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Following a difficult start to the Premier League this season, Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa will have some ruthless calls to make over some of his under-performing players.

Rodrigo has arguably been the biggest disappointment of the lot given his considerable price tag and the extensive experience he brings to the table with his time in Spain playing European football year-in, year-out.

The Spaniard has yet to score or assist in nine games in all competitions this term, and what has been particularly disappointing is that he has been given a runout as the sole centre-forward in Patrick Bamford’s absence.

If the criticism was that his below-par displays might have been because he was asked to play in a more withdrawn role when Bamford was in the side, then there cannot be any excuses for how he’s been performing in recent weeks.

It was no surprise that numerous Leeds fans slammed the Spain international for his performance against Manchester United in the opening game of the season, while he was equally ineffective against Liverpool too.

Against Jurgen Klopp’s side last month, he had no successful dribbles, just one shot on goal with which he really should have done better, completed only ten passes and and lost the ball on seven occasions before he was taken off at the break.

Last time out against Southampton, he arguably delivered his worst performance in a Leeds shirt. Writing in his post-match player ratings for the Yorkshire Evening Post, Graham Smyth gave him a measly two, saying: “Completely ineffective. Offered next to nothing, took heavy touches or picked wrong options. No focal point for Leeds’ attack.”

Today’s game against Wolves marks a crucial opportunity for Bielsa’s side to get things right and finally get a bit of momentum into their sails.

Dropping the £100k-a-week earning Rodrigo would be the kind of ruthless move which could reignite the team.

Meanwhile, Leeds could sign a huge Dan James upgrade in this star…

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester City supporters have gone wild as a fresh claim emerges on the future of striking target Erling Braut Haaland.

The Sky Blues have been eyeing Haaland throughout 2021 with reports of their interest resurfacing in recent weeks, coming after they couldn’t quite manage to land a natural centre-forward in the summer.

Sporting director Txiki Begiristain had his eye on Harry Kane for the majority of the window, and after that move failed to materialise, they briefly contemplated a move for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Alas, manager Pep Guardiola didn’t get his striker wish and he could now have to wait another year until he signs the perfect heir to club legend Sergio Aguero at Eastlands.

In a silver lining for the Spaniard, it appears there has been a major development in the pursuit of Haaland.

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According to journalist Constantin Eckner of The Times, the Norway star’s agent, Mino Raiola, is now expected to hold talks with City over a potential move for his client next summer.

The dazzling 21-year-old’s release clause of £64 million is a sticking point as it comes into effect next year and Haaland is top of Begiristain’s transfer wishlist.

Flocking to this claim involving one of the best strikers in world football, it’s little wonder there are plenty of City supporters talking on social media.

Find all of the best reactions from Twitter down below.

Man City fans go wild for Haaland claim…

“now this is soooo amazing to hear”

Credit: @morison24383619

“Incredible.”

Credit: @FutbolGlobal

“About time”

Credit: @CitySlick4

“All is forgiven Txiki if you somehow manage to do this”

Credit: @crystallan21

“Good news”

Credit: @Musekere1

“We’re overdue a Txiki masterclass”

Credit: @MrUwais

“No wayyyyyyy it’s actually happening”

Credit: @rated07_

“This is exciting and obviously the club will go into this in good faith. But it’s still so unlikely any Haaland offer from Raiola would fit City’s wage structure. I’m not optimistic, but this is good news.”

Credit: @skramerwrites

In other news: ‘Vamosss’, ‘Best news today’, ‘Lets goooo’…Man City fans erupt over ‘beautiful’ development out of Eastlands, find out more here.

Aston Villa youngster Aaron Ramsey has been nominated for the Premier League 2 player of the month award for August after a stellar start to the campaign, as per the club’s official website.

In two appearances for the Villans’ under-23 side last month, the 18-year-old registered four goal contributions, with two goals and two assists [Transfermarkt], and he has won recognition for his fine displays.

He has been selected as a nominee for the Premier League 2 award and will be up against Omari Giraud-Hutchinson, Evan Ferguson, Harvey Vale, James McAtee, Dylan Stephenson, Jonathan Tomkinson and Dilan Markanday for the honour [avfc.co.uk].

