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Loads of Wolves fans have been reacting to a big update from the club, as Romain Saiss has signed a new contract at Molineux.

Saiss has penned a new deal that will keep him at the club until 2021, the club confirmed on Thursday.

The 28 year-old, who joined from French outfit Angers in 2016, was a crucial part of last season’s promotion campaign, and he has been no slouch this term either.

With Wolves sitting pretty in seventh place in the Premier League – perhaps what some may call “the best of the rest” – the 27-cap Morocco international has featured 13 times in the league, scoring twice, and also made five cup appearances.

Similarly to talisman Conor Coady, Saiss can play in various positions in midfield and defence, and his toughness, professionalism and versatility make him a very useful player to have around the squad.

Fans are delighted with the news, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

Back in the summer of 2019, when Neil Lennon’s Celtic side had lost the services of Dedryck Boyata, Marvin Compper and Filip Benkovic in the heart of their defence, the Hoops were in rather desperate need of one or two fresh faces at centre-back ahead of the 2019/20 campaign.

By the time the transfer window closed in September, Celtic had secured the signings of both Christopher Jullien, for whom they paid £7m to Toulouse, and Hatem Abd Elhamed, paying Hapoel Beer Sheva £1.6m for the 28-year-old.

However, according to agent Adrian Aliaj, there was another player on Celtic’s wish list that year, in the shape of Amir Rrahmani from Dinamo Zagreb.

Indeed, shortly after the 25-year-old’s eventual €2.1m (£1.8m) switch to Hellas Verona that same summer, Aliaj informed Calcio Hellas that Lennon had registered his interest in signing the Kosovo international.

However, with Celtic not being forceful enough in their attempts to lure the player to Parkhead, Rrahmani decided that he would prefer a move to Serie A.

In the time since his low-key move to northeast Italy, the 6 foot 4 centre-back has quickly gone on to establish himself as one of the best defenders in the league – impressing so much for Hellas that, just six months after joining the club, Napoli parted with a considerable €14m (£12m) in order to bring the Kosovan to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in January 2020.

The £48k-per-week titan has continued his remarkable rise over his 27 Serie A appearances this season, helping the Azzurri to keep 11 clean sheets and scoring three goals, along with averaging 0.5 interceptions, 0.7 tackles and 2.5 clearances and winning 3.9 duels (at a success rate of 62%) per game.

These returns have seen the player who Matteo Bonetti dubbed “imposing” and Josh Bunting labelled “commanding” record a very impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.11, ranking him as Luciano Spalletti’s fifth-best player in the Italian top flight, with the 28-year-old playing a key role in Napoli’s title charge.

As such, considering the fact that the £25m-rated Rrahmani would have cost Celtic just £200k more than Abd Elhamed back in 2019 – a player who would spend just 18 months in Glasgow before returning to Israel – it is clear to see that the Hoops had a nightmare when missing out on the Kosovan sensation.

AND in other news: Postecoglou now closing in on eight-figure deal, it’s a huge coup for Celtic

Champions League chasers West Ham United could move as high as fifth place in the Premier League with a win against Everton today.

The Hammers’ form has been rocky of late, though, with just two wins in their last six games in all competitions bound to be a concern for David Moyes.

The 58-year-old’s side will need to show ruthlessness against his former employers, with the Toffees’ precarious position in the table bound to give the home team a boost of adrenaline.

On the chalkboard

As Moyes sets his team up for the all-important clash against Everton, we hope he is considering on-loan Paris Saint-Germain and former Real Madrid goalkeeper Alphonse Areola. The £138k-p/w Frenchman, who is blessed with “incredible reactions”, has performed superbly in West Ham’s cup commitments this season.

Areola has endured a somewhat bit-part career but, at 29 years of age and with 280 club appearances to his name, has all the experience and attributes needed to replace the ageing 36-year-old Lukasz Fabianski to become the Irons’ number one.

Although his appearances have been limited at the London Stadium, the Frenchman has demonstrated his ability as a natural shot stopper, with his PSx-GA total (post shot expected goals minus goals allowed) placing him within the 92nd percentile among ‘keepers in Europe’s top five leagues, as per FBRef.

When he has been afforded consistent minutes, the on-loan ‘keeper has made the Europa League his own, conjuring an outstanding 82.6% save percentage which has seen him keep four clean sheets in seven appearances as West Ham go marching on towards the latter stages of the competition.

In contrast, current domestic number one Fabianski boasts a save percentage of 69.7%; whilst still a solid metric, it is not a patch on Areola’s return.

