Leeds United have benefited in the not so distant past from giving players once disregarded as duds more opportunities to shine, who were once looking likely to be thrown to the scrapheap in West Yorkshire.

Junior Firpo from last season is a glowing example of the club's patience paying off, with the ex-Barcelona defender shining at points in the Championship by amassing an impressive eight assists, after really struggling in the Premier League for the Whites.

Brenden Aaronson will hope he can turn around his Leeds career in a similar fashion, on his return back to England this summer, but could find he's pushed to one side again, if Farke and Co are successful in their pursuit of this attacking midfield gem.

Leeds back in for £0 attacking midfield gem

According to a report by Football Insider, Leeds could be nearing towards a deal to sign Coventry City star Callum O'Hare on a free transfer very soon, with ex-Whites goalkeeper Paul Robinson stating that a move will likely take place when in-demand attackers have departed Elland Road.

It is further revealed in the same report that O'Hare is high on the priority list owing to the fact Leeds are targeting signings who will not break the bank, with the Sky Blues man walking away from the CBS Arena for £0 this week, after failing to agree a new contract with Mark Robins' men.

With O'Hare lighting up the Championship again this season just gone in the number ten spot, when back fully fit for Coventry, Aaronson could find his minutes are still few and far between relocating back to his parent club from Germany.

The English magician would also thrive making the move to Leeds, with the Whites attack becoming an even more terrifying prospect for second-tier defences to contain and manage, if the 26-year-old does make the move.

What O'Hare could offer Leeds

The 26-year-old had wretched luck with injuries before his stunning 23/24 season, however, as a serious knee injury struck him down the campaign before, which meant he made only 11 league appearances in total.

Missing the opening few months this season sidelined still with this long-lasting knock, before finally being able to kick into gear, O'Hare effortlessly blew off any lingering cobwebs with six goals and three assists managed from 31 league clashes.

Stat – per 90 mins*

O'Hare

Games played

31

Goals scored

6

Assists

3

Shots*

1.3

Touches*

43.0

Ball recoveries*

3.3

Big chances created

4

Stats by Sofascore

Impressing last campaign for the Sky Blues in the league, when looking at the table above, as well as starring during his team's memorable FA Cup run, Aaronson's days will be numbered if this deal does get over the line soon.

Aaronson, in contrast, barely managed to leave a lasting impression on the Union Berlin masses during his loan stint in the Bundesliga, with only 43 minutes averaged per game for his short-term employers from his 30 appearances.

Only two goals would come his way when gifted a chance to impress in the German capital, with the American attacker needing to really dig deep back on his return to Elland Road to prove doubters wrong, after an equally uninspiring return of one goal and three assists when previously donning a Whites strip.

Described as being a "dangerous" attacker for the Sky Blues, alongside the likes of Kasey Palmer in the West Midlands, by football journalist Josh Bunting, Leeds fans will be licking their lips at the prospect of O'Hare terrorising Championship defences for fun pulling on his new Whites jersey.

He could well be a signing that sees Farke's men push on and win promotion this time around, instead of slipping up on the big occasion.

Medical scheduled with Leeds set to sell "aggressive" player

A deal is close.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 30, 2024

Whilst finding a new manager will be the priority for Sunderland in the coming weeks, the Championship club are also eager to get new players through the door, with the Black Cats now gifted a chance to get a previous target for a steal.

Sunderland set for mass change this summer

After falling well short of expectations last season, Sunderland are eager to put their 16th placed finish behind them and rebuild this summer. At the top of their to-do-list is a new manager with the Black Cats still on the lookout for a new man to fill the dugout at the Stadium of Light.

Farke targeting Leeds swoop for "outstanding" £3k-p/w Championship star

The Whites are reportedly facing Premier League competition to land the defender.

ByDan Emery Jun 17, 2024

Whilst a whole host of names have been suggested, the most prominent links have seen the Wearside outfit rumoured with a move for highly-rated managers Marti Cifuentes and Liam Rosenior. Cifuentes steered a once relegation-bound QPR side to a comfortable 18th place whilst Rosenior fell agonisingly short of the playoffs before being sacked by Hull City.

Despite their lack of a manger, Sunderland still appear eager to get deals done for new playing talent. The Black Cats have previously been linked with a move for Valencia B youngster Declan Frith, who is also a target for Watford. The 22-year-old winger is yet to make an appearance for Valencia's first team, meaning that he will no doubt be eager for a move away from Spain this summer.

