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Leeds United won’t be letting Raphinha leave this January transfer window with less than 48 hours to go…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Italian journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who delivered a promising update from Elland Road to social media this weekend.

“Leeds have no intention to sell Brazilian winger Raphinha in January. West Ham asked for him but deal looks more than complicated, as per @JacobSteinberg,” he revealed.

“Leeds are still thinking of Takumi Minamino on loan from Liverpool in case Summerville will leave the club.”

Great news

Raphinha’s form this campaign will have certainly attracted suitors, though the Irons’ interest comes as a massive surprise given David Moyes’ options.

However, Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Premier League rivals Liverpool have also been linked with a move for the Brazil international, who has practically carried the Yorkshire giants on his back this term.

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As per WhoScored, the 25-year-old winger leads the way for goals (eight), assists (two), crosses (1.2 per game), key passes (2.1 per game), dribbles (2.4 per game), and shots (3.1 per game).

He has really stepped up to the mark during the absence of last season’s top scorer Patrick Bamford.

Losing Raphinha would deal Marcelo Bielsa and the squad a big blow to their chances of remaining in the big time for a third successive season, that’s for sure.

There have also been suggestions of the former Stade Rennes star signing an extension to his £63k-per-week-deal with two-and-a-half years remaining, which would put the Yorkshire outfit in a pretty powerful position going into future transfer windows.

His value has soared to £36m, having been signed for nearly half that (£17m) back in October 2020.

Dubbed a “magician” and an “unbelievable player” by his peers, it appears as if Raphinha will see the season out, at the very least, and that’ll leave supporters around Elland Road absolutely delighted.

There won’t be anyone disappointed by Romano’s latest update.

AND in other news, Phil Hay drops worrying Leeds United transfer claim ahead of deadline day…

What started out as a slow-moving transfer window for Newcastle United ended on a very positive note, and Eddie Howe will no doubt feel the signings his club made in January have addressed some of the desperate issues facing his squad.

Bruno Guimaraes’ big-money arrival from Lyon was no doubt the highlight, with reports suggesting that fellow Premier League side Arsenal were interested in his services.

But, while the Brazilian could be a big player for the future for the Magpies, it might be Dan Burn’s signature from Brighton that really makes the difference for the Tyneside club this season.

With the second-worst defensive record in the Premier League this year with 43 goals conceded, Newcastle were in bad need of a really dominant defender, and while Burn has predominantly played at left-back for the Seagulls this campaign, he would surely be much more of an influence by returning to the heart of defence.

The 6 foot 7 defender himself said: “I’ve enjoyed centre-back. When I was playing left-back or wing-back I was enjoying it. It wasn’t my natural position, there were some things I was limited on going forward. Now playing centre-half again I’ve realised how much I’ve missed playing there. I’ve always known I could play centre-half at this level. I’m proving to people that I can do it now.”

As per Whoscored, Burn’s average of 1.7 tackles and 1.8 interceptions per game in the Premier League this season is far better than that of any Newcastle centre-back, while only Jamal Lascelles has won more aerial duels than him.

Indeed, some analysis done by The Athletic revealed: “Burn’s aerial presence could be a real advantage at both ends of the pitch. When accounting for the strength of the opponent faced in an aerial battle, you can see below how he comes out a lot stronger than Diego Carlos — he is certainly used to the style of the Premier League.”

It’s no surprise then that his former boss at the Seagulls, Graham Potter, is a big fan of the defender, dubbing him as “incredible” and saying: “Anyone that criticises someone like Dan Burn doesn’t understand football, ultimately. I wouldn’t listen to them. It’s irrelevant to me. Dan just gives his best every day.

“He’s playing at the highest level. He’s a fantastic example of what a top athlete should be in terms of it’s not going to go well every day but he recovers, he fights; he fights for the team. He’s everything you’d want from a professional footballer, so just let the ‘experts’ talk.”

As well as that much-needed Premier League experience, Burn appears to be the right kind of person mentality-wise, which is exactly what Newcastle will need in a relegation scrap.

