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Leeds United revealed on Monday evening that young defender Leif Davis had signed a new contract with the Championship club until the summer of 2023.The left-back, who moved to Elland Road from Morecambe in the summer of 2018, made five first-team appearances for the Whites during the 2018/19 campaign.The 19-year-old has also featured on three occasions in the Championship this season, including against Queens Park Rangers and Blackburn Rovers in Leeds’ last two outings.It is clear that the teenager is now very much in the plans of head coach Marcelo Bielsa.And Davis will have time to develop with the security of a contract that will run until the end of the 2022-23 campaign.

As expected, a number of Leeds fans have been on social media offering their views on the contract news, and it is not a surprise that many are delighted with the update.

A selection of the Twitter reaction is available to view below:

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…

Chelsea’s Willian is currently a really hot product on the market.

Of course, a lot of it has to do with the Brazilian’s contract actually running out in the summer of 2020, which would mean clubs could potentially snatch him up either completely for free or just for an affordable price.

His age and the current status at the club could also play a part.

After all, the Brazilian is now 31 and has not really started his 2019/20 campaign as strongly as we’re used to seeing.

Even though he recorded 1088 minutes in a total of 15 games across all competitions for Chelsea in the ongoing season, he found himself on the bench three times in the Premier League already.

And just recently, all of this was reinforced with links with Juventus and Barcelona respectively, as per reports from the The Mirror.

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But looking at those two clubs, the Italian giants should really not hesitate to pull the trigger on this transfer.

And sure, Willian is not the best goal-scorer out there but he still managed to bag 55 goals and assist a further 56 in his 307 games for the Blues, but he offers much more than just that.

His experience, both on the club and international level, could go a long way to helping them achieve success in Europe and besides, he is very much the definition of a clutch player.

Just recently, he captained his side to a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace, assisting one of the goals himself and producing a rather brilliant display.

Not to mention that he scored three goals and assisted seven in the 15 games Chelsea played on their way to Europa League glory in the 2018/19 campaign.

He’s also won 69 caps for Brazil, competing on the biggest stages of them all such as the World Cup and the Copa America.

Needless to say, if they’re looking for an impactful player with an elite mentality, a plethora of experience and a couple more years at the very top of his game, Juventus should look no further than Willian.

Even Mircea Lucescu, his former manager at Shakhtar Donetsk, believes the Bianconeri would be ideal for him. Talking to Tuttosport (via Goal) he said the following:

“Willian’s contract at Chelsea is expiring, it would be good for him to change it up a bit after all these years in London. The Bianconeri would be ideal for him.”

Whether they get him for free or on a discount is irrelevant at this point.

Either way, it’s a no-brainer and a bargain the Old Lady should not miss out on.

Besiktas are looking to sign on-loan goalkeeper Loris Karius from Liverpool on a permanent basis, according to reports from Turkey.

Fanatik claimed [via Sport Witness] that the Istanbul-based club want to sign the 26-year-old permanently after an upturn in form over the past few weeks, with a proposal to complete an €8m (£6.84m) transfer in four equal instalments over a four-year period.

The German is into the second year of a two-year loan spell at Besiktas from Anfield, with the Turkish side hoping to formalise the deal in January if Liverpool agree to their transfer proposal, as per Fanatik [via Sport Witness].

If Fanatik’s reports are true, it would represent a remarkable volte-face from Besiktas, with Takvim claiming less than a month ago [via The Mirror] that the Turkish club were seeking to cancel Karius’ loan spell prematurely.

The goalkeeper endured a difficult start to the season, conceding nine goals in four league games during the autumn as well as being culpable for a horrendous misjudgement in Besiktas’ Europa League loss to Slovan Bratislava, when he raced from his line but failed to reach a 50-50 ball, gifting Andraz Sporar a tap-in, as per The Guardian.

However, since the start of October, Karius’ form has improved drastically, with only one goal conceded in his last five league matches as Besiktas collected 13 points from a possible 15. [via TransferMarkt]

That run included a derby victory over Galatasaray in which he kept a clean sheet and made three saves, a feat he repeated in their most recent outing against Denizlispor.

He has actually had a better record of late than Liverpool’s Alisson, who has conceded one goal in each of his six Reds appearances since returning from a calf injury a month ago. [via TransferMarkt]

However, the Brazilian still has a better return for the season overall with seven goals conceded in eight appearances (0.87 per game), compared to Karius’ 20 in 14 matches (1.43 per game).

Adrian, who deputised for Alisson during his spell out injured, let in 13 goals in his 11 games for the Reds this term (1.18 per game), also leaving him with a better concession rate than the German throughout 2019/20.

