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Leeds United could finally sign a new Ronaldo Vieira in Huesca dynamo Kelechi Nwakali.

What’s the story?

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have had a slow start to the transfer window thus far but could potentially land one of the bargains of the summer in Nwakali.

According to The Athletic, along with newly-promoted side Watford, the Whites have an interest in luring the 23-year-old to the Premier League once again, having once been on the books of Arsenal.

The report added that the £900,000-rated Nwakali has just one year left on his contract and is understood to want another chance to impress in English football.

Wins more duels than Kalvin Phillips

At the time of Vieira’s move to Sampdoria, Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani made it clear that the deal simply had to be made given the Whites’ financial situation.

He said: “He was one of best players to come from our youth but I cannot put the club in danger in the future. Unfortunately to sustain a club in this league, we need to sell one or two players each year. We’ve invested a lot and it’s not enough to break even, so we had to manage the club and look at the future, not just today.”

The former Leeds midfielder’s breakout campaign at Elland Road during the 2016/2017 season saw him establish himself as a real midfield dynamo, averaging 2.1 tackles and one interception per game in the Championship.

That defensive awareness and tenacity in the middle of the park is exactly what Nwakali would bring to the table at Elland Road, having developed into a midfield powerhouse at Huesca. As per Sofascore, he made 1.6 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per game in La Liga 2 last season, as well as winning a monstrous 7.1 per match at a success rate of 60%.

To put that into context, that’s more duels won per game than Leeds and England star Kalvin Phillips, who is currently at Euro 2020 and will be facing off against Ukraine later tonight.

While Phillips will look to do the business on the pitch for the Three Lions, Leeds could do the job off it by landing Nwakali.

Meanwhile, Leeds receive major update on Marcelo Bielsa’s future…

Leeds United have been told that Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien “would jump” at the chance to move to Elland Road.

What’s the story?

Reports over the course of the summer transfer window suggested that the 23-year-old featured prominently on Marcelo Bielsa’s side’s shortlist, but a deal failed to materialise before the August deadline, with suggestions that the Whites’ final offer failed to meet Huddersfield’s demands.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has now claimed that the Terriers star would still be interested in making the switch to Elland Road if Leeds came back in for him.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “He signed a new contract at Huddersfield but I’m sure if the opportunity came to go to Leeds, it would be something that he would jump at. Let’s see if Huddersfield are able to turn down any offers for the midfielder.”

Could finally replace Klich

With 158 games played for Leeds, “unsung hero” Mateusz Klich has been a valued servant for Leeds over the years, but at 31, he is one of the players who Bielsa might look to slowly ease out of the side in the near future.

Speaking in February 2020, Bielsa raved: “He cannot do better. Klich is a player with very, very much skills physically. A player who runs more, more intense movements and makes more movements at maximal speed. His values are now linked with how he prepares mentally. This is the fact that makes him run. More hungry he is, the more he runs.”

That same intensity and energy is exactly what O’Brien brings to the table, and he could ultimately replace Klich at Elland Road.

Former Huddersfield shot-stopper Matt Glennon has raved about the 23-year-old’s work rate, saying: “He closes down until the 95th, 96th minute, still running to the corners, stopping defenders, he’s got unlimited energy.

“Lewis O’Brien wants to put the hard yards in and wants to be at the very top of where he can get to. He’s one of those lads who works ridiculously hard which, for me, is your minimum in any league, but he’s got that quality, the drop of a shoulder, that strength to keep people off him, a low centre of gravity to glide past people, arm aloft when they try to knock him off the ball.”

Nearly a decade his junior and clearly a man held in high esteem, O’Brien could well be the man to usurp Klich in the midfield engine room for Leeds.

Meanwhile, Victor Orta could solve a big issue by signing this star…

Celtic have been pretty consistent when it comes to spending money to bring new players to Parkhead throughout previous transfer windows.

However, as happens with a lot of clubs, not just in Scotland but in other leagues across the world, not every deal ends up being a successful one.

One prime example of a less than fruitful transfer from a financial point of view for the Hoops is their 2019 move for defender Hatem Elhamed.

Signed from Israeli club Hapoel Be’er Sheva in a deal worth a reported £1.6m three summers ago, the defender ended up making just 30 appearances for the Hoops across all competitions. In February 2021, Celtic sold the 31-year-old back to his previous club for a fee of £800k, half of what they originally paid for him.