So while Bruno’s signing is the one that might have got Magpies fans very excited, it’s Burn who could make the real season-defining impact given that he’s much more likely to hit the ground running.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are now set to make this decision…

A big Sunderland blow has emerged from their efforts to make additions to their squad on deadline day…

What’s the talk?

North East journalist Matty Hewitt has relayed a claim from Peterborough’s chairman explaining why the Black Cats missed out on a deal to sign a centre-back.

He Tweeted: “#SAFC had an approach for Mark Beevers turned down on deadline day. Darragh MacAnthony says Lee Johnson was keen on the defender but Sunderland were put off by his wages earlier in the window. A late U-turn by Posh saw him stay in the Championship.”

Fuming

Kristjaan Speakman endured a howler over this deal as his decision seemingly meant that they missed out on the centre-back, which was certainly a big blow for Johnson.

His concern over the player’s wages appeared to delay the deal, giving Peterborough the time to eventually opt for a U-turn on deadline day. They may not have had the chance to change their minds had Speakman been willing to sanction the move Johnson wanted at an earlier date, rather than leaving it until the last day of the window and ending up with no additional reinforcements at centre-back.

One player in that position who did arrive at the Stadium of Light in January, earlier in the window, was Danny Batth and his form has been far from convincing. The ex-Wolves enforcer has struggled badly in recent weeks, with a dreadful average WhoScored rating of 6.36 so far for the club.

Last season, Beevers averaged an excellent WhoScored rating of 7.07 across 45 League One appearances. This shows that he is capable of delivering consistently brilliant displays at this level, whereas Batth has been found out since arriving on Wearside.

The 32-year-old also helped the East Anglian side to secure promotion out of the third tier. This means that he has key experience in achieving the goal that Sunderland have set out for themselves this season and could have provided a big boost to the side, which is why it was a setback to miss out on him.

Johnson was not given the centre-back he wanted to add to his squad, whilst losing Tom Flanagan, and he was eventually sacked after Batth scored an own goal in a 6-0 defeat to Bolton. It is all hypothetical now, but the ex-Bristol City boss may have bought himself more time had Beevers come in and improved the side, which his statistics suggest that he would have done. This is certainly a decision that will rile the fanbase at the Stadium of Light.

AND in other news, “I’d expect..” – Reliable journo issues major SAFC manager update, fans surely buzzing…

Celtic’s Nir Bitton has left the Israel camp early and returned to Parkhead ahead of the Glasgow derby next weekend. 

The lowdown

Israel manager Marco Balbul had called up the 30-year-old for his nation’s friendlies against Germany and Romania, and Bitton played the full 90 minutes in the 2-0 defeat against Hansi Flick’s side on Saturday.

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They host Romania in Netanya on Tuesday night, but the Hoops ace has already turned his attention back to club football.

Celtic travel to Rangers on Sunday looking to open a six-point lead over their arch-rivals at the top of the Premiership.

The latest

Digital journalist @CraigCelt relayed the news on Bitton via Twitter on Sunday evening.

He said that the 30-year-old had been ‘allowed to return’ to Celtic’s Lennoxtown training facility ‘earlier than planned’ in order to prepare for the potentially season-defining game at Ibrox.

The verdict

The £14,000-per-week midfielder will surely be among those considered by Ange Postecoglou for selection against Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s outfit.

He played the full 90 minutes in the Hoops’ last top-flight away match against Livingston on 6 March and delivered an ‘absolutely outstanding’ performance, in the words of Chris Sutton.

His ability to operate as both a centre-back and a defensive midfielder may boost his chances of making a 12th league start of the season next weekend.

This is certainly positive news for Postecoglou, and Bitton isn’t the only player who may be fresher than expected for the Glasgow derby. Greece are apparently planning to rest striker Giorgos Giakoumakis, while Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic has hinted that Josip Juranovic may also be given a night off.

Those developments will surely be music to the Celtic manager’s ears.

In other news, there’s also been an update on one of Celtic’s forward options

Rangers suffered a gigantic blow in their hopes of landing the Premiership title for a second successive year as they lost 2-1 at Ibrox on Sunday.

