All posts by h716a5.icu

Desperate times call for desperate measures, with Leeds United having made the decision to appoint Sam Allardyce – who has been out of work for almost two years – in order to help secure their Premier League survival.

Despite having already parted ways with Jesse Marsch earlier in the campaign, the Whites have opted for one more roll of the dice by showing Javi Gracia the door, with the club still in a perilous position with just four games of the season left to play.

With the end of season fast approaching, the incoming Englishman will have little time to work his magic in an attempt to revive the struggling Elland Road outfit, with it yet to be seen whether it is merely a case of too little too late in the bid to stave off the drop.

The 68-year-old will be taking charge of a side that is currently on a run of five league games without a win following the weekend defeat away to Bournemouth, with the current crop of senior stars having undoubtedly been well below-par of late.

With that in mind, it may be wise for Allardyce to turn to the Yorkshire side's pool of exciting youngsters in order to find a potential relegation solution, with 19-year-old Darko Gyabi seemingly one such talent who could provide a much-needed lift the floundering first-team.

Who is Leeds United's Darko Gyabi?

With Leeds having forked out around £5m to sign the highly-rated teenager from Manchester City last summer, the England U19 international has gone on to feature just three times at senior level since then, having rather bizarrely been overlooked by both Marsch and his successor.

Despite a potential slot in the squad having emerged amid Tyler Adams' injury woes, the departing Gracia has still favoured a midfield pairing of Marc Roca and Weston McKennie in recent times, despite the latter man, in particular, having looked "out of his depth", according to pundit Jon Newsome.

Signed on an initial loan deal from Juventus in January, McKennie has been unable to have the desired impact at Elland Road thus far, with Newsome also stating the game merely "passes him by", such are his woes.

The United States international can "comes across as lazy" and "look slow" when he's "not playing well" – as per transfer insider Dean Jones – with those shortcomings having been evident against the Cherries last time out, as the 6 foot dud was a 'complete passenger' according to Leeds Live's William Jackson.

As such, there is nothing really to lose from giving young Gyabi a chance to shine moving forward, with the London-born gem having shown his quality in the youth ranks so far this season, notably contributing two goals and three assists in 17 Premier League 2 games.

The exciting talent only recently 'showed his class' in the defeat to West Bromwich Albion's U21 side – as per Jackson – having also been branded as "class" by journalist Joe Donnohue after putting in the "most complete midfield display" of any Leeds player "at any level" this season against Derby County back in March.

While there's no guarantee that the former Etihad starlet would be able to replicate such standout displays amid an intense scrap for survival with the first-team, the woes of McKennie and co should ensure that Allardyce at least contemplates a promotion for the youngster.

Newcastle United could now land Brazilian sensation Angelo Gabriel this summer, with reports in Brazil (via Sport Witness) revealing that his club, Santos, are in desperate need of cash.

What is the latest on Angelo Gabriel to Newcastle?

The Premier League outfit have had an incredible campaign this year, surprising plenty with how competitive they've been and with their staying power at the top end of the division. The club are currently sat in third place with just five games to go and are eyeing a first season in Europe since 2012/13, when they featured in the Europa League.

It comes down to a combination of new owners PIF and manager Eddie Howe. Newcastle's new owners have already splashed the cash with the Toon and are even considering rivalling Man City by branching out into the ownership of other clubs, with KV Oostende in Belgium the latest side rumored to be on their radar.

Howe too has shone, managing his best ever win-rate as a boss with 54%. Being given a platform to work with, the former Bournemouth boss is flourishing and will be looking to add more strength to his side's ranks this window in order to keep his team improving.

One name that could make the move to England this summer is Angelo Gabriel, with Brazilian media via Sport Witness reporting that Santos are prepared to sell the winger. The report states that the South American club need money, as they are struggling financially, and are willing to part ways with Gabriel to boost their funds. Newcastle are prepared to capitalise on that situation and could launch a fresh bid to sign him then at the end of the campaign.

Who is Angelo Gabriel?

Gabriel is the latest Brazilian youngster to be impressing in his native country, with clubs now lining up to sign him according to previous reports from Italy.

The winger has impressed despite his youth, breaking records before he has even hit his twenties. He is already the youngest player to ever score in the Copa Libertadores and his former coach Ariel Holan admitted that the player has a "huge future" in the game.

