All posts by z3u9t.icu

Newcastle United have enjoyed another strong start to a Premier League campaign under Eddie Howe as they sit sixth in the table after nine matches.

The Magpies ran out 4-0 winners against Crystal Palace last time out and are now the top scorers in the division with 24 strikes to date.

However, that does not mean there are not areas for improvement and one move the club could make to take them up another level is to swoop for Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, who could be a big upgrade on Elliot Anderson.

Howe has been touted with an interest in the Gunners ace, who has come up through their academy system, and it will reportedly take a fee of £60m to secure his signature.

The January transfer window is still a while away from opening but Dan Ashworth and the Toon head coach may already be drafting their plans, with a possible move for Smith Rowe seemingly on the agenda.

How many goals has Anderson scored for Newcastle?

The 20-year-old midfielder is yet to register his first senior goal in a Newcastle shirt in 41 first-team appearances for the club, which includes 32 Premier League outings.

He has also only registered two assists in that time and has not been able to offer regular quality at the top end of the pitch, although it would be harsh to expect that at his age.

Anderson has produced zero goals and one assist, along with 0.9 dribbles per game, in nine top-flight matches so far during the 2023/24 campaign, which has included four starts, as per Sofascore.

These statistics suggest that the Scottish youngster has not made a significant impact on the pitch and a loan could be a valuable experience for him during the second half of the season, which the signing of Smith-Rowe would free up the space to facilitate.

How many goals has Smith Rowe scored for Arsenal?

Smith Rowe, on the other hand, has racked up 18 goals and 11 assists in 103 games for Arsenal after coming up through their youth set-up.

Just like Anderson, he is a versatile gem who can operate in a central midfield role or out wide on either flank and can, therefore, be utilised in the same positions that Howe has been using the current Newcastle prospect in.

The Gunners ace has not started a Premier League game since the start of last season but his form during the 2021/22 campaign suggests that there is an excellent player for Howe to unearth if the Magpies can sign him in January.

Smith Rowe contributed with ten goals, two assists, and one dribble completed per game across 21 top-flight starts, and 33 appearances in total, that season.

The 23-year-old wizard, who was once described as "exciting" by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, has proven himself to be able to score goals and make a big impact on a regular basis as a midfielder in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta trusted him from the start and he delivered, which suggests that Howe could get the same from him during the second half of the season and beyond if he places trust in the talented ace and affords him the chance to start games.

Therefore, Smith Rowe could come in as a big upgrade on Anderson with his potential to provide more quality in the final third at this level.

Patience is the key word when it comes to Chelsea so far this season. They’ve shown glimpses under Mauricio Pochettino, but only glimpses as they saw any building momentum gained from victories over Fulham and Burnley, before a dramatic draw against Arsenal, come to a crashing halt in a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Brentford.

Things don’t get any easier for the Blues, either, who travel to an unbeaten Tottenham Hotspur side in the hope of placing the first dent in their London rivals’ Premier League title chances. As ever, whilst results are inconsistent on the pitch, Todd Boehly reportedly already has an eye on the transfer market and one particular summer target.

Chelsea transfer news

Chelsea once again stole the headlines in the summer transfer window as Boehly gave Pochettino’s new squad a major rebuild. The likes of Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic and Mason Mount were all shown the exit door as Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Jackson, alongside many others came through the door at Stamford Bridge.

It would come as little surprise if it was the London giants dominating next summer’s window as well, given their financial power and consistent need for reinforcements following poor results. According to reports in Spain, Chelsea are already eyeing a move for Jamie Bynoe-Gittens in the summer. The Blues reportedly consider the Borussia Dortmund player to be someone with exceptional potential and could make their move.

If Chelsea are to sign the English teenager, however, they’ll reportedly have to win the battle for his signature against both Newcastle United and Arsenal in a deal that could reportedly be worth €40m (£35m) in the summer. The winger will certainly have a lot to think about regarding his future, having initially left Manchester City in the Premier League in favour of a move to Dortmund.

Chelsea interested in Bynoe-Gittens

Chelsea’s reported interest in Bynoe-Gittens comes as little surprise. After all, this is a 19-year-old player who has already featured at one of Europe’s top clubs in the form of Borussia Dortmund, making 30 appearances in all competitions. Ticking the homegrown box, too, this is simply a deal that could make perfect sense from a Chelsea perspective. (Jamie Bynoe-Gittens stats – Transfermarkt)

Of course, those at Stamford Bridge will have their current focus on fixing issues within their squad, but they can then turn their attention back towards the future and potentially landing Bynoe-Gittens in 2024. The winger has already been at the centre of praise throughout his Dortmund career, including from teammate Karim Adeyemi who said: "He has no fear. For me, he is one of the best players one-against-one I have ever seen, to be honest. He will be a really good player."

