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Newcastle United need to win in the Premier League today. Eddie Howe has to stop the patchy form and use Leicester City’s trip to Tyneside as a springboard for a fresh run of promising form.

St. James’ Park might have tasted an unwelcome defeat by West Ham United three weeks ago, but that result stands as an outlier, with great spirit shown at the start of December to draw 3-3 with imperious Liverpool.

Newcastle: Recent Record vs Leicester

Season

Competition

Result

22/23

Premier League (H)

0-0 draw

22/23

Carabao Cup (H)

2-0 win

22/23

Premier League (A)

3-0 win

21/22

Premier League (H)

2-1 win

21/22

Premier League (A)

4-0 loss

20/21

Premier League (A)

4-2 win

20/21

Premier League (H)

2-1 loss

Stats via Transfermarkt

Luckily, Newcastle boast a pleasing record against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men across the past several seasons, unbeaten in four fixtures across all competitions.

Of course, there are some injuries that Howe is forced to contend with.

Newcastle injury news

Having made four cameos following an injury-ravaged start to the season, Callum Wilson has picked up a hamstring problem and will be out until well into the new year.

The blow is compounded on the other end of the field, with Nick Pope ruled out for about a month with a minor knee ligament problem.

For both to be unavailable throughout the entirety of Newcastle’s busy festive period is concerning, though midfielder Joe Willock and Lewis Miley are making good progress as they target returns from respective injuries, albeit Saturday comes too soon for the pair.

Away from the fitness front, Howe might be wise to ring a few changes anyway, with Tino Livramento perhaps worth moving to the bench for this one, with Kieran Trippier stepping in.

Howe must unleash Kieran Trippier

Livramento has started the past eight Premier League matches in succession for Newcastle, not missing a minute. Unfortunately, the 22-year-old hasn’t always enjoyed the finest performances and has suffered in recent games against Liverpool and Brentford.

While Livramento does have his strengths, the England international has averaged only 0.3 crosses per top-flight game this term, as per Sofascore, with a success rate of 20%.

His defending is indeed leaving something to be desired too. After Brentford won 4-2 last weekend, The Northern Echo chalked him down with a 4/10 score, criticising his weak presence on the right flank and embarrassment in being beaten too easily by Kevin Schade for the Bees’ fourth.

Last season, Trippier fizzed in 2.5 crosses per match, and his absence from the starting line-up has clearly had an adverse effect on the Magpies’ creativity, with Newcastle ranked joint-14th for big chances created in 2024/25 (25) after finishing joint-second with 97 last year.

The 34-year-old might be getting on a bit, but he can still inflict damage on a Leicester backline that has shipped 30 goals this season – Wolves and Southampton are the only teams to have conceded more.

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Trippier’s ball-playing ability and experience could see him hold the key to unlocking the shaky Leicester defence and ensuring Howe’s side get back on track. Former England manager Gareth Southgate also called him a “soldier” once, hinting at a determined defensive style that might be called into play against the evergreen Jamie Vardy.

After all, he still ranks among the top 8% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 4% for shot-creating actions and the top 10% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

Though there are claims that he has been transfer-listed and Newcastle will field January enquiries, it isn’t the new year yet, and United can surely make good use of their captain’s qualities. They certainly need a sprinkle of magic.

Related 0 games in 24/25: Howe can ease Wilson blow by unleashing Newcastle teen

Callum Wilson has picked up a new injury and will be sidelined for several months.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair

Aston Villa chiefs have told a £17 million striker's camp that they want to sign him before deadline day, with the Midlands club also informing his club of their serious interest.

Villa spend £150m on eight major signings to back Unai Emery

Despite concerns surrounding PSR throughout the transfer window, coming after Villa announced a near-£120 million loss for the 2022/23 season, transfer chief Monchi, NSWE and the wider recruitment team have still garnered funds to strengthen Unai Emery's squad.

Related Agreement reached: Aston Villa lining up PL star who's better than Watkins

Unai Emery could land a Premier League striker this summer…

Posts ByRoss Kilvington

Joao Felix is attracting serious interest from Villa Park as well, so the Premier League side may not even be done just yet, having spent £150 million in total on eight major signings so far with weeks of the window still remaining.

