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Former Scotland international Frank McAvennie believes youngster Joe Gelhardt should feature regularly for Leeds United next season.

The Lowdown: Gelhardt impresses at Leeds

Gelhardt is seen as one of the most exciting youngsters at Elland Road, with the 19-year-old scoring three goals in six caps for England Under-18s.

While the forward is yet to make his senior Leeds debut, he has been excellent for the Under-23s, bagging 11 goals in 17 appearances last season, also chipping in with three assists.

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The Latest: McAvennie makes big claim

Marcelo Bielsa could be looking to sign another attacking player this summer, but McAvennie believes Gelhardt could step up to the plate.

Speaking to Football Insider, the ex-West Ham striker claimed the teenager would be a ‘better’ option than someone like Arsenal youngster Eddie Nketiah:

“I think a youngster like Gelhardt is better suited to that role. They have boys coming through and Leeds fans will want that. Every fan wants to see top players coming through their academy.

“They get given more time as well, there’s more understanding there as a young player too. The fans won’t immediately be on their case if it doesn’t go right for them.”

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The Verdict: Time for Gelhardt to shine?

There is no doubt that Gelhardt looks a young player of huge promise based on his record at the youth level – he has also been called a ‘special talent’ by former Wigan Athletic manager Paul Cook – but making the step up to a team that finished in the top-half of the Premier League last season could be a big ask.

Leeds are in a position where they could be aiming for the European places in 2021/22, so the need to signing top-quality players is clear to see.

If Bielsa believes Gelhardt is ready to be a regular in the squad, he will show faith in him, but not signing anyone could prove to be a big risk if the youngster struggles, which is perfectly normal for a teenager’s first crack at the big time.

In other news, a reliable journalist has made a big claim regarding Leeds’ interest in one player. Find out who it is here.

John Beaton has been confirmed as the referee for Sunday’s crucial Scottish Premiership clash between Celtic and Rangers at Parkhead.

The Lowdown: Massive game at Parkhead

Ange Postecoglou’s side kept up their six-point lead over their rivals on Sunday afternoon, picking up a precious 2-0 victory away to Ross County.

Next up for the Hoops is this weekend’s critical Old Firm derby meeting at Parkhead, with a win for the hosts all but securing title glory after missing out last year.

It is a game that can sometimes be defined by the refereeing performance – Bobby Madden’s display drew plenty of conversation in the cup semi-final – and the man in the middle has now been confirmed for Sunday’s meeting.

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The Latest: Beaton takes charge

It is Beaton who will take charge of proceedings at Parkhead, reports The Scotsman, and based on his own judgement, Hoops fans may not be particularly pleased to see him with the whistle.

Back in 2020, Beaton himself admitted that Celtic supporters would ‘absolutely love’ to get rid of Scottish referees for this fixture, claiming ‘everybody’ except the officials themselves want them replaced.

The Verdict: Unpopular choice

The appointment of Beaton will not go down well with Postecoglou and his players, or the fans for that matter – he has even hinted at preferring refereeing behind closed doors, saying in those comments back in 2020 life was easier without the intensity from the fans.

That said, Celtic need to focus on the task at hand and ignore any controversy – if the Hoops allow the referee to get to them, the only people it is going to affect is themselves, on what is a potentially defining afternoon in the title race.

Essentially, all the pressure is on Rangers, who really have to win the match – the only hope is that Beaton doesn’t end up having a negative say on matters.

In other news, an ex-Celtic hero has taken a dig at Rangers ahead of Sunday’s game. Read more here.

A number of Liverpool fans have been lauding Harvey Elliott’s new tattoo, highlighting how much the Reds mean to the on-loan youngster.

The 18-year-old looks one of the most exciting young players at Anfield, having initially arrived from Fulham back in 2019.

Elliott managed to make eight appearances last season, catching the eye for his boyhood club, but Jurgen Klopp felt a loan move was required in 2019/20.

