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Some Liverpool supporters have been reacting to the news that Diogo Jota has been working with a former sprinter ahead of the new season.

The Reds had a season to forget in 2020/21, even though they ended up securing a third-place finish in the Premier League.

In a campaign full of problems, Jota was one of the positives, enjoying a good first season at Anfield which saw him score 13 goals in 30 appearances.

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The Portuguese made an immediate impression at his new club, and had it not been for a three-month injury layoff, the 24-year-old would arguably have had an even bigger influence for the Reds.

According to The Daily Mail [via Anfield Watch on Twitter], Jota has been training with former Olympic medal-winning sprinter Francis Obikwelu in order to make a flying start to the new season. The forward was already known for his superb pace, and this attribute could be even further embellished as a result of his training with Obikwelu.

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Liverpool fans react to Jota update

It is an update which has been met with plenty of positivity from these Liverpool fans on Twitter.

“He’s gonna be like a new signing”

Credit: @7sRbest

“It’s going to be scary but not for us”

Credit: @angelllliiiii

“Man wants to peak Salah’s level”

Credit: @Mo3y96

“Scary for the league”

Credit: @PassLikeThiago

“Jota gaining a yard of pace? Yeah it’s gonna be scary”

Credit: @BSSLFC

“99 pace rating that”

Credit: @Cobby_Ing_Jr

In other news, a Premier League club have reportedly opened talks with one Liverpool player. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United have been handed a major boost over their plans to expand Elland Road.

What’s the story?

Leeds had originally planned to expand the capacity of Elland Road to 50,000 whilst also relocating the Thorp Arch academy to a former high school site close to the site of their stadium.

However, Marcelo Bielsa’s side have changed these plans as they look to expand Elland Road into a 55,000 seater stadium by expanding into the space at the Fullerton Park site next to the stadium.

And now, writing on Twitter, Leeds Live’s Beren Cross said: “Elland Road went one step closer to 55,000 seats today. Councillors today agreed in principle to shift Fullerton Park plans to derelict Holbeck school site, thus making space for Leeds to expand. #lufc”

Fans surely buzzing

Cross’ latest update is an exciting one for Leeds fans who will be no doubt desperate to see Elland Road grow into one of the largest stadiums in English football to match its rich history.

At its current capacity of 37,792, Leeds have the 11th biggest stadium in the Premier League, behind the likes of Everton and Aston Villa.

However, the proposed increase at Elland Road to something around 55,000 would see them hover around the top-five, with champions Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium currently seating 55,017.

Not only would a bigger Elland Road mean more fans be allowed in to watch their team play, but it would also be a statement of ambition that Leeds mean business and are intent on bridging the gap to the Premier League’s elite.

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Leeds fans will be ecstatic to hear the news that councillors have agreed to allow space for the club to finally expand their stadium.

Meanwhile, Leeds must land this EURO 2020 star…

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa must ruthlessly sell Helder Costa in this summer’s transfer window amid a recent transfer claim.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have linked the likes of Noni Madueke, Josip Brekalo and Noa Lang with a move to Elland Road this summer, and now, former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted that Costa’s time at the club is up.

And now, speaking to Football Insider, Agbonlahor has said: “100 per cent. Costa did not do enough to stay at Leeds. Leeds will like to get Harrison, they’ve got Raphinha and one more winger plus they’ve still got Poveda. They definitely need another winger. Costa’s had his chance and he’ll be definitely moved on.”

Rinsing Andrea Radrizzani dry

With reports claiming that Leeds spent around £16m to sign him from fellow Premier League side Wolves, it’d be fair to assume that Bielsa would have expected a lot more from one of the club’s most expensive signings in recent memory.

Now, Transfermarkt value him at just £9m, almost half of what the Whites actually paid the Molineux side to bring him to Yorkshire on a permanent basis.

Costa had a woeful campaign in the Premier League last season for Bielsa’s side, scoring just three times and providing only three assists in 22 games – in fact, in total, he’s found the back of the net only eight times in 69 matches.

And, after a particularly disappointing performance against Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, Noel Whelan criticised the winger, telling Football Insider: “The one player that disappointed me was Helder Costa. Once again he was poor. There is something there that is not right because Poveda came on and did more in that short time than Costa did in the 60 minutes he was on the field.

“He is fourth in the pecking order in terms of wingers for me. Poveda has to come before him now. He plays it safe and he’s negative. For a player that cost £16m, I need to see a hell of a lot more from him. At least Poveda runs at people. He is positive and that is what a winger should do. Costa has been a massive flop. A real disappointment again.”

