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Leeds United goalkeeper Kiko Casilla is set for an Elland Road exit this summer according to journalist Graham Smyth…

What’s the story?

The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist said: “The future of goalkeeper Kiko Casilla, who has not started a La Liga game for loan club Elche since October, will also be up in the air.

“Marsch has been impressed with both Illan Meslier and his current back-up Kristoffer Klaesson since taking over in the wake of Bielsa’s sacking and a return to Elland Road for 35-year-old Casilla feels unlikely. With a year left to run on his contract another loan move or a settlement with Leeds is almost inevitable.”

Marsch must finally sell him

The Spaniard had been on the fringes of things for Jesse Marsch’s side last season, with Illan Meslier firmly established as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.

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In fact, he only had the one Premier League outing to his name during the 2020/2021 campaign, with his appearance in a 1-0 defeat to Brighton back in mid-January being the only time Whites fans saw him in action in the top-flight.

And, speaking after Leeds’ FA Cup loss to Crawley Town earlier that campaign, journalist Daniel Storey even questioned whether’s he good enough to play for the club, slamming: “I think Kiko Casilla was the other game-changer in a negative sense because I don’t think he should be playing for Leeds for non-football reasons, but he probably shouldn’t be playing for Leeds for football reasons after today.”

Leeds TV podcaster, Oscar Mario, meanwhile, simply labelled him a “complete liability”.

Of course, since then, he has made the move to Spanish side Elche on a season-long loan, but things haven’t panned out for him there either.

The shot-stopper had initially started the first 12 games of the campaign in La Liga, but following a run of just two wins in that frame, was promptly dropped from the line-up against Mallorca back in early November.

Casilla has since failed to play single minute of football in the top-flight for Elche, and when you look at some of his underlying stats, it’s clear to see why he’s been shunted to the sidelines.

As per FBREF, he is the 13th-worst performing goalkeeper in La Liga when it comes to post-shot expected goals minus goals allowed, a stat that works out how likely a goalkeeper is to save a shot.

He is also the 7th-worst goalkeeper when it comes to stopping a cross into the penalty area, while he is the sixth-worst for passes completed – all in all, the Leeds man has simply been a poor performer in a poor performing side.

Marsch must surely offload the £40k-a-week earning Spaniard this summer.

AND in other news – Leeds facing major nightmare as worrying news emerges, Elland Road would be devastated

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan, who is now working for the club’s community foundation, has tipped Dan James to make his mark at Elland Road quickly, following his move from Manchester United.

The Lowdown: James takes time to settle

The Welshman signed from United at the end of the summer transfer window, coming in for around £25million, making him the Whites’ second-most expensive signing in history.

While James has done adequately in his first three appearances for Leeds, he is still searching for his first goal or assist.

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The Latest: Whelan makes bold statement

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan says he has total faith in James matching the expectations of him, thriving for Leeds once he fully adjusts to life at the club:

“I think he’s still getting used to playing with his new teammates. When you come from Manchester United, you will be highly regarded.

“We know what a good player he is, that’s why we wanted to sign him even before this summer.

“We know there’s more to come from him in terms of assists and goals, we’ve seen him do that for Wales and Manchester United in the past.

“We’re just waiting for that moment where it all clicks into place, and that might come in the form of an assist or a goal which could really kickstart his season.”

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The Verdict: Needs to justify price tag

James’ price tag means there is immediate pressure from the off, with such expensive signings required to be influential performers straight away.

The same applied with club-record purchase Rodrigo last season, as the Spaniard flattered to deceive too often in a Whites shirt.

James clearly has the talent required to prove his worth – he has been hailed as ‘brilliant’ by Marcus Rashford – but he has done just okay so far and will hopefully find another gear after the international break.

In other news, Whelan has made an exciting claim regarding another Leeds player. Find out who it is here.

Tottenham Hotspur have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Barcelona wonderkid Ilaix Moriba, as rival interest from RB Leipzig has emerged this weekend [Sunday Express].

