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When Leeds signed Djed Spence on loan from Tottenham Hotspur last summer, the initial plan was for him to stay at Elland Road for the entirety of the season. However, early in the January transfer window, the decision was taken to cut the loan short and send him back to North London early.

Manager Daniel Farke appeared to hint that disciplinary concerns were at play when asked about the matter in a press conference, implying that he'd fallen short of "expectations" when it came to "professionalism" and "workload". While he may feel that parting with Spence will be good for the atmosphere within the camp in that respect, he does still need to find a replacement at full-back for the remainder of the campaign to ensure he's not caught short.

It appears that Neco Williams at Nottingham Forest has been identified as a potential solution. Williams made his first-team breakthrough at Liverpool, but after a six-month spell on loan at Fulham in the first half of 2022, he made a permanent switch to Forest for around £17m.

He's racked up 49 games for the club so far, including 13 this season, and was finding game time hard to come by before Steve Cooper was sacked. Williams started just three Premier League games, and appeared in eight, under his compatriot, but has been involved in all three of Nuno's matches, starting one.

Phil Hay update on Neco Williams interest

Speaking on The Square Ball Podcast, journalist Phil Hay says "a few people have been telling" him that Leeds "like" Williams, but he stressed that it would be a tricky deal to execute. That's because, right now, it doesn't look like "there is any scope for Forest letting him out", with Williams seemingly "well in the plans of Nuno".

Williams may well have grown frustrated with his lack of opportunities so far this season, and that may mean he's open to the possibility of dropping down a tier to play more regularly. To further smooth things over on the player side, Leeds already have a relationship with his agents, who represent Crysencio Summerville. The challenge comes in convincing Forest.

Williams would be perfect for Leeds

Liverpool vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold has called Williams an "amazing talent" who "will have a bright future no matter what", and perhaps the best demonstration of that came when he got a taste of the Championship with Fulham. As the table below shows, he ranked inside the league's top six defenders (minimum ten games played) for completed dribbles, accurate final-third passes, accurate crosses and shots per game

He was a potent offensive threat in the full-back positions and someone who's also capable of the spectacular – one of his four direct goal contributions for the Cottagers was a goal-of-the-month nominated strike against Swansea.

This, then, would be a perfect signing for promotion-chasing Leeds given that Williams has proven how effective he can be in the second tier. They may, however, have to see how things pan out for Williams over the course of this month, and hope for a late change of heart from his club.

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Fulham's Tosin Adarabioyo as a free agent this summer.

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• Adarabioyo set to depart Fulham
• Newcastle, Chelsea show interest
• Man Utd also interested in free agent

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Adarabioyo announced his decision not to renew with Fulham earlier this year, and as such, a lot of clubs have shown interest in the defender. One such club has been Eddie Howe's Newcastle United, who are looking to make the 26-year-old their first signing this season alongside Lloyd Kelly.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As per reports from iNews, Chelsea are now pondering upon a move for Adarabioyo as they look to plug the gap left by the departure of veteran centre-back Thiago Silva. Chelsea are still managerless after parting ways with Mauricio Pochettino at the end of the Premier League season and may not be able to strike before Newcastle sign the defender. However, Adarabioyo will know that the prospect of playing for Chelsea could provide a better platform to get international recognition and could wait for the Blues.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Manchester United are another club that is showing interest in the centre-back this summer with the departure of Raphael Varane confirmed and Jonny Evans' future at the club uncertain. Adarabioyo is a native of Manchester and could potentially be enticed into a move back home but to his boyhood club, Manchester City's rival.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR ADARABIOYO?

  It is possible that Adarabioyo's situation could be on hold for Chelsea until the end of their hunt for a new manager, and the same could be the situation for Man Utd, with Erik ten Hag's future at the club still uncertain. In the meantime, Newcastle will look to draw first blood and gain the upper hand in negotiations.

With just over half of the 2023/24 season complete, it would be fair to describe Newcastle United's campaign as disappointing.

The Toon finished bottom of their Champions League group and are currently tenth in the Premier League, and while much of their poor form can be blamed on their enormous injury and suspension list, which has undoubtedly hamstrung them this season, there have been some dire performances as well.

However, with 17 games to go, there is still a chance that Eddie Howe can drag his team back into the European places, and the latest player touted for a move to St James' Park could certainly help them do that while replacing Callum Wilson at the same time.

