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Leeds United are already planning for the January transfer window and have already identified a pathway to first-team football for a gem from their academy.

Leeds pick up vital win

A 2-0 win over Sheffield United on Friday night moved Leeds up to third in the Championship, continuing their early push for promotion under Daniel Farke.

Goals from Pascal Struijk and Mateo Joseph were enough to inflict the Blades’ first defeat of the season and move Leeds level on points with their Yorkshire rivals, with Leeds’ only loss of the season having come against newly-relegated Burnley back in September.

It was a professional performance from the Elland Road outfit, not allowing Sheffield United a shot on target across the 90 minutes as they restricted Chris Wilder’s side to just 0.2 expected goals, while they themselves tested the opposition goalkeeper four times on top of their two goals.

It comes against a backdrop of injuries for Farke, who has lost key midfield duo Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu to long term knee injuries and who only has Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka as options in his engine room as things stand, though they are working to address that issue through the free agent market.

Their squad shortages meant that teenage duo Charlie Crew and James Debayo were among the substitutes against Sheffield United, though they were not required. However, it is another young talent at Elland Road that is being prepared for the first team.

Leeds make January decision on Thomas

That comes in the shape of young talented forward Luca Thomas, who is highly regarded among the setup at Thorp Arch.

The 20-year-old had scored six times in five Premier League outings before securing a loan move to York City earlier in the week. He enjoyed a dream debut as he scored his first goal for the club in a 4-0 thrashing of Ebbsfleet United just 15 minutes after coming on as they continued their strong start to the season.

Leeds open to selling £70k-p/w player who’s not happy with Daniel Farke

A former scout has made the claim.

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By
Henry Jackson

Oct 19, 2024

However, that loan is due to come to an end at the turn of the year, and now Football Insider have shared the latest on his future.

According to their report, Leeds are “planning” to “send Thomas to a more established Football League side” in January as they look to nurture his development to allow him to flourish.

There is no mention of what that level may be, and that may well depend on his performances in the National League, which may make clubs across the football pyramid sit up and take notice should he continue his goalscoring form from youth level.

Considered “one of Leeds’ most promising youngsters”, the club “believe the youngster will be ready for the next step by January”, and intend to help him take it.

GOAL looks at the biggest storylines to follow in MLS this year, with more than Inter Miami on must-watch list

Another MLS season, and plenty of intrigue. It's not just Lionel Messi here. Yes, the Argentine has raised the profile of the league enormously, but look beyond him and there are plenty of compelling soccer storylines.

Miami have, effectively, forced everyone else to reevaluate how they approach the league. More money than ever is being spent, with Atlanta, Cincinnati and others spending big. Meanwhile, the new cash-for-player rule has helped cultivate something like a European transfer market within MLS.

Yes, both Los Angeles teams have big name Europeans in their ranks, while everyone else seems to be making smart moves to acquire talent that might actually be more effective in this league than the high-end DPs that sell shirts. Seattle Sounders will, as ever, be there. And there is another expansion franchise, San Diego FC, to think about – will they be any good?

GOAL takes a look at the five biggest storylines heading into the 2025 MLS season.

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  Have Inter Miami retooled enough?

  Was Miami's loss to Atlanta United last year in the playoffs really big of an upset? Sure, on star power and talent alone, it really shouldn't have been close. And yes, when you have Lionel Messi, you really win every game. But this sport doesn't work like that.

  Anyone who'd watched Miami consistently could see that this was a star-laden team, but also frighteningly vulnerable on the break. Atlanta exploited what was hiding in plain sight, got the most out of a 40-year-old goalkeeper, and made this expensively assembled side look, well, average.

  But changes have come. Diego Gomez, one of Miami's most potent attacking weapons – who also offered some valuable defensive legs – is gone. Leo Campana, a valuable do-it-all striker and diligent runner has left for New England.

  The new faces, meanwhile, all offer a mixture of off-ball work and extra legs in crucial positions. There appears to be an understanding that USMNT youngster Benjamin Cremaschi can make a leap. Miami will also be hoping that Yannick Bright's breakout season was more than just a fluke.

  Piece it all together, and some needs have been addressed, while new manager Javier Mascherano should bring the good vibes. Will it be enough to make good on MLS Cup dreams?

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  Are Cincinnati good enough to win it all?

