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Leeds United have been dealt a further injury concern regarding Sonny Perkins.

What’s the latest?

In a recent report for the Yorkshire Evening Post, Graham Smyth revealed that, in addition to Crysencio Summerville picking up an injury in Leeds’ 2-1 victory over Elche CF on Thursday, the 18-year-old also picked up a knock in the closing stages of the fixture – with the centre-forward having to be withdrawn as a result of his injury.

Regarding the England U19 international, the journalist wrote: “With Leeds suffering a second in-game injury, Sonny Perkins struggling to run off a knock late on, Jesse Marsch took the decision to go down to 10 men and passed a note to Cody Drameh. The young defender then dutifully ran all over the pitch to deliver the message to each and every teammate.”

Big blow

While it is true that Perkins has not been an overly regular part of Jesse Marsch’s first-team squad so far this season, considering Patrick Bamford’s continued struggles with injury, coupled with the youngster having recently broken into the Whites’ senior set-up, should the striker be ruled out for any real stretch of time, it would undoubtedly come as a big blow to the 48-year-old.

Indeed, the £1.7m-rated forward recently made his first-team debut following his summer switch to Elland Road, playing 71 minutes of Leeds’ 1-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers back in November, while the former West Ham United starlet was also an unused substitute in the Whites’ 4-3 Premier League defeat to Tottenham Hotspur the following weekend.

And, considering just how impressive Perkins has been for Michael Skubala’s U21 side so far this season, it is not difficult to understand why Marsch had started to give the teenager a shot in the first-team prior to the break for the Qatar World Cup.

Indeed, over his nine Premier League 2 appearances in the current campaign, the centre-forward has already bagged seven goals, as well as adding a further strike to his haul over three outings in the Papa John’s Trophy.

As such, should Perkins indeed be sidelined for Leeds’ return to Premier League action later this month – or potentially even longer – it would undoubtedly come as a gutting blow to Marsch and his side, as the youngster very much appears to be one of the club’s most exciting youth prospects at present – one who could come in very useful over the second half of the campaign.

QPR appear to have struck gold when signing Kenneth Paal on a free transfer in the summer, as the left-back’s value has rocketed since his move to Loftus Road.

The Hoops announced the signing of Paal on a three-year deal in June after he agreed a mutual termination of his contract with Dutch side PEC Zwolle, with the defender signing on an £8k-per-week contract with the west London outfit.

The 25-year-old, who progressed through PSV Eindhoven’s academy, had enjoyed an impressive spell with Zwolle, contributing three goals and seven assists in 106 appearances, so it was perhaps always going to be a smart piece of business by the English Championship club to bring him in on a free.

He has certainly proved his worth at Loftus Road so far this season, notching one goal and four assists in 21 appearances and averaging a strong 6.97 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Only Ilias Chair and Chris Willock have earned higher average ratings from QPR’s squad, while Paal also ranks in the top five players for tackles, interceptions and clearances for the R’s, which emphasises how important he has become to the west London outfit.

After impressing on his first appearance under Neil Critchley at the weekend, providing the assist for Jimmy Dunne’s goal in the 1-0 win over Preston North End, it seems clear that Paal will continue to be crucial to the Hoops under their new manager.

Should QPR decide to sell the 25-year-old in the near future, they look likely to make a significant profit on the Surinam international, as his Transfermarkt value has rocketed since his arrival at Loftus Road.

When he came to west London, the website valued him at only €700k. His valuation now stands at an impressive €2m, which represents an incredible 186% increase in just six months.

It also sees him ranked as the 10th-most valuable player at Loftus Road, so QPR chief executive Lee Hoos deserves a huge amount of praise for bringing him in on a free transfer during the summer, as it has proven to be a masterstroke from both a financial and footballing perspective.

Manchester City will be looking to keep their title hopes alive when they take on Leeds United at Elland Road on Wednesday evening.

Pep Guardiola’s side, who are the victims of the latest Christmas kick-off, fell eight points behind Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table when the Gunners defeated West Ham United 3-1 on Boxing Day.

The Citizens showed no signs of rustiness after the World Cup when they defeated Liverpool 3-2 in the Carabao Cup last week and will be looking for a similarly positive result when they take on Jesse Marsch’s side this evening.

Here is how we at Football FanCast expect City to line up on Wednesday, with six changes to the side that started against Liverpool last time out.

After being rested in midweek, it seems likely that Ederson will return to the starting side in between the sticks, with Stefan Ortega dropping to the bench.

There are three changes in defence, as Kyle Walker starts at right-back despite Rico Lewis’ impressive display against the Reds, while Joao Cancelo also comes back in at left-back, with Nathan Ake dropping out.

