Ex-Leeds United midfielder says Ben White is overpriced at £50m

Brighton defender Ben White is overpriced at £50m, former Leeds United midfielder David Norris has told Football FanCast.

Leeds have been credited with an interest in re-signing White, who spent the 2019/20 season on loan at Elland Road, with journalist Duncan Castles claiming last month that the Yorkshire club are one of many Premier League outfits keen on the player.

It is Arsenal, however, who look the closest to signing him. According to The Athletic, the Gunners are moving nearer to agreeing a deal that is expected to be around the £50m mark, which is similar to the fee that Castles has also mentioned.

On that potential fee for White, Norris told FFC in an exclusive interview:

“50 million… he’s had a good season; his reputation is growing. I still think it’s overpriced for me at this stage.

“If that’s what they’re asking for, they’re going to want close to that and I don’t think Leeds should [get involved].”

White did have a good season last term. He impressed manager Graham Potter, who was particularly pleased with the central defender’s athleticism.

Regarding Arsenal, they probably need a new centre-back after losing David Luiz, so it is not hard to see why they are targeting a player like the Brighton man.

Journo drops update on Zakaria to Man Utd

Manchester United have not been involved in the winter transfer window this January so far after spending £133.7m in the summer, but that could be about to change as an update emerges on a potential target.

What’s the word?

SPORT1 journalist, Patrick Berger, has taken to his Twitter account to add further developments to the rumoured potential move for Denis Zakaria from Borussia Mönchengladbach to Manchester United.

Berger tweeted:

“Man United are def interested in Denis Zakaria. There have been good talks with Rangnick, Judge & player agents. #MUFC discussing about winter transfer. Gladbach would let Zak go for €6-7m. Open race as #BVB, Juve & Liverpool interested too. No bid of any club so far.”

Manchester United have been linked to the player since the transfer window opened, but will need to compete with a number of other clubs interested in signing the Swiss defensive midfielder.

Fans surely buzzing

Signing a defensive midfielder has been a long term prospect for Manchester United, even when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge at Old Trafford so the fans will surely be buzzing at the developments in the potential signing of Zakaria.

Fans have been sharing their thoughts on bringing the Bundesliga player to the Manchester club since the update on talks opening, with one Red Devils fan tweeting: “£7m for Zakaria is a real deal just get it done already @ManUtd.”

According to FBref, the Switzerland international has shown how much his presence has an impact on his current side this season winning 0.97 aerial duels per 90 minutes, averaging at 4.14 tackles and interceptions per game this season, as well as racking up 2.48 blocks per 90 minutes too.

These statistics display the positional awareness that the 6-foot midfielder offers in his defensive actions, which is something that the current Manchester United midfield is lacking in terms of physical presence and ball retention in the centre of the pitch.

For instance, Bruno Fernandes gave the ball away 26 times alone in their 1-1 draw against Newcastle United last month.

Rangnick will need to stay close to Zakaria over the next few weeks, as other clubs are speculated to be interested in securing the signing of the £51k-per-week star, and although the German coach suggested the club won’t be getting too involved in the window, he may be left no choice but to make an offer for Zakaria in January to push off competition for him.

After all, it’s a signing, given his quality and what United lack in a vital area, that would delight supporters at Old Trafford.

In other news: Romano reveals talks for Eric Bailly move

Young a doubt for Villa’s trip to Brentford

Aston Villa full-back Ashley Young is a doubt for Sunday’s trip to Brentford after the 36-year-old picked up a foot injury.

What’s the latest?

Villa manager Steven Gerrard has stated that Young has an “outside chance” of being available for the trip to West London on Sunday.

The versatile veteran is currently nursing a toe fracture and may struggle to be ready in time for the Villans’ next game, although the 41-year-old claimed that Young is “trying his best to be available.”

Young missed the 3-1 Boxing Day defeat to Chelsea and looks likely to sit out on a second consecutive game for the first time since Gerrard was appointed manager.

Villa fans will be worried

Although not a top performer within the squad, Young has been consistent for the Midlands side since his return to Villa Park last summer, ten years after departing for Manchester United.

The 36-year-old has featured in all but one of Steven Gerrard’s seven Premier League games in charge of Villa, missing the defeat to Chelsea. Moreover, he has contributed two assists under the 41-year-old and also helped his team towards two clean sheets in that time.

Despite being predominantly a right-back, Young’s versatility has proven quite beneficial this term, with the veteran being deployed in a variety of defensive, midfield and attacking positions.