As we approach the business end of the season in both competitions, Moyes will need a goalkeeper whom he can trust with his life, and at 36, Fabianski cannot stick around as the Hammers’ first-choice netminder for much longer.

Today’s crucial clash against Everton could well be the best opportunity for Moyes to instil confidence and match sharpness into Areola, who will also be expected to perform in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final against Lyon on Thursday night.

With that match coming up in four days’ time, so it should be in Moyes’ best interests to give Areola a run-out against the Toffees today and have the Frenchman sharp, as he will be needed to offer a reliable last line of defence, just as he has done whenever trusted this season.

In other news – West Ham handed lift ahead of Everton clash, David Moyes will be buzzing

Leeds United may finally have the perfect chance to sign Reading midfielder John Swift amid a major update on his future…

What’s the story?

Reports back in late October from The Sheffield Star, suggested that the Whites, along with fellow Premier League teams Newcastle United and Brentford, have got their eye on the attacking midfielder.

And now, Leeds Live have claimed that Swift is set to end a six-year stay with Reading by leaving the club on a free transfer come the summer.

The report adds that there has been no progress in terms of a new contract being signed, and that Premier League interest has remained over the past few months.

Leeds could axe Mateusz Klich

With Klich now set to turn 32 in June, and having had a very disappointing season by his standards – he’s managed just one goal and two assists in 31 games across all competitions (he had nine goal contributions in the Premier League alone last year) – it could be time for the Whites to finally move on from the Pole.

And in Swift, they could find the ideal goal-scoring midfielder to replace the £20k-a-week ace.

The Reading ace has a track record of being someone who can offer a goal-scoring threat from attacking midfield, managing an impressive 72 goal contributions in 202 games – in fact, his current campaign for Reading has been impressive to say the least, netting 11 goals in the Championship as well as chipping in with a whopping 13 assists too.

Speaking back in August after a 2-1 win over Preston, Royals manager, Veljko Paunovic, said: “Now he’s back, it is important we keep him healthy and motivated as he is now because that will help us a lot.

“He is super talented and he showed an urgency that he wanted to decide the game. The first couple of passes to Azeez and Joao were fantastic vision and execution of the final pass – something we’ve missed in the past. We missed those slick combinations through the middle when we progress forward so that’s something we have to keep up.”

With a record of 43 senior goals to his name in his professional career thus far, Swift could help answer Marsch’s prayers of needing a new goal-scoring midfielder this summer.

AND in other news – Leeds could strike gold with £42m teenage sensation, he follows Raphinha on Instagram

Leeds United have been dealt a huge blow in their bid to keep Kalvin Phillips at Elland Road amid Manchester United’s reported interest this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Florian Plettenberg, with the Sky Sports Deutschland journalist revealing in a recent post on Twitter that United are currently “dealing” with the transfer of the defensive midfielder – with Ralf Rangnick’s side having been heavily linked with a £60m move for the England international this summer.

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Concerning Manchester United’s interest in the 26-year-old, Plettenberg said: “Been told that the club “is dealing” with Kalvin Phillips.”

Supporters will be fuming

Considering how important a part of the Leeds United side Phillips has become in recent years, in addition to the historic rivalry between Manchester United and the Whites, the news that the Red Devils look as if they are in discussions regarding a deal to sign the Leeds academy graduate this summer is sure to have left supporters fuming.

Indeed, while Phillips’ 2021/22 campaign has been severely hampered by a hamstring injury, the £45m-rated maestro undoubtedly proved over his 29 Premier League appearances last term that he is one of the leading defensive midfielders in the game, making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 2.6 tackles, 1.7 clearances and winning 5.3 duels – at a success rate of 52% – per game.

The £38k-per-week regista also impressed in a creative capacity, scoring one goal, registering two assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, in addition to completing an average of 1.2 key passes, 4.7 long balls, 41 passes, four chipped through balls, 0.7 dribbles and one cross per fixture.

These returns saw the player who journalist Ali Martin dubbed “unreal” average an extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.21, not only ranking him as Leeds’ best performer in the league but also as the joint 17th-best player in the division as a whole.

As such, it is clear for all to see that losing the services of Phillips this summer would be something of a disaster for Jesse Marsch and his side, while the thought of the 26-year-old turning out for Manchester United next season is sure to be every Leeds supporter’s worst nightmare.

AND in other news: Victor Orta plotting Leeds bid for £20k-p/w “phenomenon”, it could be bye-bye Raphinha

Celtic look on course to secure a deal to bring Matt O’Riley to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claim that a recruitment source has revealed the Milton Keynes Dons midfielder has now passed his medical and agreed personal terms with the Bhoys ahead of his proposed £1.5m switch to Glasgow.

