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Leeds United are apparently interested in signing Middlesbrough’s Daniel Ayala.

It may seem a bit strange for Leeds to be targeting a centre-back in January after conceding just nine goals in their first 16 league matches, but recent reports have linked them with a potential move for the Spaniard.

Despite their current defensive record being absolutely brilliant, there would be a degree of sense if a deal were concluded.

Gaetano Berardi’s poor disciplinary record has been well-documented, and Liam Cooper’s injury concerns don’t seem to be subsiding after withdrawing from the Scotland squad due to a groin tear earlier this week.

Leeds could probably do with a new defender, but is the 29=year-old Ayala the right man for the job? We asked our team of writers to give their verdicts on whether or not the Spaniard would be a good signing for the Elland Road outfit.

Here’s what our writers have said about the situation.

Matt Dawson

“Daniel Ayala would be an inspired move for Leeds and one they simply have to make if the chance is presented to them. The Whites’ lack of depth in defence is well documented and simply adding bodies would be a good idea full stop. However, if it’s a proven Championship defender with an ingredient they’re lacking, it makes even more sense.

“Leeds have conceded 44% of their goals from set-pieces this season with a lack of aerial threat dictating that. The Middlesbrough defender wins 3.9 aerial duels per game, including one outing where he won as many as ten. Compare that to the Leeds side and only Liam Cooper (4.3 per game) has won more. You then have to look towards Ben White, who isn’t particularly renowned for his heading. 

“The Spaniard is a colossus in the air and would bring added assurance to a backline that is already flourishing. Ayala’s contract expires next summer which makes a possible deal in January a cheap one. Even if they had to wait until next summer to pick him up on a free transfer, it would be a wise move.

“With Gaetano Berardi still somewhat of a liability, earning seven red cards in his time at Elland Road, adding extra security to their backline is exactly what they need. Orta must act quickly.”

Lewis Blain

“Leeds’ reported move for Daniel Ayala would be the right one for many reasons. 

“Firstly, Marcelo Bielsa lacks considerable options in defence, which seems daft considering his most tried and tested formation in his managerial career involves a back three – something that, at times, he hasn’t been able to deploy for this very reason.

“Leeds only really have three centre-backs on their books and one has now gone down in the perpetually crocked Liam Cooper. One other is a loan star in Ben White and then there’s Gaetano Berardi, who fans have often swung for due to his poor performances.

“Another factor is mentioned above – White is only on loan and because he’s impressed so much this term – averaging a rating of 7.22, which is only second to Kalvin Phillips in the entire squad – he is sure to go back to Brighton and either get a chance or be sold to another club for a hefty price.

“By clinching Ayala they not only add options for this season (if he comes in January) but too, he could be White’s replacement down the line.

“The Spaniard offers plenty of Championship experience having surpassed over 200 appearances in the division, and at 29 years of age, he’s entering his prime years at centre-back so Bielsa can get at least a couple more years out of him as they look to return to the promised land at the earliest opportunity.”

Kealan Hughes “This would appear to be a very sensible move from Leeds, as there are a few factors at play which makes Daniel Ayala the type of signing they should make.“He has a wealth of experience at this level and even has a promotion under his belt after helping Boro into the Premier League, a campaign that was mostly built on the team’s defensive qualities, with 31 goals conceded in 2015/16.“Even this year with Boro struggling in the relegation zone they have conceded only 21 goals from 16 league games, and Ayala is a reason for that.“With a lack of options in defence it is important that Bielsa adds more leadership and know-how to the backline, particularly if he envisions playing 3-5-2 or if Liam Cooper gets injured, which could leave youngster Ben White more vulnerable.” Charles Jones

“I think that Leeds should definitely be looking to sign Daniel Ayala.

“The Spanish defender has proven his quality at this level after earning promotion with Middlesbrough back in 2016 while playing over 3000 minutes in a team that only conceded 32 goals all season.

“Leeds could probably do with a taller defender to add an extra dynamic to their backline as their only weakness seems to be from set-piece situations at the moment.

“Whether or not the Whites can get this deal done or not remains to be seen, but they should look at the possibility of bringing him in if he is indeed available.”

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Conor Gallagher, on loan at Charlton Athletic from Chelsea, has admitted that he has surprised himself this season, as reported by the club’s official website.

What did he say?

This is Gallagher’s first-ever season in senior football, so despite impressing in Chelsea’s youth ranks, this would be seen as a big step up for the 19-year-old, especially as he went straight into the second tier.

However, he has gone on to excel during his maiden loan spell, starting 15 Championship games this season, coming off the bench once, scoring 5 goals and assisting 1 more.

He even made his full debut for England U21 during this international break, scoring a brilliant goal to help secure a 3-0 win over Albania.

It has been a superb start to the season for him so far, which he admits has surprised him, as reported by Charlton’s official website: “I’ve just started to realise, in the last few games, that they don’t mess about in the Championship! I’ve got a few knocks and bruises.

