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Leeds United have been dealt a concerning injury update to a £40,000-a-week star who is “definitely out for a few weeks”.

Leeds unbeaten in 16 Championship games before West Brom

Daniel Farke is preparing his Whites side for another important Championship fixture, this time against playoff-chasing West Bromwich Albion at Elland Road.

After some huge wins against automatic promotion rivals Sunderland and Sheffield United, Leeds find themselves five points clear at the top of the table, unbeaten in 16 second-tier games.

Their last league defeat came at Blackburn Rovers in November, with Farke praising the Baggies before Saturday’s meeting.

“West Brom are a pretty strong side. They are in fifth. For that, we have to be switched on and keep going in the small details. I’m not getting too carried away. We want to ride this momentum. I like when you see a manager works methodically. Their principles are always clear to see.”

Leeds already have a big upgrade on Aaronson who's out on loan

Leeds United have themselves a star currently out on loan, he could end Brenden Aaronson’s time at the club.

By
Ethan Lamb

Feb 28, 2025

Overall, Leeds have been relatively lucky since the turn of the year with injuries, with only Patrick Bamford and Max Wober missing regular games in 2025.

However, club captain Ethan Ampadu, on £40,000-a-week, was missing from the 3-1 win at Bramall Lane with a knee problem, and a new update on the Welshman’s fitness has been delivered.

Latest Ethan Ampadu injury update from Leeds

Speaking ahead of the game against West Brom, Farke said that Ampadu is “definitely out for a few weeks” at the very best, and if their “conservative route” doesn’t work, surgery will be required, which would rule him out for the season.

“It’s a bit of a complicated situation. Surgery would have meant that he would have been out for the rest of the season, but after a few consultations, we have decided to try and go the conservative route.

“There’s a good chance that if the rehab programme works in the proper way, that this will be successful, but it would still mean that he’s definitely out for a few weeks.

“Normally, we’d expect him to be out for four to six weeks, so it means we won’t see him back in team training this side of the international break.

“Fingers crossed, everything works in the proper way, then we have him available for at least the run in, but there’s also still a chance that the conservative route doesn’t work out and he would need the surgery in the end.”

This isn’t an ideal update for Leeds and Ampadu, who will be missing for at least the next four Championship fixtures at the very least.

Hopefully, after the international break, the versatile holding midfielder will be available, but if not, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the captain travel with the squad regularly, as he did against Sheffield United.

Tottenham Hotspur are still bruised from their limp defeat against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League on Thursday evening, and while sights will be set on next week’s return leg, first Spurs must welcome Bournemouth down at N17 in the Premier League.

Hopes for the remainder of the campaign lie almost solely on ending an interminable trophy drought and lifting the European trophy, for Ange Postecoglou’s side are 13th in the top flight and ten points behind the European zone with ten matches remaining.

While the severity of Tottenham’s injury crisis is easing, there are still plenty of problems for Ange to deal with – especially when keeping an eye on the crucial Europa League showdown with AZ, which is only a matter of days away.

Tottenham team news

Defensive stars Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have both put their lengthy injury problems behind them, having made the bench on Thursday. That said, Postecoglou opted against bringing either onto the grass.

However, there’s more uncertainty regarding the fitness of Dominic Solanke, who took a heavy blow to the leg at the AFAS Stadium and saw his cameo ended prematurely. Ahead of the meeting with his former outfit, it’s touch and go.

Ben Davies may be fit enough to feature, but Dejan Kulusevski, Richarlison and Radu Dragusin remain absent.

Spurs are desperate to reclaim a more respectable position in the Premier League but Ange should consider rotating for this one, with Lucas Bergvall perhaps dropped to the bench for this one.

Why Ange should drop Lucas Bergvall

While it was Bergvall who suffered the frustration of converting the own goal to leave Tottenham with work to do in next week’s last 16 second leg, this isn’t exactly the reason he should be benched.

The 19-year-old has been a central cog in Postecoglou’s machine this season, making 35 appearances across all competitions, including 18 starts.

There’s a good reason for it. He’s creative, cultured and combative, all rolled into one. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has even hailed his teenage talent as “unstoppable” when on the ball.

It may be worth taking him out of the firing line and resting him ahead of next week’s big one. He must start on the continent. Bergvall might be young but he’s such an influential talent, ranking among the top 16% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 4% for successful take-ons and the top 13% for tackles per 90, as per FBref.

