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Yan Valery has been something of a forgotten man at Southampton since Kyle Walker-Peters arrived on loan with the South Coast club last January.

The former Spurs man quickly established himself as the first-choice right-back in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side and his signing was made permanent during the summer.

The 23-year-old has subsequently played every single minute of the Premier League this season, having become a key player for the Austrian manager in defence.

However, Walker-Peters has now been ruled out of Southampton’s match with Arsenal on Tuesday night, meaning that Valery will likely step in as his replacement against the Gunners.

The 21-year-old only made his first appearance of the season in the 1-0 win against Liverpool earlier this month, having been with the Southampton B team for much of the campaign.

He did make his first start in the FA Cup win against Shrewsbury Town but was relegated to the bench for the game against Arsenal on Saturday, showing that Walker-Peters is very much first-choice at the moment.

Valery had established himself as something of a regular in this Southampton side during the 2018/19 season, as he made 23 top-flight appearances, contributing two goals and one assist.

However, the signing of Walker-Peters, combined with the Frenchman suffering from glandular fever, has meant that game time has been hard to come by in the past two seasons.

Back in 2019, after an impressive goal against Manchester United, Hasenhuttl was full of praise for the young defender, saying:

“That’s something you demand from a young player. He gets the trust from us and then I want to see a brave player who is believing in himself and Yan made a fantastic development until now.

“Defensively he is better now and also offensively that’s exactly the way we want to go. I’m very happy for him that he scored for the first time, it was a fantastic goal and to shoot like this at Old Trafford shows how confident he is.”

The Austrian will be desperate for the Frenchman to produce a similar display when the Saints face Arsenal on Tuesday night, therefore, and hopefully, he can start showing some of his potential again with the South Coast club.

It is a rare chance for Valery to play and it is an opportunity he must make the most of if he wants to compete with Walker-Peters for the right-back spot in Hasenhuttl’s side.

And, in other news… “What a player” – Exclusive: Pundit “surprised” Hasenhuttl fave is still with Southampton

Pundit Kevin Campbell has recently talked about Kiko Casilla’s future at Leeds United and has talked about interest from other clubs.

Casilla had joined Leeds from Real Madrid in January of 2019 on a free transfer, when the goalkeeper had penned a four-and-a-half-year deal with the Whites. Campbell though, seems to have provided an update about his future.

Spanish clubs could be interested in Casilla

Campbell was recently talking to Football Insider and he talked about Casilla’s situation. Campbell believes that the Spaniard is still a ‘good goalkeeper’ but things ended up going ‘sour’ when an incident involving him had seen the veteran get banned from playing football temporarily.

Campbell also believes that moving back to Spain could be the right move for the former Los Blancos man, as there are clubs who are looking at him there.

He said:

“I am sure there are clubs in Spain interested in signing Kiko Casilla.  He is a good goalkeeper but I things went sour with what happened last year, the situation and the issue for which he was reprimanded.

“I just think it is the right move for him, to go back to Spain, and I am sure there are clubs there that would take him.”

Casilla hasn’t played too much for Marcelo Bielsa’s men this season and has made just one senior-team appearance in the League Cup. He has even been relegated to playing with the Under-23s in Premier League 2 and in the EFL Trophy (as per Transfermarkt).

Last season in the Championship though, the 34-year-old had made 36 appearances for the Whites while keeping 15 clean sheets.

Following a win over Hull last season, journalist Phil Hay had praised Casilla and even said the shot-stopper showed his “Champions League credentials.”

Replacement might be needed for Casilla

Considering how often Casilla had played last season and the fact that he was a regular for the Whites before that, he perhaps still carries some influence in the club’s first-team and could yet step in if an injury issue arises.

Having said that, the veteran may need first-team football and that is something that Leeds can’t quite offer. So while it may be time to let him leave, the club absolutely must replace him.

In other news, a Premier League star has been tipped to sign for Leeds – read more here.

West Brom find themselves second-from-bottom going into this weekend’s crucial Premier League tie against Sheffield United, but might their fortunes have been more favourable had they signed Andre Ayew?

What was the word?

Ahead of the summer domestic deadline, the Baggies were linked with a move for the Ghanian forward by the Daily Mail, who claimed he had emerged as a potential late target for a host of top-flight teams.

Ayew rejoined Swansea City in the summer of 2018 for a club-record £18m having left them two years earlier to link up with Albion boss Slaven Bilic at West Ham.