In the report, the media outlet wrote: “A recruitment source has told Football Insider that O’Riley has now completed medical tests and agreed personal terms with Celtic.”

Fans will be buzzing

Taking into account the exceptional form O’Riley has been in for MK Dons so far this season, in addition to the fact that Celtic had to fight off late competition from West Bromwich Albion for the 21-year-old’s signature, the news that the Hoops have agreed personal terms, as well as the midfielder passing his medical with the club, is sure to have left the Parkhead faithful buzzing.

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Indeed, over his 26 League One appearances in the current campaign, the £405k-rated man has scored seven goals, registered five assists and created seven big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 2.1 key passes and taking 1.5 shots per game.

The £900-per-week midfielder – who can play in both a defensive and attacking central midfield role – has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 1.5 interceptions, two tackles, 48.2 passes, one clearance and winning 4.6 duels per fixture.

These returns have seen the former England U18 international average a quite astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.37, ranking him as the joint seventh-best player in the whole of the English third-tier.

As such, considering his abundance of potential, O’Riley looks to be yet another exciting addition to Ange Postecoglou’s current options in the middle of the park – something that would appear to bode extremely well for Celtic’s title hopes come the end of the season.

In other news: Big blow: Celtic struck with crushing injury setback that’ll surely have fans worried

Leeds United are among the Premier League teams interested in signing Alex Scott this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Football League World, who claim that the Yorkshire giants are now facing competition from Norwich City and Tottenham Hotspur for the 18-year-old’s signature following his impressive breakthrough at Championship outfit Bristol City.

Earlier this month, the Mirror reported that both the Whites and Spurs had scouts in attendance of the Robin’s Good Friday clash with Stoke City, where the promising teenager played the full game at right wing-back.

He is thought to be valued at around £10m.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-marsch-raphinha-dest-philhay” title=”Read the latest Leeds news!”]

The next Jack Grealish?

The versatile talent is capable of playing in a variety of roles, including out wide as a wing-back or winger, though his best position is thought to be as a creative midfielder or no.10.

Born and signed from Guernsey, Scott has emerged as a key player for former Leicester City and Watford boss Nigel Pearson, having made 36 appearances in the second tier.

He has provided four goals and two assists from those matches, with the bulk coming from an attacking midfield position.

Given his sparkling form and capability to play wide and centrally, it’s no wonder the Bristol City gem has already earned plenty of comparisons to Manchester City and England star Jack Grealish, to who he is thought to be very similar to.

‘The Guernsey Grealish’ could be an intriguing option for Whites boss Jesse Marsch and the squad heading into next season and for just £10m, it could be quite the steal indeed.

Scott has more than held his own at Ashton Gate this term, ranking as Pearson’s seventh-best player in the Championship – an average of 1.6 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game suggests he can do some defensive work, just as much as he likes to get forward, having also averaged 0.8 key passes and dribbles per outing too.

“Not only is he a very creative midfielder but he is incredibly hard-working, especially out of possession, and that’s one of his stand-out qualities,” claimed City’s player pathway manager Brian Tinnion to the BBC.

He also added in another interview: “His work rate and his desire to learn has been unbelievable.”

Whether Leeds will make their move for Scott this summer remains to be seen but the prospect of sealing the next Grealish-like talent for such a small figure should be too good to ignore.

AND in other news, Journo reveals where Leeds will look strengthen this summer…

The Cincinnati Bengals were the basement dwellers of the NFL in the 2019 season, winning only two of their 16 games. Two years later, the Bengals are heading for the Super Bowl to compete against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, courtesy of the excellence of quarterback Joe Burrow. Cincinnati capitalised on the draft system in the NFL to use the first-overall pick in the 2020 Draft to select Burrow out of the LSU Tigers.

Over the last two years, Burrow has turned a perennial underachiever into a Super Bowl team, ending their drought without a playoff win that spanned 32 years. The 25-year-old can join an elite list of players to win the Super Bowl in their second year as a starting quarterback if he leads the Bengals to the Vince Lombardi Trophy for the first time.

One of the most common Super Bowl bets will be back to back Burrow to win the MVP award for the game, given that quarterbacks win the gong more often than not he is a sound option to take if lining up a wager on the game. A victory for the Bengals and Burrow would further champion the equality of the NFL system that may hammer home the point about the imbalance that football is experiencing across Europe.

In the Premier League, Manchester City are on pace to win the title for the fourth time in six years. Bayern Munich are on course to win the Bundesliga for the 10th time in a row, while Paris Saint-Germain should close out the Ligue 1 crown for the eighth time in the last 11 years.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have also enjoyed imperious runs in LaLiga, which have only been spoiled recently by the rise of Atletico Madrid. Juventus won nine-straight Serie A crowns before Inter Milan finally ended their imperious hold over the Scudetto.

