Category Uncategorized

Manchester United are thought to be interested in Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, according to The Daily Mail. 

The Lowdown: Lavia profiled

Lavia left Manchester City for Southampton over the summer and has enjoyed a breakthrough season at St Mary’s. The 19-year-old can play as a holding midfielder or as a centre-back and has made 15 Premier League appearances during the current campaign.

Lavia shares the same agency as Jadon Sancho and has seen his Transfermarkt valuation rocket from €2m to €25m as a result of his performances, and it looks as if they have caught the eye at Old Trafford.

The Latest: United interest

The Daily Mail shared a story in the last 48 hours regarding Lavia, where United were named.

They said that the Red Devils have joined the list of clubs interested in the Belgian, with Southampton facing a battle to hold onto Lavia beyond this season.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-news-11/” title=”Latest Man Utd news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Future star?

Lavia has made a real impression in his debut season in the top flight, catching the eye of Paul Scholes back in August, with the United legend admitting he was surprised Manchester City decided to let him go.

He has been labelled as ‘impressive’ by members of the media and recently shone at Stamford Bridge in a 1-0 win against Chelsea, so appears to be a star in the making.

Therefore, it could be a wise move for United to explore a deal further over the coming months, especially with Southampton in real danger of slipping down into the Championship.

Mikel Arteta has reportedly ‘green-lighted’ a new contract for Granit Xhaka at Arsenal.

The Lowdown: Major turnaround for Xhaka

It was reported that Arsenal were set to open talks with the Swiss midfielder over a new deal by the end of 2022 after a major turnaround following his past relationship with many Gunners supporters.

Xhaka infamously swore at the Emirates Stadium faithful after being jeered when coming off as a substitute against Crystal Palace in 2019, which led to him being stripped of the captaincy.

Since then, he has had to rebuild his relationship with the support base, but he has been a key player in Arsenal’s success so far this season, featuring in Premier League and helping them to remain top of the table.

The Latest: Arteta green-lights new Xhaka contract

Taking to Twitter, Graeme Bailey says that Arteta has ‘green-lighted’ a new deal for Xhaka, who ‘wants to stay’ at Arsenal.

The transfer expert tweeted: “Granit Xhaka wants to stay with Arsenal – Mikel Arteta has green-lighted the move to keep him. Xhaka has been a key performer under Arteta since he took charge. Current deal has less than 18-months left to run.”

Expanding in his corresponding article for 90min, Bailey adds that talks have already taken place over a new contract, with Xhaka’s current deal set to expire in 2024.

The Verdict: Deserved

Xhaka’s new contract would be thoroughly deserved given his impressive performances this season.

The Switzerland international is excelling in a new role under Arteta, in which he has been given more licence to go forward and maraud into the penalty box, as evidenced by his four goals and five assists in total across all competitions in 2022/23.

He has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers in the top flight, ranking highly among his team-mates for average clearances, blocks, key passes and through balls per game (WhoScored).

Furthermore, extending his deal also protects his value for a future sale, although the Gunners will not be thinking about that just yet.

Presenter Joe Wainman believes that Rayo Vallecano manager Andoni Iraola is still the top target for the vacant managerial role at Leeds United, despite the Spaniard initially rejecting the move.

Could Iraola join Leeds?

Iraola has done a superb job at Rayo, initially guiding them to La Liga promotion, and his side are now competing for a European spot on a relatively small budget, whilst playing eye-catching football at the same time.

Leeds were heavily interested in the Spaniard, but he reportedly turned down an offer to move to Elland Road, but the club could still return for the 40-year-old.

Speaking on the Just Joe Football Show, Wainman claimed that he believes Iraola is still the top target, and Leeds should do all they can to bring him in now.

However, Alfred Schreuder has since come out as a serious contender for the job.

“I think at this point, just give Rayo Vallecano whatever they want for Iraola and get Iraola done,” he stated.

“I still believe that Iraola is the number one pick.”

Would he want to join now?

Given that Leeds are in a precarious position in the Premier League table, just one point and one place ahead of the relegation zone, it looks unlikely that Iraola would want to leave his current role, particularly as he could finish the season in a European spot.

However, if Leeds survive relegation, they could possibly attract him in the summer window, and he could be an excellent fit.

Formerly a defender in his playing days, Iraola played under Marcelo Bielsa at Athletic Bilbao, and has employed an attacking style at Rayo which could prove very popular at Leeds.