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Blackburn Rovers snapped up the young forward back in October and he has excelled in the Championship, scoring six goals and registering 11 assists.

Elliott could return to Liverpool this summer and become a fixture in the first-team squad  if that form is anything to go by, and it’s clear to see what he thinks of life at Anfield.

On Thursday, LFC Transfer Room (@LFCTransferRoom) shared an image on Twitter of the forward having a new tattoo done – one that seemingly shows him as a young boy in a Liverpool shirt.

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Liverpool fans react to Elliott’s tattoo

These Reds supporters took to Twitter to react to the photo, hailing Elliott in the process.

“This kid is never leaving us, he’s here forever! Loves the club more than some of the players there even”

Credit: @radzjeewa7

“This is boss. Yes lad!”

Credit: @ShaunFagan91

“My hero. My mate”

Credit: @Liverpool_Col

“He’s destined to be a legend for us, he loves the club and always has. I hope he lives up to the player we all know he can be, special talent our Harvey”

Credit: @bussinbissouma

“He will be our greatest player of all time”

Credit: @nniroC

“Superb from the lad Elliott”

Credit: @mickbarrett72

In other news, some Liverpool fans are fuming about one thing ahead of Saturday’s clash with Southampton. Read more here.

Former Leeds United player Carlton Palmer believes it would be a great opportunity for Lewis O’Brien to join the club.

Football Insider reported last week that Leeds had opened talks with Huddersfield Town over the signing of the 22-year-old, with Marcelo Bielsa targeting both a winger and central midfielder before the window closes at 11pm on August 31.

The 5 ft 8 O’Brien made 42 appearances for Huddersfield Town last season in the Championship, scoring three goals and providing another three.

Whilst he predominantly played as a central midfielder for the Terriers, featuring 23 times their last season, O’Brien also played further forward as an attacking midfielder, as well as featuring down the left in both attacking and defensive positions.

After performing well for Huddersfield and attracting the attention of Leeds, Palmer believes a move across Yorkshire would be a great opportunity for O’Brien, saying: “It would be a great opportunity for him, I know Bielsa has watched him several times and has been keen on him. 

“He fits the remit for Leeds, the way Leeds play, he fits the age of 22 he’s going to come on. The question is now he’s established himself as one of the up-and-coming midfield players in the Championship, who’s done very well.”

Despite all of the speculation, Huddersfield Town manager Carlos Corberan told Leeds Live that he wants to keep Lewis O’Brien at the club, saying: “I understand that there is speculation around Lewis, he is a fantastic player. 

“We want to keep Lewis at the club.”

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has slammed Mike Ashley after Newcastle United released their 2019/20 accounts.

The lowdown

Newcastle were the final Premier League club to publish their figures for the first pandemic-hit season. Maguire has crunched the numbers, and they show a total spend of £216m on the 2019/20 squad. That’s lower than Watford and Bournemouth, who were both relegated.

Newcastle went on to spend £35.1m ahead of the 2020/21 campaign, with Callum Wilson and Jamal Lewis the headline arrivals. They have yet to make a signing this summer, although they may be close to ending that famine after a fee was agreed for Joe Willock.

The latest

Maguire told The Athletic that it was ‘ridiculous’ that two relegated teams had spent more on their squad than the Magpies.

He opined: “For Newcastle to have a lower spend than Watford and Bournemouth is ridiculous. As a neutral, I’d expect Newcastle to spend a similar amount to West Ham, Everton and Leicester. But they’re nowhere near them.

“It is just indicative of what Ashley does. He really only spends a significant amount one in every three years and, unfortunately, this is not one of those years.”

Maguire continued: “It is frustrating for supporters. But Ashley looks at it this way: ‘If you were selling your house, would you do up the kitchen first?”

The verdict

The figures underline the difficult position in which successive Newcastle managers have been placed. It’s easy to understand why a coach of Rafael Benitez’s calibre might have become frustrated, with a financial handbrake effectively put in place.

