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Injury expert Ben Dinnery says Leeds United may well have misled supporters by suggesting there is nothing to worry about in regards to a knock picked up by Raphinha against Wolves.

The Lowdown: Raphinha injured

Raphinha started for the Elland Road outfit against Wolves last weekend in the Premier League.

However, he was forced off with an injury shortly after half-time, although the club and the player himself said the problem was “nothing serious”.

The Latest: Dinnery doesn’t agree

Speaking to Football Insider, Dinnery said Raphinha could be out until mid-to-late November. He said:

“We don’t really know what this update means entirely.

“When I hear players and managers talk about injuries as ‘nothing serious’, I always take it with a pinch of salt. It can be kind of misleading.

“I have to admit, when I first saw that injury it didn’t look pretty. This was a forced external rotation of the ankle.

“There was a strong indication that there was a high sprain. There was some suggestion that there could even be a fracture involved.

“So when I saw that update from Raphinha, I took that to mean the bones are intact. That leads me to believe it is indeed a high ankle sprain.”

The Verdict: Calm the situation

Raphinha is one the club’s most important players, scoring three of their eight goals in the Premier League so far this campaign (Transfermarkt), with him now having found the back of the net 54 times in total in his career.

Even with him in the side, they have struggled, winning just one of their opening nine league matches (Sky Sports) – without him, they would surely look even worse.

It looks as though the club may have looked to calm down supporters with this news. If he does not appear this coming weekend versus Norwich City, the fans will know they had the wool pulled over their eyes. It remains to be seen whether Dinnery or Leeds are right.

In other news, this man has been suggested as a potential Bielsa replacement.

Flocking to Twitter, many West Ham United fans have been left buzzing after a transfer development as they target Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette.

Amid new head of recruitment Rob Newman’s search for a back-up option to Michail Antonio, there have been no shortage of names linked.

One of the more recent ones is Lacazette, who could even leave for free in 2022 with his Gunners contract expiring at the end of the season, prompting West Ham to take notice.

90min first lifted the lid on their interest in the Frenchman who scored 17 goals in all competitions last season, with Jeunesfooteux.com now claiming that contact has already been made.

Indeed, they also claim West Ham have ‘already positioned themselves’ to sign Lacazette – who has been described as a ‘big’ player by managar Mikel Arteta.

Flocking to his news, many Irons fans are certainly eager to see their club sign him and end their year-long search for a centre-forward signing.

Find all of their best Twitter verdicts on the development down below.

West Ham fans erupt as contact made for Lacazette…

“This would be crackin’ for the right price”

Credit: @EllYouSeeAyeEss

“what”

Credit: @whujoe

“Happily take that”

Credit: @whuNotorious

“Been saying for months he’d be ideal in January”

Credit: @Rob__75

“Yes please”

Credit: @Hstikkyt0kky

“No brainer for me”

Credit: @DOWHU_1995

“Goalscorer, works hard, I’m all in on Laca”

Credit: @connorahumpage

“Yes yes yes”

Credit: @leebrown22

In other news: West Ham favourites to sign 6 ft 3 powerhouse who already has a foot and a half out the exit door, find out more here.

The Nuno Santo era could not have got off to a more perfect start for Tottenham Hotspur.

They sit top of the Premier League standings heading into the first international break of the season and have made it through the qualification stages of the UEFA Europa Conference League.

After sacking Jose Mourinho in mid-April, chairman Daniel Levy was reportedly on the lookout for an attack-minded head coach – one that can develop the club’s young prospects at the same time.

It’s still early days but Spurs are the lowest scorers in the top ten, though they are yet to concede a single goal after three successive wins. Nuno has also given an opportunity to payers like Japhet Tangana and Oliver Skipp, so there is that balance that Levy was looking for, in some respect.

You could argue that the Portuguese is lacking the sort of creative presence that can elevate Spurs’ game even more and perhaps he can kill two birds with one stone by looking to one of their more promising youth products.

Once again, it’s Harry Kane that sits near the top of the creativity charts, despite being their striker and only starting one game. Only one other player has averaged more than one key pass per game, as per WhoScored.

Nuno has trusted Dele Alli to start in a more advanced role in midfield but he’s yet to provide a key chance and is still some way off his 2016/17 form that saw him register 18 goals and seven assists in just one season.

Spurs’ next Alli could be found in Dilan Markanday, who just last week scored a hat-trick for the U23 squad.

According to the club’s official website, the 20-year-old gem is a ‘clever attacking midfielder who normally plays on the right’ – in some ways, this is similar to the Englishman under Mauricio Pochettino.