Aymeric Laporte is partnered by John Stones in the heart of the defence, with Manuel Akanji dropping out after starting in midweek, while Ruben Dias is still sidelined with injury.

After a superb performance against the Reds, Kevin De Bruyne unsurprisingly keeps his place in the midfield, with Rodri and Ilkay Gundogan also starting at Elland Road.

There are two changes out wide, as, while the “unbelievable” Riyad Mahrez scored a lovely goal against Liverpool, he has struggled in the Premier League this season, averaging a disappointing 6.59 rating from WhoScored for his performances, so Phil Foden replaces him.

Fellow England star Jack Grealish is also handed a start on the left-hand side, replacing Cole Palmer, while Erling Haaland will hoping to haunt his city of birth with some more goals against the Yorkshire outfit this evening.

Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva’s future at the Etihad Stadium is ‘up in the air, according to The Athletic.

The Lowdown: Silva’s City future

The Portugal star is still tied down on a long-term deal with the Premier League champions, with his current contract not set to expire until June 2025, although there has been talk about him completing a move away from the club.

Barcelona have been potential suitors for Silva since the summer, although there have since been reports that the Catalan giants have recently decided to cool their interest as Man City’s valuation of the player is deemed too high, considering that he will be 29 next August.

While Xavi’s side are no longer plotting a move, it is now being reported that the midfielder’s future at the Etihad could still be in doubt…

The Latest: Heading for the exit?

According to a report from The Athletic, Silva’s future as a City player is still ‘up in the air’, and Pep Guardiola may choose to cash in on a big offer if one arrives sooner rather than later.

However, a concern for the City manager would be finding a suitable replacement, with fellow midfielder Ilkay Gundogan’s contract coming to an end in June as things stand.

The Verdict: Silva must stay

Hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by football presenter Joe Thomlinson, Silva has been a fantastic servant for Guardiola since arriving at City in 2017, and he has continued to be an important player this season.

The 78-cap Portugal international has featured in all 14 of the Citizens’ Premier League games so far this term, scoring twice and bagging five assists, highlighting his aptitude for bringing his team-mates into the play and providing them with opportunities to finish.

This is also indicated by an average of 0.28 assists per 90 over the past year, placing him in the 96th percentile compared to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues, while a match average of 3.95 shot-creating actions in the same period puts him in the 93rd percentile.

It could be very difficult to find a replacement who’s good enough to match this return, so Guardiola should hold onto Silva for the foreseeable future.

Arsenal are interested in a deal to bring Martin Terrier to the Emirates Stadium in 2023.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to French media outlet Media Foot, who claim that all three of Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool have approached Stade Rennais for information about the 25-year-old forward, who the Ligue 1 side are believed to value at a figure in the region of €50m (£44m).

The report goes on to suggest that Terrier himself would be open to a move away from Roazhon Park next year, as the former France U21 international has aspirations of joining a major European club in the not-too-distant future in order to help force his way into Didier Deschamps’ France squad.

The next Henry

Considering just how impressive Terrier has been in France in recent seasons, it is easy to see why Mikel Arteta would be interested in a deal to bring the forward to The Emirates either in the January transfer window or next summer.

Indeed, over his 37 Ligue 1 appearances in 2021/22, the £31m-rated talent was in devastating attacking form, scoring 21 goals, registering three assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 2.4 shots – 1.3 of which hit the target – making 1.1 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the player who European football writer Tim Williams dubbed “phenomenal” average a simply sensational Sofascore match rating of 7.30, not only ranking him as Rennes’ second-best performer in the league but also as the joint 11th-best player in the French top-flight as a whole last time out.

It has been a similar story over the £51k-per-week forward’s 14 Ligue 1 fixtures in the current campaign, with Terrier having already bagged eight goals, provided three assists and created three big chances, as well as taking an average of 3.0 shots – 1.6 of which have been on target – making 1.7 key passes and completing 0.6 dribbles per match.

These metrics have seen the 25-year-old – who is equally comfortable operating as a left-winger or a centre-forward – average a breathtaking Sofascore match rating of 7.55, ranking him not only as Bruno Genesio’s best performer in the division but also as the sixth-best player in the league in its entirety – one place above a certain Kylian Mbappe.

Furthermore, with Terrier being a right-footed left-winger who is a hybrid between a winger and a striker, the aforementioned Williams even went as far as to compare the former French youth international to none other than Arsenal legend Thierry Henry on the Sky Sports Transfer Talk podcast back in the summer, stating:

“He’s a very quick, left-sided right-footed attacking player whose trademark is coming in off the left flank and whipping shots in, a-la Thierry Henry. Looking at his age and the phenomenal season he had last season, he will think that if he is ever going to make a big move to the Premier League, it’s probably going to be now or never.”

