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Leeds United winger Raphinha may have become even more crucial for the Whites than Kalvin Phillips, according to journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Raphinha excels on Brazil debut

The 24-year-old has been superb for Leeds since arriving from Rennes in 2020 and he has taken his form with him to the international stage.

Raphinha registered two assists on his Brazil debut on Thursday evening, helping them to a 3-1 victory away to Venezuela in a World Cup qualifier.

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The Latest: Hay hails winger

It was a performance that summed up Raphinha’s brilliance, and taking to Twitter on Friday morning, The Athletic‘s Hay admitted that he could be the first name on Leeds’ team-sheet, ahead of even Phillips:

“One of the questions in the mailbag was ‘Is Raphinha Leeds’ most important player?’ and even though Phillips is the player Leeds really miss, you could easily make an argument for Raphinha.”

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The Verdict: Phillips still the key man

Raphinha is a wonderful footballer who is unquestionably one of Leeds’ star men, but Phillips is still the player they miss the most when he isn’t there, losing seven out of the nine fixtures he was absent for in the top flight last term.

That was highlighted in the 5-1 defeat at Manchester United on the opening weekend of the season when the Whites’ midfield fell apart without him in the team.

Phillips has averaged 2.3 tackles per game in the Premier League this season – only Liam Cooper (2.7) has more – as well as an 84.6 percent pass completion rate.

The England international brings so much energy, quality and all-round influence in the middle of the park that he has the edge over Raphinha, which isn’t to diminish his own class as a footballer.

In other news, one Leeds player has been tipped to make a ‘breakthrough’. Find out who it is here.

Aston Villa picked up a healthy cash injection during the previous summer transfer window when they sold Jack Grealish to Manchester City in a record deal worth £100m.

Now that the next summer window is on the horizon, it seems as though a clue has emerged over the future of another key figure at the Midlands club in terms of a potential move away from Villa Park.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist and transfer insider Pete O’Rourke had this to say about Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez and the possibility of him leaving the club in the summer.

He said: “He’s on that long-term contract. He’s on a good deal at Aston Villa as well wages wise, so it would have to take big, big money to try and prise him away from Villa.

“I think Villa have no plans to let him go, either. They want to keep him and sort of build around the likes of Martinez going forward because Steven Gerrard wants to have a really competitive team.”

Fans will be delighted

Villa signed the shot-stopper back in the 2020 summer transfer window from fellow Premier League side Arsenal in a deal worth a reported fee of £17m.

Since then, the Argentine has become a significant figure for the club as their number one goalkeeper, making 70 appearances across all competitions.

In those appearances, the 29-year-old has managed to keep 25 clean sheets.

Having won the Supporters’ Player of the Season award at the end of his debut campaign at the Midlands club, this shows just what a great signing he has been.

To highlight how crucial he was for the Villans last season, only Nick Pope (77%) ended the campaign with a higher save percentage than the former Arsenal goalkeeper (76.8%).

Taking this into account and the fact that he’s made a total of 76 saves in 31 league games this time around, it will surely be music to the ears of plenty at Villa Park that the club have no intention of letting him leave this summer.

Also, the fact that the Argentina international’s current contract at Villa isn’t set to expire until the summer of 2027 should also put to bed any concerns there may be about his future.

In other news: Gerrard can land his own Pogba as AVFC plot bid for “impressive” £107k-p/w machine

Giovanni van Bronckhorst was unable to continue his 100% record in charge of Rangers as his side were held to a 1-1 draw on Thursday night.

The Gers ended their Europa League group with a draw against French outfit Lyon, finishing second and qualifying for the knockout stages of the competition.

Scott Wright handed Rangers the lead in the first half with a deflected effort from distance after excellent work from Glen Kamara down the left. However, an own goal from Calvin Bassey – as he diverted a cross into his own net – ensured that the points were shared on the night.