They were beaten in the Old Firm clash as they let an early lead, handed to them by Aaron Ramsey’s near-post strike in the opening minutes, slip.

Gio van Bronckhorst’s men found themselves 2-1 down at half-time and were unable to turn it around in the second 45 as they huffed and puffed to no avail.

Time’s up

One player who struggled badly in the game was midfielder Joe Aribo and his time at Ibrox may now be coming to an end.

Van Bronckhorst must brutally axe him this summer and sanction a move back down south as his performances have been nowhere near good enough in recent months. He has not stepped up to the plate in the crunch time of the season and it is costing the Gers dearly in the title race.

Premier League side Crystal Palace are reportedly eyeing up a swoop for the Nigeria international at the end of the campaign. They are said to be lining up a £10m offer for the ex-Charlton man and the Gers must snap their hands off for it.

Ezri Konsa once dubbed Aribo’s style as “languid” and that word sums up his recent displays for the Ibrox giants as he has been looked way off the pace. This was illustrated perfectly in the defeat to Celtic, as he failed to create a single chance and managed one shot at goal, whilst failing to complete a single dribble in his 90 minutes on the pitch – as per SofaScore.

Journalist Zino Mulla called him “useless” for Nigeria in their recent World Cup qualifiers and his recent form for the Gers has been in line with that criticism.

He has zero goals and one assist in his last 10 outings for Rangers in all competitions, with only two of his performances coming in at SofaScore ratings higher than 7.0. In his last 13 Premiership appearances, he has produced one goal and three assists despite playing in a number 10 role and out wide in a front three, which is far from good enough.

The 25-year-old’s lack of consistency has let him down and that is why Van Bronckhorst must now axe him from the club ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, especially if the club can get £10m back in exchange for him with one year left on his contract.

That money can then be reinvested into multiple positions to hopefully strengthen the team and improve their chances of winning the title next term.

AND in other news, Gvb now plotting Rangers swoop for “exceptional” monster, he’d be a bargain “diamond”…

Aston Villa have seen many players walk through the door at Villa Park over the years, either on loan or permanent deals.

However, as tends to be the case with most clubs, not all transfer deals that take place end up being particularly successful or worthwhile.

One questionable transfer that took place at the Midlands club was their 2015 move for striker Rudy Gestede.

During the 2015 summer transfer window, under the management of Tim Sherwood, the Villans secured a deal to bring the striker to Villa Park from Blackburn Rovers for a fee of £6m.

Having been described as a “menacing” figure on the pitch by Sherwood, the Benin international was anything but that for his side, finding the back of the net only five times in 32 Premier League appearances throughout the 2015/16 campaign.

Also, despite appearing in the majority of their league games, the attacker could only rack up 18 shots on target in total, which is fewer than the number of fouls (24) he committed, meaning he was more of a liability for his side than a capable attacking threat.

With fewer goals scored (27) than any other side in the top flight that season, Villa eventually found themselves at the bottom of the league table and destined for the second division.

After Villa’s relegation at the end of Gestede’s debut campaign with the Villans, things didn’t get much better for him in the Championship either.

In 18 appearances, the centre-forward only scored four goals before joining Middlesbrough in the 2017 January transfer window, bringing an end to his uninspiring time as a Villa player after just 523 days.

Even with his lack of regular goals at the Midlands club, it seemed as though they were right to let him go when they did, as the striker only managed to bag eight times in 71 appearances for Boro following his exit from Villa Park.

Taking all of this into account, it’s safe to say that Sherwood had a shocker by bringing Gestede to Villa, who ultimately wasted a total fee of £8.1m from his transfer fee and £28k-per-week wages by having him on their books for as long as they did.

In other news: Gerrard can now axe awful flop as AVFC eye bid for £50m gem with “bundles of ability”

Leeds head coach Jesse Marsch will surely be starting to think about what he wants to do with his squad heading into the 2022/23 campaign.

