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Newcastle United are perhaps ruing their decision to sell academy graduate Elliot Anderson last summer to Nottingham Forest. The England international, who was only capped for the first time last week, moved down to the East Midlands from his boyhood club for reasons relating to PSR.

Yet, he has gone from strength to strength at the City Ground, a testament to his ability that Newcastle fans no doubt saw at St James’ Park, too. That talent has been summed up by Thomas Tuchel, handing the youngster his England debut against Andorra last week.

Having Anderson alongside midfield options like Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Joelinton would have been excellent depth for Eddie Howe. With that being said, it gives the chance for a new academy star to break through, after someone like Lewis Miley.

Miley’s Newcastle career so far

It is easy to forget that England under-1 international Miley is just 19 years of age. He’s been in and around the first team frame at St James’ Park for a number of years, since first making his debut in the 2022/23 campaign.

In total, the Stanley-born midfielder has played 49 games for his boyhood club.

He’s managed to get himself on the scoresheet three times and has chipped in with four assists along the way, too.

Of course, it has not been easy for Miley to establish himself in the Magpies’ midfield with the aforementioned quality they have. However, his versatility may work in his favour, given he’s played as a number six as well as in his preferred number eight role.

The youngster has also struggled with injuries, missing the back end of the 2023/24 campaign and the beginning of the 2024/25 season. Since then, he has been unable to break into the side under Howe.

It remains to be seen if Miley can become Newcastle’s new Anderson, but, for now, it doesn’t seem likely that he can establish himself in the starting lineup. Instead, another teen star at the club might be the person Newcastle turn towards to replace Anderson.

Newcastle’s next Elliot Anderson

There must be something in the air at Newcastle to have developed Anderson and Miley, two young academy midfielders. Well, next on that list could be 19-year-old Alfie Harrison, a versatile midfielder who hails from Manchester.

Described as a “star in the making” by football writer Thomas Hammond, Harrison has shone for the Magpies’ youth team at under-21 level, after originally coming through the ranks at Manchester City.

After playing under-21 football in 2023/24, Harrison had his best campaign yet last season. The Mancunian midfielder, who has the first-team number 44 at St James’ Park, played 20 games in the Premier League 2, scoring three times and assisting seven.

He has also excelled in the EFL Trophy, too. The 19-year-old created three chances in his first game of the competition this season against Huddersfield Town, and also won two ground duels and one tackle, showing great all-round ability.

One of the standout features of his game is the versatility he offers. Whilst he is a midfielder by trade, Harrison can also operate out wide, which will teach him plenty of skills to add to his craft in the middle of the park.

Central midfield

15

6

Attacking midfield

8

6

Right-wing

4

1

Right midfield

2

2

(min 45 mins played)

Losing Anderson was certainly a huge blow for the Magpies, but perhaps Howe will decide to unleash a player with the creative talent of Harrison at some stage this season.

He will certainly add quality on the ball, just like their former midfielder.

In The Pipeline

Miley is certainly a great option for Howe to have in and around the squad, but perhaps a player with the skill of Harrison will be able to leapfrog him and become the new Anderson soon enough.

Anderson repeat: Newcastle must regret selling a "monster" for just £500k

Have Newcastle repeated their Elliot Anderson mistake?

ByWill Miller Sep 9, 2025

حقق الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي، فوزًا ثمينًا على كهرباء الإسماعلية، في المباراة التي جمعتهما اليوم السبت، ضمن منافسات الدوري المصري، برباعية مقابل هدفين.

والتقى الأهلي مع كهرباء الإسماعلية على ملعب استاد المقاولون العرب، في الجولة العاشرة من مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

طالع.. لاعب الأهلي يغادر مباراة كهرباء الإسماعيلية مصابًا

وافتتح أحمد نبيل كوكا أهداف المباراة لصالح الأهلي في الدقيقة 17 بتسديدة من لمسة واحدة من داخل منطقة الجزاء، بعد عرضية رائعة من محمد هاني.

وسجل الهدف الثاني للأهلي ياسين مرعي في الدقيقة 37 من رأسية عقب ركنية منفذة داخل منطقة الجزاء من قبل أحمد سيد زيزو.

وأحرز محمد شريف هدف الأهلي الثالث أمام كهرباء الإسماعيلية في الدقيقة 50، بتسديدة من داخل منطقة الجزاء بعد استغلال خطأ دفاعي في تشتيت الكرة عقب عرضية من زيزو.