  Something must be established: Miami are the clear favorites to win MLS Cup. Talent alone dictates that. But FC Cincinnati might have a thing or two to say about that. The worst happened this winter, when they lost MVP candidate Lucho Acosta.

  Their response? Sign Evander – the closest thing in MLS available to him in terms of talent. Throw in the massive outlay on Kevin Denkey, a proven goalscorer at all levels in Europe, and Cincinnati have enjoyed the kind of offseason that suggests they have serious ambitions.

  Last year, it was their defense that ultimately collapsed. And that would make sense. Matt Miazga was immense before sustaining a serious knee injury that ended his season. By the time they got to the playoffs, they were running on fumes.

  But the USMNT defender should be back at some point this season, and if Denkey is anything like his European self, they now have a 20 goal per year striker in their ranks – to go alongside the kind of magical, mercurial playmaker to get them through the tight games. No, they don't have the same star power as Miami. But they might be more balanced.

• @sandiegofc
  

  How far can expansion San Diego FC go?

  San Diego FC face a tough task in MLS. First, they have to cultivate a fan base in a city suspect of its sports teams. Then, they have to put a decent product on the pitch – ideally, one that can stay afloat in the Western Conference. So far, they have fought well on both fronts. There is a real buzz about the team, while the signings of Luca de la Torre and Chucky Lozano offer a mixture of star power and European flair.

  The question remains, though: will it be enough? History tells us that expansion franchises have it rough. Cincinnati were poor for a few years before coming anywhere near success. St. Louis won the West in their first year before turning in a fairly miserable season in their second. Austin FC still haven't got it right.

  The Southern California team will likely end up somewhere in between the two. Lozano will score some goals, while a decent base around him should pace them well. If the faint – yes, faint – chatter around Kevin De Bruyne and a July move is to be believed, then they look a lot more like a playoff side.

  Right now, though, no one seems to know. And therein lies the fun of it all.

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  Which big European name arrives next?

  For a brief moment, it seemed possible: Neymar was coming to MLS. We all dreamed for a second. There he was, the brilliant Brazilian, potentially in the Windy City, making a mockery of defenders and shaking off the midwestern cold to lead Gregg Berhalter's side back to MLS relevance.

  So much for that. Neymar is now a Santos player. Fast forward six months, and he could well be wearing the pink of Inter Miami.

  But there will be someone to come next. It has been assumed, for some time, that Antoine Griezmann will play in MLS. He loves America, and has made it clear that he wants to do his thing here. The De Bruyne rumors just won't go away.

  The return of Miguel Almiron to Atlanta and arrival of Wilfried Zaha in Charlotte both prove that this remains an appealing league. Throw in Marco Reus and Olivier Giroud last year, and there is no doubt that MLS still has a pull – even with Saudi Pro League money floating about.

Newcastle United have got some fault lines running through their squad, but Eddie Howe has crafted something special and recent results have showcased that fact wonderfully, with Chelsea and Arsenal both defeated of late across two competitions.

Now, the climb. Newcastle’s hard-fought victory over the Gunners in the Premier League last weekend came down to willpower and sharp tactical understanding, perfect assimilation and implementation of Howe’s philosophy.

But the Magpies are still 11th in the standings, having failed to win any of their previous five top-flight contests before that one. There is much work to be done if Newcastle – backed by the Saudi PIF – are to cement their place at the front of the pack over the coming years.

Plans are being drawn up regarding where to improve, with one addition being looked at who could be perfect for Alexander Isak.

Alexander Isak is finding his feet

Isak is scoring once again, coming up trumps and leaving the Toon faithful cavorting after crucial goals against two of London’s finest outfits. He was always going to find his feet, and now Howe’s side can kick on and make headway in the Premier League.

Newcastle signed Real Sociedad’s talented striker in a deal worth £63m, a club record, in 2022, but he suffered an injury-hit debut year that provided him with only 17 starts in the top flight, albeit posting a respectable ten-goal haul.

Last term, however, Isak came alive. Featuring 40 times across all competitions, he scored 25 goals and put in performances that led pundit Harry Redknapp to declare last year: “I’m not sure if there’s a better player in the country right now.”

There was some noise around the 25-year-old’s future at St. James’ Park across the summer months, but he is still plying his trade under Howe’s wing and there are tentative hopes that he will pen a new contract.

Goals in recent matches have spoken once more of the player’s irreplaceable quality in black and white, with his slow start to the campaign swiftly shaped into something bearing a respectable return of four goals and an assist across ten matches in all competitions.

