Leeds United are surely going to be in for a busy summer irrespective of the division they find themselves in, so what sort of side will they look like come the start of the 2020/21 campaign?

The Whites are leading the Championship at the minute and hold a seven-point advantage to the playoff positions with only nine games remaining, so they’ll have themselves to blame for failing to go up.

There have been plenty of transfer reports linking the club to several players. Here is how Marcelo Bielsa could line up his side…

There’s sure to be a change between the sticks from Kiko Casilla. His ban for racial abuse has left an air of uncertainty hanging over his future whilst Illan Meslier’s loan move would need to become permanent.

Football Insider have claimed that Bournemouth stopper Aaron Ramsdale is on their shortlist of possible goalkeeper additions, and he’d be the perfect arrival given his profile.

Only 21 years of age and has picked up valuable experience in the division this term, featuring in 28 matches but has only kept four clean sheets – then again, the Cherries are at the wrong end of the table. Transfermarkt currently value him at £12.6m.

In front of him could be another new signing with Manchester City Tosin Adarabioyo who Leeds have reportedly enquired about earlier this month. The 6 foot 5 colossus has been enjoying a loan spell at Blackburn Rovers and Bielsa will have seen his exploits first hand this term.

His contract at the Premier League champions doesn’t expire for another year, so maybe they could push for a loan move or tempt City into a sale.

Ben White will return to Brighton this summer, so he will certainly need replacing.

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The rest of the defence could contain skipper Liam Cooper, the only other centre-back due on Leeds’ books at the minute, Leif Davis at left-back, given the reliability of other options, and Luke Ayling on the right as normal.

In midfield, there are no changes whatsoever – Kalvin Phillips continues his lynchpin role with Mateusz Klich and Pablo Hernandez ahead of him while out wide Jack Harrison’s loan move can be made permanent this summer for £8m, which is something Leeds should very much do with Helder Costa on the other flank.

Meanwhile, there’s no place for current top goalscorer Patrick Bamford, he could be replaced by a new striker and one they have been frequently linked to is Cyle Larin of Besiktas. He could cost the club €12m (£10.7m).

Premier League Inflation: You won’t believe how much these famous transfers would cost today…

AND in other news, Leeds should let Gaetano Berardi leave, says Beren Cross…

Back in October, Crystal Palace fans were not happy with Luka Milivojevic following a defeat to Manchester City.

While it was perhaps harsh criticism given the level of opposition that day, the overriding theme from the supporters’ complaints were based on the win against West Ham the week before losing to Pep Guardiola’s men.

They felt that Roy Hodgson’s side performed better without the Serbia international involved in the starting XI.

Now, while that might’ve sounded a tad reactionary at the time, given the difference in quality between the Hammers and the Citizens, those fans have since been proven right by the Eagles’ recent winning run.

The ex-Anderlecht man is Crystal Palace’s captain, but even that didn’t see Hodgson immediately reinstate him into the starting XI after he recovered from illness.

Milivojevic missed the 1-0 win over Newcastle in which Patrick van Aanholt’s freekick handed the south Londoners all three points, which added a bit more weight to the aforementioned argument from the supporters on Twitter.

Furthermore, their claims from October were only bolstered even more when the skipper was left on the bench for the following game against Brighton, in which the Eagles picked up three more points.

Perhaps keen to stick to a winning formula, Hodgson opted for the same XI for the next game against Watford, where Crystal Palace were again victorious without Milivojevic, who was introduced as a substitute with 20 minutes remaining.

While two games in September against West Ham and Manchester City did little to justify the Palace supporters’ claims, these recent three matches – in which the Eagles have won three games in a row without the Serbian – does mean that those fans have now been proven right.

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For now at least, it does appear that the former England manager’s XI operates better without Milivojevic.

In other news, meet the unsung Crystal Palace employee who helped discover Joel Ward…

Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos has been in the headlines over the weekend and for once it isn’t about his brash antics, but rather for his act of “incredible” generosity.

The 23-year-old, valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, has donated £75,000 back to his home country, Colombia, in order to help underprivileged families during the current pandemic.

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Morelos has now given up approximately £300k in the past year to his own foundation as well as other charities.