Aside from Alisson and Adrian, Liverpool can also call upon Caoimhin Kelleher in goals, with the young Irishman managing a clean sheet on his senior debut against MK Dons in September and making a decisive penalty save in the Carabao Cup shoot-out win over Arsenal last month.

Karius may be on a good run of form now, but his error against Slovan Bratislava had echoes of the fateful 2018 Champions League final, and with the Reds already well-stocked for goalkeeping options, they would be right to accept Besiktas’ reported £6.84m transfer proposal if the Turkish club follow through on it.

What is really crazy to think about is that the Reds paid just £4.75m to bring the Mainz man to Anfield, so could actually be set to make a profit on a player who has done nothing but make mistakes, both on Merseyside and while out on loan.

Fans have often praised sporting director Michael Edwards for his work in selling players like Dominic Solanke, Jordon Ibe and Christian Benteke for more than they are likely worth, and it appears another master-class from the Reds transfer guru could be on the way.

Liverpool fans, should the club accept the transfer offer that Besiktas are reportedly lining up if presented to them in January? Have your say by commenting below!

Snack Media are calling on all football supporters to join the #FlyTheFlag campaign at 3pm today.

The footballing world has been rocked by COVID-19 with virtually all games across the world suspended until further notice, but the #FlyTheFlag campaign gives the football and wider sports community the chance to re-engage and reunite in support of a fantastic cause.

As well as showing our thanks to health workers across the country and solidarity amongst the sports community, the campaign aims to raise money for Age UK and the NHS charities, which you can donate to by clicking on the links provided.

The task at hand for footy fans is pretty simple. Simply represent your football club by throwing on your favourite shirt and any other accessories, and share a video or photo of yourself on social media at 3pm this afternoon – the traditional kickoff time in English football – using the hashtag #FlyTheFlag.

While awareness is great and a key objective of the campaign, of course the bottom line is how much money can be raised. Any donations from 1p to £100 (or more if you can afford it) are of course more than welcome and will go to causes that need the most help during this incredibly difficult time.

So, football fans, are you up to the challenge? We hope to see you in your best Lilywhites clobber at 3pm today!

For more information on the #FlyTheFlag campaign, click here.

Wolverhampton Wanderers could go back in for one of their former targets this summer and our writers have given their verdicts on the potential move.

According to Calciomercato, AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie is being monitored by the west Midlanders as well as West Ham ahead of a possible end of season switch to the Premier League.

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Nuno Santo was previously in for the box-to-box powerhouse during pre-season and again ahead of the January transfer window, so maybe it’ll be third time lucky for his Molineux-based side.

Kessie is valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, although it remains to be seen how much the 23-year-old would cost Wolves.

He’s featured 25 times this season for the Serie A titans, so you’d imagine he wouldn’t come on the cheap.

Here’s what we think about the speculation…

Jack Saville

“Nuno could be making a huge blunder with a deal for Franck Kessie.

“The AC Milan regular’s form is erratic and Nuno would need to work wonders to make him a valuable asset in the Premier League.

“Boasting a passing accuracy of 88.1%, and given the fact he is dispossessed just 1.2 times per game, there’s no doubt the 23-year-old is neat and tidy in possession of the ball, but he is simply not effective enough in recovering possession to merit a move to Molineux. 

“Kessie has averaged just 1.7 tackles and 0.7 interceptions per Serie A appearance this season while, by comparison, Joao Moutinho has made 2.7 and 1.4 respectively.

“If Wolves wish to progress and challenge the elite in English football, they’ll need to land a vastly superior long-term replacement for Moutinho at the base of the midfield.”

James Beavis

“There is a reason Franck Kessie was once compared to Yaya Toure, and that’s because he is a good football player.

“Yes, he may not have quite hit the heights with Serie A giants AC Milan, but it doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have that potential and quality to still be unlocked in those central areas.

“Look at Adama Traore, for example. The Spaniard was far from the finished article when he moved to Molineux from Middlesbrough, but now he is arguably one of the best in his position in the Premier League thanks to how Nuno Santo has developed him.

“If Wolves did get a deal over the line for Kessie, Santo could turn him into another Traore and finally have his long-term Joao Moutinho replacement at Molineux.

“Fosun would strike gold again by signing the 23-year-old.”

Lewis Blain

“As I have previously written about here, the addition of Kessie to Wolves’ midfield armoury would be an astute acquisition as it would allow Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho to thrive further forward up the pitch.