وقلص محمد أوناجم الفارق في الدقيقة 57 من عمر المباراة بتسجيل هدف كهرباء الإسماعيلية الأول من رأسية بعد عرضية من علي سليمان.

وأضاف الهدف الثاني لكهرباء الإسماعيلية اللاعب عصام الفيومي في الدقيقة 68 من تسديدة رائعة من خارج منطقة الجزاء سكنت شباك الشناوي.

وأحرز أشرف بن شرقي الهدف الرابع للأهلي في شباك كهرباء الإسماعيلية في الدقيقة 73 من عمر اللقاء من ركلة حرة مباشرة.

ورفع الأهلي رصيده إلى 18 نقطة في المركز الثالث من جدول ترتيب مسابقة الدوري المصري، بينما تجمد رصيد كهرباء الإسماعلية عند 8 نقاط في المركز الثامن عشر. أهداف مباراة الأهلي وكهرباء الإسماعيلية اليوم في الدوري المصري 4-2

ملخص مباراة الأهلي وكهرباء الإسماعيلية اليوم في الدوري المصري 4-2

Manchester United are set for a new era under Ruben Amorim, with the hierarchy backing the manager in his quest for success during the off-season.

He’s already spent around £200m on new additions, largely having to work with the players signed by former boss Erik ten Hag – who was sacked back in October last year.

The Dutchman led the side to third place in the Premier League back in his first year, but his £600m spending spree was ultimately a failure, which saw various talents fail to impress at the club.

Lisandro Martínez and Antony are just two players who followed the former boss from Ajax in the summer of 2022, costing a staggering £142m combined – with the latter set to leave this summer for nearly a third of his original fee.

However, Amorim may be about to repeat the dealings made by Ten Hag at Old Trafford this window, especially if one player makes the move to join the Red Devils.

Man Utd plot move for Carlos Baleba alternative

In an attempt to bolster the midfield department, Brighton star Carlos Baleba has emerged as a key target for United between now and the end of the transfer window.

Whilst he still remains a viable option for the Red Devils, his current £100m price tag could prove to be too much given the recent business, with other talents needing to be considered in due course.

As a result, a shortlist of alternatives have been drawn up by the hierarchy, which has seen Feyenoord star Quinten Timber being considered, according to FootballTransfers.

Their report claims that Amorim’s men are closely monitoring a move for the 24-year-old, who made 26 appearances across all competitions, helping the club win the Dutch Super Cup.

It also states that his current employers, who are managed by former United star Robin van Persie, are open to allowing the midfielder to leave, should they receive an acceptable offer for his services.

Why Timber would be another Ten Hag-esque signing

Despite previously holding talks to land Baleba over the last couple of weeks, a deal between now and the September 1st deadline could appear to be unlikely.

His staggering asking price would see United fork out a club-record fee for the 21-year-old, surpassing the £89m they paid for Paul Pogba back in the summer of 2016.

Ahead of the first Premier League matchday of the 2025/26 season, Seagulls boss Fabian Hürzeler has spoken about Baleba’s future at the club and a potential move away from the AMEX.

He stated that he’s extremely confident the player will stay beyond the summer, which could see the Red Devils go on and pursue a move to land Timber from Feyenoord.

There’s no denying that the Dutchman would be a cheaper signing, but he could also prove to be a better addition if he can replicate his recent form from the Eredivisie.

When comparing their respective stats from the 2024/25 campaign, the Dutchman managed to outperform Baleba in various key areas, potentially handing the manager a better option at the heart of the side.

Timber, who’s been labelled “superb” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, showcased his excellent ability in possession, completing more key passes per 90, with more which being into the opposition’s box – handing the new attacking trio a chance to impress this season.

How Timber & Baleba compare throughout 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Timber

Baleba

Games played

18

34

Goals & assists

6

4

Progressive carries

1.6

1.4

Progressive passes

4.4

3.8

Key passes made

1.4

0.7

Passes into the 18-yard box

1.1

0.7

Tackles won

1.6

1.5

Tackle success rate

61%

60%

Aerials won

69%

60%

Stats via FBref

He also dominated the Cameroonian out of possession, registering more tackles per 90, whilst winning more of the dispossession attempts he entered – offering the ball-winning presence the boss craves.

His aerial ability is also far superior compared to the Brighton star, having the talent to be a needed presence at both ends of the pitch when called upon.