If the Lillywhites can successfully avoid relegation to the Championship in the final month or so of Premier League action then they will be able to reset and go again next term with the aim of competing higher up in the table.

They are nine points clear of the bottom three as it stands and Marsch can start to plan ahead knowing that it is likely they will be in the top-flight for another year.

Imagine him & Joffy

Part of his planning should include what he wants to do with the talented young players at the club and one player he must have big ideas for is young striker Sam Greenwood.

The 20-year-old forward is a bright young prospect and the American coach must pair him with fellow youngster Joe Gelhardt to form a deadly duo at the top end of the pitch.

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Joffy recently commented on their relationship, saying: 

“We’ve got a really good relationship off the field.

“We’re always together and when we’re walking down people will say ‘ooo friends’ and take the mick out of us. We just get on well together and on the pitch, we’re always looking for each other and passing to each other and helping each other out and trying to score goals together, really.”

This shows that they already have a good link-up on and off the pitch, which should help them to form an exciting duo alongside each other in the first team for years to come.

Greenwood has shown flashes of being able to make the step up to the senior squad. He has two assists in three Premier League matches this season, after managing eight goals and five assists in 17 Premier League 2 outings for the U23s.

He has been lavished with praise by former Leeds player Noel Whelan, with the retired forward previously saying: 

“Another player (Greenwood) who possesses an immense amount of ability. To have a weapon like that in your side is great.

“You can see the ability he has but the free-kicks are about the hard work he puts in on the training ground and for that he deserves to be praised.”

These comments show that he also provides a set-piece threat for Leeds, to go along with his goals and assists from open play. Couple that with Gelhardt’s two goals and one assist in two Premier League starts and you have a promising duo to look foward to watching on the pitch…

AND in other news, Orta can form “incredible” duo as Leeds eye £10m sensation who “does everything right”…

As per West Ham United insider Claret & Hugh, a major update has now come to light on David Moyes’ transfer plans for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez.

The Lowdown: West Ham in the mix for Nunez…

Reports have suggested that West Ham and their head of recruitment Rob Newman are in the mix to sign Nunez, who looks set to be one of the big-name transfers of 2022.

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The Irons are allegedly in contention for his signature again after they failed with a bid to bring him to east London in January, with Moyes even identifying him as a personal target.

Hammers officials have also been to Portugal since then, running the rule over Nunez last week during Benfica’s Champions League quarter-final tie against Liverpool (Daily Express).

Sharing a big update, Claret & Hugh said that a board meeting is planned, in what could be crucial to Moyes’ hopes of signing the in-form 22-year-old.

The Latest: Insider shares Nunez update…

As per C&H sources, West Ham club chiefs are set for a board meeting and crunch talks to determine the club’s summer transfer budget, coming as Moyes personally ‘plots a bid’ to sign Nunez.

The east London club’s directors will apparently discuss exactly how much West Ham will have available to spend, including on the prolific Uruguayan, who emerged as a ‘major target’ on January’s transfer deadline day.

As explained, West Ham will face stiff competition from the likes of Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea for his services.

The Verdict: Big few weeks ahead?

On the pitch, Moyes’ side face a big few weeks ahead as they chase 2022/23 European qualification and Europa League glory simultaneously.

Off the pitch, the outcome of this West Ham board meeting may well be make-or-break as Moyes aims to strengthen his options going forward with the signing of Nunez.

The Scotsman and Irons supporters alike will be hoping that they are granted the funds necessary to pursue a deal, especially going by the Uruguayan’s prolific return of 24 goals in as many league appearances this season.

With such incredible numbers, it’s little wonder that members of the press have described Nunez as a ‘special’ forward.

In other news: West Ham could strike fast agreement to sign ‘world class’ Moyes target! Find out more here

Liverpool are ready to launch a bid that would see Barcelona’s teenage midfielder join the club in what could be a bargain in today’s transfer market.

Gavi’s current contract with Barcelona is set to expire in the summer of 2023.

His performances this season have put him on a pedestal in which he can negotiate contract details with Barcelona, knowing that he has piqued the interest of some of Europe’s finest clubs.