Chelsea may well be hoping to be in a strong enough position to convince Bynoe-Gittens when next summer arrives. As of right now, they do not look on course to qualify for the Champions League, something that Dortmund can consistently offer. The Englishman has also seen just how badly a return to the Premier League from the Bundesliga can go, courtesy of Jadon Sancho, so it could be a tricky transfer.

Liverpool head into the November international break on the back of a win as they beat Brentford 3-0 at Anfield in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Reds have only lost one of their opening 12 top-flight matches and their victory against the Bees was their eighth of the campaign, which has them on 27 points.

Jurgen Klopp's side secured all three points thanks to two goals from Mohamed Salah and one from Diogo Jota, along with some excellent work at the back to prevent the away side from getting back into the game.

Mo Salah's performance against Brentford in numbers

The most important number from the forward's performance was the two next to his goal tally as the Egypt international found the back of the net twice to help seal the victory.

His first came via some fantastic approach play from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Darwin Nunez to send him through on goal on the right side of the box, which allowed the winger to take a touch inside before curling the ball into the far corner with ease.

The second was another composed finish from Salah as he patiently waited at the back post to nod in a cross from Kostas Tsimikas, although there was some doubt over the validity of the goal for a moment as the left-back only just kept the ball in play.

Minutes played

90

Sofascore rating

8.5

Goals

Two

Key passes

One

Pass accuracy

72%

Possession lost

20x

Salah's build-up play to create for others could have been better, as shown by how often he gave the ball away without creating a host of opportunities for others.

However, there was no great need for him to be an outstanding creator due to the two excellent finishes that he provided for the opening two goals.

Virgil van Dijk's performance against Brentford in numbers

Alongside Salah, another Liverpool player dominated Brentford throughout the 90 minutes of the impressive victory at Anfield – Virgil van Dijk.

A 3-0 win on paper does not sound like a game that was determined by the defence of the winning side but there is an argument to be made that the Netherlands international was pivotal to the three points.

His dominant display at the back provided the platform from which the likes of Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, Darwin Nunez, and Jota were able to work from.

It could have been a completely different game, for example, if he had allowed Byran Mbuemo to go through on goal shortly after half time. Instead, the towering colossus came across after Joel Matip had been beaten and brilliantly eased the speedy forward out of the way to clear the danger – preventing a one-on-one chance in the process.

In total, van Dijk won 83% (10/12) of his individual duels throughout the game, with four of his five ground battles and six of his seven aerial contests.

The Dutch giant made four clearances, two blocks, and three tackles as he was able to constantly repel attacks from Brentford to prevent Alisson from being overly worked.

These statistics show that the former Southampton brick wall, who completed ten of his ten attempted long passes, dominated the Bees with his terrific defensive and physical qualities, which is why he was one of the stars of the show alongside Salah.

Tottenham have apparently held "almost weekly meetings" in London over signing a "dominant" 6 foot 3 defender likened to Dortmund star Mats Hummels.

Spurs prioritise new defender signing

Following a serious injury to star summer recruit Micky van de Ven, it is believed Spurs have sought to prioritise the January signing of a left-footed defensive alternative. While van de Ven will be back from his hamstring injury by the start of 2024, the Dutchman's absence has really brought attention to manager Ange Postecoglou's lack of star alternatives.

Spurs have been forced to play the previously out-of-favour Eric Dier in place of van de Ven recently, and it's clear Postecoglou isn't his biggest fan, as reports suggest the Englishman could leave Tottenham very soon. The Lilywhites have been linked with a plethora of alternatives to van de Ven in recent weeks, with Tottenham targeting Lloyd Kelly of Bournemouth among many others.

Former Spurs defender Alan Hutton, speaking to Football Insider last week, backed the club to make a "top signing" in the new year while insisting they need defensive reinforcements.

“It’ll be very interesting to see who they bring in, and I think it will happen, a top signing, for sure," said the pundit.

"They do need defensive reinforcements as we’ve seen after a number of injuries. They look thin at the back so it’s something they will look at. Kelly’s got lots of experience in the Premier League.

