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Former Leeds United hero Paul Robinson is desperate for the Whites to complete the permanent signing of Jack Harrison this summer.

The 24-year-old in now in his third season on loan at Elland Road, having initially joined from Manchester City back in the summer of 2018.

The winger has been an undoubted success story for Leeds, scoring 16 goals in 120 appearances, as well as registering 17 assists.

Harrison was a key part of Marcelo Bielsa’s team that made it back into the Premier League and only Patrick Bamford (14) has more than his tally of six goals in the division in 2020/21.

[freshpress-quiz id=“336849″]

Robinson urges Leeds to sign Harrison

Leeds have the option to sign Harrison permanently with Phil Hay reporting earlier this month an £11m deal is “as good as done”, something Robinson thinks is a no brainer.

Speaking to MOT Leeds News, the ex-Whites goalkeeper hailed the Englishman’s quality and said it makes perfect sense to retain his services:

“I think he’s a top player and he’s an absolute bargain at the price Leeds are going to pay for him. It’s been clever business by Leeds, kicking his option down the road for a year and keeping him on loan.

“They’re now in a position where they’ve got more Premier League money and more money from investors.

“It meant they could spend the money they spent last summer and sign Harrison this summer, and at £10m you’d be hard-pressed to find a better player than him.

“I think it’s a great signing, a really great buy for Leeds. He’s had ups and downs this season but he’s a top-quality winger who would cost a lot more on the open market.”

Transfer Tavern take

Harrison has shown over an extended period that he is more than suited to shine in this Leeds side, so they should seal a permanent move for him in the summer.

He clearly has no future at City, and at 24, he is at an age where he needs to settle at a club for a long period.

In other news, Noel Whelan believes one Leeds target could have to tweak his game if he moves to Elland Road this summer. Find out who it is here.

Leicester City had an unlikely hero to thank as they secured what could turn out to be a precious victory against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

The Foxes found themselves 1-0 down at the break thanks to Adam Lallana’s early goal but Kelechi Iheanacho, as he did against Burnley last time out, equalised with a wonderful finish.

Then, defender Daniel Amartey reacted first to a corner late on to steal the three points for Brendan Rodgers’ men.

The strike was in fact just his second for the club, the last one coming over four years ago in another dramatic game – a 2-2 draw away at Stoke City.

It was a remarkable victory on the South Coast for Leicester, with the Ghanaian utility man dubbed “very important” by Rodgers recently, at the forefront of everything.

Earning a SofaScore rating of 8.0, the 26-year-old was statistically the best player on the pitch.

Away from his dramatic strike, the former FC Copenhagen man was impressive elsewhere, especially defensively.

Deployed at centre-back initially, only to be moved to a more comfortable right-back role in the second-half, he produced two clearances, three tackles, a block and an interception.

The £3.15m-rated defender was also extremely dominant, winning 85% of his duels against the Seagulls, whether that be in the air or on the ground.

Throughout the game, Amartey also had 97 touches of the ball, only Caglar Soyuncu and Wesley Fofana getting more.

Then, of course, he was in the right place at the right time to score with his only shot of the game to secure Leicester three points and second position in the Premier League table.

Having never quite secured a first-team position at the King Power Stadium since his 2016 arrival, a few more performances like Amartey’s display at the Amex Stadium will only serve to stand him in good stead in Rodgers’ books.

AND in more news, read why Leicester have to reunite Odsonne Edouard and Brendan Rodgers at the King Power Stadium…

Sheffield United parted ways with Chris Wilder on Friday, ending his five-year stint at Bramall Lane.

And, following that big development,  Sheffield United News report that sources have dropped an eight-word claim regarding a move to Glasgow, saying ‘he could be on his way to Celtic’.

They believe he could be the new man at Parkhead following his United departure, with the Blades winning just four of a possible 28 league games this season.

Wilder’s impressive Sheffield United spell

The 53-year-old took charge of 227 games for the Blades, taking them from League One to the Premier League.

Even though Sheffield United sit bottom of the Premier League this year, Wilder picked up 1.59 points-per game in Yorkshire, slightly up on his career average of 1.57 points-per game.

The Hoops have been linked with a number of managers to fill the Parkhead void left by Neil Lennon, who has actually been tipped to replace Wilder.

Transfer Tavern take

Wilder has won three promotions during his career and his recent experience of rebuilding the Blades is impressive.

On that basis, he could be a shrewd appointment by Celtic, who seemingly need to undergo a rebuild of their own following a woeful 2020/21 campaign.

It remains to be seen how concrete the links are, but we feel this is certainly a major development in regards to Celtic’s search for a new manager.

