Leeds United are in a good place in the Championship to put themselves well on course for an immediate return to the top flight. With plenty more football still to come, they could even sneak into the automatic promotion spots ahead of either Leicester City or Ipswich Town in what would be a big success for Daniel Farke.

It's not all good news, however, with the Whites set to suffer yet another departure after bidding farewell to a number of stars during the transfer window. When next summer comes around, reports suggest that they'll be waving goodbye to one particular player, who remains on course to leave.

Leeds United transfer news

Leeds deserve credit for the way that they've managed to transition from the Premier League back in the Championship, having lost the likes of Rodrigo and Tyler Adams. It would have been easy to fall apart before Farke even had the chance to rebuild, but instead, Leeds, under new owners the 49ers Enterprises, welcomed fitting replacements in the form of players such as Joel Piroe, Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon.

It looks as though they'll have to repeat that transfer trick to replace Cody Drameh long-term next summer, with the full-back's contract coming to an end. According to Phil Hay, the defender, currently out on loan with Birmingham City, has no intention to sign a new deal at Elland Road, with the Blues having the option to make a move permanent.

Reacting to the news, pundit Carlton Palmer described it to Football League World as a "huge blow" for the Whites.

"Cody Drameh, Leeds United's talented right-back who is currently on loan to Birmingham City, has said he will not sign a new contract.

"Leeds could be missing out on a player with the potential to be a considerable asset over the years to come as he continues his development."

"Talented" Drameh set for Leeds United exit

It's a shame for Drameh who has never really shone at Elland Road. The right-back is on course to leave the club on a permanent basis in the summer after making just 10 senior appearances for Leeds, despite impressing whilst on loan at promoted Luton Town last season. Currently on loan at Birmingham City, the 21-year-old has made 12 appearances and even picked up two assists, as he continues to prove those in Yorkshire wrong.

Player

Progressive Carries

Progressive Passes

Tackles Won

Cody Drameh

24

31

25

Sending Drameh out on loan once again, Leeds have opted for teenager Archie Gray at right-back this season, with the midfielder turned full-back enjoying a breakthrough campaign. That doesn't mean that his on-loan teammate hasn't been impressing elsewhere, however, as Drameh's stats prove.

MatériaMais Notícias

O atacante Gabriel Barbosa, do Flamengo, foi julgado pela Quinta Comissão Disciplinar do STJD, nesta sexta-feira, pela expulsão na partida contra o Bahia, em 20 de dezembro, pelo Campeonato Brasileiro. Denunciado duas vezes no artigo 258 II do Código Brasileiro de Justiça Desportiva, que trata de desrespeitar a arbitragem, o camisa 9 foi apenas advertido pelo Tribunal. A Procuradoria do STJD ainda pode recorrer, caso entenda ser necessário.

Na ocasião, o Flamengo venceu o Bahia por 4 a 3, mas viu Gabigol ser expulso de forma direta com apenas nove minutos de jogo. Árbitro da partida, Flávio Rodrigues de Souza afirmou que o camisa 9 do Fla o mandou “tomar no c…”.

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O zagueiro Gustavo Henrique também foi julgado pela expulsão no clássico entre Flamengo e Botafogo, ocorrido no dia 5 de dezembro, pelo Brasileirão, quando uxou a camisa de um jogador rival perto da área e levou cartão vermelho direto. O camisa 2 foi punido com uma partida, a qual já foi cumprida. Portanto, está liberado para defender o time na reta final do torneio.

Will Young is again the spare batsman in what is a very settled New Zealand Test squad

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Feb-2019Legspinner Todd Astle has been recalled to the New Zealand Test squad for the series against Bangladesh.He has been preferred ahead of left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel in what is otherwise a very settled group. Astle has played just three Tests since his debut in 2012, the most recent being against England in Auckland last year before injury ruled him out of the second match of that series and a further setback meant he missed the series against Pakistan in the UAE.Patel made his debut in Abu Dhabi where he claimed 5 for 59 to help bowl New Zealand to a four-run victory but has claimed just six further wickets in his next four outings.”The spinning position has been the only real area we’ve changed and that’s been largely dependent on conditions and injuries,” selector Gavin Larsen said. “We’re in a fortunate position having a number of high-quality spinners available, and it’s a tough call on Ajaz who was a star of the UAE tour.”It’s great though to have Todd fit again and we’re keen to see what his wrist-spin can offer in New Zealand conditions, and he’ll also bolster the batting.”Allrounder Mitchell Santner was not considered for the squad as he continues to be carefully managed following his long lay-off with a knee injury but is being earmarked for a return to first-class action in the next round of Plunket Shield matches.The uncapped Will Young is again included as the spare batsmen.The three Tests take place in Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch with the opening match starting on February 28.Squad Kane Williamson (capt), Todd Astle, Trent Boult, Colin de Grandhomme, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Henry Nicholls, Jeet Raval, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Neil Wagner, BJ Watling, Will Young