It’s no wonder the Croatian wanted to work with him again…

One that got away?

The 30-year-old continues to be a crucial cog in Steve Cooper’s attack having scored six goals in 11 starts so far this campaign. He has also provided one assist and is averaging 3.3 shots, 2.3 dribbles and 1.2 key passes per game, via WhoScored.

Ayew has split time between playing as a centre-forward as well as a right-winger, the position he primarily played under Bilic at the Hammers.

This is also a role that Albion are particularly weak in with natural no.10 Matheus Pereira often being deployed there over the likes of Matty Phillips, Kyle Edwards and Kamil Grosicki.

You’d imagine that the veteran, who has bags of experience in the Premier League (89 appearances), would’ve been a shoo-in to start there for West Brom.

Ayew is someone who Bilic rates “very highly” having dubbed him a “game-changer” during their time at the Irons, and that theme has continued into this season after newly-appointed Sheffield Wednesday boss Tony Pulis was left in awe at his impact last week.

Former Baggies starlet Yan Dhanda is also a huge fan, speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “Andre is a goalscorer. He scores goals, and if you put the ball in the box nine times out of 10 Andre is going to be in the right position and he is going to score.”

Experienced, prolific and creative – you can’t help but feel for Albion as they could’ve done with a player of this calibre right now. Sporting director Luke Dowling clearly made a massive mistake in not signing the tricky wide man this summer.

Perhaps they ought to revisit the deal in January to try and salvage their place in the English top-flight.

AND in other news, West Brom can strike a killer blow to their relegation rivals this January…

Leeds icon Danny Mills has predicted that a loan move could be on the cards for Tyler Roberts in January (via Football Insider). The 21-year-old has started just two Premier League games this season and was left on the bench on two other occasions. Already this campaign is echoing the club’s Championship title-winning run, in which the midfielder was left out of the action a total of 23 times in the league alone (via Transfermarkt).

Mills believes that Roberts needs to return to a Championship club in order to bag himself regular game time and boost his confidence. Indeed, if Marcelo Bielsa was already on the fence about fielding the Welshman last season, the demands of the Premier League would surely only put him further out of favour.

Leeds must recruit in January

Whilst a loan move for the remainder of the season, if not beyond, would do wonders for Roberts, Leeds must also act fast for themselves. If they allow the £47,000 per week creator to leave Elland Road in the next window, they will have just one senior attacking midfielder on their roster.

Pablo Hernandez is Bielsa’s only other choice in that role and he doesn’t seem to be in the manager’s good books at the moment. After his blow up during the Leicester match, Gabriel Agbonlahor has revealed that he wouldn’t be surprised if Bielsa opts to sell him over his unacceptable actions.

If such a prediction comes true, Leeds will be bare in their attacking midfield department. But even if Hernandez stays, the Whites will benefit from signing a younger player to contrast the 35-year-old. The new signing could also serve as competition for Roberts once he returns, which could create an interesting chemistry between the trio and even bring the best out of all three players.

Bielsa has often been branded as a “ruthless” manager, which will bode well for the club in situations like this. He and Victor Orta will know that by shipping Roberts out loan, someone new must come in during the January window if Leeds are to stay in the Premier League.

In other news, Exclusive: Carlton Palmer discusses this Leeds player’s recent flurry of criticism…

Wolverhampton Wanderers may have made one major blunder in the latest transfer window, according to emerging reports…

What’s the word?

Italian news outlet Calciomercato claim that the Midlands side seriously pursued a move for AC Milan striker Rafael Leao, who is owned by super-agent Jorge Mendes.

It’s also suggested that the 21-year-old was a player that Wolves boss Nuno Santo really wanted to sign but the Serie A giants weren’t letting go of someone they deem as a ‘diamond.’

The Portuguese talent is reportedly happy in Milan and isn’t going to leave the San Siro anytime soon. A killer blow for the Premier League outfit, no doubt.

One that got away?

Despite battling with the presence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Leao has still started the season like a house on fire.

In seven appearances, the former Lille forward has provided three goals and three assists whilst in the league alone, he has averaged 2.2 dribbles, one shot and one key pass per game, via WhoScored.

His dynamic playing style would’ve not only made him a like-for-like replacement for Jota, but also would have brought Raul Jimenez a perfect partner, especially as he’s been playing in off the left just like his old Portuguese counterpart.