He’s often been known for his questionable attitude on the pitch, where he has received a massive 36 yellow cards and has even been sent off seven times in his Gers career.

It has led to his manager, Steven Gerrard, calling for him to produce more mature performances this season.

Morelos has been integral to the Ibrox outfit, scoring 29 goals and assisting ten more in 46 appearances across all competitions, including in the Europa League.

And supporters have been lapping up his gesture on social media.

Here’s what has been said…

AND in other news, Rangers fans love message from Scott Arfield…

Newcastle United’s takeover by a Saudi-backed consortium is edging closer and closer by the day and Martin Samuel of the Daily Mail has fueled further encouragement over the weekend with his comments on the Sunday Supplement.

And it has left many fans at St James’ Park going nuts as a result.

He said: “I don’t see any official objection to [the takeover] whatsoever” before adding: “I began in a sceptical position, but I think this one is genuine. This one goes through. It works as a business proposition.”

Sky Sports believe the deal to take the reigns from Mike Ashley is nearing completion after PCP Capital Partners paid a £17m deposit and exchanged contracts last week.

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The Magpies chief has often used Samuel as a mouthpiece to push information out and that is exactly why some supporters are seeing their hopes increase tenfold.

They have taken to Twitter to share their thoughts to the latest update after NUFC360 relayed the information.

Here’s what has been said…

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No Australian Twenty20 team has been as aggressive in word or deed as the one about to face India in a critical Super Eights match at the World T20. So there is understandable anticipation about the rejoining of an old battle with Harbhajan Singh, famously provocative in the past but so far this tournament doing more with the ball than with his choice of words.Australia showed plenty of intent in the field in their opening match against Ireland, David Warner and Shane Watson particularly active in their efforts to rile the opposition. Watson later said this was part of how the team “gets up” for a serious contest. Any attempts at a similar approach against the West Indies were momentarily silenced by the blazing bats of Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels before George Bailey’s team notched a rain-assisted victory.Harbhajan’s recall was always likely to tempt another encounter with Australia, a team with which he has a history of confrontation and controversy, not least the 2008 Sydney Test match and its aftermath. While his striking display against England suggested a Harbhajan more focused on his bowling than anything else, the sight of the green and gold may stir that old familiar feeling.Michael Hussey, a witness to much of the aforementioned history, said he expected Harbhajan to resume his famously provocative ways, and counselled his younger teammates to remain true to themselves in dealing with any verbal confrontations.”I prefer to walk away and not worry about it,” Hussey said. “If he [Harbhajan] wants to use his energy up sledging and carrying on, that’s fine. Some other guys really thrive on it. Davey Warner, he likes a little bit of interaction out there and it gets him going.”So I don’t think there is a right way or wrong way to handle it but I think it’s up to the individual to know he’s going to try these tactics so you’ve got to be ready for it, and be sure it doesn’t affect your concentration but handle it in your own way. I just think let him [Warner] go, let him play his way. That’s what has given him success so far.”The match against India is the first of a testy trio that also features South Africa and Pakistan, leaving Hussey to reason that a first-up victory would ease a great deal of pressure from the team’s shoulders.”If we can win that first one in the Super Eights, it does give you that confidence and that little buffer that you know you just need one out of the last two to get through,” Hussey said. “It’s pretty much an early grand final really in the context of the tournament. But that relaxed attitude is important as well. We need to make sure we’re not too tense.”All the [batsmen] are playing well in the nets and they’ve got a lot of confidence, and that’s a big part of Twenty20. You need to have no doubts in your mind or fears, you’ve got to trust yourself and let your instincts take over.”The coach Mickey Arthur treated Australia’s player to two days off after their qualification for the next phase, though he then extracted a measure of recompense by pushing the players through a decidedly rigorous Tuesday training session.”We have had a few relaxing days but I expect that’s all about to end,” Hussey said. “Training yesterday [Tuesday] was very long and pretty intense and a welcome back to reality really. The pressure and tension are only going to rise as we get closer to that India match because it’s a huge game.”