Emery's men most recently announced their bold capture of Belgium international midfielder Amadou Onana from Everton, who joined in a £50 million deal from Goodison Park, with the 22-year-old backing himself to go to the "next level" under Emery.

All of Aston Villa's confirmed summer deals

Player

Fee paid

Amadou Onana

£50 million

Ian Maatsen

£38 million

Jaden Philogene

£18 million

Cameron Archer

£14 million

Samuel Iling-Junior

£12 million

Lewis Dobbin

£10 million

Enzo Barrenechea

£7 million

Ross Barkley

£5 million

via Transfermarkt

"I’ll be playing in the Champions League again and that’s very exciting," said Onana (BBC).

"We also have a manager that’s one of the best in the business and I think he can take my game to the next level. Youri [Tielemans] played a big part in me being here because he told me lots of good stuff about the club."

Villa's qualification for the Champions League brings a more congested fixture list and added pressure to succeed for Emery, so reinforcing the squad with needed upgrades is a necessity before 30th August.

To balance the books concerning PSR, Monchi facilitated some high-profile exits, with Moussa Diaby joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad for around £50 million and Douglas Luiz making a move to Serie A giants Juventus.

In total, Villa have brought in around £108 million through player sales, meaning they've registered a net spend of £42 million in what has been a very busy window for them.

Jhon Duran could still leave Villa in the coming weeks as well, so Emery and could will need to source a replacement for the Colombian and bring in a backup for star striker Ollie Watkins.

Aston Villa tell Jean-Philippe Mateta's camp they want to sign him

As per Standard Sport journalist Dom Smith, that player could well be Crystal Palace marksman Jean-Philippe Mateta.

It is believed Villa have informed Mateta's camp that they want to sign him for Emery, and they've also told Palace this, coming after he scored 19 goals and registered a further five assists in all competitions last season under Roy Hodgson and then Oliver Glasner.

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The Eagles are trying to tie him down with a new contract, as his current deal expires in 2026. Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Torino are also keeping tabs on Mateta, who is currently representing France at the Olympics in Paris.

The 27-year-old scored France's winner against Argentina in their quarter-final clash on Friday, setting up a semi-final tie, with the prospect of an Olympic medal very much alive.

Reports have claimed the forward could cost around £17 million to prise away from Selhurst Park, but it remains to be seen if this will be enough as Palace attempt to secure his future.

Manchester United could "go all out" to sign a defensive target and appear ready to rival Real Madrid for his signature this summer in a bid to bring him to the Premier League.

Man Utd centre-backs

Erik ten Hag's side may well be in need of a defensive overhaul this summer. Jonny Evans, only drafted in as an emergency option last summer, has become a far too familiar option in the heart of United's backline this season. He is out of contract this summer, while question marks surround all of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane.

Man United's centre-back options

Player

Contract expires

Harry Maguire

2025

Raphael Varane

2024

Jonny Evans

2024

Lisandro Martinez

2027

Victor Lindelof

2025

Willy Kambwala

2025

With that in mind, United may need to spend big in the centre of defence to find cover for Lisandro Martinez, as well as potential replacements for their outgoing players.

Man Utd eye up £60m teenage star

Now it has been reported that Manchester United could rival Real Madrid for teenage star Leny Yoro as they look to bolster their backline ahead of the new season, and are willing to offer as much as £60m to get a deal done this summer.

As per an update from Spain, the Red Devils, and by extension Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are in the race and aren't afraid to "go all out" to secure his signature before the new season, which could involve having to pay his massive €70m (£60m) asking price.

Related Man Utd eyeing double deals for "outstanding" ace and 6'5 "monster"

The Red Devils could take a shortcut in their rebuild.

Posts ByBen Browning

The 18-year-old defender burst onto the scene for Lille last season and has gone on to nail down his spot for the French side and has started every game when fit, attracting attention from across Europe in the process.

