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It makes “no sense” for Leeds United to entertain potential offers for star man Raphinha in the January transfer window, according to Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Raphinha stars for Leeds

The Brazilian’s reputation is being enhanced all the time, having shone for the Whites since joining last year, registering nine goals and nine assists since coming to England.

Not only that, but Raphinha has made a flying start to life in a Brazil shirt, setting up two goals on his debut and then bagging a brace against Uruguay.

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The Latest: Hay makes key claim

Unsurprisingly, the winger has been linked with a move elsewhere, with the biggest Premier League clubs circling and a January departure even mooted.

Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic before Leeds’ 1-0 defeat at Southampton on Saturday, though, Hay claimed that he can’t see that happening. He wrote:

“Re: Raphinha – I see no sense at all in Leeds entertaining bids in January. It’s not like his value is going to diminish and you’re unsettling your squad at a key point of the season.

“Add to that the fact that the most elite clubs don’t tend to do big deals in January. If they’re doing a Grealish or a Kane for example, those offers tend to come in the summer window because there’s more time to negotiate and value for money tends to be slightly better.”

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The Verdict: Makes no sense

Leeds may have to accept that Raphinha will move on eventually – next summer is arguably looking increasingly likely given his recent form – but a January exit could be hugely damaging.

The Whites are 17th in the Premier League table after their latest setback and they will need the Brazil international for the duration of the campaign. Losing him midway through the season could increase the chances of them getting into a relegation fight, which would be a disastrous scenario after only ending their 16-year top-flight exile in 2020.

In other news, one expert has tipped Leeds to reap a huge financial gain. Read more here.

Many West Ham United fans are delighted with the news that the Irons have verbally agreed a fee with Chelsea for the signing of Kurt Zouma.

The transfer window is fast approaching its end after several months, and the Hammers remain one of the quietest clubs in the Premier League in terms of new arrivals. In fact, they have so far been unable to bring in a new outfield player, with only goalkeeper Alphonse Areola making the move to the London Stadium (Transfermarkt).

However, there may be some positive news on the horizon for the Irons. According to David Ornstein, West Ham have verbally agreed a fee of £25.7m for Zouma. At the moment, there are issues in regards to the £28.8m-valued France international ‘s wage demands (Transfermarkt), with the 26-year-old reportedly said to be looking for £125,000 per week.

It seems that many West Ham fans are delighted by news of the agreement, and these supporters took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts on the prospective arrival of the Premier League and Champions League winner at the London Stadium.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about the Zouma news

“I’d love him at West Ham. Think there’s too many harsh critics out there. Fingers crossed we get it over the line!”

Credit: @MattWaite5

“Hope so, be a good signing for us”

Credit: @Titcomb27

“Get the deal done, crying out for someone to partner Ogbonna, we pay Yarmo 120k a week, why can’t we pay Zouma 125k”

Credit: @joecronin1999

“Sign Zouma”

Credit: @FCarruthers

“Please sign Zouma. Please sign Zouma. Please sign Zouma””

Credit: @Ginger_nols

“Pay it, whilst your at it give rice double that”

Credit: @sammhadgraft

In other news, West Ham are also interested in this Brazil international.

Many Everton fans were left fuming over some early team news ahead of their game away at Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match, Rafa Benitez revealed (via Phil Kirkbride) that Salomon Rondon is now back for the Goodison Park faithful after he was not in the squad for their 2-1 win at home to Arsenal on Monday night.

Richarlison played the striker role that night, and got himself on the scoresheet, while he also had two other goals ruled out for offside narrowly by VAR (BBC).

On the other hand, Rondon himself has not managed to score in 11 matches in total for the Merseyside club so far this season, and so his return to the team may actually hinder the Toffees rather than help them.

Everton fans on Rondon news

These Blues fumed as the news was shared on Twitter, with one EFC supporter even going as far as to claim that it was a ‘blow’:

“Have you ever seen a worse statement than “Rondon back”?”