Bundesliga scoring sensation lands on Newcastle's radar

According to a report from Football Insider at the weekend, Newcastle are among several Premier League and European clubs interested in Stuttgart's red-hot striker Serhou Guirassy this month.

The report names Manchester United, West Ham United and AC Milan as some of the other interested parties and considering the 27-year-old has already scored 17 Bundesliga goals this campaign, it's no surprise that he has generated such interest.

While this outside interest and competition are far from ideal for the Magpies, the £15m release clause that is reportedly inserted into the Guinean's contract could make this a fantastic deal should they be able to tempt him to the northeast.

However, one player who might be less than thrilled with this transfer is Wilson, who could well lose his place to the Bundesliga star.

How Serhou Guirassy compares to Callum Wilson

The former Bournemouth star has been a great player for Newcastle in the three and a half seasons he has been at the club, registering ten goals or more in the previous three seasons, and with seven this year, it looks like he'll make that four out of four.

So, why would the Toon want to replace him? Well, the first reason is availability. In the time he has been at Newcastle, the Englishman has missed 71 games for club and country, and while Guirassy has had his share of injury problems in the past, he has only missed 25 games in that same period.

The second reason is age. The former Cherries man is a month out from his 32nd birthday, whereas the "insane" Stuttgart ace, as described by U23 scout Antonio Mango, is just 27, which, according to The Athletic, is the statistical peak for modern-day strikers.

Finally, while Wilson has scored an impressive number of goals for the Magpies, Guirassy seems to be on an entirely different level when it comes to finding the back of the net, with his manager Sebastian Hoeneß claiming he's "putting everything away" this year.

With that said, how do the pair's underlying numbers compare? Well, considering the Arles-born monster is second to only Harry Kane in the Bundesliga's Golden Boot race, it should be no surprise that he comes out ahead in most relevant metrics.

For example, despite producing relatively similar expected goal figures, the former FC Koln forward scores significantly more goals in reality. Likewise, while the pair take almost the same number of shots on target per 90, Guirassy converts almost twice as many of those shots into goals as his English competition.

Newcastle set to step up efforts to sign "elite" colossus

He could be a fantastic signing for Eddie Howe this year.

By
Henry Jackson

Jan 14, 2024

Ultimately, Wilson is a great striker and has been a more than useful player for the Toon, but with his constant injuries and age, a move for Guirassy just makes too much sense for Newcastle to ignore if they want to reach the next level.

Manchester United have reportedly joined Tottenham in the race for Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, who comes with a £60m ($76m) price tag.

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• Eagles playmaker starring at Selhurst Park
• Made England squad for Euro 2024
• Could be on the move in summer window

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Red Devils are eager to bring more creativity and goal threat into their ranks during the summer transfer window. They found the target on just 57 occasions in the Premier League last season – the joint-lowest return in the top-half of the table.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  According to , United have identified Eze as a potential new recruit – having seen him post 11 goals and four assists for Palace in the 2023-24 campaign. The talented 25-year-old is now in England’s squad for Euro 2024.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Part of the problem for those at Old Trafford is that activating a £60m release clause in Eze’s contract will not be easy. With Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules to take into account, United will need to sell before splashing the cash again. In contrast, Spurs have no Profit and Sustainability (PSR) concerns to contend with.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The north London outfit are considered to be in pole position at present, as they boast a solid working relationship with Palace, but United are ready to join the hunt as INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe seeks to make sure that funds are made available for additions that will raise collective standards in Manchester.

Manager Ange Postecoglou is personally open to selling an "important" Tottenham player and a "surprise" move could now be on the cards.

Spurs players offloaded in January

Many members of Postecoglou's squad have sealed temporary moves elsewhere this window, with Djed Spence, Eric Dier, Ashley Phillips, Sergio Reguilon, Japhet Tanganga and Ivan Perisic all leaving.

Tottenham in talks and working hard to complete another deal alongside Nusa

The Lilywhites are “confident” they’ll seal two more signings before February 1.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jan 24, 2024

Despite the nature of their transfers to Hadjuk Split and Bayern Munich respectively, both Perisic and Dier have played their last games for Spurs. The duo's Tottenham contracts expire this summer, but letting them go out on loan before departing for good is still good business by Lilywhites chairman Daniel Levy.