As such, considering the fact that Gabriel Jesus looks as if he will be ruled out of action for around three months after picking up a knee injury on international duty with Brazil, the signing of a player in Terrier’s mould would appear an extremely wise move for Arteta this winter – with the 25-year-old possessing the traits to potentially become Arsenal’s next Henry-esque attacker.

Leeds United have suffered another gutting injury setback to Patrick Bamford after a fresh update emerged ahead of their clash with West Ham United…

What’s the latest?

According to Football Insider, the Whites now fear that the 29-year-old striker is facing an extended stint on the sidelines as he continues to struggle with recovery from a hernia operation.

The England international underwent surgery during the World Cup break in a bid to be fit for the resumption of the Premier League but he’s yet to fully return to Thorp Arch.

It marks yet another blow to Bamford, who has endured a miserable year-and-a-half with injuries, and manager Jesse Marsch.

Another frustrating blow

Since the start of the 2020/21 campaign, the former Middlesbrough and Chelsea forward has only been able to start 11 matches across all competitions and that comes off the back of a 17-goal campaign in Leeds’ first season back in the big time.

We are yet to see the 6 foot 1 star return to such exploits because of the constant troubles over the last two seasons and that’s rather damaging to Marsch as he would surely be desperate for a fully fit and free-scoring Bamford to feature in the starting XI.

Rodrigo has stepped up to the plate in his absence, bagging nine goals since the start of the season but that’s not enough and his position switch leaves open a gap elsewhere.

Meanwhile, other alternatives – such as summer signing Wilfried Gnonto and academy gem Joe Gelhardt – are perhaps a little too young and inexperienced to be relied on week-in, week-out.

TEAMtalk editor and journalist James Marshment recently claimed that Bamford “has been such a major loss” to Leeds, whilst Marsch himself is hoping that the recent operation will be the “difference-maker” in getting him back to 100%.

Indeed, the American head coach will still be hurting from such a massive miss in Bamford, so the quicker he can get back on the training pitch, the better.

It’s certainly gutting news to receive ahead of a crucial bottom-of-the-table clash with the Hammers tonight.

AND in other news, Marsch must unleash Leeds’ 20 y/o “weapon” tonight, he could cause West Ham nightmares…

France and Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann is on Manchester United’s radar ahead of a potential move, according to a new transfer update.

The Lowdown: Griezmann superb at World Cup

A number of players shone at the 2022 World Cup but Griezmann was right up there with the best of them, helping inspire France to the final.

The 31-year-old provided three assists at the tournament, and while Kylian Mbappe stole the show more often, he was arguably just as effective at times, with Didier Deschamps calling his star ‘world-class’.

Griezmann could possibly leave Atletico in the January transfer window, however, and an intriguing update has now emerged.

The Latest: Ronaldo replacement

According to Media Foot, United are interested in making a move for the French legend, as Erik ten Hag looks to add a top attacking player to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.

The rumour is thought to be ‘gaining momentum’, with the Red Devils keen on bringing in a new superstar after Ronaldo’s exit.

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The Verdict: Is he needed?

There is no doubting Griezmann’s elite brilliance as a footballer, but it could also be argued that United don’t need a player of his ilk currently, considering they have Bruno Fernandes in the role Griezmann has shone in.

At 31, and with huge wages likely to be demanded, the attacking midfielder would also be an expensive and short-term fix, rather than someone who Ten Hag can build the team around into the future.

Griezmann could easily come in and do a great job – he is 99th percentile for assists – but there are younger alternatives out there and United would be wiser to focus on bringing in a centre forward instead.

Leeds United’s search for a new left-back is one which is seemingly never-ending.

Marcelo Bielsa could not find one, and in the summer Jesse Marsch seemingly struggled too.

Although, it did seem that with the £12.8m signing of Junior Firpo in 2021 that the former had done it.

Joining from FC Barcelona, it initially appeared that Victor Orta had pulled off a transfer masterclass, enticing an exciting young talent from Camp Nou to Elland Road, sure to hold down their problem spot for many years to come.

However, the Dominican’s time in Yorkshire has been nothing short of diabolical.

Struggling with the intensity of the Premier League and lacking the concentration to remain present throughout a full 90 minutes, he played a huge role in their terrible underperformance last season

This is no greater exemplified than in his 6.60 average rating from that campaign, which has only worsened in his short cameo this season.

With Pascal Struijk having been preferred to the 26-year-old, who has since seen that rating drop to 6.30, it is clear that the Whites once again need to find their fix for the left-back spot.

That could therefore explain reports that emerged last week, linking them with a move for Hungary international Milos Kerkez.