It’s unclear how much the Dutch outfit are currently demanding for Timber’s signature, but it’s clear that he’s a sensational talent who could provide a bargain solution to the midfield issue.

However, caution must also be taken by the Red Devils hierarchy in the coming weeks, needing to take their previous dealings from the Ten Hag era into account before making an official approach.

As previously mentioned, the additions the former boss made from the Dutch top division have so far proved unsuccessful, which would undoubtedly present questions over a move for Timber should he wear the club’s red shirt in 2025/26.

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Manchester United legend Roy Keane pointed out a key concern in the wake of the Red Devils' abysmal derby defeat against Manchester City on Sunday. Erling Haaland scored a brace, while Jeremy Doku provided two assists as Pep Guardiola's side returned to winning ways in the Premier League with a morale-boosting 3-0 victory over their rivals at home.

United's nightmare start to new season

After finishing 15th in the Premier League and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham last season, United spent heavily to rebuild their squad and especially strengthened their attack. However, the summer spending has not proved fruitful yet as the club have won just one out of their first four league games and have also crashed out of the Carabao Cup second round after losing against fourth-tier Grimsby Town.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportKeane points key concern after derby loss

Former United captain and pundit Roy Keane discussed United's loss in the derby as he said on "My worry is maybe the players haven’t got that much faith in it. As much as the manager is saying ‘this is where we are going’, as the results don’t come and you are getting beaten by the better teams, he is making loads of changes. It is like they are going round in circles.

"We gave him the benefit of the doubt when he first came in. You talk about the system but the manager is sticking to his guns, he is not budging. You look at the results and the points per game, goals for and against. It is not good reading. It does concern me."

Amorim won't change tactics

Despite facing criticism for his 3-4-3 system, which has failed so far, the Red Devils boss claimed after the derby that the club would have to sack him before he changes his tactics and formation. 

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(C)Getty ImagesWhen will Man Utd play next?

With no European games in midweek, Amorim's side will be back in action on Saturday as they take on Chelsea in another mammoth Premier League clash. They will be expected to bounce back.

Tottenham have been told one key condition to sign a player who’s been identified by manager Thomas Frank as a summer target, according to a new report.

£43m star "clear" he wants to join Tottenham in talks with club chairman

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Spurs are fresh off the back of their first pre-season game against Reading, with new signing Mohammed Kudus enjoying an impressive cameo on Saturday as the Lilywhites ran out 2-0 winners against the League One side.

Goals from Will Lankshear and new arrival Luka Vuskovic secured Frank the perfect start to his new managerial chapter, with the Dane getting a first look at his star-studded squad.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

He could yet see more illustrious names added to it, as Tottenham maintain their pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White despite Nottingham Forest’s threat of legal action. Fabrizio Romano confirms that sealing a deal for Gibbs-White is their priority right now, speaking via his YouTube channel, but that doesn’t mean Daniel Levy won’t have other plates spinning in the background.

Yves Bissouma has been regularly linked with a move away from north London before deadline day on September 1, and José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe are believed to be prime contenders for the Mali international (Yağız Sabuncuoğlu).

With Spurs competing in the Champions League next season, Frank will need a ready-made replacement for Bissouma, considering the hot and cold midfielder played 28 games for them in the Premier League alone last term.

According to recent reports, Bayern Munich ace and former Fulham favourite Joao Palhinha is among the targets on Tottenham’s shortlist to potentially step into Bissouma’s shoes for 2025/2026.

The Portugal international finally sealed what was a long-awaited move to Bavaria last summer, signing for around £47 million, but his debut season at the Allianz Arena was marred by injury struggles, suspensions, illness and a subsequent lack of game time under Vincent Kompany.

As a result, reports suggest the 30-year-old could call time on his stay in the Bundesliga already, and Spurs have been told the requirements to seal a deal.

Tottenham told Joao Palhinha condition after opening Bayern Munich talks

According to GiveMeSport, Tottenham have held club-to-club discussions with Bayern over Palhinha, and Kompany’s side are adamant that Levy will only be able to sign him on a permanent deal.

Any offers for a loan will not be accepted as Bayern attempt to get Palhinha’s £166,000-per-week wages off the books for good, but Frank has personally identified the player as a target, so there appears to be a real willingness from Spurs to move for him.

