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There is a willingness to get transfer business done at Leeds United this month, according to reliable journalist Beren Cross.

What’s the word?

The LeedsLive reporter delivered an exciting update to supporters in a recent Q&A on the website, where he was asked about whether the Yorkshire giants were more focused on the summer, rather than now.

“I wouldn’t say more focused on the summer because their focus is on January right now. Victor Orta wants to strengthen at Elland Road this month, as hard as that may be,” he responded.

“The board will always have one eye on the future though and will know there always has to be an element of doubt around Bielsa’s future because of his contract situation.”

Bielsa surely buzzing

It’s certainly going to come as a huge source of encouragement to those around Elland Road that their director of football is keen to bolster Marcelo Bielsa’s playing squad this month.

The Argentine head coach is in desperate need of additions before deadline day on January 31st.

Despite moving eight points clear of the relegation zone, Leeds are still in a perilous position both on and off the pitch – the two teams below them have games in hand and the injuries are never-ending.

Heading into this weekend’s Premier League encounter with West Ham United, the 66-year-old is set to be without as many as nine first-team stars, including key midfield cog Kalvin Phillips and skipper Liam Cooper.

He has also been without leading talisman Patrick Bamford for the majority of the campaign, and though he is set to return this weekend, it’s clear that the England international does not have sufficient backup in attack.

Not only is a forward needed but also a midfielder and perhaps another option at the back. He does only have one senior left-back, for example.

Bielsa should, therefore, be absolutely delighted by this fresh update.

AND in other news, Leeds eye 1st January signing in “dominant” 37-cap titan, he could be another Lasogga…

With Ralf Rangnick now confirmed as Manchester United’s interim manager, there will certainly be attention on the upcoming transfer window after the Red Devils’ dismal start to the campaign.

Defensive woes have once again been at the forefront of United’s issues, with the Manchester club conceding 24 goals in their 14 Premier League outings thus far.

It’s an issue that needs to be solved immediately, and, not for the first time, Rangnick’s side have recently been linked with a move for Sevilla defender Jules Koundé who per one expert, is a “pretty special player”.

What’s the talk?

According to the Super Deporte, United are well placed to make a swoop for the 23-year-old defender, who is valued at £54m according to Transfermarkt.

The Frenchman was reportedly close to a move to Chelsea last summer, only for the transfer to fall through. However, it appears that Koundé could have a second chance of making a Premier League move in January.

Kounde can solve United’s defensive woes

Despite signing centre-back and Kounde’s fellow countryman Rafael Varane in the summer for a reported £43m, United have still suffered at the back.

The 28-year-old has been limited to just six Premier League appearances with injury issues suffered early into his spell in England. Therefore, the likes of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Eric Baily have been tinkered with by Rangnick’s predecessor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Having turned 23 last month, Kounde has bags of potential whilst already attracting the attention of top clubs from across Europe.

His current employers Sevilla sit second in La Liga having conceded just 11 goals in 15 matches, the division’s joint-best defensive record. The defender has played in 13 of those games, keeping seven clean sheets in the process.

To put that impressive feat into perspective, in 12 matches, Maguire has only kept two clean sheets. Varane boasts the same tally but in half the matches. It’s obvious to see who would be withdrawn from the starting lineup should Koundé join United and Rangnick has a clean bill of health to deal with.

The £54m-rated man has excellent passing stats too, according to SofaScore, with the defender currently enjoying a 90% per game pass accuracy.

Since his appointment as interim Manchester United manager, there has been plenty of coverage regarding the talent that Rangnick has worked with and developed over his managerial career.

The likes of Sadio Mané, Erling Haaland and Joshua Kimmich were all purchased by Rangnick before they became world-class talents. However, the difference between these deals and a potential move for Koundé is the fees.

The German is notorious for buying young players with bags of potential for small prices to then develop them into valuable assets; Koundé wouldn’t be an example of that.

If United are to secure a transfer for the Sevilla defender, they’re going to have to pay a sizeable fee. However, with their defensive woes, it could prove to be a shrewd move, one that makes their new interim boss an instant hit at the Theatre of Dreams.

West Brom will need to pay a ‘substantial loan fee’ if they want to sign Orlando City striker Daryl Dike in January, according to journalist Luke Hatfield.

The Lowdown: Baggies linked with Dike move

The Baggies had to settle for a 0-0 draw away to Barnsley on Friday night as they dropped points in the Championship promotion race.