“I didn’t expect to be at this point, to be fair, but it proves that if you work hard and believe in yourself you can achieve things that maybe you didn’t think you could.”

Watch Charlton Athletic Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

Making an impact

Aside from his goals and assists, Gallagher has averaged 1.9 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 1.6 dribbles and 0.7 key passes per game this campaign.

All of this has impressed manager Lee Bowyer, as he told talkSPORT: “For us it was a bit of a gamble; he had never been on loan anywhere before and is only 19 so he’s still learning the game, but he’s hit the ground running.

“Whatever you tell him he does and I just keep encouraging him to get in the box, and things are falling for him at the moment.

“His willingness and work rate are unreal, so he’s fitted in really well.”

The teenager has made a big impact so far, with his all-round play and prowess in front of goal, so there will be many at Charlton looking forward to seeing what he can produce in the rest of the campaign.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Sheffield Wednesday will look to continue their quest for promotion this weekend even despite the uncertainty facing them off the pitch.

The Owls travel to league leaders West Bromwich Albion on Saturday afternoon knowing they need to improve hugely if they are to achieve their goals under Garry Monk.

Far too often recently, the side have let vital results slip from their grasp, but that isn’t the only poor trend emerging in south Yorkshire.

On the Chalkboard

Top goalscorer Steven Fletcher has netted five times in 15 appearances this campaign, although he has now endured a run of six straight games without finding the net.

This has to be one of the main sources for their struggles in scoring goals – the club have managed just 14 goals in the ten league games under Monk’s stewardship, four of which came in the same match.

The 40-year-old is yet to find his best formation, often toying between one in attack and two up top with Atdhe Nuhiu usually the preferred partner, but not all of the blame can be attributed to the former central defender.

A solution to ending Fletcher’s disappointing drought actually lies elsewhere, out wide.

Adam Reach, Kadeem Harris and loanee Jacob Murphy are the only options Monk can call upon in the wing positions. All three average 0.8 crosses per game, which just isn’t enough considering the 6 foot 1 striker has been a target man throughout his lengthy career.

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It speaks volumes when Barry Bannan tops the charts for crossing with an average of 1.9 per game, over one more than each of the team’s wide options. This probably comes down to the fact that he is their set-piece taker.

Fletcher wins on average 6.5 aerial duels per game this season, so play to that strength. It only makes sense.

As the days pass during lockdown, footballers could be forgiven for growing bored and fed up with the new life they find themselves in, but instead it has sparked creativity amongst some.

Various social media challenges have kept players occupied and given them a chance to display their football skills, while the likes of Wolves’ Luke Matheson have tried their hand at other activities, such as baking.

Theo Walcott has also come up with his

/B-NYg0enmmf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link” data-lasso->unique mode of entertainment, and he has created an obstacle course in his own garden made up of various household equipment.

In typical fashion the course poses a variety of challenges, which is credit to the winger for his inventive work, though he did complete it with ease – which is perhaps to be expected.

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He videoed himself completing the course alongside the Mission Impossible theme tune playing in the background, with Walcott attempting to recreate the best moves of Tom Cruise in the movie franchise.

It will be intriguing to see if his creativity catches on. He has asked fans what they have been up to so he may look to replicate what they have been doing in order to pass the next month without football.

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In more negative news, one Everton player has recently got in trouble for breaking recently implemented rules…

Leeds United fans have been going nuts over Gjanni Alioski after he finally broke his lockdown silence on Twitter earlier this afternoon.

The 28-year-old is well renowned for being some sort of livewire at Elland Road, so much so that teammate Mateusz Klich jokingly said that he hopes the left-back is still alive during these testing times inside.

So as a result, supporters have been flocking to respond to their defender on social media following his words of advice to stay at home and to stay safe.

Stuck in isolation? Our mega footy quiz will cure any boredom…

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Alioski has made 32 appearances this season, scoring four goals and laying on three assists, via Transfermarkt.

He’s managed to keep Barry Douglas out of the side whenever the former Wolves man has been fit to be involved but in recent matches, Stuart Dallas has taken the reigns from him having featured a total of just three minutes in United’s last three outings.

Here’s how fans have been reacting to Alioski’s tweet…

AND in other news, Leeds fans swoon over Stuart Dallas footage…

West Ham United could be forced to sell Declan Rice this summer as they look to collect in a bid to overhaul their squad, according to The Sun.

What does the report say?

Rice has been one of West Ham’s best players over the past few season, cementing himself at the base of their midfield and even earning him an England call up.

As reported by The Sun, his performances have even attracted interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal, although West Ham are said to value him at around £70m.

With the side struggling in 16th place in the Premier League, only clear of the relegation zone on goal difference, David Moyes is set to oversee a rebuild this summer, with players needing to be sold in order to fund investment.

However, the global economic situation may play a role in this, with the full effect on football yet to be realised.