The presence of the Liverpool sensation is something that Wolves are lacking – only Jimenez has scored more than once this season.

Leao has an incredible ceiling at just 21, in fact during his time in France, the 6 foot 2 attacker drew comparisons to Kylian Mbappe and was described by journalist Julien Laurens as “strong and quick” as well as being “a good finisher.”

Whilst former Sporting youth coach Tiago Fernandes believes he was even better than Cristiano Ronaldo, speaking to L’Equipe (via Goal), he said: “I pushed Jorge Jesus to take him in the first team and I said to him: ‘Yes, Gelson Martins has talent but Rafael is the best player in the history of the Sporting Academy’. At youth level, he was better than Cristiano Ronaldo.”

You couldn’t get a better endorsement than that.

Now valued at a whopping €40m (£36m) by CIES, you can’t help but feel Nuno and Wolves have missed an incredible sensation in Leao. They could long regret this one.

AND in other news, Wolves starlet with “great ability” the ideal heir to Diogo Jota…

After an arduous 16-year absence from the Premier League, Leeds United are proving they are here to stick around this time.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have quickly established themselves as a side that can kick it with the best.

The Whites may only sit in 12th place, but they gave Liverpool a shock in the season-opener, drew to Manchester City and thrashed Villa the week after their 7-2 demolition of the defending champions.

And things could go from good to even better if emerging claims are to be believed.

In a recent Q&A on YorkshireLive, journalist Graham Smyth delivered a fresh update on those takeover rumours that never seem to leave Elland Road, he said:

“[QSI] never made an official bid and never did any due diligence or visited Elland Road to look at the books, but they are the kind of outfit who could take the lot, lock, stock and barrel without worrying too much about the present state of club finances.

“The 49ers seem to get lost in any takeover talk, despite already having their feet firmly under the table.

“It seems inevitable that they will up their stake this season at some point, too.” 

Whilst it appears that Leeds will not be getting a wealth of riches from the Paris Saint-Germain owners anytime soon, there is substantially good news on the investment front with the San Francisco 49ers, who already have a small piece of the pie.

Leeds and the 49ers have a lot in common, historically, they are both massive teams with silverware in their trophy locker – though, it’s been a while for both.

The NFL outfit last won a SuperBowl in 1994 – their fifth one – whilst the Yorkshire giants last won the First Division in 1992. That said, they are both hot property right now.

Looking for the perfect Leeds Gift? Take a look at the dedicated Leeds Fan Gifts site for the latest reviews, shopping advice and links to shop. They have everything from the latest Shirt as well as memorabilia, toys and gifts. New items are added daily and reviews are top notch.

Marcelo Bielsa has guided them back into the top-flight for the first time in 16 years and the 49ers reached last year’s SuperBowl, losing out to the Kansas City Chiefs.

When you take a look at some of the wealthiest teams in England’s top-flight, ignoring Manchester City’s funding from the Middle East, then you’ll soon see that all have ties to American sport.

Spurs have a deal with the NFL to host their international matches, the Glazer family at Manchester United also own the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arsenal are backed by the LA Rams’ owner Stan Kroenke and Liverpool’s John W. Henry holds 80% of the Boston Red Sox.

If United want to truly be one of the big boys once again, then the 49ers increasing their share of the club would be a major game-changer from current chairman, Andrea Radrizzani.

According to Forbes, the York family are worth in excess of $3.2bn (£2.4bn). Just imagine backing Marcelo Bielsa with that sort of money.

AND in other news, Bielsa missed chance to sign his next Samuel Saiz this summer…

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa midfielder Henri Lansbury is in line to leave the club before the end of next week.

What’s the word?

The former England U21 international has only featured in the Carabao Cup this season, and made just ten appearances in the top-flight in the previous campaign.

Now, Football Insider claim that Villa are keen to get rid of the £40k-per-week ace off the wage bill as he is now dropped out of first-team reckoning.

The report adds that the Midlands club are currently listening to offers for the 29-year-old, with his contract at Villa Park coming to an end next summer. It’s further suggested that Lansbury’s wages are a stumbling block for moving him on, and that whilst a permanent exit is possible, a loan to a Championship club seems more likely.

Villa need to cut their losses

Even despite the spending spree that Villa went on in the summer transfer window, there’s absolutely no way they can afford to be paying a player £40k-a-week to be playing in the odd Carabao Cup game.