It could be that Valerien Ismael delves into the transfer market next month, and one player they have been mooted with potentially signing is Dike. The 21-year-old has scored three goals in eight caps for the USA, as well as netting 19 times in just 41 appearances for MLS side Orlando.

The Latest: Hatfield makes Dike claim

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Hatfield admitted that Dike wouldn’t come cheap if West Brom plan to bring him to The Hawthorns in the January transfer window.

The journalist claimed: “Dike’s not a cheap player to pick up. We saw that when he went to Barnsley. I mean, they paid a substantial loan fee to bring him in at Oakwell and Albion would have to do the same thing.”

The Verdict: Worth the money

Dike showed during a loan spell at Barnsley what a force he can be in the Championship, scoring nine goals in 19 matches in the division last term. For that reason, West Brom should take a punt on him next month, strengthening their attacking options as they look to make a swift return to the Premier League.

Only Karlan Grant (nine) has scored more than four goals for Albion in the league this term, so Dike could be the man to add more firepower at a key point in the campaign, having been hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by his former Barnsley manager Ismael in the past.

In other news, three Albion players struggled in the draw with Barnsley. Find out who they are here.

Leeds United will always be on the lookout for who could be the next Kalvin Phillips at Elland Road and Marcelo Bielsa may already have an ideal candidate in U23 gem Nohan Kenneh.

Many around west Yorkshire will be hoping that the talismanic anchorman will remain at the club for many, many more years but those with a sense of realism will know that may not be the case as his stock continues to rise on both the domestic and international stage.

It would, therefore, be wise to think ahead and consider who could be the man to replace him in the future and there isn’t a better fit than the 18-year-old midfielder.

Kenneh has admitted himself that he models his game on the Leeds first-team star, as well as former Premier League legend Patrick Vieira, who is now in charge of top-flight rivals Crystal Palace.

“Currently, I look up to Kalvin Phillips as we both play in a similar position but I occasionally watch videos of Patrick Vieira for his qualities in midfield,” he revealed a couple of years ago (in quotes via Football League World).

At 6 foot 2, playing in the same role, the teenager could well fit right in under Bielsa if his development continues in that manner and given how well Phillips has handled himself in recent years, the emerging Thorp Arch talent should hold his own in the big time, if even given that opportunity.

Kenneh has been lauded as a ‘supremely-gifted’ and versatile prodigy by The Athletic’s Phil Hay in the past, whilst The Roaring Peacock podcaster Matty Ingham has previously described the youngster as “one of the biggest prospects in the academy if we’re being honest. Big, physical presence, can carry the ball and he’s powerful and quick.”

The 18-year-old gem was part of the Whites’ Premier League 2 Divison Two title-winning squad, and has racked up 27 appearances for the U23s, including 12 matches in the Premier League 2 and three games in the EFL Trophy – even captaining the team once – this term alone, via Transfermarkt.

Also dubbed a “big prospect” and “one to watch” by Hay in a fan Q&A, the “really assertive” Kenneh is also similar to Phillips in terms of leadership and communication, having earned further praise from youth coach Mark Jackson, per LeedsLive.

He has certainly caught the eye of the Leeds faithful on social media in recent times and they should get even more excited by the prospect of having a potential heir to the throne.

On the above evidence, it’s surely a matter of time before we see the teen sensation get his chance in the senior set-up. He has early qualities that could replicate that of the England international.

In Kenneh, United may well have another Phillips.

AND in other news, Leeds must axe £13.5m-rated dud who left Bielsa “furious”, he’s not good enough for PL…

Raheem Sterling won’t be leaving Manchester City to join FC Barcelona in January, according to Marca.

City are said to be unwilling to let Sterling leave The Etihad on loan midway through the campaign.

Sterling’s equalising goal in City’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain in midweek was his fourth of the season.

The Englishman has now started, and scored, in back-to-back matches but game time has been limited overall.

The £300,000-per-week forward has started only four of City’s first 12 Premier League matches.

Sterling, who’s valued at £81million by Transfermarkt, will be out of contract at the end of next season.

Sterling not the only City player Barca fancy

21-year-old Spaniard Ferran Torres has, according to The Athletic’s Sam Lee, been ‘seduced by the idea of leading the line’ for Barcelona.

City are aware that he’s keen to move to the Camp Nou in January.

Fan feed City Xtra relayed Marca’s Sterling report, and here’s how supporters responded.

