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Chelsea’s recent victory over Crystal Palace felt like the turning of a corner after a dreadful run of form, and Blues boss Graham Potter has been further boosted by some welcome injury news regarding Wesley Fofana.

What’s the latest?

According to Football London, Chelsea might have the £75m summer signing from Leicester City at their disposal shortly after the pivotal Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday, with the outlet relaying imagery depicting the centre-back beaming in his club’s training gear.

Fofana has missed 18 games this season as a result of his fitness setbacks, and his presence in defence has been sorely missed. That is evidenced by the team’s recent slump in form, with their recent victory over Palace following a sour period of seven defeats from ten matches across all competitions.

His impending return could provide the stability and vibrancy from the back which will pay dividends in the pursuit of brighter prospects across the second half of the campaign. It will also offer a welcome relief for a manager who has had to contend with a vast number of injuries throughout the squad.

Welcome boost for Chelsea

Due to his injury troubles, Fofana has only made four appearances this season, scoring one goal. However, his return signifies a possible turning of the tide for Chelsea, with the hope being that the awful form which has left the club in tenth place in the league table swiftly becomes a thing of the past.

Although the Blues have fallen well short of expectations so far this season, there is an abundance of quality at Potter’s disposal; and as the cogs fall into place, Fofana could be a core component throughout the rest of 2022/23, having previously been tipped to become a “top player” by Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers.

It’s in the Champions League that the young Frenchman has enjoyed his standout performances for Chelsea, recording an average rating of 7.35 across his two appearances against Dinamo Zagreb and AC Milan, as per Sofascore.

Completing 87% of his passes across those two games, Fofana averaged one key pass per match, with his alliance of creative flair and a direct threat surely a large factor in prompting Chelsea to sign him last summer. Additionally, having made three tackles per game and completed 100% of his dribbles, the 22-year-old is already developing into a refined and all-encompassing defensive operator.

Over the past year, the “beast” that is Fofana – as previously hailed by broadcaster Arlo White – ranks within the top 5% of defenders in Europe’s big five leagues for passes attempted, the top 13% for dribbles completed, the top 7% for interceptions and the top 18% for tackles completed (as per FBref).

This illustrates a player who routinely excels in his core defensive duties while also being remarkably comfortable in possession for a centre-back.

With Kalidou Koulibaly receiving criticism of late following his £33m move from Napoli last summer, Fofana could now form a defensive partnership with veteran stalwart Thiago Silva, a prospect which will surely delight his manager.

A deal to bring Weston McKennie to Leeds United looks likely, Fabrizio Romano has claimed.

What’s the word?

The Juventus midfielder looks set to leave in this window with a number of clubs interested, and according to Romano, Leeds seem to be among the frontrunners for his signature.

Jesse Marsch is after a central midfielder to strengthen his squad, and World Cup star Azzedine Ounahi has also been linked with a move to Elland Road.

Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast, Romano claimed that the clubs are in negotiations and a transfer could happen.

He said: “Weston McKennie is on the list at Leeds. Leeds are looking at McKennie; McKennie and Ounahi are the two options in the midfield for Leeds.

“Both options are open, but there are conversations ongoing between Leeds and McKennie, so it’s a serious possibility.”

A strong addition

The USA international could link up with national teammate Tyler Adams in the midfield while adding experience and quality to the side.

The 24-year-old could bring some attacking threat from a deeper position, as he ranks in the top 16% of midfielders for touches in the attacking penalty area, whilst also ranking highly for goals, as per FBref.

He has scored 13 times in 96 games for Juventus, and given the amount of interest in him, if Leeds can secure his signature, it could be a huge boost to their survival hopes.

Indeed, he has received high praise during his time at Juventus.

“McKennie is probably the best American player playing in Europe. I think it’s very important for him to continue showing the high level that he has at Juve,” Massimilano Allegri stated of his midfielder.

Given this high praise for him whilst he is at one of Europe’s biggest clubs, he would surely be a statement addition if Leeds can lure him to Elland Road.

Journalist Dean Jones claims Southampton has been working to ‘identify the best candidate’ in the forward position before the January window closes.

The Lowdown: Saints make Sulemana bid

A report coming out of Ghana has claimed that Nathan Jones’ side has submitted a bid for Kamaldeen Sulemana of Rennes.

In addition, the French side is apparently ‘tempted’ to accept the offer made by the Premier League team, the fee is said to be around £17 million.

Sulemana tends to operate on the left wing, but the Ghanaian can also play on the right side and as a centre-forward if need be.

The Latest: A striker will come

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones tipped the Saints to get a new striker in before the window slams shut at the end of the month.

He said, “Manchester United signing Wout Weghorst, that’s really the sort of player that Southampton might have been looking at in a window like this if it was potentially available.