In light of this news, plenty of Aston Villa supporters took to social media to celebrate Ramsey’s award nomination.

Aston Villa fans react

Replying to the club’s official Twitter account, here is what some fans had to say about the nomination, with some describing the teenage prospect as a “baller”:

“* 2 goals and 2 assists.”

Credit: @Flatsy1″Such a baller, massive potential”Credit: @thawkk__”Baller”Credit: @calsteedd

“Aaron Ramsey is bigger than your club”

Credit: @josephavfc

“Standard”

Credit: @DOUGLASLUlZ

 “This man’s having a sublime few weeks”

Credit: @ViIlaI_In other news, many Aston Villa fans react to events from the international break. Find out more here.

An insider from Tottenham Hotspur is now expecting starlet Charlie Sayers to sign for the north London club soon.

The Lowdown: Impressed

Spurs are reportedly ‘impressed’ with the Southend United left-back, who has spent the last few weeks on trial with the Lilywhites, according to club insider John Wenham.

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Wenham, who runs the social media channel Lilywhite Rose, was ‘told’ that Sayers was starting on trial for Tottenham’s under-18 side away to Fulham in the Premier League Cup on 27 November.

He has played in six games for Southend in the National League so far this season, and at just 17 years of age, he is an up-and-coming prospect.

The Latest: Expected to sign

Speaking to Football Insider, Wenham is now expecting Sayers to sign for Tottenham soon after impressing them while on trial. He revealed:

“Tottenham have very good links with Southend.

“People are asking why a first-team player at Southend is coming for a trial at Tottenham.

“He trained with the Under-23s last week and if he has anything about himself he will be looking to take the left-back spot in the 23s.

“This comes after the departure of Dennis Cirkin last summer (2021), there is a space for a natural left-footer in that side.

“Does he see a move to Tottenham’s Under-23s with the chance of breaking into the first team at a later date as a risk worth taking?

“I think he probably does. I’m also told he’s a massive Spurs fan.

“I’m sure Tottenham and Southend will soon come to an agreement to take over the rest of his contract.

“The club are impressed with him, they wouldn’t have offered him a trial if they weren’t.”

The Verdict: One for the future

At 17, Sayers is certainly a player for the future, and Tottenham clearly hold him in high regard for him to be taken on trial.

Of course, Antonio Conte currently has Sergio Reguilon and Ben Davies as options at left-back in his senior squad, but the latter has been playing as a central defender in the past few matches in the Italian’s new system, so there may just be an opening up for grabs in the squad.

It will no doubt be interesting to see what Spurs’ plans are for Sayers should they end up signing him as expected, whether they use him in the first team, the academy or send him out on loan, but it certainly seems as if the 17-year-old has a bright future ahead of him.

In other news, these were Spurs’ three worst players against Brentford

Newcastle United are reportedly set to lose out on the signing of Axel Tuanzebe to one of their rivals in the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Newcastle were favourites

The St. James’ Park faithful were reportedly in pole position to sign Tuanzebe not so long ago, with Steve Bruce being an admirer of the player who he has previously worked with.

People in the camp of the Manchester United central defender were thought to be ‘delighted’ with the North East club’s interest, although no deal has ever come into fruition.

The Latest: Villa set to sign Tuanzebe

As per The Athletic, Aston Villa are now set to sign Tuanzebe on a loan deal for the 2021/22 season, meaning that the Tyneside club are set to lose out on his signature.

It is reportedly ‘expected’ that he will now join Dean Smith’s team, who is keen to sign him as cover for both centre-back and right-back.

The Verdict: Shame

It would be a real shame for the Magpies to lose out on the signing of Tuanzebe, especially to one of their rivals in the top flight.

Described as ‘outstanding’ by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after an impressive display in the UEFA Europa League against Granada back in April, he is capable of performing at the highest level, having also racked up a fair amount of experience in playing in the Premier League (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, his added versatility would have been very useful to have in Bruce’s squad, but it looks as if they are going to miss out on the chance to sign him.

In other news, find out who NUFC have now reportedly agreed a deal to sign here!