Moreover, he’s hardly just a target man. As per FBref, Isak ranks among the top 18% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 8% for progressive carries and the top 16% for successful take-ons per 90. Such metrics emphasise his dynamic and athletic style of play.

Signing a player like Jarrod Bowen really would complete Newcastle’s frontline, not only balancing the left flank, where Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes reside, with a player of high-class quality but finally completing the fluency that could see Isak reach monstrous new heights.

Bowen can be that signing.

Newcastle transfer news

As per TEAMtalk, Newcastle remain hot on the trail of the West Ham United captain, having been keeping tabs on the 27-year-old for a while.

The report suggests that the Magpies could make a blockbuster move and are ‘considering a bid’ for the former Hull City man.

West Ham are toiling under Julen Lopetegui and Bowen has not yet hit his stride, though the winger is proven in the Premier League and was the focal point of David Moyes’ illustrious tenure in east London.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Getting this one over the line won’t be easy. West Ham value Bowen at £100m – as per previous reports from the summer – and given that he signed a long-term contract last year, it is likely that it will take a ‘huge bid’ from PIF and co for the Hammers to even entertain a sale.

That would ensure it would likely prove a record move for those at St James’, surpassing the £63m that was spent on that man Isak back in 2022.

Bowen really would be the perfect signing for Newcastle in 2025, not least because he might blend with the club’s number nine, and restore Newcastle’s attack to its maximum level.

Imagine Jarrod Bowen & Isak

Miguel Almiron has played for Newcastle for a long time, and Jacob Murphy is certainly an underrated option within Howe’s squad, but neither carries that potent threat that the Hammers skipper would bring to the table.

Bowen’s West Ham career is a thing to behold. The east Londoners signed Hull City’s prized forward in January 2020 for a fee totalling £22m, and he has since gone on to score 64 goals and supply 41 assists across 214 appearances, instrumental in winning the Conference League and thriving across multiple continental campaigns.

Last year, despite Moyes’ system malfunctioning,

His dual-wielded positional value has even seen him be gushed over by opponents, with Brentford manager Thomas Frank describing the England star as “unplayable” after he thumped a hat-trick past the Bees in the Premier League last year.

Could it be that Bowen would bring to Newcastle the kind of goalscoring quality that would unburden Isak with the weight of his responsibility? The Sweden international is a brilliant player, but Gordon aside, there is a distinct lack of prolificness.

Barnes is a terrific goalscorer, but he too is best on the left flank. Bowen, a right winger, would obviously earn regular match action for Howe’s side and has the requisite experience in Europe to actually make all the difference across the coming years.

Who knows, he might even convince Isak to stay on, for a frontline consisting of Gordon, Isak and he would surely hold the properties required to have a significant impact on the narrative at the top of the table and across cup competitions, year in, year out.

With a sharp playmaking edge too, creating 16 big chances in the Premier League since the start of last season, Bowen really could be the perfect partner for a machine-like centre-forward in Isak.

Shearer 2.0: Newcastle may have their biggest teen star since Miley

Newcastle could unleash a young striker who’s outscoring Isak this season

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 6, 2024

Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount for putting his hand on the neck of NYCFC assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy

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• Messi fined by MLS for post-match incident
• Suarez also fined for half time antics
• Inter Miami drew 2-2 with NYCFC in opening weekend

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Inter Miami's Lionel Messi has been fined an undiclosed amount for putting his hand on the neck of an NYCFC coaching staff member Mehdi Ballouchy, the league announced. The incident occurred following full time of the clash between Messi's Miami and NYC, when the Argentine appeared to get into a verbal confrontation with the coach, before grabbing the back of his neck. Messi's frustrations came after a 2-2 draw in which the Herons had a man sent off in the 23rd minute.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Messi's teammate Luis Suarez was also fined by the league for a similar incident. He and NYCFC defender Birk Risa exchanged words at half time, and Suarez was found touching the Norwegian's neck — before teammates intervened.

• WHAT MLS SAID

  Major League Soccer outlined the reasons for the penalties in an official statement: "The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined Inter Miami CF forward Luis Suárez an undisclosed amount for violating the hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent policy during halftime of Miami’s match against the New York City Football Club on Feb. 22"

  "The MLS Disciplinary Committee has fined Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi an undisclosed amount for violating the Hands to the face/head/neck of an opponent policy following the conclusion of Inter Miami’s match against the New York City Football Club on Feb. 22."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI AND MIAMI?