Let his manager down

One player who let the manager down badly on the night was centre-forward Kemar Roofe. He was handed the opportunity to start against the Ligue 1 side and failed to grasp his chance with both hands as he struggled throughout the match.

Whilst John Lundstram in midfield was able to show the Dutchman why he is deserving of more minutes in the team, Roofe may have played his way out of any more starts in the immediate future. The former Leeds man has scored six goals in six Premiership starts this term, but this latest display will not improve his chances of increasing those numbers.

Off the ball, he was a lightweight. As per SofaScore, he lost three of his four aerial duels and five of his seven battles on the ground, whilst also committing four fouls and making just one tackle and zero interceptions. This shows that he was too weak in his individual duels against the Lyon defenders and was easily marked out of the game, having been unable to impose himself on the physical side of the contest.

He did not fare much better in possession. As per SofaScore, he failed to get an effort on target and did not create a single chance for one of his teammates. He also failed to complete a dribble or cross, whilst only finding another Rangers player with 56% of his attempted passes, completing a meagre 10 in total. He had just 25 touches of the ball, significantly fewer than goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin (66).

Therefore, the Jamaica striker let Van Bronckhorst down badly as he struggled with and without the ball against Lyon. It could suggest to the 43-year-old that he is not a player who can be relied upon in big games, which could work against Roofe as the season progresses and the matches become more important.

AND in other news, Forget Kent: “Exemplary” Rangers beast who won 88% duels finally took his chance…

An update has emerged on Newcastle United’s interest in Freiburg centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck…

What’s the talk?

According to reporter Dharmesh Sheth on Sky Sports’ transfer show, via Bavarian Football Works, the Magpies are looking at the defender as a possible alternative to Lille’s Sven Botman as the Ligue 1 side are demanding £60m for the Dutchman this month.

The report claims that German giants Bayern Munich also have Schlotterbeck on their radar and could compete with the Toon for his signature.

Treat

Eddie Howe could seal an “absolute treat” for Newcastle by bringing Schlotterbeck to the club this month as he could be an excellent signing for the club.

The 22-year-old German has averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.31 in the Bundesliga this season, showing that he is capable of delivering consistently high-quality performances on the pitch. This could make him a dream signing for the Magpies as they have conceded the most goals (42) in the Premier League this term and are in need of defensive improvements.

Writer Jacque Talbot has commented on the defender’s statistics this season, comparing him to a German legend in the process. He Tweeted: “The absolute state of Nico Schlotterbeck. Some Franz Beckenbauer level attacking percentiles. Newcastle would be in for an absolute treat if they can persuade Freiburg to let him go.”

Talbot accompanied his Tweet with a screenshot of the Freiburg man’s percentile ranks in a number of statistical categories across Europe’s top five leagues, per FB REF. He is in the 92nd percentile or higher in dribbles completed, progressive passes and touches for centre-backs, whilst he is in the 91st and 92nd percentile for tackles and interceptions respectively.

He is also naturally left-footed. This means that he can add balance to Newcastle’s possession game by being able to comfortably play on the left side, opening up more options on the ball instead of needing to shift it to his right foot before playing out from the back.

Therefore, the monster could be a sublime addition to Howe’s team as he has the quality in defending to improve the team whilst his capabilities on the ball could help the side to play more expansive football to entertain the fans.

The ex-Bournemouth boss must now ensure that he can get a deal over the line for Schlotterbeck before Bayern are able to make their move, if they are to make one at all.

AND in other news, Howe can brutally axe £40k-p/w NUFC dud by signing “deceptive” gem who’s a “nightmare”…

An update has emerged on Sunderland’s pursuit of Preston North End gem Jordan Storey…

What’s the talk?

According to the Lancashire Evening Post, the Black Cats are one of three clubs to have enquired about a potential deal for the defender.

The report claims that Preston are yet to receive an acceptable offer for him as they want a prospective suitor to take on the majority of his wages as part of any potential loan.