With the AZ Alkmaar defender valued at more than £15m, it will not be an easy deal to make.

However, he has shown flashes of brilliance to suggest this price tag could be justified.

This season, the 19-year-old boasts a 7.00 average rating in which he has established himself as a fine defender with a creative presence.

As such, he has scored twice and created two more big chances, all whilst recording 1.0 key passes per 90, via Sofascore. In fact, across all competitions, he actually has nine goal contributions this season.

This is supplemented by his 1.3 interceptions, 1.7 tackles and 1.7 clearances per game, also via Sofascore, which are made even more impressive given his youth.

The teenage sensation already boasts four caps for his country and seems poised to have a phenomenal future ahead of him.

This is highlighted in an interview he shared with Scouted Football, as he outlined his desire to be the best amongst some amazing youngsters at AC Milan: “You have a lot of really talented young players in the Primavera and you can grow tactically there, which was good for me. I was determined to prove myself.”

Marsch could bring Kerkez to Yorkshire early to get him well-adjusted to a problem position that has plagued the club for so long, and in doing so finally rid himself of Firpo.

Newcastle United centre-back and captain Jamaal Lascelles could seal a move to Wolves during the January transfer window, according to a new update.

The Lowdown: Lascelles struggling for minutes

The 29-year-old was once a key figure at the heart of the Magpies’ defence, helping them return to the Premier League and becoming a popular player.

Lascelles has found himself out of favour at St James’ Park this season, however, with only six league appearances and three starts coming his way in 2022/23 to date.

Fabian Schar and Sven Botman have become Newcastle’s undisputed centre-back pairing, and for that reason, Lascelles may be eyeing a move elsewhere.

The Latest: Wolves line up move

According to Football Insider, Wolves are ‘plotting a move’ for the Magpies skipper, should they fail in their attempts to sign West Ham’s Craig Dawson.

They want to bring in a ‘proven’ player in the Premier League and believe Lascelles falls into that category.

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The Verdict: Wait until the summer?

This is a tricky one for Newcastle, who may be willing to sell Lascelles, but only if they bring in a sufficient replacement before the end of the month.

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Should he be sold, there is the risk that Eddie Howe’s squad depth is affected, with an injury to either Schar or Botman having the potential to damage their top-four hopes.

The first-choice pair are certainly an upgrade on the Lascelles, who have made 4.3 and 3.1 interceptions per game in the league this season, compared to his tally of 1.7.

The Englishman is a leader in the dressing room, though, which is the reason he is captain, and he has been hailed as ‘absolutely superb’ by manager Eddie Howe, so allowing him to leave in the summer arguably makes more sense.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has slammed Aston Villa for selling Danny Ings in the January market to a Premier League rival.

What’s the latest?

West Ham United have managed to sign the English striker from the Villans for a reported £15m fee. With six goals in 18 league game to his name this term, this might have come as a bit of a surprise to many.
Evidently, though, new Villa manager Unai Emery was happy to let him go. It does, of course, suggest that big things are planned in terms of an incoming before the winter market slams shut.
However, while the club had been linked with Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma, their Spanish manager has suggested that there is no truth to the claims.
Indeed, Emery said (via BirminghamLive): “Really? He’s a good player and, last year, he played very well at Villarreal with us. But now I’m not thinking about him.”
While speaking on Chasing Green Arrows, Jones insisted that Villa were mad for letting Ings go but it must mean they have something exciting planned even if Danjuma isn’t likely to arrive.
He said: “I think Aston Villa are mad, here. They must have something great up their sleeves. I mean, they’ve played down the idea today of Danjuma signing. So they must have something good.
“I understand, like, Danny Ings isn’t really quick enough to play the type of football that Unai Emery wants to transform to, but he was their only goalscorer. Very strange.”

Right decision?

Ollie Watkins has proven to be a more reliable goalscorer in recent years, with 32 in 98 as a Villan while Ings managed 14 in 52. So it’s not quite fair of Jones to say Aston Villa don’t have anyone else to rely on for goals – though Watkins does have just four in the league this term.
Still, the new West Ham man has been a pretty good forward over the span of his career, and has over 100 senior goals to his name at club level, enjoying more fruitful spells with the likes of Burnley and Southampton before joining the Villans.
With that in mind, it’s easy to see why there could be a concern that his goals will be missed unless Emery can bring in an exciting new attacking signing before January ends.
Of course, the club have just spent decent money on 19-year-old Jhon Duran from Chicago Fire – who managed 22 appearances in MLS last season, scoring eight goals and providing five assists – but it remains to be seen if any more high-profile deals will happen this winter with Ings now out the door.