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Leeds’ disappointing start to the season continued as they lost 1-0 to Southampton away from home in the Premier League on Saturday.

Armando Broja scored the only goal of the game as he finished from close range after a superb counter-attacking run from Nathan Redmond.

The Whites are now 17th in the table and three points off the relegation zone, four points off bottom of the league Norwich.

Whilst it was a difficult afternoon for Leeds overall, there were some positives to take from the game and one of them was the performance of young defender Jamie Shackleton – who impressed at right-back.

Once again filling in for the injured Luke Ayling, Shackleton lined up on the right of the defence in a wing-back role and put in a superb display despite the team’s struggles overall. He provided a useful outlet in transition going forward and was active defensively to limit Southampton’s attacks throughout the game.

On the ball, the defender was reliable. Per SofaScore, he completed 77% of his passes and three of his four attempted dribbles. The latter, in particular, shows how he was able to take the ball and progress Leeds up the pitch in possession as he beat players and gained yards into the Saints half, although his teammates were then unable to use that to create good enough chances to score.

Defensively, he was exceptional. He won a whopping 12 duels on the pitch, prevailing in 11 of his 15 ground battles and one of four in the air. He also completed an eye-catching six tackles, five interceptions and one clearance, whilst only being dribbled past once all game.

Whilst there was room for improvement in his aerial duels, he showed that he has the defensive awareness and strength to win the majority of his 50/50’s overall and impose himself on opposition players. His tackle and interception numbers highlight how many times he was able to win the ball back for Bielsa’s side, which provided more opportunities for them to create attacks.

Therefore, the 22-year-old warrior was a shining light for Bielsa against the Saints. Hopefully, he will be able to maintain this level of performance, as a minimum, throughout the rest of the season and put himself in a position where he is undroppable, even when Ayling returns to fitness.

AND in other news,  Fewer touches than Meslier: Leeds flop with 85.7% duels lost let Bielsa down badly…

Andriy Yarmolenko could soon be handed a route out of West Ham…

What’s the word?

It’s evident that the 104-time Ukraine international is far from a first-choice option in east London and he may well be offered a return to his home country after some interesting comments emerged this week.

The 31-year-old played for Dinamo Kyiv for almost a decade before earning a move to Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund and their club president, Ihor Surkis, has hinted that he would be interested in signing him.

“There is no such agreement, but it depends on both parties. If Andriy has a desire, I will gladly give him the opportunity to end his career at his home club. I have great respect for what he did for Dynamo, and I consider him a very decent man,” he told TaToTake (via NV Sport).

Get rid!

If this opportunity does arise, then David Moyes must let the £3.6m-rated outcast depart the London Stadium as he’s been absolutely stealing a living since his £18m move from Dortmund over three years ago.

In that time, he’s only managed to play 64 times for the club, contributing a paltry ten goals and six assists, having dealt with a number of injuries and inconsistent performances on the pitch.

Last season, Yarmolenko made just one start in the Premier League and that looks to be a similar case this campaign after managing only 206 minutes (33 in the league) across all competitions, via Transfermarkt.

That’s just an abhorrent waste of money, considering he was the Irons’ top earner on around £115k-per-week prior to the arrival of Champions League winner Kurt Zouma – the fact that he’s only on £5k-per-week more speaks volumes.

Since joining on July 11th 2018, Yarmolenko has cost a total of £39.4m, when factoring in his wages during those 171 weeks, as well as that £18m transfer fee.

That means the 31-year-old flop has seen GSB burn £615k per appearance and even more worryingly, £3.94m per goal, which is diabolical considering he’s a versatile frontman that can play out wide or up top.

Whether Kyiv come forward with an offer in January remains to be seen but at the very least, Moyes and co should do all they can to shift the Hammers dud on in January.

AND in other news, Forget Rice and Antonio: “Incredible” West Ham leader has been an unsung hero for Moyes…

Kalvin Phillips’ withdrawal from the England squad could be a ‘crucial’ boost to Leeds United, former Whites forward Noel Whelan has claimed. 

The lowdown

Phillips pulled out of the squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Hungary with a calf strain. However, the injury is thought to be minor and he apparently has ‘a good chance’ of being fit for Leeds’ clash with Southampton after the international break.

The 25-year-old is a key player for Marcelo Bielsa’s side. Since they were promoted to the Premier League in 2020, he has missed just 10 games through injury, and Leeds have only managed to win two of them. The defensive midfielder also has the second-highest tackling average in the Whites’ squad, illustrating his importance in stifling the opposition.

