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Despite only managing to win three of their 18 Premier League games so far this season, drawing seven and losing eight along the way, one figure at Leeds United that has been rather crucial for the Yorkshire club is Raphinha.

With eight goals, one assist and an overall performance rating of 7.21/10, making him Leeds’ highest-rated player according to WhoScored, this shows just how much of a key player he is for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

After ending his debut season with Leeds as their highest-rated player according to WhoScored last season, the Brazilian was linked with a move away from Elland Road last summer with the likes of fellow Premier League clubs Liverpool and Manchester United reportedly interested in him.

A recent report from TNT Sports claims that German club Bayern Munich are closing in on a deal to sign the attacker in January and while this may not be as bad as selling him to another Premier League side, it would still be an unforgivable disaster if the winger were to leave Leeds in January.

It would certainly be a big blow for Bielsa given how important Raphinha has been to his side since arriving from Rennes back in October 2020, scoring a total of 14 goals and providing ten assists in 47 appearances across all competitions.

Labelled as a “relentless” player due to his work on the pitch by Noel Whelan, it would surely be a scary thought for a lot of Leeds fans to think about how this season could end if the forward leaves next month.

Taking into account his goals and overall performances this season, it’s safe to say that Raphinha has the ability to keep Leeds away from the relegation zone and in the Premier League next season if he can continue playing well and scoring goals.

If he ends up staying at Elland Road for the remainder of the season, it should be one of the club’s top priorities to secure the winger, who is currently valued at £36m according to Transfermarkt, with a new deal to keep him in Yorkshire beyond 2024, which is when his current contract expires.

After all, losing him is an eventuality that Leeds simply cannot face given their perilous position in the league table. If Raphinha leaves and they fail to beat the drop, the whole scenario will border on unforgivable from Victor Orta.

In other news: Bielsa can finally axe Leeds’ “absolute disaster” by signing “spectacular” 5 ft 9 gem…

Everton have appointed Frank Lampard as their new manager, and he wasted no time using his only opportunity of the transfer window on Deadline Day to bring in two players to work with him in his efforts to save the side’s season.

Donny van de Beek and Dele Alli joined the Toffees in the final hours of the January transfer window, becoming the fourth and fifth signings of the month, suggesting that the ex-Chelsea boss has plans to overhaul the midfield and attacking threat of the team which has currently failed to make a significant impact, scoring 11 fewer goals than the side has conceded in the Premier League this season.

With that being said, the first player that Lampard can ruthlessly axe from his team is Alex Iwobi, who has been with the club since 2019, scoring just six goals in 80 appearances from his forward position.

That’s one more goal than he has had managers, with Lampard remarkably becoming the fifth permanent manager that the 25-year-old has worked under in his time at Goodison Park.

The left-winger was branded “embarrassing” by Everton journalist, David Prentice, back in 2020 and things haven’t improved for the Nigeria international, with his most recent indiscretion at AFCON where he was brought on to save his nation from crashing out of the competition in the last 16 knock out clash against Tunisia.

Iwobi was sent off within five minutes of coming off the bench after a red card decision went against him when he made a tackle with his studs up on his marker who went straight to the floor. That eventually led to Nigeria crashing out of the competition.

If the Premier League midfielder turned manager deploys his most favoured formation of 4-2-3-1, it would push Iwobi out of the team completely as Richarlison would presumably go out onto the left side of the three to accommodate the new addition Alli, who could play in one of his favourite positions behind Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and as a result, would see Iwobi unlikely to start for the Toffees in the future.

Lampard has always been a big fan of the £22.5m-rated former Spurs star claiming he is “ahead of the game” in a complimentary analysis of the player back in 2017, so there is no doubt that he will want to integrate the attacking midfielder in his starting line up as soon as he can to get the very best out of him to pull Everton away from a relegation battle.

Combine that with the fact that Darren Anderton once called him a “freak of a talent” and it’s evident there is plenty more that Dele could offer than the former Arsenal forward.

Everton will return to action this weekend at Goodison Park in the FA Cup, where the 43-year-old Toffees manager will lead out his first squad selection in front of the home fans and it will be interesting to see what direction he goes in to secure progression in the domestic competition for the side.

In other news: Lampard already enduring major dilemma at Finch Farm

Sky Sports News journalist Ben Ransom has shared some worrying footage of Manchester City training ahead of their Champions League semi-final clash against Real Madrid.

