Journalist Pete O’Rourke has claimed Leeds United want to sign two midfielders this summer, with Brenden Aaronson a ‘top target’, GiveMeSport report.
The Lowdown: January bids
The Whites failed to add to their senior ranks in the January window, with teenage striker Mateo Joseph Fernandez the only player through the door at Thorp Arch.
Leeds did try and bring Aaronson to Yorkshire, though, and made two bids to RB Leipzig for the American’s signature. As we know, they were unsuccessful, but the club are confident their pitch for the 21-year-old will work in the summer.
The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments
O’Rourke was talking to GiveMeSport regarding transfers in a story shared on Tuesday evening. He said two are wanted at the end of the campaign, with Aaronson their key target.
“I don’t think that stance has changed from the Leeds recruitment team. They still want to bring in two midfielders, and Aaronson remains a top target in the summer.”
The Verdict: Survival required first
It’s good to see that the club want two midfielders in the summer, however, failing to make any senior signings in the winter window has been a huge gamble.
Marcelo Bielsa has had to deal with multiple injury issues this season in what is already a small squad, with Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford missing large parts of the season. As a result, Leeds are now flirting with the bottom three as we enter the crunch period of the campaign.
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Hopefully, the Whites will remain in the top flight and bolster their midfield ranks over the summer but they’ll first need to guarantee their place in the division to do just that.
In other news: ‘Exciting’ Leeds attacker now set for March return after months out as reporter relays news.
Whilst Swansea City’s passing philosophy, started by Roberto Martinez and developed by Brendan Rodgers and now Michael Laudrup, has been critically praised by football pundits and talking heads ever since their ascension to the Premier League two years ago, the starting XI has been propped up by a speedy and resolute defence, with Wales international Ashley Williams at the heart of it.
The centre-back’s consistent form, having now maintained a high level of performance for two consecutive seasons and captaining the Welsh club to their first ever lifting of the League Cup, has convinced many that Williams has a higher calling than playing for a middle order team, leading to the tabloids linking him with a summer move to either Liverpool or Arsenal. But which of these two clubs need the 28 year old’s services more? At which team will he be most successful? And from Williams’ perspective, whom represents the best career move?
Both Liverpool and Arsenal can be accused of looking rather frail at the back this season. Whilst the Gunners may have conceded the fourth fewest goals in the Premier League, it is their performances against clubs of a similar or higher stature, at the top end of the table, which has lead to such aggressive scrutiny of Arsene Wenger from the British media. Furthermore, being unable to hold shape and effectively defend as a team has always been an underlying flaw of Wenger’s attacking philosophy, but it has been the performances of key defenders that have let the side down this season.
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The Gunners’ skipper Thomas Vermaelen has done anything but lead by example, being rather embarrassingly exposed for his lack of defensive nous in the North London derby, and although the Belgium international may be a fantastic athlete, there are clear weaknesses to his game that are now being exploited by his opponents. The collective opinion on Vermaelen seems to have changed for the worse since his supply of goals from set pieces has begun to dry up.
Similarly, Bacary Sagna’s woeful performance against Liverpool will live long in the memory and would make good footage for an educational video to show young defenders entitled ‘What not to do if you are a right full-back’. At the same time, Laurent Koscielny appears to have taken a step backwards from last season where he finally appeared to becoming acclimatised to English football, and Per Mertesacker will clearly never put in anything more than a slightly above-average performance.
It’s a similar story at Anfield, with the Reds finding themselves over-reliant on the soon-to-be-retired Jamie Carragher. I am not slating the 35 year old, indeed he has put in some exceptional performances this season, but Liverpool should be at a point by now, and more importantly, Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel should be at a point by now, where their ageing veteran is not such an integral part of the team.
