana Toure have already been mentioned among the headlines, with Celtic reportedly set to submit a bid of as much as £10m to secure the services of the young central defender.

However, it’s not just defensive reinforcements that the Bhoys are setting their sights on in the January transfer window. According to Football Insider, Celtic are now accelerating their move to sign Sondre Orjasaeter from Sarpsborg 08 this month in a deal that would welcome a player ready to eventually replace Daizen Maeda.

Just 21 years old, Orjasaeter has entered Celtic’s radar following an impressive breakthrough in Norway on top of their own need for attacking depth as they enter the second half of the campaign. As per Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, though, the Norwegian side are looking for £7m to sell their young star.

Maeda, now 27 years old, has once again been among the stars of the show for Brendan Rodgers this season, but could yet get the chance to move back into the No 9 role and away from the left wing if Orjasaeter arrives this month.

Celtic should splash out on "interesting" Orjasaeter

Described as “another interesting young player from Norway” by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, Orjasaeter’s £7m fee could quickly turn into a bargain if he was to complete a move and continue an impressive rise. Just last season, the 21-year-old was the star of the show at Sarpsborg – scoring six goals and assisting another seven in all competitions.

Thinking ahead to when Maeda is eventually past the peak of his powers certainly isn’t a bad idea either, and the young Norway star seems to be a worthy candidate to do just that at Celtic Park.

Whilst the Scottish Premiership is all but sealed in the current campaign, Rodgers will no doubt already have his sights set on defending his side’s throne for years to come, and perhaps even stepping things up on the European stage in the remainder of the season.

West Ham United are now thinking about signing a Premier League player alongside their move for Brian Brobbey, with the Hammers widely believed to be in serious talks over a deal for the latter as Graham Potter looks to reinforce his attacking options.

West Ham in negotiations to sign Brian Brobbey on loan

On Friday morning, a piece in De Telegraaf shared news of West Ham’s “serious” attempt to sign Brobbey on loan with an obligation to buy.

West Ham offered "intelligent" £21m Barcelona ace with January contact made

He could be useful to Graham Potter.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 24, 2025

The Netherlands international has emerged as a top target for West Ham, despite previous reports that their most likely striker signing of the window was RB Leipzig ace Andre Silva (ExWHUemployee), but Potter’s side were also believed to be looking at alternatives to the 29-year-old.

“We had continued our talks with Andre Silva over a loan move to the summer,” said club insider Ex (via West Ham Way).

Aston Villa (away)

January 26

Chelsea (away)

February 3

Brentford (home)

February 15

Arsenal (away)

February 22

Leicester City (home)

February 27

“The loan deal would potentially have an option at the end of it to make the deal permanent. Talks will continue today but at the moment other options are being considered as well. As I’ve been saying for a while now, I think this is the easiest deal to complete, and one we may chose to do as a temporary measure that could turn out to be a bargain.”

One of those alternatives in Brobbey is now being really coveted by West Ham, with De Telegraaf reporter Mike Verweij writing that the east Londoners have made a proposal to sign him on loan with an obligation to buy outright after contacting both the player and Ajax.

Fabrizio Romano backs West Ham’s strong interest in signing Brobbey, claiming that Tottenham have backed out of the race and Potter’s side are very keen on snapping up the 22-year-old.

However, Brobbey isn’t their only potential January incoming, as West Ham want a new defender to.

West Ham considering January deal for Adam Webster

According to reliable journalist Jack Rosser, formerly of The Evening Standard, Brighton’s Adam Webster is now a target for the Irons at centre-back.

Indeed, it is believed that West Ham are considering a January move for Webster, who cost the Seagulls £20 million to sign from Bristol City. It remains to be seen what Fabian Hurzeler’s side would demand for the Englishman, but he has just 18 months remaining on his deal.

Webster could be a solid option for Potter, who worked with the 30-year-old during their time together at the Amex, but it is worth noting that he’s barely featured this season due to thigh problems.

In a late attempt to get their January business underway, Nottingham Forest are now reportedly plotting a move to take full advantage of Bayer Leverkusen’s recent U-turn.

Nottingham Forest transfer news

Those at the City Ground have certainly been bold in their approach this month, and why not? Nuno Espirito Santo’s side sit inside the Premier League’s top four and on course for stunning Champions League qualification. One humiliating Bournemouth blip aside last time out, they’ve looked fairly flawless at times. So, now more than ever, they should be putting their new-found status to good use.

