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Leeds United have the chance to sign some new players this month, but the January window also represents the chance for departures, with one club now looking to sign a loanee on a permanent basis.

Leeds loan exits

The Whites suffered relegation from the Premier League last season, which resulted in a number of players activating clauses in their contracts to leave on loan ahead of the new Championship campaign.

As can been seen, centre-back Robin Koch was one of those to depart the club, returning to his native country with Eintracht Frankfurt. The player is also out of contract in the summer, so Leeds owners 49ers Enterprises may not receive a penny for his services at the end of the campaign, with a new update now emerging over his future.

Robin Koch transfer update

Sport Witness relayed news from Germany regarding Koch’s future, claiming he has been a ‘real hit’ with Frankfurt. The Bundesliga club, as a result, are now aiming to sign the Leeds defender on a free transfer next summer. Frankfurt officials have now planned sit down for talks with Koch in the ‘coming days’ and will offer him a three-year deal, which could result in the defender leaving Elland Road for nothing.

It always felt as if Koch, whose deal in Yorkshire is worth £40,000-a-week, would depart for good at the end of the campaign when his contract expired, and it seems as if Frankfurt want to be the player’s next destination. So far during his time back in Germany, the 27-year-old has been a regular at the back and has even captained the club on a few occasions in his 23 appearances. (Robin Koch stats – Transfermarkt)

Frankfurt head coach Dino Toppmoller has also praised the Leeds man, saying back in September:

“Robin Koch also does an outstanding job. This is total quality. It would be great if we could get him back into the national team through good performances. That would be an award for all of us.”

Koch could be the first of many loanees to seal permanent exits as the year develops, and the Whites also have decisions to make on players still in Yorkshire. Liam Cooper, Luke Ayling, Sam Byram, Stuart Dallas, Lewis Bate, Jamie Shackleton and Ian Poveda are all out of contract come July, so it could be a year of change in 2024. (Leeds contracts – Transfermarkt)

Premier League champions Manchester City have been brutally trolled by Domino's on social media.

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• Man City taking legal action against Premier League
• Comes during own investigation for 115 charges
• Domino's share hilarious joke on X

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After news broke that City are launching legal action against the Premier League, social media users shared little sympathy for the champions. Alongside plenty of other accounts, pizza company Domino's sent out a hit post trolling the Manchester club for the case they are bringing against England's top flight.

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• WHAT DOMINOS PIZZA SAID

  In a post that reached 15,000 likes and prompted nearly 300 replies on X, Domino's tweeted a picture of one of their empty boxes with the caption: "Introducing our new 'Sympathy for Man City' pizza."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  City's challenge to the Premier League comes while they are facing their own battle. The club have 115 charges stacked up against them for breaching financial fair play rules. If they are found guilty, City could face a huge points deduction or even relegation.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?

  City's claim will be heard over two weeks in June through the process of arbitration. They are seeking damages for loss in revenue due to restricted sponsorship deals that have not been approved by the Premier League. If successful, they could loosen the reins on financial interest between clubs that have the same owners.

Manchester United will be desperate to make up for their poor start in the second half of the season.

Erik ten Hag’s team has an opportunity to do so on Sunday as they host Spurs in the Premier League.

With the Red Devils eighth in the table after 20 games, the former Ajax boss will look to bolster his squad in January.

Man Utd transfers latest – Youssouf Fofana

According to reports in Spain, Man United are interested in signing Youssouf Fofana.

The 25-year-old midfielder is viewed as the perfect replacement for Sofyan Amrabat, who has struggled to adapt this season.

However, a move for Fofana is unlikely this winter due to United’s strict financial fair play guidelines unless notable sales can be made, amid his estimated £26m value – as per CIES Football Observatory –

January transfer window: All the deadline day deals from England and Scotland

Stay on top of all the latest transfer deals across the Premier League, EFL and SPFL as the January window closes.

By
Charlie Smith

Feb 1, 2024

Youssouf Fofana’s style of play

A 19-year-old Anthony Martial introduced himself to United fans with a goal against fierce rivals Liverpool on debut in 2015.

Despite struggling with injuries throughout his time in Manchester, there is no doubt that he has been an excellent player when available over the years. The France forward has scored 90 goals and registered 55 assists in 317 games in a United shirt.

Martial famously came from France via Monaco for around £50m including bonuses, but that money certainly hasn’t gone down the drain, and the Old Trafford outfit will look to repeat their Martial masterclass by signing Fofana, who could also follow the 28-year-old's path from Stade Louis II to the Premier League.