With Kyril Louis-Dreyfus clearly not shy of getting deals done early, Sunderland seem to have been given a boost in their pursuit of a new striker.

Black Cats could get January target for free

As first reported by The Sunderland Echo, the Spanish media are stating that Musa Drammeh has not been offered a new contract at Sevilla, meaning that he will be able to leave on a free transfer this summer.

The Black Cats have been interested in the striker for some time with the club launching a failed pursuit of the 22-year-old back in January. Whilst Sunderland's desire to get a deal done has been known for some time they are reportedly now joined by fellow EFL sides Cardiff City and Birmingham City in the race for Drammeh's signature.

After finding the back of the net on ten occasions for Sevilla's reserves last season, it is clear why Louis-Dreyfus is pushing to get a deal done. The Gambian forward also contributed three assists during a campaign that saw him play as both a right winger and a centre forward.

The Gambian's versatility will be a huge asset to whoever occupies the dugout at the Stadium of Light at the beginning of next season. Whilst Drammeh boasts suitors from across the EFL, Sunderland's proven track record in giving significant minutes to young talents may be what tempts the 22-year-old towards Wearside this summer.

With the Black Cats willing to spend money to get a deal done in January, there is little doubt that they will consider returning for the striker during the window and get their man without needing to open their chequebook.

Former Liverpool star Glen Johnson believes that the Reds should prioritise Trent Alexander-Arnold's extension over Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.

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• Liverpool have three contract renewals on mind
• TAA, Salah and Van Dijk's contracts up next summer
• Liverpool urged to prioritise Alexander-Arnold

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Liverpool have had a wonderful start to life under Arne Slot as they sit pretty atop the Premier League standings. However, off the field, the Reds still have a lot of complications to deal with as they are set to see three key players' contracts run out next summer. The main players are Van Dijk, Salah, and Alexander-Arnold.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While Liverpool are certain that they want to extend the contract of all three players, former right-back Johnson believes that the club should prioritise renewing Alexander-Arnold's contract first and foremost due to his young age compared to Salah and Van Dijk. The right-back has also been linked heavily with a free-transfer to Real Madrid, making Alexander-Arnold's renewal more important.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT JOHNSON SAID

  Speaking to Genting Casino, Johnson said: "If I had to pick a contract to renew as a priority in the cases of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mo Salah and Virgil van Dijk, then Trent is who I’d go for, mainly because of his age. They're all world class players, but Trent is the younger man, and he could feasibly be playing in the Liverpool first team for another six, seven years.

  "Mo and Virgil, as good as they are, aren’t going to be able to do that. Of course, there are rumours about Real Madrid wanting to sign Trent and I don’t expect those to go away. Real Madrid are a big, iconic club. Most players might not say it, but nearly everyone wants to play for Real Madrid. If Madrid wanted him, I think it would be a deal that he couldn't turn down. He’s been so successful at Liverpool and won every trophy that you would want to win as a player with his boyhood club.

  "If he did decide to go, it’s not like he would be leaving on bad terms. I don’t think anyone would complain or begrudge him a move to Madrid because when Real Madrid come calling with a free transfer, it's hard for any player (to turn that down)."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

  All three players will be free to open talks with other clubs when the January transfer window kicks off, and as such, Liverpool will be keen to have some sort of understanding as to their willingness to renew their contracts at Anfield prior to that.

Aston Villa look intent on strengthening their squad ahead of the 2024/25 season, which will see the Midlands outfit play in the Champions League.

Unai Emery certainly hasn’t rested on his laurels, already signing Lewis Dobbin from Everton, while Ian Maatsen has seemingly sealed a move from Chelsea.

The pair won't be the only arrivals in the Midlands this summer, as Emery eyes a swoop for a former Premier League player…

Aston Villa look set to raid Sporting Club

According to a report from Portuguese outlet O Jogo (via Sport Witness) earlier this month, Villa have been linked with a move for Pedro Goncalves recently as they seek to bolster their attacking options.

Bayer Leverkusen have had an offer of £25m rejected as the Portuguese club demand a much higher transfer fee, something which could potentially be a stumbling block for Emery.

Might Goncalves want a second crack at the Premier League, however, as he made just one appearance during a spell with Wolves at the start of his career.

Aston Villa's former Portuguese players

Player

Year Joined

Games Played

Andre Moreira

2018

2

Tiago Ilori

2015

0

Nelson

1996

72

Via Transfermarkt

A move for the 26-year-old would allow Emery to sign a perfect player for Maatsen to link up with, as well as bringing in an upgrade on Morgan Rogers.