Should Postecoglou place his Swedish ace on the bench, it would be the perfect chance for Pape Sarr to reenter the ascendency.

It’s been a difficult year for the Senegalese centre-midfielder, 22, with his manager choosing not to start him in each of Tottenham’s past four Premier League matches.

In fact, Sarr has only started 15 of his 26 top-flight fixtures all season, also starting from the sidelines against AZ Alkmaar this week.

However, his energy and rounded style could be perfect in a Tottenham midfield that should see Rodrigo Bentancur retain his starting berth since he is suspended next week.

Sarr has a certain quality in elevating his peers and causing issues for his opponents, something Postecoglou has singled out in the past: “He’s one of those midfielders who causes the opposition real problems because whether it’s him running with the ball or without the ball, he runs forward, he runs aggressively and he disrupts the opposition.”

Given he’s won 56% of his ground duels in the Premier League this year after only 45% across the 2023/24 season, as per Sofascore, you could argue Sarr is beginning to show some more maturity, and is struggling within the wider scale of Tottenham’s problems.

It’s the kind of stable approach which could also help revive James Maddison, who was branded with a lowly 4/10 rating by football.london after a non-showing in the Netherlands, unable to provide any of his creative ability.

Maddison’s time at Tottenham has very much been characterised by ebbs and flow in performances and fortunes. The 28-year-old playmaker has struggled this season but still boasts a return of nine goals and five assists from 17 Premier League starts.

When he’s on his a-game, the Lilywhites turn into a different team. However, Maddison needs to stabilise and could indeed benefit from Sarr’s inclusion behind him, with the younger man’s positioning and intelligence helping Spurs beat the press.

And in turn, helping Maddison to focus on making things tick in attack. After all, his metrics across the campaign speak loudly of his playmaking prowess.

There’s plenty to admire about his overall levels, and with Sarr’s infectious energy behind him, this could be the perfect way for Postecoglou to revitalise Tottenham’s midfield, with Bentancur pulling the strings from deep.

Hailed for his “frightening” talent by scout Antonio Mango, Sarr truly could be the difference-maker here, crucial in beating Bournemouth’s high-intensity attacking game, giving Bergvall a rest and restoring Maddison.

Chalkboard

Tottenham and rotation, ay. Who’d have thought?

Better than Tel: Spurs must rue selling Mourinho's "big-game monster"

The experienced winger would be a useful player for Spurs this season.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Mar 8, 2025

Liverpool have told Barcelona they have no intention of selling star winger Luis Diaz, who has been linked with a move to Catalonia.

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• Diaz has a contract until 2027
• Barcelona reached out for the winger
• The Reds not willing to sanction sale

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Merseyside club have no intention of parting ways with the Colombian star, according to , despite mounting speculation over his future and growing interest from several top clubs, including the La Liga giants.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Barcelona, led by sporting director Deco, made direct contact with Liverpool earlier this week to express their interest in acquiring Diaz’s services. However, Liverpool's response was immediate and definitive: the player is not for sale and no negotiations will be entertained.

• TELL ME MORE

  Despite the lack of movement on a contract extension, newly appointed manager Arne Slot has made it clear Diaz is part of his strategic vision for the upcoming 2025–26 campaign. Club officials see no urgency in renegotiating terms and are instead focused on leveraging Diaz's peak years for on-field success.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Diaz has also drawn attention from Manchester City and clubs in the Saudi Pro League, including Al-Nassr. However, none of these suitors have presented a formal offer that would force Liverpool to consider a sale. Internally, there is no pressure to cash in on the 28-year-old attacker unless a substantial offer arrives – one that would allow Liverpool to secure a replacement of equal or higher calibre.

  Sources close to the player suggest he remains fully committed to Liverpool and no personal push for an exit has been made. Unless Diaz's stance dramatically shifts or a staggering offer is tabled, Liverpool are content to let him fulfil the remainder of his contract.

Galatasaray is making big moves in the summer transfer market as they eye Manchester City's Bernardo Silva after bagging Leroy Sane for free.

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• Galatasaray want to sign Silva
• Signed Sane on a three-year deal
• Turkish club plan to make more big signings

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  As per Galatasaray are trying to bring Silva to Rams Park to further bolster their squad depth. The Turkish giants have already signed Leroy Sane for free and plan to make a significant impact on the Super Lig this transfer window with some big moves. A positive meeting has taken place with his representatives, the report adds.