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino will be keen to strengthen his side further in the January window and is reportedly on the trail of an impressive defender at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea plot January transfer business

Chelsea are usually busy in the transfer market and this month looks to be no different as the Premier League giants aim to improve on a frustrating start to their English top-flight campaign. Rumours are flying regarding who could potentially pitch up in west London this window and Girona striker Artem Dovbyk is said to be high on the Blues' radar as they look to bring in a new forward to rival Nicolas Jackson for starting opportunities in the offensive areas, as per The Sun.

The report states that Pochettino has sent scouts to watch the Ukraine international in action over the last few weeks and indicate that his physical attributes have won favour with the Argentinian coach, who wants to add more muscle to his frontline. Senegal international Jackson will head to the African Cup of Nations with Senegal, making the arrival of another striker a priority this window.

Chelsea could sign their next Morata in "lovely" £39m sensation

Mauricio Pochettino wants to add a true finisher to his side this January.

ByTom Lever Dec 31, 2023

Nonetheless, Bournemouth star Dominic Solanke is not believed to be a target for a sensational return to Chelsea in January, with journalist Si Phillips claiming that rumours suggesting the 26-year-old could move back to his old club are unfounded.

January is notoriously a difficult window to navigate as clubs try to maximise the value of their players mid-season; however, a defender now looks to be on the agenda in SW6 and Chelsea could be prepared to spend big money to land his services despite rival competition, according to a report.

Chelsea keen on Jean-Clair Todibo

According to Foot Mercato, Chelsea are ready to get their transfer chequebook out to sign OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, who has also drawn interest from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in recent times.

Jean-Clair Todibo key statistics in 2023/24 – Ligue 1 (Sofascore)

Clean sheets

8

Tackle per game

1.9

Interceptions per game

1.3

Balls recovered per game

7.9

Errors leading to goals

0

Average match rating

7.21/10

The report states that Pochettino is not satisfied with his current defensive options and could now look to swoop for the France international, who has previously been labelled "superb" by talent scout Jacek Kulig. They could be boosted by the fact Manchester United haven't yet made a move, though they continue to scout the centre-back at close quarters.

Chelsea could also be handed a leg-up in their pursuit of the 24-year-old due to the fact that a potential move to join Spurs is set to collapse, leading them to target Genoa defender Radu Dragusin instead, which could pave the way for Todibo, who has notched one assist in 14 appearances this campaign, to move to the other side of London (Todibo statistics – Transfermarkt).

This story is unlikely to go away any time soon and we could well see Todibo move to the Premier League this month; however, it remains to be seen where exactly he will end up.

England’s latest opener admits the prospect of earning a spot in their Ashes team is hard to ignore

George Dobell in Antigua05-Feb-2019Joe Denly has admitted the prospect of earning a spot in England’s Ashes team is hard to ignore.Denly made his Test debut in Antigua becoming, aged 32, England’s oldest debutant since Alan Wells in 1995. While he didn’t enjoy the best of games, scoring 6 and 17 as England succumbed to a 10-wicket defeat inside three days, he seems certain to play in St Lucia, giving him another chance to show he can prosper at this level.While the Ashes does not start for six months, there is only one Test between this tour and that series – a four-day match against Ireland – and any success achieved now could establish him as the incumbent. So while Denly knows his focus has to be on the next game, he conceded the lure of the Ashes is pretty irresistible for a man who had all but given up any Test ambitions not so long ago.”Playing in an Ashes series is an absolute dream and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thinking about it a little bit,” Denly said. “I hope the selectors see a future in me opening the batting in Test cricket.”These two Tests are a great opportunity for me to try and make that position mine. There’s a lot of time before the next Test in England but this Test coming up is a great chance to get a score and make myself a realistic option for them going into the summer.”But my focus has to be on the next game. It’s important not to think about it [the Ashes] as much as possible and have a real focus on trying to get a score in this next Test. I have to prove to those guys who think I am a stopgap or makeshift opener that I have got a future as an opener in Test cricket.”Joe Denly was not afraid to take on the short ball•Getty Images

