Leeds Considering Offer For £21k-p/w Midfield "Monster"

Leeds United are considering an offer to bring Glasgow Rangers star Glen Kamara to the Championship, and the latest reports have shared two more targets the 49ers have had on their radar.

Who is Glen Kamara?

Kamara is primarily a defensive midfielder who has played his football at Ibrox since 2019 having joined from Dundee FC, and he’s become a regular feature of the first team during his four years at the club, but there’s a chance that he could depart before the end of the ongoing window.

The Finland international was handed just 12 starts in the Scottish Premiership last season which shows how low down in his manager’s pecking order he is, so despite still having another two years remaining on his contract, he’s only likely to receive more game time moving forward should he complete a move elsewhere.

Read The Latest Leeds Transfer News HERE…

Football Insider previously reported that the Whites had opened talks regarding a deal for the 27-year-old, who has attracted interest from ten unnamed clubs in the second-tier as per the same outlet, but stated that Daniel Farke’s side were in pole position, and discussions must have been positive as they are now contemplating taking their initial interest one step further.

Are Leeds signing Glen Kamara?

According to The Daily Mail’s Transfer Confidential, Leeds are “weighing up” a bid for Kamara this summer.

The Elland Road outfit are in the market to search for replacements for Tyler Adams, who is reportedly close to completing a move to Premier League side Chelsea, and have identified the Finland talisman as an ideal candidate. The 49ers had also been “exploring” a swoop for Reims’ Dion Lopy, but he has joined Almeria.

Alongside the midfield, the boss is pursuing defensive targets and has “checked on” AZ Alkmaar centre-back Pantelis Hatzidiakos.

Glasgow Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara.

How good is Glen Kamara?

Leeds will know that Kamara wasn’t given a fair chance to prove what he was capable of last season but he’s more than shown what he has to offer over the course of his career, so should he put pen to paper, the defensive midfielder could be a promising addition for Farke.

The Tampere native, who pockets £21k-per-week, is extremely calm and composed in possession having recorded an 89.4% pass success rate during the previous term which was higher than any of the regular starters managed in LS11, showing that he'd be an upgrade on the boss' current options, but he’s also capable of getting involved in the final third.

The Nike-sponsored veteran has posted 31 goal contributions (20 assists and 11 goals) since first bursting onto the professional scene, and his performances have also been recognised on the international stage having been named Finland’s Player of the Year for 2022.

Finally, Kamara, who has been dubbed a “monster” by his former manager Steven Gerrard, is a versatile operator having previously been deployed in six different positions, including everywhere across the midfield and even at right-back, so he would be a wonderful option for the manager to have at his disposal should he want to tinker with his team selection.

How the Stokes saga unfolded

A recap of events following Ben Stokes’ arrest in Bristol in September, which led to him being charged with affray