The youngest manager in La Liga, Iraola has earned plaudits for the high-intensity style Rayo have played under him, and his smart signings have helped propel the side up the table.

Even if they cannot attract him now, it is worth returning in the summer to secure what could be their ideal long-term Bielsa replacement.

Leeds United will be looking to record their first Premier League victory since November when they welcome Brentford to Elland Road this afternoon.

Jesse Marsch’s side clinched safety against the Bees last season but now face a tougher test, with the west Londoners unbeaten in eight and on the cusp of breaching the top six.

The American head coach will be hoping that the Whites can transition their midweek FA Cup win into the league, where they are desperate to pick up points, with another relegation battle still looming.

He can do himself and the club a massive favour by unleashing returning winger Luis Sinisterra from the off, perhaps over the underperforming Brenden Aaronson.

Despite being a regular since his summer switch from RB Salzburg, the USMNT international has struggled for form as his 6.52 rating sees him rank 11th overall in the current squad, having managed only one goal and two assists, via WhoScored.

Just one of those contributions have come over his last 13 outings, in which the Yorkshiremen have won just twice and have scored more than two goals in five of those outings, per Transfermarkt.

Sinisterra, meanwhile, has been absent with injury for several months and if he were available, then you’d imagine Aaronson would have been dropped a long time ago. In just nine appearances, of which only six have been starts, the Colombia international has found the net twice – on top of a goal and assist in the Carabao Cup, too.

On his day, the 23-year-old is an “exciting” and “mouth-watering” talent – in the words of ex-Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson – and one that could cause serious damage to Brentford, whose weakness appears to be in defending the flanks and against skilful players, according to WhoScored.

The tricky 5 foot 10 winger, who cost around £21m from Feyenoord, must therefore be unleashed from the off against the Bees as his presence on the pitch as the “animal” that compatriot Juan Cuadrado once dubbed him could give Marsch and co the best chances of picking up a victory.

Whilst there will be calls for new club-record signing Georginio Rutter to make his debut, for now, it should be the “Paul Gascoigne-esque” Sinisterra – as once described by MEN contributor Conor McGilligan – who gets the nod in west Yorkshire today.

AND in other news, Orta could seal “a great deal” with “incredible” third Leeds signing in £22m “protege”…

When Noni Madueke left Crystal Palace for Tottenham Hotspur in 2014, few would have predicted that he would be starring in the Eredivisie for PSV just over five years later.

The talented young winger was a product of Palace’s academy but would move across London to Spurs when he was just 12 years old, later signing for PSV’s youth system in 2018.

He has gone from strength to strength with the Dutch giants, establishing himself as a mainstay at the Philips Stadion and it is perhaps no surprise that the England U21 international is now attracting interest from some of Europe’s elite.

Chelsea are said to be pondering a move for the 20-year-old, who has contributed 20 goals and 14 assists in just 79 appearances for PSV’s first team, having produced some sensational numbers with their various academy sides.

While Graham Potter is reportedly very keen on the exciting young talent, it would be something of a surprise to see PSV let another winger go so soon after losing the talismanic Cody Gakpo to Liverpool.

However, it is surely only a matter of time before Madueke is seen in the Premier League and while it would have been impossible to predict his progression when he was just a child at Selhurst Park, the Eagles will no doubt already be rueing the fact that they weren’t able to keep him around.

PSV have reportedly set Madueke’s asking price at £31m, which would have been a huge fee for Palace had he remained in south London and enjoyed the same trajectory with his boyhood club, especially when you consider that only Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been sold for a larger fee in the club’s history.

Although Patrick Vieira is blessed with wide talents such as Wilfried Zaha, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise, Madueke’s impressive 7.19 rating from WhoScored for his performances in the Eredivisie this season suggests that he would have been a great player for Palace to have at the club.

Former PSV midfielder Tommie van de Leegte was full of praise for Madueke in 2020, saying:

“He’s fast and has the capability to trick his opponent. He brings creativity and is very explosive in his actions. That’s what PSV needs.”

If Madueke does end up at Chelsea, or another Premier League club in the future, then Palace will surely be even more disappointed that they couldn’t keep hold of the talented winger in 2014. Indeed, it is already safe to say that have endured a nightmare on the effervescent talent.

Tottenham Hotspur could sign USA international Weston McKennie, as CBS reporter Ben Jacobs drops a transfer hint on Twitter.

The Lowdown: McKennie linked with Tottenham…

The Juventus midfielder has been linked with a move to Spurs in recent weeks as manager Antonio Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici take an interest after the 2022 World Cup.