Those doubts are understandable, though. Denly has not opened in Championship cricket for three-and-a-half years and, while most of the West Indies seam attack has experience in England, the step up from batting at No. 3 in Division Two of the County Championship to opening on a tricky surface was demanding.It wasn’t the most convincing performance, either. He was dropped on nought in the second innings and admits he was fortunate to survive a leg-before decision before he had scored in the first. He was ultimately caught behind off a wide long-hop in the first and bowled leaving in the second.”Umpire Chris Gaffaney did me a favour there,” he said. “When it hit me I thought it was quite close and was happy not to be given. Even when they reviewed I said to Jonny Bairstow ‘that’s close, probably hitting, hopefully umpire’s call’.”So, yes, I got away with one there. I got a duck on my first-class debut so to do it on my Test debut, that would have been not ideal.”This is a very hostile attack. They’ve certainly got a lot of pace. It was a tricky opening spell. It was like an early season first-class wicket in England. So it was challenging and to get through the first half-hour unscathed [was an achievement]. But then Alzarri Joseph bowled a rank long-hop… It was probably too wide to go at but, on that wicket, I felt I should latch on to any width. Unfortunately, I latched on with the toe-end of my bat.”It was a wicket where there was probably one with your name on, but to get out leaving [in the second innings] was very frustrating. That’s the only disappointing thing looking back on my debut: a rank long-hop and then not playing a shot. That’s pretty frustrating. I’d done the hard work.”Despite the disappointment, Denly said he enjoyed the experience hugely and has no regrets about missing out on some lucrative T20 cricket having spent much of the winter carrying drinks for England. He put his relatively relaxed temperament down to the experience of playing for England as a much younger man – he made his limited-overs debut in 2009 – and then coming to terms with the disappointment of it not working out.”It was actually pretty relaxed,” he said. “There was a flurry of emotions telling the family, but the whole build-up I felt very relaxed. That comes from having a taste of it before, it not going to plan, going back to first-class cricket and through some rough patches, before coming out the other end. Sometimes you build things up to be something they are not. I was very aware of that going into the Test, so I felt very relaxed.”This is absolutely the ultimate. I’d take this all day long. I think those T20 gigs in the last few years have played a part in me reaching this place now: they taught me about playing pressure situations against top players. But I’d give it all up to be here, that’s for sure.”

Mason Greenwood is “always happy”, according to Getafe, with the Manchester United-owned forward smiling his way through intense transfer speculation.

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• Winger impressing during La Liga loan
• Linked with clubs across Europe
• Expected to be sold in summer window

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 22-year-old winger bid farewell to Old Trafford in September 2023 when securing a loan move to Spain. He has since established himself as an important player, though has received negative reactions from opposing fans at games this season.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Greenwood has posted a personal-best when it comes to league goal contributions this season, with 14 efforts recorded in that department, and has been linked with leading sides across Europe – including Barcelona and Serie A giants Juventus.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  A permanent transfer is expected to be put in place during the summer window, as United part with a player that came through their academy system, but Greenwood appears to have few concerns when it comes to his future as life at Getafe continues to put a smile on his face.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR GREENWOOD?

  Greenwood is tied to a contract at United through to 2025, which includes the option for a further 12-month extension, but the Red Devils may decide to cash in at the next opportunity as interest continues to build.

Glasgow Rangers delivered a mature performance to secure a vital Premiership win at Ibrox on Wednesday evening.

Following their League Cup final heroics against Aberdeen on the weekend, St Johnstone were put to the sword and the 2-0 win ensures the Gers close the gap to Celtic at the top of the table to just two points.

James Tavernier scored the winner against the Dons to secure a first League Cup since 2011 and the captain delivered a solid performance once again.

James Tavernier shone vs St Johnstone

Philippe Clement made five changes to the starting XI from the weekend victory at Hampden and with another three games after this one to come before 2024, rotation was key.

Tavernier was one of the players who kept his place and he didn’t disappoint. The right-back scored a penalty during the final ten minutes of the clash to secure all three points, but that wasn’t all he contributed.

The Englishman was solid defensively, making six tackles, one clearance and winning seven of his nine attempted duels during the contest, ensuring the Gers kept a clean sheet.

Going forward, the 32-year-old was excellent. He made five key passes during the game along with taking five total shots and creating a big chance in what was a productive night for the player.

Tavernier’s contribution was key in the eventual victory, but it was Kieran Dowell who was perhaps Clement’s unsung hero as he made his first start since August.