Bayern are said to have made it clear that Tottenham will need to table a “big-money” bid for Palhinha if they stand a chance of signing him this summer, but this report doesn’t disclose the exact amount they’d be looking for.

In any case, if Spurs decide to press forward, there is reason to believe he would thrive under Frank.

Palhinha was famed for his tackling and robustness in midfield during his spell at Craven Cottage, indicating why Spurs are so keen, with former teammate Tom Cairney even calling him a “breath of fresh air”.

“If you lose the ball, he smells blood,” Cairney said in a glowing endorsement.

“He’s probably one of the best I’ve ever seen off the ball, in terms of getting back, recovering and trying to win back the ball. He doesn’t just put pressure on them, he goes back to win the ball and does the tackle.

“It’s amazing to watch sometimes. I think the fans have taken to him. I think he’s been a breath of fresh air in the Premier League.”

Chelsea are seriously weighing up the prospect of player exchanges, to both trim their bloated squad and reinforce Enzo Maresca’s own options.

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Fresh off their impressive Club World Cup campaign in the USA, where they won six of their seven matches en route to a statement 3-0 win over PSG in the final, BlueCo continue their attempts to reshape the side ahead of a vital Premier League season.

Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season

Average match rating

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Chelsea are under some pressure from UEFA to sell players after being fined for breaching FFP rules recently (Kaveh Solhekol), but Maresca is believed to personally want more attacking options as well (Simon Phillips).

As a solution to Chelsea’s need for player sales, and their desire to bring in more signings after a trio of deals for Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro, it is reported that ‘unofficial swap deals’ are being pondered at Stamford Bridge.

“The Blues are still weighing up a number of new targets in attack and other areas,” wrote journalist Simon Phillips on Substack this week.

“Unofficial swap deals are something Chelsea and other clubs have done a lot of lately to help balance the books of both clubs and keep within PSR rules. They make sense really and help both clubs and help deals get done. They aren’t swap deals as such, more like favour for a favour separate deals.

“Chelsea are still weighing up some opportunities for this. And although my top source is still hearing nothing at all on Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea, something that has been backed up by Fabrizio Romano this week who says there has been no bid or even talks between Chelsea and United for Garnacho as of now, our source does also say that the only way it would happen is part of a ‘swap’ deal.”

Interestingly, Phillips also reported in the aforementioned Substack update that a player who could leave Cobham, in exchange for someone like Garnacho, is versatile attacker Christopher Nkunku.

The Frenchman still faces an uncertain future, despite impressing at the CWC, and has been told that he’ll only have a squad role next season.

Meanwhile, Joao Felix is widely expected to leave and has held talks over a return to boyhood club Benfica (Standard Sport).

Chelsea offer João Félix and Christopher Nkunku in exchange for Rodrygo

Now, as per Spanish news website Real Madrid Confidential, Chelsea are continuing to express an interest in £207,000-per-week Los Blancos forward Rodrygo.

Reports earlier this week claimed that Maresca’s side were plotting to use Nicolas Jackson in a potential swap for the Brazil international, and now RMC claim that Chelsea have proposed Nkunku and Felix in exchange for Rodrygo.

The 24-year-old is yet to make a final decision about leaving Real this summer, after scarcely being used by new manager Xabi Alonso at the Club World Cup, but it appears west London is emerging as a serious potential landing spot amid links to Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City.

Rodrygo bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season, with England midfielder Jude Bellingham calling him the most “underrated” player in their squad.

Pep Guardiola is pushing Manchester City to offer one of his current players in exchange for a Real Madrid star, according to a recent report.

Cherki looking to create his own Man City legacy

The Blues have been very busy in the early part of this transfer window, bringing in four new players. They have added Marcus Bettinelli to their squad as another goalkeeper option, along with Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves, Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan and Rayan Cherki from Lyon.

City have seen Kevin de Bruyne leave the club and join Napoli this summer, and therefore, signing someone with Cherki’s creativity was crucial. However, the French attacking midfielder has stressed he is “not De Bruyne”, and he is keen to “write my own story” at the Etihad.

“I’m not Kevin De Bruyne; he is the legend. I’m here to help the team and to write my own story. I hope to win all the time with the team.

“When you see Rodri, he won the Ballon d’Or here – it’s clear that with Manchester City it’s possible, and I am here for this.

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“When I spoke with Pep, he wanted me – he was very, very clear. Pep told me, ‘when you have the ball, you are free’, which is very good for me because it’s my first quality to help the team.