The 2019/20 season saw the Israel international make just 15 appearances then came in the first half of the 2020/21 campaign before his eventual return to his homeland.

His eight Premiership appearances last term saw the defender, who is currently valued at £450k, earn a middle-of-the-road overall performance rating of 6.9/10 from WhoScored. In addition to his underwhelming performances, the former Hoops player was struck with numerous injury issues which resulted in him missing a total of 43 games according to Transfermarkt.

Speaking about Elhamed’s exit from the club, former Celtic boss Neil Lennon said: He said: “He was going through a really difficult time, his wife and son were back in Israel and he was here on his own. He was really struggling with life away from the training ground and stadium.”

Taking all this into account, it’s safe to say that Elhamed’s transfer to Celtic just didn’t work out and was not a good move for anyone apart from Hapoel Be’er Sheva, who ended up banking quite a lot of money for him.

From Celtic’s point of view, it can be said that a grand total of £2.7m from his original transfer fee and £14k-per-week wages ended up going down the drain.

In other news: Ange must now seal Celtic deal for “magic” £21.5k-p/w ace, he’s an “absolute dream”

Many Everton fans have been left buzzing over some comments made by Richarlison.

Speaking to the official website of the Goodison Park faithful, the former Watford ace has now claimed that he wants to become a legend at the Merseyside club: “What I want most of all, is to become a legend here. I’m so proud to see the fans with my banner, with my name on their shirts. It’s been a great start and I hope it continues so I can become an Everton idol.”

Richarlison was subject of speculation by a number of reports that he could leave in the summer transfer window, but now it looks like he has committed his future to Rafa Benitez’s team for the long-term.

The Brazil international has been such a key player for the Blues since he joined them, and his latest attitude is something that has drawn a lot of praise from Toffees supporters.

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Nonetheless, just coming back to full fitness, he will hope that he can have another successful season with EFC.

Everton fans on Richarlison news

These Evertonians were left buzzing as the comments from Richarlison were shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it was ‘great news’:

“I love him more than my parents”

Credit: @Josh03460489

“The lad has a tremendous attitude.”

Credit: @PeterPapadopo11

“Great news”

Credit: @rmorley74

“NEVER LEAVE”

Credit: @Evanjw57

“Don’t make me cry”

Credit: @KyIeverton

“This man gets Everton”

Credit: @JakeKent1996

In other news, find out what team news had Toffees fuming here!

Newcastle United managed to scrape a narrow 1-0 win at home to Wolves in the Premier League on Friday night, despite the visitors dominating the ball.

Offensively, the hosts did manage to record 12 shots on goal compared to the Wanderers’ five, but both sides were largely wasteful in attack in an underwhelming encounter.

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As such, The Transfer Tavern have now used statistical experts SofaScore to analyse who the three worst performers (to have played at least 45 minutes) were for the North East club at St. James’ Park, should these men be worried after their chances under Eddie Howe?

Miguel Almiron

Given a 6.6 rating, Almiron, who had to come on in the 13th minute for the injured Ryan Fraser, ranked as the Tyneside outfit’s third-worst player on the night.

The Paraguay international lost out on four of his duels, and also failed to record a single shot on target, accurate cross or long ball, giving possession away six times in total.

Linked with a move away this summer and starting just 13 times in the league, might this have been the pacy attacker’s last chance to impress?

Matt Targett

Targett was ranked as the Magpies’ second-worst performer with a 6.5 overall rating.

The left-back lost eight duels, and made no successful dribbles, clearances or key passes, while he was also dribbled past a team-high three times.

He lost the ball on no fewer than on 20 separate occasions in total, the joint-second most out of any player on the pitch, but one would think he’s done enough this year to convince Howe to sign him permanently.

Allan Saint-Maximin

With a 6.4 rating, Saint-Maximin ranked as the Toon’s worst player on the night.

The French winger was unsuccessful in a staggering 15 of his individual duels, by far the most out of any player, while he also failed to score with his four shots at goal, and managed no key passes or accurate crosses.

Dribbled past twice, Saint-Maximin was also guilty of giving the ball away 23 times, again the most of any player on the pitch, in what was a disappointing night for the fan favourite winger.

In other news, find out what ‘huge’ club-record deal NUFC could now complete here!

Tottenham Hotspur will still be without two first-team players as they return to UEFA Europa Conference League action later this evening…

What’s the word?