Furthermore, Markanday has earned a comparison to former academy star Marcus Edwards.

“Markanday has looked bright today. Have always felt he has a very similar running and dribbling style to Marcus Edwards,” football.london’s Alasdair Gold said. He also praised him when Spurs’ U19s faced Inter Milan in 2018.

“Inter are struggling to deal with Dilan Markanday. His dribbling and passing ability is pulling their defence and midfield all over the place.”

Spurs have only scored three goals in their opening three games, so it’s this sort of presence that is required in the no.10 role. Nuno should consider unleashing the U23 sensation and in doing so, he may well discover the next Alli in north London.

AND in other news, Paratici masterclass: Spurs eye “extraordinary” £34m-rated gem, he won’t cost a penny…

After an impressive run of seven league games unbeaten, Crystal Palace now finds themselves on the back of three consecutive defeats in the Premier League going into their home clash against Everton on Sunday afternoon.

It appears as though Patrick Vieira will need to make some alterations to his side in order to refind the solidity that saw the Eagles go two months without defeat.

Here is how Football FanCast believes the South London side will line up against the Toffees.

In defence, Palace fans will be delighted to see the return of right-back Joel Ward after suspension, who will take the place of second-choice Nathaniel Clyne who started against Manchester United last Sunday. As for the rest of the backline, it’s the same faces.

There’s no change in the midfield, despite Jeff Schlupp’s lacklustre performance at Old Trafford last weekend, completing just nine passes at a success rate of 54%. That is down to the fact that midfielder James McArthur is still unavailable with a thigh injury.

The Eagles have really missed the services of the 34-year-old, failing to win any of their last four games, all of which the Scotsman has missed.

As expected, Conor Gallagher and Cheikhou Kouyaté lineup alongside each other yet again in the middle of the park, with the midfielders racking up a combined 27 league appearances so far this term.

In attack, there’s a second change from the defeat to United, with Odsonne Edouard replacing Jordan Ayew. The £7.2m-rated Ghanaian is yet to score this season and has been labelled a “liability” by some of the Palace faithful.

Edouard is naturally a striker but has been deployed out wide in a front-three before by Vieira this season and his three league goals so far this term should add extra firepower to the Palace frontline.

Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke have both looked sharp at times this campaign, both having four league goals to their name thus far and will be the men Palace look upon to win the game.

Leeds United have made progress in their efforts to sign Celtic central defender Leo Hjelde, following weeks of deadlock within negotiations [Yorkshire Evening Post].

The Lowdown: Leeds United gear up for the 2021/22 Premier League season

With the 2021/22 Premier League campaign set to get underway later this week, Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa will be desperate to strengthen in key areas to bolster his already talented roster.

Prioritising quality over quantity, the Argentinian has successfully acquired three additions in the form of Junior Firpo, Jack Harrison and Kristoffer Klaesson [Transfermarkt].

Now, the Elland Road hierarchy look to have moved closer to sealing another summer signing according to recent reports.

The Latest: Leeds United make breakthrough in Hjelde pursuit

Leeds are said to have moved closer to acquiring the Norway Under-18 international, who would join the Under-23 set-up [Yorkshire Evening Post].

Talks with Scottish giants Celtic had previously ground to a halt, however, a breakthrough in discussions has now emerged, bringing the two clubs closer to an agreement.

Hjelde could be a prospective replacement for ex-Whites talent Oliver Casey, who departed for Sky Bet Championship side Blackpool earlier this window.

The Verdict: Hjelde would be a low-risk signing for Leeds United

Providing long-term value and plenty room for development, Hjelde would be a low risk buy for Leeds United who has proven his ability to function within a high-octane footballing environment.

In 2020/21, the 17-year-old gained senior experience on loan at Scottish Premiership side Ross County, registering a solitary goal from 12 appearances in all competitions [Transfermarkt].

Despite his youth, the 6 foot 2 ace showed his awareness to dangerous situations across the year, recording an average of 3.3 clearances per game across the season [WhoScored].

Once likened to 2019 Ballon d’Or runner up Virgil van Dijk by former manager John Hughes, he certainly looks like a player who could blossom under a manager like Bielsa [BBC].

In other news, a Leeds United star has been backed to recapture his best form in 2021/22.

The Athletic journalist Jordan Campbell has revealed that Fashion Sakala missed Glasgow Rangers’ clash with Dundee United on Saturday with a minor injury.