Get it done

Lee Johnson must ensure that Sunderland win the race for Storey’s signature, as he could be an excellent addition to the squad.

He is a proven Championship performer and this suggests that he could thrive in League One, as he would be dropping down to a lower standard of football. In the second tier this season, he has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.92, having achieved a score of 6.93 last term.

Storey has won 61% of his duels and made an impressive 3.4 tackles and interceptions per game in 17 matches this term.

In a recent Q&A with Yorkshire Live, Preston reporter George Hodgson outlined the centre-back’s standout attributes, saying: “When in charge at North End, Alex Neil described Storey as having all the raw tools to succeed. It’s always been about consistency with Storey and really putting his game together.

“He’s an athletic lad who likes to defend and does have the ability to bring the ball out from the back, when he’s at it. Storey is by no means soft but you do feel he is a player who needs to feel appreciated, otherwise his confidence can easily dip on the pitch.”

In League One this season, Tom Flanagan (7.12) is the only Sunderland centre-back who has averaged a higher SofaScore rating than Storey has in the Championship, which is a higher level. This suggests that the 24-year-old could come in and be an instant starter for Johnson’s side.

Therefore, the Black Cats must do everything in their power to bring the £3.1k-per-week gem to the Stadium of Light before the end of the month. He has shown that he can produce consistent displays in the second tier, and his strong performances could help the Wearsiders to push for promotion in the remainder of the campaign if he can improve their defence.

AND in other news, Johnson could get Stadium of Light rocking with Sunderland deal for “wonderful” 220-goal predator…

According to Sky Sports, Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk is a doubt for tomorrow’s Premier League clash with Leicester at Anfield. 

This is perhaps the worst possible news that The Reds could have been dealt this season, as the Dutchman has been truly monumental for Jürgen Klopp’s men.

With Dejan Lovren and Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to be out, James Milner serving a ban and Joe Gomez completely ruled out, Liverpool look to be extremely stretched for the visit from The Foxes.

Claude Puel’s men do not promise to be the stiffest competition for The Reds, but that just heaps more pressure on them to get a result- anything less and it’s a major slip-up in their title race. What will probably be more concerning for Klopp is that his team travel to West Ham next Monday.

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The Hammers have been largely erratic this season, but can boast that they have beaten Arsenal and Man United, as well as drawing with Chelsea at the London Stadium this term. It is certainly not a walkover in east London for any visiting side. With the returning Marko Arnautović, they will be a handful for anyone at the moment.

That is why Liverpool fans and players alike will be desperate that van Dijk makes a return for Monday, as, in truth, they must earn six points out of six over the coming week. With a slender four-point margin ahead of second-place Man City, any slip-up could prove to be vital come the end of the spring.

Former Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham has been spotted wearing Hoops attire, The Daily Record report.

The Lowdown: Ntcham at Swansea

Ntcham was one of a number of long-serving Parkhead members who left the club over the summer.

He eventually joined Championship side Swansea City on a free transfer, where he has gone on to make eight appearances during the current campaign.

However, the Frenchman, who won nine honours with Celtic, still has his Hoops attire and decided to bring it out in the week.

The Latest: Instagram post

Ntcham, who follows the likes of Christopher Jullien and Mikey Johnston on Instagram, posted a picture from a gym session on the social media site, wearing an old Hoops tracksuit.

The Daily Record shared the snapshot of the 25-year-old, with Ntcham working on his fitness after a final 12 months to forget at Parkhead, making just seven league starts in the 2020/21 season.

The Verdict: Good to see…

Even though Ntcham’s four-year stay at Celtic petered out somewhat acrimoniously earlier this year, it’s good to see he’s still happy to wear the club’s colours.

The midfielder, who Neil Lennon labelled as ‘unbelievable’, posted a classy message when he left Celtic and his latest antics down in Wales may well strike the right note with Hoops fans.