Yoro has been described by talent scout Jacek Kulig as "one of the most talented young centre-backs in world football" with "world-class potential", something that is sure to excite Manchester United fans.

Meanwhile, teammate Remy Cabella has compared the sensation to Arsenal defender William Saliba, who also excelled in France before making the move to England.

"At Marseille, I knew Boubacar Kamara, at Saint-Etienne, William Saliba and Wesley Fofana, and now there's Leny Yoro," Cabella explained. "He has all the qualities and potential to do something huge. He's very humble, and that's another of his strengths."

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Real Madrid were thought to be leading the race for Yoro's signature, but recent reports have suggested that Los Blancos are not set to be drawn into a bidding war this summer, with the club already trying to sign Kylian Mbappe and Alphonso Davies.

Yoro's contract expires next summer, meaning that Carlo Ancelotti's side may try to snap him up for free in 12 months should he still be available. United, however, could be trying to ensure that he won't be.

Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement to appoint a new key man behind-the-scenes figure, according to an update from a reliable journalist.

Tottenham's board changes

Back in April, Fabio Paratici resigned from his position and was soon followed out of the exit door by Gretar Steinsson, who left his role as performance director two months later, so there has been plenty of change in the recruitment department, but arguably for the better.

The Lilywhites have started making some really exciting additions, most recently in the form of Johan Lange, who started his work as the club’s new technical director this week, but there is another off-field figure who is set to follow in his footsteps and make the move from Premier League rivals Aston Villa.

Football Insider days ago reported that Daniel Levy and Ange Postecoglou had entered advanced talks with the Midlands outfit’s head of recruitment, Rob Mackenzie, as they hope to create a reunion between him and Lange, and he has a great backlog of experience.

Since the start of his career, the 38-year-old has carried out senior roles at Leicester City, Derby County and OH Leuven, not to mention that he previously had a spell at Spurs as a scout (Transfermarkt – Mackenzie profile), and if the following update is to be believed, he’s now expected to return for a second time.

Spurs complete deal to recruit Rob Mackenzie

Taking to X, The Daily Telegraph's Matt Law confirmed that Tottenham have agreed a switch for Mackenzie, who will begin his new role within the next seven days.

"Rob Mackenzie has left Aston Villa and will join Tottenham as chief scout next week – linking back up with Johan Lange, who has made the same move. Mackenzie has worked at Tottenham before in the past."

Spurs’ excellent start to the new top-flight campaign, which has seen them win eight and draw two of their opening ten fixtures, highlights that they aren’t in desperate need of signing several fresh faces at the beginning of next year, but they are still being linked with candidates who they have their eye on ahead of January.

Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley is of interest to Postecoglou who is hoping to reunite with his former talisman, as well as Al-Ittihad’s Jota, as per the same outlet, with the winger having fallen out of favour since his big-money move to Saudi Arabia over the summer.

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During his first spell at the club, the incoming scout was responsible for helping identify the likes of Son Heung-Min and Kieran Trippier, with the former now being the captain and the latter going on to have a hugely successful career, so he’s shown the calibre of players that he’s capable of picking.

With Tottenham being very data driven when it comes to identifying targets, Mackenzie’s arrival should be a match made in heaven for both parties, and this looks to be the start of a very exciting new era for supporters.

West Ham United are still on the lookout for Declan Rice's midfield replacement, two weeks on from their captain departing for Arsenal in a British-record deal.

Who are West Ham signing to replace Declan Rice?

David Moyes' side have been linked with countless midfielders in the weeks before and since Rice's exit, namely Fulham's Joao Palhinha, Everton's Amadou Onana and Juventus' Denis Zakaria.

Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse is another name that refuses to go away, even if the England international is not strictly a like-for-like replacement for Rice in terms of their playing style.

According to The Guardian, West Ham are looking to bring in two midfielders with the windfall they received through Rice's sale, and have now stepped up their interest in Ward-Prowse.

How many free-kicks has James Ward-Prowse scored?

Southampton are said to value Ward-Prowse in the region of £40m, which is a large fee on the face of it considering the Saints were relegated to the Championship last season.