The Ligue 1 engine has become a key player at Monaco, featuring in 16 matches and even contributing to four goals in the process. Fofana is a versatile midfielder who is extremely complete, and his signature would enhance United’s performance levels massively, as according to football writer Ben Mattinson, he is a “game changer."

The table below showcases his profile by displaying statistics from the last year across the top European leagues.

Fofana is a physically dominant midfielder who can cover ground without breaking a sweat, yet he is just as strong with the ball at his feet as he is when undertaking defensive tasks. In short, the France ace is extremely technically secure, and he loves to influence the game in the buildup phase, as highlighted by his passing and bally carrying stats.

This is what makes him particularly attractive to United, as they struggle to control the game in the middle of the park, as proven by Scott McTominay ranking in the bottom 9% for passes attempted in the Premier League, as per FBref.

The former Strasbourg player is also extremely intelligent and can read the game extremely well. This allows him to intercept the ball frequently and react first to pick up any loose balls, which would not only give Ten Hag’s team more control but also make them less vulnerable to counterattacks.

Overall, Fofana is the perfect fit for United, and he could just be the player to fix a handful of their problems, with the club needing pluck another star from Monaco.

UEFA have requested that only captains speak to referees at Euro 2024, meaning that Harry Kane will be charged with keeping England team-mates quiet.

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• UEFA want end to abuse of officials
• Any player bending rules will be booked
• Only skippers can approach referee

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Domestic divisions around the world have tried for some time to put rules in place that limit the abuse aimed in the direction of match officials. Cautions are handed out for dissent, but groups of players still have a tendency to swarm around referees when contentious decisions are made.

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  European football’s governing body are attempting to crack down on that ahead of their showpiece event in Germany this summer, with competing nations being made aware that only those donning the armband will be allowed to speak with on-field decision makers – with anybody else that speaks up running the risk of collecting a yellow card.

• WHAT UEFA DIRECTOR SAID

  UEFA's managing director of refereeing, Roberto Rosetti, has said: “Being a referee in the modern game is very difficult. The official in the middle takes between 200 to 250 decisions per match – that is one every 22 seconds – in difficult and sometimes controversial situations, under huge pressure, with each of them scrutinised and re-watched from multiple different angles by fans and pundits alike. They (referees) receive a lot of information from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), and we are ready to speak and share more details with the players and coaches to help them understand how a decision was taken. Explaining a decision with up to 22 players mobbing you is impossible for a referee. It can lead to a breakdown in communication, with the beautiful game turning very ugly very quickly.

  “We ask that all teams ensure their captain is the only player who speaks to the referee. We ask the captains to ensure their team mates do not encroach upon and surround the referee, allowing direct conversations to take place in order that the decision be relayed in a timely and respectful manner. Importantly, we want only the captain from the team who wishes to discuss a decision to be able to approach the referee.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  UEFA have pointed out that if a team’s goalkeeper happens to be their captain, then an outfield player can be nominated to speak with the match referee. Prolific Bayern Munich striker Kane will be hoping that he does not have too much to argue over the coming weeks, with England set to open their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia on Sunday.

Every transfer window, Manchester United are linked to masses of players, and that has only enhanced this January with Erik ten Hag’s side struggling to live up to the high standards of a Red Devils team.

Nevertheless, the focus for this window will be on outgoings rather than arrivals, but the boss is still keen to make at least one addition to help his side recover from their disappointing first half of the season, which sees them sit in seventh in the Premier League.

In fairness to the boss, injuries have played a role in preventing him from fielding his best side this season. That said, things are beginning to look more positive behind the scenes with Omar Berrada, previously of rivals Manchester City set to replace Richard Arnold as the club's new CEO.

Having previously helped broker deals for Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish, it's safe to say he knows a thing or two when it comes to the transfer window. Thus, what could United’s dream starting XI look like once Berrada's had a chance to get his feet under the table when he arrives later in the year?

1

GK – Andre Onana

United’s number one shot-stopper, Andre Onana, will continue to start in between the sticks.

The former Ajax star has kept the joint second-most clean sheets in the Premier League, despite dealing with plenty of critics.

2

RB – Diogo Dalot

Diogo Dalot will face stiff competition from Aaron Wan-Bissaka for the right-back spot, but the Portuguese should start over the English full-back.