Football has a problem with the same teams repeating their success over and over again based on their significant resources at their disposal rather than nous and skill. Teams have thrived in the NFL, none more so than the New England Patriots, who won six Super Bowls over a 20-year span, featuring runs of three titles in four seasons between 2001 and 2004 and three in five seasons between 2014 and 2018.

Possessing the best quarterback and best head coach in Tom Brady and Bill Belichick allowed the Patriots to be an outlier from the rest of the NFL, with the rest of the franchises forced to endure the peaks and troughs of the system.

You can argue that football has rewarded the same levels of excellence, featuring Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson and now City under Guardiola. However, the examples of the Bengals are few and far between outside of Leicester City’s one-off. In the NFL, the Bengals are an example of a number of teams that have risen from the bottom to the top.

The Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl in 2017 by defeating the Patriots, while the Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants and the New Orleans Saints enjoyed rare peaks at the top of the league after significant periods of struggle. Meanwhile, Leicester’s triumph in the Premier League was enjoyable to watch due to the refreshing element of a new team winning the league rather than the usual suspects.

The system in place has ensured that those sides at the top are remaining a permanent fixture rather than subject to the usual ebbs and flow of the high-level sport. For the benefit of the game and fans across Europe, it should be time to address the issue head-on.

Image from: unsplash.com

Even though Aston Villa have had a rather busy January transfer window in terms of bringing new players in and moving some current players out on temporary loan deals, it appears as though the subject of what business could be done in the next summer transfer window has already emerged.

What’s the talk?

In a recent online Q&A on the Birmingham Live website with Villa journalist Ashley Preece, a question arose concerning the likelihood of the Midlands club successfully securing a transfer deal for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Yves Bissouma after reportedly having a bid rejected for him during the current January transfer window.

In response, Preece had this to say on the matter.

He said: “Bissouma is that little less likely, I get that, but Villa have made him aware of their interest. A lot can change at ‘big clubs’ in the summer and it’s Villa who could well “pounce” as Gerrard likes to call it.

“Villa will give the Bissouma deal a right good go in the summer. The ball will be in the player’s court, for sure. Colleagues down at Brighton have told me he’ll be sold regardless as they look to make a small profit on the £15m they paid for him. Brighton can also plan for a replacement now.”

Fans should be excited

Having missed out on signing Rodrigo Bentancur from Juventus before he moved to Tottenham Hotspur, signing the Brighton midfielder in the summer could end up being a better move for Villa if they manage to pull it off due to the experience that the 25-year-old already has of playing in the Premier League.

As well as this experience, the Mali international has shown this season that he can be a top performer in the league with WhoScored listing him as Brighton’s highest-rated player with an overall rating of 7.13/10, which would also make him one of Villa’s highest-rated players of the season so far, highlighting why the fans would be excited to see him join the club.

Moving forward, if Villa do launch another swoop to secure Bissouma’s signature in the summer, it could prove to be another exciting transfer window for the fans and further prove how keen the club’s owners are to strengthen Gerrard’s squad and push the team forward.

In other news: Fabrizio Romano drops major 7-word AVFC deadline day update, Gerrard will be delighted – opinion

Loads of Glasgow Rangers fans have been left confused by some exit news that ahs emerged involving Stephen Kelly.

As per the official Twitter page of the Ibrox faithful, the central midfield player has now joined English League Two club Salford City on a loan deal for the rest of the season.

He had only made two senior appearances for the Light Blues all campaign, and so has moved in search of more regular game time.

While a loan move is good for the 21-year-old’s development, a lot of Teddy Bears are confused over his move to Salford, claiming that he can play at a better level.

He has played for Scotland many times at youth level, including nine caps with the U21s, and perhaps a move to another team in the Scottish Premiership would have benefitted him better, if another offer came through.

Rangers fans on Kelly loan

These Gers were confused as the transfer news was shared on Twitter, with one RFC supporter claiming that they were ‘baffled’, while another even went as far as to say that it was an ‘awful’ move:

“Makes no sense he’s at a miles higher level than that”

Credit: @ggh1992

“Why?”

Credit: @mrmorton_man

“I’m baffled by this”

Credit: @kennyd9

“So much better than the 4th tier of English football.”

Credit: @cccc18721972

“League 2?!!!”

Credit: @WilliamGrimes_

“That’s an absolutely awful loan move for him.”

Credit: @Newcoinvestor

In other news, find out what other club update has Gers buzzing here!