Tottenham rid themselves of Perisic and Dier's high-earning salaries, while allowing their current clubs to snap them up for free on Bosman deals in the summer.

More could yet follow the aforementioned out the door at Spurs, as uncertainty surrounds the futures of Emerson Royal, Bryan Gil and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Emerson has been subject to late-window bids from Saudi Arabia, with Al Nassr recently having a bid rejected for the Brazilian. However, it is believed they could come back with another bid, and there are reports that Emerson is open to joining Al-Nassr if an agreement can be reached.

Italian newspaper Correire dello Sport (via Sport Witness) also said this week that Gil is expected to leave Tottenham and this has alerted Serie A side Lazio, who believe they can snap him up on a loan-to-buy deal.

Then there is the ongoing case of Hojbjerg, who's been repeatedly linked with an exit from Spurs since late last year.

The Denmark international has found starting opportunities very hard to come by under Postecoglou since he took over from Antonio Conte. Starting just five Premier League games all season, Hojbjerg's chances would arguably have been more limited if it wasn't for the sheer amount of injuries and absences in recent months.

The 28-year-old apparently wants to leave in search of more game time, with TEAMtalk now sharing an interesting update on his future.

Hojbjerg could make "surprise" move in January

According to their information, Hojbjerg could make a "surprise" switch to Saudi Arabia with a move to the Middle East possible before February 1.

Postecoglou is personally open to the player leaving, and Saudi sides would have "no problem" paying Tottenham's rumoured asking price of around £20 million.

Levy has apparently been searching for buyers in that part of the world, and it now seems a switch there "could be on the cards" for Hojbjerg.

It's added that the club will decide on his future "imminently", as time is running out to potentially part company with Hojbjerg and make a move for Chelsea star Conor Gallagher as his replacement, which has been reported elsewhere.

While Postecoglou hasn't gave Hojbjerg many chances in his starting eleven, the Australian has still called him an "important" player this season.

Gareth Southgate admits fielding Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield is "an experiment" and claims England lack a replacement for Kalvin Phillips.

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• England held to a 1-1 draw by Denmark
• Three Lions' midfield under the scanner
• Southgate moans about lack of resources

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  England's bid to secure top spot in Group C of Euro 2024 hit a stumbling block as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Denmark in Frankfurt. Despite taking an early lead through Harry Kane, the Three Lions struggled to maintain their momentum with Morten Hjulmand's stunning long-range strike erasing their advantage.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After a lacklustre performance against Serbia, Alexander-Arnold was handed a second opportunity to prove his critics wrong but the Liverpool player once again failed to live up to the task and was substituted for Conor Gallagher just ten minutes into the second half. Naturally, Southgate was bombarded with questions on Alexander-Arnold's role in the team and the England manager could only muster a bizarre answer to the queries.

• WHAT SOUTHGATE SAID

  When asked about the substitution decision, Southgate explained, "I wanted to get Conor on; we needed some energy and to press better. He's (Alexander-Arnold) had some moments where he's delivered what we thought he would. We know it's an experiment. We know we don't have a natural replacement for Kalvin Philips. We're trying different things and at the moment we're not flowing as we'd like."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Phillips, who missed out on the tournament following a disappointing loan spell at West Ham, has left a gap in the midfield that Southgate has struggled to fill. The lack of a like-for-like replacement for Phillips has led to tactical adjustments, including the controversial deployment of Alexander-Arnold in midfield – rather than his natural position at right-back.

United States women's national team stars Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith and Mallory Swanson were all among the goals in the NWSL on Sunday.

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• Smith, Swanson & Rodman all shine in NWSL
• USWNT trio on scoresheet on the same day
• Showing fine form four weeks before Olympics

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Smith's 10th goal of the season couldn't stop the Portland Thorns falling to defeat against the league-leading Kansas City Current, but a sublime strike did take her joint-top of the goalscoring standings alongside Barbra Banda of the Orlando Pride. Swanson, too, found herself on the losing side, but a fifth goal of the year was another really positive sign for the Chicago Red Stars forward after she missed most of 2023 due to injury. Rodman, meanwhile, would help the Washington Spirit pick up all three points when her beautiful hit secured a 2-0 win over reigning champion Gotham.

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• WATCH THE CLIPS

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  With just four weeks to go until the USWNT goes to the Olympic Games, it will certainly have pleased head coach Emma Hayes to see what is potentially her first-choice front three have such a great day out. The ex-Chelsea boss will hope to see more of the same in the build-up to the tournament.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR SMITH, SWANSON AND RODMAN?