“He’s a good size, good with his feet and ticks a lot of boxes. He’s somebody they’ll have an eye on but I’m sure there’ll be lots of players that are working hard in the background to see if they can make the squad better.”

Their chase for a new defender looks certain to be one to watch in the coming weeks, with some interesting news coming to light on another transfer target this week.

Spurs hold "almost weekly" Dragusin meetings

Now, it's been claimed that Spurs have held "almost weekly meetings" in London over signing Genoa defender Radu Dragusin. The Romania international has started all 12 of Genoa's league games this season and stands out as a star centre-back for them, which is really enticing Spurs.

That is according to the player's own agent, Florin Manea, who says that he regularly speaks to Tottenham about Dragusin.

“The people from Genoa know (that he will soon leave),” Manea explained to Fanatik.

“I have been in London for some time and have almost weekly meetings with important teams. We are getting closer. I spoke with Newcastle, with Arsenal, with Tottenham. I also have the messages with them, conversations. There are teams that ask.

“I want to say that, 100 per cent by next summer, Radu will play for a very strong club. One in the top 10 in the world. He wants to be in the Premier League, but I know that Milan like him a lot. I talked to the people there.”

Indirect set piece threat

Clears the ball out of defence often

Does not dive into tackles

The 21-year-old's reputation on the continent is growing and growing, with Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig calling him a "dominant" defender and likening him to veteran centre-back star Hummels.

Manchester United have identified an overseas defender as their number one target ahead of next summer, but a reliable journalist has revealed that it won't be cheap to bring him to the Premier League.

Man United's current backline options

The Red Devils have Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans as their natural options at centre-back as it stands, but there’s a chance that at least two of them could be heading for the exit door in the near future.

Both Lindelof and Evans will have reached the expiration of their deals at the end of the season (Man United contracts), so should they not put pen to paper on fresh terms, Erik ten Hag will have to enter the market to find suitable replacements in case they depart.

Man Utd identify “massive” Premier League “tank” as No.1 January target

He will be hoping to feature prominently at Euro 2024.

ByHenry Jackson Nov 28, 2023

Benfica’s Antonio Silva has worked his way through his club’s various youth ranks to get promoted to their first-team, where he’s so far made a total of 61 senior appearances to date (Transfermarkt – Silva statistics), and his recent form has caught the eye of chiefs.

The Old Trafford side have sent scouts to watch the Portugal international on several occasions this season, and whilst recent reports claim that Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi is the club’s top target for January, the 20-year-old is the player wanted later in 2024.

Man United want Antonio Silva in summer 2024

Taking to X, Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg revealed that Man United's number one candidate is Silva, but with a hefty release clause to his name, the hierarchy will have to empty their pockets should they want to get a deal over the line next summer.

He wrote: "News Antonio Silva: The 20 y/o central defender from SL Benfica is the absolutely top target for ManUtd for summer 2024!

"#MUFC already keen on contract details and the plans of the top talent €100m [£86m] release clause next year! Benfica expect him to leave the club next summer. Contract until 2027. He completes nearly 94% of his passes."

Ten Hag could land "hero" in Silva

Standing at 6 foot 1, Silva provides a real physical presence at the heart of a backline, which he’s proven so far this season as he’s currently averaging 3.6 clearances and 2.8 tackles per game in Liga Portugal (WhoScored – Silva statistics).

The Viseu native is also extremely calm and composed in possession, where he’s recording an outstanding 93.7% pass success rate, so he’s not only strong getting rid of the danger but also when he has the ball at his feet, controlling the game from the back.

Likes to tackle

Passing

Player has no significant weaknesses

Commits fouls often

Tackling

(Data via WhoScored)

Benfica’s “hero”, as dubbed by football scout Jacek Kulig, has had a taste of what it’s like to be successful having secured three pieces of silverware during his time with Roger Schmidt’s side, so he'll possess the winning mentality required to succeed at Man United.

Manchester United may still be the Premier League's form side – with five wins from their last six top-flight outings – yet it certainly doesn't feel that way for those of a Red Devils persuasion, particularly amid their woes on the continent.

While Erik ten Hag's men still have a slim chance of securing progression to the knockout stages of the Champions League heading into the final game week, their hopes were largely extinguished following another errant showing away to Galatasaray in midweek.

