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Leeds United will be keeping a very close eye on Noa Lang at the World Cup.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Dean Jones, with the transfer insider revealing in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT that, should the Club Brugge KV winger go on to star for the Netherlands in Qatar, the Whites will likely be one of the teams in the race to sign the 23-year-old come the January transfer window.

However, the journalist went on to state that around 12 other clubs will also be keeping an eye on the five-cap international during the World Cup, before potentially launching their own move for the Dutchman this winter.

Regarding Victor Orta’s interest in a move for Lang, Jones said: “They probably will be in the race when the time comes. But, Noa Lang’s got this global reputation, whereby probably 10-12 teams are watching him at the moment, just waiting to decide whether it’s time to push the button and actually go through with a bid for a player who’s got such potential.”

Explode in Qatar

While it is true that Lang has not exactly enjoyed the best campaign in front of goal so far this season – scoring four goals and registering three assists over 16 appearances in all competitions – should the 23-year-old be able to refind his 2021/22 form at the World Cup this winter, the forward could well be set to explode on the biggest stage of international football in Qatar.

Indeed, over his 37 Jupiler Pro League appearances last season, the £16m-rated talent was in breathtaking form for Brugge, scoring seven goals, registering 12 assists and creating 19 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.0 shots, making 1.9 key passes and completing 1.7 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £25k-per-week attacker average a simply astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.20, ranking him as Alfred Schreuder’s joint fifth-best player in the top flight of Belgian football.

The player who Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig dubbed “unstoppable” and Peter Vandenbempt labelled a “phenomenon” also caught the eye in the Champions League, providing one assist over his six appearances in the competition, in addition to taking an average of 1.7 shots, making 1.2 key passes and completing 3.2 dribbles per fixture.

These metrics saw the Dutchman average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.97, ranking him as Brugge’s third-best performer in Europe’s most prestigious club tournament last time out.

As such, should Lang be able to replicate this level of form for the Netherlands at the World Cup this and next month, it would appear highly likely that the 23-year-old will attract a number of offers in the January window, with the €25m (£22m) valued forward very much looking to make an exceptional addition to Jesse Marsch’s current attacking options at Elland Road.

West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice has been praised following his performance in England’s opening World Cup game against Iran. 

The Latest: England beat Iran

Gareth Southgate’s side managed to kick off their campaign in Qatar with an emphatic 6-2 win over Iran in their first group game of the tournament.

Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish found themselves on the scoresheet to help England secure the victory.

However, despite not getting a goal, it was Rice that found himself on the receiving end of some hefty praise for his efforts in the game.

The Latest: Praise for Rice

As England walked in at half-time 3-0 up, journalist Henry Winter was full of praise on Twitter about what he saw from Rice in the game.

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He said: “Declan Rice playing such an important role, covering, keeping the shape, intercepting and redistributing. Such an intelligent player. #ENG excellent. 3-0 h-t.”

The Verdict: A strong performance from Rice

As one of the five outfield players to complete the full 90 minutes for England against Iran, the midfielder had 104 touches of the ball in total.

Having successfully completed 90 of the 95 passes he attempted in the game, this gave Rice a passing accuracy percentage of 95%, leaving only Jude Bellingham (97%) and John Stones (99%) with higher numbers out of the starting XI.

The Hammers star also made three interceptions, more than any other player, one tackle and blocked one shot in the game as well, highlighting his defensive ability when not in possession.

Football.London picked up on the 23-year-old’s efforts by saying in their player ratings article that he “covered every blade of grass in midfield as he took up the role and sat in front of the back four.”

They also added that the West Ham figure “was often seen in advanced positions as England dominated but he did his job in splitting up the play from deep very well and will be satisfied with his performance overall.”

Taking all of this into account, it’s safe to say that the midfield maestro had a strong start to his tournament and will undoubtedly be hoping to do the same again throughout.

Sheffield Wednesday take on Mansfield Town in the FA Cup on Saturday and Darren Moore should reward Tyreeq Bakinson’s recent strong form with a start.

The midfielder struggled for regular game time at the start of the season but has really caught the eye in recent performances, notably against Southampton and Shrewsbury Town in the last two fixtures.

With Josh Windass likely to miss this weekend’s game against The Stags through injury, Moore will need another source of creativity in the middle of the park, and Bakinson can certainly provide that, as he showed with his through ball to the aforementioned attacker in the League Cup defeat against Southampton.

The 24-year-old has started just eight games in League One so far this campaign but has one goal and one assist to his name thus far, with WhoScored awarding him a solid 6.73 rating for his performances in the third tier.