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With this being his breakout season, Gavi is understandably one of the lowest-paid players at the club, and although the 17-year-old is willing to renew his contract with the Blaugrana, a large stumbling block is that he wants his contract to reflect his value to Barcelona.

Liverpool’s interest has intensified, with the Anfield side looking to test Barcelona’s resolve by offering to pay Gavi’s £41m release clause, according to reports from Sport.

Iniesta revived

If Liverpool can acquire Gavi’s services for around £41m, then that is an absolute bargain for a player who is currently valued at £54m by Transfermarkt.

Perhaps the best thing to happen to Gavi was the financial debacle that Barcelona found themselves in, which meant that they were forced to rely on youth to get them out of trouble.

The scenario meant that Gavi, who has been described as “phenomenal” by The Athletic’s Dermot Corrigan on Twitter, was given the platform to shine in Spain’s top division.

Which has now lead to the 17-year-old having the world at his feet, with pending contract talks bound to worry Barcelona fans.

Comparisons have been made to Andres Iniesta with Jamie Redknapp hailing his performance against France last year and claiming he takes the ball on the half-turn like the great Spaniard. Further compliments come courtesy of reporter David Sánchez de Castro who suggested he is “Iniesta revived.”

The LaLiga Twitter account meanwhile dubbed him a “magician” after his first-team debut, providing evidence that he has been highly rated for a considerable period of time.

As a result, the Reds faithful will be keen for the club to get this deal wrapped up, with the likes of Henderson and Thiago (both 31) not exactly getting any younger.

Liverpool have space in their midfield for Gavi, and his playing style would enable him to slot into Klopp’s set-up seamlessly.

This could be the cheapest Gavi will ever be, and the recent success of Liverpool could persuade the young Spaniard to join one of his idols in Thiago in the Premier League.

In other news: Liverpool plotting bid for £83m “sensation”, he is Klopp’s next “leader”…

Jesse Marsch’s Leeds United face Crystal Palace in Monday evening’s 20:00 kick-off, with the Whites looking to take one step closer to Premier League survival by taking all three points back to Elland Road.

Indeed, a victory at Selhurst Park would see Leeds pull seven points clear of 18th placed Everton, and move to within one point of tonight’s opponent – who currently sit in 14th.

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However, with Adam Forshaw recently fracturing his knee cap in training – an injury which will keep the midfielder sidelined until the start of 2022/23 – and the match coming too soon for both centre-forward Patrick Bamford and attacking midfielder Tyler Roberts, Marsch has some tough calls to make concerning his team selection for the trip to south London.

So, will the 48-year-old make any changes to the team that started the 3-0 win over Watford 16 days ago? Here’s how we at Football FanCast think the Whites could line up against the Eagles…

Taking into account the absences of Forshaw, Bamford and Roberts, we predict that Marsch will make two changes to the side that lined up against the Hornets last time out.

Despite the suggestion that Junior Firpo could make a return to the XI this evening – with the left-back appearing to have recovered from his sideband injury – considering the fact that the 25-year-old has not kicked a ball in earnest since the beginning of March, we expect Leeds’ back five to remain unchanged – with Illan Meslier starting between the sticks and Luke Ayling, Diego Llorente, Liam Cooper and Stuart Dallas making up the back four.

In the middle of the park, after a poor showing at Vicarage Road last time out, the £46k-per-week Robin Koch – who Danny Mills dubbed a “fish out of water” earlier this season – makes way for the returning Kalvin Phillips, with Mateusz Klich keeping his place in the midfield two.

In attack, Raphinha, Rodrigo and Jack Harrison start on the right, middle and left of the more advanced midfield trio, while, following a run of seven games at centre-forward without a goal, Daniel James has to make to with a spot on the bench, with Marsch springing something of a “surprise” – in the words of Phil Hay – by handing 19-year-old Joe Gelhardt a start.

AND in other news: Marsch must now unleash Leeds’ “next big thing” vs Palace, he’s “banging on the door”