Whilst that position is yet to see any reinforcements arrive in the January transfer window, the rumours have been coming thick and fast. Reports suggested earlier this month that the Midlands club are seeking attacking additions before the end of the window and even mentioned names such as Matheus Cunha and Yoane Wissa.

Nottingham Forest must axe their flop who earns more than Cunha & Wissa

Nottingham Forest may need to shift the deadwood in the near future…

ByJoe Nuttall Jan 29, 2025

Cunha would, of course, steal plenty of headlines given that he is currently the star of the show at Forest’s Midlands rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers. As things stand, however, it looks as though Forest could be forced to turn towards other options in the final days of the window.

According to GiveMeSport, Nottingham Forest are now plotting a deal to sign James McAtee from Manchester City following the news of Bayer Leverkusen’s U-turn in pursuit of the midfielder.

With the Bundesliga opting to sign Emiliano Buendia on loan from Aston Villa instead, the race is once again open for McAtee who could yet swap the Manchester City bench for the chance to join up with Espirito Santo’s Forest side.

That said, it remains to be seen whether City will allow their youngster to depart this month amid growing injury concerns within Pep Guardiola’s side who are also eyeing a place in the Premier League’s top four.

"Special" McAtee could replicate Elanga's success

Of course, if McAtee did complete a move from The Etihad this month then he wouldn’t be the first player to complete such a switch from Manchester to the City Ground, with Anthony Elanga doing so to such great success in the past after leaving Manchester United. Having seen how greener the grass can be, the Manchester City man could yet decide to follow in the winger’s footsteps.

Attempting to lure Guardiola into allowing his young midfielder to leave this month may well prove to be a tricky task though after the Spaniard was full of praise for McAtee following a recent 8-0 win over Salford.

On the back of McAtee’s FA Cup hat-trick, Guardiola told reporters as relayed by Salford Now: “I am so happy for him, he is a special player. A hat trick is not easy. He has an incredible sense in front of goal, he has the right tempo, he changed the rhythm to score and I am very happy for him.”

With just a matter of days remaining until the transfer window slams shut, McAtee’s future remains in question at Manchester City and it could yet be Nottingham Forest who take full advantage.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ready to try and tempt a young “phenomenon” with a move to north London as we reach the latter stage of this January window, and he’s very highly-rated by those within the game.

Ange Postecoglou eyes young new forwards for Spurs

Spurs head coach Ange Postecoglou is yet to be backed with the addition of an outfield signing this month, and with just days remaining of the winter window, this could spell real trouble for the Australian.

Tottenham prepared to pay £49m release clause for forward who Ange wants

The Australian is badly in need of backing before February 3rd.

ByEmilio Galantini Jan 28, 2025

The under-fire Lilywhites boss candidly admitted to reporters earlier this week that his side are playing with fire if they don’t make any more new players before deadline day on February 3rd, saying he is in “daily” talks with recruitment chief Johan Lange.

“I’m not out there trying to find opportunities for the club, that’s not my role at this time. There isn’t time to do it,” said Postecoglou on his role in January transfers.

“I have daily communication with Johan in particular, and he’s trying everything he possibly can to get the help we need. I don’t think I’m stating anything other than the obvious and for me to come here and say something else would be disingenuous. This playing group needs help, there’s no doubt about that.

Brentford (away)

February 2nd

Man United (home)

February 16th

Ipswich Town (home)

February 22nd

Man City (home)

February 26th

Bournemouth (home)

March 9th

“We’re sort of playing with fire by not bringing anyone in, but the flip side of that is the club is trying to change that situation.”

Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas explained recently that Tottenham are putting all of their focus into signing a new forward in particular, despite Postecoglou’s shortage of left-sided centre-back options.

Spurs have been in talks with Tyler Dibling recently, while a report from Spain this week even claimed that Tottenham are prepared to pay Nico Williams’ £49 million release clause, as the club eye youthful attacking options.

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, another target is emerging in the form of FC Lorient wonderkid Eli Junior Kroupi.

Tottenham planning late January move for Eli Junior Kroupi

The reporter, writing for Football Insider, claims that Tottenham are planning a late January move for Kroupi – who is viewed by recruitment chiefs as a player who could become “world-class”.

The 18-year-old is currently on fire for Lorient, scoring nine goals in 18 appearances across all competitions, and this has caught the eye of both Postecoglou’s side and London rivals Chelsea – who are “ready to try and lure” Kroupi to the English capital.