His efforts in Brazil so far would certainly back that up – he's played in 116 games for Santos already and has 13 goal contributions to his name, with the 18-year-old proving he has a penchant for teeing up his teammates via his ten assists.

Whilst a move to Newcastle – or any club for that matter – at this age would be a tough prospect for most players, Gabriel has already achieved plenty despite his tender age and his potential is clear to see. The Toon would do well to have him in their squad.

Tottenham manager target Vincent Kompany has held a three-hour phone call with London rivals Chelsea recently, according to journalist Nathan Gissing.

What’s the latest on Kompany to Spurs?

There have been many, many different reports linking the Man City legend to Spurs in the last month, with some even suggesting that he is chairman Daniel Levy’s top target.

The Lilywhites parted company with former boss Antonio Conte last month after a mutual agreement, leaving interim boss Cristian Stellini and assistant coach Ryan Mason in temporary charge until the end of this Premier League season.

Kompany is on the agenda to replace Conte at Spurs with reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano recently backing their real interest in the Burnley boss. Even though there are some reports of the 37-year-old being unwilling to leave Turf Moor, other conflicting claims state that he is open to talks with Tottenham.

One common denominator among these rumours is Spurs do like the former Anderlecht boss, but they aren’t the only side, with Chelsea also eyeing a move for Kompany.

After sacking Graham Potter, the Stamford Bridge side are still well in the search for their new manager alongside Spurs – posing a threat to Levy and co as both clubs chase football’s most sought-after coaches.

Now, sharing an update on Kompany, reporter Gissing – who contributes to Sky journalist Gianluca Di Marzio’s personal website – says Chelsea are moving for the tactician.

Should Spurs keep pushing for Kompany?

It appears that Chelsea could rival Spurs for another manager, coming after reports of their interest in Luis Enrique and Mauricio Pochettino.

Leading Burnley back to the top flight at the first time of asking, Kompany is attracting real attention as a man in demand, with his stock never being higher.

The Championship leaders have scored more goals, conceded fewest and won more matches than any other side in England’s second tier – highlighting the remarkable job he’s done since taking the reins in Lancashire.

Pep Guardiola is certainly an admirer of his character and leadership, having called him an ‘incredible’ figure whilst holding the utmost respect for his former star.

Chelsea’s presence complicates a Tottenham move for Kompany somewhat, so it will be interesting to see if Spurs keep pursuing or move on to other targets.

Chelsea face Real Madrid in the Champions League second leg tonight, with Frank Lampard's side in need of a miracle if they are to overturn a two-goal deficit against the holders at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues have lost three games in a row since Lampard was appointed as interim manager until the end of the season and were comfortably second-best at the Santiago Bernabeu last week, with goals from Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio sealing a 2-0 win for Carlo Ancelotti's side.

With a lack of quality in the final third still the major issue for the west London outfit, Lampard must consider restoring Kai Havertz to his starting side tonight, in the hope that Chelsea's top scorer can inspire the Blues to an unlikely victory.

Should Havertz start against Real Madrid?

The former Bayer Leverkusen man was sidelined for last weekend's 2-1 defeat by Brighton due to a knee problem but returned to training at Cobham on Monday and is reportedly fit to face Madrid.

Although the 23-year-old has been criticised for his "criminal" finishing this season – as per vlogger George Benson – he is still comfortably the top scorer in Chelsea's squad, as he boasts seven goals in the Premier League and two in the Champions League so far this campaign.

With finding the net a must this evening, it surely makes sense to unleash the Germany international, as he has registered the second-most shots and fifth-most key passes per game in the Premier League throughout the Chelsea squad this term.

Havertz, who earns £150k-per-week at Stamford Bridge, earned a lot of praise from Owen Hargreaves on BT Sport after he scored in the 2-0 triumph against Borussia Dortmund earlier in the season.

He said (via Football 365): “I thought Kai Havertz was absolutely outstanding. He stepped up, the composure to step up and put it in the same place, I thought he was brilliant today.

“A lot of people say as a false nine, a player in different positions, I just thought he delivers. He was fantastic today, showed real composure in big moments."

The young attacker's ability in the air also makes him an excellent target man, and someone who can hold the ball up and be a threat from crosses, which could be crucial after the Blues struggled so much to keep the ball against Brighton over the weekend when Lampard selected three less-than-physical winger options in his attack.