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Oct-2017A spectator at a county game reads about Ben Stokes’ arrest in a newspaper•Getty ImagesSeptember 24: England win in BristolStokes cracks his way to 73 off 63 balls before Moeen Ali’s barnstorming century takes England to 369 for 9. Despite an onslaught from Chris Gayle it proves more than enough to earn an unbeatable 2-0 series lead. Afterwards, various England players – including Stokes – let their hair down in the city centre with the next match still three days away.September 26: News of Stokes’ arrest emergesWhat was meant to be the preview day to an end-of-season ODI suddenly changes when details of Stokes’ arrest in the early hours of September 25 emerge. An ECB statement said: “Stokes was arrested in the early hours of Monday morning, 25 September, following an incident in Bristol. He was held overnight and released under investigation – without charge – late on Monday and will not join the team in London.” Alex Hales was not arrested but returned to Bristol to help police with inquires.September 27: Ashes squad announcedTwenty-four hours later, the Ashes squad is named as planned but in rather different circumstances to those that the ECB would have hoped. Stokes is included and retains the vice-captaincy while the police begin their investigation into the events in Bristol. It is also confirmed that Stokes suffered a “minor fracture” to his hand during the incident.September 27: Video published, Stokes and Hales made unavailableShortly after England complete victory at The Oval, a video is published in of the Bristol incident which alleges to show Stokes throwing multiple punches. The ECB makes both Stokes and Hales – who is also alleged to be shown in the video – “unavailable for selection until further notice” although the pair remain on full pay while the incident is referred to the Cricket Discipline Commission chaired by Tim O’Gorman.September 28: Police appeal for witnessesAvon and Somerset police put out an appeal for two male witnesses to the events in Bristol to come forward to help with the investigation. “Our enquiries into the disorder in the Queens Road/Clifton Triangle area of Bristol in the early hours of Monday are continuing. We believe there are two specific witnesses, both men, with information about what happened in the moments prior to the disorder who are yet to come forward and we’d appeal for them to do so as soon as possible.”October 6: Finn called into Ashes squad as Stokes replacementStokes’ chances of making the Ashes recede further as he is withdrawn from the Test squad while the police investigation continues. Steven Finn is drafted in instead. “With the Ashes just around the corner, it’s important to give the players, the coaching staff and supporters some clarity around a complex situation,” Andrew Strauss said. “This decision will help us in the weeks ahead and give every player and the whole England set-up the best chance to focus on the challenge ahead in Australia.” Stokes is retained in the ECB’s central contracts list for 2017-18.October 7: Hales not expecting further actionIan Kelcey, the Professional Cricketers’ Association lawyer who is assisting Alex Hales, tells the Observer that it is “reasonable to expect” that Hales won’t face further action over the incident having been interviewed by police and neither arrested or put on bail.October 11: New Balance withdraw sponsorshipNew Balance, the kit and clothing supplier, end their relationship with Stokes, which is estimated to be worth £200,000. On the same evening, Stokes makes his first public comment since the Bristol incident when he tweets an apology to Katie Price and her son Harvey following a video that emerged of Stokes which appeared to show him mocking Harvey.October 12: Stokes’ agent issues statementNeil Fairbrother, Stokes’ agent at ISM, puts out a statement which says that Stokes will give his full version of events in Bristol when the police investigation allows. There is also an acknowledgement of the impact there has been on his team-mates. “He is also concerned about the impact the widespread publicity has on everyone involved including the ECB, his team mates and the game of cricket itself which he loves.”October 16: Police reissue appeal for witnessesAvon and Somerset Police reissue their appeal for the two key witnesses who “were seen leaving the nightclub at 2.19am, walking in the direction of Queens Road with two other men”. The update added extra details of the men’s appearances, including that both were white, clean-shaven, in their mid-20s and approximately 5ft 9in tall.October 28: Two gay men claim Stokes ‘saved them’Kai Berry and Billy O’Connell tell The Sun that Stokes stepped in to rescue them on the night in question after an alleged homophobic attack. “We were so grateful to Ben for stepping in to help. He was a real hero,” O’Connell told the paper. “Kai feared he could be attacked. If Ben hadn’t intervened it could have been a lot worse for us.”November 27: Stokes heads for New Zealand as Ashes frenzy returnsA sighting of Stokes, with full cricket kit, at Heathrow Airport leads to frenzied speculation on social media that he is about to fly out to Australia to reinforce England’s Ashes squad. It later transpires he was heading to New Zealand to visit family and regain his match fitness with Canterbury, but armed with an NOC from the ECB, it is clear he is being readied for Ashes action if he becomes available.November 29: Police file passed to CPSAvon and Somerset police announce that they have completed their investigation and sent a file to the CPS “seeking charging advice”. It is also revealed that a 27-year-old man suffered a fractured eye socket in the incident.Ben Stokes bowls on his comeback•Getty ImagesDecember 3: Stokes comeback ends in three-wicket defeat Stokes makes 2 from seven balls and fails to take a wicket in an underwhelming return to action for Canterbury against Otago at Rangiora. Though he would later find his form with a powerful innings of 93 from 47 balls against the same opponents a fortnight later, with England sliding to defeat in the Ashes, speculation of a recall ends with his return to England for Christmas.December 4: Hales cleared for return by policeHales, a key witness given his own involvement in the Bristol incident, receives confirmation from Avon and Somerset Police that he is no longer under investigation, and is given clearance to play his playing return in the inaugural T10 tournament in the UAE.December 23: ECB won’t stand in Stokes’ way over IPLTom Harrison, the ECB chief executive, indicates that Stokes will not be denied an NOC for the IPL, and will be free to return to the tournament regardless of both the CPS decision and any subsequent internal disciplinary proceedings. He adds that, should Stokes be charged, it could take between six months and a year to resolve the situation.January 13: Stokes named as top base price for IPL auctionAfter attracting a bid of USD 2.16 million in the 2017 IPL auction, and justifying that sum with the MVP award in that year’s event, Stokes is among the 36 players who have listed their base price at the maximum of INR 2 crore (USD 315,000 approx) ahead of the IPL auction on January 27 and 28.January 15: Stokes charged by CPS with affray Stokes vows to clear his name after being charged by the CPS with affray. He will face trial at Bristol Magistrates’ Court at a later date, along with two other men, Ryan Ali, 28, and Ryan Hale, 26.January 17: Stokes cleared for England returnAfter the ECB Board meet following the charge against Stokes, he is made available for an England return and is expected to be part of the squad for the T20 tri-series in New Zealand. “The Board agreed that it would not be fair, reasonable or proportionate for Ben Stokes to remain unavailable for a further indeterminate period,” a statement said. Stokes tweeted: “I’m extremely delighted to be given this opportunity to do this again. I can’t wait to get back out on a pitch with the three Lions on my chest.”January 18: Court date clashLess than 24 hours after being cleared for selection, Stokes’ first court date is set for February 13 – the day of England’s T20 against New Zealand in Wellington which had initially been earmarked for his return.February 13: Stokes pleads not guiltyDuring a brief appearance at Bristol Magistrates Court, Stokes enters a not guilty plea – along with his two co-defendants – and the case is moved to Crown Court with the first hearing set for March 12. However, it is confirmed Stokes does not need to attend in person and the ECB say he will fly to New Zealand to join up with the squad.