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  With just one year left on his contract, City may look to part ways with him this summer and are reportedly willing to negotiate with Galatasaray. The Turkish club's head of transfers, Abdullah Kavukcu, and agent George Gardi are reportedly playing a key role in bringing exceptional talents to Turkey.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Galatasaray have their sights set on some of the biggest names in the game, and one candidate on the wish list is Aston Villa's Emiliano Martinez. The Argentinian is looking to move from Villa Park and is on the radar of several clubs. Reportedly, Martinez is waiting for Manchester United to come for him but Kavukcu and Gardi believe they can convince him to make Istanbul his next destination. Djordje Petrovic of Strasbourg, Hakan Calhanoglu of Inter, Sacha Boey of Bayern Munich, and Ilkay Gundogan of City are some of the players that are listed on their radar.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GALATASARAY?

  Galatasaray won their third consecutive league title after narrowly defeating rivals Fenerbahce by two points. The club are now reportedly also targeting Milan Skriniar of Paris Saint-Germain and have spoken to the player about a possible move. Things could get heated as both Turkish giants are trying to sign the Slovakian defender.

Manchester United are believed to be in talks over signing a “world-class” superstar in an intriguing swap deal, according to a new update.

A big summer awaits at Man Utd

The Red Devils have had an extremely disappointing season, with both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim struggling to get a tune out of the team.

This summer feels like a huge one for United, with Amorim able to bring in players to suit his style of play and get rid of individuals who he doesn’t see a future for moving forward.

One player who has been linked with an exciting summer move to Old Trafford is Lille striker Jonathan David, who is arguably one of the hottest attackers in Europe.

He has scored 14 goals in just 20 Ligue 1 starts this season, also scoring seven times in the Champions League, including away to Liverpool.

At the other end of the pitch, Jarrad Branthwaite is a rumoured target, with the Everton centre-back a young defender with a huge amount of potential.

Additions are needed in that area of the pitch with Lisandro Martinez a long-term injury absentee, while the likes of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof don’t represent long-term solutions.

Man Utd in talks with "world-class" ace over swap deal

According to a new report from CaughtOffside, Manchester United are in talks to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen in the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils are eyeing a possible swap deal involving Rasmus Hojlund, with the Serie A giants thought to be keen on bringing the €60m-rated (£51m) star to the club.

This could be a sensational piece of business for United, considering Osimhen has been arguably among the best strikers in the world over the past three or four years.

The 26-year-old has been lauded as a “world-class” player by Jose Mourinho, while former Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro has also heaped praise on him, saying: “It is not easy to stop that guy. He created the first goal. He is fantastic for our team.”

With all due respect to Hojlund, Osimhen would simply be an upgrade on him, even though the Denmark striker is a young player who has shown his quality sporadically in a United shirt.

Negotiations ongoing: Man Utd in serious talks to sign "insane" 23-goal ace

He’d be an instant upgrade…

By
Tom Cunningham

Mar 22, 2025

There are now lingering doubts over whether Hojlund will ever be at the level required to be a genuine success at Old Trafford, having only scored three goals in 24 Premier League appearances this season.

In Osimhen, United would be signing a player at the peak of his powers – one who has netted 25 times in just 40 caps for Nigeria, outlining his international pedigree.

A Celtic “beast” has reportedly suffered an injury blow, with his national team confirming as much at the beginning of the international break.

Celtic players off on international duty after Rangers defeat

The Hoops suffered the disappointing of losing to Rangers last Sunday, with Brendan Rodgers’ side enduring a 3-2 defeat at Parkhead. The hosts were never at their best, failing to build an even bigger leader at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.

On the plus side, Celtic are still in complete command of the title race, sitting 13 points clear ahead of their rivals, so there is no need for an overreaction to the loss.

While some supporters would like the Hoops to have another game as quickly as possible, they will now have to wait until March 29th for their next outing, with Rodgers’ men hosting Hearts in the league.

For a big chunk of Celtic’s squad, domestic commitments now make way for international duty, as they look to impress for their respective countries for the next week or so. It hasn’t been an ideal start to the break for the Scottish Premiership leaders, however, with worrying injury news emerging.

Celtic suffer injury blow to attacking "beast"

On Tuesday, the Japanese FA confirmed that Daizen Maeda suffered an injury in Celtic’s defeat to Rangers last weekend, meaning he could miss Japan’s clash with Bahrain on Thursday in what will be a concern for Rodgers.