His experience has been of great use all season and arguably deserves more credit and recognition from outsiders than what he’s received since returning to England from Italian outfit Inter Milan. Therefore, Villa fans may be rather worried to hear that he only has an “outside chance” of featuring against Brentford this afternoon, having just started to become a near-constant in the team.

One positive is that the injury doesn’t appear hugely serious and Gerrard should have one of his most reliable assets available for upcoming fixtures as the Villans look to stake a claim and make a serious push for European qualification under the 41-year-old.

In other news – “It’s a goer”: Ashley Preece drops exciting transfer claim which will leave Villa fans ecstatic

West Ham’s predicted XI vs Aston Villa

David Moyes will be looking for his West Ham side to continue their momentum when they return to Premier League action later this afternoon.

The Irons have won four straight matches across all competitions since they returned from the international break and a fifth successive victory away at Aston Villa today could see them level on points with defending champions Manchester City, who are in third place.

West Ham head into the encounter after they knocked the aforementioned Citizens out of the Carabao Cup in midweek, whilst Dean Smith’s men are looking to change their fortunes down in 16th.

The 58-year-old boss is left with plenty to ponder ahead of kickoff, so what sort of Hammers side could we see at Villa Park today?

Here’s what we are predicting…

There could be as many as eight changes from the side that defeated City on penalties.

In goal, there should be a routine swap with Lukasz Fabianski resuming his Premier League duties over Alphonse Areola, who appears to be getting minutes in their cup competitions.

Meanwhile, ahead of the Polish veteran, full-back duo Aaron Cresswell and Ben Johnson keep their place, even despite the potential return of Vladimir Coufal.

Moyes has one mighty decision to make on the right-hand side of defence after the Czech Republic star picked up his first minutes since injury as a substitute on Wednesday night.

However, he may not be risked just yet and it would be tough on the young 21-year-old gem, seeing as he’s kept a clean sheet in all six of his starts this campaign, so he should remain in the starting XI.

They will be joined by Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna in central defence, replacing Issa Diop and 31-year-old Craig Dawson.

In midfield, Declan Rice returns to partner Tomas Soucek, who remains from midweek, whilst further up the pitch, it’s likely to be all change as Jarrod Bowen, Said Benrahma, Pablo Fornals and leading talisman Michail Antonio all return.

The attacking quartet replace Nikola Vlasic, Manuel Lanzini, Arthur Masuaku and Andriy Yarmolenko.

AND in other news, Newman could deliver West Ham their next Payet by signing £22.5m-rated “phenomenon”…

Newcastle had a howler with James Maddison

Newcastle United supporters have a reason to look forward to the future under PIF after the Saudi Arabian consortium splashed the cash in January to help them avoid relegation from the top-flight.

It was a sign of intent from the new owners and the Magpies can now hope that they will be able to compete higher up the food chain in the Premier League in the years to come.

The Toon faithful may be jealous of the likes of West Ham and Leicester this week as both sides secured places in European semi-finals, dreaming that their side will one day make it to one under PIF’s leadership.

English midfielder James Maddison was named Man of the Match, and scored, as the Foxes beat PSV in the Conference League quarter-finals and he is a player who could have been wearing a Newcastle shirt.

In the summer of 2018, Newcastle were one of the teams reportedly interested in signing the playmaker from Norwich.

However, Mike Ashley was unable to get a deal over the line as Leicester swooped in to snap him up, with Transfermarkt valuing him at £9m at the time.

Since joining the Foxes, he has proven himself in the Premier League and in Europe with his ability to score and create from midfield.

In 12 top-flight matches, Maddison has scored 29 goals and provided 22 assists. He also has five goals and four assists for the club in 16 outings in European competitions, which shows that he can deliver domestically and in Europe.

At the time of writing (15/04/22), Transfermarkt value him at a whopping £45m. This is a huge increase in the space of just under four years and illustrates how he has been able to fulfill the potential he showed whilst at Carrow Road in the Championship.

Although he has only been capped once by England, Gareth Southgate previously hailed his “world-class” set-pieces and he still has time to make an impact on the international stage. At the age of 25, he has plenty of time to keep improving and increasing his value – which will cause the size of Ashley’s blunder to grow.

The former Toon owner endured a major howler by failing to beat Leicester to his signature as he has turned out to be a phenomenal signing for the Foxes. He is thriving under Brendan Rodgers with his goals and assists from the number 10 position and the magician could have been strutting his stuff at St. James’ Park…

AND in other news, Same agency as Joelinton: NUFC scouting 6 ft 4 star, he’s a dream Botman alternative…

Klopp really wants Adeyemi at Liverpool

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp ‘really wants’ Karim Adeyemi to join his squad as negotiations with RB Salzburg are ongoing, according to journalist Ekrem Konur.

