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Reds miss chance to pull further clear at the top as they lose 3-2 at Craven Cottage

Liverpool missed the chance to go 14 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League as they lost 3-2 to Fulham.

Alexis Mac Allister's beauty had Arne Slot's team in the lead in the first half but a catalogue of defensive errors saw them go in at half-time 3-1 down, with Ryan Sessegnon, Alex Iwobi and Rodrigo Muniz on the scoresheet.

The Reds improved in the second half and substitutes Conor Bradley and Luis Diaz combined to pull a goal back, but it was not enough.

GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Craven Cottage…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Caoimhin Kelleher (4/10):

  Was fortunate not to give away a penalty when he seemed to bring down Andreas Pereira in the first half before being beaten three times before the break.

  Curtis Jones (4/10):

  Did a passable job at right-back but Liverpool badly miss Trent Alexander-Arnold's creativity from that position. Jones was also at fault for Fulham's first goal when a cross bounced off his knee for Sessegnon to score.

  Ibrahima Konate (5/10):

  Part of a defence unable to stem the tide during that damaging first half and his partnership with Van Dijk does not look as sturdy as it did.

  Virgil van Dijk (4/10):

  Made an uncharacteristic error when he was caught out of position and outmuscled by Muniz for Fulham's third.

  Andy Robertson (3/10):

  Two horrible errors, a poor cross-field pass and weak defensive header, were compounded when Iwobi's eventual effort deflected in off him for Fulham's second.

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  Midfield

  Alexis Mac Allister (7/10):

  Scored a magnificent opener when he danced through midfield and unleashed a powerful effort into the top corner from distance, easily Liverpool's best moment of the match.

  Ryan Gravenberch (5/10):

  One of a few players who look overworked after playing the vast majority of minutes this season. Was unable to control the game in the way he did regularly earlier in the campaign.

  Dominik Szoboszlai (4/10):

  Failed to make any impression on the game and was substituted early.

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  Attack

  Mohamed Salah (5/10):

  Looked the most likely to make something happen with his inswinging crosses but missed a big chance to make it 3-2 with 25 minutes to play, stabbing over from close range.

  Diogo Jota (4/10):

  Wasn't involved in the game until he missed an opportunity to pull one back in the second half, denied by Bernd Leno when slipped in by Salah.

  Cody Gakpo (4/10):

  Was also anonymous on an afternoon when Liverpool's attacking play just did not function for the first hour.

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  Subs & Manager

  Harvey Elliott (6/10):

  Liverpool improved when he came on and he struck the bar with a good effort 12 minutes from time.

  Luis Diaz (7/10):

  Took his goal nicely and was part of a much better away display in the last 25 minutes.

  Conor Bradley (7/10):

  Gave Liverpool far more oomph down the right-hand side and provided an assist for Diaz with a nice bit of play in a central area.

  Darwin Nunez (5/10):

  Was not particularly involved as the visitors pushed for an equaliser.

  Federico Chiesa (N/A):

  A late introduction.

  Arne Slot (5/10):

  Is suffering the consequences of not rotating as much as he might have done earlier in the season but his substitutes did have an impact.

Lionel Messi fired Inter Miami into the Champions League semi-finals, finding the top corner with one effort and converting a nerveless penalty.

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• Herons fell behind early on against LAFC
• Talismanic captain sparked remarkable comeback
• Will face Vancouver in last-four showdown

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Argentine superstar, who has seen his game time carefully managed in 2025, was included in the Herons’ starting XI for the third successive fixture as they lined up against MLS rivals LAFC in CONCACAF competition.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Javier Mascherano needed inspiration from somewhere, as his side trailed the quarter-final encounter 1-0 on aggregate, and that meant leaning heavily on eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  The all-time great did not disappoint, as he registered two goals in an impressive 3-1 win. Inter Miami fell behind inside the opening 10 minutes, leaving them with a mountain to climb, but saw Messi grab a lifeline before half-time.

Tottenham Hotspur’s up-and-down season has left Ange Postecoglou’s job hanging by a thread, but victory in the Europa League final may change all that.

While the Australian has had injury issues to deal with throughout the season, the Spurs boss has presided over an awful league campaign and has faced criticism for his unwillingness to compromise on his attacking principles.

