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Manchester United could potentially welcome David de Gea back into the first team fold this weekend for their clash with West Ham United.

The Spanish goalkeeper has been spending time back in his home country following the birth of his child. Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already confirmed that the stopper is back and is currently self-isolating ahead of a potential return to action.

This could tempt the Norwegian to reintroduce the 30-year-old straight back into the starting line-up in place of Dean Henderson, but the latter is more than deserving of holding onto the number one position.

When comparing the two goalkeepers’ statistics so far throughout the season, it is the former Sheffield United man who easily comes out on top.

According to SofaScore, Henderson has only conceded 0.6 goals per game in the Premier League compared to De Gea’s 1.2 – exactly half. Across the 16 games he has played in all competitions, the Englishman has claimed ten clean sheets.

Whilst that is a small sample size, as De Gea has the same clean sheet tally from 29 appearances, there is also quite a considerable gap between the two keepers’ personal performance levels.

Henderson, rated at £18m, is averaging 3.8 saves per game, whilst his Spanish counterpart is contributing just 2.3 per match in the Premier League – a huge gap.

One defence of De Gea could be that Henderson is slightly error-prone, as evidenced in the recent 1-1 draw against AC Milan in the UEFA Europa League as he flapped at Simon Kjaer’s late header.

However, there isn’t actually that much difference in that respect between the two ‘keepers.

In De Gea’s 337 Premier League appearances, he has committed 14 errors leading to an opposition goal. Meanwhile, Henderson has made two in his 41 appearances in the competition. Should he make as many top-flight appearances as De Gea, this would mean that he would go on to make just 15 at his current rate – a marginal difference.

On paper then, the two stoppers are certainly very similar, with Henderson having had the better 2020/21. Following last week’s 2-0 win over Manchester City, Solskjaer said of the Englishman: “Dean came in and played well and he’s ready.”

It means that there should be no rush to reintroduce the Spaniard and Henderson should remain as United’s last line of defence.

In more news, read how Manchester United could save millions on a centre-back with an exciting academy prospect…

Marcelo Bielsa has been gifted a big boost with the news that his captain Liam Cooper is back in Leeds training, following an absence through illness.

The 29-year-old has been a stalwart for the Whites since joining from Chesterfield back in 2014, making 220 appearances for the club.

Cooper skippered Leeds back into the Premier League after last season’s Championship triumph and he has continued to be a key man in 2020/21.

The centre-back has missed his side’s last two outings due to illness, however – the goalless home draw with Chelsea and the 2-1 win away to Fulham.

[freshpress-quiz id=“347980″]

Cooper returns to training

It looks as though Cooper has overcome his problem, though, with Leeds Live reporting that he was back in training on Friday.

That means the captain is in contention to start next Saturday’s visit of bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United, as Marcelo Bielsa and his players reconvene after the international break.

Transfer Tavern take

Bielsa could have a potential centre-back dilemma on his hands for the Blades game, with Diego Llorente and Pascal Struijk performing well in the last two games.

That being said, Cooper should still return to the starting lineup, with the Englishman proving how influential he is over a long period of time.

In other news, one Leeds star is reportedly on his way out of the exit door this summer – find out who it is here.

Dropping the latest on West Ham United star Declan Rice, club insider Claret & Hugh has shared an injury boost – with the Irons and David Moyes apparently hopeful of an early return date for the Englishman.

Rice was at the centre of breaking news before West Ham came away from Wolves with a vital 3-2 win, as reports emerged that he would miss the game with a knee injury.

Moyes gifted Rice injury boost

As a result, there was even speculation that he could miss the Euros this summer and fears at Rush Green he could possibly need surgery if the self healing process ‘took too long’.

However, C&H report that the ‘early signs’ behind the scenes are he’ll miss five weeks – with the 22-year-old already pictured back in the gym and commencing his rehabilitation.

Indeed, the situation is apparently ‘looking much better’ and it is ‘far more likely’ he will miss just over a month of the season.

Rice could even return for West Ham’s final three matches against Brighton, West Bromwich Albion and Southampton, according to C&H.

Transfer Tavern take

While the insider claims West Ham’s five week estimate is viewed with ‘some optimism’, news there is a good possibility he could return before the end of 2020/2021 is arguably a big boost for Moyes.

The Irons are chasing unprecedented Champions League qualification, and supporters will be holding their breath over his return whilst praying the team can maintain their momentum in his absence.

In other news: West Ham fans erupted at this ‘fantastic news’, find out more here.

Many Liverpool fans were not happy with the update given regarding Diogo Jota’s fitness at Jurgen Klopp’s press conference on Wednesday.

Speaking in his pre-Chelsea press conference (via Paul Joyce), manager Jurgen Klopp confirmed that the Brazilian duo Alisson Becker and Fabinho would return for their Premier League clash against Chelsea.