Kieran Dowell’s game in numbers vs St Johnstone

The former Norwich City gem hasn’t enjoyed the most enjoyable spells in Scotland thus far, playing for a total of 278 minutes across all competitions and his start last night was surprising.

With Clement struggling with injuries to several midfielders, he has had to think outside the box with regards to who can partner John Lundstram and Dowell was tasked with that job vs the Saints.

The 26-year-old played the full 90 minutes and showed eagerness to get on the ball often, taking 85 touches throughout the game while finishing with an 85% pass success rate.

The midfielder wasn’t shy at trying to make things happen either as he made three key passes and was successful with 100% of his dribble attempts during the clash, showcasing his attacking talents despite operating deeper than usual.

Dowell may have lost possession 12 times but this was only due to his willingness to venture forward with the ball and he did everything but score or grab an assist.

Even defensively, the midfielder was solid as he won five of his seven total duels along with making two tackles and this all-round performance will have pleased the Belgian.

Having Dowell back fit is a big bonus for the 49-year-old coach and gives him an extra option in the middle of the pitch with some tough ties coming up.

With Nico Raskin, Ryan Jack and Jose Cifuentes to return at some stage all absent until further notice, the likes of Dowell and Dujon Sterling could stake a claim to be Lundstram’s regular midfield partner and the former Everton academy graduate passed his audition last night.

Barcelona fans are undecided on what to make of their leaked third kit for the 2024-25 season with the Catalan giants set to wear leopard print.

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Barca third kit leaked onlineFans of the club are unsure if they like the kitXavi staying on as manager after this seasonWHAT HAPPENED?

The 'leaked' fluorescent yellow shirt has sparked huge reaction on social media and many fans are unhappy with the quirky design. , the shirt will certainly raise a few eyebrows and could go down as one of the most loved, or hated, kits in the club's history. The fans have certainly wanted to express their feelings.

AdvertisementWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

One Barcelona fan, @yordyos, said: "It hurts my eyes to see this."

Another X user, @AJgamer, tweeted: "It still doesn't convince me, I don't really like this design."

One Barca fan felt the club's very essence was being tarnished by the design. @Diegolixes321 posted: "The essence of the clubs is being lost."

Rivera Josue could not believe the design, saying: "This must be a damn joke right?"

@DaniMrukitius, meanwhile, labelled the design a 'disgrace'.

However, one fan was less bothered by the design. @TheBarcaLad21 explained: "We will wear it like three times next season. Like we did with the white kit."

Some Barcelona fans even want a completely new kit manufacturer.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The kit is set to be worn for the 125th anniversary season at Barca, but is only likely to feature in a handful of games as it will be the club's third choice kit. Nike have been making Barca's kits since the 1998-99 season, but fans may want the club to move in a different direction if future kits are any more crazy.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

After making a U-turn on his decision to leave the club at the end of the season, Xavi will remain in charge of the side next season. The Barca boss will lead his team out in their divisive third kit at some point next campaign as they seek to wrestle back their La Liga title from Real Madrid. With just four games of the season remaining, Barcelona will have to hope Girona drop points in order to finish in second place after Saturday's defeat.