  The Herons' next fixture comes against Sporting KC in the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup tie. They currently hold a 1-0 aggregate lead. After that, they will travel to Houston to face the Dynamo in a return to MLS league action.

Javier Mascherano has explained why Lionel Messi sat out a third straight game for Inter Miami, with the Herons battling to a 1-0 win over Charlotte.

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• Argentine back on the bench for Herons
• Unused substitute in battling win with 10 men
• Coach wary of taking any fitness gambles

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Argentine superstar Messi figured prominently at the start of the 2025 campaign, with his first competitive goals of the new year being recorded in a two-legged CONCACAF Champions Cup win over Sporting KC. He also figured in a 2-2 draw with New York City FC.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has, however, not seen any game time since February 25. Messi was left out of matchday plans for a MLS win over the Houston Dynamo and a Champions Cup clash with Cavalier, before returning to the bench in a home date with Charlotte.

• WHAT JAVIER MASCHERANO SAID

  He was not introduced in that contest, despite Inter Miami being reduced to 10 men when goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was sent off in the 38th minute, with Mascherano telling reporters of why he is reluctant to take any fitness gambles: “The reality is that in the case of Leo maybe we had thought about giving him minutes in the game. But since the game was played with one man less, and taking into consideration the time he has without playing, we thought that the best thing was to preserve it. We didn't want to risk it.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Messi is not nursing an injury, but his workload is being carefully managed during a busy schedule for Inter Miami. Mascherano added: “It's a long season for us. We have a tough game Thursday. Will be difficult, difficult in Jamaica. So we have to be ready. It's not easy. We are playing every three, four days. We are tired. The squad is not too long. We have some injuries, but we keep going forward. In football, we have two ways: excuses or results. And we have to choose results.”

Leeds United head into the final international break of the year in third place in the Championship, two points off Sheffield United and Sunderland in the automatic promotion places.

The Whites beat Queens Park Rangers 2-0 at Elland Road on Saturday, thanks to goals from Jayden Bogle and Joel Piroe, to ensure that they did not slip further away from their rivals in the hunt for a top two finish.

Daniel Farke’s team are aiming to secure promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking, after they lost to Southampton in the play-off final last season.

The club’s aim to return to the top-flight this season, and the possibility that they remain in the Championship, makes it difficult to predict what will happen with the players who are currently set to leave the club next summer.

As it stands, Junior Firpo, Josuha Guilavogui, and Sam Byram are all due to be out of contract, whilst Manor Solomon and Joe Rothwell’s loans will expire.

This means that, with Firpo and Byram, Leeds could potentially lose their two main options at left-back, which may be why they are now reportedly eyeing a new player in that position.

Leeds United eyeing Championship defender

According to the Sunday Mirror (November 10, page 69), as relayed by Sports View, Leeds United are interested in signing Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin.

The report claims that the ‘highly-rated’ full-back is attracting interest from elsewhere amid his strong form for the Black Cats in the Championship this season, with the Whites one of the sides keeping tabs on his progress.

It states, however, that Sunderland have no intention of cashing in on the English gem in the upcoming January transfer window, whilst they are also desperate to keep hold of Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg.

The team from Wearside are currently two points above Leeds, in first place in the second tier, and do not want to lose any of their top players during a promotion push.

This may not be a huge issue for the Whites, however, as it could make more sense for them to make a swoop for the former Tottenham Hotspur man at the end of the season, when Byram and Firpo could both potentially be on their way out of Elland Road.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

If Sunderland fail to achieve promotion, Leeds could attempt to convince them to part ways with Cirkin, who could come in to brilliantly replace Firpo down the left flank.

Junior Firpo's form for Leeds this season

The former Barcelona full-back is currently suspended for another two games, after missing the win over QPR on Saturday, after being charged with violent conduct retrospectively for leaning his head into a Millwall player in the 95th minute of their defeat at The Den.

It was an error in judgement, to say the least, from the 28-year-old star and he will now have to watch on from the sidelines for the next two matches after the break.

Firpo has, however, enjoyed a strong start to the season with his performances on the pitch, as he has established himself as a quality option at left-back at Championship level.

The left-footed ace has started 13 of the club’s 15 games in the division this season, only missing out on two matches through suspension, one through accumulating five bookings and the other due to his violent conduct charge.