The Owls will go into the game as heavy favourites, given that Mansfield are a division lower and have won just one of their last six games in League Two, which should give Moore the opportunity to start players such as Bakinson, who are perhaps not always the first names on the team sheet.

Moore was full of praise for what Bakinson can offer after he produced a fine display in the first-round win over Morecambe earlier this month.

He said: “He just gives us something different because he can play defensively and in attack. He’s got wonderful soft feet for a big man, and he’s getting more and more understanding of what we require of him.

“He gives us a completely different dimension to last season because he’s got that size and power but wonderful feet and good technical ability. He’s just going to get stronger and better.”

Bakinson is still young and looks to have a huge amount of potential, so Moore should give him as much game time as possible this season, with Saturday’s FA Cup game against lower-league opposition surely the ideal time to let him show what he can do in the Wednesday midfield.

Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams is believed to be attracting interest from Inter Milan over a potential move to Italy.

The Lowdown: USA captain

Adams is currently away with the USA at the World Cup in Qatar alongside Leeds team-mate Brenden Aaronson. The 23-year-old was named captain before the tournament and has helped his country into the last 16, where they will face the Netherlands, after playing every minute of action so far.

His display against England resulted in praise from both Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher, and it looks as if Inter’s sporting director Piero Ausilio is keen on Adams’ services.

The Latest: Inter linked with Adams

The Boot Room relayed an update from Gazzetta dello Sport regarding Adams on Tuesday. They claimed that Ausilio has been really impressed by the Leeds maestro in Qatar and really wants to sign the defensive midfielder.

However, the report adds that it will be hard for Inter, who are in the Champions League last 16, to lure Adams from Elland Road.

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The Verdict: Didn’t take long…

It seemed to be just a matter of time before Adams was linked with a move away from Elland Road following his World Cup group stage performances.

Leeds hold all the cards when it comes to a potential exit, though, with the energetic midfielder under contract until 2027.

The Whites forked out £20m to bring the USA international to Yorkshire, and it looks as if that move is already proving to be a steal following his consistent displays for club and country in recent months.

Newcastle United are still keen on Leeds United winger Jack Harrison heading into the January window.

The Lowdown: Summer bids

Harrison, labelled as ‘explosive’, ‘effective in 1-v-1s’ and ‘dangerous’ by Jesse Marsch, was wanted at St. James’ Park over the summer.

The Whites rejected two bids for the winger from Newcastle, who have the richest owners in the Premier League, with the second offer being worth more than £20m.

The 26-year-old will be entering the final 18 months of his Elland Road deal in January, and it seems as if the Magpies are still interested in Harrison’s services.

The Latest: Off-field update

Football Insider reporter Wayne Veysey shared an update regarding Harrison on Thursday morning, revealing that Leeds have held preliminary discussions over a new contract.

The report claims however that Newcastle are still keen going into January and that the Whites are desperate not to lose the player on a cut-price deal.

Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani are ready to offer a ‘pay hike’ to ensure Harrison stays put.

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The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Leeds clearly want Harrison to remain at Elland Road and it’s good to see them taking action to get a new contract finalised as soon as possible.

He contributed to four Premier League goals in the first three games of the season but has struggled since, although he still seems to be a key player under Marsch.

Therefore, hopefully, talks can progress quickly and a deal can be signed, which may result in Newcastle looking elsewhere for wide additions.

Pundit Noel Whelan has told Newcastle United to make their move for Christian Pulisic after it emerged the American is a Magpies target.

The Lowdown: Lacklustre in London

Since securing a switch to Stamford Bridge back in 2019, Pulisic has failed to hit the heights that were expected. 

In fairness, the USA captain made an impressive start, registering nine goals and four assists from 25 appearances under Frank Lampard. But as a result of not being trusted with a starting role by previous manager Thomas Tuchel and now current boss Graham Potter, Pulisic may be forced to switch sides in a bid for regular minutes.

And Newcastle are set to offer the speedster a way out, with reports over the weekend revealing PIF want to make Pulisic their next ‘statement signing’.

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The Latest: Get it done

Asked by Football Insider about the Magpies’ interest in the Chelsea outcast, former Premier League forward Whelan was full of praise for the potential deal.

“Absolutely. He’s still at a very tender age. We’ve seen flashes of brilliance, we’ve seen good performances at the World Cup.

“He’s the type of player Newcastle should be looking at.

“He will benefit from playing more regularly in a top side. I don’t think he’s getting the right amount of game time right now to really show what he can do.