“You see other clubs throwing pretty big money players that seem reasonably risky. I know the list has been drawn up for Saints. They’ve been working through it to identify the best candidate, and I’m pretty sure that they will sign somebody.”

The Verdict: Proven striker needed ASAP

We believe that Southampton have a potential bright spark in the form of Sekou Mara, but they need to bring in an already-established striker into their ranks.

Earlier in the season, pundit Micah Richards was in awe of Mara’s assist against Brentford in a 2-2 draw. Speaking on Match Of The Day (via The Daily Echo), he described the Frenchman’s assist as ‘ridiculous’.

Mara is only 20-years-old and still has room to improve and develop. Che Adams and Adam Armstrong have proven to be immense goal-scorers in the Championship, but have never cut it consistently at Premier League level.

This is why we think that Jones needs to bring in an established forward into his sqaud, as not only would Mara potentially thrive learning off a more experienced striker, but Adams and Armstrong are both under the age of 27 and could benefit under the tutelage of a wise attacker.

Should Southampton stick with what they have upfront then it could be a total disaster for them, as they have the joint-fourth worst attack statistically in the league and currently sit bottom of the league.

Sky Sports contributor and writer for the Rangers Review Joshua Barrie has claimed that Antonio Colak can play a ‘big role’ for Michael Beale’s side.

The Lowdown: Hitting the target

The Croatian forward is the Scottish Premiership side’s top scorer this season in all competitions with 11 goals. Colak is three goals ahead of Gers captain and right-back James Tavernier in second place.

All of the 29-year-old’s goals so far have come in Scotland’s top flight, where he’s featured on 15 occasions so far this season.

Colak arrived in Glasgow last summer, signing from Greek outfit PAOK Thessaloniki for £1.8 million plus add-ons.

The Latest: A big role to play

Barrie claims that the forward could be an important player under Beale and raved about his current goal tally this season when speaking on the Rangers Review’s YouTube channel.

He stated (24:57), “For me, Colak is gonna still have a big role to play under Michael Beale, he might not be the starting striker for every week.

“If Morelos goes in the summer, as is the case at the moment because he’s not signed a new contract, we’ll need to replace him, definitely.

“But Colak’s 11 goals and 14 starts is a number in a poor team. At the start of the season, who weren’t playing well.

“It’s the type of numbers that we just haven’t had in a while and what it will also give Beale is something he had at Hampden which changed the game, is the ability to bring on a goalscorer.”

The Verdict: A great striking option

We believe that Colak is a great option for Rangers to have up front, as he was brought in to get goals and he’s certainly done that.

Current Blackburn Rovers boss Jon Dahl Tomasson managed the striker when the two were at Malmo, before joining the Gers. Speaking with The Scottish Sun ahead of his move to the club, he labelled Colak as an “excellent player” and someone with a “great attitude”.

Beale will likely be thinking of a potential replacement for Alfredo Morelos, as his deal at Ibrox runs out this summer. For now, he knows that he has a reliable option until the end of the season in the form of Colak.

There are other players in the squad they can turn to in the form of Kemar Roofe and Fashion Sakala, but neither have proven to make a huge impact in the 2022/23 campaign.

Rangers could have one of two approaches in the summer, the first being they bring in a striker who’s ready to start from the get-go.

Alternatively, they bring in someone younger and opt to use Colak as the main man up top, as we certainly believe that the 29-year-old is making a great case for himself with his goal return so far this season.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano says that reported Arsenal transfer target Ivan Fresneda is staying at Real Valladolid, after a loan bid has been rejected today.

The Lowdown: Arsenal interest

Arsenal’s interest in Fresneda has been well-documented, with reports just a couple of days ago that they were moving ‘behind the scenes’ to try and get a deal done.

Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth reported that ‘multiple bids’ were expected from a ‘number’ of clubs in the Premier League and Europe for the Spaniard, and Romano claimed that although it was likely that he would stay at Valladolid, he did not rule out ‘twists in the final hours’ of the window.

The Latest: Definitely staying

Taking to Twitter, Romano has now confirmed that Fresneda will definitely stay at Valladolid until the end of the season, after a loan bid from an unnamed club was ‘rejected’ today:

“Ivan Fresneda stays at Real Valladolid until the end of the season. Loan bid received today has been rejected.

“No Arsenal or Borussia Dortmund, he’s staying and will get top club move in the summer.”

The Verdict: Shame

It is a shame for the Gunners to miss out on Fresneda, but at least he will not be joining one of their rivals in terms of interest, and will be available to sign in the summer.

The 18-year-old is very highly-rated indeed, having been lauded by journalist and La Liga presenter Juan Arroita for his ‘beastly’ ability to maraud forward and put in dangerous crosses, while Matt Clark of La Liga Lowdown says that he has been a ‘revelation’ in the Spanish top flight, and is a ‘remarkably complete’ right-back.