The 28-year-old boasts plenty of Premier League experience, however, having played 343 times at that level since making his Southampton debut in the competition on the opening day of the 2012/13 season.

Ward-Prowse has also played 11 times for England – though not since last year – and has scored a couple of goals in heavy wins over Andorra and San Marino in 2021.

With nine goals and four assists in a poor Southampton side last season, Ward-Prowse ranks in the top 13% of all midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for goals scored, as per The Analyst.

The Portsmouth native is also in the top 15% for chances created, showing that he is more than capable of doing a job in the Premier League, even if he was captain of a relegated side last time out.

Three of those nine goals were scored via direct free-kicks – the most of any player in the Premier League last season. Indeed, only Manchester United legend David Beckham (18) has scored more than Ward-Prowse in the competition's history.

That ability to both score and pick out a team-mate from set-pieces would be a major asset for Moyes, and would also bring back memories of fan favourite – at the time, at least – Dimitri Payet.

Payet has scored 14 direct free-kicks in his career, as per Transfermarkt, six of those during his 18 months at West Ham.

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Indeed, after a run of netting via that method for club and country in 2016, Payet revealed he had stopped practising them on the training ground as there was no way to further improve his technique.

It is not too dissimilar in the case of Ward-Prowse, with former Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl previously hailing the midfielder as a "quality" player whose set-piece prowess was – and is, for now – "such a good weapon" for the Saints.

That is not the only similarity between the two players, either. Taking Payet's only full season at West Ham in 2015/16 and potentially Ward-Prowse's final season with Southampton last time out into account, the pair each scored nine Premier League goals.

The only notable difference is in attitude, with Ward-Prowse very much a team player. While he may not be able to replace Rice on his own, the Englishman can at least bring a bit of the past back to the London Stadium should he arrive.

Manchester United are seemingly set to bolster their centre-forward ranks this summer, with manager Erik ten Hag likely to be craving a long-term solution in that role, following years of stop-gap signings such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani, Cristiano Ronaldo and – more recently – Wout Weghorst.

The acquisition of the latter man has only further showcased the need for a new, reliable goalscoring option to lead the attack, with the towering Dutchman having scored just twice for the club to date following his January arrival.

While the former Ajax boss has also suggested that United play their "best football" with current number nine, Anthony Martial on the field, the Frenchman is among those who could well be allowed to leave this summer, having been hampered by injury yet again this term.

Although the name on everybody's lips at present is that of England captain and Tottenham Hotspur talisman, Harry Kane, recent reports in Spain have suggested that Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins could also be a possible target, with the 27-year-old having been on a real hot streak of late after bagging 11 goals in his last 12 Premier League games.

The former Brentford man has undoubtedly been in red-hot form since Unai Emery's arrival at Villa Park earlier in the campaign, with that glut of goals sparking suggestions that the Englishman could command a sizeable fee this summer, as journalist Pete O'Rourke told Football FanCast that the marksman's price tag could be around £70m.

Would Watkins be a good signing for Man United?

The hope would be that the in-form Watkins would be able to emulate the success of another striker to trade the Villans for Old Trafford in the form of Dwight Yorke, with the prolific ace having been snapped up by Sir Alex Ferguson and co on a £12m deal in the summer of 1998.

Having proven himself more than capable of making the difference in the Premier League during his time in the Midlands – after bagging 80 goals in 255 games in all competitions for the club – the Trinidad and Tobago international was able to continue that golden touch at the Theatre of Dreams, having made an instant impact in his debut campaign at the club.

The now-retired ace would prove instrumental in United's remarkable treble success in that 1998/99 season, having bagged 29 goals and provided 19 assists in 52 games in all competitions, forming part of a mouthwatering centre-forward pool involving Andy Cole, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Teddy Sheringham.

That stunning first season with the Red Devils helped to solidify Yorke's cult status at the club, with the enigmatic talent ultimately departing Manchester in 2002, after having scored 66 goals in 152 games across all fronts.