What Pedro Goncalves could offer Aston Villa

Signing Maatsen could be a shrewd piece of business, but by adding Goncalves to his squad, the Spaniard could form an impressive duo on the left wing.

Last season, the former Wolves starlet scored 18 goals while grabbing 17 assists across all competitions. 18 of these goal contributions came from the left wing, which suggests this is the position he is most comfortable performing in.

During his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund, Maatsen created three big chances, averaged 0.5 key passes and succeeded with 0.8 dribbles across just 16 Bundesliga matches, proving that he loves to get forward whenever possible, something which could work in Goncalves’ favour.

Emery signed Rogers in January from Middlesbrough after he enjoyed an impressive start to the season, but he failed to really replicate this sort of form in the Midlands.

Indeed, when compared to his positional peers across similar leagues, the youngster ranked in the top 8% for assists per 90 (0.42) yet ranked in the lowest 88% for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.11) and the lowest 60% for total shots per 90 (1.97).

In comparison, Goncalves ranked in the top 12% for non-penalty goals (0.38), the top 3% for assists (0.42) and the top 9% for total shots (3.15) per 90, which certainly proves he would be a major upgrade on the current Villa gem.

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Football talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed Goncalves as “incredible” way back in 2021 and since then, he has improved both his performances and statistics season after season.

The chance to play in the Premier League and compete at the top end of the table, plus participation in the Champions League, could give Emery an advantage in his pursuit of the winger.

Much will depend on the fee Sporting Club demand for their prized asset in the coming weeks.

أعلن نصر أبو الحسن، رئيس مجلس إدارة نادي الإسماعيلي، تجهيزه للتعاقد مع صفقات جديدة لتدعيم صفوف الدراويش خلال الفترة القادمة، عقب انتهاء فترة إيقاف القيد.

الإسماعيلي كان قد بدأ الموسم الحالي من بطولة الدوري المصري، بتعادل سلبي أمام بتروجيت بالجولة الأولي، ثم تلقي الخسارة من بيراميدز في الجولة الثانية.

وقال أبو الحسن خلال جلسته مع الصحفيين والإعلاميين اليوم: “مجلس الإدارة بالتنسيق مع الجهاز الفني سيتعاقد مع مجموعة من اللاعبين المحترفين بجانب أكثر من لاعبي محلي في الأماكن التي تحتاج إلى دعم خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية المقبلة”.

طالع | هيئة قناة السويس توافق على استقبال مباريات الإسماعيلي الجماهيرية.. وتمنحه دعمًا ماليًا عاجلًا

وأضاف: “المجلس نجح في حل 12 قضية من إجمالي 15 بعد مجهود كبير”، مشيرا إلى أن فتح القيد سيكون في يناير المقبل بشكل نهائي عقب انتهاء عقوبة الإيقاف التأديبي.

وتابع: “نعمل على مدار الساعة والجميع على قلب رجل واحد، ونجحنا في إعادة الهدوء والاستقرار داخل الفريق على عكس ما كان يحدث في السابق من تمرد للاعبين ورفضهم المشاركة بالتدريبات، بالإضافة إلى مستحقات اللاعبين المتأخرة”.

وأتم: “نرحب دائما بالاستثمار الحقيقي ونتطلع دائما لتوفير مصادر دخل مالية للنادي، تسهم في إنعاش خزينته وإعادته لسابق عهده منافسا وحاصدا للألقاب”.

ومن المقرر أن يلعب الإسماعيلي مع الاتحاد السكندري، مساء غدًا الثلاثاء، ضمن منافسات الجولة الثالثة من عمر منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

MatériaMais Notícias

Com chuva, o Corinthians treinou na tarde desta quinta-feira, no CT Joaquim Grava em preparação para o duelo diante do Atlético-GO, que acontecerá neste domingo, às 18h15, no Estádio Antônio Accioly, em Goiânia-GO, pela 20ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. A notícia do dia foi a ausência de Jô nos treinos.

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> Veja classificação e simulador do Brasileirão-2021 clicando aqui

> Conheça o aplicativo de resultados do LANCE!

GALERIA
> Relembre a estreia de grandes jogadores do Corinthians na última década

No Campo 1, os atletas que atuaram por mais de 45 minutos diante do Juventude, na última terça, realizaram uma ativação com bola e, em seguida, retornaram para a parte interna do CT para novos trabalhos regenerativos com a equipe de fisioterapia, a exemplo do que aconteceu na quarta-feira.

