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Leeds United winger Raphinha could leave the Whites and forge a ‘devastating’ partnership with Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, according to journalist Emmet Gates.

The Lowdown: Raphinha Leeds’ star man?

The Brazilian has been a revelation since moving to Elland Road from Rennes in 2020, scoring 11 goals and registering nine assists in 41 appearances.

Raphinha has also taken his club form with him to the international stage, already scoring twice in his first five caps for the South American giants.

There is a strong argument to say that he is Leeds’ best player, along with Kalvin Phillips, and it is no great surprise that he has been linked with a move elsewhere.

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The Latest: Journalist makes worrying claim

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Gates has talked up the idea of Raphinha moving to Liverpool and wreaking havoc alongside Reds superstar Salah:

“I think they’ve also been linked with Leeds’ winger Raphinha, again who also players in Salah’s position but if you could put him on the opposite flank, that would be a devastating duo.”

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The Verdict: Inevitable exit soon

Raphinha is a priceless player for Leeds, and ideally, he would stay put for many years to come, but it is hard to see that happening currently.

The 24-year-old has announced himself on the international arena and may want to test himself in the Champions League – something the Whites simply can’t offer at this moment in time.

It could be that Raphinha moves on at the end of the season, especially if Leeds get relegated, but the one bonus would be the huge fee the club would likely receive for him, with his current deal not expiring until 2024.

Should he depart, the Whites may then spend the cash they receive on both a suitable replacement and bolstering other areas of the squad.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly plotting a bid for one player. Find out who it is here.

Following on from their disappointing 2-1 defeat against Norwich City, things didn’t go to plan when Southampton took on Liverpool at Anfield where Ralph Hasenhuttl chose to go with a formation of three centre-backs, two wing-backs, two central midfielders and three forwards, which ultimately led to a 4-0 defeat against the Reds.

Next up for the Saints is a midweek league clash against Leicester City who are currently five places and four points above them in the league table.

On the chalkboard

One player that didn’t start against Liverpool but managed to make a good cameo appearance off the substitutes bench that should now be in the team to take on Leicester from the start is Nathan Tella.

After replacing Che Adams at the start of the second half at the weekend, Tella did his best to make an impact on the game and managed to show his attacking and defensive capabilities.

Even though he didn’t have a shot at goal, Tella created goalscoring opportunities for his teammates by making two key passes and one accurate cross, creating one big chance in the process, a wonderful opportunity at the back post that Adam Armstrong somehow spurned.

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The 22-year-old, who is currently valued at £1.8m according to Transfermarkt, also did his bit from a defensive point of view in the second half against Jurgen Klopp’s rampant Reds by making two interceptions, one tackle and one clearance to stop Liverpool from scoring even more goals on the day.

Labelled as an “energetic” player in the past by Hasenhuttl, this latest performance earned Tella an overall match rating of 6.9/10 according to SofaScore, making him the highest-rated Southampton player on what was a rather disheartening day for the south-coast club.

Looking ahead to the Leicester match in midweek, not only would it be in Southampton’s best interest if Hasenhuttl didn’t go with the same formation that he went with against Liverpool, he should definitely reward Tella for his second-half contributions against Liverpool with a place in the starting XI on Wednesday.

With Armstrong failing to impress against Liverpool, missing that gilt-edged opportunity from Tella’s supply line, perhaps he could be the one to make way on this occasion.

In other news: Gao could replicate Adam Armstrong masterclass at Southampton with “elite” 16-goal ace – opinion

West Ham are likely to spend big on a new striker in the January transfer window, according to former England striker Kevin Phillips.

The Lowdown: Slight dip for Hammers

David Moyes’ side have enjoyed a superb start to the season, sitting fourth in the Premier League and reaching the last 16 of the Europa League. However, the Hammers have lost back-to-back league games since the international break, suffering defeats away to Wolves and Manchester City.

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This mini-slump needs to come to an end at home to Brighton on Wednesday if the Irons are to avoid slipping out of the top four and scuppering their chances of bettering last season’s sixth-placed finish.

The Latest: Phillips tips new striker to come in

It could be that fresh blood is required to take the team forward in January, as the fixtures come thick and fast and squad depth is tested, especially with European commitments in the early months of 2022 as well.

Speaking to Football Insider, Phillips tipped West Ham to sign a big-money striker in order to ease the burden on sole centre-forward Michail Antonio. He said:

“They need to invest in a striker in January. I know there will be plenty of people who argue they don’t need to because they have done very well considering but they haven’t got any backup for [Michail] Antonio.