Only Benoit Badiashile has won more than Havertz's 2.4 successful aerial duels per game this season which suggests that he could dominate Madrid's centre-back David Alaba, who has mustered just 0.4 aerials won per game in La Liga so far this term.

The Austrian possesses a huge amount of experience thanks to his time with Bayern Munich and Madrid but stands at just 5 foot 11, so could struggle against the 6 foot 4 Havertz, and Lampard must surely restore him to his starting side if he wants to see Chelsea progress to the semi-finals tonight.

Tottenham Hotspur caretaker manager Cristian Stellini is dealing with an injury crisis heading into their Premier League clash with Brighton and Hove Albion this afternoon, and things aren't getting any better just yet…

What's the latest on Richarlison's injury?

Several of Spurs' usual starters are on the treatment table right now, ranging from the long-term blows of Rodrigo Bentancur and Emerson Royal, to the more short-term absences of Ben Davies and Richarlison.

The Brazil international has returned to light training this week but according to the Italian, who was Antonio Conte's assistant prior to his departure, he isn't going to feature today.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference (via football.london), Stellini revealed:

"No good news about players that come back for the next game.

"We are getting closer with Richarlison. He trained on the pitch but he trained alone. We are going well with Ben Davies with the plan but we have to wait a bit for him."

How big a blow is this news to Spurs?

On Monday night, the Lilywhites let slip in the race to finish in the top four, having witnessed Everton defender Michael Keane rifle in a late long-range screamer to equalise at Goodison Park.

It means that they remained in fifth place and a defeat to the high-flying Seagulls could soon see them drop closer to the Europa Conference League, or no place in Europe at all. That's because today's visitors hold a game in hand on Spurs.

Richarlison has certainly struggled in the Premier League this season, failing to register a single goal, but he has largely played second fiddle to Harry Kane as the backup no.9. Indeed, he's averaged only 39 minutes per top-flight appearance.

Meanwhile, Heung-min Son continues to be trusted despite his own woes, so if the £90k-per-week star was available, you can't help but feel he'd have gotten his chance in recent matches, if not this one.

Once lauded as a "warrior" by Conte, the 24-year-old's incredible attitude and drive is something that the squad could benefit from as it's infectious and it may well be what's needed to get them over the line.

In a disappointing Toffees team last term, Richarlison found the net ten times and laid on five assists, so you don't become a poor player overnight and now he's got players like Kane and Dejan Kulusevski around him, much better options than in Merseyside.

As such, the continued absence of Richarlison is sure to be a gutting blow to Stellini and the squad, though they will hopefully get him back on the pitch in time for a winnable clash against relegation candidates AFC Bournemouth next weekend.

Leeds United are working on a move to bring Hamilton Academical teenager Josh McDonald to Elland Road, Football Insider report.

What’s the latest Leeds transfer news?

The Whites are currently in a battle to avoid the drop in the Premier League under Javi Gracia, however, sporting Victor Orta already appears to be looking at potential summer transfers.

He has confirmed that the club are keen on bringing in Barcelona teenager Ilias Akhomach when his Nou Camp contract expires in the summer, whereas Leeds also made a late move to hijack Aston Villa’s deal for Celtic youngster Aidan Borland.

Adding to the club’s Thorp Arch academy appears to be high on Orta’s agenda over the coming months, with a move for McDonald seemingly of interest to those in Yorkshire.

Football Insider shared a story regarding McDonald and Leeds in the last 48 hours. They revealed that the Whites have already been in contact with the 16-year-old midfielder and his family, looking to tempt him to move south. Leeds aren’t alone, though, with Rangers and other Premier League sides eyeing the teenager.

Could McDonald be a future first-team star at Leeds?

Orta has brought in several youngsters during his time at Leeds, with many getting their chance on the first-team stage in the Premier League. The likes of Illan Meslier and Pascal Struijk are now considered first-team regulars after joining as teenagers, whereas Crysencio Summerville and summer signing Wilfried Gnonto have also made a positive impact in Yorkshire.