Transfermarkt value him at around £8 million, and that is a pretty affordable figure from the perspective of an elite Premier League club.

“He’s a phenomenon,” said teammate Tiémoué Bakayoko. “He reminds me a little of Kylian Mbappé in terms of the maturity of his game. He already has good stats for a youngster his age.”

Wolverhampton Wanderers have picked up two wins and two clean sheets on the bounce in all competitions after a polished 2-0 win away over Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup.

The Championship hosts did have a goal dubiously ruled out for offside early on, but once the Old Gold took the lead courtesy of a Joao Gomes strike trickling in just after the half-an-hour mark, the victory ended up being rather routine to collect.

In fact, it would be only moments after Gomes’ opener that Wolves would have their game-clinching second, with Matheus Cunha showing off his Premier League class with an emphatic finish on another standout day at the office from the Brazilian.

Matheus Cunha's performance in numbers

From that point onwards, it was relatively straightforward for the top-flight outfit to secure their passage through to the next round of the esteemed competition, but Cunha would still be on the hunt for more goals.

Across the course of the 90 minutes, the ex-Atletico Madrid attacker would spurn two big chances as a constant livewire for his side, which included one fantastic solo run in the second half that was unfortunately not finished off.

But, nobody could take the priceless effort away from him come the full-time whistle, with Cunha also a brave battler for his team in a game that was played at a fast pace, resulting in an impressive nine ground duels being won.

Indeed, Blackburn did have brief moments in the contest where they could have gained a momentary foothold and mounted a comeback, only to be met by a stern Wolves defender standing firm time after time.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The Wolves star who was as good as Cunha

Whilst Cunha’s star quality certainly helped his team get over the line at Ewood Park, there were occasions in the contest where Wolves needed to remain staunch at the back to ensure John Eustace’s men didn’t win a goal back.

That’s where Toti Gomes thankfully came to the rescue for Vitor Pereira’s visitors, with the two-time Portugal international managing to impressively win seven out of eight duels on the day among other glowing defensive numbers.

Minutes played

90

Touches

70

Accurate passes

55/59 (93%)

Successful dribbles

3/3

Clearances

2

Interceptions

2

Tackles

3

Total duels won

7/8

Looking at his numbers in depth from the win in Lancashire, it was an extremely well-rounded display from the defensive titan, with his ability on the ball there for all to see with his 93% pass accuracy and 100% successful dribble completion rate come full-time, on top of his hefty combined total of seven clearances, interceptions and tackles.

This isn’t a one-off from the 26-year-old either, with six duels also won last time out in the Premier League when Wolves picked up another 2-0 victory versus Aston Villa, before showing off his defensive prowess once more against the Riversiders. In fact, he’s been really rather good since Pereira came in with the defender keeping four clean sheets in a row since he was introduced into the starting lineup.

The £25k-per-week centre-back will hope he can keep his first-team spot as more and more league fixtures come his relegation-threatened side’s way this February, with this showing on the road against Blackburn more than helping his cause.

Since Pereira’s arrival into the building, the Portuguese manager has managed to strike a finer balance between exciting attacking displays and dogged defensive showings than his predecessor in Gary O’Neil, with Cunha still at the peak of his powers whilst stars at the back such as Gomes come to the surface.

Only time will tell if enough of these displays will keep Wolves up in the Premier League, with Pereira’s side needing all the luck they can get when travelling to table-topping Liverpool up next.

Wolves have unearthed their next Diogo Jota in "sensational" £60k-p/w star

Wolverhampton Wanderers already have their next Diogo Jota with this impressive ace.

ByDan Emery Feb 7, 2025

Leeds are now hoping to add some experience to their side this summer as they target a return to the Premier League, and Daniel Farke has put a goalscoring veteran at the top of his wishlist.

Leeds front line set to change

Heading into the final quarter of the Championship season, Leeds have scored at least 20 more goals than any other side in the division, adding four more in their most recent game as they thrashed Watford.

Joel Piroe leads the way for Farke’s side, with his 14 strikes enough to leave him second to Norwich City’s Borja Sainz in the golden boot race, while Dan James has also picked up 10 goals so far this campaign.

Despite their freescoring form though, Leeds are still keen to bolster their frontline this summer, and even tried to in January with a move for Southampton’s young talent Cameron Archer, only for a move to be blocked by the south coast side on deadline day, leaving the Elland Road side empty-handed.