“Newcastle will only benefit, as well, from having more options. He can play through the middle, and he can play on both sides.

“He’s got pace, and an eye for a goal – it’s a no-brainer. If they can get him in January, it’d give them a great chance of staying in that top four bracket.”

The Verdict: Right call?

We think Whelan is absolutely spot on – the signing of a player of Pulisic’s star status would represent a big coup for the Magpies, not only improving the starting XI but also the depth at Eddie Howe’s disposal due to his versatility.

The £150k-per-week star, dubbed by ‘fantastic’ by his former national team boss Jurgen Klinsmann, would bring a big boost in their battle for Champions League qualification, so this is indeed a no brainer if Howe and co can make this happen.

Aston Villa could be set for an important transfer window when the market re-opens in January as newly-appointed manager Unai Emery will surely want to make his own personal mark on the squad he has inherited at Villa Park.

The Villans are currently 12th in the Premier League table as it stands after an inconsistent start to the campaign, however, now that the former Arsenal boss is holding the reins at the club there will surely be a lot to look forward to for the supporters.

Steven Gerrard had a clear-out of forwards before he left the club with Bertrand Traore, Anwar El Ghazi and Trezeguet all sent packing from the Midlands club in the summer, so his successor will have the opportunity to strengthen the final third of the pitch with his own signings.

One player who has been linked with a move to Villa Park and is extremely familiar with Emery’s football philosophy is Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson.

It has been reported that Emery is keen to bring Jackson, a player possessing a £27m release clause, into the fold of his new squad and the talented attacker could make an instant impact if the club can get a deal done next month.

Over 13 La Liga appearances this season, the Villarreal sensation has scored two goals, delivered two assists, created four big chances and completed 58% of his dribbles, as well as averaging 1.2 shots on goal and winning 2.2 duels per game.

The Senegalese international has earned high praise over his career so far with Senegal U20 coach Youssouph Dabo taking the time to lavish compliments on Jackson:

“He is a good profile with technical qualities who also tends to put on a show,” Dabo said.

Not only that, Emery could land an Ollie Watkins clone by acquiring the 21-year-old, with the Villa goal machine named as the fifth most comparable player to Jackson over the last 12 months, according to FBRef.

The two forwards share many similarities in their output over this season including goals scored (2 v 2), pass completion rate (71.5% v 71.1%), shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (2.22 v 2.38), tackles won (6 v 6) and shots per 90 minutes (1.87 v 2.07).

With that being said, the signing of Jackson could be a great piece of business. Indeed, the player has already thrived under the familiar management of Emery with the manager’s style of play and tactics surely something that would help him make an instant impact for Villa.

When it was revealed that Elliot Embleton had suffered a broken ankle and ligament damage in Sunderland’s 1-1 draw with Hull City last weekend, many fans may have been worried that he wouldn’t be seen again this season.

However, a recent report from Football Insider has claimed that the 23-year-old could still be seen again this season as he is set to undergo surgery on Friday, and could return after between nine and 12 weeks on the sidelines.

The former Blackpool loanee is one of just three Sunderland players who have featured in all 23 of their league fixtures so far this campaign, which emphasises how important he has become under Tony Mowbray and the 59-year-old will surely be delighted if he can return before the season is over.

In those 23 appearances, the young midfielder has contributed two goals and two assists, while he also memorably scored the opening goal for the Black Cats in their 2-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers in the League One playoff final.

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He also played a key role in the normal season, notching eight goals and six assists in 38 games and at just 23, there seems no reason why he can’t be a mainstay in the Mackems’ midfield for many years to come.

Lee Cattermole spoke highly about the 23-year-old’s potential back in 2020 when he featured on the SAFC Unfiltered podcast.

He said:

“He’s technically one of the best players I’ve seen. A good mark of knowing someone’s technically good is he can take corners with both feet.

“He’s someone who sees that pass that other players don’t. He’s a nightmare to play against in training because he can go either way, shoot off both feet.”

Embleton, who earns £6k-per-week at the Stadium of Light, will undoubtedly be working as hard as possible after his surgery to ensure that he can still play a part for the Black Cats towards the end of the season, which could prove crucial in their hopes of achieving a playoff spot once again.

With Sunderland arguably low on central midfield options, with the inexperienced trio of Edouard Michut, Abdoullah Ba and Jay Matete likely replacements for Embleton, Mowbray will be hoping that his surgery is a big success and he can get back on the pitch as soon as is safely possible.