Earning around £70k-a-week, Costa is one of the Whites’ highest-earners at Elland Road, but has done nothing to suggest he is worthy of being in that category of players.

With reports already claiming that Leeds would be willing to listen to offers this summer for him, now is the perfect time for the club to cash in on a player who is essentially rinsing Andrea Radrizzani dry.

Meanwhile, Leeds facing major transfer blow as fresh twist emerges…

Many Everton fans have been left to fume as a transfer update emerged on Marcelo.

As per the Daily Mirror, the Goodison Park faithful, as well as Leeds United, lead the chase to sign the Real Madrid man in the summer window.

The Brazil international is not in the plans of new boss Carlo Ancelotti, and given that his current deal at the Bernabeu runs out in June 2022, Los Blancos will likely be looking to move him on this summer.

Marcelo would prefer a move to either England or Italy, and an asking price has been quoted at £5m.

There is no doubt that the left-back has had a decorative footballing career both at Madrid and at international level, but he is 33 years of age now, and the Merseyside club already have Lucas Digne, Niels Nkounkou and Thierry Small who play in his position.

Thus, it would be a strange move for them to try and recruit Marcelo, who is certainly past his best.

Everton fans on Marcelo transfer update

These Toffees fumed as the transfer update was shared on Twitter, with one Blues supporter even going as far as to claim that it was ‘silly’:

“Start of the madness”

Credit: @benjwinstanley

“Rubbish”

Credit: @AndyVale27

“Most pointless signing ever!! Digne, Godfrey can cover there, Nkounkou and Small, no thanks even though in his prime he was superb”

Credit: @efcbigdunc

“Makes no sense”

Credit: @Official_ESCA

“Obviously, as a left-back is what we’re crying out for. Silly season is truly upon us”

Credit: @sickleclown

“Ridiculous”

Credit: @alandean1878

In other news, find out which Euro 2020 ace EFC are in pole position to sign here!

Whoever becomes the new manager of Everton will have a task on their hands to reach an elusive Champions League place.

It was the goal of Roberto Martinez when he first arrived and it has been the ambition of every coach since, including Carlo Ancelotti.

On the chalkboard

Everton haven’t been afraid to spend big in the last few years but unfortunately, it’s not got them any closer to a spot in the top four.

Rafa Benitez has been linked with the job and could use his contact books to attract some of the finest talent in Europe to Goodison Park.

One area he’ll need to target is in defence. Mason Holgate endured a poor end to the campaign with a host of defensive mistakes against Aston Villa and Manchester City while Seamus Coleman isn’t getting any younger.

The Toffees skipper has just one year left on his current deal in Merseyside so it would wise for Everton to look at finding his successor.

Devastating Dumfries

One player they’ve been linked with over the last few days is Euro 2020 star, Denzel Dumfries.

That’s courtesy of a report from Voetbal International (via Sempre Inter) who suggests Everton and Inter Milan could battle it out to sign the Netherlands wing-back.

Inter’s need may be more pressing with Achraf Hakimi close to joining Chelsea but after a wonderful European Championships, Benitez or whoever the new manager is must do all they can to bring him to Merseyside.

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The flying defender has been in red-hot form over the course of the Euros, scoring in successive games for the Netherlands and earning a Player of the Match award in both outings.

He scored the winning goal against Ukraine with a header and then burst forward in lung-busting fashion to get on the end of a Dutch counter-attack against Austria.

Memphis Depay flicked the ball over the top into the path of Donyell Malen who then laid the ball on a plate for Dumfries to fire home after galloping forward down the right.

As the 6 ft 2 colossus celebrated his strike, BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce screamed “the freight train has arrived!”

That was a perfect way to sum up his play style. The 25-year-old is relentless in his desire to get forward, providing nine assists for PSV Eindhoven last term in all competitions.

His power is remarkable and his pace is electrifying, regularly beating defenders. If Everton are searching for someone to replace Coleman he’d be ideal.

After all, the Irishman has been a persistent threat himself. During his days in the Premier League, Coleman has registered 26 goals and 31 assists.

With Dumfries now adding goals to his game as well, he is a scary proposition for any defence and must be considered strongly by Everton director Marcel Brands.

AND in other news, Forget Gattuso: Everton must consider “stubborn” 47 y/o instead, Kenwright loves him…

Chris Wilder is eager to bring Dwight Gayle back to The Hawthorns if he is appointed West Bromwich Albion manager, according to the Sunday Mirror’s print edition (via The Chronicle).