West Brom Could Sign Pieters Upgrade In £2.5m Swoop

West Bromwich Albion have been fairly quiet throughout the summer transfer window as they have only added two new players to their squad to date.

Who have West Brom signed this summer?

Carlos Corberan secured his first signing of the off-season by snapping up Jeremy Sermiento on a season-long loan from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion.

Former Sunderland centre-forward Josh Maja then arrived on a free transfer from Ligue 2 outfit Bordeaux to bolster the club's attacking options.

They could dip back into the market to make further improvements to their roster before next month's deadline, though, as they were touted with interest in Nottingham Forest defender Jonathan Panzo earlier this month.

The former Monaco prospect spent last season on loan at Coventry City and has reportedly been valued at £2.5m by Steve Cooper's team.

How good is Jonathan Panzo?

Panzo is a proven Championship performer whose displays at this level last season suggest that he would come in as a big upgrade on Erik Pieters if Corberan can secure his signature.

The 22-year-old enforcer would be a perfect fit for the left-sided centre-back role in a back three as he is proficient at playing centre-back and left-back, whilst he also played as part of a back three at Coventry.

He averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.99 for the Sky Blues across 29 league appearances and caught the eye with his strength in the wide central defensive position.

Panzo, who was once hailed as being "outstanding" by his former Coventry boss Mark Robins, made 3.3 tackles and interceptions combined per match and won 58% of his duels, as per Sofascore, which shows that the English titan came out on top in the majority of his physical contests.

Meanwhile, no West Brom defender managed more than 2.8 tackles and interceptions per game and Pieters produced two per outing to go along with a duel success rate of 57% last season in the Championship.

Former Coventry loanee Jonathan Panzo.

This suggests that Panzo would provide more quality in defence due to his ability to cut out opposition attacks more frequently with key defensive interventions, which could create more counter-attacking opportunities for the likes of Jed Wallace, Maja, and John Swift to exploit.

Pieters, who has started on the left of a back three in two of the club's three competitive matches this term, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.82 across 36 league matches for the Baggies during the 2022/23 campaign.

The Dutch defender ranked 12th within the squad for his rating, whereas Panzo's score of 6.99 would have placed him fifth. This shows that the £2.5m-rated ace would also be an upgrade on the 35-year-old battler in terms of his average performance level.

At the age of 22, the Forest titan would also come in with the potential to grow and develop under Corberan. He has plenty of time on his hands to improve, as he is 13 years younger than Pieters, and would, therefore, be an excellent signing for the long-term as well as a player who can immediately be an asset to the side.

The Baggies head coach must now push to get a deal over the line for the young talent before the end of the window in order to land an upgrade for his defence.