The latest

Whelan has said that, while Phillips will be disappointed to miss an opportunity to represent his country, the break could benefit him in the long run as it will give him the chance ‘to get his body recovered and rested’ after a demanding year which saw him play every game for England at Euro 2020.

“This seems to me more of a precaution than anything too serious,” the 46-year-old told Football Insider. “You’ve got to commend the national side and Gareth Southgate for not pushing the player.”

He later added: “It’s disappointing for personal reasons for Kalvin, I’m sure he’d like to get another two caps underneath his belt.

“At the same time, the longevity of this season and him being fit is more crucial to both Leeds United and England.”

He concluded: “This might be a good two weeks for him just to get his body recovered and rested. Just give him that opportunity to heal and what he needs to go back into a busy section of the season.”

The verdict

Whether you agree with Whelan here depends on your view of an injury lay-off. Should it be considered a ‘rest’?

On the one hand, Phillips won’t be undergoing that intense training/playing routine for a period, but might that actually hurt him fitness-wise?

Either way, it would be good to see international managers offer occasional breaks to the players who have been worked the hardest, especially when the fixtures should be fairly straightforward.

In other news, this Leeds midfielder has been tipped to seize his chance

While Valerien Ismael has seen his West Bromwich Albion side get off to a fantastic start in their 2021/22 Championship campaign, with Albion picking up 13 points over their opening five fixtures of the season, as well as enjoying a relatively successful transfer window, there would nevertheless appear to be one position in which the Frenchman remains short of options – centre-forward.

Indeed, despite securing the signing of Norwich City centre-forward Jordan Hugill on a season-long loan, in terms of further options in the middle of his three-man attack, the 45-year-old can only feasibly call upon Kenneth Zohore – a player who was informed he was free to leave the club in the summer transfer window – working on the basis that Callum Robinson and Karlan Grant are deployed on either wing.

As such, the argument that it would have been wise for Ismael to bring in another option in the position is an easy one to make, especially with Peterborough United centre-forward Jonson Clarke-Harris available on the market for a reported fee of around £8m.

Proven goalscorer

Considering just how impressive Clarke-Harris has been for Peterborough in recent seasons, an £8m outlay for the 27-year-old centre-forward very much looked as if it could have been a risk worth taking for West Brom, as the striker clearly boasts the ability to not only plug a gap in Ismael’s side, but to play a key role in firing Albion back to the Premier League.

Indeed, over his 44 League One appearances for Posh last season, the £900k-rated man scored a whopping 31 goals, registered three assists and created 11 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.9 shots and making one key pass per game.

These metrics saw the £6.1k-per-week striker earn a highly impressive seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.24, ranking him as Darren Ferguson’s second-best performer in the third tier of English football.

And, while the man Ferguson dubbed a “leader” is yet to score over his five Championship appearances so far this season, he has still provided his teammates with two assists, in addition to averaging a SofaScore match rating of 7.02 – ranking him as the club’s best player in the league.

As such, should Hugill go on to repeat his form for Norwich City last season, when the 29-year-old scored four goals over his 31 Championship appearances, Ismael could very quickly live to regret not making a move for a proven goalscorer such as Clarke-Harris.

Ivan Toney has already shown the power of a centre-forward signed from Peterborough can do for a promotion-chasing side in the Championship. Clarke-Harris could have been the Baggies’ own version of the Brentford hitman.

In other news: Masi sheds light on Ismael’s key transfer decision, it should excite West Brom fans

Celtic’s transfer deadline day has been a vibrant and exciting affair with plenty of new faces expected to arrive through the door at Parkhead.

Jota is set to arrive on loan with Giorgos Giakoumakis also expected to arrive on a permanent transfer.

What’s the word?

Those two players might not be on the only transfers arriving at Celtic before the window slams shut.

The Daily Record revealed this morning that they were still eyeing a centre-back on loan but Ange Postecoglou is still trying to improve the future of the club.

That’s according to West Ham insider EXWHUEmployee who claimed the Hammers could allow 19-year-old defender Harrison Ashby to join the Hoops.

The news was also revealed by freelance reporter Christopher Dodds who took to Twitter on Monday evening to say:

“Understand that Celtic are exploring a loan move for West Ham & Scotland U21 star Harrison Ashby. One of a few clubs tracking the defender who operates primarily as a right-back but can also play as a wing-back too. Good move for both parties if they can agree a deal.”