Skrtel’s dip in form has been well documented, with rumours that he is set for a summer departure, yet I’d argue that Agger has similarly been found wanting this season. A particularly poor showing against West Brom comes to mind, where the Danish international was solely responsible for both of the Baggies’ goals in a smash and grab display. I feel Agger and Vermaelen are similar in their action-packed, forward-thinking style, and thus why they have earned ameliorative reputations, but in terms of actual defensive capability, both are worryingly over-rated.
It’s clear that both clubs need some new blood in their backlines, but which club would benefit most from Williams’ presence next season? The Welshman epitomises the modern day centre-back, being pacey, incredibly physical and good on the ball, which would fit the Arsenal mould well. You’d assume the transition from the style of football at Swansea to that of Arsenal would be a relatively process, considering both clubs have a shared understanding of how the game should be played and a similar emphasis on attack.
Yet, there is an argument that Williams is too similar a player to Vermaelen, in terms of his strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, is another decent, but not top class, centre-back really what the Gunners need to project them back towards the title race? There is a huge, intangible difference between being a success at a rank and file Premier League team and being at an Elite European club, which is something Wenger has overlooked with many of his recent signings. Similarly, Arsenal appear to face a monumental struggle when it comes to defending set pieces, and the 28 year old, measuring in at just 6 foot, will do little to solve the first team’s height issues.
Perhaps therefore, Liverpool would be the more sensible option for the Welshman. He’d get the opportunity to link up with former boss Brendan Rodgers, whom is attempting to carry the Swansea ethos over to Anfield with the Reds’ progressive passing game. Furthermore, the Liverpool gaffer’s desire for his defenders to play out of the back would suit Williams perfectly, in comparison to Martin Skrtel who quite frankly does not have enough composure on the ball to carry out the tactic effectively and consistently.
Unlike at the Emirates, where Williams will be up against Koscielny, Vermaelen and Mertesacker on a weekly basis for a slot in the first team, breaking into the Liverpool’s starting XI would be a relatively simple task, with his current form providing enough evidence already to stake a claim to being a regular starter next season.
Similarly, the expectation at Anfield is arguably less high than at Arsenal, where their next campaign will be a career-defining year for Wenger, as it becomes clear the fans have had enough of maintaining their Champions League status without ever pushing for the domestic title.
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On Merseyside, the supporters are rather more patient. They too will be hoping for a top four finish next season, but with a team of exciting youngsters rising from the ashes of a squad formerly composed of over-paid has-beens, missing out on Europe’s top club competition would be an acceptable failing as long as there is a clear sign of overall improvement.
But it’s time to view things from the perspective of the player. The fact is, in the modern game, a footballer has to be a careerist first; there is no longer a place for any form of loyalty. Similarly, with the Champions League now being the Holy Grail of European football, any professional will do anything in his power to get as close to it as possible, even if his wings are burnt by flying too close to the sun. And even if Arsenal fail to qualify for the Champions League for the first time under Arsene Wenger this year, you’d expect to see them return to the competition much sooner than Liverpool, who are still a long way off from returning to their former glories.
Perhaps on paper, Liverpool appears to be the best option; Williams will undoubtedly receive more playing time, less would be expected of him and he would become an important element in a team created around Brendan Rodgers’ youthful and progressive philosophy. But if the decision came down to the Welshman, with both clubs throwing a contract in front of him come the summer, I have no doubt he’d choose the Gunners, for the sake of European football, despite the Reds needing the centre-back’s commanding presence considerably more.
Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic side returned to winning ways against St. Mirren on Wednesday night, with second-half goals from Cameron Carter-Vickers and Callum McGregor being enough to secure a 2-0 win at Parkhead.
However, despite the Bhoys’ typical domination – enjoying a 76% share of possession, completing 696 passes and having 21 shots at the Saints’ goal – the 56-year-old’s side once again struggled in the final third – creating just one big chance over the course of the 90 minutes, as well as hitting the target with just six of their 21 shots.
Indeed, the fact that the Hoops required goals from their centre-back and holding midfielder in order to take all three points against a side who now sit ninth in the Premiership table perfectly highlights the poor form of the Celtic front three – with Jota, Daizen Maeda and Liel Abada all offering very little in the way of creativity and cutting edge in the attacking third.