“Daizen Maeda did not train with the main group after suffering from a bruised leg and undertook his own individual programme. He will be assessed before the game.”

Maeda is such a key man for Celtic, with his pace and direct nature making him a vital figure, so Rodgers will be sweating about his availability after the internationals.

Rodgers must finally axe Kuhn by unleashing Celtic star who's "on fire"

Given Nicolas Kühn’s recent dip in form, should Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers start his “on fire” winger instead after the international break?

By
Ben Gray

Mar 18, 2025

The Japanese speedster has scored 13 goals in 23 league starts this season, also chipping in with four in the Champions League and an incredible six in just three appearances and five in two in the Scottish League Cup and Scottish Cup respectively. Meanwhile, former coach John Hutchinson has said of him:

“I have never seen a more physical player, in terms of speed and repeat sprinting, than Daizen. Daizen is a physical beast. You’d have no issues sending him anywhere in Europe because it won’t be a problem to him. He’s a machine.”

If anything, this injury may actually have been timed well, or at least Rodgers will hope so, in terms of the international action only just getting underway, giving the £18,000-a-week Celtic ace time to get back fully fit for the Hearts game.

Thankfully, the Hoops have a massive lead in the title race, not to mention having plenty of other options, but it is always better for them to have him available.

Kylian Mbappe has been told the "timing is not right" for him to compete for the Ballon d'Or, even if he helps Real Madrid win the Club World Cup.

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• Mbappe had prolific debut season at Real
• But ended up without a major trophy
• Malouda suggests 2025 Ballon d'Or is out of reach

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mbappe completed a long-awaited move to Real Madrid last summer after leaving Paris Saint-Germain and has enjoyed a prolific first season with the Spanish giants. The France international scored 43 goals in 56 appearances across all competitions for Los Blancos, including 31 in La Liga to clinch the European Golden Shoe for the first time in his career.

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  Mbappe also got his hands on the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup, but major silverware proved elusive for Real as they finished runners-up to arch rivals Barcelona in both La Liga and the Copa del Rey, while suffering a painful Champions League quarter-final defeat to Arsenal. It has been suggested that Real's failure on the biggest stages will prevent Mbappe from scooping the 2025 Ballon d'Or, with PSG's Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal now being billed as the frontrunners for the prestigious individual prize.

  Watch every game of the FIFA Club World Cup live on DAZNStream now

• WHAT MALOUDA SAID

  Mbappe does have one final chance to boost his chances of Ballon d'Or success as Real head to the United States for the first edition of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. However, former France and Chelsea star Florent Malouda does not think this is the year that the stars align for Mbappe as Los Blancos enter a transitional period under new head coach Xabi Alonso.

  When asked whether Mbappe can challenge Yamal and Dembele for the Golden Ball if he fires Real to global glory on American soil, Malouda told GOAL: "Kylian Mbappe is always a Ballon d’Or contender and always will be. When you look at his numbers, his personality and his personal ambitions, it’s his dream to achieve that. He wants to break all records and he wants to compete for these individual awards.

  "Regarding Real Madrid, they are in a transition. They lost the manager and for a number nine it all depends on the balance of the team and how confident they are. He is in a new position in that nine and he is playing in a competitive environment when it comes to Barcelona, in which they lost all four times.

  "They are competing against top European teams, world-class teams and they still look vulnerable. I don't think it's the right timing for him to compete for individual awards at the moment. The goal will be about being involved in building a strong, strong team for next year."

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Mbappe played down his chances of winning the Ballon d'Or this year after starring for France during the latest international break. The Real superstar scored in Les Bleus' Nations League semi-final defeat to Spain and their third-place play-off victory over Germany, but he still feels Golden Ball recognition is out of his control.

  "I'm not the one who gives it (the Ballon d'Or) out. I have opinions, and I've had different opinions about the last winners, by the way," he said. "The only trophy that depends solely on my feet is the Golden Shoe. The rest, I don't vote for."

With the summer transfer window approaching, Aston Villa now reportedly lead the race to sign a Champions League striker who would cost them just over £33m in the coming months.

Aston Villa set to finally replace Duran

If those in the Midland believed that Unai Emery’s attacking options were too good to be true at the start of the season then they were quickly proven right in the January transfer window. The Villans were spoilt for choice with both Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran – both of whom were in excellent form in the opening stages of the season – but it was not a luxury that the latter appreciated.