In fact, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher went as far as to say Postecoglou will not remain in his job next season if he doesn’t change his style of play.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at five potential replacements for the Spurs boss:

4 players who could leave Tottenham Hotspur this January

Could there be activity through the exit door in N17 this winter?

By
Dominic Lund

Dec 31, 2024

5

Mauricio Pochettino

Ex-Tottenham manager

Invariably, whenever there is discussion over the future of a Tottenham manager, Mauricio Pochettino ends up being linked with the job, and that is no surprise given he guided the club to the final of the Champions League in 2019.

Since being sacked by Spurs, Pochettino has continued to impress in his following managerial roles, winning Ligue 1 and the French Cup with Paris Saint-Germain before guiding Chelsea to a sixth-placed finish last season.

However, the 52-year-old may well have burned his bridges with the fans that used to adore him by taking the job at Stamford Bridge, which makes him an unlikely candidate for the job.

The former Tottenham boss is also currently the manager of the United States and he will be focused on the 2026 World Cup, so a return to north London doesn’t make sense for any party.

10 times Tottenham shocked Manchester City

The Lilywhites have loved facing Manchester City over the years…

By
Tom Cunningham

Nov 21, 2024

4

Massimiliano Allegri

6-time Serie A winner

Massimiliano Allegri is known to have rejected a move to Tottenham in the past, but there have recently been calls for the Italian to replace Postecoglou – and there is some evidence he could be a smart appointment.

The 57-year-old has a proven track record of success in his home country, having won six Serie A titles, three Italian Cups and five Italian Super Cups across spells with Milan and Juventus.

Spurs desperately need to win a trophy of any description, having not lifted silverware since their League Cup triumph in 2008, and Allegri’s history indicates he could bring success to the club.

However, Daniel Levy has been down this road before, appointing supposed born winners in Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte, with neither able to reach the heights expected of them.

Allegri is also well-known to play a more defensive style of football, which would be a major change in tactics from Postecoglou’s attacking focus, meaning the players may struggle to adapt in the second half of the season.

3

Kieran McKenna

Guided Ipswich to unlikely promotion

Kieran McKenna’s stock has risen dramatically over the past few years, having led Ipswich Town to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League, and he has been tipped to replace Postecoglou at Tottenham.

Back in December, Spanish sources reported that McKenna was the leading candidate to replace the Australian, and there are plenty of signs that he could do a stellar job in north London.

Ipswich were always expected to be in a relegation battle this season, but if they are to go down, it won’t be without a fight, having picked up impressive victories over the likes of Spurs and Chelsea.

A relegation by a tight margin would not be a blemish on McKenna’s record, given how monumental the task of keeping the Tractor Boys in the Premier League is, but he may be keen to move to a top club while his stock is still high.

Having made a name for himself as an attack-minded coach, the 38-year-old may not need much time to implement his philosophy at N17, and his age means he could be a long-term success in north London.

2

Edin Terzic

Managed last season's Champions League finalists

Serdal Adali, one of the candidates to be the next president of Besiktas, recently made an interesting claim in the media, asserting that Edin Terzic is “expecting an agreement” to become the new Tottenham manager.

It remains to be seen whether there is any truth behind Adali’s comments, but Terzic could be an exciting appointment for Spurs, given what he achieved at previous club Borussia Dortmund.

The 42-year-old led the German side to the Champions League final last season before coming up just short against Real Madrid, and he is another young coach who likes to implement an attractive brand of football.

Tottenham now holding internal talks over signing £202k-p/w ace in January

It would be a massive statement of intent from Postecoglou.

2

By
Ben Browning

Jan 6, 2025

The former Dortmund boss said: “There are many lessons I have learned… I found out that sometimes it’s not enough to score one more goal. It’s not only about winning; it’s also about winning in style. Now I’m thinking about winning with two goals more than the opposition.

“Like every coach, I want my team to be dominant, active, and play attractive football – to entertain and be successful.”

Terzic seems to share Postecoglou’s view that entertaining the fans is fundamental, alongside getting results, and he could be an exciting and low-cost appointment for Spurs given that he is currently without a club.

1

Thomas Frank

Continuing to impress at Brentford

If the rumours are to be believed, Tottenham are looking at up-and-coming managers with an exciting brand of football as potential Postecoglou replacements, and Thomas Frank ticks both of those boxes.