However, it will undoubtedly be 20-year-old Abada most disappointed with his performance on Wednesday night, as the Israeli international saw his run of failing to hit the back of the net or register an assist extend to six games in all competitions.
Lost 71% duels
Indeed, over his 65 minutes on the Parkhead pitch, the right-winger failed to make any real impact on the game going forwards, having just one shot at the St. Mirren goal, failing with his one attempted dribble, finding his man with only one of his four attempted crosses and completing just 29 passes – the second-least of Celtic’s starting outfielders.
The £4.05m-rated forward also offered little in a defensive capacity, winning just two of his seven duels – a failure rate of 71% – being beaten by an opponent once and losing possession of the ball on 12 separate occasions.
These returns saw the £15k-per-week attacker earn an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.8 – ranking him as Postecoglou’s worst-performing starter on the night.
As such, while Abada is undoubtedly a fantastic talent who is much better than his recent form would suggest, it is nevertheless true that the 20-year-old let his side down on Wednesday night – something that could well see Postecoglou give one of Karamoko Dembele or James Forrest a shot from the off at Livingston on Sunday.
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Indeed, should the player who Pat Bonner claimed is a “huge problem” for defenders continue this run of form much longer, he could well start to become a huge problem for his own side, rather than the opposition.
In other news: Postecoglou must avoid disaster on “special” Celtic sensation, he’s a massive “talent”
An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United transfer target Marcus Rashford…
What’s the talk?
According to 90min, the England international is questioning his future at Old Trafford and may look to pursue an exit from the club at the end of the season. He is said to be frustrated with his game-time under Ralf Rangnick and is set for talks over his role in the team moving forward.
The report claims that the Magpies, along with Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and West Ham, are keeping tabs on his situation in the event that he does become available in the next transfer window.
Meanwhile, reports from Spain have claimed that the Red Devils want a fee of at least €100m (£83m) in order to part ways with the winger.
Lift the roof off
PIF can lift the roof off St James’ Park by striking a mega deal to sign the Englishman from Manchester United ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.
Newcastle demonstrated their ambition in the January transfer window as they swooped to sign Kieran Trippier from Champions League outfit Atletico Madrid. A player featuring in Europe’s premier competition and representing the champions of Spain opted to come and join a relegation battle with the Magpies, which sent out a statement on the club’s direction.
However, the prospective signing of Rashford would take it to the next level. Whilst Trippier is in his 30s and may have seen this move as his last career adventure, the Old Trafford forward is just 24 and has the majority of his career ahead of him to develop even further as a player.
In 293 games for the Red Devils, he has scored 93 goals and provided 58 assists. Last season, he was directly involved in 22 goals in 37 Premier League games, which shows that he has the quality to be a regular contributor in the final third, whilst United reporter Rich Fay dubbed him a “joy to watch”.
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Rashford’s best campaign for goals and assists came in the 2019/20 season, when he scored 17 times and provided nine assists in just 31 league outings. These statistics offer a glimpse into the level of player that PIF would be bringing to Newcastle, and he still has plenty to offer at his young age.
Along with the reported £83m transfer fee, this is why he would be a huge statement signing and one which would have the fans at St James’ Park rocking with excitement, potentially blowing the roof off in the process. Eddie Howe would surely be delighted to have a player of Rashford’s proven quality and potential in his squad, so now it is down to PIF to get this deal over the line…
AND in other news, Forget Trippier: Ashworth can seal instant Newcastle masterclass with “promising” £17m gem…
While Celtic boast a proud history of prolific centre-forwards, with the likes of Kenny Dalglish, Bobby Lennox, Henrik Larsson, John Hartson, Chris Sutton and Moussa Dembele all having graced the Parkhead pitch, there is one striker who almost certainly would have made this list had the Bhoys managed to secure his signing back in 2010.