Wade's poor form continues in low-scoring encounter

Matthew Wade was out cheaply yet again as Tasmania collapsed from 2 for 100 to 9 for 150 against Queensland in Hobart

Daniel Brettig05-Nov-2017
Matthew Wade brought out the paddle sweep frequently•Getty ImagesAustralia’s incumbent Test wicketkeeper Matthew Wade was out cheaply for the second time in the Sheffield Shield match between Tasmania and Queensland at Bellerive Oval, as the Tigers fell in a heap while trying to set the Bulls an adequate fourth innings target in a low-scoring affair.Tasmania’s seamers had been able to dismiss the visitors five runs short of their own first innings tally, the wickets shared between Jackson Bird, Sam Rainbird, Tom Rogers and Gabe Bell. However after Alex Doolan and Jordan Silk put on 80 for the second wicket to push the Tigers into a seemingly strong position, a clatter of wickets reset the contest.The majority of these were claimed by the experienced swing and seam merchant Luke Feldman, who was aided by Mark Steketee and Michael Neser in facilitating a Tasmanian collapse of 8 for 30. Wade made it as far as 17, but was dismissed when trying to hook Steketee and well caught by Neser, diving forward.Wade’s exit meant he has tallied scores of 1, 6, 9 and 17 in four Shield innings so far, having averaged barely 20 with the bat in 10 Tests since his recall to the Australian team in November last year.

Liverpool: Reds Are Big Admirers Of Joao Palhinha

Liverpool are reportedly interested in a host of midfielders this summer, but two currently jump out from the crowd, following a fresh update.

How many midfielders are Liverpool signing?

The Reds had all sorts of problems in the middle of the park last season, with so many individuals struggling for different reasons throughout the campaign.

Fabinho and Jordan Henderson were shadows of the players they used to be, which highlights why Liverpool were happy to sell them this summer, while the likes of Thiago, Naby Keita, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain were unavailable far too often with injury problems.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

While Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai coming in has bolstered the midfield options at Jurgen Klopp's disposal, it is still paramount that at least one more addition comes in between now and the end of the current transfer window.

In fact, two signings are arguably needed, with the No.6 role desperately in need of strengthening, as there is no natural option in that role currently existing at Anfield.

Having missed out on both Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea, the search is now on to find alternatives, and it looks as though there are a couple of standout options.

joao-palhinha-liverpool-transfer-news-opinion-premier-league

Will Liverpool sign Joao Palhinha?

According to The Daily Mail, Palhinha is one of six midfield targets Liverpool are looking at in the remainder of the transfer window, with the Fulham man seen as one of the two the best options alongside Crystal Palace's Cheick Doucoure:

"Liverpool face a race against time to land much-needed reinforcements in midfield with Fulham's Joao Palhinha and Crystal Palace youngster Cheick Doucoure among the favoured options.

"Fulham's combative midfielder Palhinha, who led the league for successful tackles last term, is believed to be the most admired of the options. However, the club is unsure whether to stump up the £60million-plus it would take to pry the 28-year-old away from Craven Cottage."

Palhinha may not be the perfect option for Liverpool this summer, compared to Caicedo and Lavia for example, but he could still be an excellent signing. At 28, he certainly isn't getting any younger, and he would cost money despite that, but he made more tackles than any other player in the Premier League last season, with his overall tally of 147 tackles far higher than Caicedo (100) in second place.

Palhinha's ability to cover ground at will and be a big physical presence made him such an influential player for Fulham, leading Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp to say that the Portuguese has a "real presence" about him, also calling him "fantastic".

If the Reds could get him and one more in, their midfield would suddenly look far more well-stocked, though whether they could afford both Palhinha and Doucoure, who they are said to be advancing for, is not known.

West Ham Send Scouts To Watch £2.7k-p/w "Defensive Wall"

West Ham United have deployed chiefs to assess Peterborough defender Ronnie Edwards, but a fresh report has revealed that there are also two other clubs looking to bring him to the Premier League.

Who is Ronnie Edwards?

Edwards is naturally a centre-back who has plied his trade at the Weston Homes Stadium since 2020 having joined from Barnet’s academy setup, and during his three years at the club, he’s become an integral member and regular feature of Darren Ferguson’s squad having started 42 out of 46 League One games last season.

Even though the 20-year-old still has another two years remaining on his contract in the third tier, The Posh’s boss has admitted that his prized asset is likely to depart before the end of the window, recently stating during a public interview: “We fully expect Ronnie Edwards to go, so we’ll have to replace him”.

