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Leeds United won’t be signing any more stars from La Liga or the Bundesliga, but there may still be deals to be done at Elland Road.

The domestic transfer window is still open until October 16th, and with Leeds reportedly targeting some of the Championship’s best players this summer, they could reignite their interest in any of the second-tier’s top stars.

The likes of Said Benrahma and Emi Buendia have been linked in the past, and if United still want to bolster their squad, now is the time to do it.

Of course, this also means that some players could be on their way out of Elland Road, with the likes of Robbie Gotts still needing a loan move to the lower leagues.

We’ve had a go at predicting what Leeds’ starting XI will look like after the domestic deadline.

As you can see, we’re not expecting too much to happen between now and the end of the domestic window.

The backline remains largely the same, but we are tipping Diego Llorente to take Robin Koch’s spot in the starting XI in what will undoubtedly be one of the biggest selection headaches Bielsa faces this season.

Stuart Dallas and Luke Ayling retain their spots at full-back, but we do expect Dallas’ deputy to move on, with Barry Douglas receiving a lot of interest from both Watford and Blackburn Rovers.

The midfield does have some changes, Raphinha comes in on the right-wing after his £17m deadline day move, while Leeds also re-opened talks with Todd Cantwell over the weekend, and with over a week to conclude that deal, the Norwich man could soon be turning out at Elland Road.

We have Cantwell down as playing on the left due to a potential switch to inverted wingers after signing Raphinha, a left-footer who plays primarily on the right, but he could just as easily take Pablo Hernandez’s spot in this team.

We also fancy Rodrigo to earn a starting berth ahead of Patrick Bamford after the international break.

West Brom resume their push for promotion to the Premier League with a home clash against Midlands rivals Birmingham at The Hawthorns this afternoon.

The Baggies begin the day with a six-point lead over third-placed Fulham, although the Cottagers will have the chance to halve that deficit if they can beat Brentford in the lunchtime game before the Midlands duo face off at 3pm. However, Albion will be overnight leaders of the Championship if they can avoid defeat, sitting just one point behind Leeds and with a better goal difference than Marcelo Bielsa’s team.

While Slaven Bilic has had a period of relative stability at West Brom, their opponents Birmingham have been rocked by the recent announcement from Pep Clotet that he will finish in his role as their manager at the end of the season. There was drama in the reverse fixture six months ago when two late goals from Charlie Austin turned the game on its head and gave the Baggies a 3-2 win at St Andrew’s.

The good news for Bilic ahead of today’s fixture is that he has just two absentees from his squad, with long-term injury victims Nathan Ferguson and Jonathan Leko remaining sidelined. Indeed, the manager welcomes back two valuable players from injury for this game, both of whom go straight into the starting line-up predicted by Football Transfer Tavern, which shows two changes from the line-up which began their previous fixture against Swansea.

The ever-present Sam Johnstone can be considered a sure-fire starter in goals, while full-backs Conor Townsend and Dara O’Shea keep their places, the latter continuing in place of the injured Ferguson. Semi Ajayi looks near-certain for one of the centre-back slots although there could be a change alongside him, with Ahmed Hegazi now fully fit after a hamstring injury prior to the season being stopped. The Egyptian’s return could see Kyle Bartley drop out of the team from the Swansea game.

Bilic has been faithful to his preferred 4-2-3-1 in almost every game this season and the defensive midfield duo of Jake Livermore and Romaine Sawyers should continue their well-established partnership. The other team selection that seems easy to predict is the presence of top scorer Hal Robson-Kanu in the lone striker role, with Austin likely to begin on the bench just as he did in the reverse fixture in December.

The composition of the three players behind Robson-Kanu presents the manager with a pleasant headache, with Bilic himself even remarking that he has “one or two too many” players from which to choose. Callum Robinson has been a fixture on the left flank since he joined on loan from Sheffield United and looks set to reprise that role once more this afternoon.

Matheus Pereira also keeps his place, although he could be moved into a central role to allow for the fit-again Grady Diangana to come back into the team on the right, with West Ham sanctioning an extension to his loan until the end of the season. The unlucky man who could miss out is Filip Krovinovic, who began in the number 10 position at the Liberty Stadium.

With Kyle Edwards, Matt Phillips and Kamil Grosicki also facing the distinct possibility of being substitutes, Bilic indeed has a fine array of players from which to pick today’s starting XI.

