Leeds: Harry Wilson’s Wales performance will have Orta and Bielsa green with envy

Harry Wilson starred for Wales in Wednesday’s Nations League clash against Finland as Ryan Giggs’ men rode out a comfortable 3-1 win. The Liverpool ace – currently on loan with Cardiff City – struck first to give his country the opener just before the half hour mark.

According to Sofascore, Wilson also contributed a key pass, one tackle and drew three fouls as the Finnish struggled to deal with his attacking threat. Shrewsbury Town midfielder and former Wales international Dave Edwards took to Twitter to praise the 23-year-old, branding his performance as “unplayable”.

The Whites were linked to a move for the winger over the summer, but no move materialised as several other clubs also eyed up his services. However, now he appears to be completely out of favour at Liverpool, Leeds could have an opening to reignite their interest.

Should Leeds sign Harry Wilson?

Wilson was originally part of a £40million plan devised by Michael Edwards to raise cash for their spending during the transfer window. The attacker was named alongside Marko Grujic, seemingly valuing each player at £20million each as the Reds looked to fund moves for big targets.

Neither men left the Merseyside permanently outfit though, and Wilson returned to his native to represent Cardiff for the remainder of the season on loan. He has already gotten off the mark for the Bluebirds, bagging two goals and an assist in five Championship appearances. His spell with Cardiff could become another club he shines for.

Wilson’s best loan stint came during his time with Derby during the 2018/19 season. The versatile attacker scored 15 Championship goals for the Rams and contributed a further three assists – totalling 18 goals and six assists for the season (via Transfermarkt).

Wilson also has a mean long-range shot and could certainly add a whole new attacking dynamic to Leeds’ team. Rather than playing short passes to target man Patrick Bamford, the Welshman’s ability to pull the trigger from outside the box could catch the opposition off-guard and make the Whites all the more lethal.

The Liverpool man’s current £60,000 per week contract runs out next summer, which could be very attractive to Victor Orta and co.

In other news, Signing Dele Alli would be a huge boost to Patrick Bamford’s game…

Aston Villa move for Demarai Gray would be shades of Scott Sinclair

Aston Villa have been tipped to make a move for a rival Premier League winger this week…

What’s the word?

According to Birmingham Live’s Ashley Preece, there’s “a possibility” that the Midlands outfit raid their local rivals Leicester City for winger Demarai Gray.

He “firmly believes” that the 24-year-old is on the list of winger targets at the club given that his contract is set to expire at the end of the new season.

It’s claimed that Villa are keen to add homegrown English talent with Premier League experience to their squad and the Foxes ace would fit meet that criteria.

Sinclair 2.0?

Despite the obvious squad regulations factor, it’s hard to understand why anyone would be in for Gray whether it’s for a fee this summer (£20m has been mooted) or on a free next.

There can’t be many players that have been rated so highly as a youngster and then just failed to make such a mark. Gray has featured in the Premier League 132 times yet has only provided ten goals and 11 assists.

18 of his 21 appearances this term were from the bench as Brendan Rodgers favoured other players, which is hardly a good sign either.

Yet Rodgers believes “he has all the tools to play at the very highest level. If you look at speed and power, and explosiveness, technique; those are attributes he has.”

Whilst Foxes teammate Christian Fuchs claims it has been his own mind holding him back, suggesting Gray is “unbelievable” in training – he might well be, but there’s nothing to suggest life would be any different at Villa Park.

This move could bear similarities to that of Scott Sinclair back in 2015. He arrived with a bit of promise about him, claiming that the move made him “the happiest I have been in a long time” yet he was part of a side that won just three matches all season and were duly relegated from the PL.

His two goals hardly helped.

Villa should steer well clear of this one.

AND in other news, Magpies ready to sacrifice Matt Ritchie to land key target ahead of Villa…

Ranking Chelsea’s transfer incomings so far

Every year without fail we hear about one team ‘winning the transfer window’, and this season that title may very well belong to Chelsea.

The Blues’ transfer ban is over, and with the Eden Hazard money waiting to be spent, the London club wasted no time in landing a number of high profile signings.

Frank Lampard managed to finish fourth with a makeshift squad made up of a number of youngsters with minimal Premier League experience, but with over £150m already spent, the question now becomes, can Chelsea push for the league title?

We’ve had a go at ranking Chelsea’s transfer incomings so far…

Timo Werner 5/5

It’s hard to score full marks on this ranking, but Timo Werner has to go down as one of the signings of the summer.

With the transfer market being as inflated as it is these days, £47.5m for a striker who netted 28 league goals in Germany last season is an absolute snip.

On top of that, Werner is 24 years old, so for that price, Chelsea may have just found a striker who can lead their line for the best part of the next decade.