Football Scotland previously reported that the Irons have expressed an interest in the England youth international alongside Scottish Premiership giants Glasgow Rangers, so with competition for his signature fierce, David Moyes has already made chiefs take their admiration one step further.

Peterborough defender Ronnie Edwards.

Are West Ham signing Ronnie Edwards?

According to The Daily Mail's Transfer Confidential, West Ham scouts "checked on" Edwards during Peterborough's 3-1 victory over Barnsley last week. Fellow Premier League clubs Crystal Palace and Bournemouth have also "watched him closely", whilst Rangers are once again name-checked in the report.

Peterborough chairman Darragh MacAnthony has additionally delivered an update on the future of his star, as quoted by the same outlet:

"It’s an absolute joke Ronnie is still here. We are all amazed, and it’s not because we are being greedy or silly. I know three Premier League clubs will make bids for Ronnie before the transfer deadline. But they will sign other players first as they don’t want their first signing to be a 20-year-old from League One."

How tall is Ronnie Edwards?

Standing at 5 foot 10, Edwards is relatively small for a centre-back, but that hasn’t stopped him from being an absolute rock at the heart of Ferguson’s backline since joining Peterborough, so should he sign on the dotted line, he could be a fantastic recruit for both the immediate and long-term future of West Ham.

The CMG Sports client, who pockets £2.7k-per-week, currently averages 4.8 clearances and 1.3 interceptions per league game, alongside recording a 93.1% pass success rate, via WhoScored, highlighting his excellent calmness and composure on the ball.

Read The Latest West Ham Transfer News HERE…

The Harlow-born talent, who has also provided two assists since the start of his career, is even beginning to make a name for himself on the international stage having represented the Three Lions at the Euro’s U19s tournament, so he is truly a star in the making.

The Posh’s “one man defensive wall”, as dubbed by reporter Ben Jones, is clearly a man in demand, so the hierarchy may have to act quickly should they want to beat their fellow competitors in the race for his services, and it could be well worth cashing out considering the positive impact he could have at the London Stadium.

Southee, Boult put New Zealand in command

The Tim and Trent adventures included one key partnership, four wickets and two spectacular catches, which left West Indies trailing by 158 runs at stumps

The Report by Andrew Fidel Fernando10-Dec-20170:37

‘Take a lot of pride in my batting’ – Boult

Trent Boult and Tim Southee pillaged 61 runs together at the start of the day, then claimed two wickets apiece, and held one spectacular catch each, as they set off and then perpetuated West Indies’ dramatic decline on a rain-interrupted day.By stumps, New Zealand had a stranglehold on the Test. Their opposition, eight down, and still 158 runs short of the hosts’ 373, were facing a long climb back into contention. Only Kraigg Brathwaite made a substantial score, hitting 66 off 116 deliveries while several batsmen made promising starts and perished around him. Having ended the first day with so much momentum, and even begun day two with a wicket in the first over, West Indies were guilty of failing to apply themselves on a pitch that – while lively – was not the challenge their scoreline made it seem.It was in the eighth over of the day, with New Zealand’s score on 312 for 9, that Tim and Trent’s day-two adventure began. Getting off the mark with an enterprising uppercut for four over the slips off Shannon Gabriel, Boult tried the shot again next over, and this time fetched six for it. Before long he and Southee were in the middle of a full-scale blitz, Boult hitting five fours and two sixes in his 27-ball 37 not out, while Southee cracked 31 off 39, hitting two leg-side sixes and a four of his own. They were aided by Seddon Park’s modest dimensions, as even mis-hits proved a challenge to West Indies’ fielders. But there was spunk to go with the luck – Boult backing off awkwardly against Miguel Cummins at one stage, only to reach out and blast past point a ball that might have shaved the top of off stump.New Zealand had begun the day in danger of not making it to 300, but thanks largely to their No. 10 and No. 11, 87 runs were added to the overnight score. Kemar Roach, who dismissed Neil Wagner third ball of the day (thanks to a flying catch at gully by Shai Hope) claimed the final wicket to finish with figures of 3 for 58, while Gabriel, who also took a day-two wicket, ended with 4 for 119.It was in the field, and with the ball, however, that Boult and Southee really left their mark on this Test. Gaining more bounce and carry from the surface than West Indies had managed (though it is possible the pitch had quickened up), they began beating edges almost immediately. Southee took the wicket of Kieran Powell in the first over, having the batsman caught behind for zero. Boult took longer to make his breakthrough, dismissing the spirited Shimron Hetmyer with a sublime return catch, leaping to his left.Having tottered to 46 for 2, West Indies then seemed to be regaining their composure while Brathwaite and Hope were at the crease, but when play resumed after a rain delay of almost two hours, more wickets were in store. Hope nicked one to the slips off Southee soon after play re-started, then Roston Chase and Sunil Ambris both departed in quick succession – the latter treading on his stumps to the bowling of Boult, as he played a back-foot shot on the leg side. This was the second time in three innings that Ambris was out hit wicket.When Southee caught Brathwaite spectacularly on the juggle soon after – the ball hitting the tips of his outstretch hands at short cover, only to bounce out and then be re-taken just before it hit the turf behind him – West Indies had lost four wickets for 45 runs. Brathwaite had been the player holding the innings together, keeping out the good balls and finding boundaries behind the wicket – though he did have some luck when he was dropped off Boult in the slips, on 14. He left West Indies at 135 for 6 – in danger of not making 200. Thankfully, for the visitors, Shane Dowrich struck a belligerent 35 before top-edging a pull off Neil Wagner, and debutant Raymon Reifer moved to an unbeaten 22 by stumps.Southee returned New Zealand’s best figures of the day, his two wickets only costing him 34 runs. Colin de Grandhomme and Wagner also had two wickets to their name. Mitchell Santner’s left-arm spin was not required.