West Brom fans, do you think this will be the starting line-up selected by Bilic or do you envisage other changes? Give us your views in the comments section below!

Manchester United have signed Real Madrid youngster Alvaro Fernandez Carreras on a four-year contract.

Alvaro’s deal ran out with the La Liga club after the two parties couldn’t agree terms, so he moves to Old Trafford as a free agent.

According to ESPN, he will become Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first signing of the summer as he prepares for a Red Devils rebuild.

Alvaro joined Real Madrid from Deportivo La Coruna in 2017, amid interest from a number of top European clubs. He posted a heartfelt goodbye message to the Bernabeu club on his official Instagram account.

The 17-year-old’s performances at youth level had attracted attention from several potential suitors, including Manchester City, but AS claimed that he is excited by Solskjaer’s proposed plans for the future, which ultimately swayed his decision.

The left-back played for Real Madrid’s under-15s, 16s and 17s during his three seasons at the Bernabeu and became known as an attacking full-back with raw pace and physicality. Sources told ESPN that Alvaro believes the Theatre of Dreams is a better option for his long-term prospects.

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He is expected to link up with United’s reserve squad at Carrington rather than jumping straight into the first team, although there is the possibility to train with the senior side if the opportunity arises.

Solskjaer has developed a reputation for giving youth a chance at Old Trafford, as he has thrown the likes of Brandon Williams, Mason Greenwood and Tahith Chong in at the deep end on multiple occasions.

While Alvaro will predominantly play in the academy, he has been told he may be called into action if Williams and Luke Shaw pick up injuries. Given his young age, it remains to be seen how quickly he will progress through the ranks, but he is certainly one to watch for the future.

Zinedine Zidane had tried his best to persuade him to stay in Spain but the prospect of playing in the Premier League was more than enough to persuade the youngster to change his mind.

United fans, are you excited by Alvaro Fernandez Carreras’ arrival? Let us know down below!

Tottenham Hotspur finally splashed the cash in the summer, spending over £100m, including a club-record £55m on French midfielder Tanguy Ndombele but they also signed a fee for the future.

One of which was 17-year-old Yago Santiago from Celta Vigo after netting 15 goals for their U16 squad last season.

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Over the weekend, footage has emerged of him scoring a goal in training, and it has sparked reaction from some of the Spurs faithful.

Many were quick to make comparisons – one described him as next season’s Troy Parrott, the young striker who still hasn’t been given a chance, whilst another likened him to Marcus Edwards who left the club for better things before the start of the season.

Jose Mourinho isn’t one to often hand opportunities out to younger prospects, but he has brought through Japhet Tanganga in defence, playing both centre-back and full-back. He could see an increased role next term with Jan Vertonghen and Juan Foyth looking likely to leave.

Whilst both Harry’s, Kane and Winks, came through the academy system at the club – could Santiago be a future star in north London?

Here’s what fans have been saying…

AND in other news, Spurs fans react to PL transfer target’s recent admission…

Despite Liverpool winning their sixth European Cup last summer, it is quite possible that the 2019-20 season has been an even better one than its predecessor.

With 29 league matches played, Liverpool have won 27 of them and sit with a huge 25-point lead over second-place Manchester City.

After so cruelly losing out to Pep Guardiola’s side in the league last season, this campaign will have been hugely satisfying for Jurgen Klopp and his team.

With two wins required to seal the title, Liverpool are now within clear sight of their first league crown since 1990 and their first-ever Premier League trophy.

There will be some disappointment among players and fans that the achievement will likely be sealed behind closed doors, but nonetheless, the current circumstances should not overshadow what has been an extraordinary season.

Here, we look back at the season so far and highlight six stats to get you back in the swing of things ahead of football’s return.

Perfect record

Liverpool have won 15 out of 15 home games this season in impressive fashion, scoring 40 goals and conceding just 12.

Their record of 15 wins is six more than any other side has managed and really an example of their dominance.

Best in defence

While it might surprise you that Liverpool are not the Premier League’s top scorers, it will be no shock that they have the best defensive record.

With 21 goals conceded from 29 matches, Virgil van Dijk and co have been imperious week in, week out.

Counterattack kings

Liverpool tend to dominate the ball in their matches and it shows, as they average 59% possession per match in the league this season.

However, they are also devastating on the counter-attack and have scored eight goals on the break, more than anyone else.

Fair play

Despite being so successful, Liverpool have been very fair this season, picking up fewer cards and committing fewer fouls than any other team.