Here are some of the best response to speculation about Rice’s future from West Ham fans on Twitter…

Tottenham Hotspur fans have been discussing one of their reported transfer targets this week after he spoke about the interest in a recent interview.

The player in question is Southampton lynchpin Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who Sky Sports claimed at the start of the year would be of interest to Spurs in the summer. A fee of £35m is listed in the report via Gianluca Di Marzio.

Hilariously obscure Premier League players – Can you name them all?

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Hojbjerg was speaking to Viaplay Sport as per BT.dk, where he said: “It would be a lie to say I hadn’t read it. It’s a big club and I also think Christian Eriksen has positive memories from there.”

Which has sparked a reaction from the Spurs faithful with many wanting the 24-year-old to make the switch from St Mary’s to north London when the window reopens.

The Dane has made 28 appearances in the Premier League this campaign, averaging 2.4 tackles, 1.7 clearances, 1.5 interceptions, 1.5 shots as well as one key pass per game primarily from a defensive midfield position, via WhoScored.

He’s clearly caught the eye of supporters, here’s what they have been saying on social media…

AND in other news, Spurs fans furious as new home kit is leaked…

Everton are reportedly linked with a move for Red Bull Salzburg’s Hwang Hee-chan this summer. 

According to the Liverpool ECHO (posted via @TheGwladysSt), the club are interested in the forward as they make their plans for the upcoming transfer window.

The report states Carlo Ancelotti is prioritising ‘quality over quantity’ and doesn’t expect to land any ‘big money deals’.

Hee-chan has had a terrific season with Salzburg after returning from a loan spell at Hamburg last summer. The 24-year-old has accumulated 13 goals and 16 assists this term, including the goal and assist he bagged against Liverpool in the Champions League (via Transfermarkt).

According to Transfermarkt, Hee-chan is valued at £9 million, indicating a fair asking price should Everton opt to pursue a move for the South Korean international.

Blues fans seem to already be sold on the idea of adding the striker to their ranks. One supporter thinks he would be an ‘absolutely unreal signing’ whilst another remembers his performance against the Reds and has commented ‘looked superb against Liverpool’.

Meanwhile, one fan even compared him to former Toffee Andrey Kanchelskis. They were perhaps referring to the fact that he too was a goalscorer, netting 20 times in 52 appearances for Everton, and that he is a similar stature to Hee-chan with a height of 1.78m compared to the South Korean’s 1.77m.

Read more of the eager Toffees’ fans replies below:

Do you think Everton should sign Hee-chan this summer, Blues? Have your say in the comments below!

Sheffield Wednesday left-back Matt Penney has signed a new deal and committed his future to the club.

According to Dom Howson, the 22-year-old will be staying in Yorkshire after agreeing new terms. He broke into the Wednesday senior team in 2016 after graduating from the youth setup. After two loan spells, Penney was given a new contract, taking him up to this year (via BBC Sport).

Many Wednesday fans are delighted with the news that the left-back has committed his future to the club once more. He is currently on loan with second tier German side FC St. Pauli and could be utilised in the upcoming season if Garry Monk is to suffer a summer exodus.

One fan has generously replied to Howson’s update saying that he is “full of good news”. The Owls have suffered a tough season and could see a total of 17 senior players leave in the transfer window. This little nugget of good news has left many Owls fans ecstatic, as per these replies:

How do you feel about Penney’s new deal, Owls fans? Join the conversation in the comments below! 

The Manchester United starlet has rejected a new deal with the club and could now be heading to Chelsea instead.

According to The Independent, the Blues are set to offer Angel Gomes a lucrative deal after he turned down a contract extension with United worth about £25,000 per week.

The 19-year-old will see out his contract at Old Trafford and will be able to join a new club as a free agent at the end of the month.

According to the report, Gomes has offers flooding in for him from most of the elite leagues in Europe. Hamburg, Valencia and Benfica are reportedly leading the race for his signature, but Chelsea are amongst the many also interested.

The midfielder has scored four goals in five U23 appearances this season and has featured in the Premier League and Europa League with the senior squad (via Transfermarkt). Gomes has been with the Manchester club all of his career and has risen through the ranks of the United youth system. He is highly regarded by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who recently described him as a ‘top kid’ when trying to convince him to sign a new deal (via Goal).

The rising star would fit Frank Lampard’s Chelsea like a glove. He would join the likes of Billy Gilmour and Reece James who are being slowly integrated into the first team.

Gomes needs to find a club where he will be given opportunities to play to allow him to continue to grow. Staying in England and moving to Stamford Bridge could be a very smart move for the 19-year-old.

Chelsea are embarking on a very exciting journey as Lampard keeps proving he has an eye for young talent, Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham are two more youthful stars who have flourished in west London this term. The Blues will secure Champions League football next season if they continue on their positive run, which could be the deciding factor for where Gomes decides to move to next.

Do you think Chelsea should sign Angel Gomes this summer? Have your say in the comments below!