As has been the way for United in Europe this season, their woes defensively overshadowed a spirited attacking display, having been held to a 3-3 draw despite having led both 2-0 and 3-1 throughout the thrilling contest.

That high-scoring affair has ensured that the Old Trafford outfit have now conceded 14 goals from just five group games so far this term, with that undoubtedly not the record of a side that would be deserving of booking their place in the last 16.

Although the club's fortunes in the league have been somewhat improved of late, Ten Hag must surely learn some lessons from Wednesday's draw, ahead of another mouthwatering meeting away to Newcastle United at St James' Park.

The major talking point heading into today's match-up with Eddie Howe's side will be the selection of under-fire goalkeeper, Andre Onana, with the Cameroonian's head potentially on the chopping block following yet another chaotic and errant outing in Istanbul.

Andre Onana's performance vs Galatasaray

It is fair to say that Onana's time at United got off to a shaky start, notably making a colossal blunder against Bayern Munich in the Allianz Arena in the opening game of the group, while also producing a calamitous display at home to Galatasaray – having memorably been chipped by Mauro Icardi from close range.

The 27-year-old – who signed on a £47.2m deal from Inter Milan over the summer – had appeared to have turned a corner, however, following a last-gasp penalty save against FC Copenhagen, while in the league he has now helped to keep the joint-most clean sheets in the division.

With things beginning to look brighter for the polarising stopper, his midweek showing has thrust him back into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons, having first been wrong-footed by Hakim Ziyech's first-half free-kick, before again turning his former Ajax teammate's set-piece into his own net in almost comical fashion.

Such a dismal display – which earned the man in the sticks a lowly 5.9 match rating, as per Sofascore – has ensured that questions are once again being asked of his status as Ten Hag's first-choice pick, with Turkey international Altay Bayindir still waiting in the wings.

If the latter man is not able to get a chance now after Onana's European horror show, then when will he ever be able to get a look in?

With reports indicating that the ex-Inter man is fearing he may lose his place if he heads off to AFCON in the New Year to represent his country, Ten Hag could make the change even sooner starting with the trip to Tyneside.

Andre Onana drew attention away from how poor 6/10 Man Utd man was v Gala

This 6/10 man let Manchester United down alongside Andre Onana in the side’s 3-3 draw with Galatasaray.

ByAdam Scully Nov 30, 2023

Not that Onana should be the only casualty of the midweek collapse, with teammate Victor Lindelof another who deserves to be plonked back onto the bench.

Victor Lindelof's game by numbers vs Galatasaray

With the likes of Jonny Evans and Lisandro Martinez currently sidelined – and with Raphael Varane not considered an option at left centre-back by the United boss – Lindelof has been the preferred pick alongside Harry Maguire of late in the heart of the backline.

That selection has been centred around the Swede's perceived superior quality on the ball to Varane in that left-sided berth, notably spraying a delightful lofted pass out to Marcus Rashford in the build-up to Alejandro Garnacho's stunner against Everton.

Such ability in possession can not cloud the 29-year-old's shortcomings as a defender, however, as he was no doubt exposed in the end-to-end nature of Wednesday's encounter.

As journalist Alex Turk noted, the former Benfica man just "isn't very good at defending", while content creator Alice Abrahams noted that it looks as if he is "scared of defending", albeit while winning five of his five aerial duels.

Previously a player whom Jose Mourinho suggested can get "bullied" in the centre of defence, the experienced asset undoubtedly had some 'meek moments' against the Turkish giants, as per Manchester Evening News' Samuel Luckhurst, who awarded him just a 6/10 match rating as a result.

11 games (9 starts)

1 goal

1 assist

90% pass accuracy rate

0.8 tackles per game

0.7 interceptions per game

33% aerial duels won

40% total duels won

Stats via Sofascore

Such woes were evidenced by the fact that Lindelof also lost possession on eight occasions and enjoyed a pass accuracy rate of just 79%, with his match rating of 6.3 the lowest of any starting player for the Red Devils.

The reasons why Victor Lindelof shouldn't start against Newcastle

If Ten Hag is keen to stop shipping goals, then ousting Lindelof from his starting berth could be the way to go against a typically rampant and ferocious Magpies side.

In truth, the £120k-per-week asset can get 'bullied' as Mourinho suggested, having won just 40% of his total duels in 11 league appearances this season – Varane, by contrast, has won 70% of his total duels from his eight top-flight appearances.