The Lowdown: Sizzling Salzburg Striker

Adeyemi, 19, has caught the eye of some of the best clubs in Europe with his terrific record at Red Bull Salzburg, with the Germany international scoring 21 goals in 66 appearances, assisting 17 also.

The striker has come on leaps and bounds since making his debut and is now the Austrian club’s main man up-front following the departure of Patson Daka to Leicester City last summer.

With the striker showing his worth in the Champions League this season, the chances of a move elsewhere next summer will increase as his performances continue to stand out.

The Latest: Klopp keen on Adeyemi

According to Konur on Twitter, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp really wants to sign Adeyemi and talks between the two clubs are continuing on financial issues.

Konur also stated that Adeyemi wants to play in the top-level leagues and prove himself, following in the footsteps of Erling Haaland, who now plays for Borussia Dortmund.

Germany head coach Hansi Flick labelled Adeyemi ‘ice-cold’ after the teenager scored on his national debut.

The Verdict: Future move

The signing of Adeyemi would fill the hole that Liverpool have missing in the middle of their front three. With Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota alternating in that role, they lack an out-and-out striker, offering Klopp the chance to rest and rotate his key forwards.

Only 19, the German striker has years to grow and adapt to English football, but his track record in front of goal demonstrates his ability.

Whilst Daka has struggled to adapt to the Premier League, Haaland’s record at Dortmund since joining has placed him as one of the best strikers around and Adeyemi will be hoping to replicate the Norway international’s rise.

In other news, this Liverpool target would prefer a move to this league. Find out more here.

Romano drops big Arsenal transfer claim

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an exciting Arsenal transfer claim which will leave fans buzzing.

What’s the story?

Mikel Arteta’s side endured a nightmare start to the Premier League season on Friday night as they lost 2-0 to newly-promoted Brentford.

However, Romano has now delivered a transfer update which should raise optimism levels at the Emirates Stadium.

Writing on Twitter, the journalist revealed: “Arsenal are prepared to make a bid to sign Martin Ødegaard on a permanent deal. He’s always been Edu and Arteta’s priority as number 10. #AFC Once Real Madrid gives the green light, Arsenal will submit the proposal. Aouar, also in the list. Maddison, never been close.”

In a follow-up tweet, he added: “Martin Ødegaard would love to re-join Arsenal. He was really happy during his loan spell last season and he’s waiting for Arsenal bid to be accepted by Real Madrid, once the green light arrives. #AFC Ødegaard has a great relationship with Arteta and board members too.”

Fans will be buzzing

While some Arsenal fans may have been enamoured by potentially signing Leicester City star James Maddison, bringing in Odegaard would be a significant step to ensuring they strengthen their creative options in the number ten position.

As per WhoScored, despite only coming in on loan in the January transfer window from Real Madrid, Odegaard averaged 1.4 key passes per game in the Premier League, which was the joint-highest of any Arsenal player.

Emile Smith Rowe was left to carry the Gunners on his back against the Bees on Friday night, and it was all too clear that the young starlet desperately needs support.

It’s exactly why Romano’s claim that Arsenal are now prepared to make an official bid to sign Odegaard, and that crucially, the Norway international is very much keen on a move to the Emirates, will likely leave the club’s fans buzzing.

Meanwhile, David Ornstein dropped an Arsenal update on Lautaro Martinez…

Kalvin Phillips tipped to leave Leeds

Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips could be ‘tempted’ by a summer move to Liverpool or Manchester United, according to journalist Paul Brown.

The Lowdown: Phillips linked with Leeds’ rivals

The 25-year-old’s reputation has grown hugely in the last year or so, with the wider footballing public realising what Whites fans have known for a long time. He was the squad’s fifth-best performer last season as per WhoScored, an indication of his importance to Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Phillips has also become a key player for England, being nearly ever-present in their run to the Euro 2020 final, and he has been linked with joining both Liverpool and Manchester United in recent times.

The midfielder’s current Leeds deal doesn’t expire until the summer of 2024, however, so a huge bid would likely be required to prise him away from Elland Road.

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The Latest: Journalist claims exit could happen

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Brown believes that Phillips’ head could be turned by one of the two Premier League heavyweights in order to reach another level in his career.

He told the publication: “I could see him being tempted by a move to one of those clubs.”