Ten Hag has favoured Dalot this season, and he has started all but three Premier League games this season while averaging the most tackles per game in the United team, 2.3.

3

CB – Jean-Claire Todibo

Jean-Claire Todibo is the first new name to feature in the United starting XI, with the centre-back replacing fellow French star Raphael Varane in the team.

According to reports in France earlier this month, the Red Devils are favourites to land the Nice defender, however, due to the hefty fee of around £52m, a move is likely to occur in the summer instead.

The 24-year-old has been a rock at the heart of the Nice backline, helping his side pick up eight clean sheets this season, which is why scout Jacek Kulig described him as a "French wall." Todibo would elevate United in possession and when playing out from the back, as he ranks in the top 8% for passes completed in Ligue 1.

4

CB – Lisandro Martinez

Lisandro Martinez returned from injury against Spurs last time out, which caused an almighty cheer from the Stretford End.

The Argentine is the first choice left centre-back and has been since his arrival in the summer of 2022. The World Cup winner will not be displaced in the defence.

5

LB – Luke Shaw

Luke Shaw is another player who is nursing an injury currently, but he should be back fit for Wolves away on the 1st of February.

When in the side, he offers a staggering amount of progression from deep, and last season he ranked in the top 8% among positionally similar players in the Premier League for passes into the final third, as per FBref. The 28-year-old walks into the United team when he is available.

6

DM – Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo won Ten Hag over during pre-season, and due to injuries to Casemiro, and Sofyan Amrabat failing to impress, the 18-year-old has cemented himself as a guaranteed starter in the midfield.

Despite being inexperienced, the academy prospect shows maturity in and out of possession, and given his lack of competitors, the boss should continue to show faith in the star boy.

7

DM – Youssouf Fofana

The second potential new signing for Man United is Youssouf Fofana of Monaco. Towards the end of December, reports suggested that Ten Hag's team were monitoring the French midfielder and could make a move before the end of January.

Fofana – previously compared to none other than Paul Pogba on Football FanCast – is a midfielder who can operate in multiple roles within the centre of the pitch, but he is at his best in a double pivot where he can act as a box-to-box player, much like Pogba.

His shots total of 1.8 per game and his key passes of 1.3 per match highlight the 25-year-old's ability to affect the game in the final third, while his athleticism and power let him cover ground quickly.

Christian Eriksen or Scott Mctominay have been used alongside Mainoo as of late, but Fofana would walk into the team ahead of the underperforming duo.

8

RW – Alejandro Garnacho

With Antony failing to score or assist this season, Ten Hag has been forced to move Alejandro Garnacho over to an unfamiliar right-hand side role. However, since operating on the right, he has thrived and shown the United faithful what they have been missing.

The 19-year-old has the joint-second-most goal contributions with five, averages 2.3 shots per game, and 1.4 successful dribbles, for the Red Devils this season. The Argentine is most definitely nailed down in the right-wing role for the time being, but Amad Diallo could provide competition soon.

9

AM – Bruno Fernandes

Portuguese Magnifico and United captain Bruno Fernandes is arguably the only irremovable player in the starting XI. The 28-year-old started every single Premier League game he was available for last season, and he created the most big chances in the league, 32.

The number eight hasn't quite been at his best this season, but he still leads the way for shots, key passes, and assists.

10

LW – Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford is having a troubled campaign so far, but his performances have improved recently, and he has contributed to a goal in each of his last four.

The number ten netted 17 goals in the Premier League last season, and when he is confident, there are not many better forwards in the Premier League, never mind United. With Garnacho swapping flanks, Rashford will make the left wing his home again.

Manchester United have reportedly joined the race to sign Leeds United teenager Archie Gray, amid links with Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal.

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• Gray has breakout season at Leeds
• Leads to links with Chelsea and more
• Man Utd join race to sign teenager

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 18-year-old has enjoyed a breakout season at Leeds but was unable to help Daniel Farke's side reach the Premier League at the first time of asking after a Championship play-off final loss to Southampton. The England Under-21 international is wanted by a host of Premier League sides, which, now according to , includes the Red Devils.

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  Leeds reportedly want at least £30 million ($38m) for Gray, as they try to not fall afoul of profit and sustainability rules. However, the report adds the Championship outfit are not desperate to sell the youngster and he will only leave if an ideal opportunity comes along.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Gray, who is the fourth member of his wider family to represent Leeds over the years, is predominantly a midfielder but spent most of this season at right-back. The Leeds ace racked up 52 appearances in all competitions in 2023-24.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The Leeds academy product is set to return to Thorp Arch for pre-season in the coming days but it remains to be seen if he will stay at his boyhood club, especially with all this Premier League interest in him.

