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Leeds United have received a triple injury boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Brentford at Elland Road this afternoon.

What’s the word?

In Friday’s press conference, Marcelo Bielsa confirmed Patrick Bamford, Luke Ayling and Pascal Struijk will be available for selection once again over the weekend following their respective fitness woes.

“It’s likely Patrick and Luke [Ayling] will be available on Sunday. Pascal [Struijk] has a knock around his hip, but we think he’ll also be available,” Bielsa revealed to reporters during his pre-game press conference.

Marcelo Bielsa will be delighted

News that all of Bamford, Ayling and Struijk could return to the matchday squad against the Bees will leave Bielsa feeling absolutely delighted, given their importance to the first-team squad.

Leeds have a great opportunity to secure consecutive victories in the Premier League for the first time this season when they take on Thomas Franks’s newly-promoted charges over the weekend.

Raphinha’s injury-time penalty last time out snatched all three points against Crystal Palace, but their performance level still left significant room for improvement.

Therefore, Bielsa will be relieved that the returning trio will once again be at his disposal.

Last term, Bamford finished as the west Yorkshire outfit’s top scorer with a hugely impressive 17 strikes in the Premier League, while Ayling and Struijk also played a pivotal part in their success. ,

As per Whoscored, Ayling averaged 2.8 tackles per league game throughout 2020/21, bettering all of his teammates tallies, and Strujik notched up 3.1 clearances, also outperforming all of his colleagues.

With Leeds currently just three places and five points above the relegation zone having played a game more than 18th-placed Burnley, securing a positive result against Brentford could be crucial to the Whites’ season, meaning Bielsa will warmly welcome the trio’s comebacks.

And, in other news…Bielsa could repeat Gelhardt masterclass with Leeds swoop for 20 y/o “manager’s dream”

West Ham United have opened talks concerning a deal to bring Patrik Schick to the London Stadium in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian media outlet Calcio Mercato (via London World), who claim that David Moyes’ side have entered into negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen regarding a £40m deal for the 25-year-old centre-forward.

The report goes on to state that the 58-year-old manager is keen to bring in attacking reinforcements into his side this month, as, since the sale of Sebastien Haller to Ajax in January last year, the Scot has had to make do with only Michail Antonio as an out and out centre-forward.

Moyes can finally replace Haller

Considering just how impressive Schick has been in Germany so far this season, in addition to the fact that the 6 foot 3 Czech international resembles the 6 foot 2 Haller in physical stature, should Moyes be able to get a deal over the line for the Leverkusen striker this month, he could well have finally replaced the Ivory Coast international at the London Stadium.

Indeed, over his 16 Bundesliga appearances in the current campaign, the £36m-rated man has been in devastating form, having already bagged an astonishing 18 goals, provided one assist and created one big chance for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 3.6 shots and making 0.6 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the £82k-per-week hitman who Bayer manager Gerardo Seoane dubbed an “incredible” talent average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.33, ranking him as the ninth-best performer in the top flight of German football.

As such, should Schick be able to replicate this level of form following a potential switch to East London this winter, the 25-year-old would not only fill the Haller shaped hole in Moyes’ West Ham squad, but he could well go on to take Antonio’s starting spot leading the Irons’ attack.

In other news: Moyes must now launch WHU bid for £46k-p/w “phenomenon” as key transfer twist emerges

Aston Villa have shown over recent years that they are not reluctant to spend big amounts of money to bring new players to the Midlands club.

The previous summer transfer window saw the Villa Park outfit splash the cash on players such as Danny Ings, Emi Buendia and Leon Bailey.

Now that the next summer window is on the horizon, it seems as though the Villans have been mentioned with another potential big-money deal.

What’s the news?

After being mentioned with a summer transfer move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia, a recent report from TEAMtalk has claimed that the player will stay with the Spanish club unless Villa come in with an above-the-market offer.

Since joining Diego Simeone’s side back in November 2020, the defensive-midfielder has gone on to make 61 appearances for the club across all competitions.

To highlight what an important figure he is for the reigning La Liga champions, no other player in their squad has been able to match the combined total of tackles and interceptions (103) that Kondogbia has racked up in the league this season.

Also, out of the ten La Liga games that the 29-year-old has missed this season, his side have only been able to keep three clean sheets, showing just how important he is for them in a defensive sense.

Gerrard’s very own Pogba?

With Villa on the hunt for a defensive midfielder back in January but failing to sign one after having a bid rejected for Yves Bissouma, it’s easy to see why the club have their eyes set on the Atletico figure.

Having previously been compared to current Premier League midfielder Paul Pogba, Kondogbia could be Steven Gerrard’s own version of the Frenchman if the club do go in with a hefty transfer bid for him this summer.

Speaking previously, Raymond Domenech told La Gazzette dello Sport: “Pogba is still the superior player at this stage….but both Kondogbia and Imbula have the potential to reach his level. Kondogbia in particular.”

Praised for his “impressive” display in the Champions League against Manchester City earlier this season by Statman Dave on Twitter, the Atletico titan could be just what Villa need to fix up their side defensively after having conceded 46 goals in 32 league games this season.