On average they commit 8.3 fouls per game and have received just 26 yellow cards all season, less than half the 63 picked up by Arsenal.

However, they are one the 17 teams to have been given a red card this season.

Do not change a winning formula

Liverpool have the extraordinary record of using just 23 players so far this season, and only 20 players from the start.

This is despite Alisson, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Fabinho all facing long spells on the sidelines.

Youngsters Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott have been used from the bench, but have not made the starting lineup in the Premier League just yet.

Worrying form

Despite their brilliant progress, the period just before the suspension of football was Liverpool’s worst run of the season.

Their last six matches in all competitions saw them lose four times, including their first Premier League defeat of the season against Watford at Vicarage Road.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

According to The Sun, several of Europe’s top clubs are taking a look at Wolverhampton Wanderers’ young prospect Owen Otasowie after his performance for the U23 squad in the Premier League International Cup last week.

It could well be a hint towards a challenging future, especially in the grand scheme of meeting Fosun’s long-term ambitions for the club.

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What’s the word?

The report suggests that Arsenal, Liverpool, Schalke, and Paris Saint-Germain are tracking the centre-back after his role in the 1-1 draw with the French giants.

Otasowie has played only six times for the U23s this campaign in the Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy, averaging just over 30 minutes per game.

He can also play in defensive midfield while he is yet to commit to any one of three possible nations as he is eligible to play for England, Nigeria, and the United States.

To make matters worse, his contract is reportedly set to expire at the end of this current campaign, which would mean Wolves are at risk of losing him for mere compensation.

Victim of your own success

The ownership at Wolves, Fosun, have a clear goal set out for the future of the club. It is no secret. They want to start producing talent themselves. To build from within.

Significant investment was put into the academy setup over the summer as they brought in a whole host of names to strengthen their young playing squad.

However, for all of its positives, their increased success only brings about an unwanted spotlight on the players they are trying to breed through the system.

It’s quite a paradoxical situation when you’re trying to achieve something good, but you’re only hindering the true aim by doing so.

Fosun’s task at hand is only going to get more difficult, the better Wolves do.

Otasowie isn’t the first emerging prospect linked with an exit – Chem Campbell attracted the interest from a trio of German clubs not too long ago.

Wolves could well become a victim of their own success.

Meanwhile, Wolves must steer clear of this Jorge Mendes client…

Loads of Rangers fans have been reacting to some comments from Tony Fitzpatrick, as the St Mirren CEO said the last words any Ibrox supporter wants to hear.

A report from The Daily Record on Thursday evening revealed that an SPFL summit could soon crown Celtic as champions. According to Keith Jackson, ‘null and void’ is simply not on the table and league chiefs will hold conference calls next week to discuss whether the season should be ended, in which case results would stand.

And Fitzpatrick, a legend at St Mirren and now the Saints CEO, believes the campaign should end so that the focus can shift to improving the future Scottish football.

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Via The Glasgow Times, he said: “This season is done. People don’t like it, but it’s done, so why not make the decision?

“There’s been 30 games played, so I’m not in favour of making the season null and void, that would be criminal. But I think this is maybe an opportunity to try out something different.

“I’d like to see a 16-team Premiership, but even if it was just Dundee United and Inverness who came up, we do away with relegation and give Celtic the title, that would work for me.”

Of course, this solution would conveniently absolve St Mirren of any relegation threat, as the Simple Digital Arena outfit are currently in the bottom six, just two wins clear of last place in the division.

And while Rangers are 13 points behind in the title race, they do have a game in hand and two Old Firms left to play, so it is certainly not ridiculous to suggest the league is not finished.

Take a look at some of the best Twitter reactions down below, where the Light Blues were less than impressed by Fitzpatrick’s verdict…

Rangers fans were stunned by some recent footage of Steven Gerrard…

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Former Blackburn and Celtic striker Chris Sutton has spoken to BBC 5 Live Sport about what he thinks about the situation surrounding Cedric Soares at Southampton.

The 33-cap Portugal international recently gave an interview to The Telegraph in which he outlined his intentions to leave St Mary’s at the end of the current campaign.

Given the current circumstances at the club, the former Sporting Lisbon man couldn’t have got the timing of his comments any worse.

Southampton are just a point off the bottom of the Premier League and have conceded the most goals in the top-flight this term – Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have conceded 29 times in 12 games.

What did Sutton say?

