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Leeds United could find it hard to keep hold of Raphinha after his impressive form for Brazil, according to Sky Sports pundit Kevin Phillips.

The Lowdown: Raphinha on fire for Brazil

The 24-year-old has been fantastic for the Whites over the last year and his form earned him a call-up to Brazil’s squad during the current international break.

Raphinha made an immediate impression on his Selecao debut, registering two assists in his country’s 3-1 win away to Venezuela on Friday, showing exactly what he is capable of producing.

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The Latest: Leeds exit soon?

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips admitted that the winger’s performance will only increase the chance of him moving on from Leeds eventually, with elite clubs sure to be eyeing up a transfer. The former Sunderland striker said:

“His stock is rising, big time. To perform like that for Brazil, it doesn’t really get any better.

“We know the impact he has had on the Premier League. He has been amazing. But, to do it for Brazil is just brilliant. It puts his stock even higher.

“A performance like that has pros and cons for Leeds. On one hand you think, ‘Brilliant. He’s improving all the time.’

“But, on the other hand you fear that there will be a lot of interest from other clubs next year. They might try and nick him.

“It is great news for Leeds that he will come back buzzing and full of confidence though. Hopefully he can keep up that level of performance.”

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The Verdict: Tough to keep hold of him

Much like Kalvin Phillips, in an ideal world Raphinha would stay at Leeds for the rest of his career – he has been hailed as ‘incredible’ by Phil Hay – given how important he is to Marcelo Bielsa. He is their leading scorer this season with three goals and, as per WhoScored metrics, is their best-performing player by a distance.

In reality, the Whites may have to accept that a fresh challenge could appeal to the 24-year-old in the near future, with the Brazilian perhaps keen to play for a Champions League club or a team challenging for league titles.

Whether or not it is as early as next summer remains to be seen, but as Kevin Phillips has hinted, it is difficult to see Raphinha staying at Elland Road in the long-term if he continues to thrive for club and country.

In other news, Phil Hay has provided an update regarding Leeds’ January transfer business. Read more here.

Southampton have been handed a potential boost in their pursuit of West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone…

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, Southampton transfer target Sam Johnstone has put talks over a fresh contract at West Brom on hold to focus on Championship action, with his deal set to expire at the end of the season.

The Saints are reportedly interested in a swoop for the England international as Ralph Hasenhuttl goes in search of a new number one, as is expected.

Get it done

Southampton chief Martin Semmens must ensure that he can get a deal over the line for Johnstone in 2022 and this update could hand him a boost in his efforts.

As it stands, West Brom are top of the Championship after six games. This suggests that an immediate return to the top-flight could be on the cards for the club, which could persuade Johnstone to ignore interest from elsewhere to remain in the Midlands, but there is still hope for the Saints as it is still very early in the season.

There is plenty of time for the Baggies to wobble and Johnstone stalling on talks over a new contract opens the door for Southampton to move for him if West Brom do start to struggle.

The £28k-per-week beast has already proven that he can excel at Premier League level. Former West Brom boss Sam Allardyce hailed Johnstone as ‘one of the best’ last season and praised his impact on the side. He said:

“He’s one of the best. I think that’s pleasing to see as he’s one of the two most important people in your team.

“The goalscorer is the first and your goalkeeper is the second.

“He’s right up there at the right level and he’d already saved more shots than anybody before yesterday.

“The defence was so good yesterday that Sam had little or nothing to do. That one brilliant save was a magnificent save when we needed it, but we limited Liverpool to hardly any shots on target and we had more than them.”

Last season, Alex McCarthy conceded 8.1 more goals than he was expected to based on Expected Goals Against. Johnstone, meanwhile, prevented 4.1 goals as he performed to a higher level than the average goalkeeper was expected to.

This suggests that the West Brom man could be a sizeable improvement on McCarthy, as he showed last term that he is a vastly superior shot-stopper.

The Saints must do all they can to snap him up for free in 2022.

AND in other news, Gao must avoid Saints nightmare over key decision as report reveals club’s intentions…

A few weeks ago Wolves manager Bruno Lage was keen to make it known to the board that he only had 18 senior players to work with in the first team.

The Old Gold endured a torrid transfer window where they failed to land a number of their top targets and were limited to mainly loan signings.

Wolves explored the possibility of signing a top defender with Sven Botman and Duje Caleta-Car on their list.

Neither joined Wolves and then insult was added to injury after a late swoop for Renato Sanches on transfer deadline day sadly fell through as well.