Former Tottenham CEO Claude Littner recently called for the Brentford manager to be brought in, describing him as an “ambitious” coach, and his record at Brentford speaks for itself.

Not only did Frank take the Bees up from the Championship, but he has also made them a solid Premier League side, and their home record is one of the best in the league.

That is despite losing Ivan Toney, highlighting exactly why the Dane is the second-longest-serving manager in the league behind Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola.

The 8 longest-serving managers in the Premier League & EFL

A rare sight in football…

By
Tom Cunningham

Nov 8, 2024

Guardiola has heaped praise upon his fellow manager in the past, admitting it won’t be long before he’s snapped up by a top European club: “It is just a question of time.

“I’m good in a few things, one of which is reading when the manager is good. It is going to happen.”

With Brentford performing well again this season, Tottenham may have to move quickly to ensure Frank doesn’t end up elsewhere, but they are likely to give their current manager a little while longer in the dugout.

David Ornstein has insisted that Postecoglou remains safe for the time being, but things can change quickly in football, and he could find himself in danger if he fails to turn around Spurs’ poor run of form soon.

Manchester United beating arch-rivals Manchester City 2-1 at the Etihad in the middle of December feels like a lifetime ago now, with four defeats in all competitions since that dramatic victory seriously souring the mood.

Glancing at those four losses, Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils have also worryingly fired blanks on three occasions, which included Monday night’s latest embarrassment as Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United comfortably ran out 2-0 winners at Old Trafford.

This was meant to be the managerial appointment that saw Man United rise up the league standings, but Rome wasn’t built in a day, as many of the poor signings that Erik ten Hag once signed off on continue to severely underperform.

One of those poor underperformers was Joshua Zirkzee, who was hauled off mid-way through the first half by Amorim after offering very little.

Zirkzee's performance vs Newcastle

The decision to hook him off with barely 33 minutes on the clock would cause one of the biggest cheers from the home masses all game, as the toxic environment that went hand-in-hand with Ten Hag’s final few months in charge shows no signs of lifting.

After all, Man United linger in a dire 14th spot in the Premier League standings off the back of defeats like these, with Zirkzee once again way off the pace.

The £36.5m flop could only muster up three accurate passes from his 33-minute stint on the Theatre of Dreams turf, with zero shots also being registered on Martin Dubravka’s goal from his meagre 14 touches.

This could well be the endpoint for Zirkzee – who has already been linked with a January exit – under Amorim, with the United boss set to look to other members of his squad away from the floundering Dutchman to try and kickstart some positive form heading into 2025.

But, the problems run far deeper than just the dejected number 11, with Casemiro putting in yet another abject display for his side against a Newcastle midfield that were head and shoulders above the waning Brazilian all night.

Casemiro's performance in numbers

The former Real Madrid man continues to watch his Man United career go down the drain, after once being seen as a statement buy for the Red Devils off the back of his illustrious playing days in Spain.

Now, he’s an easy opponent to come up against, with the Magpies far too quick with their passing moves for Casemiro to keep tabs on, seen in Alexander Isak’s opener as the 32-year-old simply watched the move unfold alongside an equally tired Christian Eriksen before the deadly Swede headed home.

The likes of Joelinton also managed to get in on the scoring act whilst Casemiro trudged about the pitch passively, with Joelinton’s midfield partners in Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes bossing the game at the expense of the out-of-sorts number 18.

Indeed, whilst the Italian and his confident teammate boasted 60 and 61 accurate passes respectively, the Red Devils dud could only muster up 48 among other dire numbers.

Looking at the table above, away from squandering possession 14 times, Casemiro was also wasteful in front of goal when a rare opportunity opened up, seen in him slicing a golden chance wide right at the end of the first half.

On another day, he could have been the hero to get his despondent side back into the contest, but it wasn’t to be, with Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst dishing out a dismal 2/10 rating to him after the defeat consequently.

Labelled as the “worst Brazilian midfielder on show by a distance” by Luckhurst, Amorim could now have had enough of giving the veteran chances to impress, alongside attempting to get a tune out of Zirkzee.