As much as the Dutch tactician may want to get his side playing out from the back in a free-flowing manner, getting back to basics by turning to an out-and-out defender like the four-time Champions League winner could be an obvious solution.

Alternatively, with Ten Hag previously outlining his preference to have a left-footer in that role, the return of Luke Shaw from injury could present a short-term option, with the Englishman lining up in that berth on numerous occasions last season.

The long-serving full-back has slotted back in smoothly at left-back in recent games – notably providing a deft, flicked assist for Bruno Fernandes' thunderous strike earlier this week – yet with Sergio Reguilon available to take on that attack-minded role, Shaw could move more centrally alongside England colleague, Maguire.

Either way, after the latest car-crash performance from United's defensive unit, Lindelof – as well as Onana – should be resigned to a watching brief at St James' this evening.

Crystal Palace are interested in a deal to sign a striker who is already in the Premier League in January, according to a fresh report.

Crystal Palace eyeing Mateta replacements

The Eagles have Jordan Ayew, Odsonne Edouard and Jean-Philippe Mateta as their three natural options at centre-forward in the building as it stands, but there’s a chance that the latter could be heading for the exit door next month. The Athletic’s Matt Woosnam has revealed that Roy Hodgson’s frontman is attracting interest from abroad ahead of the upcoming transfer window, so should he indeed end up departing, the manager will have to enter the market to find a suitable replacement.

Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah has worked his way up through his club’s various youth ranks to get promoted to their first-team, where he’s since gone on to make a total of 154 senior appearances to date (Transfermarkt – Nketiah statistics).

However, Mikel Arteta is reportedly open to offers for England’s international in order to generate funds so that he can sign a new striker himself, so with the 24-year-old having been placed on the chopping block, the Eagles hierarchy have been alerted to his potential availability.

Crystal Palace interested in Nketiah

According to Football Transfers, Crystal Palace want to sign Nketiah and are believed to have already made their admiration known to Arsenal ahead of January.

“Crystal Palace have expressed keen interest in securing the services of Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah during the January transfer window, FootballTransfers has been told. Sources close to the matter have told us of Palace's interest in the young forward as they look to find more goals next year in the second half of the season.”

Nketiah is a "pure goalscorer"

In the Premier League this season, Nketiah has clocked up eight involvements (five goals and three assists), from 16 appearances, showing how prolific he can be in the final third, and he’s able to pose a constant threat to the opposition’s defence with his trickery.

Sponsored by Under Armour, Hodgson’s target has recorded 28 shots over the course of the current campaign which is the third-highest total throughout his squad, slightly behind Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, displaying what a standout performer he is despite playing less minutes (FBRef – Arsenal statistics).

The Lewisham-born talent has been described as a “pure goalscorer” by football scout Jacek Kulig which is proven by his impressive record on limited starts, and there’s a chance that his admirers could have an advantage should they decide to try and get a deal over the line.

This is because Nketiah shares the same representative, Elite Project Group Ltd, as Malcolm Ebiowei (Crystal Palace agents), so this existing connection that his management already have to the club could give them a slight edge during negotiations when trying to convince him to make the move to SE25.

A report from The Athletic this week has suggested that a West Ham exit for one "wonderful talent" appears inevitable as we approach January.

West Ham players who could leave in 2024

The Hammers squad contains a fair few members who are approaching the ends of their deals. Pablo Fornals, Angelo Ogbonna, Lukasz Fabianski, Ben Johnson, Conor Coventry and Ben Johnson are all leaving for free in 2024 as things stand, as their contracts currently expire next June.

"Leader" in talks to join West Ham as club president shares public defiance

There’s discussions ongoing behind-the-scenes.

ByEmilio Galantini Dec 20, 2023

Fornals could leave West Ham as soon as January, according to a recent report by Claret & Hugh, while Cresswell appears unlikely to remain after falling behind in the pecking order to Emerson Palmieri.

Beyond players who are nearing the expiry of their contracts, there have been suggestions that Nayef Aguerd may depart West Ham amid interest from Saudi Arabia. Manager David Moyes is said to have sent his personal scouts to run the rule over Stuttgart defender Dan Axel-Zagadou as a potential replacement.

Meanwhile, Brazil international and Irons star Lucas Paqueta still has admiring glances from Premier League champions Man City. The midfielder was a target for City in the summer, and reports from Paqueta's homeland state that they remain interested in signing West Ham's star (Rafael Reis).