It is believed another West Ham player is now eyeing a deadline day exit after Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals, with one club even opening talks to sign him before the cut-off at 11pm.

Benrahma closing on Lyon move after Fornals agrees Betis terms

As we fast approach the end of this January transfer window, it appears we may now be making some headway regarding the future of wantaway winger Benrahma.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

By
Luke Randall

Feb 1, 2024

Earlier this week, we relayed news from Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth that West Ham agreed a deal with Lyon over the Algerian's exit, but supporters have been forced to wait a little while longer for the player to actually agree to it.

Now, it is believed Benrahma has reached an agreement on personal terms with Lyon as he makes his way to France for a medical. Barring any hiccups in the process, both West Ham and Lyon are now hopeful a full transfer can be completed before tonight's deadline.

Before Benrahma's pending move to Lyon, it was reported that midfielder Fornals has also agreed terms with Real Betis – who are currently managed by former West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini.

The issues stalling that particular move are between Betis and the Hammers, who are yet to agree on an actual fee for the Spaniard. However, Fornals does want to make the move to La Liga, as again reported by Sheth.

These potential outgoings could help to free up squad space and funds for West Ham to bring in a desired left-winger, which has been widely rumoured as a real item on the agenda for manager David Moyes.

It's therefore imperative that the club seal transfers away for unwanted fringe members of Moyes' squad, and news has come to light on another player who could depart the London Stadium today.

Maxwel Cornet wants to leave with West Ham in Palace talks

Indeed, as reported by Ed Aarons of The Guardian, West Ham winger Maxwel Cornet would like a move to Crystal Palace and "talks are continuing" over a deal.

The Ivorian recently got on West Ham's scoresheet in a 2-2 draw away to Sheffield United, but that is one of the rare cameos Cornet has made under Moyes since his arrival from Burnley in 2022.

Called a "handful" on his day by former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell (Football Insider), this hasn't done enough for Moyes to play him more often, and it is perhaps best if he seeks to revive his career elsewhere.

Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon reportedly received interest from Liverpool as the Magpies fight to keep the winger at St. James' Park.

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• Liverpool made failed bid for Gordon
• Newcastle winger impressed by interest
• Likely to stay at Newcastle this summer

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Gordon had an impressive 2023/24 season under Eddie Howe at Newcastle, so much so, that he was called up to the England national team by Gareth Southgate for Euro 2024. The impressive season also brought transfer interest from Liverpool this summer, however, the Magpies' demands put off the Reds from making the move.

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  Newcastle had been preparing the fire sale of Gordon over the last week with the club being caught short in their compliance with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules. However, with the sales of Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh having gone through, they no longer need to make the sale of Gordon.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  As per The Telegraph, Gordon was very moved by Liverpool's interest in him, however, he has maintained that he does not plan to leave St. James' Park this summer. The Magpies know very well that they will have to try hard to keep Gordon as they understand his link with the Reds having grown up in the Merseyside region.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR GORDON?

  The winger is currently with the England national team in Germany as they made their way to the quarter-finals of the Euros. Gordon is unlikely to start their next clash against Switzerland on July 6, with Southgate not having played the 23-year-old so far.

West Ham have considered appointing a three-at-the-back coach to replace David Moyes as Tim Steidten's stance on keeping the 60-year-old becomes clear.

Fans protest Moyes as West Ham pressure mounts

During their 2-0 defeat away to Nottingham Forest last weekend, supporters were seen hoisting "Moyes out" banners aloft as West Ham remain winless since the turn of the year.

"Exceptional" manager wants to replace David Moyes at West Ham

It was another defeat on the weekend.

By
Charlie Smith

Feb 19, 2024

Moyes' contract expires at the end of this season, and if things keep slumping on this downward trajectory, the tactician could potentially find himself out of a job even before then.

There have also been complaints over his pragmatic style of play from certain sections of the fan base, but after their defeat to Forest, Moyes publicly came out to defend his position and remind supporters of their Conference League triumph in Prague last year.

“I don’t think we can ever please everybody, but I think it would be hard to say there have been many better times at West Ham," said Moyes.