  There are just two more NWSL matchdays before the league breaks for the Olympics, with Smith, Swanson and Rodman all sitting in the play-off places with their respective teams after 14 matches played.

Southampton are set to return to action in the Championship on Saturday as they prepare to host struggling Huddersfield, who recently sacked Darren Moore, at St. Mary's

The Saints progressed through to the next round of the FA Cup during the week as they secured an emphatic 3-0 win over fellow second division side Watford at home.

Russell Martin's side will now be hoping to retain their place in the top two of the league and could extend their advantage over Ipswich Town if the Tractor Boys drop points against West Bromwich Albion in the early kick-off.

The former Scotland international could now look to make a number of changes from the starting XI that lined up against the Hornets in the cup in midweek, after offering opportunities to a host of fringe options.

With this in mind, here is FFC's predicted Southampton side to take on the Terriers in Hampshire this weekend…

1

Gavin Bazunu

Joe Lumley has been the go-to back-up option in the FA Cup, and kept a clean sheet against the Hornets. Gavin Bazunu should now return to the starting XI for league action on Saturday.

The Ireland international has kept nine clean sheets in 29 Championship matches so far this season but has conceded 2.69 more goals than expected based on the Expected Goals he has faced.

He will be hoping to improve his shot-stopping between now and the end of the campaign to play a key role in a promotion to the Premier League.

2

Kyle Walker-Peters

Summer signing Shae Charles started against Watford and Martin must now bring Kyle Walker-Peters back into the line-up as the English whiz has been an ever-present for the Saints.

He has started all 29 of the club's league matches so far this season and has contributed with two goals and nine 'big chances' created, to go along with a pass success rate of 91%.

3

Taylor Harwood-Bellis

The third change to the starting XI could come at the heart of the defence with Jack Stephens being replaced by Manchester City loanee Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

He has dominated opposition attackers in the Championship this season with an excellent ground duel success rate of 67%, which shows that players rarely get the better of him on the deck.

The English colossus was promoted to the top-flight with Burnley last term and a win on Saturday will be another step in the right direction to another successful year at this level.

4

Jan Bednarek

Alongside the England U21 international, Jan Bednarek could keep his place at the back. The Poland international has started 26 league games this term and helped his side to keep a clean sheet during the week, which could see him start once again.

5

Ryan Manning

At left-back, U21 gem Jayden Meghoma could drop out after his start against Cardiff to allow regular first-team full-back Ryan Manning to return to the team.

The former Swansea dynamo has racked up 4.21 xA and been rewarded with two assists in the league this season, which suggests that his teammates have let him down in front of goal.

He has the quality to provide impressive creativity from left-back, having assisted ten Championship assists for the Swans last term, and could be a difference-maker against Huddersfield.

6

Flynn Downes

In the middle of the park, Flynn Downes could retain his place as the West Ham United loanee has been a consistent performer for Martin this term.

The summer signing has started 21 times in the Championship and boasts a sensational pass success rate of 94%, which shows that he rarely gives the ball away.

7

Will Smallbone

Next to Downes, Will Smallbone is another player who could start again after playing a part in the 3-0 win over Watford. The academy graduate has produced four goals and six 'big chances' created in 22 league starts.

8

Stuart Armstrong

Stuart Armstrong could complete the midfield by coming in for Joe Rothwell, who joined on loan from Premier League side Bournemouth in January.

The January addition is yet to start a game in the Championship for Southampton, with two substitute appearances so far, and Martin could go with the experience of the former Celtic man instead.

9

Adam Armstrong

On the right of the attack, 17-year-old sensation Tyler Dibling, who started against Watford, could drop out for Southampton's star man Adam Armstrong.

The former Blackburn star was hailed as "incredible" by Martin earlier this season and his statistics in the Championship back that claim up.

As you can see in the table above, Armstrong ranks very highly in a number of key attacking metrics among his positional peers in the Championship this season.

He is crucial to Southampton's attack with his ability as both a scorer and a creator of goals, which is why he should be unleashed from the start against Huddersfield.

10

Che Adams

One of the few players who could retain their place in the starting XI is Scotland international Che Adams, who produced a goal and two assists against Watford.

