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Leeds United are willing to sell centre-back Robin Koch this summer, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Koch’s poor form

The German was described as ‘horrible’ to watch by Beren Cross in the opening day defeat to Manchester United, and things haven’t got much better for him in the eight months since.

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The 25-year-old has failed to nail down a regular starting spot under both Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch, making just 11 league starts. As per WhoScored, Koch has been the worst-rated senior performer this season with an average match rating of 6.32/10.

He has also missed 38 games with various injuries and illnesses since arriving from Freiburg in a £13m deal in 2020, and it looks as if Marsch and Victor Orta may have had enough of the defender.

The Latest: Elland Road source reveal

Football Insider shared a story regarding Koch after being informed by a source close to Leeds.

They claimed that the Yorkshire club would be willing to listen to offers for the centre-back as they plot a defensive overhaul. The report even adds that an offer between £10m and £11m would be enough for Leeds, who would be making a small loss on the 25-year-old in that case.

The Verdict: Defensive overhaul needed…

Should Leeds remain in the Premier League over the coming weeks, you’d expect that a big summer overhaul is required, with a number of incomings to bolster the small squad that Marsch took over.

The Whites have let in a league-high 68 goals in just 31 games, making it clear to see that they could benefit from a defensive shake-up over the coming months.

Koch has been outperformed by Liam Cooper, Pascal Struijk and Diego Llorente this season, and following links to FC Koln’s Timo Hubers in recent days, it looks as if Koch could be the man to make way.

In other news: Leeds and Marsch handed early injury boost as ‘strong’ player may now return v Watford  

Rangers chief Ross Wilson looks set for a busy summer transfer window at Ibrox to shape Gio van Bronckhorst’s squad heading into next season.

The Gers lost their crucial top-of-the-table clash in the Premiership on Sunday and now sit six points behind their rivals with games running out to catch up with them.

A major flaw in the current squad was exposed in the 2-1 defeat to the Hoops as Alfredo Morelos’ absence all but ended their chances of winning.

Kemar Roofe has started the last two Old Firm matches in the Colombian’s absence and put in dismal performances in both of them. The ex-Leeds man has not scored a single goal from open play in his eight league starts for the Gers and this suggests that he has not been good enough as back-up to Morelos.

Therefore, Wilson must be in the market for a striker to compete with the South American forward, with a view to taking over from him further down the line.

The club are reportedly interested in a deal to sign talented 18-year-old goalscorer Josh Stones from English side Guiseley, but Football Insider recently claimed that Wigan have agreed terms over a contract with the centre-forward ahead of the summer.

Wilson must now avoid a major disasterclass in the window as missing out on the attacker would be a big blunder from the Ibrox supremo. His sublime goalscoring record at youth level suggests that he has the potential to be Morelos’ heir in Glasgow.

Stones has scored 21 times in 13 games in academy football throughout the 2021/22 campaign, whilst he also scored a hat-trick for the England schoolboys team against Scotland recently. This means that the predator has 24 goals for club and country this term in at least 14 matches – a phenomenal return for the 18-year-old fox in the box. 

He could be the replacement Van Bronckhorst needs for Roofe, based on his goalscoring return, and that is why missing out on him would be a disaster-class for the club.

At the age of 18, he has the potential to keep improving and progressing as a player. This means that the Gers would be picking up a financial investment as well as a gem who may have the quality to solve their long-term Morelos problem at Ibrox. His record in front of goal suggests that he can be the heir to the Colombian’s throne and that is why Wilson must do everything in his power to usurp Wigan and snatch this deal up from under their nose.

AND in other news, Gvb now plotting Rangers swoop for “exceptional” monster, he’d be a bargain “diamond”…

Sunderland will be desperate to ensure consistency from here on in until the end of the season after picking up another three points earlier on today.

The Black Cats still find themselves in the race for an automatic promotion place in League One, but it won’t be easy as there’re a number of teams fighting for limited places.

However, it appears as if the Wearside club already have one eye on the summer, as according to The Scottish Sun (via Shields Gazette), Sunderland continue to keep tabs on Lawrence Shankland.

Of course, Sunderland splashed out on Will Grigg last month but it’s safe to say that attacking reinforcements are still required, with the Northern Ireland international not quite hitting the heights just yet and Kaziah Sterling returning to Spurs in the summer. So, it would sense for the Black Cats to move in for Lawrence Shankland as his contract is set to expire in the summer, and he’s been hugely impressive this season with 30 goals and eight assists to his name.

But, the likes of Oldham Athletic, Swansea City, Nottingham Forest and Hull City are all interested in signing him, so it won’t be easy to lure him to Wearside. Therefore, Stewart Donald can make a big statement by pipping a number of Championship clubs to secure his services, and he’s one of Scotland’s most talented forwards so he could have a huge impact at the Stadium of Light.