The lowdown

The Athletic have reported that the striker has agreed to a new three-year contract at St James’ Park, but that could be a move to protect his value. He accepted reduced terms in that deal after scoring only one goal in the 2020/21 season, during which he played 543 minutes across 20 appearances in all competitions (via Transfermarkt).

Newcastle manager Steve Bruce has nonetheless labelled him an ‘invaluable’ asset given that he is a ‘natural goalscorer’, something he demonstrated during a spell on loan at West Brom in 2018/19 when he netted 24 goals in the Championship.

The latest

Sam Allardyce has walked away from the Baggies after failing to keep them in the Premier League and, according to the Sunday Mirror (via The Chronicle), former Sheffield United boss Wilder is expected to be appointed as the 66-year-old’s successor.

The West Brom managerial candidate has already identified Gayle, valued at £4.5m by Transfermarkt, as one of his transfer targets if he gets the Albion job.

The verdict

From West Brom’s point of view, the move clearly makes sense given that Gayle has proven he can be prolific in the Championship.

Newcastle may consider the 31-year-old to be an important back-up option but should sell him if the price is right given his age and the options elsewhere.

Joelinton can function as Callum Wilson’s direct deputy (the Brazilian scored four league goals to Gayle’s one this season, and the path to first team involvement for academy talents can be widened if a centre-forward spot is freed up.

In other news, this midfielder is keen to leave Newcastle this summer.

Aston Villa have been credited with an interest in Vitoria Guimaraes defender Abdul Mumin, according to The Sun.

The Lowdown: Mumin profiled

Mumin appears to be catching the eye for his displays this term, where has lined out as a centre-back.

The 22-year-old, standing at 1.88m (6 ft 2), joined Vitoria last August in a free transfer from FC Nordsjaelland and has made 26 appearances this season.

The Ghanaian, who is yet to be capped at senior level for his country, can also play as a right-back.

The Latest: Villa not the only side keen

According to The Sun, Newcastle and Tottenham are also keen on Mumin, while Scottish giants Celtic have also held a previous interest. The report added that anyone wishing to secure his services would need to pay around £15m.

Should a move to Villa Park go through, the report claimed that Mumin could replace Neil Taylor, who is out of contract this summer. The Welshman, who is on £32,000 per week, is thought to be attracting interest from Queens Park Rangers and Stoke City.

The Verdict: A new centre-back required?

In our opinion, exploring the idea of signing a new centre-back this summer could be a smart move. Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa have been virtual ever-presents under Dean Smith this year, with the likes of Kortney Hause and Bjorn Engels barely (if even) getting a look-in.

Reports have suggested recently that Engels will be moved on in the summer, and should that come to fruition, bringing in a fourth centre-back may prove crucial for the 2021/22 season in terms of squad depth.

Mumin may well be that man, but it seems as if the club will need to beat numerous teams in the race for his signature.

In other news: Villa suffer transfer blow despite having target through the door, find out more here. 

West Ham United sealed a place in the Europa League as they cruised to victory over Southampton in the final Premier League game of the 2020/21 season on Sunday evening.

And David Moyes largely has Pablo Fornals to thank after a quickfire first-half brace set the tone for their performance, on a day where a point would’ve been suffice.

The Spaniard fired into an empty net to open the scoring on the half-hour mark, and then doubled his and the Hammers’ tally three minutes later when latching onto Vladimir Coufal’s cross.

In the second half, the three points were sealed by a surprise name in Declan Rice, who was arguably an unsung hero after running the midfield engine room.

Captaining the side in Mark Noble’s absence, the England international was an absolute beast under Moyes, recording a 7.3 rating on SofaScore. Only the goalscoring midfielder, Aaron Cresswell and goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski managed better.

The 22-year-old is going to be a wanted man once again this summer, with local rivals Chelsea already mooted with reigniting their interest.

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The Telegraph’s Matt Law believes the Blues could use Tammy Abraham as a makeweight in a bid to tempt the Irons into a sale.

Good luck with that after his latest outing.

Rice was frequently involved in the game, managing 47 touches and was a major influence in linking the defence to the attack, registering two successful dribbles (100%), making 74% of his passes, and firing two shots at goal, via SofaScore.

Furthermore, the 6 foot 1 monster – who is now valued at £54m – was a rock defensively, putting in two tackles, which was above his average for the season whilst he also won a whopping 87.5% of his battles, proving to be a hard man to bypass.

His presence certainly helped stop the influence from the likes of James Ward-Prowse and Stuart Armstrong, two of the Saints’ top playmakers.