Frizzell County Championship Division One
Latest Table Surrey 401 & 251 for 3 dec beat Kent 352 for 5 dec & 114 by 186 runs at The Oval
Scorecard
Saqlain Mushtaq and Ian Salisbury shared seven wickets as Surrey spun Kent to defeat in 49 overs at the Oval. Kent’s generous bowling yesterday enabled Surrey to declare after three overs of the day, and their hopes of chasing 301 to win were dented when Jimmy Ormond dismissed David Fulton (11) and Ed Smith (0) early on. Michael Carberry (24) and Andrew Symonds (30) briefly hinted that Kent might muster a challenge, but Saqlain (4 for 27) and Salisbury (3 for 11) ran through the middle order as they lost their last eight wickets for 53 runs.Lancashire 218 & 383 for 7 dec drew with Essex 208 &236 for 9 at Chelmsford
Scorecard
Carl Hooper’s offspin took Lancashire to the brink of victory at Chelmsford but Essex hung on to escape with a draw. Lancashire extended their second innings in the morning to set Essex a stiff target of 393, and after starting confidently, Essex began to fall to Hooper (6 for 51). Aftab Habib (69) and Andy Flower (49) added 113 for the fourth wicket, but from 170 for 3 Essex lost wickets regularly but Lancashire were thwarted by Graham Napier and Scott Brant. Warwickshire 253 & 361 drew with Leicestershire 328 & 241 for 6 at Leicester
Scorecard
A century from Brad Hodge took Leicestershire within 57 runs of the target set by Warwickshire, but in the end the match petered out into a draw. Inspired bowling from Phil DeFreitas (6 for 78) in the morning routed the Warwickshire tail, the last seven wickets falling for 61 runs. Leicestershire lost early wickets before a run-a-ball 40 from Virender Sehwag set them on their way, and then Hodge launched his assault. But he was always up against the clock, and by the time he was out for 128 shortly before the close the game was already heading for a draw.Warwickshire were deducted one point due to their slow over rate.Frizzell County Championship Division Two
Latest TableYorkshire 444 & 68 for 0 beat Derbyshire 128 & 383 by 10 wickets at Derby
Scorecard
Yorkshire recorded their second straight Championship win, but determined resistance from the Derbyshire tail meant that they were made to wait for it until well into the afternoon. An innings victory had appeared likely when Steve Kirby removed Derbyshire’s overnight batsmen Dominic Cork (35) and Mohammad Kaif (87), but Graeme Welch (54) and Nathan Dumelow (25) added 52 for the ninth wicket and then Welch and Kevin Dean 68 for the last. Welch finally fell to Ryan Sidebottom (who finished with match figures of 9 for 111) and Stephen Fleming (42*) and Matthew Wood (21*) scored the 68 runs needed in 20.2 overs. Gloucestershire 228 & 611 for 9 dec drew with Somerset 477 & 115 for 3at Taunton
Scorecard
Once Gloucestershire opted to bat on – and on – this match was only ever going to end in a draw. Gloucestershire posted their highest second innings score, and their late declaration never gave them a chance of bowling out Somerset. Ian Harvey hit 128 not out and Martyn Ball made the most of some tired bowlers to make a career-best 75.English Championship review – Day 3

With 17 games played in the Premier League, Manchester United picked up their first draw of the season this weekend as they held Liverpool to a potentially instrumental goalless draw.

This point puts United in seventh, six points behind fourth place, which will be their goal for the season.

Goals have been infrequent for Erik ten Hag’s team, netting just 18 times, the lowest goal tally in the top 14 clubs in the table. Therefore, the boss wants to add another attacker to his side.

Man Utd transfers latest – Raphinha

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Raphinha, with a swap deal including Jadon Sancho potentially on the cards this winter, as per Spanish outlet Sport.

The Brazilian is keen on remaining at Barcelona, but the club is willing to listen to offers for the attacker.

However, a move in January is highly unlikely, with the Catalan side said to be demanding €100m (£86m) for the winger – as per the report.

How Raphinha compares to Antony

The ex-Leeds United winger has struggled to lock down the right-wing spot in Xavi's side since his arrival last season, and he has found it even more difficult this time around due to the rise of wonderkid, Lamine Yamal. The number 11 has featured in 13 La Liga matches this season, starting just six, but he has registered a goal contribution per start (two goals, four assists).

Although most Premier League fans are aware of Raphinha, he is a left-footed winger who operates on the right, mostly cutting inside onto his left foot to either shoot or cross towards the back post. He has a relentless approach to the game, both in possession and out of possession, which helps his team regain control.

United fans will be put off by the prospect of an expensive left-footed right winger joining the club after Antony’s troubled time in England, but how does the duo actually compare?

Raphinha vs Antony stats

Stats (per 90)

Raphinha

Antony

Goals

0.3

0.1

Assists

0.38

0.07

Shots total

3.83

3.14

Crosses

6.42

1.52

Tackles

1.2

1.55

Stats via FBref

As you can see, Raphinha offers far more output than his compatriot, which, based on United’s goals scored, is a significant area that needs improving. Ex-Man Utd winger Daniel James labelled the Barcelona star as a “magician” who can do anything on the pitch, and based on his creative output, it is difficult to disagree.

The 27-year-old is a touchline winger who is desperate to make things happen, as highlighted by his crosses and shot averages, and he would offer a much more direct outlet on the right if he were to sign for the Red Devils.

Furthermore, Raphinha clearly boasts superior stats to Antony in all in-possession aspects, but the current United winger – who has no goals or assists to his name this season – has proved to have a slightly better defensive output, yet that is going to be the case when Raphinha plays for a side that dominates the ball so much.

While splashing the cash on another costly Brazilian winger doesn’t perhaps seem like a smart decision, the Barcelona man is “unplayable” on his day – as per LeedsTV presenter Oscar Marrio – and when you consider that Antony continues to frustrate, such an upgrade could well be needed.