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Leeds United left-back Junior Firpo will not be available vs Wolves but could return from injury in time for the Premier League clash with Norwich City, according to journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Injuries mount up

The Whites entertain Wolves on Saturday afternoon, looking for a crucial win that would steer them away from the relegation zone.

Marcelo Bielsa’s team currently sit 17th in the table, with their form a far cry from last season’s, when they ended up finishing in 11th place.

There are numerous injury problems for Leeds going into Saturday’s game, with key players Luke Ayling, Kalvin Phillips, Robin Koch and Patrick Bamford on a list of four players out (Premier Injuries), with Hay now providing news on a fifth.

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The Latest: Key Firpo update

Another individual who will play no part this weekend is Firpo, but Hay took to Twitter to deliver a five-word verdict claiming he could return for the trip to Norwich on October 31st:

“Could be back for Norwich.”

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The Verdict: Huge few weeks

Leeds have three more league matches before the final international break of the year next month, with Wolves, Norwich and Leicester awaiting.

It is vital that the Whites pick up a healthy chunk of points in that trio of outings, showing that their blip is only a short-term one, climbing towards the mid-table mark once more.

While Bielsa and co will not want to see themselves as in a relegation battle yet, the match against the Canaries seems particularly crucial, so having Firpo back would be a big boost.

In other news, one Leeds United player has been slammed. Find out who it is here.

Tottenham Hostpur have entered into negotiations over a deal to bring Gleison Bremer to the Premier League this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), who claimed that Tottenham’s transfer team have recently travelled to Italy in order to begin talks with Torino regarding the transfer of the centre-back, with initial contact thought to have already been made by the north London club.

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The report added that Fabio Paratici has identified the 25-year-old as a transfer target due to the Brazilian possessing characteristics which make him well-suited to Antonio Conte’s style of football. It is also claimed that Torino themselves would be willing to part with Bremer for a fee in the region of €50m (£41.5m).

Big coup for Spurs

Bremer has been in remarkable form for Torino this season, with the centre-back’s performances reported to have caught the eye of the likes of Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal. Therefore, it is clear to see that it would be a big coup for Spurs if Paratici is able to get a deal over the line for the 25-year-old this summer.

Indeed, over his 29 Serie A outings this term, the £27m-rated defender has been imperious in the heart of Ivan Juric’s backline, helping his side to keep eight clean sheets, in addition to making 3.4 interceptions (the most in the league), 1.4 tackles and 3.9 clearances and winning 6.7 duels per game.

The £53k-per-week Brazilian has also chipped in for his team going forwards, bagging three goals and providing one assist, along with making 36.7 passes, playing 2.8 long balls, completing 0.6 dribbles and taking 0.9 shots per match.

These returns have seen the 6 foot 2 centre-back average a breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.18, ranking him as the third-best defender in all of Serie A.

As such, it is clear to see that Bremer would make a fantastic addition to Conte’s current options at the back, leading us to believe that Paratici simply must do everything in his power to try and get a deal for the Torino titan over the line this summer.

AND in other news: “I can say…” – Italian journalist drops huge Spurs transfer claim, Conte will be fuming

Some Everton fans have been left fuming over some manager news that has emerged involving Jose Mourinho.

As per The Daily Mirror, the AS Roma manager has emerged as a potential candidate to take over from Rafa Benitez, should he be sacked at Goodison Park.

Supporters of the Merseyside club vented their anger towards the Spaniard as well as the board after their 4-1 defeat at home to Liverpool in midweek, and Benitez is now under pressure following a run of eight matches in the Premier League without a win.

Now, the board could turn to Mourinho should they wish to pull the plug on his reign.

Of course, Mourinho’s success in English football, in where he has won the top-flight title three times with Chelsea, is a factor as to why the board are looking at him as a potential successor, but he has tailored off in recent years, having left both Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United midway through the season outside of the UEFA Champions League spots.

Toffees supporters may not be a fan of his pragmatic approach to games either, and so it is understandable to see why a fair few fumed when they read the news.

Everton fans on Mourinho news

These Blues fumed as the manager news was shared on Twitter:

“Rather liquidate”

Credit: @mcnallyc95

“This is worse then Benitez.”

Credit: @thomas41448377

“From one mess to another. This is an an awful idea”

Credit: @toffee5000

“This is comical”

Credit: @Andy25787904

“And this is why they’re clueless.”