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The Verdict: Future up in the air

It is tough to predict what will happen with Phillips, but hard as it may be to accept, it would be difficult to begrudge him a move away next summer. Indeed, Eurosport reported last month that the club were struggling to agree a new deal for the 25-year-old, who is seeking reassurances that the Whites can be competitive at Premier League level.

Leeds are languishing near the relegation zone but the England international is someone who deserves to be playing at the very top level, testing himself against Europe’s best midfielders in the Champions League. He is England’s reigning Player of the Year, after all.

From a Whites perspective, it would clearly be fantastic if Phillips pledges his long-term future to the club, but as Brown has hinted, the midfielder may feel that a fresh challenge needs to come his way.

In other news, Phil Hay has given his thoughts on a potential Leeds signing. Find out who it is here.

Rangers: Is this GVB’s next van Persie?

As Rangers headed into the international break they will have done so with glee as the Gers sat top of the league with everything appearing to be rather rosy at Ibrox.

There was a Scottish League Cup semi-final to prepare for and Steven Gerrard will have been confident about Rangers making the final.

However, he is no longer in Glasgow. The Gers have lost their title-winning head coach to south of the border and instead of a straightforward break, they had to work harder than ever to replace him.

The new boss is well known at Ibrox and brings with him a CV that eclipses that of Gerrard.

On Thursday afternoon, it was confirmed that Dutch coach Giovanni van Bronckhorst would become the 17th permanent manager of the club.

He has won the Eredivisie with Feyenoord in what stands out as his proudest achievement to date as a manager. However, his expertise guided the Netherlands-based side to two cup triumphs too.

The 46-year-old will also bring with him an experience of managing some of the finest players to grace European football. That list includes Liverpool hero Dirk Kuyt and Premier League winner Robin van Persie.

The former Arsenal star was a revelation under van Bronckhorst’s watchful eyes, bagging 25 times in 45 matches under the new Rangers manager’s tutelage.

Of course, it is hard to compare van Persie to anybody in the Gers squad but their head coach will undoubtedly require somebody who can fire in the goals on a regular basis.

Ryan Kent will, of course, be vital to retaining their Premiership crown but Alfredo Morelos will also need to start firing.

El Bufalo has been out of form this term with just four league strikes but it surely won’t be long before he becomes his ruthless self again.

The £33k-per-week earner may see a new manager as the perfect opportunity and if he starts scoring regularly again, he will become van Bronckhorst’s next van Persie in Scotland.

Morelos has been consistently linked with a move away from Glasgow but ahead of the January window, Ross Wilson and co must ensure he stays put.

He is a man capable of carrying them to the title and if we consider his goal record, it becomes clear why he’s being mentioned in the same breath as one of the Netherland’s great modern centre-forwards.

The dominant Colombian forward has beaten the goalkeeper on 101 occasions since arriving at Rangers and his iconic playstyle has earned some eye-catching appraisals.

“He was like a jungle cat who hadn’t been trained,” former coach Carlos Restrepo said of his youth days.

“He has a body type like an ox,” Restrepo added in an interview with The Athletic.

Van Persie was more technical than physical, something Morelos typifies, but their goalscoring records certainly match up.

Van Bronckhorst will surely relish the opportunity to coach him each day.

AND in other news, Rangers sealed dream deal over “physically powerful” £230k gem, GVB will love him…

West Ham launch Umbro third kit

Many West Ham United fans have been left buzzing over the emergence of their new Umbro third kit.

The London Stadium faithful launched an announcement video on their official Twitter page, with players like Angelo Ogbonna, Tomas Soucek, Said Benrahma, Jarrod Bowen and Issa Diop all modelling the new kit.

It is now available to buy on the East London club’s website, boasting a predominantly dark blue colour with claret lines at the end of the sleeves and around the neckline.

The launch of the new kit has brought a lot of excitement to Hammers supporters, as they know that the new 2021/22 season is not far away now, in where they will be playing in the UEFA Europa League as well as the Premier League and domestic cup competitions.

West Ham fans on third kit

These Irons buzzed as the new kit was launched on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it was ‘lovely’:

“This is beautiful”

Credit: @StefGoodridge

“Oh that is lovely”

Credit: @_thejacobc_

“Gorgeous”

Credit: @WestHamThai

“Can’t wait to purchase this.”

Credit: @RJournoThompson

“Ooooo hello . How have a our last two third kits been our best kits of the season!  This is very nice though.”

Credit: @c_woodgate93

“I love my club”

Credit: @ellmma_

In other news, find out what Manuel Lanzini update has WHU fans ecstatic here!

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