The Lowdown: Gers suffer defeat

After going 38 games unbeaten in the Premiership last term (thefishy.co.uk), it took the Gers just two matches to suffer their first league defeat of this campaign (Sky Sports).

They were beaten 1-0 by Dundee United, a game in which new signing Sakala did not feature.

The Latest: Sakala injured

In an article for The Athletic covering the Gers’ loss to the Tangerines, Campbell provided an update on the Zambia international.

He revealed that £3.6m-valued Sakala (Transfermarkt) suffered a minor injury and was therefore not included in the matchday squad as a result.

The Verdict: Worrying

This is worrying news for the Gers. While the sample size is not yet too big, the only match in three outings the Gers have managed to win this season is also the only one Sakala has started (Transfermarkt). While the defeat to Dundee United is far from positive, it is the impact that his potential absence could have on their next match which will likely be playing on Steven Gerrard’s mind.

The Gers face Malmo in the return leg of their Champions League third qualifying round tie on Tuesday. They lost the first match 2-1 in Sweden and therefore need to win at Ibrox to progress to the next stage. Gerrard will surely be hoping Sakala will be available, but in light of Campbell’s revelation of a minor injury for the 24-year-old, it remains to be seen whether he can play in the fixture.

In other news, Rangers are said to be ready to listen to offers for this man.

Ex-Everton star Michael Ball insists Duncan Ferguson is the best available option to become the next manager at Goodison Park.

Reports suggested last week that Rafael Benitez was at the forefront of the Toffees’ thinking when it came to appointing a replacement to Carlo Ancelotti.

On Monday, though, talkSPORT reported that Everton had called that move off due to a vicious backlash from supporters.

Benitez, of course, became a legend during his time managing Liverpool and won the Champions League and the FA Cup at Anfield.

He would have become the first manager ever to be in charge of both Merseyside clubs but Ball now believes that the only option is Ferguson, who has previously been in caretaker charge, taking over after Marco Silva was sacked in 2019.

Ball believes he has every single attribute required to take the club through a difficult spell, and thinks he will also demand that his players leave absolutely everything on the pitch – something that the Toffees have previously lacked.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “Duncan’s been there. He’s been in the changing room, he’s been on the training field with them, and he can pick and choose what he feels suits him and suits the players. He knows the club and he knows the Premier League so, to me, Duncan seems to tick all the boxes right now.

“The question mark over Duncan now is they say ‘can it last over a season’ or ‘can it last over two years, the way he wants to demand 110% from the players?’ Well it should do, because the players should be putting 110% in each and every game.”

Trying to replace a club icon is particularly difficult, and at Celtic that is no different.

As a dismal 2020/21 campaign came to a conclusion for the Hoops, they witnessed their no-nonsense club captain walk away from Parkhead. That man, of course, is a certain Scott Brown.

He headed to Aberdeen to take up a player-coach role and the individual to succeed his captaincy duties is Callum McGregor.

The Scot has had an excellent start to the season and had one of the best outings of his career in his nation’s colours this week when they took on Austria.

However, there is a sense that one of the many players that Ange Postecoglou brought to the club this summer could eventually become the true heir to Brown’s coveted place in the team.

Although yet to play, James McCarthy will be a big presence in the middle of the park once he’s fit enough. Liam Shaw, their signing from Sheffield Wednesday, could eventually star in that role, while Bosun Lawal has looked promising since arriving in Glasgow.

However, it is two players who were signed before Postecoglou walked in that appeared to stand the best chance before the summer’s arrivals.

Ismaila Soro is candidate number one. At various times last season, he looked like the most natural heir. He was composed on the ball and tough in the tackle, making ten successful challenges in one European outing against Lille.

However, the longer his stay at Paradise has continued, the more his form has deteriorated. Soro’s opening matches of the campaign left a lot to be desired as he lost a whopping ten of 14 duels against Midtjylland.

He was also rash in the challenge when he appeared from the bench against Rangers in the Old Firm before the international break.

With that in mind, Postecoglou should consider finally utilising Luca Connell in the first team.

The Irishman was signed from Bolton back in 2019 but he has never made a first-team outing for the Bhoys. He already had EFL experience with the Trotters when he arrived so it’s puzzling to see him make such a minimal impact in Scotland.

Left out of the club’s Europa League squad list, opportunities look as though they’ll be hard to come by for him.

Once again, this feels like a strange move. Connell was in excellent form during a loan spell at Queen’s Park last season, guiding them to promotion. In the process, the defensive midfielder scored three times and registered five assists.