With links regarding a potential switch to Saudi Arabia resurfacing ahead of the looming January window, the veteran should well have turned out in a United shirt for the last time, if a swift exit can be agreed.

Man Utd could land best January deal since Fernandes in £60k-p/w “monster”

Manchester United could make another marquee move in the January window

By
Ben Gray

Dec 30, 2024

Mohamed Salah sent out a strong message to team-mate Virgil van Dijk after signing new Liverpool contract.

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• Salah sent out a message for Van Dijk
• Van Dijk yet to sign a new deal
• Liverpool beat West Ham 2-1

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Salah finally ended all the speculations related to his future at Anfield earlier this week, signing a new two-year contract and extending his stay in Merseyside until 2027. After committing his future to the Reds, the Egyptian starred with an assist as Liverpool beat West Ham 2-1 in a thrilling Premier League encounter on Sunday.

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  With the Egyptian star's contract extension sealed, Liverpool are now looking to convince captain Virgil van Dijk to sign the dotted lines. The Dutch defender is in the final few months of his existing deal and is expected to put pen to paper on a fresh deal. After the clash against the Hammers, Salah sent out a strong message to Van Dijk as he expressed his desire to continue playing together at the English club.

• WHAT MOHAMED SALAH SAID

  Speaking to , the 32-year-old said: "Everyone knows how much I love this club and let's see what next week will look like. I am glad we managed to do that [contract] before the end of the season. Hopefully, Virgil will be next. He can do whatever he wants, but I would love to play with him next season."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

  With Arsenal dropping points at Brentford, Arne Slot's side are now two wins away from securing their record-equalling 20th English top-flight title. They will be next seen in action on April 20 against Leicester City, away from home.

Liverpool have reportedly made a bid to sign a £20m target in January who manager Arne Slot knows well.

Liverpool transfer rumours

The Reds got back to winning ways on Saturday, easing past Accrington Stanley at Anfield in the FA Cup. Goals from Diogo Jota, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jayden Danns and Federico Chiesa were enough for Slot’s side to book their spot in the fourth round.

Talking before the game, Slot addressed the Liverpool transfer rumours, hinting that they are just speculation. “What I make of that is it is January. I think I said it after the West Ham game that don’t disappoint me, please come up with all these clubs and all these players that are in the interest from us or the ones that don’t play a lot for us are going to go somewhere else!

“Yeah, that’s what’s happening now. Nine out of 10 times, 99 times out of 100 times in the end of the window, it’s been clear that almost all of these stories weren’t true. So, what can I comment about it? That the rumours keep going for it, but no comments from my side.”

There have been plenty of rumours regarding potential incomings, though, such as Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. PSG are also seriously interested in the Georgia international, and there has been talk about Liverpool including Chiesa in a possible deal.

Exciting £50m move: Liverpool chasing Gravenberch rival who's like Mainoo

Liverpool are looking to strengthen Slot’s first team in 2025.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jan 12, 2025

Elsewhere, Liverpool have also held talks with the agent of El Hadji Malick Diouf, with the left-back valued at €25m (£21m) by Slavia Prague.

Another defender who has been linked with a move to Merseyside in recent months is Sam Beukema. Reports suggested that Slot was a big fan of the Bologna defender, who was valued at £20m, and a new development has now emerged.

Liverpool make offer for 26 y/o defender

According to Bologna sports site 1000 Cuori Rossoblu in the last 48 hours, Liverpool have made an offer to sign Beukema in January.

They claim that Slot knows the Dutch defender well during their time at AZ Alkmaar, however, Bologna have turned down Liverpool’s proposal to sign Beukema this month.

The 26-year-old has already played at Anfield this season in the Champions League, with the Serie A side losing 2-0 to Slot’s side back in October. Beukema revealed that Slot spoke to him after that meeting, saying he praised him and Bologna.

“In my opinion, he’s one of the best coaches in the Netherlands and Europe. After our Champions League game against Liverpool, he praised me and the team, saying, ‘It’s incredible that we’re competing at this level’.”

It looks as if a move for the centre-back could be one to keep an eye on in the future, but any transfer this month appears unlikely following Bologna’s response to Liverpool’s offer.