There is also the curious case of winger Said Benrahma, who hasn't quite mustered his best form in claret and blue this season. Moyes has started the Algerian on just four occasions in the league so far, and his latest performance against Liverpool in the EFL Cup left a lot to be desired.

Reports from the last few weeks claim West Ham are open to selling Benrahma next month as the club look to free up space and funds for Moyes' January transfer kitty.

Benrahma exit "inevitable" at West Ham

Now, The Athletic has a small update on the 28-year-old and his future in east London.

West Ham correspondent Roshane Thomas wrote that Benrahma's exit from West Ham looks "inevitable" next month, coming after a sub-par display in their 5-1 defeat at Anfield.

Moyes doesn't appear to favour the former Brentford star too much, as evident by the player's lack of consistent opportunities in the top flight.

Signed permanently for around £25 million in January 2021, Benrahma has gone on to make 152 appearances for West Ham in all competitions.

The winger has scored 24 goals and assisted 19 others in that time, but it appears he may well be approaching his final days at the London Stadium.

While Benrahma has become more of a peripheral figure of late, he can still contribute effectively when playing at his very best. Pundit and former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie has previously called him a "wonderful talent".

“At the time I thought it was stupid because there was a young player everyone was raving about in the exact same position, and they sold him and brought in Benrahma and I’m thinking really," McAvennie told West Ham Zone in October.

“But he proved me wrong, he’s a great talent, a wonderful, wonderful talent. So it just shows you David Moyes knows what he’s doing.”

Manchester United boardroom figures "really like" a "future icon" ahead of a potential move for him this month, according to a key update from journalist Dean Jones.

Man Utd January transfer rumours

The Red Devils' woes have been evident throughout this season, with an incredible nine defeats coming their way in their first 20 Premier League games, and 14 losses in all competitions. It has highlighted the importance of the club conducting some business in the January transfer window, with a lack of quality on show throughout the squad.

Thankfully for United supporters, there have been plenty of rumours linking them with new signings in various areas of the pitch, including Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio, who continues to be backed to complete a move to Old Trafford. In-form VfB Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy is seen as an interesting attacking target, given Erik ten Hag's goalscoring issues in the final third, and highly-rated Nice defensive ace Jean-Clair Todibo is someone who has been seen as a potential option, too.

Serhou Guirassy

19th December

Nico Williams

19th December

Donyell Malen

8th December

Max Moerstedt

7th December

Timo Werner

1st December

Man United keen on signing Benjamin Sesko

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones claimed that Manchester United are interested in signing Benjamin Sesko, revealing there are people high up within the club who are big fans of the RB Leipzig striker.

"Sesko is a bit of a different candidate to sign compared to the other names that have suddenly come into the frame because he is somebody that has been profiled so heavily by the club. There are people within the structure that still really like Sesko, and his availability would definitely turn a few heads around Old Trafford, so I can see that one being a little bit more tempting.

"But it does throw up the question of what it means for Hojlund, so it will be interesting to see whether Manchester United will go there again. My hunch is that they probably won't but, seeing as they were so hot on him before and thought they might come in for him again in a year or two, it might be interesting."

Sesko could be a wonderful signing by United, and while Rasmus Hojlund is already an exciting young talent leading the line, strong competition for places is essential moving forward, and the Leipzig star could be a big upgrade on the soon-to-be-departing (and never available anyway) Anthony Martial.

The 20-year-old has already made a big impression in his career despite his tender years, with Sesko's stats reaching 29 goals in 79 appearances for former club RB Salzburg, as well as netting ten times in 25 caps for Slovenia at international level. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has lauded him in the past, describing him as a "future icon" and "outstanding".

The £26m signing Man Utd could make to end Casemiro's stay at Old Trafford

Erik ten Hag will look to strengthen United’s midfield this January.

ByTom Lever Jan 1, 2024

It doesn't appear as though a move is necessarily close right now, but snapping him up could be great business if they can get it done, providing Ten Hag with two hugely exciting young strikers in his squad.

Leeds United will want to make it two wins from two in 2024 when playing in the FA Cup this weekend, travelling down to Peterborough United for what could be a barnstorming tie in the competition.

The Whites will know the home side won't be pushovers in Cambridgeshire, Posh unbeaten in their last ten games in all competitions coming into this clash.

