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In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Premier League striker Dean Windass has backed Leeds United to secure a deal for a new centre-back in January.

Marcelo Bielsa has been dealt one huge nightmare as he’s set to be without all of his senior options going into their festive Premier League clash with Burnley on Sunday.

Whites skipper Liam Cooper was the latest name to be withdrawn through injury having hobbled off during their 6-2 thrashing by Manchester United at the weekend – he joins Diego Llorente, Robin Koch, and Gaetano Berardi on the treatment table.

Young and rarely-seen starlet Leif Davis may have to partner right-back Luke Ayling in a makeshift backline until January, at the very least.

Leeds have been linked with a loan move for Chelsea outcast Fikayo Tomori, and Windass believes he’d be the perfect addition – irrespective of their current defensive injury crisis.

Football Insider claim Bielsa is keeping tabs on the £27m-rated central defender ahead of next month’s transfer window, although it is believed he’d command a ‘huge’ loan fee to make the switch.

Speaking to FFC, Windass backed the move.

He said:

“He catches pigeons. He can run, by the way.

“That would be good if Frank can [agree]. There’s obviously no love lost between them with the old spy [situation] a few years ago.

“Tomori would be good – I’m not criticising Liam Cooper, but he will find it tough, coming to 33/34 [years of age] now. He was never the quickest anyway, and when you’re in the Premier League as a centre-back, you’ve got to be an athlete. You’ve got to be able to run.

“They need that pace at the back. You know what the Premier League is like – especially when everyone sort of plays 4-3-3 and the three up front are all lightning quick, so Tomori would be a great signing.”

A temporary switch could well be the perfect move for all parties involved as the 23-year-old isn’t getting enough game time sat behind both Thiago Silva, Kurt Zouma, and even Antonio Rudiger.

Indeed, Tomori has played just once in 20 matches across the Premier League and Champions League this season. However, he did pick up his first England cap under Gareth Southgate in November 2019.

Another loan spell out could be beneficial to Frank Lampard after enjoying a successful stint at Derby County, in which he kept Patrick Bamford silent in that infamous playoff encounter at the end of the 2018/19 campaign.

Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani will, however, have to fork out the majority of his reported £75k-per-week wages if they are to land the English colossus at the Yorkshire outfit next month.

AND in other news, Leeds ace who lost possession 36 TIMES vs Utd will have Bielsa FURIOUS…

Neil Lennon has breathed a sigh of relief after Celtic banked a 4-1 win over Motherwell in the Premiership this afternoon. The Hoops kept the pressure on league leaders Rangers and still have another all-important game in-hand to play.

Celtic’s star of the show was undeniably Mohamed Elyounoussi, who has apologised for his recent Europa League stunt with true class. The Southampton loanee bagged himself a hat-trick in a huge gesture which has not only restored his status, but gotten the Bhoys back on track.

However, not all of Lennon’s players put in an impressive performance. Despite the comfortable 4-1 scoreline, Diego Laxalt dropped a rather out-of-character poor display.

Diego Laxalt vs Motherwell

The left-back has put in some solid performances since he joined the Bhoys on loan, attracting praise from the likes of Chris Sutton who says the club has been “crying out for” a player like him for weeks.

However, today was not a good day at the office for Laxalt. According to Sofascore, the Uruguay international lost 66% of his attempted duels and was dribbled past on two occasions. He also lost the ball four times and committed two fouls. As a player who is usually eagle-eyed in attack, Laxalt additionally failed to make any successful crosses or long balls, despite attempting seven in total.

The 27-year-old’s performance will be far from a worry for Lennon, who will be pleased to be back on the bike and pedalling away. There’s a long road still to come as Celtic keep pushing to catch Rangers. One thing the manager must do however, is to ensure his squad are performing at the best of their abilities. The Hoops have lost too many matches so far to trust that performances like this won’t happen again.

Lennon must keep cracking the whip and not let individual displays slip.

In other news, Ralph Hasenhuttl will be furious with Mohamed Elyounoussi’s recent Celtic stunt…

Michael Keane will be key to Carlo Ancelotti’s plans of beating Southampton this Sunday, with the Everton colossus vital to preventing Danny Ings from maintaining his stellar form.

Everton travel to St. Mary’s this weekend looking to extend their unbeaten start to the Premier League season, after VAR drama helped the Goodison Park outfit avoid defeat at home to Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby last time out.

The result kept the Toffees atop the league standings by a point to Aston Villa heading into the weekend, while a 3-3 draw at Chelsea saw Southampton slip to 12th place with two wins in five following victories over Burnley and West Bromwich Albion.