In the process of leaving the senior team incredibly short, they decided to loan out 20 players from the first team and the academy.

The likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and Christian Marques were both granted opportunities elsewhere despite being ready for improved opportunities under the new manager.

What that does grant them, though, is a chance to play regular football. One player benefitting from that in the Scottish Premiership is Connor Ronan.

The Irishman broke onto the scene as a teenager but now aged 23, he has made just 13 appearances for the first team at Molineux.

It’s been a disappointing career for the magician but he’s beginning to make some loud statements to Bruno Lage.

Ronan spent last term with Grasshopper in Switzerland but he’s now back in the UK where he’s enjoying a run of form at St Mirren.

The midfielder has started life vibrantly north of the border, scoring two goals and registering an assist from the middle of the park in his first three outings.

Both of his strikes came in a 3-2 win over Aberdeen on Sunday afternoon in front of the Sky Sports television cameras.

During that victory, he was phenomenal from an attacking perspective. Both of his shots on target found the net, while Ronan also provided a key pass and found a man with his only cross.

It wasn’t a particularly combative performance from the 5 foot 10 dynamo but his tidy nature and ability to pop up in the right place at the right time reminds us of Ruben Neves.

He was Wolves’ joint-top scorer in 2020/21 and brings an element of grace and poise to the club’s engine room.

Neves knows how to win a tackle as well but one of the most majestic elements to his game is undoubtedly his passing range.

Coincidentally, Ronan is cut from a similar cloth. During a loan spell with Walsall, his former teammate George Dobson said:

“He is a lovely player, a delight to watch and a delight to play with.

“The way he takes the ball in tight spaces, he can keep the ball under pressure which is so valuable for us. When the ball keeps turning over it is so hard because you have to do so much running, so when Connor is in the team he gives us that option because he really helps the team.”

At the age of 23, it feels like Ronan is running out of time to make an impact on the Wolves chiefs. However, if he continues to perform like this, Lage should certainly keep an eye on his progress.

After all, Neves’ future in the Midlands is far from clear.

AND in other news, 51% pass success: Wolves dud who lost possession 25x severely let Lage down today…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former West Brom midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Watford’s Andre Gray is the kind of striker who could help his old side win promotion.

West Brom are in the market for a new centre-forward and Gray is thought to be one name they are considering before the transfer window closes.

According to The Athletic, for the second season running, the 30-year-old is an option the Midlands club are looking at.

If they can get a deal done, for Palmer, it would be a good acquisition and one that would give their promotion hopes a big boost.

“He wasn’t prolific last season, but he has scored over 20 goals on an occasion in the Championship,” the ex-West Brom player said.“Right age at 30, experienced and will probably fall into [Valerien] Ismael’s budget.

“He’s the type of player that would fit their bill to get them promoted.”

Certainly, Gray was far from deadly in the Championship last season, scoring just five times in 30 appearances.

However, the Jamaica international’s overall record in the division is respectable. He has scored close to 50 goals in 120 appearances so could be a good bet in West Brom’s search for a new striker.

The Athletic’s Gregg Evans has revealed that Aston Villa striker Wesley will be leaving the club on loan in this summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

The Brazilian missed Dean Smith’s side’s 6-0 thrashing of Barrow in the Carabao Cup second round, and it now appears that he missed the game due to an imminent move away.

And now, in a tweet posted after Villa’s victory over the League Two side, Evans revealed that the striker will now be heading back to Belgium to join Club Bruges on a season-long loan.

Villa fans will be worried

While Danny Ings’ arrival certainly puts Wesley down the pecking order at Villa Park, it’s a bit of a questionable decision from Smith to let the Brazilian go this summer, even on a temporary basis.

Ollie Watkins was a man of steel last season in the Premier League, only missing the one match all campaign, but whether that level of fitness can hold up for a second successive campaign remains to be seen.

Add to that the fact Ings missed several games last season for Southampton with a knee injury, and of course has ruptured his ACL previously, and Villa could be left really short up front if they suffer some misfortune.

Standing at 6 foot 3, and with a real aerial presence, he offers something completely different to the hard running and movement of Watkins, and gives Villa a different dimension either to come off the bench or even to start when Smith wants to rest his main striker.

With Keinan Davis also already gone out on loan, Smith is certainly taking a gamble by letting another one of his squad options go before deadline day closes.

Villa fans may be very worried if Wesley departs, and the club suffer some injury problems – especially considering Watkins has already missed some game-time already this campaign.