However, he added that the 24-year-old Portuguese forward still has to be assessed after missing their 2-0 win against Sheffield United due to a sudden illness.

Jota has not been seen in a competitive game for Liverpool since their 1-1 draw to FC Midtjylland in the Champions League back in December – where he sustained a serious knee injury.

Because of this, supporters are starting to become impatient due to the Reds’ recent misfortune in front of goal, making their feelings clear to Joyce on Twitter.

Fans getting restless over Jota whereabouts

“What are we assessing him for now? Lord almighty”

Credit: @kaytayking

“They lie all the time”

Credit: @TalkingRed23

“Assessed from an ‘illness’ that kept him out Sunday?”

Credit: @Azza79_

“WHY IS JOTA IN DOUBT I HATE THIS GAME”

Credit: @TheJotaEra

“Assessed for what? It’s March”

Credit: @tsrbys

“Really tired of waiting too”

Credit: @tedcipher

In other news, Liverpool fans split regarding transfer update on 22-goal Klopp star.

No matter who seems to be placed in charge of Sunderland Football Club, it would appear that they are destined for mediocrity.

The Mackems haven’t won at home since November and they are yet to pick up three points at the Stadium of Light under Lee Johnson.

There have been signs of improvement – a 4-0 win over promotion hopefuls Lincoln proved as much. However, when they’ve played in the north-east, things haven’t gone well.

It’s a squad ravaged by injuries and it showed on Monday evening when they slipped to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Plymouth.

Defensively, it was a horrendous night for Johnson’s men, a team that showed few signs of the solidity they demonstrated in their 3-0 win over Wimbledon.

Though, the chief suspect in the defeat was Callum McFadzean. The left-back combined nicely to set up Aiden O’Brien’s strike but in defence, he was particularly abject, arguably at fault for both goals.

Plymouth’s first goal – scored by Adam Lewis after 11 minutes – came following some eye-catching interlinking play on their right-hand side. Passes were exchanged just inside the area but McFadzean didn’t get close enough to his man and didn’t attempt to make a tackle. As a result, Sunderland conceded.

It was a similar story for Joe Edwards’ winner. The ball was worked down the Mackems’ left-hand side again where McFadzean completely let go of his marker. Had he picked the runner or tucked in more, he could have prevented a goal.

It was an awful night for the defender who was standing in for the injured Denver Hume. He suffered a setback in his bid to return to fitness and with potentially two months before he returns to action again, this performance was concerning.

He lost possession 17 times – the third most of anyone on the pitch – while the 27-year-old failed to make a single tackle. Given the focus of Plymouth’s attacks were down McFadzean’s channel, this is incredibly damning.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the first time the full-back has disappointed in recent months. He gave away a penalty against Wimbledon last month and on too many occasions since he came into the side, Johnson has been let down.

You can make a case for him to be dropped. After all, Dion Sanderson helped to keep a clean sheet while playing at left-back during the Black Cats’ draw with Northampton. He played at right-back on Monday evening, but Max Power can easily play there.

He was a big threat from that position on the pitch when Sunderland beat Port Vale in the Papa John’s trophy.

With McFadzean offering very little from a defensive point of view, Johnson must consider this tactical change going forward.

After all, he should be seething with his left-back’s performance on Monday. He cost Sunderland considerably with his inability to defend.

AND in other news, Speakman can end Johnson’s big SAFC dilemma with swoop for “clever and skilful” 20 y/o…

Manchester United are reportedly planning to revive their interest in Jadon Sancho when the transfer window reopens in the summer and are hopeful of landing the Borussia Dortmund starlet on a cut-price deal.

What’s the word?

Sancho was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford during the summer last year, but Dortmund ultimately refused to budge on their €120m (£105m) asking price and as a result he ended up staying in the Bundesliga.

However, it seems the circumstances have now changed, given the severity of the club’s current financial difficulties.

Dortmund have toiled on the field this term which has led to the sacking of Lucien Favre – a chief supporter of Sancho – while the off-field drama has continued to dominate the headlines.

According to Eurosport, Ed Woodward is confident they can strike a deal for the 20-year-old this summer by offering Dortmund a compromise something closer to £50m.

Ed Woodward has his work cut out

While it’s no secret that the £160,ooo-a-week Sancho is United’s No. 1 priority in the transfer market, let us proceed with a note of caution.

While Woodward wants to sign him for less than half their initial price, the recent noises coming out of the Signal Iduna Park suggest that Dortmund are only willing to let the England international leave should a club match their £88m asking price for the right winger which they consider to be a fair valuation given the impact of these unprecedented circumstances.

The Bundesliga giants signed the former Manchester City academy prospect for a fee in the region of £10m in 2017. Looking back, it’s fair to say that that was a total snip, having scored 42 goals and 57 assists in 125 games for Dortmund, per Transfermarkt.