Rangers kicked off their Scottish Premiership title defence in ideal fashion as they beat Livingston 3-0 at Ibrox on Saturday, with Steven Gerrard’s side comfortable despite missing the likes of Alfredo Morelos and Borna Barisic.

Ianis Hagi gave the Gers an early lead against David Martindale’s side as he fired home from Tavernier’s set-piece, before Scott Wright superbly found the corner with a volley to make the points safe.

Fellow substitute Kemar Roofe came off the bench to score a third late on, capitalising on some less than impressive defending by David Martindale’s side to pick up where he left off at the end of last season.

While he didn’t get on the scoresheet on Saturday, the game’s outstanding player was arguably Tavernier, as he played a huge part in the first two goals and was a constant threat going forward.

As per SofaScore, the former Wigan Athletic man earned a superb 8.8 match rating for his performance, which was comfortably the best of any player to feature for either side. Only Steven Davis (101) had more touches than Tavernier (98) at Ibrox, which emphasises just how involved he was in Rangers’ build-up play despite featuring at right-back.

He was also solid from a defensive perspective, as no Livingston player dribbled past him during the game. The visitors’ left-hand side, consisting of James Penrice and Adam Lewis, managed just six passes each during the game, which suggests that Tavernier clearly had the better of them.

Whilst the Rangers captain lost possession 31 times on the day, the most of any player on the pitch, this shows that he is willing to attempt the difficult passes and crosses. When they come off they often lead to a goal, evidenced by his superb goals and assists record during his time at Rangers thus far.

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After missing a portion of last season, which led to Nathan Patterson breaking into the first team, there were some who felt the Scottish youngster could challenge Tavernier for the starting spot during 2021/22. However, based on the 29-year-old’s performance today, there won’t be many occasions where Gerrard feels the need to drop his “incredible” captain – in the words of Kenny Dalglish – over the coming months.

In other news… Too slow, Wilson: Rangers miss out on “outstanding” winger loved by Gerrard

Derby County have been handed a huge boost in their bid to bring Teden Mengi back to Pride Park this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Athletic, who claim that Wayne Rooney’s side appear to be on course to land the Manchester United centre-back on another loan deal in the current transfer window, with the Premier League runners-up content to send the 19-year-old back to the Championship side after they secured survival on the final day of the season.

Rooney will be buzzing

With Derby remaining under a transfer embargo due to Mel Morris’ ongoing search to find a buyer for the club, something that limits the Rams’ transfer activity to loans and free transfers, as well as any potential incomings having to be paid a sensible wage, the news that Mengi looks set to make a return to Pride Park this summer is sure to have Rooney buzzing.

Indeed, over his nine Championship appearances while on loan at the club last season, the £1.35m-rated defender turned in a number of impressive performances in what were extremely challenging circumstances.

In the league, the 19-year-old helped his side keep a total of one clean sheet, while also making an average of 1.1 interceptions, one tackle, 2.4 clearances and winning 3.8 duels per game, with these metrics culminating in the youngster earning a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.67.

As such, with Rooney looking to build a side in the transfer window that is capable of mounting a push towards the top half of the second tier table next season, the potential return of a player whom the 35-year-old manager claimed is a “fantastic” centre-back will give the former England captain at least one reason to be cheerful in the coming months, particularly when factoring the mess that his side remain in away from the pitch.

In other news: Derby handed huge blow over £18k-p/w “maverick”, it will leave Rooney livid

Crystal Palace posted a picture on Twitter of their seven first-team signings on Thursday.

And a number of Palace supporters were quick to share their excitement towards the new recruits on social media.

The Eagles completed their summer business late on deadline day with the signing of Odsonne Edouard from Celtic.

The French forward, who cost over £14m and penned a four-year deal on Tuesday, was at the centre of the club’s post, alongside fellow recruits Michael Olise, Conor Gallagher, Joachim Andersen, Marc Guehi, Remi Matthews and Will Hughes.

Jacob Montes also signed at Selhurst Park but was loaned to Belgium, with Steve Parish spending just over £66m on new recruits in Patrick Vieira’s first summer in charge.

Palace shared a picture of their seven signings with the caption ‘let’s build something special’.