Credit: @taylor_davies77

“Rondon back that’s a blow”

Credit: @askEvertonian08

“NO ONE CARES ABOUT RONDON”

Credit: @Vicaz22

“We don’t care about Rondon and Delph”

Credit: @meeet_sam

“Rondon is healthy? Another losing streak for the Toffees”

Credit: @jack_kweder

“Rondon is out even when he’s in. Fraud of a player.”

Credit: @Bonesy68

In other news, find out what transfer news has Evertonians talking here!

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey in January, with a loan move potentially in the offing.

The Lowdown: Ramsey struggling at Juve

The 71-time capped Wales international has not had the happiest time of things at Juve of late, starting just once in Serie A so far this season.

It has led to rumours linking him with a move away from the Italian giants, with Ramsey struggling to settle there ever since joining from Arsenal in 2019.

With Leeds potentially eyeing up new midfield signings in January, it appears as though the 30-year-old is considered a target.

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The Latest: Leeds linked with move

That’s according to Calciomercato, who claim that a loan move to Elland Road could take place next month.

It is stated that Everton and Newcastle United are also seen as possible suitors and that paths to both them and the Whites ‘remain valid’ currently.

The report also claims that Leeds could possibly sign Ramsey permanently in the summer if he joined on loan initially.

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The Verdict: Proven top-level pedigree

At 30, Ramsey doesn’t necessarily represent the long-term future for Leeds, but if a player of his quality is available they would be wise to make a move for him.

The former Arsenal man has been described as ‘world class’ by Wales teammate and Tottenham defender Ben Davies and he has a Serie A title and three FA Cup winners’ medals to show for that quality.

Ramsey’s ability to score goals from midfield would give Leeds a different option in the middle of the park – 20 goals for Wales speaks volumes – with Kalvin Phillips, Adam Forshaw and Stuart Dallas yet to net once between them in the Premier League this season.

In other news, a journalist has backed Leeds to sign one specific player in January. Read more here.

Shields Gazette reporter Liam Kennedy fears the atmosphere could turn toxic if Newcastle United fail to bring in new recruits before the transfer window closes.

The Magpies are yet to bolster their squad with acquisitions despite the start of the Premier League season being less than a week away.

Arsenal midfielder Joe Willock has been boss Steve Bruce’s top transfer target all summer, having scored eight goals in 14 appearances during his loan spell at St James’ Park last season.

While Newcastle initially hoped to make Willock’s move permanent, they have since explored the possibility of another temporary deal being struck.

However, the Magpies’ hopes of landing the former England under-21 international, who became the first player to find the back of the net in seven consecutive Premier League fixtures since Alan Shearer during his loan spell, suffered a blow when Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta insisted the 21-year-old is part of his plans.

Newcastle have yet to turn their attentions elsewhere and Kennedy admits Magpies fans could become disgruntled.

He told Football FanCast: “If they get off to a bad start this season, no signings come in or there are any more delays with the takeover, I think it could erupt.

“Newcastle United can become very toxic. The year when Newcastle got relegated the first time under Mike Ashley, I remember how toxic it got and that really pushed onto the pitch.

“The big fear is whether it will become toxic this time. Looking at social media, which isn’t always the best judge, it does have the feel that it could turn toxic very quickly.”

Price tags today like Ben White’s are ridiculous, says former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer.

Leeds are one club said to be interested in signing the Brighton defender this summer, but it is going to cost a lot of money to get him out of the Amex.

According to journalist Duncan Castles, the Whites will have to pay over £50m if they are to sign White, who spent the 2019/20 season on loan at Elland Road.

Arsenal are already said to have had a £40m bid turned down for the player, so it does indeed seem like Brighton are looking for the sort of money Castles has mentioned.

On White’s rumoured price tag, Palmer told FFC in an exclusive interview:

“All the price tags are ridiculous now. It’s supply and demand, you know, if somebody is willing to pay that, then that’s what you’ll get for the player. It’s not what the player’s valued at.

“No disrespect to the player. I think he had a fantastic season last season and he’s done really well, but clubs can actually pick a figure out because if they don’t want to sell you, they don’t have to sell you. And so they can pick a figure out and it’s whether that club’s prepared to go to that figure.

“There are very few players that go in the transfer market now that are actually worth the figure that the club’s paid. It’s all inflated prices.”