Steven Finn has been ruled out of the first Test against India in Ahmedabad due to the thigh strain that limited his warm-up participation to four overs in the first match in Mumbai.England captain Alastair Cook confirmed that Finn would not be considered for the opening match of the series as it would be a significant risk. England are still likely to field one fast bowler under an injury cloud with Stuart Broad set to play after recovering from the bruised heel that meant he has bowled just 10 warm-up overs on tour.While Finn and Broad bowled with impressive pace at practice on Sunday, it was always unlikely that the England management would two risk two bowlers in the same Test. Finn barely participated in fielding practice and did not bowl a single delivery in the nets. While he is not thought to have suffered any injury setback, it seems the England management are keen not to risk his recovery; particularly in a Test that will be played in hot, arduous conditions.The problem for Finn now is that there are no further matches on the tour outside of the Tests so he will have to regain form and fitness in the nets.The most likely replacement for Finn appears to be Tim Bresnan who bowled well in the second innings of the final warm-up match against Haryana where he found useful reverse swing. Graham Onions, Stuart Meaker or a second frontline spinner in Monty Panesar are the other options and Cook is happy with the depth available.”I wouldn’t call them back-up bowlers, they’re all vying for a place to play in this XI, to be lucky enough to play for England,” Cook said. “They’ve all worked hard to get used to these conditions and as selectors we’ve got a tough decision to make.”

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Tottenham Hotspur face a tough challenge on Saturday, as they travel to Turf Moor to take on Burnley.

Sean Dyche’s side have been in fine form recently and are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League outings. Former Liverpool defender and BBC Sport pundit Mark Lawrenson believes that the Clarets will extend their run this weekend, despite being up against Mauricio Pochettino’s third-placed outfit.

What he said

In his regular predictions column for the BBC, Lawrenson has predicted a 1-1 draw between these two sides on Saturday. Speaking of Burnley’s much improved recent form, Lawrenson says that “a big improvement in the Clarets’ defence has played a big part in that and I don’t think they will give much away on Saturday either.”

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Whilst a draw away to Burnley, where Dyche’s side can be notoriously tough to beat, isn’t a terrible result in itself, it would be disastrous for Tottenham’s title hopes.

A chance to make history

The north London club are currently outsiders for the Premier League title. If Liverpool were to be beaten by the in-form Manchester United on Sunday – which is eminently possible – then three points would take Spurs to within just two of top spot.

At that stage, Pochettino’s side would have to be considered very much in the race. A first Premier League title triumph would be a historic moment for the club, and this season offers them a great opportunity to really push for that dream.

However, failure to win at Turf Moor would likely extinguish their chances altogether, potentially leaving them eight points off the top if Liverpool beat their bitter rivals.

If they really want to do something incredible this year then they cannot afford to slip up on Saturday.

ذكرت تقارير صحفية أمريكية، أن محمد صلاح، نجم منتخبنا الوطني والمحترف في صفوف ليفربول، تراجع في ترتيب الأعلى دخلاً بين لاعبي كرة القدم في العالم.

وتراجع محمد صلاح من المركز الرابع إلى الخامس، لصالح كيليان مبابي، نجم باريس سان جيرمان.

اقرأ أيضًا.. كاسكارينو يحدد صفقة هجومية مثالية لمنافسة صلاح وماني وفيرمينو في ليفربول

وقالت مجلة “فوربس” الأمريكية، إن ليونيل ميسي أيقونة برشلونة الإسباني، استعاد الصدارة من كريستيانو رونالدو، نجم يوفنتوس بعدما حل مشكلته مع البارسا.

وقالت الصحيفة: “عندما يتعلق الأمر بقياس أعظم اللاعبين في مرة القدم يتحول التركيز على رونالدو وميسي”.

وأضافت الصحيفة: “يتصدر ليونيل ميسي وكريستيانو رونالدو تصنيف فوربس هذا العام لأعلى رواتب اللاعبين مرة أخرى”.

وتابعت: “ميسي حل مشكلة عقده مع برشلونة ليصعد إلى الصدارة بـ 126 مليون دولار، فيما جاء رونالدو في المركز الثاني برصيد 117 مليون دولار”.

وأوضحت: “لكن مشجعي كرة القدم لديهم هدف جديد مثير للإعجاب وهو كيليان مبابي  مهاجم باريس سان جيرمان، الذي حصد المركز الرابع بـ 42 مليون دولار”.