For context, that’s more than Daniel James has managed during his time at Old Trafford, which suggests that Sancho would be a significant upgrade on the former Swansea City winger.

Given that Sancho has attracted interest from practically every club across Europe and at the age of 20 is considered to be one of the best players of his generation, it’s unlikely £50m will be enough to seal the deal.

For many United fans, Woodward’s tactics will no doubt feel rather familiar. Whether they will work is another matter entirely.

AND in other news, Sevilla star Jules Kounde is perfect for Manchester United…

Manchester United take on Manchester City this weekend in a game which looks make-or-break for any potential title challenge.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has plenty of selection dilemmas to make ahead of the trip to the Etihad Stadium, but one man who should be included in the starting line-up is winter arrival Amad Diallo.

Signed from Atalanta, the 18-year-old has made just two substitute appearances for the Red Devils thus far this season, both in the Europa League.

However, he had an instant impact for the club’s under-23 setup, notching three goals and three assists in just two showings.

It is that form which should see him start ahead of fellow United youngster Mason Greenwood, who has netted just one goal in the Premier League this season from 21 appearances, that solitary strike coming back at the start of December.

Diallo’s statistics in his albeit limited senior appearances also paint a damning picture for Greenwood’s place in the side.

Across just 73 minutes in all competitions for both his former club and his new employers, the young Ivorian has averaged one shot, 0.5 key passes and one dribble per game, as well as being fouled on average 1.3 times per appearance, according to WhoScored.

These numbers are not too dissimilar to Greenwood’s 1.7 shots, 0.3 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per game. However, he has only been fouled 0.6 times per appearance.

The greater attention and cynical play on Diallo from opposition, whilst not enhancing his own performance or goalscoring prospects, give opportunities to the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford to set their sights from free-kicks.

Those numbers could imply that the £13.5m-rated winger should certainly be in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s thoughts.

It is clear that former Red Devils man Paul Scholes is a fan of the young winger, too, labelling him a “real talent”.

Whilst United boss Solskjaer could decide it might be too early to blood Diallo in the melting pot of a Manchester derby, the youngster is certainly pushing for inclusion and should definitely be considered ahead of the woefully out-of-form Greenwood.

AND in more news, read why we think Jack Grealish is a must-buy for the Red Devils in the summer…

Mike Ashley could land Newcastle United their next Allan Saint-Maximin by signing Independiente sensation Alan Velasco in the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

According to El Intransigente, the Magpies are one of a number of potential suitors monitoring Velasco’s situation in the mid-season market, with Parma and Club America providing worldwide competition for the 18-year-old.

Parma are intent on striking a winter deal for the left-winger, as they consider the Argentina U17 international as a weapon who can aid their efforts in securing European qualification after re-establishing themselves as a Serie A side.

Velasco is seen to be one of Argentina’s great jewels after proving his enormous potential at a tender age, having become a staple of Lucas Pusineri’s side in 2020, though Independiente accept it is only a matter of time before he leaves the Estadio Libertadores de America.

Independiente would prefer to retain the diminutive 5 ft 5 forward, who is protected by a $23.5m (£17.5m) release clause, but accept that his sale would help solve several issues with the club facing Fifa-imposed lawsuits for non-compliance with transfer payments.

Velasco provided each of his career three goals and three assists in senior football last year, while Independiente never lost when the Quilmes-born attacker influenced the scoreline.

Bruce’s next Saint-Maximin

Mike Ashley providing the funds needed for Independiente to consider selling Velasco in the January market could see the Newcastle owner hand Steve Bruce the Toon’s next Saint-Maximin, having seen the St. James’ Park natives struggle without the Frenchman.

Saint-Maximin has not featured for United since November after testing positive for coronavirus and remains some weeks away from a return, much to Bruce’s frustration.

“We’re missing him at the moment. He’s had an up and down time, he needs to find that consistency like we all do, if he really wants to hit the heights. When he is on song there is no better sight is there? He gets you on the edge of your seat,” Bruce told the Chronicle.

Velasco could be the one to bring the same level of excitement to St. James’ Park if signed, having proved a creative wonder in South America to warrant vivid transfer interest from Europe.

The youth international made seven of his appearances in the 2020 Copa Sudamericana, in which he also contributed one of his three goals and two of his assists thanks to creating an average 2.9 chances a game with 1.5 shots and 1.4 key passes, per SofaScore.

He additionally offered 15.8 of his 19.9 total passes a game in the opponent’s half, plus 1.1 successful tackles, 1.0 interceptions, 3.0 successful dribbles and wining 5.3 ground duels, with opponents forced into committing 1.1 fouls a game.

Velasco may be small and relatively unknown in England, but may prove the old cliché of the best things coming in small packages true with a successful move to St. James’ Park this winter.