“When it gets to the second part of the season, the weather changes and the games come thick and fast. Players pick up knows after playing so many games.

“It would be sensible to look at that area to bring someone in. Sign someone who will push and cover for Antonio.

“I know Kretinsky has said there won’t be lots of spending but I’m sure there will be money available. If David Moyes goes and says, ‘I’ve identified a player who can come in and challenge in that area.’ Then the club will back him.

“Why wouldn’t they considering what he has done and where they are? They could potentially finish in the Champions League spots.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if they went out and splashed £20-25million to bring in competition for that area.”

The Verdict: Would be a wise decision

It could be a grave error if another striker doesn’t come in at West Ham during the January window, potentially costing the Hammers dearly both domestically and in Europe.

As Phillips has said, it is unfair to rely too much on Antonio, who has had injury problems in the past and is now 31 years of age. The Jamaican’s form has also tailed off significantly since a sublime start to the season.

Basel striker Arthur Cabral is someone who has been linked with a move to east London and he could be perfect, offering Moyes an extra option who’s young and in red-hot form, having scored 14 Swiss Super League goals already this season.

In other news, West Ham have been linked with signing a Premier League player in January. Find out who it is here.

As per Football Insider, former England number one Paul Robinson believes that Nathaniel Phillips is more likely to be allowed to leave Liverpool than Joe Gomez, amid strong interest from West Ham.

The Lowdown: West Ham’s centre-back crisis

West Ham are now running short in the defensive department due to injuries sustained by centre-backs Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma.

Ogbonna is expected to be out for the rest of the season after suffering from a cruciate ligament rupture on the 7th of November, whilst Zouma sustained a hamstring tendon injury during the Hammers’ 3-2 victory against Chelsea.

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The 27-year-old Frenchman is especially important to West Ham’s defensive success, as he leads the team’s statistics with 5.2 clearances and 0.5 offsides won per game. The Italian defender also deploys the high-line to perfection, sitting second with 0.4 offsides won per game.

As a result of this huge blow to David Moyes’ plans, Liverpool player Phillips has been shortlisted as a January transfer target, and it is believed that a fee around £12m would be enough to secure his services.

The Latest: Robinson reacts to Phillips links

As reported by Football Insider, Robinson, a regular pundit on Sky Sports, believes that there is more chance of Phillips leaving Liverpool in the January window than Gomez. The former Spurs keeper said: “Phillips has got more chance of leaving than Gomez has, that’s for sure.

“I still think a deal will be difficult to do though given the injury crisis Liverpool had last season.

“Phillips was brilliant at the end of last season but whether he is of the same level as Zouma and Ogbonna, I would question that.

“It’s an area that Moyes probably need to address though.”

The Verdict: Phillips a possibility

The Sunday Mirror have reported (as shared by Football Insider) that the Reds will block any attempt at luring Gomez away from Anfield.

However, it is understood that Jürgen Klopp will listen to offers for the 6 foot 3 Phillips, who is deemed to be lower in the pecking order at Liverpool. This could open up the possibility of the 24-year-old making the switch in January.

The Englishman may not be as technically gifted as Zouma and Ogbonna, exemplified by not having made a key pass when playing in the League cup this season, but Klopp has hailed his heading ability, saying that “in the air, he’s a monster!”

Therefore, Phillips may just be the perfect addition to help reduce West Ham’s defensive crisis and simply add a bit more depth and solidity where Moyes needs it most.

Everton earned a hard-fought point in their Premier League encounter against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night, easing the pressure on manager Rafa Benitez.

The Toffees were without a host of first-team stars due to injury and illness, forcing them to start two teenage academy graduates against the reigning European champions.

However, it was two of their young homegrown talents that stepped up to the plate for Everton and secured them just their sixth point since 25th September.

Chelsea dominated proceedings throughout the game, racking up 80% possession and Mason Mount gave them a deserved lead on the 70-minute mark after he slotted home following Reece James’ pass.

But Benitez’s charges fought back admirably just four minutes later when 19-year-old Jarrad Branthwaite struck on his first league start of the season after Anthony Gordon’s free-kick.

Everton had Jordan Pickford to thank for a string of impressive saves to keep them in the game as well as the match-winner Branthwaite, but it was arguably Gordon who was the real hero.

As per SofaScore, the England U21 international was awarded a match rating of 7.6 out of 10, the highest of any outfield player to feature for the Merseyside outfit.

Gordon proved extremely useful for Everton in their battle to gain territory up the pitch, winning a whopping 11 duels, drawing five fouls from opposition defenders and successfully pulling off three of his four attempted dribbles.