Ben Chilwell 4/5

Full-backs are so important in modern football, and Chelsea have just signed one of the best young left-backs in the country in the shape of Ben Chilwell.

The former Leicester man is an England regular these days, and once again, he could be the solution to Chelsea’s left-back problem for the next 10 years.

He’s proven at this level, he’s young and he’s talented, this may well be one of the shrewdest signings we see this summer.

Kai Havertz 4/5

In terms of pure talent and potential, it’s impossible to not score Kai Havertz a 5/5 after providing 18 goal contributions in 30 league games from midfield last term.

However, we can’t score him full marks due to the fact he’s cost Chelsea a reported £72m, and while that’s not a ridiculous price in this day and age, you’d be stretching to call it a bargain.

The German should add a lot of firepower to Chelsea’s midfield, and we can’t wait to see what sort of impact he has at Stamford Bridge.

Malang Sarr 4/5

While Malang Sarr may not be the best player Chelsea have brought in this summer, it is undoubtedly a very smart signing.

The £14.4m-rated defender has joined the Blues on a free transfer, and they’re already pretty much guaranteed to make a profit if they sell him before he’s kicked a ball.

Of course, there’s every chance he breaks into the first team, after all, he was touted as the next big thing not too long ago, but even if he flops, this is a no-lose situation for the Stamford Bridge outfit.

Thiago Silva 4/5

Thiago Silva is a 5/5 player, but it’s impossible to give this signing full marks due to his age.

The Brazilian has just captained PSG in a Champions League final, and with 89 international caps to his name, he’s one of the most experienced players you’re likely to find at the top level.

Unfortunately, he’s about to turn 36, and performances can sharply decline once you get to that age, so this one has to go down as a 4/5 due to the slight risk attached to having a defender who is headed towards the back end of his career.

Hakim Ziyech 3/5

Hakim Ziyech was Chelsea’s first signing in this spending spree, and there’s an argument to be made that he’s actually their most risky buy.

The Moroccan comes off the back of another brilliant season in the Eredivisie, providing 18 goal contributions in 21 appearances, but how many times have we seen players shine in Holland and flop in England?

Memphis Depay and Alireza Jahanbakhsh are two former Eredivisie Golden Boot winners who didn’t cut the mustard in the Premier League, while others such as Davy Klaasen and Vincent Jansson barely got a game, despite arriving for big money.

Ziyech may well be a pleasant surprise, but spending big on a player from the Netherlands has backfired a few too many times to get excited about this one.

Sunderland: Tom Flanagan signs new deal

Football Insider have claimed that defender Tom Flanagan has signed a new deal to remain at Sunderland.

The Black Cats are expected to make wholesale changes to their squad this summer after failing for a second consecutive season to gain promotion from League One.

First team manager Phil Parkinson is faced with a tough summer transfer window, having seen a number of first team regulars leave the club in the last few weeks.

Flanagan, who was one of the players whose contracts expired, was offered a new deal, although reports had claimed that the centre-back had not responded.

Despite that recent claim, it has since been reported by Football Insider that a deal has been struck for the 28-year-old.

A source close to Sunderland has apparently revealed that a contract which will run until 2022 has now been agreed by all parties.

The agreement will come as a relief to Parkinson, who would have been aware that the likes of Wigan Athletic, Birmingham City and Coventry City, all of whom have either been in the Championship this season or will be next term, were keen on making a summer move for the Northern Ireland international.

It is a good move for Sunderland to keep hold of Flanagan and one that will hand Parkinson some security in defence, with the 28-year-old boasting the experience of 64 games for the club already.

Whether or not Wigan, Blues and Coventry were genuinely interested in him is questionable but, if they were, Sunderland can feel pleased that a deal has been struck.

What other signings do you think will be made at Sunderland this summer? Let us know in the comments section below…

Leeds may have the next Trent Alexander-Arnold in Cody Drameh

As confirmed by the club’s official website, Leeds have clinched the signing of Fulham starlet Cody Drameh.

What’s the word?

Reports in recent days had suggested that the Whites had a bid accepted by Fulham for the 18-year-old, and that they had also agreed personal terms with him.

Football Insider had further claimed that Drameh had arrived at the club for a medical and to put the finishing touches on some paperwork before completing his move.

Is it Haaland Snr or David Hopkins? Your Leeds knowledge will be put to the test with this quiz…

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Now, the club themselves have announced that they have got their man, with reports claiming that he has cost £1m, including performance related add-ons.

Following in Alexander-Arnold’s footsteps

A young, up-and coming right-back, with a great knack for picking out his teammates. Sound familiar? Trent Alexander-Arnold has of course turned into one of European football’s deadliest assist men in his career at Liverpool, racking up an incredible 25 of them in the past seasons in the Premier League.

Drameh appears to be following in those same footsteps as the England international, with his performances at academy level for Fulham showcasing that. In just 17 Premier League 2 games, he delivered an impressive seven assists, and is already showcasing his versatility by playing in a number of positions.