Palace fans react

This is what these Palace fans had to say in reply, with many excited and one ‘buzzing’ at the club’s summer business.

“Rebuild 90% complete.”

Credit: @cpfcfin

“Announce Europe”

Credit: @MichaelCPFC

“I’m just absolutely buzzing here”

Credit: @xylottie

“Absolutely ridiculous window”

Credit: @Phillyconcarne

“still in disbelief”

Credit: @EBERZEE

“Come on you palace”

Credit: @GeorgeHilder1

In other news: ‘Let’s gooooo’ – Lots of Palace fans delighted by ‘great’ Thursday news.

A number of Liverpool supporters are hugely excited after a report claimed the Reds are on the verge of signing striker Patson Daka this summer.

The summer transfer window promises to be a busy one at Anfield, with Jurgen Klopp working hard on perfecting his squad ahead of next season.

The 53-year-old will no doubt be keen to bringing in top-quality additions, but he will also be wanting to offload fringe players who are deemed surplus to requirements.

One player who Liverpool have been linked with before is Daka, who has been a sensation for RB Salzburg, scoring 68 goals in just 125 appearances for the Austrian side.

According to Fichajes, the Reds are set to make the 22-year-old their second addition of the summer, having already signed Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig.

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Liverpool fans delighted with Daka update

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the news after it was shared on Twitter via Sports Illustrated, with plenty of happiness on show.

“Please be true”

Credit: @rieny_rein

“I’d be over the moon with that”

Credit: @its_lew

“Replacing Origi with Daka would be fantastic. So much potential there”

Credit: @IrishRED05

“Don’t give me hope”

Credit: @_euanito

“This would be an incredible signing if true. Daka is being slept on across Europe”

Credit: @YourMateJez

“Good news”

Credit: @itwasashtag

In other news, Liverpool are reportedly willing to sell an attacking player this summer. Find out who it is here.

West Ham United are among the leading candidates to sign Andrea Belotti this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Italian publication Tuttomercatoweb, who claim the 28-year-old striker will leave Torino on a free transfer at the end of the season, though there are three other teams mooted with interest.

These are mentioned by the report as being Premier League rivals Newcastle United, Atalanta and Fiorentina.

They have also relayed comments from Torino president Urbano Cairo, who said:

“Belotti? He may have already signed up for another club. Maybe he could also tell us, but that’s okay. Let’s say that from February 1st he was free to sign, theoretically, he could even have done so … Disappointed? I no longer speak of this issue.”

Get it done!

By signing Belotti, the Irons’ head of recruitment Rob Newman could finally end one of David Moyes’ long-serving nightmares at the London Stadium.

It’s been over a year since Sebastien Haller’s exit from the club after the club-record flop joined Ajax in January 2021 and that’s a decision that left the Scottish head coach awfully light on options.

Indeed, he’s only had Michail Antonio available at his disposal and we know too well of his chequered injury past, whilst his form this campaign – particularly in 2022 – has been called into question.

But that’s hardly a surprise when you’re relying on a 31-year-old to deliver each and every week across multiple competitions without a break.

His only league goal this calendar year came on New Year’s Day, some 14 games ago, but he has no backup and no other alternative, so Moyes has to continually select him.

Belotti could be the perfect competition given his prolific goalscoring record in Italy. The Euro 2020 winner has bagged 110 goals in 247 appearances for the Turin-based side, including a season-best of 28 during the 2016/17 campaign, via Transfermarkt.

“Andrea is similar to all the great strikers, English and not. It’s hard to compare him to someone else because he’s special,” once claimed his former teammate Joe Hart to renowned journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.

“He’s Belotti and that’s it. He has [an] instinct for goals, personality and he’s a team player: he’s always focused on his team and plays hard to help it.”

High praise indeed from someone who faced the 5 foot 11 tank every day in training.

Now valued at £25.2m by Transfermarkt, the Hammers could well seal an absolute bargain in Belotti and given his talismanic-like record, he’d be a much welcome and much-needed addition to Moyes’ squad heading into next season, where they could well remain in Europe.

AND in other news, Time to go: Moyes must ruthlessly axe WHU’s £61k-p/w “monster” as big claim emerges…