The squad that the Magpies have is good enough to stay in the Premier League, so Steve Bruce did deserve criticism for his side’s flirtation with the bottom three. However, he can’t really be expected to achieve much more than lower mid-table under this frugal model.

In other news, Lee Ryder says a fee has been agreed for this Newcastle youngster.

Mel Morris is in talks with US consortium as he looks to finally complete the sale of Derby County, according to Mirror journalist James Nursey.

The lowdown

Morris is intent on selling the club, having invested £200million of his own money during his time at Pride Park.

Derby just about stayed up on the final day of the season after a thrilling 3-3 draw with relegation rivals Sheffield Wednesday, although they are yet to discover the punishment for a breach of Financial Fair Play regulations.

A points deduction could be in store, but it’s been reported that it wouldn’t be imposed until next season, meaning they won’t be relegated after the fact.

Morris has already tried in vain to sell the club to Sheikh Khaled, a cousin of Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour, and to Spaniard Erik Alonso.

The latest

Nursey says there could be ‘hope on the horizon’ for the club, with negotiations underway.

The prospective American owners are said to have ‘experience in sport’, coming after Rooney begged for ‘clarity’ and said simply of a potential takeover: “It has to happen.”

The verdict

At this point, Derby fans will just be desperate for the saga to end, and for some sense of stability to be restored to their football club.

Indeed, the respite of survival may be short-lived if talks drag on into the coming months.

Their hands may be tied in the transfer market if that uncertainty persists. Throw in a points deduction and the Rams could be in serious trouble.

As Rooney states, Morris’ future at the club simply must be sorted as quickly as possible.

In other news, Rams fans want to see this man sold.  

Manchester City attacker Ferran Torres has signified he would be comfortable playing as a centre-forward more often in 2021/22 [City Xtra].

Enjoying a productive 2020/21 campaign, the Spaniard chipped in with 16 goal contributions in 36 appearances for the Blues; 13 goals and three assists [Transfermarkt].

Now fresh from a run to the semi-final of EURO 2020 with his native land, Torres has talked himself up when asked about a permanent stint leading the Manchester City front-line, stating: “Now I have to say I feel very comfortable playing as a No 9 too” [City Xtra].

Of course, the 21-year-old has predominantly featured as a winger within the duration of his short career. However, with the departure of Citizens legend Sergio Aguero to Barcelona last month [Sky Sports], there is a sizeable void to fill from an offensive perspective at the Etihad Stadium.

That said, loads of Manchester City diehards took to Twitter to voice their frustration at the recent suggestion as they believe this means the club will not properly replace Aguero with a like-for-like.

Manchester City fans react:

Replying to popular Manchester City fan outlet City Xtra on Twitter, here is what some supporters had to say about the latest news:

“Sell him”

Credit: @MCFCNACHI”No, because that means we’re trying to get by on the cheap again instead of buying what we actually need.”Credit: @BoothyCraig”We’re slowly losing hope in signing one aren’t we”Credit: @YaThapelo”I’m hoping not…”Credit: @Kippaxboys1981″Why not buy an actual striker once and for all . We’re tired of improvisation”Credit: @iamWekesa”Sell him”Credit: @MralmansooriIn other news, Manchester City fans react to a player departure.

Speaking in a Leeds Live Q&A session, journalist Beren Cross has shared what he knows on star midfielder Kalvin Phillips and a possible new deal.

The Lowdown: Phillips exit rumours…

Due to his stellar performances at club and international level last season, the Leeds favourite has been linked with a move away from Elland Road all summer until now.

Indeed, the Englishman has attracted interest from Manchester United amid their search for central midfield alternatives in what could be a future worry for manager Marcelo Bielsa.

Now, in an update, Cross has shared what he believes involving Phillips and his future at the club.

The Latest: Cross makes Phillips claim…

Speaking in the Q&A, Leeds reporter Cross refuses to rule out an exit for the 25-year-old in future but has made an exciting contract claim – and one which could ensure the Whites get the ‘best deal possible’.