Credit: @glioriginali_

“Another dinosaur, no thank you”

Credit: @ToffeeTosh1878

In other news, find out what manager news has Evertonians talking here!

A key claim has been made over Rangers central midfielder Ryan Jack, regarding his latest injury…

What’s the latest?

Glasgow Times senior writer Chris Jack has claimed that it could be a while before the Gers have him back in action due to what he will need to go through before being back to 100%.

The reliable journalist told GIVEMESPORT: “He’s had this latest setback and it seems a bit of a long road.

“Another couple of weeks before he’s back in the fold, another couple of weeks to get him back up to speed and then another couple of weeks for him to establish himself in the team again. So, it’s looking like a frustrating start to the year for Ryan.”

Fuming

Rangers fans will surely be fuming with this update as it could now be a number of weeks before Jack is a viable first-team option for Gio van Bronckhorst to call upon as he recovers from injury.

His previous form in the Premiership shows that he has the quality to make a big impact at this level and that is why fans will be wanting to see him back as soon as possible. Last season, he averaged an impressive SofaScore rating of 7.14 in 19 appearances, scoring two goals and providing one assist, which shows that he can perform consistently in the league.

Joe Aribo (7.20) is the only Rangers midfielder who has averaged a higher rating this term for the club in the Premiership. This suggests that Jack, if he can recapture his form from the 2020/21 campaign, could be one of the side’s top performers when he returns from injury.

Former Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard previously lauded the midfield gem, saying: “Ryan is an example for the rest of the squad because he never drops his standards, whether it’s a training session or a game.

“He knits everything together, he drives the team on, he demands from everyone else around him.”

This highlights why fans will be fuming with this latest claim on Jack. It appears as though they will need to wait a considerable chunk of time before he is back in all of his glory, which is a shame for the club – as they miss out on his talents – and the player – as he will surely be left frustrated sitting in the injury room.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Goldson: Rangers can seal dream replacement with “proven” 6 ft 3 powerhouse…

Jordan Campbell has dropped an update on Glasgow Rangers’ bid to bring Danilho Doekhi to Ibrox in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

In a recent article for The Athletic, the journalist revealed that, following the pre-contract signing of John Souttar, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side are also in a strong position to secure a deal for the Vitesse Arnhem centre-back this month, with the Gers manager keen to bolster his numbers in the heart of defence prior to the closure of the transfer market.

In his piece, Campbell wrote: “Rangers are also keen on Vitesse captain Danilho Doekhi and are in a strong position to land the Dutch defender.”

Fans will be buzzing

Doekhi has been impressive in the Netherlands this season, and Van Bronckhorst is in rather desperate need of defensive reinforcements ahead of the restart of the Premiership season given the injuries to Filip Helander and Leon Balogun out, as well as the latter and Connor Goldson being out of contract at the end of the current campaign. Therefore, the news that Gers appear to be closing in on a deal for the 23-year-old is sure to have left the Ibrox faithful buzzing.

Indeed, over his 14 Eredivisie appearances this term, the £2.7m-rated Vitesse defender has helped his side to keep three clean sheets and scored one goal, as well as making 1.6 interceptions, two tackles, 3.6 clearances and 39.1 passes per game and winning 65% of his duels.

These returns have seen the £3.4k-per-week centre-back average a SofaScore match rating of 7.01, ranking him as Vitesse’s joint-seventh best performer in the Dutch top flight.

As such, it is clear for all to see that Doekhi would make a fantastic addition to Van Bronckhorst’s current options in the heart of his defence at Ibrox. The prospective arrival of the 23-year-old would undoubtedly provide Rangers’ chances of going on to retain the Premiership title with a considerable boost, an outcome which would delight everyone involved with the club.

In other news: Rangers dealt fresh transfer setback on “crazy” January transfer, Van Bronckhorst will be fuming

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According to Sky Sports, a Chinese club have begun negotiations with Manchester United over a deal for midfielder Marouane Fellaini.

Then-Red Devils manager David Moyes brought Fellaini to Old Trafford for a fee of £27.5 million in 2013, as per BBC. The 6’4” Belgian has since made more than 150 appearances for the club, according to Transfermarkt. He became a particularly effective player during the Jose Mourinho era at old Trafford, when the Portuguese coach regularly used the 31-year-old as an impact substitute or auxiliary forward.

Be sure to check out the incredible story of the man who rose from a Tanzanian refugee camp to become one of Australia’s biggest football stars in the video below…

So impressive was Fellaini under Mourinho that the Belgium international was handed a new contract by the club in June 2018.