McKennie impressed for the USA in Qatar, with reports suggesting that the north Londoners have even made contact with the player’s entourage in recent weeks.

The 24-year-old has attracted Tottenham’s attention in past seasons, with CBS Sports reporter Jacobs now hinting at his possible signing on social media.

The Latest: Spurs could sign McKennie…

Speaking in a Q&A on Twitter, when asked who the Lilywhites could snap up in January, the journalist advised followers to keep a close eye on McKennie to Spurs.

Jacobs said: “McKennie is one to watch. Spurs would love Bastoni as well but it’s not an easy deal to pull off as they found last summer.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-3/” title=”Tottenham latest news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: The right man

Called an aerial ‘monster’ by members of the media, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher also heaped praise on McKennie for his some of his performances at the World Cup.

The former Schalke 04 star turned Carragher’s head with a rip-roaring display against England, with the former Liverpool legend praising the 24-year-old’s ‘energy’ in the middle of the park that night.

That attribute alone could appeal to Conte, who famously demands much of his squad in terms of fitness and tenacity.

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly would ‘love’ Christian Pulisic to remain at Stamford Bridge instead of leaving, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Pulisic’s future in doubt

The 23-year-old may be an undoubted star man for the USA but he has found it difficult to be a regular for the Blues this season, under both Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter.

Pulisic has only started three times in the Premier League in 2022/23 to date, while only one start has come his way in Chelsea’s Champions League campaign.

The American has been linked with a move away from west London – his current deal expires in 2024 – but it is a saga that could rumble on after a fresh update.

The Latest: Boehly wants winger to stay

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones claimed that Boehly would prefer to see Pulisic  stay at Chelsea:

“I don’t think Todd Boehly particularly wants to lose Pulisic, especially on the back of what he’s done at the World Cup.

“I think he would actually love him to stay at Chelsea if they can make it work. I still think there’s a couple of obstacles in that one.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-news-8/” title=”Latest Man Utd news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Verdict: Up in the air

Boehly certainly has a huge influence at Chelsea, in terms of transfers, but it is important that Potter keeps the player he wants and disposes of the deadwood.

If the manager decides that Pulisic should be sold, his decision needs to be respected, in order for him to be able to do his job and work with the players he wants.

This feels like a pivotal spell in the forward’s Chelsea career now, with failure to impress Potter likely to leave to his exit in the summer – which is something he may want himself.

There is no denying his quality, though – he has been called a ‘fantastic’ player by Jurgen Klinsmann – and at 23, he could still be worth persevering with for years to come.

Wolves have been linked with Atletico Madrid striker Matheus Cunha recently and the Brazilian could be Julen Lopetegui’s own version of Arsenal star Gabriel Jesus.

As per transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, the Old Gold are considering a swoop for the former RB Leipzig man in January as they look to amend their goalscoring woes in the second half of the Premier League season.

Cunha has struggled, like many strikers of late at Atletico Madrid, for goals and Wolves could help him rediscover the form that made him so highly rated during his time with Hertha Berlin, where he contributed 13 goals and ten assists in just 40 appearances.

After a solid return of six goals and six assists in La Liga last season, the 23-year-old has struggled for form so far this campaign, with no goals and just two assists for Diego Simeone’s side in all competitions.

While it would be a gamble for Wolves to sign someone who doesn’t look to be particularly potent in front of goal, as he would risk following in the footsteps of the likes of Raul Jimenez and Goncalo Guedes this season, Cunha’s previous form and obvious potential suggest that he could be a great addition at Molineux.

According to FBRef, Gabriel Jesus is the third-most similar player to the Atletico striker when compared to other strikers across Europe, and considering his impressive performances for table-toppers Arsenal so far this campaign, Wolves could definitely benefit from a similar forward.

The former Manchester City man has five goals and five assists in just 14 top-flight appearances, which has helped him to a phenomenal 7.59 average rating from WhoScored.

If we compare Cunha’s stats from last season with Jesus’ stats from this campaign, the two have registered extremely similar numbers with regard to expected goals and assists per 90 (o.74 vs 0.78), expected goals per shot (both 0.16) and tackles (both 19).

WhoScored also suggests that both Jesus and Cunha excel at dribbling and defensive contribution, while they both like to cut inside, so they are clearly similar types of player.