The Lowdown: Moriba at the centre of a contract wrangle at the Camp Nou

No stranger to the limelight, Moriba has become something of a thorn in the side of the Barcelona hierarchy after failing to sign a new contract at the Catalan giants this summer [GOAL].

He has allegedly asked for around £100k-p/w to renew terms, angering Camp Nou chiefs and eventually being frozen out of their squad [Sport Bible].

The youngster is regarded as one of the most prodigious talents to come through the famed La Masia academy in a long time, once even labelled ‘the future of the club’ by Ronald Koeman [GOAL].

However, that future may lay elsewhere.

The Latest: Future set to be decided in the next 24 hours

Tottenham are set to find out the trajectory of the 6 foot 1 ace’s next move in the next 24 hours, with his current employers open to cashing in on his services due to their financial difficulties [Sunday Express].

RB Leipzig are also hot on his tail, potentially creating a problem for the Lilywhites due to the German outfit’s reputation of offering regular first-team football to young stars.

Though they are reportedly £5 million short of matching the valuation set by Barca, the Bundesliga side are said to have offered tempting personal terms which Spurs would be unable to match.

The Verdict: Tottenham should prioritise Moriba

Likely to cost a pretty penny in terms of wage expenditure, any advancement in Tottenham’s willingness to lure the 18-year-old to N17 should be on the premise that he features regularly in a senior environment.

Bringing a bustling presence in the midfield, the Guinean-born anchor man showcased his capabilities effortlessly last term, registering four goal contributions from 18 appearances from deep; one goal and three assists [Transfermarkt].

Backing up plaudits, his successful pass accuracy rate of 91.6% across the campaign would help to bring some control to the Spurs midfield, potentially being a vital asset in high-profile encounters [WhoScored].

He was once dubbed as ‘incredible’ by ex Barca B coach Garcia Pimenta, and surely improve further with more first XI exposure [SB Nation].

Should they be able to offer Moriba the guarantees of being an imminently important figure in their starting line-up, there is no reason why Tottenham should not look to close the deal and add another future midfield star to the signing of Pape Matar Sarr.

In other news, a Tottenham legend has dropped their verdict on a Lilywhites defender. Find out more here.

West Bromwich Albion have been handed a double fitness boost ahead of their upcoming Championship clash.

What’s the latest?

According to a report by Birmingham Live, Matt Clarke has taken part in full training with Valerien Ismael’s side this week, with the centre-back appearing well ahead of schedule in his recovery from a hamstring injury, while Kean Bryan is also in contention to make his Baggies debut against Queens Park Rangers on Friday.

The former Sheffield United defender, who was signed on a free transfer in order to provide cover for the injured Dara O’Shea, played 45 minutes for the West Brom U23 side against Aston Villa last Friday and looks to be getting close to full fitness.

Ismael will be buzzing

While it remains unclear whether Clarke will be deemed fit enough to play a role in Friday’s game, the defender’s rapid recovery from injury, coupled with the likely availability of Bryan for the QPR fixture, is sure to have left Ismael buzzing.

Indeed, Clarke had impressed over his three Championship appearances for the Baggies following his loan switch from Brighton & Hove Albion, making an average of 2.3 interceptions, one tackle, 2.7 clearances and winning 7.3 duels per game.

These returns had seen the centre-back average a SofaScore match rating of 7.03, ranking him as West Brom’s eighth-best performer in the second tier.

However, should Clarke not be fit enough to feature against Mark Warburton’s side, the left-footed Bryan could nevertheless allow Ismael to provide his back-three with a great deal more balance – something that, considering their recent run of poor form, it seems the Frenchman has desperately lacked.

As such, the news that both Bryan and Clarke appear to be nearing a return to first team action is undoubtedly a major boost for Albion, as the club will certainly be looking to get their promotion push back on track against an impressive looking QPR side on Friday.

In other news: Journo drops fresh claim on “exceptional” £28k-p/w ace, West Brom fans would be gutted

Everton have suffered a huge injury blow after it was revealed star midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure has suffered a serious issue to his foot.