What do you think Sunderland fans?

Italian icon Paolo Di Canio lasted less than a year at the Stadium of Light as he endured a rough time on Wearside in 2013.

He left Football League outfit Swindon in February 2013 and joined the Black Cats in March. The former West Ham maestro led the Mackems to 17th place in the Premier League in the final seven matches of the 2012/13 campaign, winning two of those games.

Di Canio was then given the opportunity to add to his Sunderland squad in the summer of 2013 and one player he wanted to bring to the club was his fellow countryman Lorenzo Insigne.

Fabio Andreotti, his agent at the time, confirmed that the Black Cats were interested in a deal to sign the Napoli forward. He said: “The Sunderland rumour is true. But Lorenzo wants to stay here, even if it means earning less money.

“His renewal? We just want justice, Napoli still haven’t contacted us, we are waiting for them.

“We have clear ideas and he wants to stay. However, there have been clubs with enough courage to ask Napoli about his asking price.”

At the time, Insigne was valued by Transfermarkt at £9.9m. He ended up staying at Napoli as Di Canio was unable to do enough to tempt him into making the move to Wearside, and his form for the Azzurri over the years has been sublime, making his compatriot’s failure a big blunder.

Jurgen Klopp once dubbed the phenomenon “outstanding” and the player’s statistics back up that praise. In 428 matches for Napoli, he has scored 119 goals and provided 93 assists – including 26 goals and 18 assists in two Serie A campaigns between 2016/17 and 2017/18.

In December 2018, Transfermarkt valued him at a whopping £67.5m. This perfectly illustrates how much he kicked on over the years since Sunderland’s interest and shows the level of player the club missed out upon as they failed to convince him to make the switch to the Stadium of Light.

After failing to land the winger, Di Canio lost four of the first five games of the 2013/14 Premier League campaign and was swiftly relieved of his duties with the club sat at the bottom of the table.

Insigne was one that got away from Sunderland and for the Italian boss, whose blunder played a part in him ultimately losing his job. Who knows what would have happened with Di Canio at the Stadium of Light had he been able to sign Insigne to bolster his squad…

AND in other news, Speakman must avoid embarrassing Sunderland error over “sublime” gem who “can change a game”…

Pundit Kevin Campbell has been reacting to who could join Erik ten Hag in the Manchester United dugout, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Verbal agreement…

It appears to be a matter of time until the Red Devils confirm Ten Hag as their new manager after striking a verbal agreement with the 52-year-old earlier this week.

An announcement isn’t expected anytime soon however, due to Ajax’s Dutch Cup final with PSV at the weekend, reports David Ornstein.

Reports do however believe that Ten Hag wants to bring his assistant Mitchell van der Gaag with him to Old Trafford, while Steve McClaren and Robin van Persie are also under consideration.

The Latest: Campbell’s comments

Campbell, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to FI regarding the possibility of the former United duo returning to the club to work under Ten Hag.

He labelled it as ‘important’ and ‘a brilliant move’, while also admitting he can see move materialising.

“It would be a smart move because both of them know the club inside out.

“Ten Hag knows what McClaren is about. They’ve been successful. They know.

“Van Persie had great success at Man United. Getting people in who know the club and know what’s required to be successful is important.

“I think it would be a brilliant move, if I’m honest. I can see it happening.”

The Verdict: Interesting…

Along with Van der Gaag, it could be wise for Ten Hag to bring McClaren and Van Persie to Old Trafford. He knows McClaren well after serving as his assistant at FC Twente, with roles possibly reversed 14 years on.

Fellow countryman Van Persie enjoyed plenty of success as a player with the Red Devils, and could also bring something different to the coaching team.

It will be interesting to see who Ten Hag brings with him, but what is most important for United chiefs at this moment in time is that a move goes through without any late hiccups. A coaching team potentially needs to be sorted before a deal is finalised, but only time will tell.

In other news: ‘Interesting’ Man Utd news has pundit talking; says Leeds supporters ‘will be devastated’

Everton have had a busy transfer window securing three signings early into the window and with Rafa Benitez recently sacked, no further signings have been made or attempted with the Everton board distracted by finding the next manager to lead the side at Goodison Park, but the Toffees have now been linked to a huge player.

What’s the word?

Bundesliga journalist, Christian Falks, has confirmed that Everton are interested in signing Bayern Munich player, Thomas Muller, alongside Newcastle United.

Falks tweeted; “TRUE @Everton and @NUFC want @esmuellert_ (contract til 2023 at @FCBayern).”

It has not been confirmed as to whether this interest is for an immediate move in the last days of the January transfer window or if they are looking to the summer window to snatch the World Cup winner from Bayern Munich.