And the youngster was also extremely diligent in his defensive work. The 20-year-old made three clearances, pulled off two tackles and made one interception, highlighting his hugely effective display.

The Liverpool ECHO’s Adam Jones was equally as impressed with Gordon, awarding him an 8 out of 10 for his determined display.

“Looked very progressive on the rare occasions he managed to pick up possession throughout, and was rewarded with a great assist from a free kick,” wrote Jones. “Never stopped sprinting throughout.”

With winnable fixtures against the likes of Burnley, Newcastle United and Brighton to come, Benitez will be hoping Gordon can maintain this sort of form over the festive period.

And, in other news…Imagine him & DCL: Benitez must seal Everton swoop for “unbelievable” 52-goal animal 

Leeds United suffered yet another heavy defeat on Saturday evening as they lost 4-1 at home to Arsenal, just four days after being battered 7-0 by Manchester City.

Marcelo Bielsa is facing an injury crisis right now with numerous key players on the sidelines, including Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford, who were both instrumental in their successful 2020/21 season.

However, it doesn’t excuse some of the defending that has been on show, with versatile full-back Stuart Dallas facing the media after the City defeat.

“There was individual mistakes that cost us tonight [Tuesday] and you can’t get away with that at this level, especially when you’re coming to a team like this,” said the Northern Irishman. “[We’re] just devastated. It’s not good enough from us.”

Dallas particularly struggled at Elland Road on Saturday night, with 90min’s Tom Gott describing the defender as “completely off the pace and guilty of so many huge errors”.

The 30-year-old hasn’t missed a single minute of Premier League action this term, making him a reliable option in terms of maintaining his fitness. However, Leeds have failed to match the standards they set last season, and Dallas’ regular inclusion could arguably prove to be a catalyst for that.

Having a versatile option like him will be of great use to Bielsa, who has deployed the £3.6m-rated ace at both left-back and right-back, as well as across the midfield. Despite being an ever-present in the Argentine’s line-up, he hasn’t contributed an assist since the opening day of the season and is yet to score in the 2021/22 campaign.

This is a stark contrast from last term, when the Northern Irishman scored eight goals and set up another two as he missed just nine minutes of Premier League football, albeit in a better-performing Leeds team.

Furthermore, Leeds have conceded 36 goals this term – only 19th-placed Newcastle have shipped more, and a common factor in all of their games this season is the continued presence of Dallas.

United’s weak underbelly has been particularly exposed of late, with the Whites conceding 16 goals in their last four games, an average of four goals per match.

Bielsa is unlikely to drop Dallas, with the 30-year-old a mainstay under the 66-year-old. However, he will need to find a solution immediately, as otherwise the Yorkshire club are going to miss out on available points at a crucial point in the season. Maybe the time has come for the manager to end the utility man’s ever-present status in the current Premier League campaign.

In other news – Forget Ayling: £15.3m-rated dud who made one tackle was Leeds’ villain on Saturday

With 2021 almost over, let’s take a look back over what was a turbulent year for Everton and their fans.

Having started it with Carlo Ancelotti at the helm at Goodison Park, only for him to leave in the summer to be replaced by Rafa Benitez, this certainly caused waves at the Merseyside club.

While the end of the 2020/21 season may have ended in a rather flat manner, the first few weeks of the current season under Benitez saw the Toffees get off to a flyer by winning four of their opening six league games.

Things took a major dip for Everton through that saw them go through October and November without a win in the league, resulting in fan unrest towards Benitez and the club’s hierarchy.

All in all, the majority of Everton’s loyal supporters will undoubtedly be hoping that the rest of the season will pan out in a similar way to how it started and that the rest of 2022 will be very fruitful for the club.

How well do you remember Everton’s 2021? Test your knowledge with our Big Fat Everton quiz of the year to find out!

Taking to Twitter, Goal Brasil reporter Thiago Fernandes has now shared a big update on West Ham United’s pursuit of FC Basel powerhouse striker Arthur Cabral.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye new forward…

It is no secret that manager David Moyes has been targeting fresh forward additions since club record signing Sebastien Haller departed the club for Ajax a year ago.

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Bids have been made for new strikers since last January with many names entering the fray since then, including prolific Basel ace Cabral.

The Irons and new head of recruitment Rob Newman have been linked with a move for the in-form 23-year-old since the end of 2021 amid West Ham’s striker search as Fernandes now shares a major update on social media.

The Latest: Fernandes makes major claim…

According to the reporter’s sources, West Ham ‘promises’ a formal offer to sign Cabral ‘in the coming days’ with a move for the player now imminent.

“West Ham promises formal offer for Arthur Cabral in the coming days,” he explained on Twitter.

“Basel wants 15 million euros, player asks for 2.5 million euros per season.”

The Verdict: Right move?

Scoring an incredible 27 goals and assisting eight others in all competitions already this season (Transfermarkt), it’s little wonder West Ham are about to make their move for Cabral.

At just 23, the Brazilian could also come with significant potential for sell-on value and has been lavished with praise on multiple occasions for his talent.

Basel ‘squad planner’ Philipp Kaufmann lauded Cabral’s ‘phenomenal’ numbers (via Nau.ch) whilst Swiss journalist Andre Oechsner told Hammers News that the South American also has a ‘phenomenal’ eye for goal.

The powerful 6 foot 1 attacker, according to Oechsner again, possesses ‘excellent physicality’ – a redeeming quality of his playing style which could make him a more-than ideal fit for the Premier League.

Given his club are apparently demanding just €15 million (£12.5m), this offer surely must be made.

In other news: West Ham source: Newman also eyeing bid for brand new forward target as club green light sale, find out more here.

Newcastle United are reportedly now eyeing up a move to sign Nico Schlotterbeck in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Defence building

With the news that a deal has now been agreed between the St. James’ Park faithful and Atletico Madrid to sign Kieran Trippier, the defensive rebuild in the North East is well and truly underway.

A new central defender is likely to be next, with the likes of James Tarkowski and Abdou Diallo recently being linked with moves to Tyneside, while Sven Botman is a link that just will not go away.

Nonetheless, it is clear that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium are not waiting around when it comes to trying to bring players to the football club, and it is now set to be a busy yet exciting next few weeks for the Toon Army.

The Latest: Schlotterbeck eyed

Speaking on the Sky Sports Transfer Show (via HITC), journalist Dharmesh Sheth has revealed that Schlotterbeck is now on the radar of the Magpies, as their pursuit of Botman is becoming more difficult.

Lille apparently want £60m to let go of their centre-back, which is a price that the new owners are not willing to meet at the moment, causing their attention to shift towards alternatives.

The Verdict: Sign

Given that Eddie Howe’s team have conceded 42 goals in the Premier League so far this season, the joint-worst in the division with bottom-placed Norwich City, it is clear that they need a commanding centre-half in order to get them more organised and ultimately help concede fewer goals.

Having silenced none other than Erling Haaland earlier on this term, Schlotterbeck is capable of doing just that, and his six-foot-three frame makes him a threat in both boxes, with no fewer than 3.1 aerial duels won per game in the Bundesliga.

The Freiburg ace is also very versatile and so can play in a number of different positions according to Germany manager Hanzi Flick, who also cited his ‘footballing quality’ upon calling him up to the senior squad.

Nonetheless, at just 22 years of age, he has so much potential, and so now presents the perfect time for NUFC to swoop in on his signature.

In other news, find out which ex-Magpie Luke Edwards says could now be a target here!

Newcastle United are plotting an ambitious swoop for Manchester United transfer target Amadou Haidara.

What’s the story?

Eddie Howe’s side have enjoyed a good start to the January transfer window thus far, signing Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid and Chris Wood from Burnley.

Now, The Daily Mail have revealed that the Magpies are prepared to push the boat out for Haidara, who has previously been linked with a switch to Old Trafford.

The report adds that “Newcastle expect the total cost of a deal for the highly-rated Mali midfielder, who is currently on Africa Cup of Nations duty, to stretch beyond £80m including wages over the length of his contract. Haidara would command a long-term deal and wages in the region of £160,000-per-week, which would make him Newcastle’s highest earner.”

Exciting news for Newcastle fans

While the signings of Trippier and Wood have given Newcastle a couple of experienced veterans with plenty of Premier League experience, a move for Haidara would certainly be the most exciting.

The claim that the Magpies’ swoop for the Mali midfielder cost cost well over £80m, and also make him the highest-paid earner at the club, would be a real statement of intent from the new owners.

And, when you look at some of the comments that have been made about his ability, it’s no surprise why Newcastle are keen to swoop in ahead of United to sign him.

Indeed, now United boss Ralf Rangnick waxed lyrical about him when he first brought him to RB Leipzig, saying: “We’ve been following his progress in Salzburg, as he’s developed into an absolutely exceptional player there. There aren’t many players his age with so much potential. He has all the requirements to follow in Naby Keita’s footsteps.”

If Newcastle can beat off the interest from United for the £34m-rated star, then it really would be a major statement and exciting news for the Magpies fans.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are eyeing this experienced centre-back…