In other news, pundit tips Celtic to swoop for Rafa Benitez!

After a torrid start to the New Year for Leeds, all Marcelo Bielsa was looking for over the past week and a half was some positive news.

A run of three straight defeats without a goal being scored sets the scene for Leeds at the moment but fortunately, they were handed a monumental boost to their chances of beating Newcastle on Monday.

In Bielsa’s pre-match press conference ahead of the clash, he confirmed that Leeds would have goalkeeper Illan Meslier back.

The news was confirmed by Adam Pope on Twitter who revealed the Leeds head coach told reporters that Meslier “has resolved his health issues.”

The French stopper hasn’t played for Leeds since the 3-0 defeat to Tottenham in their opening game of 2021.

Though, it will be a huge relief to have him back in the side this evening. That’s because they’ve been relying on the calamitous Kiko Casilla.

The Spaniard came into the team to play Crawley in the FA Cup a fortnight ago but he was absolutely disastrous between the sticks.

Casilla let Crawley’s first goal through his arms and then had an even bigger howler for the second. The shot was straight at the ‘keeper but it somehow squirmed underneath him and rolled past him into the net.

It was an error-stricken performance that cost Leeds their place in the FA Cup but given how his career at Elland Road has played out, it was hardly a surprise to see him full of mistakes.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-this-weeks-latest-leeds-news” title=”Read this week’s latest Leeds news!”]

The Whites’ defence always looks someway short of confidence when Casilla plays so having Meslier to come back will be a huge bonus.

He has been excellent for Leeds this term and had a superb game against Burnley a few weeks ago. Meslier saved four attempts at goal and made a mighty five punches – the vast majority of which came late in the game when his team were under pressure.

The 20-year-old is one of the best young goalkeepers in the country and has made the sixth most saves of anyone in the Premier League this season.

It’s pretty evident why this change in the Leeds team will be game-changing for Bielsa. Meslier is far more assured than Casilla.

AND in other news, Leeds could end four-year-long problem with swoop for £25k-p/w beast…

Many Arsenal fans were left furious at the display of Alexandre Lacazette in their away trip to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime.

The France international could not really impose himself on the game as he really struggled against Dean Smith’s stubborn defence.

He lost out on no fewer than 86% of his duels in the match and also failed to record a single shot on goal, dribble or cross, as he only managed to have a mere 30 touches of the ball in total, the fewest out of any outfield Gunners player to have started the clash (Sofascore).

With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang back in the squad now, Lacazette may be fearing for his starting place under Mikel Arteta if he continues to put in underwhelming performances like these.

Arsenal fan reaction to Lacazette display

These Gooners slammed the performance of the 29-year-old striker on Twitter, with one member of the Emirates Stadium faithful even going as far as to describe him as ‘anonymous’:

“What’s the point in Lacazette being on the pitch? What does he actually offer??”

Credit: @KieranF10

“Lacazette looks sluggish”

Credit: @GoonerBeReal

“Is Lacazette in this game at all?”

Credit: @oochay_ndu

“I am trying to make sense of where Lacazette is playing cos it’s like we don’t have a striker…”

Credit: @codaigh10

“The Lacazette gas never sat well with me cause games like this he’s just anonymous. Where’s the complete playmaker forward gone?”

Credit: @OTbutInTweets

“Lacazette is not in this game”

Credit: @DANNYOHSO

In other news, find out who else was slammed for his display here!

Steve Bruce must recall Paul Dummett to the Newcastle United starting line-up against Manchester City on Boxing Day should Federico Fernandez fail his late fitness test.

Dummett earned his campaign debut in last weekend’s draw with newly-promoted Fulham, but struggled to leave a glowing rendition at left-back in his return from an 11-month injury lay off.

The Wales international could prove to be Bruce’s defensive answer this time around, however, with the Toon potentially without Fernandez after the Argentine was forced off at half-time in the Cottagers contest after showing signs of chronic fatigue.

According to The Northern Echo, Bruce linked Fernandez’s struggles to the recent outbreak of coronavirus in the Newcastle camp, but is hopeful the 31-year-old will be fit to face Pep Guardiola’s side at the Etihad Stadium.

Fernandez has started all 12 of his Premier League appearances thus far this season, and has proven a pivotal aspect of the Magpies’ backline with a team-high 64 clearances and having blocked 19 shots, per SofaScore.

Yet Bruce would be taking a vast gamble away to the Sky Blues were he to field an unfit Fernandez, and must ere on the side of caution and favour Dummett at centre-half should he have any lingering concerns over the former Swansea City star’s fitness levels.