The defender snatched the crucial goal in a truly thrilling 120 minutes, one of the club's greatest European nights

Football, bloody hell. Alex Ferguson was talking about the 1999 Champions League final then but that magical evening in Barcelona was tame compared to this wild, unpredictable and unforgettable night which saw Manchester United go 2-0 up against Lyon, blow their advantage then fall 4-2 behind in extra-time despite playing with a one-man advantage.

But somehow the Red Devils conjured the spirit of the Camp Nou and scored three times in seven epic minutes to win 5-4 on the night and 7-6 on aggregate reach the Europa League semi-finals.

Harry Maguire played the role of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, heading in the critical goal in the 121st minute to avoid penalties and complete the most epic of turnarounds. But only a few minutes earlier the Red Devils had been staring in the face of one of their most embarrassing and infuriating defeats as Lyon came back from nowhere, scoring twice in the space of six minutes through Corentin Tolisso and Nicolas Tagliafico to cancel out Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot's first-half efforts for United.

They then brushed off having Tolisso sent off in the 89th minute and went ahead thanks to a low drive from the brilliant Rayan Cherki in the 104th minute. It looked to be game over when Alexandre Lacazette tucked in a penalty early in the second half of extra-time. But when Manchester United are concerned, it is never over.

United unfurled an impressive banner and let off fireworks before kick off. Ruben Amorim's side then made a booming start. Ugarte tapped them in front after a sweeping move involving Noussair Mazraoui, Bruno Fernandes and Alejandro Garnacho. Casemiro and Fernandes – with a lethal volley against the bar – came close to doubling the lead before Dalot finally did so on the stroke of half-time, firing in off the post after a lofted pass from Maguire.

United played with freedom and enjoyment in the second half but crucially failed to kill Lyon off, Garnacho wasting their best opportunity. Lyon looked dead but came alive when United failed to clear the danger in the air and Tolisso nipped in to head past Onana. Just a few minutes later they found the equaliser as chaos reigned around the United area and Nicolas Tagliafico stabbed the ball over the line, Lacazette putting it back in for good measure.

Old Trafford was completely deflated but United were handed a huge advantage when Tolisso was shown a second yellow card in the 89th minute for tripping Leny Yoro. And yet they blew it, the excellent Cherki sticking one in the bottom corner after United failed to stop the livewire Malick Fofana. The substitute then earned a penalty in the second half of extra-time after being trod on by Luke Shaw.

When Lacazette scored from the spot a number of United fans gave up and began filing out of the stadium. Those that stayed saw Fernandes reduce the deficit to one goal in the 114th minute but still few believed the comeback was really on. That is, until substitute Kobbie Mainoo curled in an equaliser in the 120th to send Old Trafford potty.

Penalties beckoned but Maguire was having none of it and he headed Casemiro's cross in off the post in the 121st minute to snatch the most remarkable victory and set up a semi-final tie with Athletic Club. And given what took place tonight, United will dare to dream of making it back to Bilbao for the final and of lifting the trophy.

GOAL rates Man United's players from a truly unbelievable night at Old Trafford…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Andre Onana (7/10):

  Blocked out all the noise surrounding him and made two fine saves, getting low to thwart Cherki in the first half and then denying Corentin Tolisso. Couldn't be blamed for any of the goals and had the last laugh over Nemanja Matic as he has a semi-final tie to look forward to.

  Leny Yoro (6/10):

  Brought the ball out very well, charging confidently up the field with the ball twice. His defending was a little suspect, being dazzled by Cherki and making a lazy flicked clearance which allowed Ainsley Maitland-Niles to shoot. Could have been stronger against Tolisso but then bravely blocked Fofana's shot with his head.

  Harry Maguire (9/10):

  Set the tone for a dominant display with an early crunching tackle on Cherki. Was quickly on top of every whiff of danger and moved the ball around superbly, especially when he set up Dalot with a chipped pass from his own half. Lost a bit of focus after the break but made amends by pulling off the clutch moment.

  Noussair Mazraoui (7/10):

  Started the move for the opener with a wonderful pass from defence to Fernandes. Defended comfortably before being taken off at half-time for Shaw.

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  Midfield

  Diogo Dalot (7/10):

  Played a sumptuous long pass to Fernandes and then controlled a similar ball from Maguire to fire in the second. Really enjoyed himself in attack in the second half but it amounted to nothing. He then couldn't handle the brilliant Fofana and didn't clear the danger before Cherki scored.