Os demais atletas participaram do aquecimento e de um trabalho de perde-pressiona no Campo 3. Em seguida, o técnico Sylvinho separou o elenco: os zagueiros e laterais ficaram com ele para um trabalho específico de posicionamento e movimentação defensiva; enquanto os demais foram ao Campo 4 para um treinamento de ações ofensivas.

O meio-campista Adson segue na transição com a equipe de preparação física. Assim como na atividade da última quarta-feira, ele participou do aquecimento com o grupo e, depois, fez um treino com bola sob a supervisão do preparador Fabrício Pimenta. O jovem ainda é dúvida para a lista de relacionados.

Willian, por sua vez, novamente participou de toda a atividade do dia junto com os companheiros e deu mais um passo para sua estreia nesta segunda passagem pelo clube. Expectativa é de que ele seja relacionado para domingo.

Uma baixa nos treinamentos desta quinta foi o atacante Jô, que foi liberado da atividade do dia para resolver assuntos particulares. Se estivesse no CT, faria parte do grupo que se dividiu entre ativação em campo e um regenerativo.

A princípio, o camisa 77 retorna ao trabalho na manhã desta sexta-feira, juntamente com o elenco, que terá o penúltimo dia de preparação antes da viagem para Goiânia, onde enfrenta o Atlético-GO, neste domingo. Atualmente, o Corinthians é o sexto colocado no Brasileirão-2021 com 28 pontos.

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Neymar admits to feeling “so happy” after returning to action at Al-Hilal, with “the greatest comeback in football” earning a comparison to Ronaldo.

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Out of action for over a yearBack in AFC Champions LeagueWorking on full match sharpnessFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

After 12 months stuck on the sidelines with knee ligament damage, Neymar finally stepped back onto the field when being introduced as a substitute by Al-Hilal in their AFC Champions League win over Al Ain – with the Brazil international getting 13 minutes off the bench.

AdvertisementWHAT NEYMAR SAID

A thrilling contest finished 5-4 in favour of the Saudi Pro League title holders, with Neymar completing a long road to recovery that left him in tears at times. The 32-year-old told reporters on the field at the final whistle: “I feel good… I always have a good team. I'm so happy. I'm back! I'm back!”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Neymar had been restricted to just five appearances for Al-Hilal when suffering a serious knee injury when turning out for his country in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on October 18, 2023. His return is not just being embraced by those in Brazil and the Middle East, with football fans around the world delighted to see him back.

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GettyDID YOU KNOW?

Former Uruguay international defender Diego Lugano told of football as a whole benefiting from having Neymar’s magic back – with his recovery being likened to that of fellow countryman R9, who once endured injury issues of his own. Lugano said: “Very good news for world football. The most magical player football has had in the last decade, different. I think this is the biggest challenge of his career. If he can return to being 70 or 80% of what he was years ago, it will be the greatest comeback in football, even compared to the Phenomenon's.

“After a year away, it's very difficult to get back to the same rhythm and level he had before, especially given his style of play. And now with his joints compromised, I imagine he won't have the same lightness that characterised him so much. But everyone is rooting for him to get close to that level to try for glory in the last World Cup.”

“Never ever miss the birth of your children, because it is one of the great things you will ever do”

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Nov-2020

“Of course it will have an impact,” Australia coach Justin Langer said when asked about Virat Kohli returning home after the first Test in Australia later this year for the birth of his first child. Using an Aussie Rules Football parallel, Langer likened Kohli’s absence to “taking Dustin Martin out of Richmond”, but stressed that even without their captain, India “are a very, very good team” and “we have to be on our toes all summer”.”Are we happy he is not playing? It’s like taking (AFL star) Dustin Martin out of Richmond,” Langer said with a laugh at a press interaction earlier today. “Of course it will have an impact, but we also know that India beat us last time (in 2018-19). They are a very, very good team. We cannot get complacent for a second with or without Virat.”So we are going to have to be on our toes all summer, and we’re looking forward to that.”Kohli and his wife Anushka Sharma are expecting their first child around the turn of the year, and Kohli has asked for – and been granted – paternity leave. The tour will start with three ODIs, followed by three T20Is, with the four-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy played at the end. In a media statement earlier this week, the BCCI confirmed Kohli’s return after the first Test, which will be India’s first day-night Test overseas, but did not specify whether Kohli would rejoin the Indian Test squad at a later stage, though any return would have to negotiate strict quarantine protocols, adding to the time that he would not be available.As far as Langer was concerned, though, taking time off for “one of the great things you will ever do” was worth the sacrifice on Kohli’s part.”Virat Kohli is probably the best player I have ever seen in my life for so many reasons, not only his batting but his energy and passion for the game, the way he fields. I cannot believe he displays the energy he does in everything he does, and I’ve got so much respect for him,” Langer said. “I’ve also got respect for him in the sense that he’s made this decision (to take paternity leave).”He’s a human being like all of us. It’s the same with Kane Richardson. He sacrificed the IPL so that he could be at the birth of his son a couple of days ago. So if I was giving advice to any of my players, I would always say never ever miss the birth of your children, because it is one of the great things you will ever do. Virat’s a human being, and I respect his decision.”The Indian contingent – without Rohit Sharma and Ishant Sharma, who are both carrying injuries – reached Sydney from the UAE on Thursday, and have gone into two weeks’ quarantine straightaway.