“I think they’ll (the fans) honestly have to say that it’s as good a time as there’s been at the club regarding winning a trophy (Conference League) and league positions. Maybe they’ll be managers who excite them more, possibly. But the one who’s sitting here wins more.”

In any case, Moyes' brand of football has even drawn criticism from pundits, like ex-Irons defender Rio Ferdinand – who suggested the manager's future could certainly be brought into question.

“If the manager, David Moyes, doesn’t play the brand of football that West Ham are used to seeing over the years then, yeah, that is something to be talked about," said Ferdinand to talkSPORT.

“He’s brought a European trophy to the table. How many managers over the last 30/40 years have brought a trophy like that to the table? But they’ve all played a brand of football that maybe West Ham fans like to see.”

In terms of the rumoured candidates to succeed Moyes, a potentially more exciting coach could be former Roma boss Paulo Fonseca. Indeed, Fonseca has been linked with a move to West Ham recently and is known for his attack-minded philosophy (Eric Devin).

West Ham consider Fonseca as Steidten stance on Moyes clear

As per The Guardian and journalist Jacob Steinberg, West Ham have indeed considered Fonseca to replace Moyes, with technical director Tim Steidten expected to be in favour of parting company.

Other reports suggest Steidten and Moyes don't exactly have the most harmonious relationship, and it is believed that West Ham are under pressure to convince their club chief to remain amid growing concerns that he's becoming unhappy in east London.

Fonseca, who deploys the 3-4-2-1 formation, has been praised for his "perfect" dressing room management. The Portuguese also boasts nine trophies across spells in Ukraine and his homeland.

"He is perfect in the dressing room and perfect in his relationship with the players, which is something really needed at Tottenham at the moment," said Fabrizio Romano on Fonseca in 2021 during his links to Spurs (via talkSPORT).

“He likes to play a 3-4-2-1 formation and likes to play with quality and fast players behind the striker."

To say it's been a season to forget for Chelsea so far would be an understatement, with the Blues already reportedly seeking summer reinforcements for Mauricio Pochettino. As Todd Boehly prepares to splash the cash once again, talks have supposedly opened to beat Newcastle United and Arsenal to a midfield target.

Chelsea transfer news

It's a rare occasion when Chelsea aren't in the headlines for their transfer activity, but January was a quiet month for those at Stamford Bridge, barring departures such as Armando Broja and Ian Maatsen. This comes despite Pochettino's December admission that his squad were lacking something. The Argentine said via The Premier League's official website:

"After the first half of the season, we need to check. That is the reality. If we are not receiving enough, maybe we need to do some movement. That is the thing to analyse with the sporting directors, to see if we can change this dynamic and improve in the second half of the season."

Two months later and there was, of course, no movement when it came to incomings, as the Argentine was forced to stick with what he's got amid a stagnating period in mid-table. Transfers could prove to be worth the wait, however. According to Spanish outlet Sport via TeamTalk, Boehly and Chelsea have made contact to sign Amadou Onana from Everton, alongside London rivals Arsenal, with both clubs in talks.

Chelsea could have the perfect Sterling heir in "creative" Cobham teen

Chelsea’s academy have produced some incredible talent, and this player isn’t an exception.

By
Zak Anderton

Feb 11, 2024

In a tight battle to secure the Belgian's signature this summer, it could come down to who's willing to match Everton's reported £70m price-tag, in what could prove to be one of the most expensive deals of the transfer window. Given that Chelsea splashed out to sign Moises Caicedo just last year, it will be interesting to see where Onana would slot in at Stamford Bridge, should they complete a deal.

"Unique" Onana can add balance to Chelsea's midfield

By solving their midfield, Chelsea may see most of their current problems come to an end. The talent is certainly there too, with a World Cup winner in Enzo Fernandez and another player whoa arrived at over £100m last summer in Caicedo. But the Blues are arguably lacking one more standout star in a role that Onana can step into at Stamford Bridge. The Belgian could slot in next to Caicedo to form a pivot in the middle of the park, handing Fernandez the freedom to move forward, in the process.

It's no surprise, given the numbers, that former Belgium manager Roberto Martinez was so full of praise for Onana when he completed his Everton move. Martinez said that Onana has a "unique profile" before going on to say:

"Someone with such physical presence and dynamism is needed, just think of [Marouane] Fellaini in 2018. He is also a leader on the pitch who has made strides in his career. From Germany, to France and now the Premier League… He deserves this.”