Spurs’ form has taken a turn for the worst in recent weeks, losing three straight heavy defeats in the Premier League, whilst they only just salvaged a point against Stade Rennes in their group stage opener two weeks ago.

Nuno Santo will probably be wanting to change things up on the pitch but he’ll be limited in his options as he won’t be able to call upon either Steven Bergwijn or Ryan Sessegnon.

Bergwijn picked up an injury during that clash in France, whilst Sessegnon has been injured since the international break at the start of the month.

“Nothing has changed,” the Portuguese told the club’s official website this week. “Sess and Stevie will not join the group. The rest of the squad is available. We will also bring in some Under-23s to help us, and we go for the game.”

Big setback

This will be hugely frustrating for the 47-year-old and it may leave him a little worried heading into kickoff, even if it is against a team of much lower quality.

Spurs will remember the Dinamo Zagreb clash from last season, which saw the Croatian champions perform a stunning comeback to knock them out of the Europa League, so no team should be taken lightly.

Nuno badly needs to shake things up, so having a player with a point to prove like Sessegnon available would’ve been an interesting option, whilst Bergwijn had started their opening three league games before his injury.

It can’t be that much of a coincidence that the Lilywhites won all three of those games, too.

He is also one of their biggest threats in the final third, having averaged 1.3 key passes and 2.3 shots per game, a feat only bettered by top goalscorer Heung-min Son, as per WhoScored.

Nuno may have to call upon some of the players that have severely let him down in defeats to arch-rivals Arsenal, Chelsea and Crystal Palace in recent weeks.

The Spurs boss is also thought to be under increasing pressure, according to some reports in the press, so it’s crucial that he gets a result and avoids an embarrassing upset against Mura tonight.

Given their recent performances, Nuno may well be gutted to not be able to change his side completely heading into this fixture.

AND in other news, Paratici risking catastrophic Spurs transfer disaster with £40.5m-rated “lightweight”…

Aston Villa have confirmed some major news right before their Premier League season gets underway against Watford this weekend…

What’s the story?

Just a couple of days ahead of the game against the Hornets, the Midlands club revealed via their official website that their assistant head coach Richard O’Kelly has left his position with immediate effect, with Villa manager Dean Smith paying tribute to his work.

The 50-year-old said: “Richard has worked with me for the best part of a decade and we have always had a really close relationship. We are friends as well as colleagues and I will miss him. I would like to thank him on a personal level for the dedication and support he has always given me and on behalf of everyone at Aston Villa we wish him all the very best for the future.”

Responding to the news on Twitter, the Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece said: “Come as a real surprise to all of us; didn’t see it coming. Hoping to find out why it’s happened tomorrow. RoK was still bossing the analysts around on Sunday, telling them to come down for the HT debrief. A total surprise, Son. Points to a big coaching shake-up.”

Fans will be worried

As Preece says, this news on O’Kelly has come as a real shock to everyone associated with Villa, and with the news coming out on the verge of the new season, it is hardly great timing for Smith and co.

Given the fact that he’s worked with Smith for nine years now, and is clearly a big influence in and around the squad judging by the comments from the manager and Preece, Villa will be missing a huge figure in their backroom staff at a time when they really want to hit the ground running.

It comes as a real setback for Smith, and it’s one which may leave fans worried about how much of an impact the exit will have, and how quickly the Villa boss can find a replacement for him – all the more so with the 50-year-old’s assistant John Terry also departing in recent weeks.

Given the success of the summer transfer window thus far, Villa fans would no doubt have been very hopeful of getting a good start in the Premier League, but this latest news may just have thrown a spanner in the works.

Meanwhile, Ashley Preece has delivered a teasing transfer update on James Ward-Prowse…

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Basel striker Arthur Cabral, although a number of clubs are keen on acquiring his signature.

The Lowdown: Cabral’s stunning form for Basel

The 23-year-old has enjoyed a magnificent start to the 2021/22 season, scoring 13 goals in just 12 Swiss Super League starts.

Cabral’s current Basel deals expires in 2023, so the Swiss side will be aware that they are running out of time to receive good money for the Brazilian.

Having been linked with a move to Barcelona, it now appears as though Leeds are also in the race to sign him.

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The Latest: Leeds linked with move

According to ESPN Brasil [via Sport Witness], the Whites are one of the clubs keen on snapping up Cabral, with AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen also mentioned in the report.