However, Fellaini has barely featured for the club since the interim appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the time has come for him to move on to pastures new.

When the story of Belgian’s potential departure emerged, plenty of United fans took to Twitter to voice their opinions on his seemingly imminent exit…

Tottenham Hotspur coach Antonio Conte has been dealt bad injury news ahead of their clash with Aston Villa in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites in form…

In recent weeks, Spurs have managed to build a consistent run of form under Conte following a mediocre start to the New Year.

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The Lilywhites have won five out of their last six Premier League games, including impressive wins against the likes of Man City, Newcastle and Everton.

Tottenham are aiming to qualify for the Champions League ahead of 2022/2023, a feat which could majorly boost Conte’s chances of staying in north London and increase their pull in this summer’s transfer market.

As they take on Aston Villa today, though, it appears Conte and co will remain without a key midfield in Oliver Skipp despite reports earlier this week he was set to return to the grass.

The Latest: BBC relay team news…

As relayed by the BBC and confirmed by Tottenham’s head coach, the English capital giants have been dealt some bad news as Skipp suffers a setback in his recovery from a hip problem.

The relapsed physical issue extends his spell on the sidelines with Spurs’ academy starlet now missing Villa today alongside Japhet Tanganga – who is out for the season.

The Verdict: Blow for Conte…

While both Rodrigo Bentancur and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg have proved a capable partnership in Skipp’s absence, his unavailability remains a blow for Conte.

The 21-year-old hasn’t featured since a defeat to Chelsea in late January and Spurs must surely be getting worried given the long-delayed return to full fitness.

Former Norwich City boss Daniel Farke described his 2020/2021 loanee as a ‘perfect’ player and it’s safe to say Tottenham could really use his presence in the final run of crunch matches.

According to WhoScored, he’s averaged a higher pass accuracy than any Spurs starter in the English top flight this season, backing his real composure and class at such a young age.

Indeed, a setback in his recovery may come as a big blow for Conte.

In other news: Tottenham eye agreement ‘in the coming weeks’ as they make offer for exciting midfielder! Find out more here.

Taking to Twitter, reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano has shared news on Aaron Ramsey and his future at Juventus as West Ham reportedly keep tabs.

The Lowdown: West Ham make contact…

As per a recent claim, both West Ham, and by extension new recruitment chief Rob Newman, are supposedly eyeing a move for the Wales international.

It appears the midfielder is a target for manager David Moyes with a report from Italy suggesting West Ham are well in contention for his signature.

The Serie A giants are eager to rid themselves of Ramsey and his sky high €7 million-per-year (£5.9m) salary wages and it is believed by Calciomercato, as also shared by Sport Witness, that the Hammers have made tentative contact over a move.

Once aiming to recuperate a fee of around €20m (£16.9m) for the player, Juventus may have to settle for less as both West Ham and Everton lurk (Calciomercato via Sport Witness).

The Latest: Romano drops Twitter update…

Taking to Twitter, another Italian source in Romano has shared the latest on Ramsey and what the future holds for him.

According to the journalist’s sources, the Wales international is indeed ‘out of the plans’ at Juventus with the Old Lady ‘planning to find a solution’ to sell in January.

“Juventus are still planning to find a solution to sell Aaron Ramsey in January. He’s out of the plans and looking for a potential new challenge.…while Juan Cuadrado will soon extend his contract with Juventus – and Paulo Dybala too.” Romano explained on social media.

The Verdict: Time to swoop?

Given Juve’s desperation to offload the 30-year-old, we believe this could put West Ham in a fairly strong negotiating position if they maintain their interest by the winter window.

Out of contract in 2023, time is arguably running out for the European heavyweights to make any substantial fee off Ramsey’s sale and their eagerness to cut his salary off the books could also be an advantage to West Ham.

The question remains, though, can he really add another degree of quality to Moyes’ high-flying Hammers?

Lauded as a ‘world class’ by international teammate Joe Allen, the former Arsenal star certainly has Premier League pedigree – having netted 65 goals and a further 65 assists during his time at the Emirates Stadium (Transfermarkt).

He also impressed in flashes at Euro 2020, indicating the ability is still there, but Ramsey’s lofty salary may point to a real stumbling block for West Ham given their highest earner is currently Kurt Zouma on just £120,000-per-week (spotrac).