The former Birmingham marksman has racked up an impressive tally of six goals and two assists in his last ten appearances for the Saints in all competitions.

Manchester United have confirmed that Dan Ashworth has been appointed sporting director after they struck a deal with Newcastle.

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• Ashworth long linked with Man Utd move
• Red Devils took time to reach agreement
• Newcastle finally allowed director to leave

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ashworth has been "immediately" released from his contract at Newcastle and will take up a key position in the new Old Trafford hierarchy beneath new chief executive Omar Berrada and leading new technical director Jason Wilcox.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ashworth's appointment is considered a key piece of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's vision for the Old Trafford club. The former FA executive made clear his intenton to join the Red Devils back in February and has spent nearly five months on gardening leave while the two clubs attempted to thrash out a deal.

• WHAT MAN UTD & NEWCASTLE SAID

  A joint statement issued by the clubs read: "Newcastle United and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the immediate release of Dan Ashworth from his contractual obligations at Newcastle United. The terms of this agreement remain confidential between the clubs. Newcastle United thanks Dan for his services and wishes him well for the future."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  With a track record of success at Newcastle, Brighton and with England, Ashworth faces a significant challenge in helping to lead the new chapter at Manchester United. His expertise and planning in terms of recruitment will be especially key.

West Ham United have fallen into a slump and questions have been raised about the future of David Moyes in the managerial role, with no victories across the past eight matches.

Perspective is important and the Hammers remain eighth-placed in the Premier League, having also topped their Europa League group back in December, but Moyes is out of contract in the summer and talks of renewal have stagnated after the recent 6-0 drubbing by Arsenal.

The Scotsman has brought illustrious success to the East London club after taking the reins with the outfit in an imperiled position, but change is inevitable and if the board does decide that his time is up, there are a host of possible successors already linked.

West Ham's manager shortlist

According to The Telegraph's Matt Law, Moyes' grip on his position is decidedly weak after falling to a 2-0 loss against Nottingham Forest last time out, and with concerns over his pragmatic style of play, former Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter is sure to be on the list.

West Ham make decision on future of David Moyes amid Forest defeat

The Hammers appear to have changed their mind on the future of the Scottish manager.

By
Ben Browning

Feb 17, 2024

He is not the only candidate though, with Julen Lopetegui said to be a manager that West Ham could move for, having produced some stellar results with Wolverhampton Wanderers last season, ending his stay at Molineux before the start of the 2023/24 season after voicing discontent over frugality and lack of investment.

Julen Lopetegui would be perfect for Jarrod Bowen

Moyes clearly knows how to win, having secured a trophy last season, and while many supporters might want a fresh face in the dugout, there is always the risk that the pillars will crumble, and a golden era will be no more.

But, perhaps that is pessimistic, with the Irons crafted into a club of genuine quality, brimming with strengths across various positions; Lopetegui is the perfect man to revitalise the crop.

Preferring to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, the 57-year-old tactician would slot right into West Ham's system, using the likes of James Ward-Prowse or Lucas Paqueta in the creative No. 10 role, serving as conduits as his side seek to play out from the back, which could be perfect for Jarrod Bowen.

Bowen, aged 27, has been invariably efficient throughout his Hammers career and has posted 14 goals and five assists across 31 matches in all competitions this term, thriving despite the ostensible attacking hindrances in the set-up.

Bowen has been fielded as a dynamic centre-forward on multiple occasions this term to compensate for the side's lack of a first-class striker, but he is best suited to the right flank, having been heralded for joining the "Salah club" by talkSPORT's Tony Cascarino for his goalscoring prowess as an in-swinger.

Wolves' intensity and purpose under the Spaniard's stewardship was indicative of his demeanour and merit as a high-profile manager, but while the Old Gold enjoyed much fruitful play, they did not capitalise on opportunities with the constancy to truly surpass expectations.

With Bowen producing prolific results at London Stadium, however, West Ham could find Moyes' dream successor, a man who has been described by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as an "exceptional" person, and won the Europa League with Sevilla back in 2020.

He plays a progressive, attacking, system that would benefit Bowen, and is loved by the boss who won the treble with his club last season, which is why this could be a smart move for the Hammers.

The West Ham bosses will need to come to a decision sooner rather than later, but Lopetegui has the makings of a boss capable of continuing the long-term vision, and Moyes could be ditched to make way for him to come in.