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Sky Sports reporter Dan Bardell has shared his concern for Leeds United with a key star described as their biggest injury worry at Thorp Arch.

Leeds dealt fitness concerns with Farke cautiously hopeful

Following their first Championship defeat of the season against Burnley last weekend, with Basir Humphreys breaking Whites hearts in the dying seconds of added time, manager Daniel Farke must now prepare his side for their all-important clash at Cardiff City.

No Gnonto & "explosive" star unleashed in predicted Leeds lineup vs Cardiff

The possible starting XI that Daniel Farke could select for this Championship clash.

By
Dan Emery

Sep 20, 2024

The Yorkshire side are looking to secure Premier League promotion after narrowly missing out on a place in the top flight last term, having lost 1-0 to Southampton in their Championship play-off final back in May.

Leeds lost a host of players over the summer window as well, including star trio Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray and Georginio Rutter, so Farke really cannot afford an injury crisis on top of this.

Speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of Cardiff, Farke revealed the players who have been suffering with a few problems in the build up to their trip to Wales.

“We had a few little knocks and hits and problems during this week. Rodon missed two training sessions due to some glute problems,” said Farke on Leeds team news.

“Junior Firpo was struggling a bit with his MCL, Manor Solomon with some back problems. Joe Rothwell rolled his ankle, a few concerns but I’m carefully optimistic all of them will be available. Biggest question mark is [Manor] Solomon. [Max] Wober back in training today, just a light session, we wait to see his body reacts.

“Patrick Bamford back in team training since last Tuesday. Like all the players he can’t wait to be involved again. He tries to earn his place back in the squad and he’s edging closer.”

While Farke is hopeful Manor Solomon will be available, the Israeli international has been described as a “major” doubt in the build up to this game (Adam Pope).

The Spurs loanee has impressed in parts since making the move to Elland Road from N17, with pundit Paul Robinson calling him “quality” and Leeds’ best signing of the summer window.

Solomon absence would be real "blow" for Leeds

Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Sky journalist Bardell says potentially losing Solomon is a real worry for Leeds and would be a “blow”, and they cannot afford any more high-profile absences.

“Leeds are taking a few hits at the moment,” said Bardell.

“They can’t afford to be without too many players at one time and obviously they’ve lost a few attacking players. It’s a blow to lose Solomon because I’m not convinced they’ve got the squad depth at the moment to cover a mass of injuries. Losing two key players who play in the same position is a blow.“

The winger, valued at a sky-high £11 million by Transfermarkt, was out for the majority of the season in his debut campaign at Tottenham through injury – so supporters will be hoping he has better luck further north.

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has lavished praise on a "quality" player, who has performed well since sealing a move away from Tottenham in the summer.

Postecoglou and Lange lead summer window clearout at Tottenham

Spurs let a host of players leave in the summer window, as manager Ange Postecoglou and technical director Johan Lange moved to trim the squad of unwanted men who were deemed surplus-to-requirements.

Tottenham dealt another Arsenal worry as "world class" ace limps off injured

The Lilywhites are preparing for one of their biggest games of the season.

By
Emilio Galantini

Sep 11, 2024

Postecoglou gave the green light for his side to let 15 senior players leave on loan or permanently, with Giovani Lo Celso, Tanguy Ndombele, Ivan Perisic, Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier, Japhet Tanganga, Alejo Veliz, Bryan Gil, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Joe Rodon, Emerson Royal, Oliver Skipp, Ashley Phillips and Dane Scarlett all departing N17 in the summer.

Lilywhites chairman Daniel Levy has brought in a total of around £46 million through these exits, as the majority were free transfers or loan deals, but the club have freed up plenty of squad space and trimmed their wage bill in the process.

There is still a chance that the likes of Sergio Reguilion and Ben Davies could leave in the next two days as well, with the Turkish transfer window open until Friday. Super Lig champions Galatasaray have registered an interest in signing Davies from Spurs as their manager, Okan Buruk, plans to switch to a back three – according to reports.