While Watkins may not be expected to help lead a charge towards a treble next term under Ten Hag, the 5 foot 11 speedster – who has reached double figures for league goals in each of the last three seasons – could well follow in Yorke's footsteps in making a smooth transition from Villa to United.

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The one-time Exeter City ace has also showcased his class at Old Trafford this season after netting in the League Cup clash back in November, having burst clear of Harry Maguire before expertly dinking the ball over the onrushing Martin Dubravka.

As analyst Michael Lahoud noted, the dynamic marksman simply left the United skipper "exposed" due to his ability to run in behind and stretch the defence, with such characteristics likely to be appealing to Ten Hag and co.

With the case of signing Yorke having been such an overwhelming success, it could prove another transfer masterclass with the addition of Watkins.

Liverpool have fallen from their throne at the top of the Premier League. While Arne Slot’s side have enjoyed something of a revival in recent weeks after such a shocking decline over the autumn months, they are a far cry of their 2024/25 selves.

Three successive wins have been claimed, and Liverpool are undefeated in six matches across all competitions. Still, this is a team far removed from the fluent and ferocious form of last season, and they will not catch pace-setters Arsenal in the race to the finish this season.

There are many variables at play, but after a record-breaking summer of spending in the transfer window, you’d be hard-pressed to make a compelling claim that Liverpool have hit the jackpot on a whole.

Why FSG have failed to strike gold with recruitment

Liverpool have struck gold time and time again on the transfer front, with the likes of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk the staples, but a long list of acquisitions securing a glittering era of trophy-winning success.

The fact that Slot guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first year without welcoming more than Federico Chiesa to the ranks underscores both his tactical genius and Jurgen Klopp’s brilliance, assembling a team capable of hitting the biggest heights.

However, FSG’s big-money push this year has yet to prove a fruitful one, with players struggling to integrate.

With Klopp at the helm, Liverpool and FSG were widely lauded for their incredible eye for a deal. However, they did occasionally blunder, with Naby Keita a case in point.

Now, sporting director Richard Hughes may worry that he’s accidentally landed a new version of the Guinean midfielder, whose career in English football was ruined by a glassy fitness record.

Liverpool's new Naby Keita

When Liverpool forked out £125m to bring Alexander Isak over from Newcastle United before the transfer deadline in September, they did so with the knowledge that they were making him the most expensive player in British history.

Less than four months into his career on Merseyside, Isak, 26, has had a tough time, only bagging twice in the Premier League, the latter of which came against Tottenham last time out, but at the expense of his fitness, breaking his leg when challenged by Micky van de Ven and now sidelined for the foreseeable future.

The most frustrating part is that Isak has shown at the highest level – in the Premier League – that he is one of the best in the business. Liverpool know this well, having been damaged by him numerous times.

But, for all the £280k-per-week talent’s brilliance, FSG and Richard Hughes and Slot knew that he is a player who had endured setbacks on the injury front across his three years on Tyneside, and this disastrous development suggests that he is in danger of becoming the new Keita, immensely talented but impeded by flimsy fitness levels.

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Keita, who excelled in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig, slumped as soon as he touched grass in England’s top flight, unable to muster a convincing run of form for pretty much the entire five-year span of action under Klopp’s wing.

Naby Keita’s Premier League Career By Season

Season

Apps

Minutes

22/23

8

292′

21/22

23

1,175′

20/21

10

521′

19/20

18

813′

18/19

25

1,395′

Data via Transfermarkt

There is hope and expectation that Isak’s woes won’t be so severe, but it’s worrying all the same, with the anxious wait for the results of the 6 foot 3 striker’s MRI scan anticipated to make for grim reading for those of a Red persuasion.

Last year, producer and content creator Lewis Bowden claimed Isak was “the best player in the world”. It was a bold and contentious claim, and one which cannot ring true on current form.

But Isak’s £125m transfer fee and his past exploits in the Premier League confirm that Liverpool have a superstar on their hands, but despite his immense quality, there’s little question that such an injury- and fitness-ravaged debut campaign will have heightened fears that the new Keita has alighted at Anfield this year.