Priorities debatably lie elsewhere for Moyes as concerns still linger over striker Michail Antonio’s fitness record and their lack of a natural striker alternative.

Resultingly, we believe other transfer targets who can fill that void, like Andrea Belotti and Adam Hlozek, are far more crucial to get through the door than Ramsey.

In other news: Journalist hints West Ham move for ‘world class’ 32-goal striker could now be on the cards, find out more here.

Leeds United ambassador Noel Whelan has bemoaned the hamstring injuries picked up by Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips, describing it as ‘really bad news’ for the club.

The Lowdown: Leeds pair out injured

The Whites have been plagued by injuries throughout the season, which has no doubt played a part in what has been a disappointing campaign to date.

Cooper and Phillips are two of the most high-profile current absentees and, as revealed by Marcelo Bielsa on Friday, the duo are not expected to be back in action until March, which comes as a huge blow to Leeds.

While relegation should still be avoided, not having those two key figures available could make life difficult, and results must start improving in the coming weeks if they are to avoid an uncomfortable run-in to the campaign.

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The Latest: Whelan reacts to news

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan couldn’t hide his frustration at the news that Cooper and Phillips face another couple of months on the sidelines. He rued:

“The injuries looked so innocuous. Usually with a hamstring if you’re not jumping in the air and hitting the clouds, it could just be a tiny tear which could take as little as four weeks.

“But this is really bad news for Leeds United because they are two big players. Phillips, who is one of the best defensive midfield players in the Premier League and is vitally important to how we play. He’s irreplaceable in there.

“And then Cooper is the club captain, and that presence will be missed sorely in the dressing room. You can’t take away the importance of what he gives you in there. It’s like Jordan Henderson at Liverpool – you miss those types of voices.”

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The Verdict: Big battle without them

This is a massive couple of months for Leeds, with fringe players simply having to step up to the plate without Cooper and Phillips around. The former has been the Whites’ second-best performer this term as per WhoScored, while the latter boasts one of the highest tackling averages (2.3 per game) within the squad.

Phillips is going to be a particular miss, considering the sparsity of midfield alternatives and the fact that he is England’s reigning Player of the Year, highlighting how talented player he has become.

A new midfielder may well be needed to be brought in this month to help fill the void, whereas fit-again Diego Llorente and Robin Koch will hopefully forge a strong centre-back pairing without club captain Cooper around. For now, it’s easy to see why Whelan is so worried.

In other news, one Leeds player is set to leave the club this summer. Find out who it is here.

Manchester United have suffered a potential selection setback ahead of their Premier League clash with Watford this afternoon, with key defender Luke Shaw unlikely to feature from the off.

What’s the word?

The Red Devils will definitely be without French duo Paul Pogba and Raphael Varane after they picked up thigh and hamstring injuries respectively. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could also have to contend with the enforced absences of both Edinson Cavani and Shaw.

Cavani missed the Manchester City match last time out and was not included in the Uruguay squad for the recent international break due to a tendon injury, while the England left-back has not appeared in training footage this week after he suffered a concussion against Pep Guardiola’s charges.

Solskjaer was coy over the pair’s availability in Friday’s press conference, but it’s very unlikely that they will be able to take their places in the starting XI when the Red Devils travel to Vicarage Road.

“There are a couple of doubts with illnesses and small niggles,” the Norwegian revealed. “Paul (Pogba) is out for a while, Rapha (Varane) is out for a while. Apart from that, players will be coming back in the near future, some this weekend, some in the week, but that’s the same for other players.”

Solskjaer will be gutted

The news that Shaw is highly unlikely to play any part for the 20-time English champions against Watford will leave Solskjaer feeling gutted.

Although the England international hasn’t been in top form this season, he has still started every Premier League game for United, highlighting how integral he is to the team.

His underlying numbers indicated how effective the 26-year-old has been this term despite his slip in performance levels. As per WhoScored, Shaw has averaged 1.8 crosses per league game – the highest tally amongst his teammates – and 2.1 key passes, the second-highest total when compared to his colleagues. Indeed, Old Trafford legend Rio Ferdinand has spoken highly of the left-back’s “exquisite” ball distribution in recent months.

Therefore, United’s attack could well be blunted if the marauding left-back is forced to watch on from the sidelines, providing a major blow to the Red Devils’ chances of securing a much-needed victory in Hertfordshire this afternoon.

In other news… Forget Telles: Ole could unearth MUFC gem in rarely-seen 18 y/o with a “great future”