As well as his more natural right-back role, Drameh has filled in on the opposite flank, played in the middle of defence, and also even had a stint as a more advanced right-midfielder too. That ability to play in numerous roles will surely be music to Marcelo Bielsa’s ears, who has flitted between various formations in his time at Elland Road.

Last season alone saw him interchange between a three-at-the-back, and the more conventional four-man defence. Having a youngster like Drameh who is already getting an education in switching between roles will stand him in good stead for Bielsa’s constant tinkering. All in all, it sounds like a match made in heaven.

Now that his signing has been confirmed, Leeds could catch the Premier League by surprise by throwing Drameh into the deep end.

Leeds fans discuss the possibility of Erling Haaland signing for the club

Erling Haaland has become something of a household name this season after his amazing form has catapulted him to excel at the highest level of the game.It is difficult to remember that he is still only 19-years-old, as he scored eight goals in his debut Champions League season to go with 16 in the Austrian Bundesliga – in just 14 league games.Overall, the striker, son of former Manchester City and Leeds player Alf-Inge Haaland, has 28 goals for his club side since August, and that has led to endless speculation about where he might end up next.Can you get full marks on the Ultimate Leeds Quiz? Test your knowledge below…Leeds fans have been discussing the prospect of him coming to Elland Road after recent links and with Haaland previously stating that he dreams of helping Leeds to the Premier League title. Such a possibility would be greeted with great excitement by the fans below.

However, such a move seems very unlikely considering he has been linked with the likes of Manchester United and RB Leipzig according to The Mirror (via Kicker). As long as the goals continue to flow, his stock will not stop rising.

Despite that, promotion would enhance Leeds’ chances, though conjuring up the money would still be difficult. Some supporters feel there is an outside chance of bringing him to the club, even though it would mean a backwards step from Champions League football.

Nevertheless, the majority of fans feel any hope of him joining is exactly that – hope, rather than a realistic prospect.

Now he has proven himself in the Champions League there is no reason for him to decide to not play at that level, regardless of whether he supports the club or not, and therefore the following fans are more accurate in their judgement.

In other news, Leeds fans have been reacting to an impressive performance from Jack Clarke in a recent U23s match.

Sincil Bank

Key information about Sincil Bank

The Sincil Bank Stadium, or now more commonly known as LNER Stadium for sponsorship reasons, is the home of Lincoln City and was built in 1895. Located in the city of Lincoln in England, the ground is overlooked by the famous Lincoln Cathedral.

Its current capacity stands at 10,130 and has a pitch size of 101m x 65m with no running track and no undersoil heating but it does have natural grass on the surface.

As far as records go, in the clash against Derby County in 1967, the number of supporters in the stands was reportedly around 23,000, which is yet to be surpassed to this day. The name rights of the stadium have been changed multiple times throughout its history but it’s still colloquially known to fans as ‘Sinny Bank’.

A history of Sincil Bank

Even though they started their journey as an amateur side playing at the John O’Gaunts Ground since their inception back in 1884, Lincoln City quickly moved to Sincil Bank as soon as the stadium was built in 1895. Over the years, however, the ‘Sinny Bank’ would don many names and was passed around with multiple owners along the way.

In 1982 for instance, the club had sold the ground for £225,000 in order to escape the possibility of eviction while also arranging a 125-year lease in the process as well. Luckily for them, the financial situation somewhat improved from that point and until the beginning of the new millennium as the former chairman John Reames bought the ground back from the local council for £175,000.

The stadium itself still went through quite a bit of refurbishment over the years, especially when we compare it to the initial design from its inception, which essentially didn’t amount to much at all. In 1896, an uncovered stand was added to the Southern side and in the early 1900s, the ground’s improvements were boosted by the local Working Men’s Conservative Club who helped develop it even further.

And with improvements, the interest grew and so the capacity had to slowly increase as well. On 28 November 2008, Sincil Bank even had the honour of hosting England U16s’ 2–0 triumph over Scotland U16s to win the Victory Shield. In 2010, Martin Peters also paraded the FIFA World Cup Trophy at the ground as part of the tour.

Finally, in December 2019, the club confirmed they had sold the naming rights of the ground to London North Eastern Railway (LNER) and the new three-year sponsorship deal meant the Sicil Bank was no more and the stadium would indeed be called LNER Stadium henceforth.

Tickets to watch Lincoln City at Sincil Bank

All the tickets to watch Lincoln City at Sincil Bank can be purchased on the team’s official website. The prices are not too high and can be scooped up for £24, which is the highest cost for an adult ticket in category B, and £26 in category A.