Related An Isak solution: Liverpool agree personal terms to sign big-money PL star

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Posts 1 ByAngus Sinclair

After a huge 4-1 win in the Summer Series last night, Manchester United are finally showing glimpses of the quality of a side that could achieve something under Ruben Amorim.

Rasmus Hojlund, Patrick Dorgu, Amad Diallo and Ethan Williams all managed to get on the scoresheet, highlighting the talent the side possesses within the final third.

However, despite the four-goal haul, Benjamin Sesko still remains a key target for the Red Devils this summer, with talks being held for the RB Leipzig striker.

The 22-year-old registered 21 goals across all competitions last season, potentially being one of the key targets the hierarchy are pursuing at the top end of the pitch.

However, other targets are also being considered across other areas of the pitch, as the boss looks to make his side as competitive as possible ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

The midfield department has been subject to interest in recent days, unsurprisingly so, given the lack of options currently at the manager’s disposal.

Morten Hjulmand, Eberechi Eze and Douglas Luiz all appear to be on their radar, but the latter could be going elsewhere after Nottingham Forest entered talks to sign him.

However, the goalkeeping department is also subject to investment this summer, with Manchester City shot-stopper Stefan Ortega, according to FootballTransfers.

Their report claims that the Red Devils have already made an approach for the German’s signature, after the 32-year-old was made free to leave the Etihad this summer.

It also states that the player himself is open to discussing a move to Old Trafford despite the rivalry, but no final decision has been made about his next destination.

Why United’s latest signing would be bad news for Onana

Andre Onana has been United’s number one option between the sticks in recent times, costing a staggering £47.2m from Inter Milan back in the summer of 2023.

The Cameroonian was seen as the perfect replacement for David de Gea, but his time in Manchester has been a disaster, subsequently being subject to anger from the fanbase.

He’s been massively prone to mistakes during his stint at Old Trafford, notching a tally of eight errors leading to goals – ultimately costing the side in numerous key areas.

Altay Bayindir was utilised as an alternative at multiple points of the recent campaign, which has highlighted the need for added reinforcements in such an area.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for Ortega would cost this summer, he could provide Amorim with an excellent option to help him improve the situation currently playing out in Manchester.

When comparing his stats to those of Onana in England’s top-flight last season, the German managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, further showcasing why he’d be a great fit for their number one position.

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Ortega, who’s been labelled “incredible” by teammate Rodri, managed to register more saves per 90, along with a higher save percentage – handing Amorim a more confident and reliable option between the sticks.

How Ortega & Onana compare in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Ortega

Onana

Games played

13

34

Save percentage

69%

68%

Saves made

2.7

2.5

Clean sheet percentage

27%

26%

Pass accuracy

81%

72%

% of long passes

32%

66%

Crosses stopped

7%

5%

Errors leading to goals

0

6

Stats via FBref

He also completed more of the passes he attempted, with fewer being long balls, having the ability to play out from the back should the side need that option.

The City star’s dominance is further reflected in his tally of fewer errors leading to goals, having the tools to massively improve such a situation ahead of next season.

The next few weeks will be interesting for the player if he is to move, with the Red Devils fanbase undoubtedly sceptical about the move given his status at their rivals.

However, it’s evident that the player himself would be an excellent addition this summer, ending any lingering doubts about the quality currently at the manager’s disposal at the back.

Related Bad news for Mbeumo & Cunha: Man Utd hold talks to sign £68m star

Manchester United could land a player who could thrive in Ruben Amorim’s system.

Posts 2 ByEthan Lamb

Glasgow Rangers avoided embarrassment by coming back from 3-1 down to win 4-3 in a dramatic Scottish Premiership clash with Dundee on Saturday.

The Light Blues needed two long shots from Tom Lawrence and James Tavernier to get back level, before Cyriel Dessers secured all three points late on.

It was Lawrence’s first goal for Rangers since October of last year against FCSB in the Europa League, and it remains to be seen whether or not he will still be at Ibrox next term, as his contract is due to expire this summer.

The Rangers players who are out of contract this summer

The English forward is one of three senior first-team players who are out of contract at the end of this season, alongside Ianis Hagi and veteran defender Leon Balogun.