AND in other news, Steve Bruce is keen to sign a “fantastic” £15.5m-rated brute for Newcastle United.

Leeds struggled down in London on Saturday, with their loss meaning they have now registered back-to-back 4-1 defeats. Crystal Palace were the latest side to hit them for four goals, following an identical scenario at Elland Road last Monday.

With an international break coming up, Marcelo Bielsa will be using his time wisely to see where he can change his team to get back into winning form. The Whites look a shadow of the side who put Liverpool to the sword in their season opener and held Manchester City to a 1-1 draw.

Whilst in-form Patrick Bamford was able to find a consolation goal, it wasn’t enough on the day. Another man who put in a solid shift was the midfielder who supplied the assist for Leeds’ only goal of the game.

Mateusz Klich impressed against Palace

In a match of very few positives, Bielsa will be pleased with the performance put in by Klich. The Poland international played in a more advanced midfield role and it paid off with an assist.

According to Sofascore, the 30-year-old also made an impressive four key passes and contributed three tackles and completed seven of his eight (87%) attempted long balls. Klich boasts the ability to play in many midfield positions

His performance now puts him on two goals and three assists for the season so far (via Transfermarkt). The £7,700 per-week ace continues to show his impressive balance between attacking and defensive contributions. This hasn’t gone unnoticed by Bielsa either, who recently applauded him and said he “cannot do better” in his performances.

Arsenal await the Whites after international break, which will be a tough match to face at Elland Road. The manager may be ready to make some sacrifices and try a few wild cards, but Klich’s position in the team is all but nailed-on.

In other news, Stuart Dallas dropped clanger against Crystal Palace in another hefty Leeds loss…

Tottenham Hotspur are currently top of the Premier League table and even though it is early days, they have to be considered genuine title contenders having lost just once thus far.And Jose Mourinho has Harry Kane and Heung-min Son’s form largely to thank for their impressive start to the season. The prolific and red-hot duo combined again to down arch-rivals Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.18 of the 23 goals scored by the north Londoners in the English top-flight have come from that very attacking partnership – in total, Kane has scored eight goals and assisted ten more while Son has found the net ten times and has also provided three assists, per WhoScored.But for all of their dominance and writing of the headlines, it is Mourinho’s defence that has gone under the radar, particularly the performances of Eric Dier.It’s now five clean sheets in their last six Premier League outings, which includes matches against the Gunners, Chelsea and even Manchester City.What a turn around it has been for the English colossus…

Despair under Pochettino

The 26-year-old looked certain to be heading for a career crossroad under former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino – no one knew whether he was best suited as a defensive midfielder or as a centre-back, which often meant others were selected over him.

Before the Argentine was sacked, Dier had played just two full 90-minute matches from 12 outings in the early days of the 2019/20 season.

Speaking to The Athletic about his potential position change, Dier said:

“I went to see him, it was more about my position and where I was playing. We had spoken for many years about me gradually making that transition back to centre-back. For the last three years we’d had many conversations on it. And it was me saying to him: for me, it was now. And if it wasn’t for him, we’d have to find another solution.”

Well, Dier was used just once as a centre-back by Pochettino after that conversation. Clearly, the ex-Spurs chief never truly fancied him in the role as in the previous two seasons, the 6 foot 2 powerhouse made just four appearances as a central defender.

Revival under Mourinho

Now you only have to look at him under Mourinho to see the incredible shift in talent. He has started all but one of the Premier League matches at centre-back with Spurs currently ranking as the top-flight’s best defence having only leaked nine goals.

In the summer, Dier signed a new contract, citing the ‘Special One’ as the major factor and it’s hardly a surprise – you can see the £85k-per-week star really enjoying his football these days.

“For me, that was the biggest part of wanting to stay at Tottenham and sign the new deal – it was purely footballing. I was really happy that Mourinho would give me the opportunity to play centre-back again and to prove myself there. I’m really excited,” Dier told GQ magazine.

In the Premier League, Dier is averaging 5.7 clearances (third-best in the division), 2.9 aerial duels won, over 60 passes at an accuracy of 84.4% per game, via WhoScored.

No other top-flight player has managed more headed clearances (37) either.

It’s no wonder pundits have been quick to praise his form this season.

Ex-Spurs midfielder Jermaine Jenas dubbed Dier “sensational” after defeating City whilst Gary Neville told Sky Sports (via football.london) at the weekend: “He’s got pace, he’s a good leader, a good character, he’s good on the ball and he’s defending really well.”

The €30m-rated (£27m) centre-back rightly deserves just as much praise as Messrs Kane and Son, even more so if they pull off the unthinkable, after all… defence wins you championships.

AND in other news, Worse than Bergwijn: Levy heading for huge Spurs howler over £10.8m-rated “big talent”…