Meanwhile, Reguilon has also attracted interest from Fenerbahce, where he would reunite with ex-Spurs boss Jose Mourinho. It's been an interesting and productive last few months in terms of player sales at Tottenham, with Manor Solomon being another one of the 15 players to leave north London.

The Israeli international, who joined Tottenham on a free from Shakhtar Donetsk last summer, spent the vast majority of last season sidelined – but his loan move to Leeds United has granted an opportunity for the winger to resurrect his career elsewhere.

Paul Robinson hails Manor Solomon after Tottenham exit

Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Sky pundit and ex-Spurs keeper Robinson has lavished praise on Solomon after his Tottenham exit – stating that he's Leeds' best signing of the window, while also praising the 25-year-old's excellent start to life in the Championship.

“I think he’s the best signing of the window at Leeds. He’s a really clever signing – he’s a Premier League player. We saw him on loan with Fulham, which prompted Tottenham to buy him," said Robinson.

“He didn’t really get his opportunities at Spurs last year but he’s very well established at international level, playing over 35 games for Israel. Looking at his quality and directness, he’s someone who belongs in the Premier League.

“Leeds have lost Rutter, lost Summerville, lost Sinisterra last season. Alongside Gnonto, he’s the type of player who does give Leeds Premier League quality. He was a very shrewd signing, who can play anywhere across the attack, even as a false-nine if needed. I thought he was excellent against Hull City.”

Solomon bagged an assist on his first start for Leeds against Hull, and time will tell whether Spurs regret letting him depart for the rest of this season, as they seek to build upon last campaign's fifth-placed finish.

Real Madrid have set a maximum limit on the amount they are willing to spend on Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold in the January window.

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Real want to sign Trent in JanuaryReady to pay a transfer fee for the full-backLiverpool rejected initial approach from RealFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Per , Los Blancos are ready to pay a transfer fee to secure Alexander-Arnold's signature in the January transfer window. However, they have set a spending limit for the English full-back. Alexander-Arnold has made it clear that he will exit Anfield in 2025 after he rejected yet another contract renewal offer from the Reds.

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The Spanish champions have been plagued with multiple injury woes in the 2024-25 campaign, with their backline suffering the most. As a result, they are looking to add a new defender in the January window. The club are reportedly willing to pay up to €25 million (£20m/$26m) for Alexander-Arnold this month. However, if Liverpool do not agree to the sale, Real will wait until the summer to sign the England international on a free transfer.

DID YOU KNOW?

According to journalist , Real have already launched their first approach to buy Alexander-Arnold in the winter window, but that was emphatically rejected by the Premier League leaders.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

Liverpool will be back in action this Sunday as they host rivals Manchester United in a crucial Premier League encounter, with Alexander-Arnold likely to retain his place in Arne Slot's starting XI despite the ongoing speculation over his future.

Into the final days of the summer transfer window, Leeds United are now reportedly planning a move to sign a replacement for Georginio Rutter in a last-gasp deal.

Leeds transfer news

It's been a busy week for those at Elland Road. Before securing their first victory of the season, defeating Sheffield Wednesday 2-0, the Whites secured the signing of Largie Ramazani. Replacing Crysencio Summerville, who swapped Leeds for West Ham United earlier this summer, Ramazani sealed a deal worth a reported €11.7m (£10m) from UD Almeria.

Speaking to the club's official website after putting pen to paper, the winger said: “Finally I'm here, I'm excited and I can't wait to get started. You know how big the club is and it was an easy decision for me and I just decided, you know what, this is a no-brainer. I'm very excited to come back to England, especially to a big club like this.”

“The fans and the club, I know how big it is. It's an emotional team, very passionate and that's something I love. I bring a little bit of that different flair and different type of skills. I think I can excite the fans and bring something different to the team. I think the objective is very clear and I’m just excited.”

Leeds to complete deal for "important" Premier League ace; medical booked

The Whites are finally set to land an attacking reinforcement.

By
Tom Cunningham

Aug 24, 2024

After replacing Ramazani, the 49ers Enterprises have instantly turned their attention to replacing Rutter. According to Football Insider, the 49ers and Leeds are planning a late move to sign Ilias Chair from Queens Park Rangers.