Moving forward, even if it could take a significant amount of money to get him out of the Spanish capital, launching a summer move for the £107k-per-week midfielder should be in the thinking of Villa’s hierarchy once the transfer window opens.

In other news: “Villa are…” – Insider drops exciting behind-scenes claim that’ll leave fans ecstatic

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has laid into Diego Llorente, picking out one particular ‘terrible’ incident against West Ham.

The Whites were beaten 2-0 at the London Stadium on Monday evening, as their Premier League season threatens to peter out a little.

It’s now four defeats in the last five league outings for Marcelo Bielsa’s men, who are 11th in the table ahead of Saturday’s visit of Chelsea.

Llorente comes in for criticism from Whelan

Someone who had a bad night at the office against the Hammers was Llorente, with the centre-back at fault for Craig Dawson’s goal.

The Spaniard joined Leeds from Real Sociedad back in September, but has made just four starts in the league to date, struggling badly with injuries.

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan didn’t hold back in his criticism of Llorente, saying much more is needed from a player with so much experience:

“You are looking at a centre-half who is a Spanish international.  You have to do your homework beforehand. I knew that Dawson was their most dangerous, aggressive player from set pieces. In the second-half Bielsa rectified that mistake because he made Liam Cooper mark him instead.

“When you look at Dawson’s goal, it’s terrible defending. It’s weak and too easy. You do not expect that from a Spanish centre-half.

“He gave Dawson so much room and freedom inside the penalty area. You cannot do that. It was a free header at the far post.

“We have been like this all season. Set pieces have once again been our achilles heel.”

Transfer Tavern take

In fairness to Llorente, his aforementioned fitness woes have made it difficult for him to settle at Elland Road, so Whelan’s judgment is slightly harsh.

The 27-year-old’s pedigree is undeniable, with six caps to his name for Spain, and he likely just needs a run in the team in order to find his feet.

He will though be forced to defend better when the Whites square off with a red-hot Chelsea side or things could turn ugly.

In other news, Patrick Bamford revealed his feelings towards divisive referee Mike Dean!

Everton are among many clubs in the Premier League who are reportedly monitoring Mahmoud Dahoud, according to the Daily Mail.

As per the news outlet, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are also keeping tabs on the Borussia Dortmund ace, who will only have one year left on his current deal at the Bundesliga club when the summer transfer window comes along.

Everton should sign Dahoud

The Goodison Park faithful should look to beat off the fierce competition from their top-flight rivals and sign Dahoud in the summer.

With one year left on his contract, the central midfield player could well be available at a cheaper price, which should attract the Merseyside club to his signature.

A man with experience playing at the highest level, including in this year’s UEFA Champions League, would be a valuable asset for Carlo Ancelotti’s team, especially if they end up qualifying for European football come the start of the 2021/22 term.

Dahoud’s playing style has been likened to that of Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan by the official Bundesliga website, and given that the latter has added goals from midfield to his game this season, with no fewer than 15 in total over all competitions so far, the Toffees could unearth a potentially hidden gem in the 25-year-old Germany international, providing that they can match his asking price of course.

In other news, find out what potential injury boost the Blues have received before Man City here!

Dean Windass has revealed that his son Josh wants to stay at Sheffield Wednesday but told Football FanCast that he couldn’t confirm whether he’ll still be at the club next season.

The 27-year-old is about to enter the final 12 months of his Hillsborough contract, and there’s been major doubt over his Wednesday future following their relegation to League One.

Windass has played in the Championship in each of the previous three seasons since returning to England from Rangers in 2018, and was a rare bright spot in an otherwise miserable season for the Owls in 2020-2021.

He was the club’s top league goalscorer with nine, and almost managed the most assists (6) along with Barry Bannan, which meant be contributed to more than 35 percent of Wednesday’s league goals.

Windass was asked about Josh’s future, and exclusively told Football FanCast that whilst there’s been Championship interest, his son’s situation remains the same:

“There’s been a lot of rumours – Fulham, Stoke and West Brom.

“I heard that the players hadn’t been paid, so I don’t know what’s going on.

“But Darren Moore has got a big job next season, even if Josh does stay they will be favourites to go up. I know Josh wants to stay there, but money will determine, I think he’s around the £2m mark people are talking, but I don’t know [whether he will still be there].”

Patryk Klimala looks set to be closing in on a Celtic exit.

Interim manager John Kennedy admitted on Friday that the 22-year-old is days away from completing his move to MLS side New York Red Bulls.

The Hoops landed Klimala for £3.6m last January, but he has failed to make an impact in Glasgow, scoring just three times in 28 appearances.

Despite his struggles, it seems as if Celtic could be recouping all of their money on the Polish Under-21 international.

Pundit Noel Whelan, talking to Football Insider, had his say on Celtic potentially making their money back, labelling the Hoops as ‘very lucky’ to make back their initial outlay on the striker.

“For someone who’s hardly featured, to recoup the £3.5million that you paid? That’s either very good business by the board or stupidity from the people that are buying him.