Leeds could land perfect Rodon partner in £30k-p/w gem with "boundless energy"

Leeds United can strengthen their squad this month with this defensive signing in through the door.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 6, 2024

Daniel Farke could still change his starting eleven up significantly to get some fresh legs into the side to overcome the tricky free-flowing hosts, with six potential changes on the cards in this predicted XI…

1 GK – Kristoffer Klaesson

Kristoffer Klaesson could well be retained for this FA Cup tie in goal, with other goalkeeper option Karl Darlow in the Leeds treatment room still with a dislocated thumb.

Ilian Mesler will also sit out this game away at Peterborough with this clash being the last game he's suspended for, the Norwegian stand-in looking to add another clean sheet to his Whites resume as a result after shutting out Birmingham City last time out effectively.

2 RB – Archie Gray

Archie Gray will stay in the side as well at right-back, with Farke not exactly having plentiful other options to call upon with Djed Spence's loan being cut short and Luke Ayling presumably not risked owing to transfer interest heating up for the ageing defender's services.

Gray was back to his best against the Blues after a dire display away at Preston North Eend, launching into three tackles to ensure a clean sheet was secured in the emphatic 3-0 victory.

3 CB – Liam Cooper

Wearing the captain's armband against Birmingham, starting just his seventh game of the season, Liam Cooper is still very much part of the Elland Road furniture even when he doesn't start week in, week out.

The experienced centre-back will do a competent job again against their League One opponents tomorrow, accumulating 96 touches in total last game as a composed figure who never looked like being breached.

4 CB – Charlie Cresswell

The first change in personnel could see Charlie Cresswell finally given a first-team chance ahead of Joe Rodon, the Welshman sitting the game out to recuperate some freshness and to give Cresswell a rare chance to impress.

Standing out last season away at Millwall in a formative loan switch for the promising centre-back, it hasn't been all smooth sailing for Cresswell on his return to West Yorkshire but his patience could well be rewarded with a start against Peterborough.

5 LB – Junior Firpo

Junior Firpo should be unleashed into the starting lineup for this one after a blistering performance against the Blues last time out, the ex-Barcelona man electric throughout with two assists after being introduced into the game to replace a stricken Sam Byram early on.

6 CM – Ilia Gruev

Another change to the side could see Ilia Gruev come into the eleven to replace Ethan Ampadu, Ampadu's tireless work in the Championship should be rewarded with a rest versus Peterborough.

This would be Gruev's third start for Leeds since joining in the summer from Germany, the Bulgarian number 44 steady away at West Bromwich Albion at the end of December for the Whites with one key pass managed at the Hawthorns in the slender 1-0 loss.

7 CM – Glen Kamara

Farke won't drop Ampadu's dependable holding midfield partner Glen Kamara, however, in this predicted XI, the Finland international rock solid once more against Birmingham as a quiet but reliable figure.

Amassing a staggering 98 touches from deep at Elland Road, Kamara was unerringly measured with the ball at his feet with 82 accurate passes managed.

If the game at Peterborough became high energy and back and forth, the Finnish number eight would be able to bring calm to the contest and steer Leeds away from being on the receiving end of an upset.

8 RM – Wilfried Gnonto

Wilfried Gnonto will want to hit the back of the net with a goal against Posh in the FA Cup, the silky Italian winger not scoring for the West Yorkshire titans since the end of August versus Ipswich Town.

With rumours still circulating that the attacker could be off this January, the stage could be set in Cambridgeshire for Gnonto to burst back into life to put himself in the shop window.

9 CAM – Joel Piroe

Joel Piroe will also come back into the starting eleven with a point to prove, displaced from the team last game for Farke to experiment with Georginio Rutter in the number ten spot which worked wonders.

Still, Piroe's pedigree should see him strut his stuff at Posh with unwavering faith in his ability still in tact – the former Swansea City attacker scoring 11 goals this season when on-song away from notable dips in form.

10 LM – Jaidon Anthony

Crysencio Summerville won't be risked tomorrow afternoon, the Dutch forward the consistent star of the show for Leeds this season with dazzling individual displays down the left-hand flank, providing 18 goals and assists to date.

On-loan AFC Bournemouth winger Jaidon Anthony has been frozen out of the first-team picture consequently, but can fill the void left behind by Summerville for this one-off Cup tie well.

Once described as "incredible" by former manager Scott Parker for his efforts with the Cherries, Anthony will seize this opportunity to come into the first team with both hands.