Bruce is eager to return Isaac Hayden to his natural midfield role after calling on the Arsenal product to occasionally play at centre-half lately, which Dummett’s inclusion would allow for.

“I sincerely hope we’ll have a few back, certainly in the defensive areas, which then leads to putting midfield players in their right positions,” Bruce said. “It’s been very difficult for the last week or ten days.”

Hayden impressed in the heart of Newcastle’s back-four during their Carabao Cup loss to Championship side Brentford on Tuesday night, but would be far more influential should he return to the midfield line.

Dummett, meanwhile, made 12 of his 16 Premier League outings at centre-half last term prior to sustaining a season-ending hamstring injury in January, in which he provided 1.8 successful tackles from 2.1 attempts per game, plus 1.8 interceptions, 4.5 clearances and 2.0 aerial duels won from 3.9 contests, per WhoScored.

It remains to be seen if the £35,000-per-week defender can return to those levels, but Bruce must unleash Dummett on Manchester City over fielding Hayden at centre-half should Fernandez be unavailable.

AND in other news, an £11m-rated Newcastle star betrayed Steve Bruce with an invisible display at Brentford.

Sunderland haven’t been particularly active in the transfer window but they have made positive strides towards improving the team.

Carl Winchester has signed from Forest Green but recent reports suggest a left-back could be arriving.

What’s the word?

The Mackems have recently been touted with signing St Johnstone defender Scott Tanser but now another full-back has emerged on their radar.

According to Football Insider, the Black Cats are interested in signing Brighton defender Alex Cochrane.

The 20-year-old is currently on loan in Belgium at Union SG but with his contract expiring this summer, a permanent transfer elsewhere could be on the cards.

It’s thought that Sunderland want to sign him either on loan or on a permanent transfer this month.

Solving a problem

When Kristjaan Speakman walked into the football club, little did he think he’d be having to waver a bit of an injury crisis.

Lee Johnson’s men were struck by a bout of Covid, all while having to deal with injuries to Luke O’Nien, Josh Scowen, Lynden Gooch, Denver Hume, Conor McLaughlin and Danny Graham.

Scowen and Gooch may have returned but it’s in Hume’s position where an issue has emerged. The full-back has recently suffered a setback in his bid to return to fitness and now, Johnson will be sweating over his options.

Calum McFadzean gave away a penalty against Wimbledon and is far from assuring while his other option – Dion Sanderson – is not a natural left-back.

Thus, the addition of Cochrane would be invaluable in their quest to be promoted. Hume has been a major player for Sunderland this season, registering two assists from full-back and proving to be a huge asset going forward.

Fortunately, they’d discover similar qualities with the Brighton defender. Speaking about him in the summer, journalist Derren Howard said: “He’s a good athlete who defends well, but like most modern-day full-backs he’s also very attack-minded and links well with the midfield.

“He is clever and skilful on the ball and for a young player he also reads the game well and is tactically aware.”

The youngster hasn’t contributed to a goal during his time in Belgium but we get a sense for his qualities in the final third by looking at his performances for Brighton U23s in the EFL Trophy last term.

In a match with Sunderland’s fellow League One side Wimbledon, Cochrane was a rampaging force down the left, delivering four crosses and winning 75% of his duels. Against Newport County, meanwhile, he delivered three crosses.

For context, Hume has registered 1.5 crosses per game this season so they may even discover an upgrade.

Most importantly, though, they’d find cover in an area where Hume’s injury has become a problem for Sunderland. This would be a solid acquisition in January, one that ensures Johnson can rest a little easier between now and the end of the season.

AND in other news, SAFC swoop for £800-p/w ace would be final nail in Sanderson’s Stadium of Light coffin…

Everton’s spending under Carlo Ancelotti looks set to continue this January and it seems as if a new wide man is in order…

What’s the word?

According to Spanish newspaper La Razon, the Toffees are one of several top-flight teams eyeing a move for rising Villarreal star, Samuel Chukwueze.

It’s claimed that the 21-year-old has a massive €80m (£71.5m) release clause, though CIES Football Observatory currently rate his value at just €50m (£45m).

Much of Europe’s elite appear to be in for his signature too with Real Madrid, Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea all mooted with interest.

Shades of Robben?

Ancelotti’s need for a new winger is evidently clear as he’s been deploying Colombian no.10, James Rodriguez, on the right-flank over the likes of Bernard and Alex Iwobi.

Last season, the pair combined for just four goals and two assists, which simply isn’t good enough.

Whilst his faith in young academy graduate Anthony Gordon has wavered since his breakthrough post-lockdown. Perhaps the Italian is going to forget about his progress if he can clinch a deal for Chukwueze.