As you can see in the table above, Firpo has been an active defender for Leeds, constantly putting his foot in to make tackles and interceptions for his team on the left side.

He has also provided a creative spark for Farke on the left, with three assists, and held his own in physical duels with opposition players, winning just over half of his battles.

However, he is reportedly the second-highest earner – behind Patrick Bamford – at the club on £60k-per-week and it remains to be seen whether or not the club would want to extend his deal on those terms, particularly if they remain in the second tier, and that is why Cirkin could be needed.

Cirkin would brilliantly replace Firpo

Leeds could brilliantly replace Firpo by signing the Sunderland left-back in the summer transfer window next year, because he would be able to hit the ground running at Elland Road.

It would almost be a perfect signing for the Whites in many respects. Firstly, the Black Cats star only turns 23 next year and has plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and improve during his time in West Yorkshire.

Secondly, he is a proven performer at Championship level, with 91 appearances in all competitions for Sunderland, who would not need any time to adapt to the division.

Finally, Cirkin’s performances on the pitch this season show that he has the quality to come in and brilliantly replace Firpo, should he move on from Elland Road next summer when his contract expires.

The 22-year-old dynamo was recently described as “the best full-back in the Championship” by journalist Josh Bunting, and it is hard to argue with that assessment given the quality of his displays – currently leading all full-backs in the league in tackles and interceptions.

As you can see in the table above, Cirkin has been in incredible form as a defensive force at left-back for Sunderland, outperforming Firpo in a host of key metrics.

He has also produced a similar number of goal involvements from left-back, which suggests that the two players offer a similar threat at the top end of the pitch.

Therefore, Cirkin could be a brilliant replacement for Firpo because he has the potential to come in as an upgrade defensively, whilst being six years younger and having more time on his hands to develop and improve.

Alongside Joseph: Leeds have a "wasteful" star in danger of being dropped

The Leeds attacker did not enjoy his best afternoon at Elland Road on Saturday.

By
Dan Emery

Nov 10, 2024

Everton have been throttled by adversity this season, but it’s important to remember that Sean Dyche’s lads have lost just one Premier League game in eight and have a two-point buffer between them and the relegation zone.

A more nuanced look at the situation would be sure to give rise to fear, but the Toffees support know that their side weathered some lashing storms last season to comfortably preserve their top-flight status.

Dyche’s position in the dugout might be… loose, and with The Friedkin Group set to purchase Farhad Moshiri’s 94% stake, change could be afoot.

Supporters yearn for a more expansive style of football, but Everton would certainly need a new part in midfield to make that happen.

Everton transfer news

Recent reports have linked Juventus’ Arthur Melo with a move to Merseyside. The Brazilian midfielder has endured a torrid spell in Liverpool previously, but enjoyed a successful campaign on loan with Fiorentina last year.

Calciomercato revealed earlier this week that Arthur, out of the Old Lady project, is patiently waiting for the market to open in January, with plenty of Brasileiro Serie A interest. However, the player’s desire is to remain in Europe.

Last week, Italian sources claimed that Goodison Park is best positioned to complete a swoop this winter, and given that it wouldn’t break the bank, could be a fantastic deal to help shift Everton’s playing style toward something more modern.

Why Arthur Melo could be perfect for Everton

Let’s get the glaring caveat out of the way. Arthur suffers from a bitter track record on the fitness front, with injuries and setbacks ruining his progress across several recent seasons.

Namely, the 28-year-old fell heavily from the wagon at Liverpool, joining on loan for the 2022/23 campaign but completing just 13 minutes of action, off the bench against Napoli in the Champions League. His past on the other side of the River Mersey is something that some Toffees fans will have an issue with, but if he can get going, he could bring a welcome dimension to Everton’s first team.

Once of Barcelona, Arthur honed his passing game within one of the best teams to ever do it before transferring to Juventus for a £72.5m fee in 2020. The talent is still there, even if he hasn’t had the best time since making that Italy-bound move.

As per FBref, the £102k-per-week ace ranked among the top 1% of central midfielders in Serie A last season for pass completion, the top 6% for passes attempted and the top 15% for progressive passes per 90, denoting a metronomic composure and ball-playing sharpness that would bring something to Dyche’s system that perhaps it doesn’t presently contain.