Imagine him & DCL

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is having a slow start in his return to the side since he endured a long term injury for the majority of this season so far and is yet to score since after missing a penalty in his first game back, with fans surely hoping he can find his form as soon as possible to help Everton climb the Premier League table back into a safe place from their current position just four points shy of the relegation zone.

Muller, who was hailed “world-class” by his former teammate Mario Gomez, has been instrumental to the success of both Bayern Munich and his German national team, winning ten Bundesliga titles, two Champions Leagues and one World Cup to name just 13 of his 30 trophies won throughout his career so far, and that kind of winning experience is something Everton are desperate for.

The £22.5m-rated star is the third-highest scoring player ever for Bayern Munich, bagging 223 goals and registering 238 assists in his time at the club, with an astonishing goal involvement every 98 minutes he has played.

This phenomenal attacking output could definitely provide Calvert-Lewin with a fierce attacking partner who can change the trajectory massively for Everton’s future in the Premier League.

If the interest is genuine, it is a no brainer for Farhad Moshiri to make a move for the 32-year-old who is still having a huge impact this season with nine goals and 20 assists already in just 29 appearances.

That means Everton should not be put off by his age and should seize the opportunity if it arises to bring Muller to Goodison Park either this month or in the summer, as he’s exactly what Duncan Ferguson needs if he is to remain in charge.

In other news: Alan Myers drops two-word update on Everton manager search

West Ham United have long been recognised as one of the frontrunners in youth development, earning themselves the nickname of the ‘Academy of Football’ in the process.

From the days of producing Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and Rio Ferdinand – among others – right the way through to the present with the likes of Declan Rice, there has seemingly been an endless conveyor belt of talent streaming out of the youth ranks and into the Hammers first team.

One young starlet who has joined that illustrious list over the past few years is versatile full-back Ben Johnson, the 22-year-old having shone since making his senior debut back in 2018.

While he made just a handful of appearances across his first two campaigns in the first-team set-up, he has since gone to enjoy much more regular game time over the past couple of seasons, having now made 53 appearances for the club in all competitions.

The current campaign has proven a particular turning point for the home-grown star – who was voted the club’s Young Player of the Year last season – as he has often slotted in ahead of Vladimir Coufal at right-back, both domestically and in the Europa League.

Such displays have piqued the interest of those at international level, with the £2.5k-per-week ace having been handed his England U21 debut earlier this year in a 3-0 victory over Albania, while he also earned praise from his club boss, with Moyes dubbing him a “utility player” for his ability to slot in at different positions.

Being seen as a jack of all trades but a master of none may at times be a hindrance rather than a help to a player’s career, although the Hammers boss certainly views his versatility as a benefit, with first-team coach Stuart Pearce having also praised the youngster for being a “wonderful professional”.

It is not just within the London Stadium that his talents are being recognised, however, with pundit Paul Robinson labelling the full-back as “absolutely brilliant” earlier this season, with that view having also been echoed by former Hammer, Trevor Sinclair.

Amid an outstanding season for the club as a whole – with European glory still up for grabs – Johnson’s individual showings have also been particularly eye-catching, with the Waltham Forest-born speedster averaging an impressive 1.8 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game.

His willingness to commit to Moyes’ often dogged defensive style is also evident by the fact that he ranks in the top 1% for blocks made among those in his position in Europe’s top five leagues, while he also ranks in the top 10% for clearances made, as per FBref.

The 5 foot 9 defender is clearly a player on the rise, something reflected in his soaring market valuation, with Transfermarkt currently valuing him at £8.1m – a significant increase from his value of £2.7m back in December.

The only problem now is ensuring that his future remains in east London with the player having reportedly rejected a new six-and-a-half-year deal earlier this season, albeit with the club managing to trigger a two-year contract extension to avoid losing him for nothing this summer.

Much like West Ham’s form, the starlet’s value and performances continue to soar – it remains to be seen if that progression will continue with his current club, or elsewhere.

In other news, West Ham plot bid to sign £25.2m-rated “great talent”, he’s a big Ogbonna upgrade – opinion

Tottenham made an enquiry to sign Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata on transfer deadline day, according to transfer insider Pete O’Rourke (via GiveMeSport).

The Lowdown: Spurs transfer saga

Tottenham’s attacking transfer saga began with Harry Kane last summer, when the striker informed Spurs chief Daniel Levy that he wanted to leave the club.

It was no secret that Pep Guardiola was interested in signing the England captain at the start of the summer window. Manchester City proceeded to make two bids for the player which were both rejected, the highest of which came to a staggering £125m. This has left Kane in limbo, having failed to live up to his usually high standards, with just five goals in 19 league appearances this season.

Spurs do not have any other recognised first-team strikers, but Fabio Paratici still failed to secure an out-and-out centre-forward in January, instead signing Juventus duo Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur on deadline day.