The attacking midfielder has just one year left on his current contract at Loftus Road and could, therefore, possibly leave at a cut price this summer in a boost for those at Elland Road.

"Terrific" Chair has Championship know-how

A player with over 200 appearances to his name in the Championship, Chair certainly knows what it takes to compete in England's second tier and could finally take a step towards the Premier League by completing a move to Leeds this summer. Of course, those in Yorkshire know all about his quality, given that he scored once and assisted twice in a stunning 4-0 victory for QPR over Leeds last season, embarrassing the Whites in the run-in.

Whilst Rutter managed over double the amount of assists that Chair recorded last season, it was not for the want of trying given that the QPR man made more key passes than the former Leeds star last time out.

QPR boss Marti Cifuentes may not be keen to show the door to his midfielder, however, having been full of praise for Chair last season, saying via West London Sport: “He wasn’t happy he hadn’t started the game of course, but that’s what I want. I want players here who are disappointed to be on the bench. He has got really strong attributes and was terrific. I felt confident at half-time that he would contribute.”

Chelsea's transfer activity throughout the summer has been interesting, to say the least. That hasn't stopped on transfer deadline day either.

Trevoh Chalobah looks like he's on his way to Crystal Palace at the 11th hour and there could be arrivals too, with talks ongoing over the acquisitions of two forward players.

One of those happens to be Jadon Sancho…

Chelsea's transfer deadline day business

Erik ten Hag stated this afternoon that he expected Sancho to stay at Manchester United. That may still happen but the Blues have been trying to complete a deal for the wide player today.

David Ornstein reported earlier on deadline day that talks had centred on an initial loan deal that would include an option to buy.

He's not the only player Chelsea have been trying to wrap up a last-gasp move for with Victor Osimhen a star they're hoping to get through the door before things close at 11pm.

With a move to Saudi Arabia now looking unlikely, Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol provided the latest on their ongoing pursuit this evening.

He took to social media to reveal the following: "Chelsea have not walked away from a deal for Victor Osimhen. They are waiting to hear if the deal can proceed but time is running out. Chelsea are still keen to complete the deal but it is being held up by negotiations over incentives in the player contract."

How Sancho and Osimhen would fit in at Chelsea

You may well argue that due to the sheer number of forwards at Chelsea's disposal, they do not need a player like Sancho.

There is no doubting the club's need for a striker like Osimhen. Nicolas Jackson was impressive last term, finding the net on 14 occasions in Premier League action but the feeling is that they need more, even despite Cole Palmer's ludicrous haul of goals and assists.

In the Napoli forward, they would be signing "one of the best players in the world" per Adriano Del Monte, someone who once found the net on a whopping 31 occasions during the 2022/23 season.

2021/22

18 (63)

2022/23

31 (50)

2023/24

17 (92)

Total

66 (205)

The thought of a player like that playing alongside Palmer is wonderful, but just envisage that alongside someone such as Sancho too.

His form may have deteriorated from his days at Borussia Dortmund but you only need to look at what he was capable of producing in Germany to realise why the two could be so dangerous together.

During the 2019/20 campaign, the Englishman registered a whopping 20 assists, numbers that would have any striker in the world, let alone someone of Osimhen's calibre, salivating.

To combine a natural goalscorer with someone so creative should, on paper, be a made match in heaven and it could well be one that powers Enzo Maresca's side up the table.

Chelsea can forget Osimhen & Toney with last-gasp move for £25m "monster"

The Blues’ transfer window is going to the eleventh hour…

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 30, 2024

Next season will be incredibly important for Tottenham Hotspur, as with a year under his belt and a squad he's now familiar with, the pressure will be on Ange Postecoglou to lead the club back into the Champions League.

However, the ease of the Australian's task will be greatly impacted by Daniel Levy and Co's actions in the remaining weeks of the transfer window, as with the right players, the North Londoners could find themselves flying up the Premier League table.