Ings struck the first of the Saints’ goals at Stamford Bridge to keep Ralph Hasenhuttl’s hopes of a result alive, while Jannik Vestergaard’s stoppage-time equaliser will ensure the south coast side are brimming with confidence when they host Everton on Sunday.

Ings’ 43rd-minute goal against Chelsea marked the 28-year-old’s fourth of the season, as he continues to impress for the Saints since his initial arrival on loan from Liverpool now with 37 strikes in 73 games across all competitions to his name.

The forward – who Southampton signed permanently for £20million in 2019 – accounts for 50% of the Saints’ total eight goals in the Premier League this season, a contribution rate only bettered by Wilfried Zaha (67% of Crystal Palace’s six goals) and Callum Wilson (57% of Newcastle’s seven goals).

Ancelotti will be aware that neutralising the threat Ings presents will be crucial to taking a result on the south coast this weekend, and will be buoyed by Keane’s dominant record against the three-time England international.

Keane has faced Ings in five Premier League fixtures throughout their respective careers, with Everton’s £30m centre-half coming out on top in two of those meetings and holding his compatriot to two draws.

Ings has provided three goals across those five meetings but has never beaten Everton when he has scored, with the Winchester-born ace unable to break the goal line in Southampton’s 2-1 win in January 2019.

The Saints won on that occasion through a second-half strike from James Ward-Prowse and an own goal from Lucas Digne, which Gylfi Sigurdsson’s 91st-minute hit could not prevent from proving crucial.

Keane, alongside Chelsea loanee Kurt Zouma, restricted Ings to just two shots although both were on target and saved by Jordan Pickford, while forcing the 28-year-old into failing two of his four dribbles and misplacing eight of his 25 passes, per WhoScored.

Ings was even less influential to proceedings when Everton held Liverpool to a goalless draw in April 2018, when the forward – fielded at right-wing by Jurgen Klopp – failed to register any shots, misplaced 11 of his 46 passes, made no successful dribbles and was disposed twice before being hauled off in the 89th-minute. Keane, meanwhile, recorded two tackles, won six aerial duels and registered nine clearances.

Ancelotti will be hopeful that Keane can replicate his performance against Liverpool in 2018 and force a timid display from Ings when Everton travel to Southampton this Sunday.

AND in other news, Everton are yet to open talks with a key club figure who’s set to be out of contract next summer.

Blackburn Rovers have leapfrogged Watford in the race to sign Leeds United defender Barry Douglas and are confident of a deal before Friday’s deadline.

With the domestic transfer window set to close at 5pm on Friday (16/10), we can expect plenty of movement in the Championship.

Leeds have been extremely active in terms of bringing players in over the summer but one player who now looks set to depart in Douglas, with plenty of interest from the second tier.

A whole host of clubs have eyes on the Scottish left-back, though Blackburn and Watford appear the most keen.

Blackburn take over Watford for Douglas move

With speculation mounting ahead of Friday’s deadline, it had been reported that Watford were front runners in the race to sign the defender.

However, that claim seems to have now been countered with Football Insider claiming officials from Ewood Park have held fresh talks with Leeds on Thursday morning over a deal.

This advance from the former Premier League winners could tempt Watford to make a final push for the defender, who has made 44 appearances for the Whites thus far.

From ‘integral’ to out the door

Douglas is unlikely to gain sufficient playing time at Elland Road this season with Stuart Dallas producing consistently good form over the last 12 months at left-back.

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa has often praised Douglas, calling the defender an ‘integral’ part of his squad just under one month ago, but that now seems to have changed with an exit on the cards.

Who Douglas would be better suited to join is up for debate but you have to feel Watford would be better equipped to mount a promotion challenge if the Scot wants to embark on a similar campaign to that which he experienced with Leeds last season.

Do you think Douglas should join Blackburn or Watford? Let us know in the comments section below…

Dean Henderson continued to stake his claim for a place in the starting lineup after Manchester United cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win at Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday night.

What’s the word?

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side thrashed the Seagulls after Scott McTominay opened the scoring at the AMEX Stadium.

According to ex-Manchester United striker Andy Cole, while Juan Mata made the most of the spotlight, as the midfielder scored a goal and supplied the assist for McTominay, Henderson will have given Solskjaer a lot to think about before the Red Devils face their former boss Jose Mourinho this weekend.

The club legend told Sky Sports he believes Henderson has proved he is more than capable of challenging David de Gea for the number one jersey.

While the game hung in the balance, the 23-year-old made a fine save from Leandro Trossard after he flung out a left hand to stop a stinging shot.

Speaking after the game, Solskjaer was full of high praise for the goalkeeper’s key save after the game, telling reporters it was a “big moment in the game, as it was last time against Luton, kept his concentration, he didn’t have a lot to do, very pleased with it.”