This is evident by some of the outstanding statistics that he has been producing in the last year, ranking in the top 11% for tackles, clearances and interceptions per 90 minutes among full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues (FBref).

Nonetheless, with Cedric’s proposed move to Fulham still not being completed, it makes sense for Mikel Arteta’s team to postpone their move for Fresneda, with Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu also capable of playing at right-back.

Everton manager Sean Dyche will ‘be disappointed’ by the lack of signings since he arrived at the club, according to former player and BBC Radio pundit Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: Everton missed out

The Toffees appointed Sean Dyche on January 30th, leaving the club with a small window of opportunity to bring in some players for the new manager on deadline day, but they were unable to get any deals over the line.

Kamaldeen Sulemana chose a move to Southampton rather than Everton, while they were also unable to land free agent Andre Ayew after the window closed, with the forward opting for a move to Nottingham Forest.

The Latest: Whelan reacts

Speaking to Football Insider about the recent ongoings at Goodison Park, Whelan said:“I think the Everton fans have got every right to be frustrated.

“They’ve just sold their best player and got no one to replace him when they’re in a relegation fight.

“They’ve got a good result which might gloss over it, but where’s the positive in that?

“I think Dyche is trying to steady the ship and get the fans onside. They need everyone behind the players to get out of this.

“I’m not sure there’s enough talent in the squad to push themselves up the league.

“He knows what they’ve got to work with now – but he’ll be disappointed not to get someone in.

The Verdict: New additions needed?

While Everton’s previous Premier League form may have indicated that some new signings were needed, they already looked a much-improved side under the helm of Dyche last weekend, defeating league-leaders Arsenal 1-0 at Goodison Park.

The current crop of players ran 72.8 miles for their new boss, more than two miles further than they have in any other game in the top flight this season, indicating that they are committed to turning their form around in the second half of the campaign.

Failing to secure a replacement for Anthony Gordon is a very disappointing development, however, and the only option now is to to try and sign an attacking option as a free agent in the coming days, with Isco recently emerging as an option.

Leeds United’s search for a manager drags on, but another name has cropped up that could be of interest…

What is the latest on Marcelo Gallardo to Leeds?

That’s according to journalist Ariel Senosiain, as reported by German Garcia Grova (via Sport Witness), who claim that the Whites want Marcelo Gallardo to be their next boss.

So much so that it is noted that chairman Andrea Radrizzani had made contact with the 47-year-old ‘a few weeks ago’, clearly envisioning Jesse Marsch’s downfall ahead of time.

The Yorkshire outfit awaits the response from the former River Plate boss who only left in December 2022, after a nearly nine-year spell in his homeland.

What would Gallardo’s appointment mean for Leeds?

Appointing a manager of his calibre would be an enthralling one for Leeds fans, but somewhat risky given his lack of experience in Europe.

His main venture into management remains with Los Millonarios barring a short spell at Club Nacional, as he oversaw 424 matches before stepping down of his own volition. 

To maintain 1.88 points per game throughout that period does mark him out as an exceptional manager, with his play style also capturing the imagination as he combined success with style.

He would win nine trophies whilst at River Plate but would do so with an enthralling high press system that drew attention from many across the world.

Even Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has praised his work at the club, claiming:

“What Gallardo has done with River is incredible. Every year three coaches are named as the best in the world, and he’s never among them. I can’t understand it. It’s as if there’s nothing else in the world apart from Europe.”

Such was his philosophy that he actually has drawn comparisons to another great Argentinian coach in Mauricio Pochettino, as journalist Alasdair Gold noted:

“Gallardo is certainly growing his reputation and some people believe he’s similar to Pochettino in style”.

The former Tottenham Hotspur coach saw his methods thrive in the Premier League, and despite not being able to end Spurs’ barren trophy run, he still increased his pedigree enough to secure him the Paris Saint-Germain job after.

However, Gallardo is not a wholly all-action boss, as within his first season in Argentina he adopted a pragmatic defensive approach with which he build the foundation for his future success.

Given their current predicament, this would suit Leeds perfectly, as they have conceded 36 goals already in just 21 games and have not won since domestic football recommenced.

As a proven winner with tactical flexibility, tempting him to Elland Road would mark a huge coup as he would likely continue his ‘incredible’ job from Buenos Aires to west Yorkshire.

Jamie O’Hara has urged Antonio Conte to leave Tottenham Hotspur if he refuses to change his three-at-the-back formation.

The Lowdown: Conte may be forced to change

Conte has deployed three centre-halves in every single game this season, but that hasn’t been enough to get them a spot in the top four as things stand.

Their Champions League clash against AC Milan could indeed be the time when Conte switches things up – albeit more through having no choice as he deals with a raft of absentees on Tuesday evening.