White certainly had a strong campaign. He averaged 1.7 interceptions per league game, which puts him only behind Yves Bissouma (1.8) in Brighton’s squad, as he thwarted attacks for his side (via WhoScored).

Paying £50m plus for the central defender, though, is questionable after one season in the top flight.

Leicester City have reportedly made contact with Sassuolo ahead of a possible move for winger Domenico Berardi.

What’s the story?

According to Italian outlet Calcio Mercato (as relayed by the Leicester Mercury), the Foxes are potentially lining up a January move for the 27-year-old and have already entered talks with the Serie A outfit.

The report states that: “The one between Berardi and Sassuolo is a beautiful, intense marriage, but destined to end soon.

“Domenico has decided to leave the club and has long ago communicated this to the management. There have been some in-depth contacts with Leicester, a track to be followed carefully in view of the January transfer market.

“But several clubs in Serie A are also moving on the strong European champion,” it concludes, meaning director of football Jon Rudkin will have to move quickly in order to secure his transfer target’s services.

He’s a great talent

The powerful and pacey attacked was part of Italy’s victorious squad in this year’s European Championship, providing two assists in six appearances for the Azzurri throughout the tournament.

And his impressive displays at Euro 2020 saw Berardi linked with a move to Leicester and several other top teams across the continent, although he ended up remaining at the Mapei Stadium despite the continued speculation.

However, a winter move now appears to be on the cards, and he could be available at a discount price, with Sassuolo’s hierarchy reportedly dropping their €40 million asking price by five or six million.

With Brendan Rodgers’ currently boasting Marc Albrighton as their only natural option on the right-wing, pulling off a move for the £30m Berardi would provide the current FA Cup holders with added quality and competition in the final third of the pitch.

In 30 Serie A appearances last term, Berardi bagged an outstanding 17 goals, providing a further eight assists for his teammates, highlighting his top-class ability in attack.

Tottenham’s director of football Fabio Paratici has previously commented on the highly-rated winger and admitted that he tried to sign him at Juventus, claiming that he is a “great talent” amid reported interest from Spurs.

Therefore, a move for the Italian ace at the midway point in the campaign would provide a significant boost to Leicester’s top-four hopes as they aim to return to Europe’s elite cup competition.

And, in other news…Lost 67% of his duels: Leicester lightweight had a nightmare outing for his country 

Nuno Santo could be without two members of his first-team squad after the international break, according to reports…

What’s the latest?

The Daily Mail claim that Argentina duo Giovani Lo Celso and Cristian Romero are facing over three weeks out of action after it emerged that they were under investigation for breaching Brazil’s quarantine rules.

It’s thought that the Spurs pair are facing 14 days of quarantine in Brazil following their World Cup qualifying clash before another ten days upon their return to the United Kingdom.

They have been accused of failing to declare on official documents that they had travelled from the UK when they arrived in Sao Paolo on Friday.

This would, in turn, rule them out of at least three Premier League matches, one Carabao Cup clash and one UEFA Europa Conference League group game, too.

Hammer blow

After the start Spurs have had to the new season, this latest development should leave Nuno absolutely furious as he’ll be without two key squad members for some very crucial encounters.

These fixtures include games against arch-rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, and a trip to Rennes, where they will undoubtedly want to start well to try and win that inaugural competition.

Neither player has featured for many minutes so far this season but given the congested calendar in September, they would have been handed plenty of opportunities to get game time.

The Portuguese head coach was even against the duo travelling abroad during this international break, so for them to get caught up in a saga will only leave him more angry.

“Yes, it’s a big problem, not only for our players, it’s a problem for all the South American players playing in the Premier League because they have to obey the government laws,” he revealed to reporters, via talkSPORT. “But we must be aware that saying no to our national team is very difficult. It’s very difficult, so we’ll see how things go.”

He later added: “It [is] clear – as a club we don’t approve of the situation. What we want is a solution for everybody because this will be a big problem.”

Nuno may well struggle to keep up Spurs’ 100% in the top-flight and continue their fine form into other competitions without having the full depth of his squad available to him.