He added “he lives for clean sheets which a keeper should do.”

Schmeichel 2.0?

Old Trafford has witnessed some of the world’s greatest goalkeepers step out onto the pitch but that hasn’t always been the case.

For every Edwin van der Sar, there has been an Anders Lindergaard, although the board may not have to look very far to find a future star within their ranks.

Standing at 1.88m tall, Henderson is very much in the mould of former keeper Peter Schmeichel.

Schmeichel, who is slightly taller at around 1.91m, was also known for his agile frame and athleticism.

While Henderson is hardly a freak of nature, his old boss Chris Wilder said “he has matured and his concentration levels are fantastic” after his late saves denied Norwich City last season.

Last season, the 6 ft 1 colossus saved 13 clean sheets in 36 games in the Premier League, the same amount as De Gea, although the 43-cap Spanish international conceded three more goals. He also saved one out of three penalties and only made one error leading to a goal via SofaScore.

As with any side, competition for places is important, and these numbers hint that Henderson, who currently earns wages worth £120,000-a-week, should be given the opportunity to prove himself in the English top flight.

De Gea has endured a tough start to the season after another erratic display against Crystal Palace. United have been crying out for some competition and Henderson could be the unsung hero they need to push for a place in the top four.

AND in other news, Spurs eye shock move for Manchester United star Jesse Lingard…

West Ham United have been linked to a new striker this week and it’s a player that has haunted east London before…

What’s the word?

According to Italian transfer expert Ciro Venerato (via Arena Napoli), the Irons are one of the teams interested in veteran Napoli forward Fernando Llorente this summer.

It’s claimed that Carlo Ancelotti is also keen to bring him back to the Premier League having been the man to bring him to the Serie A outfit last summer.

The 6 foot 4 colossus is seemingly free to leave the Stadio San Paolo, although it remains to be seen how much he could cost with Transfermarkt valuing him at just under £3m.

Past it now

Llorente is a player that many at the London Stadium will know well as the Spaniard enjoyed three seasons in the Premier League from 2016 to 2019, playing for both Swansea City and Tottenham Hotspur.

During a League Cup tie with the Irons in 2018, the 35-year-old caused Manuel Pellegrini’s Hammers side all sorts of problems, scoring in a 3-1 victory.

David Moyes’ current defensive pairing Angelo Ogbonna and Issa Diop struggled to cope with his physical presence – Llorente won 60% of his duels whilst the Frenchman committed one foul and had to put in one last-ditch tackle, per SofaScore.

However, he could potentially be another expensive flop with him reportedly on over €60k-per-week (£54k-per-week) at Napoli.

In the past, Llorente has caused mixed reaction in the press – Frank Lampard once said in 2017 that there was a “sluggishness” about him and “sloppy” whilst Irons legend Trevor Sinclair believes his hold up play is “superb” and that he’s a “great plan B”.

It’s unlikely that a 35-year-old is going to come into United and outscore Sebastien Haller despite only scoring seven times last season, therefore, Moyes should steer well clear of this move.

AND in other news, West Ham make PL regular their number ONE target…

If at first you fail, try and try again. This is probably the motto Dean Smith is currently preaching at Aston Villa as they struggle to finally seal the deal for Emiliano Martinez.

Arsenal have already rejected two offers from the Villains, the last one said to be within the £15m mark, and are adamant on holding out for their initial £20m evaluation of the goalie.

Of course, the Argentine shot-stopper is looking for regular minutes ahead of the 2020/21 Premier League season so he is keen to move on from the Emirates. However, Mikel Arteta won’t just part ways with him for any price whatsoever.

According to the latest report from the Daily Mail, Aston Villa are preparing their third attempt to finally snatch the goalkeeper up and bring him to the club. But one thing is for sure, that bid will simply have to be at least much closer to Arsenal’s asking price if they are to be more successful this time around.

Martinez has already rejected a contract renewal with the London side so there is certainly hope for Villa that he will indeed leave for greener pastures in the immediate future.

Smith wants to add more depth to his defence and the 28-year-old could indeed be the answer to his prayers. The only thing in the way is money and it remains to be seen whether the Villains have the financial power to get the deal over the line.

Only time will tell.

Verdict

Since Martinez is looking for steady football and Villa need a new goalie, this does seem like the perfect match on paper. Of course, the Villains’ goalkeepers have been a sore spot for the team for a while now and the Argentine could help fix that for the upcoming campaign.

Nothing is set in stone just yet, however, and there’s still a lot of work left before they can celebrate a new signing.

Chelsea are getting themselves ready to fight in what promises to be a thrilling 2019/20 Premier League campaign.