“They could have got him for cheaper probably but Celtic will not complain. Surplus to requirements, no club wants to lose money on a player.

“So, all in all, I think they would probably think themselves very lucky in that position that recoups everything that they paid.”

Transfer Tavern take

We’re with Whelan in believing Celtic won’t complain about what they’ll be receiving for Klimala. His Transfermarkt value has halved during his 12 months at Celtic Park to £1.8m, but it seems as if the Hoops will be receiving double that amount from the MLS outfit.

You can understand why the 22-year-old’s valuation has dropped since his move to Parkhead. He has started just three league games during the current campaign and has failed to establish himself under either Neil Lennon or John Kennedy.

It hasn’t worked out for Klimala in Scotland, but financially it seems that Celtic won’t be making a loss on him.

In other news: Expert drops Celtic managerial claim with Monday admission, find out more here. 

Peterborough owner Darragh MacAnthony has confirmed conversations over a new deal for Celtic target Siriki Dembele have begun.  

The Lowdown: Celtic’s interest

Celtic have been credited with an interest (Give Me Sport) in the 24-year-old in recent months.

Reports have suggested that a move for Dembele, who is the older brother of Celtic’s young talent Karamoko Dembele, could be part of a plan from the Hoops to keep the 18-year-old at Parkhead.

The Posh striker scored 11 times and registered 12 assists in 42 League One appearances this season, helping Peterborough win promotion to the Championship.

He’s out of contract this summer, however, MacAnthony is now looking to tie him down at London Road.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/celtic-updates-3/” title=”Celtic updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: MacAnthony’s Twitter post

MacAnthony was answering various questions on Twitter on Tuesday, and one involved Dembele.

He was quizzed if the club are close to agreeing on contracts with Dembele, Nathan Thompson and Dan Butler, to which he replied:

“Conversations now beginning with them all yes.”

The Verdict: A shrewd addition?

In our opinion, Celtic should be exploring a possible cut-price deal for Dembele. Not just because that may help keep his younger brother, who has been linked with a move away, at the club (although that may help), but because of his qualities.

The Peterborough man played in three positions during the current campaign, impressing in all of them.

He made 15 appearances as a centre-forward, 13 as a left-winger and 13 as an attacking midfielder, registering goals and assists in all areas.

That could come in handy under the new Hoops boss next season, especially with striker Patryk Klimala recently sealing an exit and winger Mohamed Elyounoussi set to return to Southampton following his loan spell.

In other news: ‘Told from very reliable sources’ – Bournemouth reporter drops huge Eddie Howe to Celtic claim, find out more here. 

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Leicester City striker Brian Deane has dismissed the idea of Brendan Rodgers leaving the King Power for Tottenham this summer.

Tottenham are without a manager following the sacking of Jose Mourinho and have been heavily linked with Rodgers.

However, the FA Cup-winning coach made it clear to reporters that he has no intention of succeeding the 58-year-old, who has since gone on to become AS Roma boss.

Deane acknowledges that Spurs are a big club. However, with a lot of fires to put out at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium right now, including Harry Kane’s burning desire to leave the Premier League outfit, the ex-Leicester man cannot see why Rodgers would want to go there.

He told FFC in an exclusive interview:

“He goes to somewhere like Tottenham, then straight away you’re fighting different types of battles. Yes, people say it’s a bigger club, but they’ve got bigger problems and they’ve got a rebuild job coming on. So why would you swap?

“[At Leicester] you’re in control of all the recruitment. You can build a club in your own style. Why would you change and go to somewhere like Tottenham where they’re in danger of losing the likes of Harry Kane and other players? Stay put.”

When you look at where Tottenham are right now compared to Leicester, who have just won the FA Cup and have had a great league campaign, it really is hard to see why Rodgers would want to leave the Foxes for the Lilywhites.

Many Everton fans have been left buzzing over the news that Dominic Calvert-Lewin has withdrawn from the England squad.

As per the official website of the Goodison Park faithful, the striker has sustained a thigh strain from the 2-0 away win at Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League over the weekend, and thus will not be able to play a part in the Three Lions’ upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

This means that he will be given some extra time to rest and recover before hopefully returning to play for the Merseyside club after the international break has finished, rather than risk worsening his issue with England.

Rafa Benitez would not have wanted Calvert-Lewin to endure any additional stress in training with Gareth Southgate, and so it will come as a relief to him that he now has time to recover, especially with the addition of Salomon Rondon offering some extra depth too.

Everton fans on Calvert-Lewin news

These Toffees supporters buzzed as the news was shared on Twitter, with one Blue even going as far as to claim that the injury withdrawal is ‘good news’:

“Yerrrrsssss”

Credit: @EFCMatt1

“Yessss”

Credit: @JoeEfc171

“A deserved rest for the big fella.”

Credit: @the_street_end

“Good news”

Credit: @EFCNovaScotia

“Good stuff”

Credit: @Toby_Hoskins2

“Thank god. Pointless games anyway”

Credit: @EFC_Lucy

In other news, find out what EFC talks stalled on Deadline Day here!