When asked about the Phillips situation, he replied: “There would need to be some eye-watering bids for Leeds to even contemplate selling Raphinha or Phillips in January, especially if they’re still in the bottom quarter of the table at that time.

“Next summer is a more realistic time for those bids to come in and Leeds cannot stop other clubs bidding for their players. Sporting directors would not be doing their jobs properly if they did not take a look at talents like those two who, currently, do not play European football with their club.

“Leeds may not want to sell next summer, but they will surely be realistic enough to know every player has their price. Do not be surprised to see Phillips sign a new contract in the near future.

“That will boost his transfer value even higher and as Bielsa said recently, if and when he decides to go, he will ensure Leeds get the best deal possible from it.”

The Verdict: Smart move…

If Bielsa and Leeds do have to surrender one of their best players in future, the least they can do is recuperate as much money as possible from any deal.

Lauded as an ‘unbelievable’ player by pundit Kevin Phillips, the tenacious midfielder should have no trouble attracting big bids considering his age, form, performances and the fact he is homegrown.

Adding a new contract on top of that would only better Leeds’ chances to really make a profit.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been handed a major boost regarding Raul Jimenez’s future availability.

What’s the latest?

According to a report by Birmingham Live, the government’s recent decision to take all countries off of the UK’s red list for foreign travel has handed Bruno Lage’s side a significant boost regarding the centre-forward’s availability, as the 30-year-old will no longer be required to quarantine upon his return from international duty with Mexico.

Gerardo Martino’s side are due to face Panama in World Cup Qualifying next February, a fixture which, prior to the recent changes, would have resulted in Jimenez having to quarantine for 10 days upon his return to the UK. Mexico are also set to take part in a number of international friendlies in the coming months, which could also have seen the striker ruled out of a number of Premier League fixtures due to the previous red list rules.

Lage will be buzzing

Considering just how important a part of the Wolves first team Jimenez has proven himself to be in recent seasons, with returns of 17 and 27 goals in his first two campaigns at Molineux, the news that he will be free to travel to and from international duty with Mexico without restriction is sure to have left Lage buzzing.

Indeed, while the forward has not exactly been in the best goalscoring form of his career in the current campaign, the £25.2m-rated marksman has nevertheless impressed over his nine Premier League appearances, scoring one goal, registering two assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking 2.1 shots and making 2.2 key passes per game.

These returns have seen the player who Nuno Espirito Santo dubbed a “special” talent average a SofaScore match rating of 6.94, ranking him as the club’s joint fifth-best performer in the league.

As such, the fact that Lage will no longer have to worry about the striker being unavailable due to travel restriction rules will certainly come as a major boost for the 45-year-old, who will undoubtedly be hoping that the £41k-per-week Jimenez can fire his side to a top-half finish this season.

In other news: Lage must unleash £40k-p/w Wolves “outstanding talent” who could become “a top player”

Adama Traore’s contract situation at Wolves is an “iffy one”, says Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

Traore, who joined Wolves from Middlesbrough back in the 2018 summer transfer window, has just two years remaining on his current deal.

The Spanish winger, 25, was thought to be close to putting pen to paper on a new one, with Goal reporting back in May that both parties were in talks.

However, nothing has materialised and his future now looks uncertain amid reported interest from clubs such as European champions Chelsea.

Speaking to FFC about the matter, Hatfield said:

“The contract situation’s a bit of an iffy one. We’ve heard from Wolves that they’re trying to get him down to a new deal and the kind of sounds we were hearing from Nuno when he was in charge is that that he was confident that he would sign a new deal, but we’re yet to see that.”

It leaves Wolves with a decision to make: sell now and make as much as they can or keep him and watch his value decrease as his contract runs down.

According to The Athletic, the Midlands club need to sell big if they want to spend this summer, so the former certainly looks like a strong possibility right now.