The Blues have recruited heavily in the lead-up to the new season and could be the ones to watch to chase down Liverpool for their crown.

Frank Lampard has welcomed five major signings to the club already, with Kai Havertz looking likely to be the sixth through the door any day now.

With their first match of 2020/21 in sight, the manager has highlighted who has impressed him during Chelsea’s pre-season. One man who will definitely have the spotlight on him once the new term starts is Timo Werner. Luckily for him, he has already hit the ground running for the Blues.

Lampard has given a glowing review of the German’s performance against Brighton, which saw him find the back of the net just four minutes into the game (via Sofascore).

“I thought Timo was really sharp and bright,” the 42-year-old told The Express. “He got his goal really early in the game, he showed some of the qualities that I know very well he has so I am very excited about having him in the squad.”

Werner joined Chelsea in a move that stunned the masses. After months of heavy speculation over joining Liverpool, and the player himself even admitting he was proud to be linked to the Reds, the forward put pen to paper for the West Londoners.

The move came shortly after Hakim Ziyech marked Lampard’s first signing of the summer. Werner made his move from RB Leipzig for a fee of £45million back in June (via Sky Sports).

“Also on the pitch he can help talk and be the player that he is which means affecting others,” Lampard said. “On those levels I hope he brings that.

“I am pretty sure he will with the qualities we know he has, so I am excited for when he joins up.”

Are you excited to see Timo Werner in action for Chelsea? Join the conversation in the comments below!

Rangers are surely loving the new campaign as they sit top of the Scottish Premiership after the first three rounds of fixtures.

Steven Gerrard’s men have been thoroughly impressive, picking up a 100% win record and are even yet to concede a goal – could this be the year the club truly contends for the title?

Being five points clear of their arch-rivals Celtic at this early stage is certainly a testament to the possibilities.

On Wednesday evening, the Gers ran riot at Ibrox to defeat St Johnstone 3-0 thanks to goals from Borna Barisic, Ryan Kent and Joe Aribo, who all had the game wrapped up by the 50th-minute mark.

Indeed it was the Croatian defender that was the standout performer on the night – aside from his goal, he provided the assist for their second and also recorded four tackles, four accurate crosses and two successful dribbles, via SofaScore.

The 27-year-old was pivotal to Gerrard’s men picking up the three points as he was heavily involved in the proceedings – 82 touches and two key passes only emphasise that.

Perhaps, it’s no surprise to see him linked with a move elsewhere. Roma, Spurs and Leeds have all been touted with interest this summer, although luckily for those in Glasgow, no bids have come forward… yet.

If Ross Wilson has any sense after witnessing last night’s display, then he simply must reject any advances should they fall at his door.

There’s only really one other player suited to the role and that’s new signing Calvin Bassey, who can also play centrally.

Signed by Mark Allen in 2018, Barisic has been a fantastic servant to the Rs and it’s nights like Wednesday that show just how integral he is to the club and their chances of winning their first championship since the 2010/11 campaign.

AND in other news, Massive boost as club makes big transfer decision on Gerrard’s prized asset

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be in the market for a new right-back this summer and a new name has emerged from the shadows.

What’s the word?

According to Calciomercato, Spurs are one of several clubs interested in Barcelona ace Emerson after a string of impressive displays whilst out on loan to La Liga rivals Real Betis.

It’s claimed that Newcastle United, AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen are also keen on landing the 21-year-old ahead of next season.

The young Brazilian still has to complete another year at the Estadio Benito Villamarin and Barca will be faced with paying out €9m (£8m) if they are to cut that short to sell him on.

It’s believed that their asking price is around €30m (£27m) as a result of the situation.

Aarons or Emerson?

Spurs have been linked to several right-back targets, most notably Norwich City’s Max Aarons, who The Athletic have claimed is one of three players high on the list of priorities this summer.

However, a move for Emerson could be the smarter play here.

In the past, the one-time Brazil international has been compared to fellow compatriot Dani Alves and also cites the legendary Cafu as a player he idolises.

When comparing the two, Emerson is streets ahead of Aarons – per WhoScored, he’s averaged more tackles (2.2), aerial duels won (2) and key passes (0.9) than the Canaries’ prospect.

In addition, from an attacking viewpoint, the 21-year-old has provided three goals and six assists this campaign.

Aarons has certainly been one of the bright sparks in a gloomy season in Norfolk, but there has to be doubts on whether he’s ready for the step-up to a club like Spurs just yet.

Mourinho has plenty to worry about at right-back too with Kyle Walker-Peters hugely out of favour. He could soon be used as a pawn to clinch Saints midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

Whilst Serge Aurier’s form has regularly brought criticism from the Spurs faithful.

And in other news, Mourinho may have found his next Frank Lampard…