City fans celebrate news that Sterling won’t leave in Jan

“Sterling is staying in City no matter what happens go find someone else”

Credit: @Stark03865875

“Good, but Sterling deserves game time then…..”

Credit: @Goatdebruyne

“Super Raz is here to stay”

Credit: @curtis73479941

“Yesss”

Credit: @Mr_Magic_Bryce

“Phewww…”

Credit: @lqmnkhai

“This has been a good day of news”

Credit: @_TJ932O

“Dub”

Credit: @Irish_cityfan

In other news, a Bundesliga target has emerged for the reigning Premier League champs.

Newcastle United’s new KSA owners are reportedly ‘ready to go crazy’ as they ‘dream’ of hiring Antonio Conte as their next manager.

The Lowdown: Conte demands

Writing in a piece for The Chronicle, Lee Ryder has revealed that Conte is ‘open’ to another shot at managing in the Premier League, and is keen to learn of what conditions would be involved at St. James’ Park.

The ‘key element’ for Conte is the degree of control he would have over players coming to the North East, as he has ‘not always had full control’ in his previous roles at both Chelsea and Inter Milan, so such assurances would be ‘vital’ for him.

The Latest: Wanted

As per Calcio Mercato Web, the new owners on Tyneside are ‘ready to go crazy’ from a financial sense to try and bring Conte to the Magpies, as they now ‘dream’ of hiring him to replace the departed Steve Bruce.

They have ‘no intention’ of giving up on trying to get their man, and Milan star Theo Hernandez would become their ‘main target’ as a sweetener to get him on board.

The Verdict: Lots of persuasion needed…

Given that the Toon currently find themselves in a relegation battle at the moment in the top flight, it would take a lot of persuading for Conte to take the job straight away.

Described as an ‘exceptional’ coach by former Chelsea star Graham Roberts, the Italian had a lot of success at Stamford Bridge, winning both the Premier League and FA Cup, while he has also won seven other trophies in his luxurious career so far (Transfermarkt).

Of course, the new owners could throw a lot of money at Conte, and it would then be up to him over whether to come into a relegation fight.

Nonetheless, it would be a quite remarkable appointment if they manage to pull it off.

In other news, find out which NUFC talks with this Tuchel-like manager are ‘ongoing’ here!

West Ham are reportedly interested in signing Real Betis and Argentina defensive midfielder Guido Rodriguez, with the Irons’ London rivals Arsenal also seen as potential suitors.

The Lowdown: Rodriguez impresses for club and country

The 27-year-old has matured into a strong performer for Betis in recent years, making 65 appearances, including eight starts already in La Liga this season.

Rodriguez’s performances have led to him winning 19 caps for Argentina so far, with the defensive midfielder clinching Copa America glory earlier in the year.

It could be that a move elsewhere arrives at some point, and if a fresh update is to be believed, a switch to the Premier League may be on the cards.

[freshpress-quiz id=“375258″]

The Latest: West Ham linked with move

According to Fichajes, West Ham are keen on acquiring the services of the £19.8m-rated Argentine, although Betis value him at €30m (£25.3m).

Arsenal are also thought to be in the mix, with Rodriguez reported to have ‘aroused the interest’ of both clubs.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-9/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]

The Verdict: Possible Rice replacement

Declan Rice has grown into a superb player for West Ham, and while the hope is that he stays at the club for many more years to come, he may move on eventually amid consistent rumoured transfer interest in him.

It could be that Rodriguez is viewed as someone who could come in and replace the England midfielder, potentially even providing an upgrade on Tomas Soucek. The Czech ace has the Irons’ best tackling average this season with 2.6 per game, but even that is surpassed by the Argentine’s 2.9 per match, suggesting that the Betis beast would add plenty of steel to David Moyes’ midfield.

If Rice does move to pastures new next year, West Ham could do a lot worse than bringing in a no-nonsense replacement in Rodriguez.

In other news, some West Ham fans are delighted at the sight of one player back in training. Find out who it is here.

Sheffield Wednesday have gathered a rather mixed bag of results in their current League One campaign so far, winning four, drawing two and losing three of their opening nine league games of the season. That has left them in ninth place in the table with a home clash against Oxford United coming up this Saturday.

The Owls’ latest league match saw them beat Wigan Athletic 2-1 at the DW Stadium, ultimately knocking their opponents off top spot in the table.

Despite Darren Moore’s side managing to take all three points in midweek thanks to an own goal from Max Power and a second half strike from Callum Paterson, there was one Owls player in the game who did not have a particularly successful night.

