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Leeds United’s transfer business may not be over yet.

Indeed, the Whites still seem to be in the market for a new attacking midfielder with links to Louie Sibley making headlines this week.

However, we can’t quite understand why Leeds are in the market for Sibley.

There’s no doubting that he’s an exciting talent, after all he burst onto the scene at Derby with five goals in 11 games last season. But is he any better than what Leeds already have?

Tyler Roberts is already making a mark in that position, appearing in every single one of Leeds’ Premier League games so far, and while it could be argued that Sibley has a higher ceiling being two years younger, he hasn’t proven himself over a long period of time.

How many players burst onto the scene and ride the crest of a wave while their confidence is flying high only to flop later down the line? Leeds have seen this themselves only recently with Jack Clarke’s form taking a nosedive after his £10m move to Tottenham last year, with the winger failing to break into the QPR team during an ill-fated loan spell. With Sibley only having 14 senior league appearances to his name, bringing him in would be a gamble.

Roberts on the other hand, has been producing the goods for a number of years at this point, and now he even has a few Premier League appearances under his belt, and it’s fair to say that he hasn’t looked out of place in the top-flight so far, with Bielsa impressed enough to give him a run out in every single league match this season.

The manager is seemingly a big fan of Roberts as well, speaking about him after the Whites’ win against Sheffield United saying:

“I think as the season goes on he will be able to show the undoubted qualities he has.”

Those quotes certainly make it seem as though the Welshman is a part of Bielsa’s plans this season, so it doesn’t seem like Sibley would be a necessary signing.

United would be better off developing the players already at the club rather than splashing out on an unproven youngster.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly leading the race to sign Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson this summer, reports say. 

Wilson was touted to move to Tottenham last year amid claims of an £80m double raid by Mauricio Pochettino. While a move never materialised, the Lilywhites are still interested in the England international.

According to The Sun, Spurs have emerged as the front-runners to sign Wilson in the summer.

Bournemouth were relegated on the final day of the 2019/20 Premier League season. Despite the fact they beat Everton at Goodison Park, Aston Villa’s draw at West Ham meant their efforts were all in vain.

The Cherries badly needed a win and for both Watford and Villa to lose at the weekend.

While Wilson failed to get on the score-sheet, his teammates Josh King, Dominic Solanke and Junior Stanislas combined to put three past the Toffees.

Daniel Levy is set to submit a quick offer for the forward, as he will want to remain in the Premier League when Bournemouth drop back down to the Championship.

The Cherries had resisted all attempts to sign Wilson in the past, usually handing him long-term deals to ward off any potential suitors, although the chairman could capitalise on their mistake as they will want to get his salary off their wage bill as soon as possible.

Wilson currently earns £110,000-a-week wages and he may have to take a pay cut to stay in the English top flight.

The 28-year-old has struggled for goals this season, as he has only scored eight times in 35 games in the Premier League, but he is still highly rated and could provide suitable cover for Harry Kane. Despite his struggles, he has still taken 1.8 shots per game via WhoScored.

However, it is worth remembering he managed nearly double that tally last year (WhoScored).

Spurs desperately need to find a backup for Kane and his international teammate turn out to be a shrewd signing. Available at a mere £10m, he would surely be a bargain, especially given the current climate.

Tottenham fans, should Levy sign Wilson in the summer? Let us know down below!

Everton have had to avert their interest elsewhere after the Gunners have closed in on Lille colossus Gabriel, but they could well have a smart alternative up their sleeve if fresh reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to Mike McGrath at the Telegraph, the Toffees are eyeing up a loan move for Chelsea centre-back Fikayo Tomori should he become available this summer.

It’s claimed that Frank Lampard could let his young talent depart Stamford Bridge temporarily amid interest from Ligue 1 outfit Rennes after the 22-year-old started only 15 times in the Premier League last season.

Carlo Ancelotti wants defensive reinforcements after his side leaked 56 goals, which was the second-worst of any top-half team.

Shades of Zouma

Everton can forget about Gabriel with a swoop for Tomori as it could result in a similar impact to fellow Blues defender Kurt Zouma, who quickly became a fan-favourite during a season-long loan back in 2018/19.

The Frenchman has since returned and gone on to be a regular under Lampard, so you’d imagine the west Londoners would see Goodison Park as a neat fit for the 22-year-old to develop further.

In those 15 appearances, Tomori averaged 2.8 clearances, 1.9 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game whilst also winning 2.3 aerials per match too, via WhoScored.

He also frequented the Champions League which saw glowing praise from Lampard, who said: “Fikayo was outstanding again. He has to keep on with that.”

“I’m absolutely delighted for (Fikayo) Tomori because I think Mason [Mount] and Tammy (Abraham) are taking a lot of the headlines this season and rightly so, but Tomori from seeing him at Derby last year, quite quiet, loads of great talent in him but slightly raw in a way.”

Lampard after Tomori’s int’l call-up

The youngster’s performances have even been recognised by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate. Tomori was called up to England’s Euro 2020 qualifiers in the first half of the season and subsequently made his debut against Kosovo as a substitute.

Tomori may still be some way off becoming a regular at Chelsea, but a loan move to the Toffees should help all interested parties tenfold and if he performs half as well as Zouma, then the £14.4m-rated colossus going to be a surefire hit in Merseyside.

AND in other news, Five realistic signings Everton should target this summer…

The proposed takeover of Newcastle United by Amanda Staveley’s Saudi Arabian-led group is in serious danger of collapsing as the Daily Mail reported that American media tycoon has lodged a £350 million bid to take over from the reigns of current owner of the Tyneside club Mike Ashley, therefore outbidding the consortium as an initial agreement of £300 million was made between the two parties to push the sale through in the North East.

Indeed, the buying side, which is also made up of the Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and his Public Investment Fund (PIF), as well as the London-based billionaire Reuben brothers, may have to compete with the new bidder, which could arguably affect their chances of moving into the board.

However, as per the Daily Mail, Mauriss would have to move quickly to get any sort of deal over the line as it would depend on the collapse of the other bid.

Nevertheless, the fact that a second option is there may actually encourage members of the Toon faithful more than worry them.

If the prospective deal with the Saudi-led would-be owners does indeed fall through, which is still very much a possibility given recent events and the fact that it has taken so long, then at least Mauriss provides an alternative if and when needed given that he has reportedly lodged his bid.

However, some NUFC supporters may already have warmed to the potential new owners and so may want them to take over if possible instead, but until the Premier League make an official announcement, it is still unclear as to who the owners will be come the 2020/21 season.

Geordies, who do you think the owners will be next campaign? Comment below!

Federico Fernandez was an unsung hero as Newcastle United drew 2-2 in the Premier League against David Moyes’ West Ham United at St. James’ Park, having to come from behind not once but twice through goals from Miguel Almiron and Jonjo Shelvey.

However, it was the display of Fernandez at the back that made sure that the Tyneside club earned a quite valuable point in the end, as it means that it is now mathematically impossible for them to be relegated from the top flight on 43 points, 16 clear of the drop zone with just five games left to play.

Steve Bruce’s team faced 17 shots on their goal in the game, as Fernandez was instrumental in making sure that the Hammers were limited to just two goals on the day.

The central defender won eight out of his total duels, whilst also making six clearances and blocking two shots, the highest out of his teammates, according to Sofascore.

Fernandez was also important in keeping the ball and moving it forward, as the Magpies managed to record 57 per cent possession, with Jamaal Lascelles’ centre-back partner taking 81 touches and having an 88 per cent passing accuracy, as per the website.

With performances like these, it would arguably be hard for Bruce to drop him for the remaining matches of the 2019/20 season, as the Toon still have Manchester City, Watford, Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton and Hove Albion and Liverpool left to play.

Having been knocked out of the FA Cup to City, NUFC will be hoping to end the campaign on a high and possibly achieve a top-half finish.

Geordies, was Fernandez an unsung hero versus the Hammers? Comment below!

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has delivered an added bonus on the latest Newcastle United takeover reports, and it is sure to boost the spirits of the Toon Army.Transfer window? Takeover rumours. Season ticket renewal time? Takeover rumours? PR disaster at Sports Direct? Newcastle fans have seen this movie before.Unsurprisingly, Mike Ashley’s decision to attempt to leave Sports Direct open as an essential business last week backfired, forcing the Magpies owner into a quick but hardly believable apology. Even less surprisingly, the following week has brought reports of a potential takeover, and while this is usually met with scepticism from the St. James’ Park faithful, fans have been going berserk over the latest rumours.

The single toughest football logo quiz of all time…

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This is because The Telegraph claim the Magpies have actually filed the paperwork on a proposed takeover to the Premier League, which suggests the talks withÂSaudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund over a £340m dealÂare at a fairly advanced stage.

Edwards, who works for the paper, not only confirmed the exclusive from his colleagues on Tuesday but also chimed in with what he believes is the “best thing†about a potential takeover.

While fans have joked that selling the club now would be “the most Mike Ashley thing to ever happenâ€, as they would not be able to celebrate his departure due to current events keeping the population in lockdown, Edwards’ point is most definitely a silver lining.

No longer would fans have to spend their entire summers reading contradicting rumours about what Amanda Staveley is up to or what price Ashley is demanding. Could this finally be it?

Newcastle fans, check out the latest striker links… Could this be Joelinton’s replacement?

Many Celtic fans clearly remember former winger Scott Sinclair fondly as they have been reacting to a question asked about the player by Celtic1967.com on Twitter.

He recently moved on to Championship side Preston after struggling for game time in his last season in Scotland, but you can tell fans definitely enjoyed his spell at the club after they left very positive answers to Celtic 1967.com’s question, ‘How will @Scotty_Sinclair be remembered at Celtic?’

The attacker signed from English club Aston Villa for £3.69 million in the summer transfer window of 2016, per Transfermarkt, and looked like a good prospect for the Hoops, but no one could have pictured how much he would set the Scottish league alight.

The Englishman managed to score 21 goals and pick up 10 assists in 35 appearances in the division in his first campaign, helping the side win the domestic treble along the way. Even though this was his best goal scoring season ever at the club, the winger continued to pick up a lot of goals whilst playing for the Hoops, as he managed 62 strikes and 37 assists in his 167 games in all competitions for the club, per Transfermarkt.

Here is what fans said following the tweet:

Celtic fans, how good was Sinclair at the club? Comment below!

Steve Bruce remains keen on Hull City’s Jarrod Bowen, and according to the Northern Echo he will continue to recommend his signing to the Newcastle board.

Bowen was a name mentioned over the summer and he was frequently linked with a move to the north-east, though a deal never looked like being completed.

Instead, the Magpies went for Allan Saint-Maximin, who has since been a success, but with Bowen continuing to impress in the Championship it is understandable that Bruce hasn’t yet given up hope of signing him.

The 22-year-old started out at Hull and has served them well, especially in recent years with 22 league goals scored last term, and since his contract could last until 2021 they are not yet in a position where they need to consider a sale.

That explains the asking price of £20m, which is quite a significant fee for a player who has never played above the Championship, though given Bruce’s desire to bring him in it is possible that Mike Ashley could back him once more.

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So, would he be a good addition for Newcastle? Here’s what our Football FanCast writers think.

Vijievan Jeevathayalan

“Having been monitored by the club earlier in the summer, a Newcastle swoop for Jarrod Bowen makes perfect sense. The Hull City winger has been in prolific form for the Tigers this season, notching ten goals in just 17 games across all competitions.

“Despite the capture of Allan Saint-Maximin, Steve Bruce’s side could really do with a goal-scoring winger, particularly in light of the troubles Miguel Almiron has faced since his arrival at the club. The Paraguay international has gone 22 games without finding the back of the net for the club, and Bowen could end Almiron’s misery.

“The 22-year-old has played 13 times in the right-wing role for Hull this year, the exact position Almiron currently occupies without success at St James’ Park. A January move could bring Newcastle an added goal threat, and someone to replace their struggling Paraguayan. It really would be a case of killing two birds with one stone.”

Billy Meyers

“I have nothing against Newcastle signing Jarrod Bowen, and I feel that it would be a good move for both the Magpies and for the attacker himself. 

“However, given the fact that the Hull forward plays in the same role as Miguel Almiron, I feel that Steve Bruce should instead try his best to squeeze some decent form out of the misfiring £20m Paraguay international before he spends another sum of around £20m on someone else. 

“Bowen is a prolific scorer at Championship level but he is unproven in the Premier League – Newcastle simply can’t afford to be lumbered with two expensive flops, and it wouldn’t be a good scenario to be in as Mike Ashley may not be encouraged to spend any more after seeing two costly signings struggle. 

“There are definitely more pressing areas that need investment at St James’ Park, such as in the full-back areas, so for now I think Newcastle should steer clear of a move for Bowen.” 

Lewis Blain

“Jarrod Bowen is going to be an outstanding piece of business for someone in the Premier League, so Newcastle need to ensure it’s them. At first glance, another winger is certainly not needed with Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron holding down either spot alongside Joelinton, but any opportunity to add such a goal threat should be capitalised on. Per Transfermarkt, Bowen has netted ten goals from 17 appearances, primarily from the right-wing. A position where Almiron is yet to score or even assist from.

“Spurs came calling in January for him so if he’s able to attract the Champions League finalists, then he’s going to be well-sought after in the near future. The St James’ Park faithful will love him too. He’s hard-working, young and English. They’d get right behind him to succeed. No player in the Magpies squad records more shots per game than he does with an average of 3.5 while his ability to come back and defend only opens up the playbook for Bruce with the 22-year-old averaging 1.4 tackles per game.

“The best teams in the division do not stop improving and just because they already have options in the role doesn’t mean they should avoid a potential upgrade. They could well rue the decision not to act here.”

Kealan Hughes

“This is the type of signing Newcastle should be making and the only thing that raises any doubt is the price tag, as like other recent signings he is yet to prove himself in the Premier League.

“He has undoubted quality though, and is still young. Bruce could be the ideal manager to integrate him into life in the top division but you feel he’d have to play regularly to adjust properly, and that could not only disrupt players like Almiron but also the squad as a whole.

“While Almiron is yet to display the necessary quality in the final third, he does work tirelessly for the team and his absence could be noticeable, particuarly if Bowen takes a while to get up and running.

“Despite that, it is a deal Newcastle should look to get done, as if he does well it could benefit the club on the pitch, and possibly off it too as his value would increase dramatically due to him being young and English.”

Leeds United takeover? Where have we heard this before? Plenty of supporters have been left discussing the latest news on social media with many getting a bit tired of such links.

According to 90min, the Paris Saint-Germain’s Qatari owners have been in talks with Whites chairman Andrea Radrizzani over a potential deal with QSI keen to bolster their armoury with the acquisition of an English club.

It’s claimed that despite having the opportunity to sign several other top-flight teams, it is the west Yorkshire outfit they desire most as they believe the club has enormous potential.

This, of course, isn’t the first time that there have been murmurs about a possible change in ownership as The Athletic’s Phil Hay has previously claimed that fans shouldn’t discount the San Franciso 49ers, minority shareholders at the club, from having an interest in gaining a controlling stake in the club.

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Just this week alone, the ever-reliable United scribe claimed Radrizzani is pumping in excess of £1m per month into the club to keep it afloat, and that’s not a sustainable plan going forward.

But for now, it remains to be seen if these fresh reports will come to fruition.

Here’s how supporters at Elland Road have been reacting…

AND in other news, Leeds can UPGRADE Ben White this summer…

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Oleksandr Zinchenko has been one of Manchester City’s most underrated talents over the past year. The Ukrainian signed for the club for just £1.7m, which is more or less the equivalent of a free transfer in the context of the Sheikh Mansour era.

For example, the likes of Benjamin Mendy – whom Zinchenko replaced during his injury – signed for the club for £53m. However, at £51.3m less, the former FC Ufa man has proven to be one of the bargains of the past few years.

Last season, Zinchenko started 14 Premier League games for City at left-back and his three assists helped win the club another Premier League title. In those 14 games, the 22-year-old averaged an impressive 7.19 rating for the Citizens.

Back in February, Guardiola said on Zinchenko: “Incredible is the only thing I can say.

“Oleks has showed me the importance and value of being a good guy.

“At the beginning of the season he was close to making a transfer, and I never saw him have one bad face or had a bad training session from him.

“Some players want to show me how disappointed they are, but Zinchenko is the complete opposite. When this happens, you are always going to play good.”

Also, it is not just the likes of Guardiola who are huge admirers of the versatile man, it’s the fans. Supporters showed their love for him in the recent documentary ‘Fight ’til The End’, and fans praised him throughout last year’s domestic dominance.

Following his exponential rise from fringe and untested youngster to prominent senior star, Zinchenko has seen his Transfermarkt valuation skyrocket to the point in which he is now regarded as the most valuable player in the Ukrainian national side, with a valuation of £27m. Furthermore, the youngster continues to play in central midfielder for his country, which further underlines his versatile brilliance.

His arrival at the Etihad Stadium went under the radar, but his compatriot Andriy Voronin still weighed in with a verdict that looks foolish in retrospect, per BBC.

“Zinchenko is talented, but he must be realistic. He must get experience and game practice. He can only play for Manchester City on PlayStation.”

That prophecy has fallen flat.

In truth, it is not often City spend so little on players with the money they have. However, the story with Zinchenko is one that will go down in club folklore as a unique and truly inspiring story.

The Ukrainian has become a cult hero at the Etihad and a valuable asset to the team, and the fact he is now his country’s most valuable player attests to the scale of his development.