  Casemiro (8/10):

  Plugged several holes in midfield and spread the play nicely, pulling off flicks and tricks in the second half. Had an early effort saved by Perri but could have struck it better. His legs appeared to give way in extra-time but he then laid the ball off for Mainoo before crossing for Maguire's winner. Class is permanent, even when you can no longer run.

  Manuel Ugarte (7/10):

  Got the ball rolling albeit with an easy finish. Held the midfield together comfortably with Casemiro for most of the game but faded as Lyon grew back into it. Taken off in the 88th minute.

  Patrick Dorgu (4/10):

  The weak link. Left Maitland-Niles open in the first half then failed to clear the danger leading to Tolisso's goal. Offered little going forward, often losing the ball.

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  Attack

  Alejandro Garnacho (6/10):

  Lively from start to finish but wasteful at the crucial moments. Set up the opener with a clever cut-back to Ugarte, then his pressing sparked Casemiro's effort. Ran through on his own in the second half but bungled the finish and later he again failed to make the most of a free run into the area. Would have been one of the main culprits had United gone out so he might want to invite the team out for dinner again.

  Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):

  No shots on goal again although he got no service from his team-mates. The fact that Mainoo took his place up front says it all.

  Bruno Fernandes (7/10):

  Played ball to Garnacho leading to the first goal then was inches was from scoring a screamer of a volley, crashing against the bar. Orchestrated a lot of the play from deep then had to drag the team back from the brink, coolly converting the penalty.

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  Subs & Manager

  Luke Shaw (3/10):

  A huge downgrade on Mazraoui. Not to blame for either goal but his lack of physical presence and rustiness from being out for so long played into Lyon's hands. Made things even worse by giving away the penalty.

  Mason Mount (5/10):

  Didn't do many positive things when he came on.

  Kobbie Mainoo (9/10):

  Saved United with a brilliant finish when no-one in the stadium seemed to believe the comeback was possible.

  Harry Amass (6/10):

  An improvement on Dorgu.

  Christian Eriksen (6/10):

  His cool head helped United find their feet.

  Ruben Amorim (6/10):

  Bringing on Shaw over Lindelof was a big mistake but his other substitutions worked. But his tactics cannot be hailed. This was all about belief.

Leeds United are “interested” in signing a £6m “machine” who Liverpool officials were recently impressed by.

Leeds return to the top of the Championship with 2-0 win over Norwich

The Whites returned to the top of the Championship table on Wednesday evening, with a 2-0 win over Norwich City at Elland Road.

Manor Solomon and Dan James both scored and provided an assist in the midweek victory, with attention now turning to Monday’s crucial trip to promotion rivals Burnley.

Daniel Farke’s side are unbeaten in their last 11 games in all competitions and are yet to add to their squad in the January transfer window.

The German’s message for new signings has been clear all month and was reemphasised in the week, where he said: “We stay awake in the market but we are not in panic mode.”

Exciting new loan-to-buy transfer update on Leeds signing £75k-p/w Buendia

One journalist thinks a move will go through.

By
Charlie Smith

Jan 23, 2025

Some players who have been linked with moves to Elland Road include Aston Villa attacking midfielder Emiliano Buendia and striker Willem Geubbels from Swiss side FC St. Gallen. However, additions at the back could also be on the agenda, especially with Pascal Struijk currently sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Leeds interested in signing £6m machine – Sky Sports

According to Sky Sports reporter Philipp Hinze, Leeds are “interested” in signing Nordsjaelland left-back Daniel Svensson. However, Red Bull owned RB Leipzig are also keen on the Sweden international, who is valued at up to €7m (£6m).

“Daniel Svensson is on the list of RB Leipzig. 22-year-old Swede, currently under contract with Nordsjaelland. Left-back, 1.83m tall. Also interesting for the summer. Initial loose talks have taken place. Fits the LV profile. Not hot yet. Realistic price: €6-7 million. Leeds is also interested in the player.”

Svensson is 22 years of age and has made more than 150 appearances for Nordsjaelland over the last four years, 19 of which have come during the current campaign. He also has experience of playing in central midfield and as a left midfielder, so he could be a shrewd addition for the Whites.