Spurs are to be without Rodrigo Bentancur for the remainder of the season, while Yves Bissouma has recently undergone ankle surgery and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is suspended for the first leg at the San Siro, which could force Conte into some changes.

The Latest: Spurs need to change something

O’Hara claimed live on TalkSport that if Conte refuses to divert from his favoured three-at-the-back formation amid Bentacur and Hojbjerg’s absences, he has to leave the club.

He said: “If anyone at Tottenham is listening, you have got to change the formation now. You cannot play two in midfield. You cannot play 3-4-3 without Bentancur, you have to play three in midfield.”

Co-host and fellow Spurs man Jason Cundy then insisted that Conte wouldn’t veer away from his favoured formation that’s been so successful during his career, to which O’Hara said:

“Then he should go, because honestly, I don’t even enjoy watching Tottenham anymore. I don’t enjoy watching it.

“I used to get so passionate, so into watching Spurs play, and now, I’m looking and watching going, I’m not enjoying this. It’s not enjoyable to watch.

“We never have the ball; when we have the ball, we’ve got no creativity; we’re awful at the back.”

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The Verdict: Tottenham could benefit from fresh ideas

Conte has been very stubborn in his ways when it comes to formations, but that hasn’t achieved any material success as of yet, with Spurs outside of the top four and struggling for consistency after beating Manchester City before being thrashed by Leicester City at the weekend.

Considering the number of absentees that Conte must cope with in midweek, it could be a chance to alter things slightly and maybe try a few players in different roles so that Tottenham have a Plan B when things aren’t going well.

Spurs will know that their fans will be expecting a positive result tonight and will want to see a reaction from Saturday’s humbling defeat given that AC Milan are struggling this season, with the reigning Serie A champions sitting in fifth place.

YouTube presenter and Leeds United supporter Joe Wainman has been left unimpressed at a managerial update from Elland Road.

The Lowdown: Skubala to continue

The Whites are yet to replace Jesse Marsch after parting ways with the American over a week ago. Michael Skubala, Chris Armas and Paco Gallardo took the Premier League meetings with Manchester United, and it has now been confirmed that Skubala and his team will continue to lead the first team for the club’s upcoming fixtures.

The Whites have two crucial fixtures coming up against relegation rivals Everton and Southampton, and it doesn’t look as if Wainman is overjoyed at this update.

The Latest: Wainman reacts

Wainman, host of the JustJoe Football Show, took to Twitter immediately after Leeds confirmed the news regarding Skubala. He didn’t appear to be happy with the decision, simply saying:

“Noooooo.”

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The Verdict: A gamble…

Skubala, Armas and Gallardo have done a solid enough job with two promising displays against Manchester United, however, many would have been hoping that Marsch’s successor was in the door with time to spare ahead of this weekend’s trip to Goodison Park.

That appeared to be the plan, so you can understand why Wainman has voiced his frustrations regarding this decision.

Therefore, should this weekend’s meeting with Everton go the way of Sean Dyche’s side, Leeds officials could come in for more criticism from the likes of Wainman, making this latest call a big gamble.

Top-flight clubs in Spain, Italy and Turkey have reportedly registered their interest in signing Glasgow Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos for free this summer.

The Lowdown: Morelos soon out of contract

The 26-year-old is out of contract in the summer, meaning that he can walk away from Ibrox as a free agent.

The striker continued his fine form under Michael Beale with an assist in the 3-0 win at Livingston in the Premiership on Saturday afternoon, which makes it six goals and four assists in 11 league games under the current manager (Transfermarkt).

Beale has recently admitted that he does not know whether or not Morelos will sign a new deal, but hopes that the forward will stay beyond this season.

The Latest: Plenty of transfer interest in Morelos…

As per Football Insider, one Spanish club has made an approach to sign Morelos as a free agent once his contract expires, while other clubs in the Spanish, Italian and Turkish top flights have also registered their interest in the Colombia international.

Morelos opted against a move to Turkey in January, and Rangers have not given up hope of him signing a new contract, while the player himself has privately not ruled out the possibility of staying put.

The Verdict: Give Morelos what he wants

Rangers must simply meet Morelos’ demands and give him what he wants in order to keep him at Ibrox beyond this summer.

Under Beale, he has rekindled the kind of form that he showed earlier in his Light Blues career, and he has been a great servant in general, with 178 goal contributions in total over the last six campaigns.

Morelos has also shown that he can contribute defensively for the team as well, ranking in the 98th percentile for blocks and the 85th percentile for clearances per game for all forwards outside of Europe’s top five leagues over the past year (FBref).

At 26 years of age, he still has a lot that he can offer, so the Teddy Bears should be looking to keep hold of him at all costs.