Leeds were actually linked with a move for the youngster last year, too, but the transfer never materialised, so this is one Victor Orta and co have clearly been eyeing for a while.

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The Verdict: Good competition for Bamford

One area where Leeds are clearly lacking depth is up front, with Patrick Bamford relied upon too much for goals, having registered 17 league efforts last season – more than double that of second-placed Stuart Dallas and Jack Harrison.

Cabral could be an ideal man to come in and not necessarily start every week but provide competition, allowing Marcelo Bielsa to rotate more often and perhaps reduce the risk of injuries for Bamford in the process.

Granted, the £13.5million-rated Basel attacker isn’t proven in one of Europe’s top leagues yet, but at 23, he could mature as the years pass and become a key man.

Cabral’s superb record this season speaks for itself and it could be a transfer to keep an eye on given the long-term interest.

In other news, a pundit has hailed the return from injury of one Leeds player. Find out who it is here.

Many West Brom fans have been slamming the performance of Jordan Hugill in their 1-0 loss at Huddersfield Town on Saturday.

The striker, who is on loan from Norwich City, was brought on for Grady Diangana just after the hour mark but failed to make any sort of real impact on the game as Daniel Sinani’s early goal was enough to give the Terriers all three points.

Hugill lost out on all four of his duels and failed to record a single shot on goal, dribble or key pass, while he was also guilty of losing possession of the ball five times (SofaScore).

The 29-year-old has only scored one goal in 14 Championship appearances for the Baggies (Transfermarkt), so loaning him in has not proven to be good business so far.

West Brom fans slam Hugill

These Albion fans slammed Hugill’s performance on Twitter, with one supporter even going as far as to claim that the striker was ‘anonymous’ against Huddersfield:

“Hugill making me miss Diangana.”

Credit: @HOLLY073

“Hugill is a waste”

Credit: @TonySmi37140951

“Brings on Hugill who is just anonymous for the time he is on the pitch.”

Credit: @1toowatch

“Absolutely zero chance he’s worse than Hugill though, who is total dross!”

Credit: @MattW1lkes

“Nothing wrong with Reach. Hugill however…..”

Credit: @suttonbaggie

“Every night I go to bed thinking ‘what on earth does any football coach see in Jordan Hugill’? (I think of other things, too, of course).”

Credit: @DickLaurent96

In other news, find out what pre-game team news had these WBA fans buzzing

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith could sign his club’s new Paul Merson in Norwich City star Todd Cantwell.

What’s the story?

Reports from The Telegraph last summer suggested that Smith’s side were weighing up a potential move for the Canaries midfielder, but a deal failed to materialise before the end of the window.

And now, Football Insider claim that Villa are actually in advanced talks with Norwich over finally luring Cantwell to Villa Park, and that there is growing confidence a deal can be done.

Villa’s new Merson

A profile done by Villa’s official club website back in 2010 about five of the greatest midfielders to pull on a shirt, said of Merson: “On the pitch, he was a magician. Merson was brilliant with the ball at his feet and could do things others wouldn’t even dream about.

“People asked questions of the £6.75m fee John Gregory paid for him in 1998 but it definitely proved to be money well spent as he won games and charmed fans. Even though he was obviously struggling away from the sanctity of Villa Park and Bodymoor Heath, his displays were incredible for the club.

“Never afraid to put his foot in, his main attributes, however, were skill and flair as he wowed supporters throughout his four year spell. His finest accolade at the club was undoubtedly winning Players and Supporters Player of the Year awards in 2000.”

Described as someone with a “God-given” talent by his former youth team coach Gary Cockaday, Cantwell has that same natural ability that Merson was gifted with.

Former Norwich striker Dean Ashton raved about him, saying: “When I first saw him I said to Darren Huckerby, ‘how is that lad not training with the first-team?’. He was incredible. The way he was drifting past players. His speed of thought and his awareness. He’s just a wonderful player.”

Last season saw Cantwell average an impressive 1.6 dribbles per game which ranked him joint-top among the rest of Norwich’s squad (Emi Buendia being the other).

The attacking midfielder also features in the top three for Norwich for both key passes and shots per game in the Championship too, another indication of just how influential he is whenever he gets on the ball.

Like Merson, the £19.8m-rated Cantwell has got the ability to unlock defences with a bit of skill or trickery, and Smith should be all over a move this summer.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa are now eyeing this Emile Smith Rowe alternative…