In other news: Ange shares ‘frustrating’ injury news for ‘consistent’ Celtic regular who may now miss 16 games.

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…

Newcastle United have seen many players join the Tyneside club over the years on permanent transfers or loan deals.

The previous January transfer window showed just how capable the Magpies and their new owners are when it comes to spending significant amounts of money to bring in new faces to try and strengthen their squad and push the team forward.

Taking a look back down the years, one figure that the club were supposedly pursuing on two different occasions that they will undoubtedly regret not buying is Luka Modric.

According to Planet Football, former Toon boss Kevin Keegan was eager to sign the midfielder back in 2008 when Modric was at Dinamo Zagreb. They also claimed that Sam Allardyce wanted to sign the Croatian a year prior during his tenure at St James’ Park.

The former Magpies and Everton manager said: “I was then on the way to getting Luka Modric from Dinamo Zagreb, but by then, Mike saw the scale of the full debut and put the clamps on, so I had to make do with Geremi from Chelsea.”

After scoring 22 goals and providing 21 assists in 73 appearances for Dinamo Zagreb, the midfielder did end up making a move to England, but it was Tottenham Hotspur who secured his signature in the summer of 2008 rather than Newcastle for a fee of around £20m.

Having played in 160 games for the Lilywhites across all competitions, finding the net 17 times and delivering 26 assists, the midfielder found himself on the move again, this time to his current club Real Madrid in 2012.

During his time in Spain, the 36-year-old has scored 31 goals and provided 69 assists in 427 appearances, winning four Champions League titles among many other trophies including numerous individual awards such as the Ballon d’Or and UEFA’s Best Player in Europe, both in 2018.

Labelled an “extraordinary” player by Carlo Ancelotti and a “mental monster” by journalist Dermot Corrigan, Modric has been sold for a combined total of just over £51m throughout his time in football according to Transfermarkt and racked up 186 goals and assists throughout what has been a shining career.

Taking all this into account, it’s safe to say that Keegan and Allardyce both had howlers over not convincing the hierarchy at Newcastle to launch a substantial move for the midfield maestro when they were pursuing him before his move to Spurs.

In other news – NUFC dealt yet another crushing injury setback; it’s bad news for Howe

Aston Villa owners Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens will back Steven Gerrard in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent claim made by Ashley Preece, with the journalist stating in a recent Birmingham Live Q&A that the 41-year-old manager will get rid of a number of players he does not feel are of the standard required for Villa during the winter market, before going on to claim that NSWE will back the new Villa boss in pursuit of his own targets in the upcoming window.

In response to a question regarding Aston Villa’s January business, the journalist said:

“Gerrard hinted at doing business in January during [Monday’s] interview. He’s going to be backed by NSWE. He’ll get rid of players he doesn’t like and he’ll attract a serious calibre of player [and] should business get done. January is a tough market but the Gerrard factor gives Villa an edge. Gerrard will have the next six weeks to see what he wants and needs in terms of new recruits.”

Fans will be excited

While the appointment of a new manager always brings with it the hope of a side going on to achieve great things under their new coach, the news that NSWE are willing to fund Gerrard’s rebuilding of the Aston Villa squad in January is yet another reason for the Villa Park faithful to get excited.

Indeed, there are a number of players currently taking up space in Gerrard’s first-team squad that are perhaps ready for the chop, such as Anwar El Ghazi and Keinan Davis, while, despite only being at the club for a matter of days, the former Liverpool captain has already been linked with moves for a host of exciting players, such as the likes of Ryan Kent, Julian Alvarez and Jesse Lingard.

As such, despite the fact that Villa are currently languishing down in 16th place in the Premier League standings, there is very much a great deal for fans of the club to look forward to in the coming months, particularly following Preece’s recent claim that Gerrard looks set to be given a war chest in a bid to improve his squad during the January window.

In other news: Purslow must sanction AVFC move for “outstanding” £18k-p/w ace, Gerrard would love him