What’s the word?

The in-form 28-year-old has been the Toffees’ standout performer in the opening weeks of the current campaign, but he’s set for an extended spell on the sidelines after picking up a potential stress fracture.

It was initially believed that Doucoure had suffered a broken foot, with Paul Joyce, the Northern Football Correspondent for The Times, relaying the initial news.

He tweeted: “Everton concerned Abdoulaye Doucoure is facing lengthy time out with broken foot.”

However, the Merseyside outfit have since provided an update on the Frenchman’s situation, releasing an official statement on the club’s website.

“Everton can confirm that Abdoulaye Doucoure has suffered a stress response in a bone in his foot sustained during Sunday’s match against West Ham United,” the statement reads.

“The French midfielder is being assessed by the Club’s medical team at USM Finch Farm and is undergoing further investigation to determine the full extent of the injury. Contrary to reports, Doucoure will not require an operation.”

Rafa Benitez will be gutted

News that Doucoure is set to be on the treatment table for several weeks will leave Everton manager Rafa Benitez feeling gutted.

The box-to-box dynamo has been in fabulous form this season, bagging two goals and providing four assists in his eight Premier League appearances – a superior contribution to the entirety of the previous campaign in 21 games fewer.

His defensive attributes will also be a huge loss to the Toffees with the French brute winning 2.5 tackles per game this term, a tally only bettered by Allan.

And injuries to fellow midfielders Andre Gomes and Fabian Delph will leave the Blues extremely short of options in the engine room when Watford visit Goodison Park over the weekend.

It means the likes of Tom Davies and Jean-Philippe Gbamin will have to step up in Doucoure’s absence, gifting the youngsters a rare chance to impress from the off.

And, in other news…Brands must sanction EFC swoop for “incredible” £19.8m-rated gem, Benitez needs him 

A number of Liverpool supporters are fuming after it was confirmed that Anthony Taylor will referee the Reds’ Premier League clash with Chelsea.

Jurgen Klopp’s men face an enormous game on Saturday evening, in what is arguably the biggest match of the season so far.

Both Liverpool and Chelsea have won their opening two matches, with neither team conceding a goal and both comfortably winning their respective fixtures.

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It promises to be a nervy occasion at Anfield and a win for the Reds would be further proof that they are strong title contenders.

Taylor has been confirmed as the referee for Saturday’s game [via LFC Transfer Room on Twitter], with Chris Kavanagh on VAR duties.

His Manchester roots never make him a popular appointment for Liverpool matches and he also took charge of the Reds’ 3-1 defeat at Leicester City last season.

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Liverpool fans react to referee appointment

These Liverpool fans took to Twitter to vent their anger.

“Ohhhhhh NO”

Credit: @drewski1980

“It really can’t get any worse, can it?”

Credit: @LFC_Lewis66

“Liverpool loss”

Credit: @tsrbys

“Ohh god. Not this awful Manc”

Credit: @AhijahB

“I don’t like this guy”

Credit: @iburniton96

“Mbappe dream over and now this”

Credit: @TQdeanoo

In other news, some Liverpool fans are livid at a transfer update that has emerged. Read more here.

Celtic could still look to sign another winger and defender in the January transfer window, according to The Daily Record’s Scott Burns. 

The Lowdown: Three in the door

The Hoops officially announced the signings of Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda and Yosuke Ideguchi on Friday morning.

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The trio have been linked with moves to Scotland for some time, with Celtic confirming the news just hours before the January window opens.

Maeda will sign on loan with a compulsory purchase clause included for the summer, whereas Hatate and Ideguchi will pen four-and-a-half-year contracts, subject to the usual conditions and international clearance.

However, it seems as if the Hoops may not stop there, with two more possible arrivals over the coming weeks.

The Latest: Burns’ late-night news

Burns shared a story in the Daily Record late on Thursday evening regarding Celtic’s moves for Hatate, Maeda and Ideguchi.