The Whites even became the first team in Premier League history to hand eight teenagers their debuts in a single campaign last season, with Leo Hjelde being one of those after arriving from another Scottish side in Celtic. McDonald could be well aware of the pathway through to the senior side at Leeds, and it looks as if the Whites are keen on getting a deal done after approaching the teenager and his family.

Described as an “exceptional talent” by coaches, McDonald could well be the next player to try and breakthrough at Elland Road. He has already made seven caps for his nation at U18 level, two years above his age group, and a move south to Leeds could well be one to keep an eye on following this update.

Arsene Wenger enjoyed a remarkable 22-year spell in charge of Arsenal, leading them to their finest ever era and becoming the first team to go an entire Premier League campaign undefeated, doing so in 2003/04.

It wasn’t just the winning that was enjoyable, but the swashbuckling style of football they played while doing so, swatting teams away with ease, with players such as Thierry Henry and Dennis Bergkamp enjoying plenty of freedom.

His final decade in charge of the Gunners was much less successful and his business in the transfer market became progressively worse, signing duds such as Lucas Perez and Marouane Chamakh who didn’t exactly improve the side as they only won three FA Cups during his final 12 years at the helm.

One of his poorest signings was that of French right-back Mathieu Debuchy, who failed to live up to the hype during his failed spell at the North Londoners between 2014 and 2018.

How much did Mathieu Debuchy cost Arsenal?

The defender joined the club in the summer of 2014 for a fee reported to be £12m and considering his performances for Newcastle United, making 46 appearances in 18 months and the French national side, featuring in the recent 2014 World Cup, he looked like a solid signing by Wenger.

Indeed, he even praised Debuchy highly upon his arrival, saying: "He has shown he can perform at the highest level with his club sides and also for France. He is a quality defender who has good Premier League experience and I'm confident he will fit in very well with us."

His spell would turn out to be a mistake, making just 22 appearances in his first 18 months at the club, largely due to a shoulder injury. The right-back would subsequently join French side Bordeaux for the second half of the 2015/16 campaign.

Returning to Arsenal ahead of the 2016/17 season, it looked as though Wenger was going to give him a second chance, yet he failed to take it, playing just once that term and only seven games the season after before sealing a move back to Ligue 1, joining Saint-Étienne in January 2018.

He clearly couldn’t quite cut it in England as after leaving for his homeland, Debuchy scored four goals during his first six months in France, even earning the player of the month award shortly after moving to the club, completing a sparkling turnaround.

His spell at the Emirates was a disaster and across his 156 weeks in London (not counting his loan spell), he rinsed the club for a total of £22.7m, combining his transfer fee plus the £10.7m he earned in wages.

He was even dubbed “terrible” by popular Arsenal fan site the Short Fuse back in 2016, having cost the club £760k every time he played, a staggering waste of money which could have been spent on other areas of the team.

It was a rare flop by Wenger, but when he made mistakes, they were often on a colossal scale.

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is being targeted by Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the summer window, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Rise to prominence

The Eagles centre-back isn’t out of contract at Selhurst Park until 2026, but being a regular feature this season having started 27 of the 28 top-flight games, has been rewarded for his performances.

England manager Gareth Southgate recently called the 22-year-old up to his Three Lions squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers which has raised his profile among clubs eyeing possible targets.

Roy Hodgson will know that the 6 foot star will be looking for a move elsewhere in the upcoming window should the club get relegated, and if that is the case, he isn’t short of a potential suitor.

The Latest: Spurs eyeing Guehi

According to Football Transfers, Tottenham ‘want to bolster’ their defensive ranks with the addition of Guehi ahead of the 2023/24 term.

Manchester United are also credited with an interest in the star but it’s reported that Antonio Conte’s side are the ‘closest’ to wrapping up a deal later in the summer.

Reporter Steve Kay delivered a further update on Spurs’ current stance. He said:

“Spurs are interested in signing Marc Guehi in the summer. Palace want £65m. Spurs apparently won’t pay that – they’re looking at paying around £45m.

“Tottenham have been looking for a young, versatile defender for quite a while now, and they have recently inquired about Aymeric Laporte and Pau Torres.

“They want someone who can play as a left- or right-sided centre-back in place of Eric Dier, who is a midfielder playing in a centre-back role, and Davinson Sanchez, who has been at the club since 2016 but simply hasn’t hit the heights expected of him.”