Lincoln City also offer season tickets, family bundles with discounts and an option to be seated in the Legends Lounge, which is, of course, much more expensive. Adult season ticket holders can also renew their seat for £349 which essentially amounts to £15.18 per game.

Related Links

https://www.weareimps.com/ – Official website of Lincoln City

https://www.weareimps.com/tickets/ – Lincoln City Ticket Office

Wolves’ Pedro Neto can reach the top according to his former Braga youth coach

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Wolverhampton Wanderers youngster Pedro Neto has been given a glowing review by his former Braga youth coach Jose Carvalho Araujo after the two teams met in the Europa League on Thursday night.

What’s he said?

The 19-year-old joined the club in the summer from Serie A outfit Lazio right before the transfer window slammed shut, along with midfielder Bruno Jordao.

Wolves’ fixture list is rather congested as the hectic festive period is upon us. The club will continue to compete in the Premier League on top of being showcased on the European stage and in the New Year, the FA Cup will also swing by.

Watch Wolverhampton Wanderers Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

Therefore, Neto could see his role increased at the club, which can only be a good thing going by what Araujo has claimed.

Speaking before Thursday’s game, the Braga U23 coach said:

“He was remarkable even at that time. He had these amazing skills and this amazing physically capacity when he was attacking. He wasn’t so good defensively but he was two years younger than everyone else and he was clearly the star of the team.

“The speed with and without the ball is an amazing thing he had and still has, of course. Technically he is very good. But the thing that really makes Pedro for us is the mental part. He was a small kid with amazing ability but also this amazing will to succeed.

“I think Wolves are a very good Premier League club for him. The style of play will help him and I think he has all the quality needed to have success there.”

Promising

Neto has played just 142 minutes of Premier League football this season so he’s rarely been called upon by Nuno Santo but that could change in the near future with the pressing demands that lie ahead.

In short spurts, we’ve seen little glimpses of the speed and skill that the young winger possesses, and such a review by his former coach should only encourage supporters to want to see more of him.

His role isn’t heavily congested but he does have to compete with his fellow countryman, one of Nuno’s favourites, Diogo Jota, who scored ten goals and assisted seven in 37 appearances last term.

Fosun’s long-term aim is to start producing young talent in the first-team and although he’s not strictly an academy prospect his age and potential will only assist in reaching their end goal.

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In other news… Wolves are the next team to join the heated race for the next John Stones…

West Ham potentially selling Albian Ajeti encapsulates how shambolic this season has been

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

Albian Ajeti could be sold during the January transfer window due to how underwhelming he has been, according to Claret & Hugh.

What’s the story?

The 22-year-old was signed for £8m from FC Basel last summer, but has so far made five Premier League substitute appearances and two Carabao Cup starts against lower league opposition, failing to get a single goal.

It has now been suggested that West Ham will look to sell the Switzerland international during the winter window, using funds raised to bring in a genuine back-up option for Sebastien Haller.

The signing of a second striker to offer support for the Frenchman is said to have become a priority for the Hammers.

A shambolic start to the season

This whole move and the fact Ajeti may be sold embodies just how shambolic the first half of this campaign has been for the Hammers.

They currently sit just one point above the relegation zone and have won once in their last ten games across all competitions.

In addition, Manuel Pellegrini is just one game away from being sacked, while Mario Husillos has threatened to walk out on the club due to the criticism he has faced regarding his signings.

Did he really play for us?! No West Ham fan has managed to name all of these obscure Irons signings….

Then there is the run of games that Roberto had between the sticks and the plethora of calamitous errors he made, most notably when he punched the ball into his net against Burnley.

It is difficult to believe that this is a team that went unbeaten in six games towards the beginning of the season, though this arguably adds to the severity of the league position West Ham find themselves in.

This has been a truly shambolic time for the Hammers, to the point where it almost feels comedic, and selling someone in January, having only bought them during the summer would accentuate that even further.

In other news, FFC writers have been discussing whether or not Pellegrini deserves to be sacked.

Spurs fans gutted as Christian Eriksen scores against Red Star Belgrade

Tottenham Hotspur fans were less than thrilled with Christian Eriksen’s goal against Red Star Belgrade on Wednesday.

The Denmark international came off the bench to score against the Serbian side in the Champions League as Spurs ran out comfortable 4-0 winners on the road.

Mauricio Pochettino’s men held a 3-0 advantage when the Dane was introduced and he merely added the cherry on top of the cake.

However, fans weren’t exactly delighted that he added his name to the scoresheet.

Indeed, he has struggled throughout the season, netting just once before Wednesday’s game and laying on one further assist.

Of course, the Dane revealed his desire to take on a new challenge in the summer, with The Athletic claiming that he would only have joined Real Madrid or Barcelona.

His contract expires in the summer and he could well leave on a free if he does not come to an agreement over a new deal with the north London club.

Take a look at the best of the reaction from fans on Twitter below!

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