Within his report, he revealed that ‘a move for another wide player and another possible defender haven’t been ruled out’, with the Hoops possibly receiving funds by moving on some fringe players.

The Verdict: Who could go?

It appears as if any further signings in January could be subject to offloading players, with the club reportedly looking to part ways with Vasilis Barkas and Boli Bolingoli.

Barkas cost £4.5m and Bolingoli £3m, so if the Hoops can receive fees anywhere close to what they paid for the two of them, it could be seen as excellent business, especially when you consider that Barkas and Bolingoli have made just four appearances combined under Ange Postecoglou.

It’s good to see that Celtic have acted quickly when it comes to securing the Japanese trio, and attention could now turn to departures before looking at further arrivals. Exciting times lie ahead…

In other news: Dressing room source shares big update on Ange’s plan for Celtic ace with ‘tremendous composure’

Everton are in interested in signing versatile Hoffenheim ace Florian Grillitsch according to The Daily Mail’s Simon Jones.

The lowdown: Plenty of suitors

The 26-year-old is set to become a free agent at the end of the season when a contract in Germany expires and there would appear to be a host of clubs keen on acquiring the Austrian’s services.

Formerly of Werder Bremen, Grillitsch has plied his trade in the Bundesliga since 2015, racking up 178 German top-flight appearances to date.

Following an initial report from The Telegraph citing major interest from Leeds United and Arsenal, it would now appear that the Toffees are also in the mix…

The latest: Everton interest emerges

As per the report, Jones writes that there is interest from Everton in signing the 33-cap Austria international.

It’s claimed that there is also admiration from West Ham United and Newcastle United, whilst both Leeds are Arsenal are once again mentioned.

The report states that the man once dubbed as ‘extraordinary’ by Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann, ‘appeals’ to Everton as Frank Lampard prepares to oversee a squad overhaul at Goodison Park.

The verdict: No-brainer

As a potential free agent capture, this truly is a no-brainer for the Merseyside club, particularly with the future of Allan uncertain beyond the upcoming summer window.

Still holding a market value of £14.4m despite the dwindling contract (Transfermarkt), adding Grillitsch – who can play as a central defender or in a variety of midfield positions – to the Blues’ ranks would be a shrewd move.

As a defensive midfielder, the Austrian’s numbers suggest that he is in the same mould as Liverpool star Fabinho and Barcelona’s Sergio Busquets, according to FBRef, making the potential capture ahead of other Premier League suitors all the more impressive.

In other news, financial expert makes exciting Bramley Moore claim!

There has been a considerable amount of fuss surrounding the northeast of England in the last few weeks after Newcastle were taken over by the Saudi Prince Investment Fund.

The finances driven into St James’ Park now make them the most lucrative team on earth and thus, their spending power in 2022 could be quite considerable.

What’s the word?

That being said, their ability to spend that money wisely won’t be entirely feasible until they find the right director of football.

PIF are moving cautiously and sensible in their bid to improve the football club and after hiring Eddie Howe, next on their agenda is appointing someone capable of aiding him in the transfer market.

Michael Edwards was linked before that was quickly quashed upon the announcement of his departure from Liverpool.

Michael Emenalo appears to be the favourite at the moment, and according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, talks will begin in the coming days over the vacant role.

Speaking on the latest edition of the Here We Go podcast, the Italian reporter said: “I will keep an eye also on Michael Emenalo, former Chelsea director. It could be an interesting one for Newcastle. But let’s see if they will do something surprising as they did with the manager.”

“Newcastle are working on a sporting director and this week they will start to have some conversations. Let’s see when they will decide.”

Exciting times

Although the news that Newcastle are looking for a director is hardly fresh, the idea that they’re set to ramp up the process over the next week will surely excite the Toon Army.

Following the sacking of Steve Bruce, the departure of Mike Ashley and the subsequent arrival of PIF and Howe, there is only one piece of the jigsaw that needs to be filled; a director of football.

It’s evident that the Magpies could do with an expert in player recruitment behind the scenes which is why fans will no doubt be excited to hear that they are now set to do things properly.