Aston Villa in contact to sign "magnificent" France U21 rising star

They could land an absolute bargain…

By
Tom Cunningham

Apr 1, 2025

Often forced to perform in cameo roles as Emery’s super sub, Duran headed for the exit door in January, swapping the Midlands for Saudi Arabia and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr side. And whilst since then Marco Asensio has joined Marcus Rashford to add more firepower to their frontline, Villa need a permanent solution away from their loan deals.

With money still to burn from Duran’s sale, a fresh attacking option could be on the cards given recent links to previous target Joao Felix and now another Serie A star.

According to TeamTalk, Aston Villa are now leading the race to sign Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus this summer ahead of their Premier League rivals. The Serbian striker has gradually fallen down the pecking order in Turn and new manager Igor Tudor has now reportedly been told to hand him game time in an attempt to maximise his value.

As things stand, Vlahovic is worth just €40m (£33.5m) in what would hand Villa the chance to land an undeniable bargain. Emery has already helped both Asensio and Rashford rediscover their best form and could now take a gamble on Vlahovic before doing the same next season.

"Amazing" Vlahovic needs Aston Villa move

Villa Park is the place to be for struggling stars to rediscover their golden touch and that may not be any different for Vlahovic. It’s worth noting that, even amid criticism as Juventus, the Serbia international has still scored 14 goals in all competitions in a record that could only improve given that he’s just 25 years old.

It wasn’t so long ago that the forward found himself at the centre of praise either, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig describing the Juventus man as “simply an amazing centre-forward when fully fit” midway through last season.

Juventus already made one mistake by letting Dean Huijsen leave for the Premier League last summer, before watching the defender thrive at Bournemouth. Now, a year on, Villa could take full advantage of their exit door swinging open once again as Vlahovic desperately seeks the chance to get back to his best.

Jeremie Frimpong is elated to see former Bayer Leverkusen team-mate Florian Wirtz following him to Anfield this summer.

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• Frimpong excited to reunite with Wirtz at Anfield
• Move to Liverpool 'extra fun'
• Reds to complete more transfers this summer

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Liverpool are on a roll in the transfer market as they have already completed the signings of two Leverkusen stars, Frimpong and Wirtz. The Dutch full-back was the first player to secure a move to the Premier League champions, while Wirtz's record arrival was confirmed earlier this week.

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  Frimpong is excited to reunite with his former colleague at Anfield as he claimed that the German international's transfer has made his move to the Reds even more fun. The duo were recently spotted holidaying together and the Netherlands international even reacted to Wirtz's transfer on social media just hours after the move was formally announced.

• WHAT FRIMPONG SAID

  Speaking to , the 24-year-old said: "I'm really excited. I'm really looking forward to playing with Liverpool. And of course, Florian Wirtz, my good friend, he's coming too. That makes it extra fun. I also already know some guys from the national team. So yeah, I'm really up for it. I can't wait for it to start."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

  The fans at the Merseyside club will be eagerly awaiting how Frimpong and Wirtz get on for the club next season, but before then, more signings are expected to be completed by the English champions.

Jhon Duran could be set for a swift return to Europe as Fenerbahce step up efforts to lure him from Al-Nassr, just months after his big-money move.

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• Fenerbahce in advanced talks with Duran
• Director travelled to Colombia to convince the player
• Premier League clubs including also monitoring

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Fenerbahce football director Devin Ozek has travelled to Colombia to hold face-to-face talks with Duran, according to Yagiz Sabuncuoglu. The Turkish club want to loan the striker for the whole season for £14 million ($20m), which includes paying his full annual salary. Duran, who moved to Al Nassr from Aston Villa in January for a deal worth for up to £71m, is reportedly thinking about leaving Saudi Arabia after less than six months.

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  Fenerbahce's pursuit of Duran comes amid major squad reshuffling under Jose Mourinho. Ozek, formerly of Bayer Leverkusen, is playing a key role in accelerating the club’s recruitment drive. Fenerbahce are in the lead, but Al-Nassr are apparently willing to sell Duran. Several Premier League teams, including West Ham, Wolves, and Fulham, are interested in the 21-year-old.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Duran has scored 12 goals in 18 appearances for Al-Nassr in all competitions, having arrived with a strong record of 12 goals in 55 Premier League matches.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR DURAN?

  Duran is expected to decide soon on whether to accept Fenerbahce’s offer. If a deal is reached, he would reunite with Mourinho and return to European football. At the same time, Premier League teams are still keeping an eye on him.