وأردفت: “مبابي هو القوة الصاعدة لكل من نادي باريس والمنتخب الفرنسي، حيث سجل 103 أهداف في جميع المسابقات، منذ أن أصبح محترفًا قبل خمس سنوات”.

وأكملت: “في سن الـ19، أصبح أصغر لاعب يسجل هدفًا في كأس العالم بعد الأسطورة بيليه، الذي فعل ذلك عام 1958 في سن الـ17 عامًا”.

وأفادت: “نيمار يسبق مبابي، إذ يحصل على 96 مليون دولار، ولكن الترتيب قد يتغير عندما يحصل مبابي على عقد جديد، بعد انتهاء تعاقده مع باريس في 2022”. أكثر 10 لاعبين دخلاً في العالم :

1 – ليونيل ميسي، برشلونة (126 مليون دولار).

2- كريستيانو رونالدو، ريال مدريد (117 مليون دولار).

3- نيمار دا سيلفا، باريس سان جيرمان، (96 مليون دولار).

4- كيليان مبابي، باريس سان جيرمان (42 مليون دولار).

5- محمد صلاح، ليفربول (34 مليون دولار).

6- بول بوجبا، مانشستر يونايتد (34 مليون دولار).

7- أنطوان جريزمان، برشلونة (33 مليون دولار).

8- جاريث بيل، ريال مدريد (29 مليون دولار).

9- روبيرت ليفاندوفسكي، بايرن ميونخ (28 مليون دولار).

10- ديفيد دي خيا، مانشستر يونايتد (27 مليون دولار).

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According to Football Insider, Sunderland have reportedly made an approach for Barsnley striker Kieffer Moore, as the Black Cats prepare for life without Josh Maja.

What’s the word?

Sunderland fans were gutted when news of Maja’s move to Bordeaux broke on Wednesday, as the 20 year-old will join the Ligue 1 outfit for around £3.5m, per Sky Sports.

The good news however, is that the club isn’t standing still in finding a replacement for the youngster, as Football Insider claim they have lodged a £2m bid for Moore.

The 6ft 5in target man has scored 13 times in 23 League One games this season, including a brace in a 4-2 defeat at the Stadium of Light back in November.

Would he be a good signing?

Well, Moore has scored two less league goals than Maja this season, but the powerful target man has a proven track record in League One.

As well as his 13 strikes this season, he notched the same tally in 22 appearances last year, per Transfermarkt, despite the fact that he was only in the division for six months, on loan at Rotherham.

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The 26-year-old is a handful for defenders, an absolute monster in the air and, most importantly of all, he knows how to stick the ball in the back of the net.

The move should also fill fans with confidence about new owner Stewart Donald, who is once again proving he truly cares about the club’s promotion push by wasting no time replacing Maja.

So, Sunderland fans, would you be happy with Moore replacing Maja? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…

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Brendan Rodgers has jumped the gun in relation to the signing of Maryan Shved.

What’s the word?

The Karpaty Lviv winger watched Wednesday’s 2-0 win over St Johnstone after undergoing his medical.

Since presenting Maurice Johnston as a signing in 1989, two months before he turned up on the other side of the city, Celtic have been cautious over the timing of signings.

The Hoops completed three deals in the first fortnight of the transfer window but with just a few hours remaining there has been no further additions to the first team squad.

Perhaps caught a little off guard, Rodgers said as quoted by The Evening Times: “Marian Shved was at the game and I spoke to him beforehand.

“He is delighted to be here and his medical is all complete. Marian will go back to Ukraine and finish off his season there with his club.

“He will then come back to Scotland around April and get involved with the training, before being ready to go in the summer.”

These days any signing requires a social media introduction, with a brief video clip usually the way to make an announcement.

Shved has already spent a season and a half in Spain with Sevilla’s youth side but all of his effective playing days have been in the Ukraine.

Stockpiling wingers

On the surface it seems that Celtic are stockpiling wingers. Scott Sinclair and James Forrest are clearly the men in possession with Mikey Johnston and Jonny Hayes both waiting patiently for the chance to deputise.

Shved has an impressive reputation and decent first team experience for a 21-year-old but adapting to the Scottish game, coming to terms with the demands on Celtic players and breaking into a highly successful first team is a tall order. Just ask Lewis Morgan.