Spurs Plot Late Swoop For Sanchez 2.0 In £4m-rated Rock

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be keen to add their defensive ranks on transfer deadline day, amid reports that Ange Postecoglou's side are eyeing a surprise late move for a current Premier League centre-back…

Who will Tottenham sign on Deadline Day?

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Lilywhites are believed to be mulling over a potential swoop for Bournemouth's Lloyd Kelly, with the suggestion being that the north London outfit would even be willing to include long-serving asset Eric Dier as part of a deal for the 24-year-old.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Writing on Twitter, the respected journalist stated: "EXCL: Tottenham considering possible move for Lloyd Kelly from Bournemouth in last 24h. No formal bid/concrete yet as depends on outgoings, Spurs need players to leave. Bournemouth would need to replace Kelly, not easy; also Eric Dier could be offered as part of deal."

How good is Lloyd Kelly?

While Postecoglou and co have already bolstered the backline with the signing of Micky van de Ven earlier in the summer, there had been previous claims that the club were interested in signing at least one more central defender before the close of the window, amid prior links to the likes of Clement Lenglet and Edmond Tapsoba.

Having shipped a dismal tally of 63 league goals last term, it is easy to see why those at N17 are so eager to find increased depth for the defensive unit, with the ex-Celtic boss currently set to be particularly reliant on both Van de Ven and Cristian Romero for the remainder of the campaign.

Lloyd Kelly

With that in mind, it does appear to make sense to push to bring in a new recruit before tonight's deadline, although whether Kelly is a suitable target is another matter altogether, with Spurs supporters likely to be concerned at the fact that the Englishman has been likened to Davinson Sanchez as part of Football Transfers' 'Similar Players' list.

That comparison will spark a sense of trepidation among the Tottenham faithful as Sanchez has endured a miserable time of it of late in the capital, with the Colombian international memorably being booed by the home crowd following a short, erratic cameo against the Cherries last season.

Branded "one of the worst players" to have played for the club, in the eyes of talkSPORT's Jamie O'Hara, the 27-year-old appears to be a player that Postecoglou is desperate to get rid of over the coming hours, having only recently missed the crucial spot-kick in the penalty shootout defeat to Fulham in the Carabao Cup, with the Evening Standard's Dan Kilpatrick writing that the player 'struggled with and without the ball in a desperate first-half display'.

To think then that a possible clone of Sanchez could be about to be snapped up in the form of Kelly – who has been valued at just €5m (£4m) by CIES Football Observatory – is a real worry, with the pair also alike due to their statistical record in recent times.

That likeness can be seen by the fact that the duo are hardly adept at winning back possession for their respective sides, with Kelly ranking in just the bottom 29% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for interceptions made per 90, while his Spurs counterpart ranks in the bottom 36% in that regard.