Svensson has also been catching the eye of some Premier League giants, with Arsenal and Manchester City scouting the player and Liverpool chiefs being left impressed after they watched the full-back.

Former teammate Jeppe Tverskov also previously hailed Svensson, labelling him as a “machine”: “Sometimes, you see that if you can do a bit of everything, you end up being a reserve. But [Svensson] doesn’t because he is so good.

“He is a machine. He has a strong body and can run a lot. During the time when we played almost every three days, there were many who played many minutes. The only difference was that, in every eternal fight, he had 13 kilometers in him. It is very impressive.”

Leeds’ current first-choice left-back, Junior Firpo, is out of contract at Elland Road in the summer, and there are no immediate signs of a new deal, so perhaps the 49ers and Farke view Svensson as a potential replacement for the Spaniard.

Barcelona will collect a significant after West Ham's Premier League survival ensured they will have to buy Jean-Clair Todibo in a permanent deal.

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• West Ham survive Premier League relegation
• Triggers obligation to buy Todibo from Nice
• Barca to receive a chunk of the transfer fee

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Todibo joined the Hammers from Nice last summer in a loan deal that includes an obligation to buy him outright for €42.5 million (£36m/$48m) should the London side avoid relegation. Their survival was confirmed on Saturday when Ipswich lost to Newcastle to ensure they will go down to the Championship with Southampton and Leicester.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Now that the London club must meet their obligation to buy Todibo from Nice, reports that Barcelona will receive 20 per cent of that fee, providing an extra €8.5m (£7m/$10m) for Hansi Flick's team. The Catalan side have already earned a significant amount for the 25-year-old, who joined the club in 2019. The centre-back failed to settle in at Barca and was loaned to Schalke and Benfica, seeing the Spanish side pocket €3.5m, before he was sold to Nice for a total fee worth up to €15.5m (£13m/$18m).

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Todibo has endured a few spells on the sidelines in a rocky season for West Ham, but has started 16 of the 23 Premier League matches in which he has featured. The France international managed just five senior appearances for Barcelona before his permanent sale in 2021.

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• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR TODIBO?

  West Ham are 17th in the Premier League having lost four and drawn three of their last seven games. Todibo and his team-mates will hope to end that miserable run when they host rivals Tottenham on Sunday

Tottenham Hotspur have been presented with a late-window chance to sign an “extraordinary” forward, amid their failed pursuit of Bayern Munich starlet Mathys Tel, who rejected a move to north London on Friday.

Mathys Tel snubs Tottenham transfer after Daniel Levy talks

Spurs were determined to strike a deal for Tel, with Lilywhites chairman Daniel Levy even travelling to Munich in an effort to sway the player’s thinking (Fabrizio Romano).

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However, the boardroom chief’s efforts were in vain, as the 19-year-old snubbed a move to Spurs and became their second high-profile rejection of the window after their publicly botched swoop for Randal Kolo Muani.

Tottenham are now back to square one in their search for a new centre-forward, with Dominic Solanke sidelined and manager Ange Postecoglou bereft of options amid an ongoing injury crisis.

According to David Ornstein, Tel expressed his desire to remain at Bayern until the summer, where he will look to reassess his options despite the plethora of clubs chasing his signature before the 3rd February deadline.

In any case, Postecoglou needs options now, and they’ve since been handed a chance to strike a potential deal for Bayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface.

Tottenham offered Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface

The prolific Nigerian bagged 21 goals and a further 10 assists for the Bundesliga champions last season, displaying proficiency again this term with 8 goals from his last 15 appearances in all competitions.

Boniface was on the verge of a £50m switch to Al-Nassr, but that deal fell through due to Jhon Duran’s move there.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, writing for The Boot Room, Tottenham have been offered Boniface via intermediaries, who are attempting to push him towards the Premier League.

The 24-year-old’s quality is evident, but Boniface’s injury record doesn’t make for pretty viewing, so Spurs will want to think carefully about this one if they opt to pursue this transfer.

Manager Xabi Alonso has previously lavished praise on Boniface, while teammate Florian Wirtz says he’s a player who can do “extraordinary” things following an incredible pass in the build-up to a goal earlier this season.

“That’s his signature move. He’s the best at it in the world of football. He can do extraordinary things with the ball.”