They have been left to witness some pretty diabolical recruitment over the last few years with Joelinton’s club-record move at £40m summing up their inadequacies.

The Brazilian has scored just ten goals since arriving in English football and on that evidence, it’s clear that Newcastle needs to start spending their money more wisely.

Under PIF, that will become particularly important, especially when it comes to financial fair play.

The club’s Saudi-led backers won’t be able to spend a bucketload of cash without playing fairly and picking up players like Joelinton at extortionate prices won’t help their cause.

Yet, if they are able to secure someone like Emenalo, a man famed for the influx of Belgian talent at Chelsea in Eden Hazard, Thibaut Courtois and Kevin de Bruyne, it could be game-changing for the football club.

It must be a relief for everyone associated with Newcastle that their football club is beginning to be run in the correct manner. These are truly exciting times at St James’.

AND in other news, Howe could find his new Ake if Newcastle swoop for “very intelligent” £26.8m beast…

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has offered an update on the fitness of defender Andreas Christensen, following Wednesday’s shambolic 4-2 defeat to Arsenal at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.

What’s the word?

Speaking in his post-match press conference, Tuchel revealed that the Denmark international had been withdrawn at half-time against the Gunners due to injury, despite suggestion that the change had been a tactical substitution.

The 26-year-old centre-back set the wheels in motion for what was to be a bruising night for the Blues, with his tame backpass allowing Eddie Nketiah to net his first Premier League goal of the season.

Having not resurfaced for the second half, it was believed that the £31.5m-rated man had been dragged off by his manager for that error, although the former Paris Saint-Germain moved to quash that speculation, while also blaming the pitch for the player’s early error: “He said he cannot continue, so I think he had some problems. I don’t take a player out because he makes one mistake.

“To say the pitch is difficult to play here it maybe sounds like an excuse, but it is a very, very difficult pitch that we have here. It’s not in our favour.

“The ball bounces very awkwardly in front of Andreas when he wants to play this ball. But still, we had the same mistake against Real Madrid that cost us the next round of the Champions League, and this one cost us the next match. I can’t remember when we got two goals like this.”

A Blessing in Disguise

While his manager may be attempting to dig him out of a hole by targeting the home turf, there is no denying that it was a costly error from the 55-cap international, with that early blunder setting the tone for what would be a dismal defensive display all-around.

Although Christensen has since come out and taken responsibility for his high profile mistake, it will do little to appease his doubters, namely talkSPORT pundit Dean Saunders, who suggested that the £80k-per-week man is “not good enough” in the wake of the defeat.

That view was echoed by club legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who admitted that both the Dane and a handful of his teammates, simply weren’t up to scratch: “Lukaku, Christensen, Sarr and Alonso were just not good enough for a Chelsea team who should be challenging for the Champions League or Premier League.”

That may appear a rather brutal assessment, although in truth, should his injury complaint cause him to miss this weekend’s game against West Ham United, it could well prove to be something of a blessing in disguise, with the more experienced Thiago Silva likely to be a welcome addition to the side in his absence.

While not the worst performer among Tuchel’s squad this season – he currently ranks 15th for average match rating – the 6 foot 2 giant has not set the world alight either, with the player ranking in just the top 70% for tackles made among central defenders in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, as well as ranking in just the top 44% for clearances made, as per FBref.

There are also those of a Chelsea persuasion who are simply keen to see the back of the one-time Borussia Monchengladbach loanee, amid reports that he has agreed a deal to join Barcelona this summer on a free transfer.

While the fact that the west London outfit are currently unable to offer new deals may have been a factor in that decision, supporters will no doubt be angered by the player seemingly jumping ship, particularly after he suggested last year that he was in it for the “long-run” at the club.

As they prepare for the visit of the Hammers on Sunday, his name not being mentioned on the teamsheet may prove something of a boost rather than a notable blow.

In other news, Forget Christensen: Chelsea “shambles” who lost ball 22x was real villain vs Arsenal – opinion…