“The system, the club, the city is very good. I want to win, and I think Manchester City wants to win it all.”

Pep wants Rodrygo to join Man City overhaul

Cherki may not be the last of the new attackers arriving at the Etihad in this transfer window, as according to a report from Spain, Pep wants Man City to offer Jack Grealish to Real Madrid in exchange for Rodrygo.

Grealish has been left out of City’s Club World Cup squad, as his time at the club appears to be coming to an end. Guardiola is keen for the Englishman to get another big move and sees him as someone who can help bring Rodrygo’s price down, which currently stands at £84 million.

However, this report does state that Real Madrid are not interested in signing Grealish, and Xabi Alonso has already made it clear to the Brazilian forward that he is a key part of his plans going forward.

Rodrygo’s 24/25 league stats compared to Jack Grealish
	Rodrygo	Grealish
Apps	30	20
Starts	22	7
Goals	6	1
xG	4.0	1.1
Goals per 90	0.28	0.12
Assists	6	1
xAG	3.0	1.8
Assists per 90	0.23	0.12
Progressive carries	113	69

Grealish, who earns £300,000 a week at City, is already wanted by teams such as Newcastle United and Aston Villa, with the Magpies said to be the ones leading the race to secure his transfer.

Last season, Grealish played just 20 times in the Premier League, scoring one goal and registering one assist in the process. Meanwhile, Rodrygo, who has been dubbed a “magician” by Statman Dave, scored six goals as well as assisting a further six in 30 La Liga games.

The representative of a “complete player” is actively pushing for his client to join Chelsea, according to reports, with a deal also being worked on behind-the-scenes.

Chelsea eye new defender for Enzo Maresca this summer

While their qualification for the Champions League is set to have a big impact on their summer plans, that hasn’t stopped BlueCo from laying the groundwork for potential transfers.

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Chelsea are competing in the Club World Cup this summer as well, and will have the chance to sign new players before the tournament kicks off, thanks to a special edition window, which will be open from June 1st to June 10th.

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

The first window is therefore just weeks away from opening, and Chelsea are reliably believed to be eyeing a centre-back as one of the main priorities on their agenda.

They’ve already been linked with a host of new defenders, including Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, Ajax sensation Jorrel Hato, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Burnley ace Maxine Esteve, but one name who keeps being mentioned is Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen.

The Spain international is set to be one of the Premier League’s most sought-after defensive targets this summer, amid reports of a £50 million release clause written into his contract following a very impressive debut campaign in the English top flight.

Ali Barat pushing Dean Huijsen to join Chelsea

Chelsea have held productive talks with Huijsen’s camp in recent weeks, according to journalist Simon Phillips, and the reporter now claims that his agent, Ali Barat, is determined for him to seal a west London move.

Phillips claims Barat is pushing for Huijsen to join Chelsea as he actively works on a deal, even if the player’s father, Don, would prefer it if he joined Liverpool.

“Agent Ali Barat is working on the deal and is pushing Huijsen towards Chelsea,” said Phillips, via his Substack.

“The player’s father has so far been keen for him to join Liverpool. The player has always said that he won’t make a decision until the season ends, but Chelsea continue to work on it, as do Liverpool.”

The 20-year-old has been outstanding this term, and is now an undroppable member of Andoni Iraola’s starting eleven, prompting members of the media to call Huijsen a perfect modern-day defender.

“He is so cool, so composed, so chill, as he said,” said Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp.

“He just makes the game look so easy and so effortless. For a 20-year-old to be playing at this level and doing what he is, that’s why he’s coveted by pretty much everyone in Europe.

“If you’re creating a footballer, the modern-day centre-back, you’ve got a bit of the influence from the Netherlands, the influence from Spain, where they come out with the ball and all the great defenders they’ve had.

“And then you’ve got that Italian mark on it as well so the journey, the mixture that he’s got, is pretty perfect, and now he’s found himself in the Premier League. The elements are good, everything is right for him. You have to get all the right ingredients to be a top player.

“He’s a complete player, this young man.”

Looking ahead towards the summer, Newcastle United are reportedly set for talks with Juventus sporting director Cristiano Guintoli over bringing a midfield star back to the Premier League.

When Newcastle could seal UCL qualification

Whilst the transfer window is on its way, the Magpies’ main focus should currently be transfixed on Champions League qualification. With their fate in their own hands too, Eddie Howe’s side could confirm their place in the next two games if results go their way.