Meanwhile, Villa are plotting a late swoop for this star…

Sunderland have reportedly edged closer to sealing a deal to sign Spurs left-back Dennis Cirkin, with a medical taking place this weekend, according to Football Insider. 

What’s the story?

Sunderland will have been looking to add additional strength in depth to their defensive options before the summer transfer window reaches a conclusion.

The Black Cats have lost Callum McFadzean after he was released at the end of his contract with the League One side, after making 33 appearances in total for them.

Dion Sanderson also returned to his parent club after his loan spell at the Stadium of Light, which meant that Lee Johnson has found strength in depth hard to find in defence at this moment in time.

Football Insider have reported that Tottenham Hotspur youngster Dennis Cirkin is close to joining Sunderland as they look to add much-needed depth to their defensive options, with a six-figure deal reportedly being agreed.

‘Kid with a lot of quality’

Cirkin has clearly made a good impression whilst playing for the Tottenham Under-23s, and even though his lack of experience in senior football might be a slight concern to some supporters, the prospect of him improving every week should make it an exciting signing for the Black Cats, if the formalities of the move are finalised in the near future.

Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Jose Mourinho labelled Cirkin as a ‘kid with a lot of quality’, as he trained with the first-team squad earlier in his career.

“OK, he’s 17, but he’s a kid with a lot of quality, and I look forward to bringing him to train with us and to help his development.”

Cirkin has also had comparisons with Chelsea full-back Ben Chilwell in the pas, and will be hoping he can further his knowledge in senior football at the Stadium of Light with Sunderland.

The Athletic have also stated that Cirkin is ‘energetic’, and ‘strong in the tackle’ in previous reports, and Lee Johnson will be hoping he can see some of those attributes whilst with Sunderland this season.

If Cirkin can hit the ground running with the Black Cats, then Sunderland could have made a shrewd addition in signing the youngster on a permanent basis this summer.

Sunderland beat Wigan Athletic in their first match of the new League One campaign and will be hoping they can go from strength to strength moving forwards.

Lee Johnson’s side are set to return to action on Tuesday evening, when they take on Port Vale in the EFL Cup, in what could potentially be a tricky test for the Black Cats at Vale Park.

Many Aston Villa fans have been expressing their delight on Twitter after the club posted footage showing Danny Ings’ first goal at Villa Park in a 3-1 pre-season friendly win against Salernitana.

Producing commendable numbers in 2020/21, the 29-year-old registered 17 goal contributions in 33 appearances for Southampton, with 13 goals and four assists [Transfermarkt]. That fine return prompted Villa to swoop for his services in a deal worth £31.68m, and the early signs under Dean Smith are promising.

As his new club saw off recently-promoted Serie A outfit Salernitana, Ings converted from close range after a pinpoint pass from Jaden Philogene-Bidace. In an entertaining encounter, Anwar El-Ghazi and Ashley Young also got on the scoresheet after Joel Obi opened the scoring for the visitors [avfc.co.uk].

Aston Villa fans react to Ings’ goal

Replying to Aston Villa’s official Twitter account after it posted footage of Ings’ strike, here is what some fans had to say about the “awesome” finish:

“What a signing!! #SaintsFc are going to miss his goals so much, hopefully he’s our missing piece to fire us into Europe! Watkins x Ings #AVFC”

Credit: @VillaWatch1

“Ingsyyyy”

Credit: @catrinavfc

“Feed the goal machine and watch Danny go”

Credit: @MerseMagic

“His movement in the box is first class”

Credit: @raffsteveraff

 “Absolute bagsman”

Credit: @DL1992_”Awesome”Credit: @sankeysaddleryIn other news, many Aston Villa fans react to an update on this transfer target

Mark Douglas has revealed what insiders at Newcastle United are looking for after the latest twist in the takeover saga.

The Lowdown: Arbitration adjourned

As shared by the official website of the St. James’ Park faithful, the arbitration proceedings between them and the Premier League have now been adjourned until early next year due to issues with the disclosure of evidence.

The process was expected to take place this month, but now further delays have been implemented, leaving the North East club in limbo for the foreseeable future.

The Latest: Insiders looking to Ashley

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, football journalist Douglas has shared that insiders at the Tyneside club are now looking to Mike Ashely to re-engage with their immediate concerns and ‘set the parameters’ of summer recruitment.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium ‘remain committed’ to the deal, although the KSA’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) are ‘yet to be drawn’ on the arbitration delay.