Shrewd work

When Postecoglou first became the new manager of Celtic, he made a promise to include younger players in the squad.

He hinted that it would be foolish to pass on homegrown players and he’s so far lived up to his billing.

Dane Murray and Adam Montgomery have featured on the odd occasion in the early stages of the season while they’ve signed a host of young players in the form of Liel Abada, Osaze Urhoghide and Liam Shaw.

The last two names could form part of a vibrant backline in the future at Parkhead, one that Ashby could be a part of.

Celtic’s defence has been a huge problem over the last 12 months as they conceded 16 more goals than fierce rivals Rangers last term.

However, it looks as though the current management team are setting themselves up for a brighter future in that department; that’s despite the loss of Kristoffer Ajer.

In the future, Celtic could have Ashby at right-back with Murray and Welsh at centre-half and Montgomery at left-back. That’s without even thinking of Shaw and Urhoghide.

Considering their limited issues on the right-hand side as well, this deal makes plenty of sense. Josip Juranovic has been added to the ranks alongside Anthony Ralston but with Ashby also able to play at centre-back, it’s very wise work from Postecoglou and Dominic McKay to sign someone so versatile.

AND in other news, Journo issues exciting Celtic transfer update on deadline day, fans must be buzzing…

After the first few weeks of the transfer window, Celtic’s business looked questionable.

The Hoops had only signed a couple of younger players and it didn’t look as though Ange Postecoglou was going to be backed.

Yet, the new Bhoys manager has now sunk his teeth into the market with aplomb.

What’s the word?

After securing the services of Josip Juranovic last weekend, it looks as though Celtic have one more desire; to sign a new striker.

That could come down to whether Odsonne Edouard departs but one man who’s been on their radar is Giorgos Giakoumakis.

Talks have been ongoing over the last week but with German side Werder Bremen also interested, it’s thrown a spanner in the works.

That being said, Postecoglou has spoken to the player personally and there is a feeling in Greece that Parkhead will be his next destination.

A fresh update was given on his future by journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos on Twitter on Tuesday evening.

The reporter stated: “Giakoumakis talks with Werder (almost) collapsed. A new round of negotiations with Celtic has been scheduled for next hours!”

Exciting news

After missing out on Thomas Henry to the Italian side Venezia, Giakoumakis appears to be the next best item on their shopping list.

Henry would have been an exceptional signing given his vast array of talents. Not only is he capable of scoring goals on a regular basis but he’s immensely tall and has pace to burn at the same time.

Celtic’s Greek target might not possess a similarly well-rounded game but he certainly knows where the back of the net is.

Giakoumakis is approaching his prime at the age of 26 and could arrive at Paradise full of confidence.

After all, the VVV-Venlo striker played like a man possessed in 2020/21. Despite never scoring over 11 goals in a single campaign before, he showed that he may well be a late bloomer.

The forward racked up a mighty 29 strikes in all competitions while being named the Eredivisie’s top scorer.

What also stands out about Giakoumakis is his supreme ability in the air. Last season he won four aerial duels per game so by signing him, Celtic could discover a brand new route to goal.

At 5 foot 7, Kyogo Furuhashi is never going to be a threat in the air but no attacking player at Celtic last term even came close to the aforementioned number.

For context, only Shane Duffy and Christopher Jullien won more than four aerial duels a match in 2020/21.

With that in mind, supporters should be excited about seeing him in the green and white hoops this term.

AND in other news, Ange can discover Celtic’s new Turnbull by unleashing “first-class” rarely-seen 19 y/o…

Leeds United could make a late loan move for Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, according to David Norris.

Marcelo Bielsa has strengthened his squad ahead of the transfer window closing, with Junior Firpo making the £13million switch from Spanish giants Barcelona, Jack Harrison joining on a permanent basis from Manchester City and goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson linking up with the Whites.

But Bielsa, who penned a new one-year deal last week, has been keen to add a central midfielder all summer but has missed out on a host of targets such as Conor Gallagher after he opted to join Crystal Palace on loan instead.

Norris believes Oxlade-Chamberlain could be a target if Leeds have still failed to bring in a midfielder with the deadline looming.

Oxlade-Chamberlain was restricted to just 17 appearances due to a knee injury last season but was named in Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp’s starting line-up when the Reds opened the new campaign with a comfortable win over Norwich City.

Former Leeds midfielder Norris has hinted a loan move for the 28-year-old may not be out of the question.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Norris said: “He’s a really good player who has been unlucky with injuries.