Passing is just one aspect of Arthur’s game, however, for he demonstrated his athleticism and creditable defensive output with La Viola on loan last season. It’s perhaps promising that he succeeded in playing the lion’s share of the 2023/24 term without falling to injury, and is only absent from the field right now due to tactical decisions made by Juventus manager Thiago Motta.

At the end of the previous campaign, the Brazil international said that he felt “phenomenal,” in possibly the best shape of his professional career.

Everton need more inspiration and purchase in the middle of the park, and Arthur would help this cause and then some, if he stays fit. He could take the place of Abdoulaye Doucoure, for example.

With Dwight McNeil operating in attacking midfield, Doucoure has sat deeper for much of the campaign. Approaching his 32nd birthday and out of contract next summer, the hulking Malian is still a good option for the Blues but lacks Arthur’s ball-centred strengths and his combative crispness too, completing 85% of his Premier League passes this year and winning only 46% of his ground duels.

Implementing a conduit to channel sweeping passing sequences could bear dividends for Everton and it could be perfect for newly-fashioned number ten McNeil, who has excelled in the role for Everton this term.

Principally played on the left wing throughout his career, the 25-year-old has been refashioned this term to promote creativity and spark from central positions. As The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland puts it: “Everton are now crossing less & playing more through balls.” McNeil is a focal architect in this regard.

It’s working a treat, for McNeil’s productivity at the least. The former Burnley prospect has posted three goals and three assists from nine appearances while central this year, averaging 2.7 key passes per game, as per Sofascore, to highlight his dynamism.

He hasn’t been crowbarred into the position, though it’s clear that allowing the electric Iliman Ndiaye to thrive out on the left flank was part of Dyche’s reasoning, but McNeil’s role at the front of the midfield triangle has perhaps knocked the fluency somewhat, with more needed in the defensive department.

Were Arthur to be added to the equation, the Englishman could take his game to the next level. He’s shown that he has the attacking properties to be a real star, and with a controlled and progressive presence behind him, could prove to be a real menace for Everton.

There’s also the elephant in the room to consider: Dyche is walking on thin ice and with a gruelling run of fixtures forthcoming in the Premier League, could be dismissed before the calendar year’s end. TEAMtalk have compiled a list of candidates that TFG are believed to be weighing up.

Everton could be set for a tough winter, more’s the pity, but there are some exciting possibilities that could see a squad carrying dormant talent take it and direct it toward the sun.

Arthur in the centre, pulling the strings; McNeil up ahead, making things happen. It’s enough to make a curmudgeon feel some slice of optimism.

Of course, the pendulum could swing the other way, into the cold familiarity of disappointment, but who knows, new era, new ideas new parts – things might just change for the better.

Everton need to sell a star who Richarlison thought was "like Ronaldo"

Regardless of Sean Dyche’s fate, this Everton star needs to be sold in January.

By
Angus Sinclair

Nov 27, 2024

Dele Alli was sent off in less than 10 minutes on his Como debut as they lost to AC Milan – while coach Cesc Fabregas was also shown a red card.

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• Milan came back from a goal down to win 2-1
• Dele was given marching orders in stoppage time
• Fabregas was given the marching orders for dissent

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former Tottenham and Everton midfielder stepped onto the pitch in the 81st minute with his side trailing 2-1, only to find himself sent off moments later following a reckless challenge on Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Dele initially received a yellow card for the challenge, but the referee was instructed to review the incident on the VAR monitor. Upon closer examination, the decision was upgraded to a straight red, as replays showed his studs making dangerous contact with the back of Loftus-Cheek’s ankle.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Dele's return to professional football had been highly anticipated. His last official match took place on February 26, 2023, while on loan at Besiktas, in a goalless draw against Antalyaspor in the Turkish Super Lig. Unfortunately, his comeback match turned into a frustrating experience, made worse by the fact that Como’s head coach was also dismissed moments later for dissent.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Despite facing a European giant in AC Milan, Como managed to shock the home crowd by opening the scoring. Their breakthrough came from Lucas Da Cunha, who weaved through a static Milan defence before placing a well-placed shot into the bottom corner, beating goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

  However, Milan regrouped after halftime and quickly turned the match around. Tijjani Reijnders played a perfectly weighted ball into the box, which Christian Pulisic controlled expertly before finishing from a tight angle, levelling the score. The comeback was sealed when Reijnders found himself one-on-one with Como’s goalkeeper, Jean Butez, and calmly slotted the ball into the net, securing Milan’s 2-1 victory.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  For Dele, the early dismissal adds another setback to his ongoing efforts to revive his football career, while Fabregas will be frustrated at losing his composure on the touchline. Now, the duo will be forced to watch from the stands when Como return to action on March 29 against Empoli following the international break.