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1 ByCharlie Smith Feb 14, 2025

Should, as expected, Leeds get promoted back to the top flight, they will want a reliable Premier League goalscorer in their ranks and though Bamford has had experience in the top flight, his future now looks to lie away from Elland Road after falling down the pecking order under Farke.

Meanwhile, Mateo Joseph was subject to interest from Spain late in the January transfer window, and though Leeds opted to keep him, that interest may resurface in the summer when there is more time to replace the 21-year-old. With all that in mind, Leeds have now joined a gaggle of clubs chasing a potential free agent.

Leeds want Newcastle striker this summer

That is according to TBR Football, who report that Leeds hold an interest in Newcastle United forward Callum Wilson as a potential option to add more firepower to their side.

Wilson has spent much of his career in the top flight, enjoying a fruitful spell with Bournemouth before completing his move to Tyneside. Like Bamford though, Wilson has struggled with injuries and, now 32-years-old, is not a player that Eddie Howe can count on.

The Newcastle boss has worked with him at both Bournemouth and Newcastle, and is a masisve fan of his talents, labeling him “incredible” in 2023.

“He’s been incredible and I feel that his performance was right up there with one of the best I’ve seen him play, purely from a tactical perspective,” he explained after a 4-1 win over Brighton.

But now tasked with securing European football regularly, he cannot rely on the veteran. As a result, Wilson is in the final months of his £46,000 a week deal at St James’ Park and no efforts have been made to offer him a new contract, with Wilson having managed just six appearances so far this season.

Issue

Games missed

Hamstring injury

4

Hamstring injury

6

Calf injury

6

Chest injury

10

Illness

2

Back injury

15

Hamstring injury

14

Total games missed

57

Now, the report has revealed that “Wilson does not expect to be a Newcastle player by the end of the current campaign” but is keen to remain in the Premier League, limiting his options significantly.

It is added that both West Ham and Bournemouth are weighing up a move, while Leeds are “also interested” should they be promoted back to the top flight. While Wilson is undoubtedly a quality player even now, having shown that with two goals at Elland Road last time he faced the Whites, his injuries are surely a red flag even for a side looking to add Premier League experience on a budget.

Incoming Rangers owners 49ers Enterprises are believed to have a “dream appointment” as Philippe Clement’s long-term successor, according to a new update.

Rangers plotting permanent managers after Ferguson

The Gers have started life under interim boss Barry Ferguson in positive fashion, with the former Ibrox favourite a popular appointment earlier this week, following the unsurprising sacking of Clement last weekend.

It proved to be a memorable first game in charge for Ferguson, with Rangers overcoming a 2-0 deficit to win 4-2 away to Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday evening, thanks to Vaclav Cerny’s opener, a Cyriel Dessers double and a Nedim Bajrami strike.

It would be a surprise if the 47-year-old remained in charge of the Gers beyond the end of the season, though, with a more proven manager needed to come in, in order to narrow the gulf between themselves and rivals Celtic, heralding the start of an exciting new era at the club in the process.

A host of names have been mentioned in recent days, including Kevin Muscat, Ashley Cole and Derek McInnes, but it looks like another name is at the top of Rangers’ wishlist, following a fresh update.

49ers have "dream appointment" at Rangers

According to a new report from Football Insider, 49ers see Steven Gerrard as the “dream appointment” to come in as Rangers’ next permanent manager this summer. The Gers’ next owners will have a major say as to who Clement’s long-term replacement at Ibrox will be, and they want to bring the 44-year-old back to the club at the end of the season.

Gerrard enjoyed a successful period in charge of Rangers during his first stint, memorably winning the Scottish Premiership title in 2020/21, which has been an all-too-rare occurrence at Ibrox this century.

Al-Ettifaq

55

1.33

Aston Villa

40

1.18

Rangers

192

2.15

In fact, the Liverpool legend had a big admirer in Ferguson at the time, who heaped praise on the job he was doing with the Gers back in 2019: “When the new campaign kicked off I was crossing my fingers and toes in the hope Gerrard might be able to make a decent fist of this fight.

“Now though the whole game has just been changed. I look at Davis and Defoe joining the camp in Tenerife and I think, ‘Here we go!’ Overnight a team that went into the shutdown with a chance of taking Celtic all the way now looks like one that truly believes it will. Like a proper Rangers team should.”

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Granted, Gerrard’s reputation in management has been hampered a little after being sacked at Aston Villa and having a forgettable spell in Saudi Arabia in Al-Ettifaq, but he is still a young coach, and if 49ers see him as the best option, they need to be trusted.