It’s clear to see that Smith simply doesn’t fancy him, with it being particularly telling that Lansbury hasn’t crossed the ten appearances mark in the league for the past three seasons.

With his contract expiring in the summer of 2021, Villa won’t have to put up with the midfielder’s wages for too much longer, but if they can strike a deal where another club takes on his contract either via a loan or a permanent deal, then they have to take it.

Johan Lange and co have to be ruthless, and Lansbury’s departure would be a step in the right direction.

And in other news, this Aston Villa ace outshone Jack Grealish on international duty.

Lots of Everton fans are glad that they did not sign Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Southampton after the Danish international emerged as a transfer target for Carlo Ancelotti’s team in the summer window.

However, he ended up joining up with Jose Mourinho at Tottenham Hotspur, whom the Merseyside club beat 1-0 away from home in their 2020/21 Premier League season opener.

Hojbjerg was arguably far from impressive in the game, getting a yellow card as well as failing to block any shots or make any interceptions, picking up a measly 6.7 overall rating by Sofascore.

With new signings Abdoulaye Doucoure, Allan and James Rodriguez making up Carlo Ancelotti’s new-look midfield along with Andre Gomes, it did not seem as if the 25-year old would have improved upon it.

These members of the Goodison Park faithful were glad that they did not end up signing Hojbjerg on Twitter, with one EFC supporter even labelling him as ‘dross’:

I was delighted with Højbjerg’s performance, and also delighted we did not sign him 🙂

— Daniel Vickers (@DaN__Research) September 13, 2020

Evertonians, are you glad you didn’t sign Hojbjerg? Comment below!

Ben Jacobs has relayed a claim on the proposed takeover of Newcastle United by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabian (KSA) group from a Premier League source on his official Twitter page.

According to a tweet from the Sports journalist, Jacobs claimed:

“PL source tells me it is NOT true all #NUFC listed directors passed O&D Test. “No determinations were made prior to the consortium’s withdrawal.†If directors had been cleared, with Al Rumayyan being most contentious from those listed, #NUFC would know. Easy for them to confirm.”

Indeed, this is contrary to a report from The Shields Gazette that claimed that all directors and organisations put forward have passed the Owners’ and Directors’ Test (ODT) set out by the top flight and Richard Masters as to deem whether the Saudi-led consortium were fit and proper owners to be running the Tyneside club.

However, England’s highest division will not sign off as they believe that the heads of the kingdom should be run through the tests, with Middle Eastern crown prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) to potentially be included in that list.

Indeed, MbS and his country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) were due to hold a majority stake of 80% at St. James’ Park should the prospective £300 million deal between Mike Ashley and the Saudi-led consortium have been approved by the EPL, but instead the league decided to reject the bid on the grounds of their ODT.

The businesswoman and head of PCP Capital Partners Amanda Staveley, as well as the billionaire Reuben brothers, who are originally from India but are now based in London, were also due to split the other 20% between them if the deal were to be given the green light.

However, it now looks as if the matter will go to court, and it is then anyone’s guess as to who will win that case.

Geordies, who do you think would win the case? Comment below!

Newcastle United are set to rival West Ham United and Turkish champions Istanbul Basaksehir for Brighton and Hove Albion defender Bernardo, according to Sky Sports.

As per the outlet, Graham Potter’s team are in talks with the latter over a possible season-long loan.

Bernardo’s current deal with the Seagulls expires in June 2022 and he will only have one year remaining on his contract when the upcoming season ends.

Despite Basaksehir being locked in discussions with the Sussex outfit, the Magpies could still potentially swoop in to get his signature over the line.

Bernardo found his game-time at Brighton rather limited in the 2019/20 season, as he only managed to play in 16 matches in all competitions (via Transfermarkt).

Thus, a move to St. James’ Park may well suit all parties involved, as Steve Bruce is looking for a new left-back after Danny Rose and Jetro Willems returned to Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt respectively from their loan spells in the northeast.

The Brazilian racked up some quite impressive statistics in his limited appearances in the Premier League last term, winning 4.9 of his duels per game as well as averaging 1.9 tackles and 1.4 clearances per match (per Sofascore).

At 25, Bernardo is about to enter his prime years as a footballer, and so a move, even on loan, may be a wise one for the Tyneside club to make.

However, the Toon will have to act fast if they want to beat off their competition to sign the full-back.

Geordies, would Bernardo be a good signing? Comment below with your views!