Newcastle United are believed to be keeping tabs on Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans, with a new midfield addition seemingly on the agenda ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Craig Hope, the Belgian international is reportedly on the “radar” of Magpies sporting director Dan Ashworth, with the northeast side “looking at” a handful of midfield targets at present.

In the attached piece for the Daily Mail, the report suggests that the 25-year-old has been a long-term target for the St James’ Park outfit and ‘remains of interest’ ahead of the market re-opening next month.

The former Monaco dynamo – who has also been linked with a move to Arsenal of late – is facing an uncertain future at the King Power Stadium, with his current deal set to expire at the end of the season.

Imagine him and Maddison

Ashworth and co appear to have their eyes firmly set on raiding the Foxes in the New Year, with England international, James Maddison having also been heavily linked with a move to Tyneside in recent months.

Bringing the playmaker and Tielemans to the club could well prove to be a masterstroke for Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, with the pair having both been leading figures under Brendan Rodgers in recent years, notably ranking first and second, respectively, among the Leicester squad for their average match ratings this season, as per Sofascore.

In the case of Maddison, the former Norwich City ace has scored seven goals and registered four assists in just 12 Premier League outings so far this season, after previously providing 20 goal contributions in the top flight alone last term.

The creative gem has emerged as something of a talisman for his side of late, with pundit Rio Ferdinand having only recently been full of praise for the 26-year-old’s “frightening” record both in terms of goals and assists this season.

The Coventry-born ace has not carried the attacking burden alone for Leicester of late, however, with Tielemans also providing the goods from his deep-lying role after chipping in with five goal involvements across all fronts this term, having registered 12 goals and assists in all competitions last season.

The 25-year-old midfield maestro – who has been dubbed an “incredible talent” by Sky Sports News pundit Michael Dawson (23/10/2021, 12:59) – is simply a player who “catches the eye”, according to pundit Noel Whelan, such is his quality in possession.

The £35k-per-week menace has notably created five big chances in the league this season and averages 1.2 key passes per game, while the 5 foot 9 dynamo has also showcased his brilliance defensively after averaging 2.4 tackles per 90.

Such relentless work ethic no doubt allows the aforementioned Maddison to shine in his free role as the link between the midfield and attack, with it set to be a notable coup if Ashworth can seal that double deal in the near future.

The Belgian has only combined with Foxes striker Jamie Vardy for more goal contributions (eight) than with Maddison (seven) during his time at the King Power Stadium, so it’s a proven and fruitful partnership that could work wonders under Howe.

As Whelan stated, Newcastle would not “need too much else” if that devastating duo could be signed, with Tielemans, in particular, potentially set to prove a “massive player” for the Magpies.

With Howe’s men currently striving for a top-four berth, bringing the two men into the fold would surely only aid in that quest for Champions League qualification.

BBC pundit Chris Sutton has slammed Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Hugo Lloris after he made a huge blunder in the club’s most recent defeat.

What’s the latest?

It was a day to forget in the Premier League on Sunday for Spurs as they were soundly beaten in front of their own fans by Unai Emery’s Aston Villa.

Goals from Emi Buendia and Douglas Luiz were enough to seal the 2-0 home defeat and the French shot-stopper failed to cover himself in glory for the opening effort.

Indeed, Luiz tried his luck from well over 30 yards but he didn’t hit his strike cleanly as it flew down the middle of the goal. However, Lloris failed to deal with it, fumbling the ball and allowing Ollie Watkins to pounce and set up his teammate.

While talking about it on BBC Radio Show 606, Sutton didn’t hold back on his criticism of the Spurs goalkeeper, highlighting his woeful attempt to prevent the goal

He said of Lloris: “He had a stinker today for the first goal.

“A pretty routine shot, straight at him, which he spilt. And Villa worked it well, Watkins sliding the ball to Buendia.”

Time for a change?

At 36 years of age now, Lloris has been at Tottenham for a over decade having joined from Lyon back in 2012. Since then, he has gone on to become club captain, proving what a great servant he has been.

However, this latest mistake is a reminder that he is getting on a little and it could be time for a change in the near future. Back in December, former goalkeeper Paul Robinson suggested that Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier could be a perfect replacement.

Indeed, he told MOT Leeds News: “From a Tottenham point of view, I’d love for them to test Leeds with a bid and try to sign him.”

Lloris, who was given a 3/10 for his display by Alasdair Gold, was of course recently away in Qatar at the World Cup and lost the final with France and so may still be suffering from some mental and physical fatigue from the tournament.

Even so, at his age, he can’t afford to make many more high-profile errors if he wants to remain at Spurs for the long term.