This player is Olivier Giroud, the French centre-forward who Tony Mowbray attempted to sign for as little as £2.5m from Ligue 2 side Tours, before the then-Celtic manager turned his attention towards a deal for Morten Rasmussen – the Danish centre-forward who went on to score just three goals for the Hoops.
In contrast, Giroud went on to sign for Montpellier HSC in a £1.8m deal the following summer, a club where the hitman would bag 39 goals and register 17 assists over his 85 appearances – not to mention winning the Ligue 1 title in 2011/12 – form which subsequently earned the 6 foot 4 striker a £12m move to Premier League side Arsenal in the summer of 2012.
Over his five and a half year spell in North London, the now-35-year-old who Eden Hazard dubbed a “target man, maybe the best in the world” went on to score a colossal 105 goals and provide 41 assists over 253 appearances, as well as lifting the FA Cup on three separate occasions with the Gunners.
An £18m move to Chelsea in January 2018 followed for the Frenchman, scoring 39 goals and notching 14 assists over 119 outings for the Blues, in which time the striker won both the Europa League and Champions League.
However, the £2.25m-rated hitman’s achievements have not been limited to club football, with Giroud also earning 110 caps for France, bagging 46 goals for Les Bleus, as well as the small matter of winning the 2018 World Cup.
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As such, considering Celtic very much had the chance to sign the 35-year-old all the way back in 2010, it is now extremely clear that the Hoops had a nightmare when failing to get a deal over the line for Giroud.
AND in other news: Kieran Devlin drops early Celtic team news ahead of County, supporters will be buzzing
The Reds were also circling over a swoop for Kelly, along with Arsenal and Benfica. Kelly, a creative central midfielder, is just 16 years of age and is actually the godson of former Celtic striker Scott McDonald, with the Hoops connection set to continue.
The Latest: Three-year deal
The Daily Record’s Scott Burns shared a story late on Tuesday evening, revealing Kelly is set to pen a three-year professional deal at Celtic Park despite the interest from Anfield.
Burns added that a contract is set to be finalised before the end of the week, with left-back Mitchel Frame in line for a similar deal.
The Verdict: Good news
It appeared at one point that the Hoops were unable to hold onto any of their future stars, with the likes of Liam Morrison, Barry Hepburn, Josh Adam and Liam Hughes just some who have departed for some of Europe’s biggest clubs in recent years.
Doak looks set to join that list with a move to Anfield, however, Celtic chiefs now look set for a long-awaited boost with two players closing in on permanent deals.
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Hopefully, both Kelly and Frame go on to become first-team regulars in years to come and the Hoops stay in constant communication in regards to a pathway to Ange Postecoglou’s plans.
In other news: ‘Unfortunately…’ – Journalist gutted ‘for Celtic’ as more exit news emerges from Parkhead.
Wolves are reportedly keen on signing Valencia attacker Goncalo Guedes this summer, although other clubs are also showing an interest.
The Lowdown: Guedes impressing for Valencia
The 25-year-old is enjoying an excellent season for the La Liga side, showing his class in an attacking role. Guedes has scored 11 goals and chipped in with five assists in the league, also averaging 1.3 key passes and 1.8 dribbles per game for good measure.
His current Valencia deal expires in the summer of 2023, so this year could be the last chance they get to receive a substantial transfer fee for him.
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The Latest: Wolves keen on move for Guedes
According to Estadio Deportivo [via Sport Witness], Scott Sellars and Co. have ‘seriously sounded him out’ over a transfer, as have Jose Mourinho’s Roma.
However, Spanish heavyweights Barcelona and Real Madrid are also showing an interest in Guedes, which may be slightly daunting news for Wanderers.
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The Verdict: Great summer addition
Guedes would be a perfect summer signing by Wolves, with his Portuguese connection allowing him to fit seamlessly into Bruno Lage’s squad from the off.
It is his quality which stands out the most, however, and his ability to create magic in attacking areas could give Wolves an extra dimension next season. His tally of 16 goal contributions in La Liga is almost twice that of the most productive player at Molineux, Raul Jimenez with nine.