The Verdict: Keep hold of him

Guehi has been lauded a ‘leader’ at Crystal Palace by talent scout Jacek Kulig so Hodgson and the hierarchy need to do everything they can to keep hold of him beyond the summer window.

The Cote d’Ivoire native is currently averaging 3.7 clearances and 1.6 tackles per league game, alongside recording an 86.3% pass success rate, displaying the rock he is at the heart of the backline and how comfortable he is playing out from the back (WhoScored).

The England international is also strong in the offensive aspect of his game having scored four goals and provided one assist during his time at the club, highlighting the threat he brings to set pieces (Transfermarkt).

Finally, Guehi adds versatility to the squad with his ability to also operate at left-back and right-back and even the thought of losing him will be a huge blow to Palace.

Nottingham Forest are looking to raid Championship side Huddersfield Town, starting with left-back Harry Toffolo.

What’s the word?

That’s according to the Daily Mail, who claim that both Toffolo and Lewis O’Brien are high on Steve Cooper’s wish list.

Both were ever-present last season for the Terriers, and the Tricky Trees are interested in the pair despite knocking them out of the playoff final just two months ago.

Forest have already made three signings, and could be set to make two more in one swoop.

Way better than Colback

Jack Colback has deputised relatively well at left wing back for Cooper’s side, recording four goal contributions across 38 Championship appearances.

However, at the age of 32 and naturally declining, it would make sense to bring in a fresh marauding full-back to rejuvenate their left-hand side.

Toffolo scored six and assisted seven throughout the Championship season, impressing greatly for the playoff pushers.

He, therefore, recorded a decent 6.88 average SofaScore rating, which is made even more impressive given the £2.25m-rated ace’s remarkable 42 league appearances.

Although Colback does boast a slightly higher SofaScore rating of 6.94, again his age will most likely prevent him from progressing this rating. The sky is the limit for the 26-year-old.

Danny Cowley, his former boss, was full of praise for the defender back in early 2020. He had the following to say: “He can score goals from left-back.

“He’s rampaging. He will get on the overlap and probably create and assist more goals than he scores, but we like the fact that he’s still about defending first.”

To support Cowley’s statement is Toffolo’s defensive stats, as he averages 1 tackle, 1.9 clearances and 0.8 interceptions per 90. Whilst not spectacular, the modern full-back does often prioritise attacking, yet his defensive stats do not falter.

His offensive output certainly suits Cooper’s three-at-the-back system, as it allows the wing-backs the freedom to push forward. That was why Djed Spence succeeded and is certainly why Toffolo would if he was to make the move.

He would certainly be an upgrade on the £7.1k-per-week midfielder turned defender, who has been solid if unspectacular. The Huddersfield flyer could certainly bring the spectacular to the City Ground.

AND, in other news: “Advanced talks”: Sky Sports journo drops claim that’ll leave Forest supporters gutted.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is ‘really pushing’ to sign Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: ‘Official proposal’

The Red Devils are finally making progress in the transfer market ahead of the 52-year-old’s first season in charge at Old Trafford. United look set to sign Feyenoord left-back Tyrell Malacia and have also reached a verbal agreement with free agent Christian Eriksen.

They also appear to be getting closer to agreeing a fee with Barcelona for priority target Frenkie de Jong and have recently made an ‘official proposal’ to Martinez.

The Latest: Romano’s comments

Romano has now shed further light on the situation involving Martinez and Manchester United, claiming that the Argentine is well aware that Ten Hag ‘is really pushing’ to bring him to Old Trafford.

The Italian told GiveMeSport: “At the moment, the man who is pushing is Erik ten Hag and so this could be a factor. The player has not decided yet, but he knows that Erik ten Hag can be a factor. The player knows that Erik is really pushing to have him at Manchester United.”

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The Verdict: Get it done

Martinez was described as an “excellent player” by Ten Hag and was a regular under the Dutchman at the Johan Cruyff Arena last season prior to suffering a muscular injury in April.

He played his part in an Ajax team which conceded just 19 goals in 34 league games, whereas United had a season to forget at the back, shipping more goals than relegated Burnley.

Therefore, signing a tried and trusted defender under Ten Hag appears to be a no-brainer, especially with Martinez also able to cover at full-back and in midfield and being at the peak of his powers with a career-high £28.8m Transfermarkt valuation.