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The Latest: Spurs asked about Morata

According to O’Rourke, it wasn’t for the want of trying that Tottenham did not add a centre-forward in January, revealing that the club made an enquiry to sign Atletico Madrid striker Alvaro Morata on transfer deadline day.

Speaking to GiveMeSport on Monday night, the journalist said: “They did ask about Alvaro Morata today. Never say never with Spurs.”

The Verdict: Backup needed but not Morata

If Kane once again decides to push for a move in the summer, it will be imperative that Paratici secures a replacement for Tottenham’s starting XI. However, even as things stand, Spurs need more options in the centre-forward role in case anything happens to the England international.

Although Conte has previously lauded Morata as ‘a complete player’, the Atletico striker may not be the man for the job; given his experience and CV, he would unlikely settle for a place on the bench.

While it might not be the worst thing in the world that Spurs were unable to sign the Spaniard, they still lack backup for Kane, which is far from an ideal scenario but one with which they are now stuck until the summer.

In other news: Spurs rejected the chance to sign another La Liga player

Rangers can move five points clear at the top of the Premiership table tonight as the Ibrox giants return to action in midweek with Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men aiming to reign supreme in the Old Firm derby.

They travel away to face Celtic at Parkhead and have a chance to move further ahead of the Hoops, who are currently two points behind them as it stands.

They come into the game after a 3-3 draw with Ross County at the weekend. The Glasgow giants let in a scrappy goal in the 96th minute to surrender the three points, allowing their rivals to close the gap at the top.

How many changes will van Bronckhorst make to the team? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make three alterations to the side, with Leon Balogun, James Sands and Kemar Roofe all coming in.

Between the sticks, Allan McGregor will start barring any late injury or illness. He made two errors directly leading to goals at the weekend, but his manager has backed him to continue as the number one, saying:

“Allan is our number one and has saved us many times. There were no discussions around taking him out of my team.”

There could be one change to the back four, with Leon Balogun replacing Calvin Bassey alongside Connor Goldson in defence. FFC published an article explaining why the Nigerian centre-back should be brought into the XI, citing his leadership skills and experience after his compatriot’s rough afternoon against Ross County.

In midfield, van Bronckhorst may look to freshen the team up by bringing in January signing Sands to replace Scott Arfield. The Canadian midfielder played 89 minutes at the weekend and has only started seven games all season, which suggests that he could be best suited to an impact role off the bench in this match.

Sands has made five tackles, two interceptions and won ten duels in his two Premiership outings for Rangers so far since his arrival. This shows that the £3.1k-per-week earner is up for the physical battle and could be useful in a derby clash where challenges could be flying in all over the pitch, which is why he could be an ideal candidate to start.

At the top end of the pitch, we are predicting that Kemar Roofe will be given the nod ahead of misfiring Swiss striker Cedric Itten. The ex-Anderlecht man has six goals in six starts in the league this season and his lethal edge in front of goal could be key to winning the game.

Itten, meanwhile, has failed to score in his two Premiership starts since returning from his Bundesliga loan spell in the first half of the campaign. The £12.5k-per-week dud could drop out of the XI to accommodate Roofe, with van Bronckhorst potentially looking to add more attacking quality to his side.

AND in other news, Big boost: Rangers handed key Old Firm injury update that’ll leave Gvb delighted…

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has ‘called’ former Liverpool forward Luis Suarez ahead of a possible summer swoop.

That’s according to journalist Gerard Romero, and, as to be expected, the update has received plenty of interaction from Villa supporters on social media.

Romero, who has over 300,000 Twitter followers, had previously shared details of an offer from Villa, with Suarez apparently turning down approaches from Palmeiras, Corinthians, Atletico Mineiro and a Saudi Arabian side to focus on a move to the Midlands.

He’s now added that Gerrard has ‘called’ Suarez ‘for the summer’, with the 34-year-old into his last six months on his Atletico Madrid contract.

Gerrard’s former Reds teammate will turn 35 on Monday, but it seems as if a return to the Premier League to reunite with Gerrard and possibly Philippe Coutinho could be on the cards.

Villa fans react

@villareport relayed Romero’s update regarding Suarez on Twitter. This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with one labelling a possible move as ‘incredible’.

“Stop it now Stevie”

Credit: @BlackMarcus__

“Would never imagine we’d have Coutinho, Ings and potentially Suarez at Villa with Gerrard as a manager a year ago”

Credit: @JaiGhuman_

“This Will Be An Incredible Signing If It Happens”

Credit: @Jack31998773

“Get him on a 6 month loan then sign for free in the summer”

Credit: @casper197635

“Stevie G getting the band back together at villa park!”

Credit: @VivaAVFC

“Makes more sense. Allows us to offload one of the strikers in the summer then”

Credit: @UTVilla10

In other news: ‘We’ve actually broken Lange’ – Many Villa fans ‘excited’ as more transfer news is now confirmed.