The 20-year-old was a breath of fresh air to the Queen’s Park side and one goal encapsulated him perfectly. After he galloped forward and then found the net against Edinburgh towards the end of last term, the commentator said that he had a “wand of a left foot.”

With defensive nous and offensive abilities in his locker, Connell surely has everything needed to thrive in Postecoglou’s system. That’s precisely why he should be unleashed.

AND in other news, 100% duels won: Ange surely drooling after new Celtic signing’s international display…

Liverpool have been handed a boost in their reported chase of RB Salzburg striker Patson Daka as the opening of the transfer window approaches, with the player given time off international duty to perhaps secure a move away from Austria.

What’s the story?

According to a report from Spain last week, the 22-year-old could become Jurgen Klopp’s second summer signing in the coming days, seeing off competition from West Ham United.

Zambia coach Milutin Sredojevic has since provided an update on Daka’s future, revealing that the forward has been omitted from his latest international squad so he can sort of his future, perhaps indicating that a transfer is on the horizon.

“Daka, Mwepu and Kangwa have to decide on their next future, and it is just fair that they can make a decision that is in the best interest of the country,” he said.

Could be a top signing

The youngster enjoyed a sensational 2020/21 campaign with Jesse Marsch’s men, bagging 34 goals and providing 12 assists in 42 appearances as Salzburg recorded a domestic double.

His arrival would signal the second Liverpool purchase from a Red Bull side this summer, following the arrival of centre-back Ibrahima Konate from Leipzig.

The duo would add to Sadio Mane, Naby Keita and Takumi Minamino on the list of players Klopp has purchased from the energy drink company’s footballing system, with the German manager a known fan of their pressing style.

It means Daka could be a natural fit at Anfield and arrive with an understanding of the demands that the former Borussia Dortmund boss would put on him.

While injuries to key defenders Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip ensured Liverpool’s Premier League title defence never got off the ground, the disappointing form of their forwards also severely undermined their efforts.

Mane and Roberto Firmino had hugely underwhelming seasons, while the likes of Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri failed to step up during their droughts.

With Origi, Shaqiri and Minamino all linked with moves away from the Reds in recent weeks, Klopp will be in desperate need of attacking reinforcements and perhaps none will be as appealing as Daka.

Former Zambia head coach Herve Renard once described the clinical speed demon as a “very promising player,” and he’s certainly had no problem living up to that billing since.

At 22, Daka is only going to improve and his extra firepower could catapult Liverpool back to the summit of English football next season.

And, in other news…Liverpool receive huge transfer blow over £68m “conductor”, Klopp will be gutted 

Tottenham Hotspur, and by extension their transfer chief Fabio Paratici, are ‘expected’ to ‘win the race’ for a potentially impressive summer signing, according to Alasdair Gold.

The Lowdown: Major summer looming…

The Lilywhites, tasked with showing manager Antonio Conte that they’re serious about building a winning Premier League side, are set for an intriguing window upon the end of 2021/2022.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-newest-updates/” title=”Tottenham newest updates…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Spurs’ head coach has apparently got his eye on as many as six major signings, which include the possible additions of a reserve keeper, right-wing-back, central defender, two midfielders and a forward (The Telegraph).

This comes amid recent claims that Paris-Saint Germain are eyeing Conte as an heir to ex-Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino, who is allegedly set to leave the French capital.

The Latest: Gold makes promising Johnstone claim…

In some good news for Spurs, backing recent reports, it appears the north Londoners are firm favourites to seal West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on a Bosman.

Indeed, sharing news in a football.london piece on who could leave N17 this summer, reliable journalist Gold also claimed, when commenting on Pierluigi Gollini’s future, that Paratici and co are ‘expected to win the race’ for Johnstone this summer.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Johnstone’s contract runs out in June, gifting the club an opportunity to snap up a capable understudy to Hugo Lloris for zero cost.

An England international and ‘world class’ keeper, at least according to Wolves legend Steve Bull, journalist Pete O’Rourke has also raved over the thought of Spurs landing Johnstone for nothing.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, recently, the reporter claimed finalising a free transfer for West Brom’s 29-year-old would be a ‘really impressive’ first signing of the window by Spurs.

His proven top flight quality, and the fact his capture could go some way to mitigating Tottenham’s homegrown quota issues, make this move a real no-brainer.

Gold’s update that Paratici is still in pole position certainly comes as a promising one.

In other news: Source: Tottenham edge closer to ‘top signing’…he really wants to join Conte! Find out more here.