“I can’t see Leeds being able to do a permanent deal because I think he’d still have a heavy price tag and wages but, as a loan move, that could happen.”

West Bromwich Albion have been dealt a major blow in their bid to bring Okay Yokuslu back to The Hawthorns this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Athletic, who claim that Watford have held talks with the Celta Vigo midfielder’s agent regarding a move to Vicarage Road this summer.

It is said that the LaLiga side would command a fee in the region of £4.5m for the 27-year-old, with the Premier League side thought to be considering making an offer around this amount for the Turkey international.

West Brom are also reported to be keen on a move for their former loanee this summer, however, it was originally believed that Yokuslu would much rather a move to the Premier League than the Championship in the summer transfer window.

Ismael will be gutted

With Albion kicking off their Championship campaign against Bournemouth on Friday, and with Valerien Ismael still being extremely short of central midfielders in his first-team squad, the news that West Brom look set to miss out on the signing of Yokulsu is sure to have left the Frenchman gutted.

Indeed, despite only featuring in 16 Premier League fixtures while on loan at the Baggies last season, the £6.75m-rated man nevertheless highly impressed for the club, making an average of 2.2 interceptions, 2.4 tackles, two clearances and winning a rather remarkable 7.9 duels per game.

The 27-year-old also registered one assist and created one big chance for his teammates in the league, as well as making an average of 0.4 key passes per match.

These returns saw the man Kyle Bartley dubbed a “tenacious” player earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.99, ranking him as Albion’s fourth-best player in the top flight of English football.

As such, it is clear that the addition of Yokulsu would have been a huge boost to the club’s promotion hopes next season, especially when taking into account how limited Ismael’s options in the middle of the park are at present.

However, with it now seeming as if the Turk will be linking up with Watford ahead of their Premier League campaign, the 45-year-old will now have to turn his attention in the market elsewhere, something that will undoubtedly be an incredibly frustrating outcome for the Frenchman.

In other news: Ismael could solve big West Brom issue by signing £8.9k-p/w gem, he won’t cost a penny

The £100m release clause in Jack Grealish’s Aston Villa contract was surprising, says Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

Grealish joined Manchester City last week after the Premier League champions had a £100m bid accepted, making him the most expensive player in British football history.

Shortly before, Sky Sports reported that they expected City’s offer to be accepted, and it turns out that Villa had no choice but to sanction a deal, with CEO Christian Purslow later revealing that Grealish had a release clause in his contract.

Having managed to keep it under wraps, it was a revelation that surprised many, including Aston Villa journalist Hatfield.

“It was a little bit of a surprise,” the reporter told FFC. “I think Villa always kind of kept those details very close to their chest. They don’t want knowledge of a release clause touted about left, right and centre just because it makes it much easier for buying clubs.”

It will be interesting to see if it is something Villa do in the future with other players. It is something some fans may not like, knowing that some of their assets, perhaps very important ones, will effectively always be for sale.

However, it may make enticing high calibre players to Villa Park, who can help the team to progress during their time there, an easier task.

Coach Luis Enrique and superstar Kylian Mbappe are barely on speaking terms as their relationship at Paris Saint-Germain deteriorates.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Pair are hardly speaking
• Luis Enrique wants to adapt to life without Mbappe
• Face Real Sociedad on Tuesday

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The PSG boss has taken the forward off early twice in as many games, inevitably stirring up controversy about his reasoning. Mbappe was seen in the stands after being withdrawn at half-time by Luis Enrique during their latest clash against Monaco. Now it has been revealed by that Mbappe and the head coach are hardly speaking following the two premature substitutions.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Speaking to the press, Luis Enrique explained the decision to replace Mbappe was a way for PSG to get used to playing without their superstar forward. With Mbappe set to depart the French capital in the summer, the Spanish coach is keen to find new solutions for life after having one of the world's best players. However, this cannot be done without frustrating Mbappe, who will remain keen to play every minute of every game.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Mbappe is set to take a pay-cut from his salary in Paris to join Madrid in the summer. He is expected to earn between €15 million (£13m/$16m) and €20m (£17m/$22m) per year as a base salary before bonuses. Even with the pay-cut, he will become the highest-paid player at the Bernabeu.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE AND ENRIQUE?

  The Parisians travel to Spain to take on Real Sociedad in the Champions League last 16 on Tuesday, having secured a commanding 2-0 win in the first leg. However, with tensions frayed between Mbappe and Luis Enrique, who knows how many minutes the Frenchman will play.