The good news is that the last few days have indicated that the club are intent on upgrading the squad, with Bournemouth's Dominic Solanke set to join.

The Englishman's clinical finishing will bring a cutting edge to Postecoglou's exciting style, and he could have an equally exciting player supplying the 26-year-old with chances, as reports have linked the club with a serious talent from north of the border who could be set to rival James Maddison for role of Chief creator.

Tottenham's pursuit of Solanke

After a relatively quiet summer of transfer activity, bar the signings of Archie Gray and Yang Min-Hyeok, Spurs have burst into life over the last few days to secure the services of Solanke.

The Athletic's David Ornstein confirmed early this morning that the Cherries have agreed to sell the Englishman to the Lilywhites for a "club-record fee," which Fabrizio Romano confirmed this afternoon to be £65m plus add-ons.

It's certainly a lot of money, but considering he scored 21 goals and provided four assists in 42 appearances last season, it could prove to be value for money in the long run, especially if he can finish off the chances that come from Spurs' dynamic style of play under Postecoglou.

However, who exactly is going to provide him with the chances is an interesting question though, as Maddison didn't have a particularly good second half of last season and, according to reports from this week, the club have been offered the chance to sign a midfielder who enjoyed an exceptional 23/24, Matt O'Riley.

How O'Riley compares to Maddison

According to a recent update from Paul O'Keefe, Tottenham have been offered the chance to sign Celtic star O'Riley this summer, who is valued at around £25m.

Unfortunately, O'Keefe doesn't think that the North Londoners are that interested at this point in time, but let's compare the Dane to Maddison to see why they should be.

So the main thing to look at is their output, as it's their ability to create chances for the likes of Solanke and their ability to finish the chances given to them that matters most, and in this metric, it's a big win for the Celtic man.

For example, in 49 appearances for the Hoops last season, the "phenomenal" midfielder, as manager Brendan Rodgers dubbed him, scored 19 goals and, most importantly, provided 18 assists. This means he averaged a goal involvement every 1.32 games, which is seriously impressive regardless of the league.

In contrast, the former Leicester City ace scored four goals and provided nine assists in 30 appearances, meaning he averaged a goal involvement every 2.30 games. However, the more concerning part about the Englishman's haul is that in his final 17 league matches, he produced just five goal involvements.

Appearances

49

30

Goals

19

4

Assists

18

9

Goal Involvements per Match

0.75

0.43

A drop-off in form like this wouldn't be an issue for Solanke next season if Postecoglou could rely on O'Riley to pick up some of the creative slack and provide the talented striker with plenty of opportunities to do what he does best: score. In fact, a midfield with both of them could be the perfect way to overwhelm weaker sides who deploy a stubborn low block.

Ultimately, it might not be a transfer we see happen, but based on his form for Celtic last season, £25m seems like a reasonable gamble for a player who could bring so much creativity to the midfield and get even more out of Solanke next season.

Best CF since Kane: Spurs close in on signing "predatory" goal machine

The impressive goalscorer would be a game-changer for the Lilywhites.

2 ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 8, 2024

Gary Wilson, Ireland’s long-serving wicketkeeper-batsman, has called time on his professional career and taken up a role as head coach and pathway manager for North-West Warriors in the interprovincial set-up.Wilson made 188 appearances across his Test, ODI and T20I careers, and a further 104 for the national team in matches without full international status, making him Ireland’s third most capped player of all time.His career overlapped with those of fellow keepers Niall O’Brien and, more recently, Lorcan Tucker, but he took the gloves for the majority of his international career and his ability with the bat in the middle order meant that he was a regular in the side even when he was overlooked behind the stumps.He was part of the Ireland squad at seven major ICC events – two 50-over World Cups and five World T20s – and captained the side in the T20 World Cup qualifiers in late 2019, which earned them their spot in the tournament later this year.Wilson also enjoyed a long career in county cricket. He was on the books at Surrey for more than a decade after graduating from the MCC Young Cricketers programme, captaining the club 33 times across formats between 2014 and 2015, and later spent two seasons at Derbyshire, where he captained the side in the T20 Blast.