The transfer window doesn't officially open until Friday, but that hasn't stopped clubs from getting to work on deals beforehand, and Tottenham Hotspur are no different.

Daniel Levy and Co clearly recognise the need to provide Ange Postecoglou with a new clinical number nine if the team are to climb back into the Champions League places next season, and based on recent reports, it looks like they might have found just the player.

However, while it's good news for the Australian and fans, it may well spell the end of the road for Richarlison in N17.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from Spain (via TEAMtalk), Tottenham Hotspur are incredibly interested in signing Sevilla's star striker Youssef En-Nesyri this summer, and have already made an offer the player is 'ready to say yes to.'

Alongside the Lilywhites, the report claims there is interest from the Saudi Pro League and Manchester United are preparing an offer of their own in the coming days.

The Spanish giants are said to want at least €20m – £17m – for their reliable marksman, which, if true, could make him one of the best value-for-money signings this summer.

While the interest from other sides is far from ideal, the low asking price and revelation that En-Nesyri is eager to join Spurs means Levy and Co need to dot the i's and cross the t's as soon as possible on this deal, even if his arrival sees Richarlison's gametime dramatically shrink.

How En-Nesyri compares to Richarlison

So, with En-Nesyri potentially moving to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in the coming weeks, how does he stack up to Richarlison? Does his record in Spain suggest he'd waltz into the lineup and relegate the Brazilian to the bench?

In short, yes, yes, it does.

For example, over the last two seasons, the "pure goalscorer," as talent scout Jacek Kulig has dubbed him, has scored 38 goals and provided four assists in 89 games, meaning he's averaged a goal involvement every 2.11 games for two years straight.

In comparison, the former Toffees ace has scored 15 goals and provided eight assists in 66 games across the same period, which equates to a goal involvement on average every 2.8 games.

However, it's not just his goalscoring that would make the Fès-born marksman the ideal upgrade; it's also his availability, which is, of course, the best ability.

Over the last two seasons, he has missed just three games through injury. Even if you go back to the start of the 2018/19 campaign, he's still missed just 27 games, and 16 of those were due to one muscle injury.

On the other hand, the Nova Venécia-born forward has missed 21 games through injury in the previous two campaigns alone and a whopping 41 matches since the start of the 18/19 season.

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Ultimately, while Richarlison has been better this year, he's still not been overly convincing during his time in North London and if Postecoglou is going to take the team back to the very top, then he's going to need a reliable goalscorer, which is exactly what En-Nesyri is.

Marcus Harris and Will Pucovski broke the 30-year record held by Mark Waugh and Steve Waugh for the highest partnership in Sheffield Shield history as their monumental opening stand for Victoria extended to 486 on the third day against South Australia.The pair resumed on 0 for 418 with Pucovski on 199. He reached his second double century off the first ball of the day as he and Harris moved briskly up the records charts.Harris was dropped at slip by Callum Ferguson with the score on 436 and it was his cover drive which took the stand to 465, surpassing the Waugh-Waugh landmark which was made against Western Australia at the WACA in 1990-91.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

As attention turned to the all-time first-class partnership lists and a 500-stand loomed, South Australia finally ended the stand when Harris gloved a short ball to the keeper.They were just short of the first-class record for any wicket in Australia which is the 503 added by Aaron Finch and Ryan Carters against the New Zealand XI in 2015 during a game that was then abandoned due when the pitch became unsafe.The highest first-class partnership in history is the 624 added by Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene against South Africa in 2006.Pucovski, opening for the first time in first-class cricket, finished unbeaten on a career-best 255 when Victoria declared on 3 for 569.