The 46-year-old said: “You’ve got to question some of the players. If I was a Southampton fan I’d be furious if he came out publicly and said that. Of course he’s well within his rights to say and do what he likes, but isn’t that a bit brainless?

“These players don’t help themselves – is he undermining the manager? I’d say he is, absolutely. What chance has Hasenhuttl got if he’s got one of his current squad saying ‘I want to better myself at the end of the season’? If you want to better yourself Cedric, start playing well and someone might come in for you! I don’t think it’s helpful to Hasenhuttl that players are coming out and saying this stuff – I think it’s horrific.”

Sutton is right – who does Cedric think he is?

The 28-year-old must think he’s God’s gift.

Cedric has shown nothing to suggest that he can play at a significantly higher level than Premier League football with Southampton, and he would be best suited to knuckling down, keeping his mouth shut and focusing on his club form.

Aside from some decent stuff played under Ronald Koeman, the Portuguese full-back has been largely underwhelming, a sentiment echoed by the club’s defensive record both this season and last.

So far this term, the Saints have shipped the most goals in the division with 29 concessions, whereas Cedric played a part in Southampton shipping 65 goals – the sixth-most in the 2018/19 Premier League season.

Also, for a player somewhat renowned as a diminutive, modern-day full-back with an attacking mentality, Cedric has only ever recorded ten assists in 125 appearances for Southampton.

The full-back flopped whilst on loan with Inter Milan last season, making just three Serie A starts before the Italian giants decided not to activate their £9.5m option to buy – if anything, that was Cedric’s chance to prove himself at a higher level, and he showed himself to be incapable of doing so.

In a relegation battle, you need a certain type of character to pull a club from the mud and Cedric is looking like the exact opposite of what Southampton need right now.

He is coming across as a selfish figure, a mercenary, a man who is only thinking about himself and his own future when the Saints’ Premier League status is at threat.

It goes without saying that Sutton has hit the nail on the head with his views on the situation.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

Liverpool’s match against Crystal Palace will be a good test of the Reds’ title credentials.

Without Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson, both of whom are expected to be absent from the match after suffering ankle injuries, it could be a difficult afternoon for the league leaders.

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It will be a big day for Jurgen Klopp’s team as they look to pick up all three points and continue their title charge. Likely to be included in the first XI is Jordan Henderson, just like he has done on nine occasions already this campaign in the top flight. It will be a special outing for the 29-year-old, who will be participating in his 250th game for the club in the Premier League.

The former Sunderland man is not exactly unanimously popular with the fans at Anfield. He has been slammed by portions of the club’s fanbase in the past, whilst some have even urged Klopp to move the midfielder on. However, although he may not be the most glamorous of players, he deserves far more recognition than he receives.

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For a start, this milestone in itself deserves praise. Only five other players to play for Liverpool have featured in as many league games since 1992. They are Steven Gerrard, Jamie Carragher, Sami Hyypia, Pepe Reina and Robbie Fowler. As such, he finds himself in esteemed company.

Not only that, he is the club’s captain. Under his leadership on the field, the Reds have reached two Champions League finals, winning one, and they are now on course to win a first league title in 30 years. Not only that, but he has also picked up 55 caps for England, whilst also appearing in a World Cup semi-final.

Is he as exciting as the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane? No. But is he just as important to this Liverpool team as they are? Absolutely. As he steps onto the pitch at Selhurst Park, he deserves to be recognised as a club legend. Given his achievements, that is hard to argue with.

Such is the rivalry between the two sides, it’s incredibly rare to see a player who has featured for either Manchester United or Liverpool then go onto play for the other.

The last, high-profile example to do just that was Michael Owen, when he indirectly made his way from Anfield to Old Trafford over a decade ago.

And now, it could be the turn of Emre Can to do just that. According to Sky Sports, United are considering making a swoop for the now Juventus midfielder in January, and that the Bianconeri are looking to receive a fee in the region of £35m.

The Germany international’s situation in Turin became slightly more complicated when he was surprisingly left out of their Champions League squad this season – a situation that he publicly admitted would have seen him leave the club had he known about it much earlier.

After hearing their club’s reported interest in the former Liverpool man, United fans flooded to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the situation.

Many supporters of the Manchester side appeared to throw their backing behind a potential move, and insisted he would make for a great replacement for Nemanja Matic – the 6 foot man has career averages of 2.4 tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game.

Check out some of the reaction of United fans below: