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Leeds United are the latest side to be linked with a move for Armando Broja…

What’s the word?

That’s according to TEAMtalk, who claim that as many as three new Premier League sides are eyeing up a move for the Chelsea striker this summer after an impressive campaign so far on loan to Southampton.

Alongside the Whites, Everton and Wolves have entered the race.

It remains to be seen what sort of fee the 20-year-old gem would command with CIES Football Observatory currently valuing him at €40m (£34m), and then there is the matter of whether or not the Blues will want to sell, even though he’s well down the pecking order behind the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner.

Much-needed addition

Whilst this wouldn’t be a signing for the January transfer window, it is one that the Yorkshiremen desperately need to make heading into next season.

As we’ve seen throughout the year, manager Marcelo Bielsa has suffered from numerous injury problems which have affected key areas, like in attack.

For instance, he has been without Patrick Bamford and his goals for much of the season. The England international has missed 17 of their last 18 league games with three different issues. He has no backup, leaving the Argentine head coach rather short.

United should be safe from relegation but they cannot afford to go into next year with just one senior striker as deploying wingers like Daniel James and Jack Harrison up front just isn’t as effective as having another centre-forward.

[snack-amp-story url = “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-lufc-transfer-rumours-gossip-bielsa-orta-radrizzani-elland-road-updates” title=”Read the latest Leeds news, transfer updates and much, much more!”]

And Broja has proven that he can cut it with the best. He’ll find game time very hard to come by at Stamford Bridge, so a move to Elland Road could appeal.

As per Transfermarkt, the young Albanian international has found the net seven times across 21 appearances for the Saints in all competitions.

Speaking about his form this campaign, Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl waxed lyrical about his ability and threat in the final third.

“He’s a great threat. He didn’t have many poor games this season so today he showed again how dangerous he can be for the opponent and he’s very helpful for our game,” he told the BBC after a 4-1 win over Brentford earlier this month.

Indeed, at 6 foot 3, Broja is a bit of a target man-like presence in the penalty box and one that could very much operate in a similar role to Bamford at Leeds.

According to football scout Jacek Kulig his strengths are “finishing, instinct, power, athleticism, and heading,” whilst he’s won 2.7 aerial duels and averaged 1.1 dribbles per game, via WhoScored.

Bielsa  – or whoever is in charge next season – badly needs another striker at the club and on the above evidence, Broja seems like an ideal candidate to target, should he be available.

AND in other news, Leeds eye “unbelievable” £20m dynamo in late transfer twist…

Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst is closing in on his first transfer window at Ibrox following his move to the club in November.

The January transfer window is just over a week away and with it comes heaps of speculation regarding players coming to and leaving Glasgow.

One player who could be on his way out is midfielder Ianis Hagi. It was recently reported that Galatasaray are set to have a meeting to discuss a potential swoop for the Romanian international, whilst Aston Villa have also been touted with an interest in his services.

Bye-bye Hagi

Rangers may well be waving bye-bye to Hagi if Galatasaray and Villa firm up their interest in the playmaker, but the Gers could sign a dream replacement in the form of Bologna’s Andreas Skov Olsen.

Italian outlet il Resto del Carlino recently claimed that Ross Wilson has made an enquiry to see if a deal is viable next month and the forward could solve a major problem for van Bronckhorst in terms of replacing Hagi should he leave Ibrox.

FFC published an article explaining why it could be beneficial for Rangers to sell the Romanian to kickstart a business model based around buying young talent and selling them on for profit. This would require the Gers to use a portion of their profits to sign prospects who could be worth more in the future and the signing of Olsen would tie in with this strategy.

The 21-year-old winger fits the profile of player the club should be looking at to continue to develop talents that they can sell on; young, experienced, potential, pedigree. He has already played 67 games in the Serie A and been capped 15 times by Norway at senior level, showing that he has been able to play regularly at the top despite his age.

Olsen has also shown promise with an impressive record in attack. He has scored 51 goals for his club sides and 19 for Norway at youth and senior level, meaning that he has 70 career strikes to date. In his last ten World Cup Qualifying outings for his country, he has averaged a superb WhoScored rating of 7.39 – with five goals and three assists to his name.

Consider those stats and his lethal left-foot, and it becomes clear to see why he models his game on Dutch legend Arjen Robben.

Therefore, the £5.85m-rated gem could be the perfect candidate to replace Hagi as his statistics suggest that he has the quality in the here-and-now to make an impact in the final third for Rangers to make up for the ex-Genk man’s exit.

Olsen also has the potential, given he is only 21, to improve further and be sold on for a profit further down the line, which could benefit the Gers in the short and long-term.

AND in other news, “He’s not going to” – Huge Rangers claim made that’ll have GVB and fans running scared…

Taking to Twitter, Foot Mercato reporter Santi Aouna has broken some exciting transfer news out of West Ham United involving AS Monaco defender Benoît Badiashile.

The Lowdown: Moyes eyeing new defender…

Irons manager David Moyes is thought to be prioritising moves for new defensive additions as things stand amid the club’s current injury situation.

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A new left-back and a central defender are firmly on the radar, with links recently emerging to the likes of Lucas Digne, Nathaniel Phillips, Nathan Ake and James Tarkowski (ExWHUemployee).

It is also thought that the club and recruitment chief Rob Newman will cast their net far and wide, specifically to Ligue 1, with that division in particular seen as a real crop for talent (ExWHUemployee).

Sharing news on a French top flight sensation on West Ham’s radar, Foot Mercato journalist Aouna has shared some exciting transfer news.

The Latest: Aouna shares exciting news…

According to the reporter’s sources, West Ham are now ‘expected’ to make an offer for the 20-year-old as contact is made with the player’s entourage.

He explained on Twitter: “West Ham and Newcastle are interested in Benoît Badiashile. Contact made with Monaco and the player’s entourage. West Ham is expected to make an offer.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Badishile stands out as one of the most promising young defenders in Europe, even drawing comparisons with France international Raphael Varane.

Still young and with plenty of years ahead of him in his career, the Monaco defender would also come to east London with real potential for sell-on value, and he already possesses a wealth of experience at the top level.

Having played more than 100 senior matches already in his career, it’s little wonder Aouna has claimed that the 20-year-old is now top of West Ham’s transfer shortlist.

In other news: Moyes now eyeing West Ham move for ‘undefendable’ £22m forward as club greenlight exit, find out more here.

Aston Villa have not approached Rangers over Borna Barisic, according to Heart & Hand. 

The lowdown

It’s been claimed that former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is keen on bringing Barisic south of the border, having taken over at Aston Villa.

A report suggested that an £8million January transfer was a genuine possibility. Gerrard regards Barisic as a ‘fantastic player’ who’s ‘really, really consistent’.

Barisic is under contract at Ibrox until May 2024 after penning a new £18,000-per-week deal in January 2020 (via Transfermarkt) however, meaning the Light Blues are in a fantastic negotiating position.

The latest

Heart & Hand, an official media partner of the football club, tweeted that they had ‘asked’ about Barisic and ‘been told’ that there was no contact between Rangers and Villa.

“Any reports to the contrary are false,” they added.

The verdict

It seems that Gerrard and Villa have other targets in mind at left-back. For example, a recent report suggested that they are keen on Stuttgart’s Borna Sosa, a compatriot of Barisic.

This is very good news for Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Rangers. According to WhoScored, Barisic has been the team’s third-best performer this season, behind only Joe Aribo and 10-assist right-back James Tavernier.

But there remains a possibility that Gerrard looks to raid his former club for a player he believes can make the step-up to the English Premier League.

Indeed, The Daily Mail (via Birmingham Live) have reported that Ryan Kent is very much on his radar, so while the Gers have seemingly won the Barisic battle, they may have many more to come with their former gaffer.

In other news, could Rangers add competition for Barisic at LB?

Valencia will have to pay €20million (£17m) to sign Leeds United winger Helder Costa permanently, according to a fresh transfer update on the Angola international.

The Lowdown: Costa unwanted at Leeds

The 27-year-old moved to the La Liga giants on loan during the summer transfer window, having been deemed surplus to requirements by Marcelo Bielsa.

Costa has made 11 appearances in the league since making the switch to Spain, and while he hasn’t scored or assisted yet, he seems to have made an impression.

Leeds are likely to jump at the chance of selling the one-time capped Portugal international, who has since switched allegiances to Angola, for good, and it seems that wish may be granted.

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The Latest: Valencia want permanent move

According to Superdeporte [via Sport Witness], Valencia know they will have to pay around £17million to sign Costa and they could ‘dig deep into their pockets’ to make the move happen.

They are set to ‘evaluate’ the situation, with no rush currently to get the deal done.

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The Verdict: Good for all parties

Costa has no future at Leeds – he scored just three times in 13 league starts last season – so the quicker a permanent exit can be sorted, the better it will be for everyone involved.

It will allow Leeds to receive a potentially healthy fee for the wide man and he can settle at a new club, as he aims to kick on in his career.

Costa has undoubted quality, with Nuno Espirito Santo once describing him as ‘immense’, but there are too many players ahead of him in the pecking order at Leeds and eight goals in 71 total appearances for the Whites is a disappointing return for an attacking player, leaving little wonder why Bielsa and co will be happy to get rid for good in 2022.

In other news, Leeds have suffered yet another injury blow. Find out who the player in question is here.

Flocking to Twitter, a number of Manchester City fans have erupted over a fresh update on their pursuit of summer target and Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane.

The England international was heavily coveted by City and sporting director Txiki Begiristain over the last transfer window in the Sky Blues’ search for a world-class centre-forward.

Manager Pep Guardiola even confirmed his club’s interest in Kane but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy refused to budge in terms of parting with his prized asset. City lodged bids and there was even talk of multiple swap deals, but the transfer saga ended in vain as the 28-year-old remained in north London.

As per ESPN, it now appears that Begiristain hasn’t quite given up all hope of bringing Kane to the Etihad Stadium, with City now prepared to launch another bid in the January window. According to their sources, new Spurs manager Antonio Conte could even be set for first major battle with Guardiola’s men set to revive their interest.

This development has prompted mixed reviews from Citizens on social media, though, with some supporters ecstatic over the news whilst others questioned the club’s transfer policy.

Kane won the Premier League Golden Boot last season with a haul of 23 goals and 14 assists, marking himself out as one of the best strikers in Europe. His quality is undeniable. having hit double figures for goals scored in each of the last seven top-flight campaigns.

However, with the striker already aged 28, not to mention Erling Haaland’s availability on a €75m (£64m) release clause from June 2022, you can understand why some supporters are questioning City, with one even calling this update ‘crazy’.

Check out some of their reactions from Twitter below.

Man City fans erupt over Kane update…

“I’m in. Get it done”

Credit: @Thinkaz1

“WHATTTT”

Credit: @Kelvinclasher

“I’m done”

Credit: @Jevii_stainless

“siuuuuu”

Credit: @4Jamerson7

“Yesssss”

Credit: @vedantmancity

“Here we go again”

Credit: @MattOMaraaa

“The fact that we’re spinning the block on buddy is CRAZY.”

Credit: @JayPolk44

“Oh my days bro…”

Credit: @King__kb

“No way man. Levy, do not let that man go”

Credit: @_Yett_

In other news: ‘Most embarrassing club in the world’….these Man City fans fume over ‘disgusting’ exit claim, find out more here.

Newcastle United are reportedly now in pole position to sign Aaron Ramsey in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Midfielders wanted

Given that the St. James’ Park faithful have been linked recently with moves for the likes of Axel Witsel, Seko Fofana and Philippe Coutinho, it is clear that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium are looking to bring in midfield players for Eddie Howe.

The squad needs a boost in quality to give them the best chance of surviving come the end of the season, and the new riches should at least be able to attract some decent players to the North East to help them in their current predicament.

The Latest: Ramsey eyed

As per Juve Live, the Tyneside outfit are now in pole position to sign Ramsey in January, as Juventus ‘insist’ that he returns to the Premier League.

The Old Lady wants to sign Denis Zakaria from Borussia Monchengladbach, and so if they are able to snap him up, they would then allow Ramsey to leave.

The Verdict: Howe masterclass?

Howe has already revealed how he wants his team to play, a progressive style with a philosophy of having good technicians who can play long and short passes (The Athletic), and Ramsey would fit his style perfectly.

Welsh footballing legend Ian Rush claimed that Howe ‘would love’ Ramsey in his side, and that he would ‘fit his style down to a tee’ (The Chronicle).

A true maestro capable of goals and assists from the middle of the park, he has already shown what he can do in the Premier League, notching up 40 strikes and 51 assists in 262 games across 11 consecutive seasons (Transfermarkt).

Wales teammate Joe Allen claims that Ramsey can still be ‘world-class’ on his day, and if he is up for a move to the Magpies, he can shine the top flight alight once more.

In other news, find out who NUFC are ‘on the prowl’ to sign here!

Southampton finally secured their first Premier League win of the season last weekend with a 1-0 victory over Leeds United thanks to a second half goal from Armando Broja. 

Their next league fixture sees them take on Burnley at St Mary’s this afternoon to see if they can pick up another three points and climb further away from the relegation zone.

Ahead of the match against Sean Dyche’s side, who are now one of the three teams still without a league win, Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl revealed in his latest press conference that only Jack Stephens will miss the game through injury, with Che Adams back available after recovering from a muscle injury.

Taking all of this into account, here’s how we feel Southampton will line up against Burnley, with two changes from the team which started last Saturday.

In goal, having played every minute of league action so far this season, it’s safe to assume Alex McCarthy will retain his place in the team this afternoon.

For the defence, given how Southampton managed to keep a clean sheet against Leeds last weekend as well as stopping the visitors from having even one shot on target throughout the whole game, we think Hasenhuttl should stick with the same back four of Valentino Livramento, Jan Bednarek, Mohammed Salisu and Romain Perraud to see if they can keep another clean sheet this time around against a Burnley side who have only managed to score five goals so far this season.

In the central midfield positions, with club captain James Ward-Prowse still serving his three-game ban, we think Oriol Romeu and Ibrahima Diallo will partner each other to try and dominate the midfield.

On the wings, we reckon Mohamed Elyounoussi, who is currently earning a weekly wage of £60k-per-week according to Spotrac, will drop out of the team as a result of his poor performance against Leeds. That allows Stuart Armstrong to come back into the starting XI on the right after he came on as a substitute in the second half last weekend.

On the left wing, we can see Hasenhuttl taking Moussa Djenepo out of the side, with Nathan Redmond moving back to that position from centre-forward to allow the potentially potent Adams to come back in the team to partner Broja up top.

In other news: Saints could unearth ideal Romeu heir with “excellent” 18 y/o ace, Ralph is a big fan – opinion

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ five-game unbeaten run came to a sudden halt this afternoon as they fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Chances were few and far between for either side in a closely-fought opening 45 minutes, but Wilfried Zaha’s strike just after the hour mark sparked an entertaining end to proceedings.

Jose Sa was tested on several occasions by Odsonne Edouard and Christian Benteke before Wolves were awarded a penalty after Joel Ward was adjudged to have brought down Rayan Ait-Nouri inside the box.

However, Graham Scott’s decision was overturned by the video assistant referee, and Conor Gallagher sealed the three points for Palace after his goal-bound effort took a heavy deflection off Conor Coady, leaving Sa stranded.

It was a disappointing day all round for the Midlands outfit, with several usually dependable performers well below their best.

It was arguably left-wing back Ait-Nouri who struggled the most in south London. Edouard gave him a torrid time down the flank in the second half following his switch with Zaha, and reporter Alex Dicken highlighted the French youngster’s toils.

“Defensively, Ait-Nouri still has a lot to learn and struggled up against the more physical Edouard after Zaha switched sides at half-time,” wrote Dicken after awarding the youngster a six out of 10.

Although the 20-year-old offered some attacking threat and showed endeavour throughout the 90 minutes, he made a string of costly errors which hindered Wolves’ play, letting Lage down as a result.

As per SofaScore, Ait-Nouri lost possession a whopping 27 times, achieved a miserly passing accuracy of just 62% and picked out a teammate with just one of his five attempted crosses. The France under-21 international also lost nine duels and was dribbled past by an opponent on four occasions, with his only redeeming statistic that he made seven tackles.

Ait-Nouri could have a fabulous career at the highest level, but he’ll need to improve on his defensive work and final ball from today if he is to reach his full potential.

In other news… Bruno Lage drops promising Wolves update which is sure to have fans buzzing 

West Ham United return to Europa League group stage action later this evening as they host Austrian outfit Rapid Wien at the London Stadium.

David Moyes and his side will be buoyed by their last-gasp victory over Leeds United on Sunday afternoon after their fine form in 2021 continued.

The Irons kickstarted their quest for European glory with a bang two weeks ago, defeating Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb 2-0 in their own back yard and one of the standout performers from that game must start in east London tonight.

Issa Diop has often struggled for consistency since arriving in a then club-record £22m deal from Toulouse in June 2018.

But his recent performances, whenever given a chance to start, have been rather impressive.

Once described a “monster” by former Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho, the 24-year-old centre-back has been restricted to only 15 league starts since the start of the 2020/21 campaign, as per Transfermarkt.

In Croatia, the French colossus recorded a squad-high three interceptions, constantly putting a stop to the opposition’s attack. They weren’t taken lightly considering the same players who knocked Spurs out of the Europa League last season.

He also registered two tackles, one clearance and one block as he arguably outshone match-winner Michail Antonio, as suggested by Football FanCast at the time.

Diop then followed up this display with another stunning outing, this time against Manchester United in the Carabao Cup.

Irons assistant manager Stuart Pearce waxed lyrical about him after the game (via The Athletic):

“But I thought Diop was absolutely magnificent. The longer the game went on the more of a colossus he looked at the back and he’s still in relative terms, a very young man for a central defender so we’re absolutely delighted to have Issa at this club.”

Kurt Zouma’s arrival at the club this summer has seen the fellow countryman slip down the pecking order but with both Angelo Ogbonna and Craig Dawson getting older and older into their 30s, he will be needed in the future.

He will also be called upon should either of the aforementioned trio pick up any injuries across the current campaign, so handing him further game time in an encounter like this could be super beneficial. It could be a game-changer for the rest of the season.

The £16.2m-rated beast must start at the London Stadium tonight.

AND in other news, Newman can end West Ham striker hunt with £18m-rated “goal king” scoring every 83 mins…