If Cunha can replicate the form that saw him labelled “incredible” by former Inter star Paolo Tramezzani, and potentially perform a similar role to Jesus’ at Arsenal, then he could definitely prove to be a superb addition by Lopetegui in January.

Leeds United midfielder Brenden Aaronson may possibly have attracted transfer interest from Jurgen Klopp following his performance against Liverpool last month, according to his former manager Jim Curtin. 

The Lowdown: Aaronson’s season so far

In May, it was announced that the Yorkshire club had secured a deal for Aaronson from Red Bull Salzburg for an initial fee of £24.7m.

Since then, the American has gone on to start all 14 of Leeds’ Premier League games this season, which shows how important a player he is for the team and Jesse Marsch.

Having completed the full 90 minutes of Leeds’ 2-1 win over Liverpool at the end of October, it seems as though one of his former managers has suggested that this performance may have caught the attention of the man in the opposition dugout at Anfield that night.

Aaaroson won seven duels and made two tackles and two interceptions in a diligent display against the Reds (Sofascore).

The Latest: Aaronson could have caught Klopp’s eye

On the subject of Aaronson’s display against Liverpool, Philadelphia Union manager Curtin – under whom the 22-year-old worked at that club – reckons that Klopp may have been inspired to consider taking an interest in the Leeds wizard after that performance.

He said (via Tom Bogert on Twitter): “To watch Aaronson play against Liverpool, you could tell by Jurgen Klopp’s body language every time Brenden did anything — Look, I wouldn’t be shocked if he’s interested in that kid after how he played against him.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-updates-copy/” title=”Latest Leeds United updates” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”] 

The Verdict: Leeds must keep hold of Aaronson

To highlight how impressive the 22-year-old has been for Leeds this season, he has made more key passes (27) and successful dribbles (19) than any other player at Elland Road.

In addition, only four other players in the Premier League have covered more distance on the pitch than the Leeds gem (156.8km), who could be in action for his country in the World Cup against Wales on Monday.

Taking this into account, and also the fact that Graham Smyth hailed Aaronson as Leeds’ “most dangerous player” in that match against Liverpool, it’s easy to see why Curtin think Klopp may want the player in his Reds squad.

Even though the American only joined the Whites in the summer, it should be one of the club’s top priorities to keep hold of the midfield maestro for as long as they can, given how impressive he has been since coming to Yorkshire.

Leeds United centre-forward Wilfried Gnonto is set to be handed his full debut in the Carabao Cup this evening.

What’s the latest?

In recent comments cited by The Independent, Jesse Marsch suggested that both the 19-year-old Italian and Joe Gelhardt could be given an opportunity from the off against Wolverhampton Wanderers this evening, with the American manager clearly impressed with the impact made by the summer signing in recent weeks.

When asked who could start at Molineux tonight, the 48-year-old said:

“Certainly Willy, I think Joffy as well. He hasn’t always played as much, but in training he’s been putting a lot into it and been really effective and performing well.”

Serious talent

Considering just how impressive Gnonto has been over his two first-team outings so far this season, it would very much appear as if the £5m summer signing is well worth unleashing from the off against Wolves this evening.

Indeed, after being brought on with the scores level and 18 minutes left to play in the Whites’ 2-1 victory over Liverpool back in October, the £8.7m-rated talent proved a game-changer for Marsch, with the Italian sensation playing a pivotal role in the build-up to Crysencio Summerville’s 89th-minute winner.

Taking a deft headed touch beyond the on-rushing James Milner, the £16k-per-week youngster held the ball up magnificently while awaiting his fellow attackers to flood the penalty area, before firing a ball into the feet of Patrick Bamford, who subsequently – and somewhat fortuitously – flicked the ball into Summerville who then fired past Alisson Becker.

The 19-year-old played a similarly key role in Leeds’ dramatic 4-3 victory over AFC Bournemouth last time out, once again being brought on as a second-half substitute and setting up Summerville’s 84th-minute winner.

Picking up Liam Cooper’s clearing header in the Whites’ third, the player who James Marshment dubbed a “serious” talent then turned on the afterburners, leaving a number of Bournemouth players in his wake, before slipping the Dutchman through one-on-one with a pinpoint pass to seal a dramatic comeback for the home side.

As such, with Gnonto having made a huge impact for Leeds over just 62 minutes of Premier League football, the potential of the six-cap starlet having a full 90 minutes in which to cause damage will undoubtedly be an extremely exciting one for the Elland Road faithful, while also being a terrifying prospect for Wolves’ defenders.