As per Transfermarkt, Lawrence and Hagi are both valued at around £1.7m and would, therefore, not depart as hugely valuable assets if they were to move on for nothing. Balogun, meanwhile, turns 37 this summer and is valued at just £115k.

Rangers have some big decisions to make because their Romanian attacking midfielder has contributed with three goals and seven assists in 21 Premiership matches, whilst Lawrence has scored four goals and provided two assists in 15 league outings.

Despite both players being out of contract, there is a Gers dud who is worth even less than them, and the 49ers investment group, part of the takeover that has been agreed in principle, must ruthlessly ditch him this summer – Ross McCausland.

Why Rangers must finally sell Ross McCausland

The Northern Ireland international came up through the academy at Ibrox and emerged as a first-team regular early on in Philippe Clement’s reign in the 2023/24 campaign.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global gam

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McCausland, who turns 22 this summer, has failed to kick on after making his breakthrough at senior level, though, and has been an unused substitute in 15 of his last 23 appearances in the matchday squad in all competitions.

Ross McCausland (24/25)

Premiership

Europa League

Appearances

12

6

Starts

3

0

Goals

0

1

Big chances created

0

0

Key passes per game

0.7

0.0

Assists

0

0

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Northern Irish winger has not impressed Clement or Barry Ferguson enough to earn regular game time, and he has made little impact on the pitch with the opportunities that have come his way.

The lightweight, who has lost 91% of his aerial duels in the Premiership this season, is 22 this year and has only fallen further down the pecking order, rather than progressing, since his first-team emergence, which does not suggest that he is on the right path to being a star for Rangers.

That might come as a surprise, particularly to Ferguson who had been impressed with him before even arriving back at Ibrox. Speaking in an interview in 2023, he noted that McCausland “has a great opportunity to become a big player for Rangers.” Sadly, that has not come true and is unlikely to.

At the time of writing (31/03/2025), McCausland is valued at £1.3m by Transfermarkt and this means that he is worth even less than Hagi and Lawrence, despite having a contract through to the summer of 2027.

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This illustrates his struggles on the pitch this season because he is deemed to be worth even less than players who are set to be free agents later this year.

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It is now down to the 49ers to finally and ruthlessly ditch the young dud, because he is not showing signs of progress at Ibrox, when the summer transfer window opens for business, with a view to replacing him with an upgrade by dipping into the market.

Leeds United youngster James Debayo made his first-team debut for the club in the dramatic 4-3 win over Swansea in Wales in the Championship last month.

The 19-year-old centre-back is the latest player to come up through the academy system to play for the senior side, and he will now hope to rack up some more appearances between now and the end of the season.

Mateo Joseph, however, has been the breakthrough academy graduate of the 2024/25 campaign for the West Yorkshire outfit so far, as he has emerged as a regular option for Daniel Farke.

The Spain U21 international was a part of the squad last season but all 20 of his appearances in the Championship came as a substitute, with the likes of Georginio Rutter, Joel Piroe, and Patrick Bamford preferred ahead of him from the start.

So far this term, Joseph has started eight of his 19 outings in the second tier and has contributed with two goals and four ‘big chances’ created for the team.

Farke will now be hoping that the 21-year-old ace can kick on and emerge as a star for the Whites, to join a long list of impressive Leeds academy graduates.

Leeds United's best modern-day academy graduates

Leeds have brought through and developed some fantastic prospects in recent years and one of them currently plays alongside Joseph in the first-team – Pascal Struijk.

The Dutchman joined the academy from Ajax at the start of 2018 and became a regular, with 27 Premier League appearances, in the 2020/21 campaign. He has played 140 matches for the club to date, and started all 18 league games this season.

One of the best success stories in recent years is central midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who rose through the ranks before being sold for a huge transfer fee.

The England international joined in 2010 and eventually broke into the first-team and made 234 appearances in all competitions, before Manchester City swooped to sign him for a reported £45m in the summer of 2022.