Rice, a £60k-per-week earner at the London Stadium, also earned the praise of The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas, who claimed he enjoyed a “brilliant performance” and also stated that he came off to a standing ovation – quite deservedly so.

Whilst Fornals will take the plaudits for firing the Hammers into Europe, it was the display from Rice that may well go unnoticed despite playing a starring and underrated role on the day.

AND in other news, Hammers must land 6 ft 4 forward who’s “out of this world”, it won’t cost GSB a penny…

It would take a brave man to say that Celtic’s managerial chase was finally reaching a conclusion.

It has now been over three months since Neil Lennon resigned from his position with the Hoops with an arduous saga taking place since.

The Bhoys missed out on Eddie Howe but now have another man in their crosshairs.

What’s the word?

After their ploy to lure Howe to Celtic Park fell through, Ange Postecoglou has been the primary target for Celtic.

They’ve reportedly been tracking him for months and now view the Australian as the man to finally replace Lennon.

A compensation fee has been agreed with his current club Yokohama Marinos but a hugely promising update emerged late on Saturday night.

According to The Scottish Sun, Celtic have now agreed personal terms with the 55-year-old over a move to Parkhead.

The outlet goes onto claim that barring any other hitches, a move will be concluded in the next 72 hours.

Exciting times for Celtic

If you told supporters when Lennon quit that on the eve of the transfer window they’d still be searching for a new manager, they’d have looked at you in disgust.

Unfortunately, that’s the reality of the situation for the despairing Celtic fan base.

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They have been left disgruntled this season and embarked on mass protests at Paradise against the club’s ownership.

You can hardly blame the anger when you consider a trophyless campaign and an abject summer on the recruitment front 12 months ago.

Therefore, the news that Celtic are well and truly finally on the verge of announcing a new manager should come as great comfort.

It might not be their first target in Howe but Postecoglou is still a fabulous choice for the hot seat.

First and foremost, he has more experience than Howe. He’s taken charge of Australia and began his managerial career back in 1996; 24 years ago.

Since then, he’s acquired expertise throughout Asia and had one spell in Greece, the country of his birth.

Postecoglou also ensures his team plays a vibrant style of football, something that will no doubt suit the Hoops hierarchy.

Raheem Sterling and Pep Guardiola have both complimented the way he gets his players to move the ball while his relentlessly high press can cause nightmares.

His Yokohama Marinos team have also enjoyed the highest percentage of possession of any team in the Japanese top-flight this season. That serves as a further plus point in their bid to lure him to Celtic.

Supporters should be excited that not only is this long-running saga set to end, but it’s coming to a climax with a manager who ticks plenty of boxes from a stylistic point of view.

AND in other news, Celtic can find a new Jullien by signing “special” 6ft4 tank, he’s “one of the best”…

Leeds have been backed to make a summer move for Rangers star Glen Kamara amid reports linking Marcelo Bielsa’s side with a move.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks and months have suggested that the Finland international is on the radar of the Premier League side, and now, former Leeds man Noel Whelan has thrown his backing behind a potential summer move.

He said: “He brings quality, Steven Gerrard recognises how important he is to Rangers. That’s why he wants to tie him down on a new contract. Good players will always be looked at and that’s the problem.

“What he’ll bring is energy, aggression, quality passing and Marcelo Bielsa likes players with energy, players who can get around the field. He would bring those fitness levels and also quality and competition to that midfield position.”

Shrewd signing for Bielsa

After coming through the academy at Arsenal, Kamara has developed into a fine central midfielder at Rangers, really shining in his time in Scottish football.

His former manager at Dundee, Neil McCann, said: “He looks small but he’s strong and he’s a playmaker. When Rangers signed Glen, I sat there thinking he would smash it. Glen will end up back in the English Premier League. I’ve no doubts about that.”

“He isn’t a big, physical lad but he’s made of iron and really strong. I knew immediately that he could handle the ball under pressure and not give it away, so he was perfect. He’s a special talent. He’s lightning-quick but he doesn’t show it. He’s a player who takes instruction well.”

With his ability to play as a holding midfielder or someone slightly further forward, Kamara has got all the tools in his locker to be a superb foil alongside Kalvin Phillips.

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Whether Bielsa decides to partner the two together as a more defensive presence, or give one of the two the licence to roam further forward, Leeds could be onto a real shrewd midfield partnership by signing Kamara this summer.

Meanwhile, Leeds are interested in signing this “Rolls-Royce of a player”…