The Verdict: Plan needed

With the adjournment to the arbitration case, there is certainly a plan that needs to be made by both Ashley about the direction in whic the club are heading in the immediate future.

There has been delay after delay, and for the hearing not to take place until 2022 is certainly a kick in the teeth but there is a new season on the horizon and plans must now be made to help the Magpies have a successful campaign.

It is not ideal for the Magpies to go into yet another season with uncertainty, but so long as the consortium ‘remain committed’ to the deal, then there is till hope that eventually the takeover can be completed.

However, in the short term, Ashley needs to re-engage and provide Steve Bruce with the funds he needs to build a squad that can compete in the Premier LEague in the upcoming season.

In other news, find out which £50,000-per-week target NUFC is a ‘huge lure’ for here!

Aston Villa have been handed an exciting transfer update in their pursuit of Arsenal starlet Emile Smith Rowe.

What’s the story?

Recent reports from The Athletic’s David Ornstein suggested that Dean Smith’s side had put in an initial £25m bid for Smith Rowe, before upping that offer to £30m – both were promptly rejected by the north Londoners.

Then, The Express and Star’s Matt Maher insisted that “Villa are refusing to give up their pursuit” of the youngster, “as they continue with an ambitious summer transfer strategy, aimed at bolstering Dean Smith’s attacking options.”

And now, via The Daily Mirror’s print edition (04/07, p76), the Midlands club now think that Arsenal are now ready to sell Smith Rowe this summer, and are ready to up their bid to £32.5m.

It’s added that Arsenal’s attempts to tie down Smith Rowe to a new contract has failed to come to fruition, and the Gunners are now considering reluctantly letting him go, with Villa now confident of striking a deal.

Fans will be buzzing

Well, well, well. Talk about a twist in the tale!

After initially looking like Villa were simply posturing with their offers for Smith Rowe, it appears Smith and the club’s transfer committee were right all along with targeting the England U21 international this summer.

After Villa’s first bid for the play-maker was revealed, The Athletic’s Aston Villa correspondent Gregg Evans said: “Villa’s ambitions are becoming crystal clear. Not only are they showing no signs of slowing down their spending spree under Sawiris and Edens, but they are also looking at ways to weaken clubs who could be direct rivals.

“Bidding for Smith Rowe is the most obvious sign yet of that. But this strategic approach of trying to pick apart big teams is taking Villa to a new level. That they feel Smith Rowe is an achievable target says everything about the way the club are moving forward. The very thought of taking away one of Arsenal’s most exciting young players just a few years ago would have been laughed at.”

The fact that Arsenal are now seemingly open to letting him go and that Villa are confident of getting a deal done is a major twist that will surely leave supporters absolutely buzzing at the prospect of Smith Rowe joining.

You only have to look at the kind of reaction Villa fans had when links emerged to the 20-year-old, and it now appears they have every reason to be excited for real.

Meanwhile, this Villa transfer target is a huge upgrade for Dean Smith…

Moise Kean is eager for a return to Paris Saint-Germain to be tied up, according to French reporter Saber Desfarges. 

The lowdown

Everton loaned Kean to PSG for the 2020/21 season after a disappointing debut campaign on Merseyside yielded just two goals.

The 21-year-old rediscovered his form in France, scoring 13 times in just 22 Ligue 1 starts. Kean also helped PSG reach the semifinals of the Champions League with three goals, one of which came in the memorable 4-1 victory at the Camp Nou.

Champions League-winning manager Thomas Tuchel, who took charge of Kean until December, hailed him as a ‘courageous’ player.

According to Fabrizio Romano, PSG have been working on a fresh loan agreement for ‘months’ but are still ‘waiting’ on a decision from Everton and Rafael Benitez.

The latest

Desfarges was asked to provide the latest on Kean’s uncertain future by a PSG fan.

He replied that the Italian international is ‘impatient’ amid the prospect of ‘returning to Paris’.

The verdict

It looks as if Kean isn’t viewing the change of manager at Goodison Park as an opportunity to turn his Everton career around. Instead, his heart seems to be set on PSG.

The Blues’ best bet is probably to sanction another loan, but this time to include an obligation to buy at the end of it, ensuring this saga does not repeat all over again next summer.

They may still be able to turn a fairly handsome profit on the youthful forward, which would be a victory given his struggles in England and clear desire to leave Merseyside.

In other news, this Everton target’s price-tag has been described as ‘stupid’.