Jack Clarke, similarly, joined the club as a youngster in 2009 and worked his way up to the senior side under Marcelo Bielsa, scoring two goals in 22 league games in the 2018/19 campaign.

After just one season with the first-team, Clarke was sold to Tottenham Hotspur for £10m. In the present day, the winger currently plays for Ipswich Town in the Premier League, after joining them from Sunderland for a reported £20m in the summer.

Most recently, Leeds sold academy graduate Archie Gray to Spurs in the summer transfer window for a reported fee of £30m, after he won the EFL Young Player of the Season last term.

The England U21 international spent his entire youth career at Thorp Arch and made 52 first-team appearances in the 2023/24 campaign under Farke, which convinced Tottenham to swoop to sign him for a huge fee.

Leeds did, however, once miss out on the chance to bring a fantastic prospect to their academy set-up, and he went on to be worth as much as the fee Spurs paid for Gray.

Leeds United had Ben Godfrey on trial

Jack Clarke recently revealed that Ben Godfrey, who he described as a “top player”, came on trial at Thorp Arch but it did not work out for him, whilst he added that they had played football together as kids living in York.

The English prospect was released by Middlesbrough in 2012 and the 14-year-old went on numerous trials in an attempt to find a new academy to play for, including spells with the Whites, Barnsley, and Sheffield United across Yorkshire.

Speaking to Sky Sports in 2022, Godfrey confirmed that Leeds did not offer him a contract after his time on trial at the club, but that his rejection did motivate him to kick on elsewhere.

He said: “The moment that stands out massively is after that Leeds United trial. The coach told me they were not going to offer me anything but to go and prove him wrong. That stuck with me. I was desperate then. I could not wait to go and prove them wrong.”

The young gem eventually signed for York City and made his way to Premier League side Norwich City in the January transfer window in 2016 for a fee of just £150k, which is when his career really kicked off.

Ben Godfrey's soaring market value

After time in the U21 team at Carrow Road and a season on loan with Shrewsbury in League One, Godfrey eventually emerged as a regular fixture in the first-team for Norwich under Farke in the 2018/19 campaign.

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The head of football operations at York, Richard Cresswell, revealed that coach Jonathan Greening tipped the English brute to make it at the ‘highest level’ as a centre-back because he could see ‘similarities’ to former Leeds and Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand.

However, it was not until Farke decided to change his position from a defensive midfield role to centre-back in the 2018/19 season that Godfrey started to live up to that hype.

2018/19 Championship

Ben Godfrey

Appearances

31

Goals

4

Pass accuracy

89%

Progressive passes per 90

3.35

Progressive carries per 90

1.17

Ground duel success rate

63%

Stats via FBref and Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Norwich star thrived as a centre-back to help his team to win the league title, showcasing his defensive strength, eye for a goal, and his progressive play in possession.

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He then made 30 Premier League appearances for the Canaries in the 2019/20 campaign, which attracted interest from teams in the top-flight. Everton then swooped to sign him from Carrow Road for a reported fee of £30m in the summer of 2020 to bolster Carlo Ancelotti’s defence.

This means that Leeds ended up missing out on a £30m-rated star in the making because they did not see his top-class potential during his trial in 2012.

They could have had their next version of Ferdinand, who was also sold by Leeds for £30m to Manchester United in 2002, if they had brought him in to develop at Thorp Arch, as a centre-back with the potential to earn the club a gigantic pay day.

Godfrey emerged as a first-team star in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons for Norwich and those were Bielsa’s two years with the Whites at Championship level, which suggests that he could have thrived under the Argentine boss’ coaching had he joined the academy as a youngster.

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The 26-year-old currently plays for Atalanta, whom he joined from Everton in the summer, and has featured twice in the Champions League so far this season, whilst Leeds may rue that they did not take up their chance to bring him in.

Whilst he may not go on to enjoy the career that Ferdinand had, with six Premier League titles for the Red Devils, Godfrey has already won a Championship title, played in the top-flight for Norwich and Everton, been capped by England, and now played in Europe’s premier competition for his current club, which speaks to how well he has done since failing his trial.