Equally, the Bournemouth brute – who has at least been lauded for his "aggressive" style in the past by former boss Scott Parker – has hardly set the world alight so far this term after making just a solitary league start for the south coast side, with it hard to see the wisdom in Tottenham making the effort to bring him to north London.

Kagiso Rabada takes top spot from James Anderson

The South Africa fast bowler moved up from second place following his performance in the Test win against India in Cape Town

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Jan-20183:05

Know your opponent – Kagiso Rabada

South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has displaced James Anderson as the No. 1 ranked Test bowler, after his spells of 3 for 34 and 2 for 41 led his team to victory in the Cape Town Test against India.Rabada, 22, earned five points for that performance, taking him past Anderson’s tally of 887 by one point. Anderson’s tally reduced by five points after the final Ashes Test in Sydney, where he took 1 for 56 in Australia’s only innings.”It’s special to be ranked as the No.1 Test bowler in the world. It is a surreal feeling,” Rabada said. “It’s what you dream of achieving when you start playing the game.”Cricket is ultimately a team sport and I’m thankful for the support from my team-mates. It’s a great start to the year personally and for us as a team, hopefully we can continue putting in winning performances.”Vernon Philander, who was Man of the Match for his nine wickets against India at Newlands, jumped from 12th place to sixth.In the rankings for Test batsmen, Steven Smith remained No. 1 with 947 points, but Joe Root overtook Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson to move into second place. Cheteshwar Pujara dropped from third to fifth.

Phil Hay Shares Fresh Leeds Fitness Concern

Leeds United have a number of injured players at the moment and there could be a new concern at Elland Road, according to an update from reliable journalist Phil Hay.

Who is injured for Leeds?

The Whites have made a stuttering start to their Championship campaign, having arguably gone into the new season as one of the favourites to earn promotion to the Premier League, possessing plenty of quality in their squad.

On Saturday afternoon, Daniel Farke's side could only draw 0-0 at home to local rivals Sheffield Wednesday, however, giving the Owls their first point of the season in the process. It means that Leeds only have picked up six points from their opening five league games of 2023/24, winning just once in the process, which is undoubtedly a disappointing return.

While some of the performances haven't been good enough, the Whites do at least have the excuse of having numerous players sidelined through injury at the moment. Patrick Bamford is one of those, as he continues to struggle with fitness problems, while the likes of Sam Byram and Dan James are also absent currently alongside Liam Cooper and Stuart Dallas.

Now, a new player appears to have picked up a fresh issue, following a key claim that has emerged from a reliable source.

archie-gray-transfer-gossip-leeds-united-farke-glen-kamara-rangers

Is Leeds youngster Archie Gray injured?

Taking to X, Hay confirmed that Archie Gray won't be heading off with England's Under-19s on international duty due to a 'minor fitness concern'.

"Archie Gray not going away with England's U19s. Leeds United withdrawing him from the squad because of a minor fitness concern. Tyring to manage his load and make sure he's fit for Millwall. Played in every game so far this season."

Gray, dubbed "sensational" against Ipswich Town recently, is a hugely exciting talent at Leeds who has already become a regular at the age of just 17, already starting five Championship matches this season. In that time, he has averaged 1.4 tackles per game in the competition and has enjoyed a 93.3% pass completion rate across two EFL Cup appearances, making his presence felt in the middle of the park.

This is, therefore, a worrying update for the Whites, with the hope being that the club are just being careful, not wanting him to potentially aggravate a minor issue while on international duty. If he can rest during the upcoming break from domestic action, he will hopefully be available for his side's next league game, which comes away to Millwall on September 17th.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

Gray's quality as a player has been outlined by former Liverpool midfielder and current Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, who once said of him:

"Archie Gray, 15 years of age, has travelled with the Leeds squad today. He is going to be a tremendous young player, from the famous Gray family."

To be such a regular player at just 17 years of age says so much about the teenager's potential as a footballer, with a combined 18 caps for England at youth team level further highlighting his pedigree and ceiling, having won one, eight and nine caps for the Three Lions' Under-15s, Under-16s and Under-18s respectively.

To see him miss a chunk of action would be another blow, but Hay's update does suggest that the injury shouldn't be anything too serious.

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