This will surely come as a hammer blow heading into Saturday’s clash with Crystal Palace.

AND in other news, Nuno can fix alarming Spurs issue by unleashing “phenomenal” £100k-p/w gem in new role…

Birmingham City are interested in a deal to bring Kyle Lafferty to St. Andrew’s this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football League World, who claim that Lee Bowyer’s side are just one of a number of Championship clubs considering a move for the centre-forward in the upcoming transfer window.

The 33-year-old looks set to become available on a free transfer at the end of the month, following the expiry of his contract with Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock.

Big mistake

Despite the fact that Lafferty turned in a number of impressive performances for Tommy Wright’s side last season, scoring eight goals, providing two assists and averaging a SofaScore match rating of 7.66 over his nine Premiership appearances, there are a number of reasons why Bowyer should avoid a move for the former Rangers striker this summer.

Firstly, Lafferty has not scored 10 or more league goals since the 2017/18 campaign with Heart of Midlothian, in which he managed 12 strikes over 35 appearances.

In fact, he has only actually achieved this feat on two other occasions in his career – scoring 11 goals over 31 appearances for Gers in 2010/11 and 11 goals in 34 Serie B fixtures for Palermo in 2013/14.

As such, despite the fact that the Northern Ireland international is very much an out and out forward, his return of goals over the course of his career has been somewhat disappointing.

Secondly, with Lafferty taking home a considerable wage of £3k-per-week at Kilmarnock, following his decent run of form, the 33-year-old is likely to demand a significant increase to this figure if he were to sign for a Championship club, particularly if the number of clubs interested in his services reported by Football League World is accurate.

Indeed, the BBC recently reported that the striker wanted wages “four times higher” than he was currently taking home at Rugby Park in order to stay on at the club next season.

Finally, with the £360k-rated man – whom Phil Parkinson previously dubbed a “danger” – very much heading into the twilight of his career, there would appear to be very little resale value in signing the forward, as well as the fact his abilities as a footballer will already be on the decline.

As such, it would seem highly advisable for Bowyer to turn his attention away from Lafferty this summer in order to concentrate his efforts on bringing in talent with a considerably brighter future than the veteran striker.

In other news: BCFC dealt transfer blow over “frightening” 22 G/A dynamo that’ll leave Bowyer gutted

Rangers secured, arguably, one of their best-ever transfer deals at Ibrox back in 2017 when they signed striker Alfredo Morelos.

Having gone on to score 113 goals in 224 games, the Colombian has undoubtedly been a critical player for the Gers since his arrival.

Even though he’s only 25 and still has until the summer of 2023 before his deal with Rangers expires, it seems as though the club already have their eye on signing someone that could go on to become an ideal long-term replacement for Morelos.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from A Bola (via Daily Record) Rangers are one of the clubs keeping an eye on the development of Brazil youngster Antony Alves.

Originally from Brazilian side Joinville-SC, the 20-year-old is currently on loan with Portuguese team Arouca.

Their new Morelos?

Despite only starting four of the 17 league games he’s appeared in this season, the attacker has managed to score two goals.

The youngster has also racked up 13 crosses in total and been able to draw 15 fouls, showing how dangerous he can be going forward and what a tricky figure he can be to play against.

The Brazilian has not shirked away from his defensive duties this season either, having won 11 tackles and made seven interceptions.

In addition to this, the £180k-rated starlet has shown how versatile he can be on the pitch by playing in numerous attacking positions throughout his short career so far.

Thus, if the Gers end up selling Morelos anytime soon for the £13m fee that they would reportedly want for him, snapping up Alves as another young south American talent that has a knack for goal could be a great bit of business for them.

However, with the report claiming that FC Basel are also interested in signing the youngster, Rangers could have a challenge on their hands getting him to Ibrox.

If Ross Wilson is able to get the Brazilian to make a move to Scotland, he’ll certainly have some big shoes to fill should Morelos find himself leaving.

Having had a total of 113 shots at goal in the league this season, more than any other player in the SPFL, any player would find it hard to immediately replace Rangers’ prolific striker.

In other news: Sources: Shock Rangers transfer claim emerges that will leave Wilson excited…