It’s easy to see why he’d be keen to do so as the Nigerian international has been likened to one of Ancelotti’s former stars, Arjen Robben. This is due to his speed, skill and his wand of a left foot, as a right-winger, he’s almost his exact prototype.

In Europe this season alone, the young sensation has been averaging a whopping four dribbles and 3.5 shots per game whilst in all competitions, he has provided three goals, via WhoScored.

Perhaps it is no surprise to see many wax lyrical about his abilities.

Ex-Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o has lauded the Villarreal dynamo as an “incredible player” whilst La Liga ambassador Mutiu Adepoju once claimed that “he’s going to explode if he continues that way,” also dubbing him “exciting” in an interview earlier this year.

Marcel Brands must deliver Chukwueze in 2021 if he’s to truly upgrade Ancelotti’s wing options.

AND in other news, Forget Isco: Everton should land this ex-Liverpool FLOP…

Crystal Palace could secure Roy Hodgson his next Andros Townsend before the winter transfer market closes, according to latest reports.

What’s the word?

According to TEAMtalk, Palace are tracking former Tottenham Hotspur right winger Marcus Edwards ahead of a potential switch to Selhurst Park.

However, it’s claimed they will face stiff competition from several other Premier League clubs should they try to prise the 22-year-old away from Vitoria de Guimaraes, including Fulham, Southampton and West Ham United, amid interest from Championship clubs Brentford, Bournemouth and Swansea.

The next Townsend?

Edwards has emerged as one of England’s hottest prospects over the past couple of years or so but was deemed surplus to requirements during his time at Spurs.

Which, of course, is something that Townsend knows a thing or two about, having fallen out of favour with the club’s hierarchy after a row with fitness coach Nathan Gardiner.

The diminutive attacking midfielder decided to try his luck elsewhere and left Spurs for Vitoria de Guimaraes last September. Since then, he has established himself as a first-team regular starter under João Henriques and has helped to propel the Conquerors into the top half of the table.

Valued at £11m via Transfermarkt, in 46 games for Os Vimaranenses, Edwards has scored ten goals and supplied eleven assists in all competitions, which is a pretty impressive return.

Once compared to Lionel Messi by his old boss Mauricio Pochettino, the former England U20 international has bagged once and two assists in just nine appearances in Liga NOS so far this season, whilst the speed demon is averaging 1.1 shots and 2.7 dribbles per game, via WhoScored.

By comparison, even Townsend is only managing 1.1 shots and 1.6 dribbles on average per game in the Premier League this season, as per WhoScored.

Hodsgon’s current first-choice wide option on the right wing has only contributed to three goals in the Premier League this season, so could probably do with the extra competition to challenge him to play at an acceptable level.

It’s fair to say that Townsend is not exactly known for his finishing, which WhoScored lists as one of his glaring weaknesses, so Edwards could come in and add another dimension at the same time as causing a distraction for Eberechi Eze to wreak havoc on the left wing.

AND in other news, Parish masterclass: Crystal Palace struck gold by signing Eberechi Eze from Queens Park Rangers…

Despite eventually falling to a 4-1 defeat at home to Manchester United at the weekend, there was one man who emerged from the game with plenty of credit: Karl Darlow.

The goalkeeper has been thrust into first-team action in this new Premier League season following an injury to first-choice shot-stopper, Martin Dubravka, and has already produced a number of inspired displays in between the sticks for the Magpies.

His performance against Tottenham in particular, in which he made a quite ridiculous 11 saves and walked away with the man of the match award as Newcastle somehow salvaged a point, really stands out.

Think you’re a big Magpies fan? Can you name these former players by looking at their careers? Go on, give it a go…

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

And against Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United side on Saturday, he was in equally inspired form. Darlow saved a spot-kick from penalty specialist Bruno Fernandes and made eight saves in total, with five of them coming from inside the box.

So when he appeared to pick up an injury – and yet Steve Bruce continued to play him – Newcastle may have been fearing the worst over the status of yet another goalkeeper.

Having one shot-stopper out injured is one thing, but having two at the same time is unprecedented. But, thankfully for Bruce and everyone at the club, it appears the injury isn’t as severe as first thought.

The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder has revealed that Darlow told staff that he expects to be fine for the next Premier League game against Wolves, and that he had suffered bad bruising in the clash with Marcus Rashford. It’s added that staff also expect him to be fit for the trip to Molineux on Sunday.

With the kind of form that he’s in at the moment, and the fact Dubravka is also out too, Newcastle could ill have afforded for Darlow to miss any kind of action. Ryder’s update has given them a major boost.