INEOS are ready to offer £50 million plus Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee in exchange for “the best 9 in the world”, according to a new report.

The January transfer window will be the first time INEOS can make changes to the playing squad under Ruben Amorim as manager. But at this stage it is unclear how much business the Red Devils are going to be able to do, as finances could be tight due to their heavy spending in the summer.

Perfect for Amorim: Man Utd still plotting move for £180k-p/w upgrade

Ruben Amorim appears to be looking to sign reinforcements for his Manchester United side.

By
Ethan Lamb

Nov 20, 2024

Man Utd chasing Jules Kounde transfer

United have been linked with several players ahead of January, and since Amorim’s arrival, the latest player to be on United’s radar is defender Jules Kounde. The defender has always been an impressive player but has really excelled since being at Barcelona.

It has been claimed that Amorim wants his new side to sign a new right-sided defender. Kounde has been linked with a move to Old Trafford before, and their interest looks to have not disappeared. The Red Devils have reportedly made an improved offer for the defender worth £56.7 million in the hope it will be accepted by Barcelona.

However, this has already been knocked back by the Spanish side, with them telling the Red Devils that the only way they get Kounde to Old Trafford is by paying his full release clause, which stands at €1 billion. It is likely the Premier League side may have to look at alternative targets as a result, and while it remains unclear who that could be, United are now prepared to offer one of their own players in exchange for a new striker.

Man Utd ready to offer £50m and Zirkzee for Lautaro Martinez

According to a report from Spain, relayed by Caught Offside, Manchester United are ready to offer £50 million and Zirkzee in exchange for Lautaro Martinez from Inter Milan. The 27-year-old, who has scored 32 goals in 70 international appearances for Argentina, has been at the Italian giants for six years, and during that time, he has become one of the top strikers in football.

Martinez, who has been described as “the best 9 in the world” by Angelo Valdes, has been in sensational form for club and country in the last few seasons, and it is no surprise that he is now being linked with a big-money move to the Premier League.

This report states that United are ready to try an ambitious move to sign Martinez by offering €60 million (£50 million) plus Zirkzee in exchange for the Argentine. Zirkzee joined the Red Devils in the summer transfer window, but the Dutchman has struggled since the move, and there have been reports he may not be wanted under Amorim.

United hope offering Zirkzee can soften the blow for Inter in losing their best striker, as the Netherlands international has performed well in Serie A, as shown when he was at Bologna. It is unclear if Inter would consider this offer, but if it did happen, United could get a top striker who can help Amorim transform their attack, and Inter would get a player who already knows Serie A.

Khadija Shaw left Saturday's Women's League Cup final due to a hamstring issue, just four days before Manchester City's Champions League clash.

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• Shaw left Man City's League Cup defeat early
• Picked up hamstring issue during loss to Chelsea
• Fitness in doubt before Champions League quarter-final

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Shaw was subbed off with 10 minutes to play in Saturday's defeat to Chelsea, despite City being 2-1 down and in need of a goal to get back into the final. The striker was involved in an extremely physical duel with Millie Bright throughout, although that was not the reason for the issue that forced her off.

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• WHAT CUSHING SAID

  "She did take a clattering various times but I don't think that was the injury," City interim boss Nick Cushing said after the game. "She's feeling her hamstring, so we'll look at her. We'll obviously leave her with the medical team. She's a really important player for us, so hopefully she'll be ready for Wednesday. But if not, we will find a solution."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  City are in the middle of a gruelling schedule that means Saturday provided the first of four meetings with Chelsea in just 12 days. On Wednesday, they face the Blues in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, before hosting them in the Women's Super League on Sunday. Four days after that, City will travel to London for the second leg of that European tie.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The Manchester side will certainly hope to have Shaw involved in all three of those games, with last season's WSL Golden Boot winner a near-irreplaceable figure. When she sustained an injury at the end of last term, it coincided with City letting pole position in the title race slip. There are at least more options for that position this time around, not least Vivianne Miedema, who has been playing a midfield role just behind Shaw when both have been available.