If Newcastle manage to defeat Brighton & Hove Albion and then Chelsea next weekend all whilst the Blues suffer defeat against Liverpool in between, then they will have their Champions League place secured.

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The alternative, meanwhile, relies on Aston Villa to lose their next two games against Fulham and Bournemouth whilst Newcastle pick up six points from six, allowing them to seal their place in the top five. Of course, at this stage it is merely a game of predictions, but the Magpies – no matter what – are responsible for their own destiny in the coming weeks.

Liverpool (C)

82

34

Arsenal

67

34

Newcastle United

62

34

Man City

61

34

Chelsea

60

34

Nottingham Forest

60

33

Aston Villa

57

34

Having his say on the Champions League race, Howe recently told reporters: “It will go down to the wire. The important thing today was that we bounced back from last week. We have been very consistent, and now we have four huge games.

“They do [feel like a cup final]. With four games to go, you’re ticking down. We have put ourselves back into a strong position, but we know it can change quickly.”

Should those at St James’ Park seal their European place then all eyes will, of course, instantly go to the summer transfer window where one particular midfielder could be waiting.

Newcastle set for Douglas Luiz talks

According to TVPlay as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle are now set for talks with Cristiano Guintoli over signing Douglas Luiz this summer. The Juventus sporting director reportedly wants to learn more about the Magpies’ interest in the Brazilian whilst also discussing a potential swap deal involving Sandro Tonali.

Luiz has endured a frustrating spell in Italy and is almost certain for a Premier League return just one year on from his Aston Villa departure, with both Newcastle and Nottingham Forest interested.

Whether those at St James’ Park are big enough admirers of Luiz that they part ways with the talented Tonali remains to be seen, however. When compared in the Premier League, it’s clear that the choice would be a difficult one to make.

Starts

35

24

Tackles Won

38

29

Progressive Carries

60

33

Ball Recoveries

184

162

Given just how much Luiz has struggled at Juventus, Newcastle could even be in a position to chase his signature whilst keeping hold of Tonali. A player dubbed “strong” by Villa sporting director Monchi even amid his struggles earlier this season, Luiz will be desperate to get back to his best.

Leeds United are said to be interested in completing the signing of a “brilliant” Celtic player this summer, according to a new transfer update.

Leeds eyeing signings amid title push

The Whites have secured promotion back to the Premier League, following a scintillating run of form in the Championship that included a 4-0 win at home to Bristol City on Monday evening.

Daniel Farke’s Leeds side know that victory away to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday will seal the title, too, with their superior goal difference over Burnley meaning the Clarets’ result at home to Millwall will ultimately be meaningless.

Amid all the promotion positivity at Elland Road, the club continue to work on new signings for when the Whites are back in the top flight, with Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone mentioned as a potential upgrade to Illan Meslier and Manor Solomon expected to join permanently.

Bournemouth full-back Max Aarons is another rumoured target for Leeds ahead of next season, with the Englishman spending the second half of the current campaign on loan at Valencia, and possibly not having a long-term future with the Cherries.

Leeds keen on signing "brilliant" attacker

According to an update from The Boot Room‘s Graeme Bailey, Celtic attacker Daizen Maeda is a summer target for Leeds, as they look to strengthen in the final third. He is valued at £25m.

It is claimed that the Whites have “watched” the Japanese star in action, but they are far from alone in that respect, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Brentford, Fulham, Crystal Palace and West Ham all getting a mention.

Maeda would be an interesting option for Leeds, possessing blistering pace and end product, having scored 62 goals in 154 appearances for Celtic, as well as registering 27 assists. The 27-year-old is also a five-time league champion, winning four Scottish Premiership titles with the Hoops and one with Matsumoto Yamaga in his homeland, and Brendan Rodgers is a big admirer.

“He’s been absolutely brilliant wherever he’s played, however he’s played, he’s had an amazing season. He earns every penny and we feel as a club he deserves more. He doesn’t give away much, other than saying he’s very happy.”

The step up from the Scottish Premiership to the Premier League is huge, so there would be a risk element in Leeds making a move for Maeda, but the level of interest in him from some of the biggest clubs in the country suggests many believe he is good enough to make the jump.

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Still only 27, the 23-cap and four-goal Japan international is at a great age to come in and be a key man for several years – he also knows Ao Tanaka well from international duty and he could help him settle – so it is a deal the Whites should look to strike.