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He has actually played 20 times as a centre-forward this season, rather than at attacking midfield, so his versatility could be a great asset, with Lage potentially seeing him as a long-term replacement for 30-year-old Jimenez at the apex of the Old Gold’s attack.
In other news, one Wolves player has been tipped to leave the club this summer. Find out who it is here.
Everton centre-back Yerry Mina is getting closer to returning from injury, injury analyst Ben Dinnery reports.
The lowdown
Mina hasn’t played since the 3-1 defeat at Newcastle on 8 February – Frank Lampard’s first Premier League game in charge.
The thigh injury he sustained at Goodison Park has kept him out for the last six Premier League matches, as well as two FA Cup games.
Everton resume their bid to survive on Sunday afternoon when they travel to seventh-place West Ham United.
And aside from Mina, Lampard is without Allan (suspended), Tom Davies (knee) and Andros Townsend, who suffered an ACL injury last time out against Crystal Palace.
The latest
Dinnery tweeted on Monday morning that Mina ‘will step up his recovery at Finch Farm this week’.
Meanwhile, Fabian Delph has been ‘involved with the group’ of players who have remained on Merseyside during the international break.
‘Lampard is hopeful’ that he’ll be back in ‘contention’ for the trip to the London Stadium.
The verdict
When could Mina actually be back in action?
Well, according to Dinnery’s Premier Injuries site, he’s scheduled to return on 20 April, when Everton host Leicester City. That would mean a further three-game absence, including a vital clash with relegation rivals Burnley on 6 April.
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When Mina completes 90 minutes (as he’s done on six occasions this season), The Blues concede an average of 1.33 goals per game, but when he doesn’t, that climbs to an alarming 1.86.
You could argue, then, that the Colombian’s predominant lack of availability has been a significant factor in their struggles this season, and that getting him fit for the run-in could be key.
In other news, read this transfer insider’s claim on Anthony Gordon.
With fixtures against bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers and newly-promoted Leeds United forthcoming in the Premier League for Liverpool, Arne Slot’s side have a stellar chance to end 2025 on a high.
It’s been an immensely challenging season for the champions, who have struggled for form after a difficult summer.
However, Slot’s side are unbeaten in six and are tentatively making headway. Results are improving, but performance levels still leave plenty to be desired.
It’s clear that the Anfield side are tactically imbalanced, and with the January transfer window looming large, sporting director Richard Hughes is getting ready to chase down targets across a number of different positions.
Liverpool looking at Premier League midfielder
Defensively, Liverpool have been shambolic this season. There have also been clear weaknesses across the final third, with the decision against directly replacing Luis Diaz after his summer sale to Bayern Munich one which has taken a chunk from the Reds’ offensive sharpness and dynamism.
Antoine Semenyo, Bournemouth star, had been identified as the perfect successor, but it has now been confirmed he is advancing in discussions with Manchester City.
Liverpool cooled their interest after holding calls in November; perhaps this boils down to FSG and Slot’s desire to strengthen elsewhere?
And at the top of the list is Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, though suitors will have to play to the tune of £100m if they wish to prise him away from the City Ground in 2026.
TEAMtalk have revealed that Anderson is on FSG’s radar, but the England international is also being linked with moves to Manchester United and Newcastle United, so it’s unclear which way the saga is leaning at this stage.
How Anderson compares to Mac Allister
It’s been quite the journey for Anderson since being discarded by Newcastle in 2024, with the 23-year-old now a fully-fledged England international and regarded as one of the best midfielders in English football.
He has played every minute of Nottingham Forest’s Premier League campaign, bringing a matchless blend of energy and physicality and technical sharpness to Sean Dyche’s system as it looks to reclaim the old form of Nuno Espirito Santo, whose bad-blooded departure sent the project in a spin.