On The Chalkboard

Left-back Jaden Brown, who played in a more advanced role against Wigan and has done throughout the season so far, lost possession 12 times and ultimately earned himself a rather disappointing overall match rating of 5.8/10, making him Wednesday’s lowest-rated player on the night according to SofaScore.

Since joining the Owls on a free transfer from Championship club Huddersfield Town during the summer transfer window, the 22-year-old – who is currently valued at £450k according to Transfermarkt – has made six appearances across all competitions for Wednesday, but has yet to score a goal or provide an assist for the team.

Looking ahead to the match against Oxford, we feel that it would be the best if Moore were to drop Brown from the team on this occasion and give Olamide Shodipo – who recently defended Moore and Wednesday’s start to the season – a chance to see if he can be a better fit for the team on the left of midfield.

Moving forward, if Moore decides to stick with Brown in that position, the 22-year-old will need to vastly improve upon what he delivered on the pitch against Wigan, or else he could soon find himself out of the team as the season progresses.

In other news: “Unpredictable” £4.8k-p/w ace drops promising transfer hint, SWFC fans will be buzzing

Newcastle United have interviewed former RB Leipzig boss Ralf Rangnick for the role of sporting director as a new era begins at St James’ Park under PIF.

What’s the story?

According to The Daily Mirror, the club’s new owners are keen to revamp the club from the top down, and one of the areas in which they are considering making a move for is the sporting director role.

It’s been suggested that both Rangnick, and former PSG transfer supremo, Antero Henrique, have been interviewed for the position as they look to make some big changes at St James’ Park.

Rangnick would be perfect

Aside from his work as a sporting director, Rangnick has also previously had extensive managerial experience, and that could prove to be an ideal piece of knowledge for any new man coming in looking to liaise with him on potential targets and recruitment.

The Athletic described his approach as being “Bielsa-esque” as he plays a high-pressing game that looks to dominate on the front-foot – it’s perhaps no surprise then that he is actually renowned as being the pioneer of the ‘gengenpress’ system.

As well as that, Rangnick has also been dubbed as “a professor, a scientist of football,” and the “architect” of RB Leipzig’s rise into a Champions League outfit, bringing through the likes of Timo Werner, Naby Keita and Marcel Sabitzer in his time there at the club.

What’s perhaps most telling about the kind of impact he has on European football over these past two decades is the number of high-profile coaches who point to him as being their main source of inspiration, including Jurgen Klopp.

The Liverpool boss simply said: “One of the best, if not the best German coach.”

That’s high praise from a Premier League and Champions League winning manager, and while his role would be slightly different at St James’ Park as a sporting director, it would be such a massive coup for the Magpies to bring Rangnick into the fold.

Newcastle fans would surely be delighted with the 63-year-old’s appointment.

Meanwhile, Newcastle must also get rid of this man as well as Bruce…

Crystal Palace are yet to pay West Brom for defender Nathan Ferguson, The Express and Star report.

And, as to be expected, a number of Palace fans have been reacting to the update on social media.

The Eagles signed Ferguson last year after his Baggies contract expired and months on after an £11m transfer fell through.

Unfortunately, the defender is yet to make a senior appearance at Selhurst Park due to a number of injuries – the latest being a serious achilles problem.

However, as Ferguson is under 24 years of age, West Brom are entitled to compensation from the Eagles, despite his off-field problems at Palace.

The Express and Star shared an update on Thursday, believing a tribunal still hasn’t taken place to determine a fee for the £34,000-a-week defender, over 12 months on after leaving The Hawthorns.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared the news regarding Ferguson on social media. Here’s what some Eagles supporters had to say in reply, with one believing he could be a game-changer for Patrick Vieira once fully fit.

“Oh wow! Does this mean we can just pay the two thirds of his contract that remains? Assuming he actually plays for us this season……”

Credit: @gazbod

“Want him to get fit and play so bad. Think could be a game changer. Hope he’s close.”

Credit: @CHSCPFC

“Hardly surprising. The boy hasn’t kicked a ball yet!”

Credit: @DannyHmmFace

“Let ‘em wait!!!!!”

Credit: @cjbearcpfc

“Take him back. Has not even kicked a ball yet”

Credit: @DeanMHill1

“He’s not even played lol”

Credit: @SteYouLater24

In other news: ‘Shambles’ – Many Palace fans fume as ‘shocking’ pre-Tottenham update emerges.