The Lowdown: City’s UCL run

An ill-tempered draw in the second-leg of the Sky Blues’ quarter-final tie against Atletico Madrid sent Pep Guardiola’s side through to the last four of the Champions League.

Kevin De Bruyne’s second half goal in the first-leg was enough to secure the win for City, who now face Real Madrid in the semi-finals later on tonight at the Etihad.

When questioned in yesterday’s lunchtime press conference about the availability of Kyle Walker and John Stones following, Guardiola responded:

“They are doubts, they didn’t train for the last week to ten days and John since Brighton. We’ll see how they feel, we’ll speak to them tomorrow and then make the decision.”

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The Latest: Footage emerges

Taking to Twitter just 24 hours before kick-off, Sky Sports News reporter Ben Ransom has shared footage of Man City’s training session.

Captioning the video, he claimed: “No Walker nor Stones on the training pitch for Man City ahead of the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.”

The Verdict: Huge blow

This injury news will come as a huge blow for Guardiola’s selection, if indeed both players have not miraculously recovered in the hours since the footage was leaked.

With Joao Cancelo already suspended, City now do not have a player available who has been utilised at right-back before.

This suggests that one of Oleksandr Zinchenko or Nathan Ake will have to step up in Walker’s absence.

This will see to a makeshift back-line which Guardiola will hope can keep a strong Madrid side out, before his squad can recuperate for the second-leg.

In other news: Manchester City: Daily Mail makes Declan Rice claim

Carlo Ancelotti has been dealt a blow in Everton’s rumoured pursuit of Nikola Maksimovic, with AS Roma considered to be a ‘welcome destination’ for the SSC Napoli defender.

What’s the word?

According to Forza Roma, Maksimovic could emerge as the Giallorossi’s first purchase of the summer market with the Serbian expected to leave the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

Maksimovic’s agent, Fali Ramadani, has been in contact with Roma for some time over a potential transfer, with the centre-back’s Napoli contract due to expire at the end of June.

The Stadio Olimpico is considered to be a ‘welcome destination’ for Maksimovic and further talks between Roma CEO Tiago Pinto and Ramadani are expected to be held soon.

Maksimovic is chasing a €3m-a-season (£49k-p/w) contract at his next club, which Roma are expected to meet with bonuses, as the deal is likely to be his last with a significant salary.

The 29-year-old is also keen to be guaranteed a starring role to ensure he secures a place in Serbia’s squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. But his request may prove problematic for Roma, as the Giallorossi are assessing a potential change in manager.

Any hurdle in Roma’s efforts is likely to play into the hands of their Serie A rivals Inter Milan, as the £11m-rated enforcer is seen as one of the most highly-coveted free agents to-be with interest from at least two other European clubs.

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Everton and West Ham United have been cited as potential destinations by Nicola Shira, who notes that both Premier League sides have approached Ramadani for information.

Should Everton sign Napoli’s Maksimovic?

Ancelotti certainly seems keen to reinforce the Goodison Park backline in the upcoming market, with Maksimovic just one centre-back to have been linked with a move amid question marks over the ability of Everton’s current options to play together.

Prior reports by Il Mattino also suggested Ancelotti had explored a reunion with Maksimovic in January, but Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis demanded close to €10m (£8.5m) to sell the summer free agent.

Everton now have the chance to sign the 25-cap enforcer without owner Farhad Moshiri having to pay his current Serie A side a penny, but would seemingly have to assure Maksimovic of a starting role to beat out Roma, Inter Milan and West Ham’s interest.

Whether Ancelotti is willing to guarantee his former defender that chance remains to be seen, having favoured the 6 ft 3 Maksimovic more as a rotation option during his time in charge at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

Maksimovic made a combined 38 appearances across all competitions under the Italian during two seasons together in Naples, but his longest run in the starting line-up for Serie A fixtures lasted just five games.

Ancelotti sang his praises nonetheless, noting in 2018 via quotes by Tutto Napoli: “He has no problems. I am satisfied, he is an excellent defender, complete elastic, fast, he can play both centre-right and centre-left.”

Any interest Ancelotti had in a reunion at Everton will have been dealt a blow by Roma’s plans for further negotiations, it is now up to the Italian to decide if he is willing to give Maksimovic a starring role at Goodison Park next season.

AND in other news, Everton are tracking a £17m striker with “a wealth of talent”…

After rescuing a draw against West Ham last time out in the Premier League, Arsenal return to action on Saturday evening when they take on Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners have had the international break to stew over a real Jekyll and Hyde performance at the London Stadium, where they found themselves 3-0 down before clawing their way back into the contest with a spirited fightback.

A similar kind of first half display surely won’t go unpunished by champions Liverpool, however, and Mikel Arteta will need to ensure that his side get off to a much faster starter this time around.

A couple of injury concerns ahead of the game is likely to have a major impact on his team selection, and with that in mind, here is a look at how the Gunners might line up when Jurgen Klopp’s side come to town.

In goal, Bernd Leno will be hoping to make up for his mistake in the build-up to West Ham’s second goal, when he let Jarrod Bowen’s strike squirm in between his arms.

The back four could see a few changes with the returns of both Gabriel and Cedric, with Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers dropping to the bench after being drafted in against the Hammers.

The Gunners also confirmed that David Luiz will miss the game due to injury, so that could see the comeback of Rob Holding into the centre of defence.

Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey should continue their midfield partnership, with Martin Odegaard once again operating in that all-important number ten role.

Before the game, Arteta confirmed that Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are major doubts for the game against Klopp’s men. If the duo don’t recover in time, Nicolas Pepe should come in for the former in what would be a big call given that Gabriel Martinelli is surely also pushing for a start.

That will leave Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to go back to the left-hand side, with Alexandre Lacazette keeping his place as the Gunners’ main man up top after his goal against West Ham helped seal the comeback.

Predicted XI: Leno; Cedric, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka; Pepe, Odegaard, Aubameyang; Lacazette.

Postecoglou has only been the manager of Celtic for a matter of weeks but he has already identified the primary issue; defending.

The Hoops have signed two players capable of featuring at the back and there could be more defensive acquisitions on the way.

What’s the word?

The Bhoys are keen on signing George Baldock this summer but they are also close to landing the services of Mario Vuskovic.

Plans to strengthen the defence don’t stop there, however, with new claims emerging from the Netherlands.

Dutch media (via the Daily Record) have touted Celtic with a move for PEC Zwolle’s Kenneth Paal.

The 24-year-old is a left-back by trade and was given the opportunity to talk about a potential move to Scotland last week.

Paal commented: “It’s such a big club (Celtic), with such a history, that’s always nice to hear.”

Ange will adore him

Paal may well be a name that many fans of Scottish football will not have heard of but a look at the statistics tells you that he could be a fabulous signing for Celtic, one that fits right into Postecoglou’s system and methods.

With just a year left on his current contract, he could be snapped up for a bargain fee this summer and if they can agree on a price, Celtic must bring him to Paradise.

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The defender is fantastic in offensive areas and would be a huge upgrade on Greg Taylor and Diego Laxalt.

Comfortable in possession of the ball, Paal is also incredibly athletic; something that would suit Postecoglou’s high-intensity style of play perfectly.

Furthermore, the PEC Zwolle full-back is better than a number of areas where Taylor excels.

He managed 1.8 key passes and 1.7 dribbles per game last term from the backline, proving to be a rampant threat on the left. In comparison to Taylor, he is streets ahead. Celtic’s current left-back only managed 1.5 key passes and 0.7 dribbles per match.

With a crossing accuracy of 44%, Paal’s play down the left-hand side could lead to a number of goalscoring opportunities provided by play in wide areas.

In the words of Bhoys Analtyics, the Dutchman would be a “monster” for Celtic, amassing the fourth-best shot assists in the entire of the Eredivisie.

He’s not just impressive from an offensive point of view either. The defender boasts higher defensive statistics than Taylor, amassing 1.9 tackles per game compared to 1.5.

This would be an astute pick up from the Hoops, one they simply have to get across the line. Postecoglou will love the way he plays.

AND in other news, Celtic eye move for “wonderful” 18-goal beast, he’s a big upgrade on Griffiths…

Pep Guardiola is reportedly willing to sell Manchester City superstar Raheem Sterling this summer in order to fund transfer moves for Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland, which could prove to be an excellent decision by the Spanish manager.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider, Guardiola is planning an overhaul of his Man City attack this summer, which could see Sterling depart as the Etihad outfit look to raise funds ahead of potential moves for Aston Villa’s Grealish and Borussia Dortmund’s Haaland.

The report suggests that the former Barcelona boss no longer considers the England international to be an integral part of his squad and that he would be willing to sell him this summer should the club receive a suitable offer.

Should Man City sell him?

Sterling was one of City’s most impressive performers earlier in the campaign and has contributed nine goals and six assists in the Premier League this season, averaging a superb 7.23 rating.

However, after a poor run of form, which has seen him contribute no goals and just one assist in his last 11 appearances, he has dropped down the pecking order under Guardiola and has regularly been left out of key games in the Champions League and Premier League.

The former Liverpool man has truly looked desperate for a goal in recent weeks and it seems as if his far too regular habit of missing big chances has finally come back to haunt him under Guardiola, who has preferred the more consistent Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez on the wings for the past few months of the season.

Sterling is obviously still an incredibly talented footballer, with Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers labelling him “world-class” last season but if City do want to cash in on him, then they need to do it sooner rather than later.

The 26-year-old’s form over the past few months, as well as the financial impact of the pandemic, has seen his market value, according to Transfermarkt, drop 37.5% from £144m in December 2019 to £90m.

If Sterling’s poor performances continue then his value will only continue to drop further, so Guardiola is perhaps right to want to sell him this summer in the hope that they can still receive a huge fee for the winger, which can go towards improving the squad ahead of next season.

And, in other news… Txiki should seal Man City swoop for “amazing” gem loved by Bruno Fernandes

Many Wolves fans have been flocking to a transfer update on Rui Patricio as Corriere dello Sport reported (via Sport Witness) that he is ‘ready for Italy’.

As per the news outlet, a fee of €10m (£8.6m) should be enough to convince the Midlands club to sell, as the goalkeeper himself has reportedly admitted that he would ‘take into consideration’ another move abroad.

Given that he is now 33 years of age, it may be a wise idea for the Molineux faithful to cash in on him now, as his value will only diminish from hereon at this stage of his career.

The 2020/21 campaign was not Patricio’s best for Wolves, as he conceded 11 more league goals despite playing one game fewer compared to last term (Transfermarkt), while he was also culpable for two errors leading to goals for the opposition.

Wolves fans on Patricio transfer update

These Wolves supporters flocked to the transfer update as it was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that the goalkeeper was ‘hopeless’ at set pieces and corners:

“I would cash in now before it’s too late. Ruddy is not that bad and I am sure we can find a suitable replacement. Good shot stopper but hopeless at set pieces and corners.”

Credit: @Earlknudsen

“When Ruddy played he was so much better, got the ball out quicker! Think we should sell doesn’t seem that good too me! Keeper at the Albion is better IMO”

Credit: @sigarrett

“The statue on set pieces. Slow off his line! Wolves deserve a better keeper!”

Credit: @xeno2480

“Been good for us tbh, however I don’t blame him wanting to move on and try new things, be a good move for both parties if he goes”

Credit: @RyanEvans_11

“Can’t blame him, 3 years here and nothing to show for it. Brilliant shot stopper but when Coady started taking goal kicks like it’s Sunday League I think its probably time for a change”

Credit: @BC1877

“Can’t believe I’m saying it but I think it’s time for him to move on, great goalkeeper but at the wrong end of his career now and £15m could get us Johnstone”

Credit: @craigdavison86

In other news, find out what managerial update has left these Wolves fans fuming.

Liverpool could be set to rival Manchester United for the signing of Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez this summer.

What’s the story?

According to Empire of the Kop’s Insider, Liverpool’s director of football Michael Edwards has become aware of Atleti’s willingness to sell the 26-year-old, with the club now heavily contemplating an approach for the star.

Saul is reportedly available for a bargain price of £40 million over the upcoming transfer window due to the Spain international having just a year to run on his current contract at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Edwards masterclass

The beastly midfielder played a pivotal part as Diego Simeone’s men won their second La Liga crown in eight seasons, featuring 33 times for Los Rojiblancos during their successful league campaign.

However, after failing to make Luis Enrique’s Euro 2020 squad, Saul is reportedly keen for a new challenge after spending the entirety of his senior career with his boyhood club, bar a brief loan spell away with Rayo Vallecano.

His omission from the national team for this summer’s tournament came as somewhat of a surprise to many onlookers, especially as his displays for La Furia Roja in the past have earned rave reviews.

“We have never had a midfielder like this,” claimed Spanish football expert Guillem Balague after Saul put in standout performances against Croatia and England in the Nations League. “Finally, people have realised the talent that this man has.

“As an 18-year-old he was offered to Everton, and they said no, as a 20-year-old he was offered to Manchester United, and they said no but I think in the next couple of years we will be talking about him as one of the top, if not the top midfielder in Europe.

“He can play in the Simeone style without the ball, quick putting teams under pressure, but also in the Barcelona style if he wanted to, quick with his passes, and of course he has got the physique to come from deep as he did with one of the goals against Croatia. You have got everything in one player.”

Jurgen Klopp is in need of reinforcements in the Liverpool engine room over the coming months, with Gini Wijnaldum expected to complete a free transfer to Barcelona.

The 30-year-old’s departure will leave a substantial hole in the Anfield outfit’s engine room, although it’s one that Saul certainly has the ability to fill.

Acquiring Saul’s signature would represent a masterclass from Edwards, not only due to the world-class quality that the all-rounder possesses but also because of the competition that the Reds are expected to face to secure his services.

European giants Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in Atleti’s prized asset, while United are thought to be in pole position.

And, in other news…Edwards must swoop for “sensational” £63m-rated gem lauded by Messi, LFC need him 

A new season of the EFL Championship presents new opportunities for either promotion and happiness or relegation and heartbreak. Coming off the back of Fulham’s fall from grace back into the Championship and Brentford’s overdue return to top-flight football, everyone’s wondering what the story of the 2021/2022 campaign will be. Will there be late drama? Will the promoted teams win by a landslide?Betting on the Premier League is one thing, but as teams spend more money on superstars, it almost becomes a given with regards toÂwhich teams will performÂwell. There hasn’t been an underdog story since Leicester’s run in the 2015/2016 season. The Championship draws its fair share of drama,Âas the seasons often pair with intense promotion and relegation battles, and showcase players whose previously unheard of or underappreciated talent shocks the nation.This year, theÂChampionship bettingÂcurrently has Fulham and West Brom withÂodds of 8/13Âand 4/6, respectively, to be promoted. However, bettors can’t ignore the start teams like Coventry City have had so far in this campaign. The 2021/22 Championship betting tipsÂpromisingly have Coventry priced at 12/5 for a top-six finish.

The Perfect Start

When theÂfailed Super LeagueÂwas announced, football fans were enraged. Not only was it a money-grabber, but the entire premise would have removed a crucial element of the game that fans love:Âthe romance.

There’s something special aboutÂunderdog stories, which is probably why the nation came together after Brentford’s shock win against Arsenal in August; as the Championship season kicks off, it looks like we could potentiallyÂhave another underdog story on our hands.

Coventry City, notorious for being slowÂin previous campaigns, has started the 2021/2022 season better than expected, with four wins out of their first six games.ÂOf course, it’s still early, and the run may not last. However, it’s evident the Sky Blues underdogs have clicked this season as established players like Jamie Allen and their summer signings such as Todd Kane and Simon Moore are all contributing.

New Players Making A Mark

Moore, especially, could prove vital to the success of Coventry City this season. After moving from Sheffield United, the 31-year-old goalkeeper has impressed City fans with his performances, particularly after his heroics in his sides’ 2-0 win against Middlesborough on September 11th. Moore was commanding in goal and pulled off an unbelievable triple save that earned him a spot in the EFL Championship Team of the Week.

There’s no doubt Moore has played a massive role in Coventry’s encouraging start to the season. Having a goalkeeper that’s both commanding and focused is crucial, especially when facing strikers like Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has odds of 2/1 to be the top goalscorer this season.

There will always be favourites amongst bettors and the 2021/2022 Championship season is no different. Justifiably, eyes are on Fulham and West Brom, two teams who were in the Premier League in the 2020/2021 season. As we saw with Norwich’s return this year, the teams that go down are often the ones that bounce back up. However, the Championship season has demonstrated that nothing is a guarantee and based on Coventry’s performance so far, there are more reasons to fear them than belittle them.