Anderson, however, has invariably impressed, and it’s no surprise that so many of the Premier League’s top outfits are keen on lifting him to the next level in his promising career. Liverpool are no different, especially when the likes of Alexis Mac Allister have been so horribly out of sorts.
Mac Allister, 26, has been one of Liverpool’s leading men since joining from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2023, still jubiliant from his important part in winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina.
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But the all-action midfielder seems a shadow of himself, stiff and lacking the substance and style that have been staples of his rich time on Merseyside.
The statistics, moreover, are not in his favour, especially when collated with Anderson’s performances in the Premier League this season.
Premier League 25/26 – Mac Allister vs Anderson
Stats (*per game)
Mac Allister
Anderson
Matches (starts)
16 (14)
17 (17)
Goals
0
1
Assists
2
1
Touches*
47.4
92.2
Accurate passes*
31.2 (86%)
58.9 (86%)
Chances created*
0.6
1.6
Succ. dribbles*
0.3 (31%)
1.2 (53%)
Ball recoveries*
2.9
8.3
Tackles + interceptions*
1.5
3.5
Duels (won)*
2.8 (45%)
7.4 (54%)
Data via Sofascore
Hailed as a “do-it-all midfield warrior” by Como scout Ben Mattinson, there’s no question that Anderson would add flair and flavour to Liverpool’s flagging midfield.
He would rekindle the fire in the engine room, and while Slot and FSG and all of a Liverpool persuasion will be confident that Mac Allister will return to form again, Liverpool are looking to sign a new midfielder, and there are few better than Anderson right now.
Slot's best move yet: Liverpool want to sign PL "monster" alongside Semenyo
Liverpool are prepared for another flurry of activity in the January transfer market.
Newcastle United enjoyed another successful weekend in the Premier League as they extended their unbeaten run to six games in the competition.
They held West Ham United to a 1-1 draw away from home as Joe Willock’s improvised finish secured a point for Eddie Howe’s side.
It was also a big weekend for a Magpies player out on loan as Elliot Anderson scored his first senior goal for Bristol Rovers against Stevenage.
Save millions
The teenage attacking midfielder has enjoyed a sublime start to life in League One since leaving St. James’ Park on loan and is showing that he can produce at senior level.
As per SofaScore, he won six of his nine ground duels, created four chances and picked up a goal and an assist against Stevenage. He has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.34 across five third-tier outings, winning 35 duels, creating ten chances and making 13 tackles.
The 19-year-old has also completed 83% of his attempted dribbles and 81% of his passes. This shows that he is reliable in possession and the aforementioned statistics highlight his quality on and off the ball as he works hard to win possession back and then makes things happen in the final third.
Anderson is showing that he has the potential to play at a higher level as he has been outstanding for Bristol Rovers and Eddie Howe could save PIF millions in the summer by offering him a chance in the Newcastle side.
He made his first-team bow for the Toon under Steve Bruce and the former Magpies boss previously lauded the youngster’s talent, saying:
“As soon as he comes onto the pitch, he accepts the ball, receives the ball. He’s got that lovely way of never looking like he’s rushed. It’s effortless to him and easy.
“So we hope he’s got a big future. He’ll remember his debut today, he could have scored in the last minute, couldn’t he. What a wonderful debut that would have been but I’m very pleased with his progress and he’s one that we hope can do us a good turn over the season.”
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However, he never kicked on under Bruce and this loan spell in League One could be the kickstarter he needs to push on and make the grade at St. James’ Park next season. He is showing that he can be an excellent box-to-box midfielder at that level and he has plenty of time left ahead of him, at the age of 19, to develop further and show off his talent in the Premier League.
Howe must offer him the chance to show what he can do in the summer as his emergence would allow Newcastle to avoid spending big money on a new midfield addition. He could take up a spot in the first-team that would otherwise be filled by a new signing, saving the club a shedload and delighting the fans with one of their own getting time in the first-team.
AND in other news, Fewer passes than Dubravka: Newcastle lightweight who made 0 tackles blew his chance…