“Nuno is crying out for a proper defensive midfielder that can help protect his back three as Leander Dendoncker has been a bit hit-and-miss as seen by his recent exclusions from the starting XI.

“Kessie would bring the solution to Molineux with him averaging 1.7 tackles and 1.7 fouls per game in Serie A this season. That added bite could be the necessary factor to bring success through an elite and industrious midfield trio at Wolves.”

AND in other news, Morgan Gibbs-White needs to be looking over his shoulder if Wolves clinch Ligue 1 STAR…

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been linked with an audacious move for a former World Cup star this week, but since his rise to fame, his career has taken a drastic turn for the worse whilst it also stinks of a Jorge Mendes disaster.

According to Marca, the west Midlanders are one of several English clubs keen on landing Real Madrid flop James Rodriguez this summer. Everton and Arsenal are reportedly the two others interested.

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The Colombian clinched the Golden Boot in the 2014 World Cup and subsequently secured a £63m move to Los Galacticos, but since then, he’s massively fallen out of favour – being forced out on loan to Bayern Munich last season whilst this term, he’s been restricted to only 13 appearances for a total of 680 minutes via Transfermarkt.

It is believed that the 28-year-old, who is owned by Mendes’ Gestifute agency, would cost around €50m (£44m), although this is ultimately a move Nuno Santo will want to swerve unless he wants to hinder Joao Moutinho’s presence at Molineux.

His fellow countryman is the heart of this current Wolves squad, and despite being 33, he’s getting better and better with age – the finest wine of the Premier League.

Moutinho hit an impressive eight assists in his first season in England and has followed it up this campaign with 13 more as per Transfermarkt.

His glistening figures must be broken down even more to see the true impact he has in the west Midlands – per WhoScored, the playmaker averages 2.5 tackles, 2.1 key passes and 1.8 crosses. Only three other midfielders in the Premier League manage more tackles each match.

The potential arrival of Rodriguez would surely put pay to his exploits in the middle of the pitch – would he really leave Real Madrid to sit on the bench of Wolves? It seems rather unlikely, so Nuno would have to give him regular game time and that would have to be at the expense of Moutinho, given the duo’s natural positions.

Mendes meddling this deal may hint towards him only trying to help himself and his client, rather than the Europa League hopefuls, and thus Wolves must spur any advancements for the benefit of not just Moutinho’s career but also their immediate prospects too.

AND in other news, landing this 6 foot 6 colossus would be Vallejo 2.0 all over again…

Newcastle United’s prospective takeover continues to rumble on with some fans beginning to vent their doubts on social media this week, but Sky Sports’ Pete Graves has taken measures to alleviate matters with a fresh update.The reporter, who often covers the Magpies, responded to one supporter on Twitter when asked for some news on what was going on.Graves claims that the deal is ‘still ongoing’ as it is with the Premier League to decide. He said:

These things take time, especially when there can be no face-to-face meetings under the current climate, which will only slow things down considerably.

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This is the furthest any prospective move has ever gotten so there’s optimism that they can pull this one over the line to finally end Mike Ashley’s 13-year tenure at the helm.

The Magpies faithful will have to be a little more patient as this one edges ever closer to completion.

AND in other news,ÂNewcastle fans BLAST Jonjo Shelvey for transfer claim…

Arguably one of the forgotten men of what had been another incredible season for Liverpool, Dejan Lovren’s game-time at Anfield has been majorly limited.

The Croatia international has featured just 14 times across all competitions under Jurgen Klopp this year, with only nine of them coming in the Reds’ charge for the Premier League title.

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A muscle injury has played a big part in his lack of first-team action, and it now appears, he may have played one of his final games for the club.

According to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Serie A giants AS Roma hope that their good working relationship with Liverpool can allow them to strike a deal for Lovren.

After hearing about the update on the Croatian’s future, Liverpool fans took to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the situation.

A couple of Liverpool fans name-checked Michael Edwards, and his incredible work in negotiating.

With Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez helping to form a formidable partnership at the back – the Reds have conceded just 21 goals all season in the Premier League – it’s difficult to see how Lovren realistically fits into Klopp’s plans.

The Merseyside club may well just be better off cashing in on the centre-back this summer.

Liverpool could be deprived of winning the Premier League at Anfield as plans are put in place to hold several high-risk matches at neutral venues.

The Reds are currently 25 points clear at the top of the table, and are just two wins and six points away from being crowned champions. The club’s supporters have been waiting for this ultimate league success for the last 30 years, and in normal circumstances the celebrations would likely be akin to no other, but the current pandemic means that the outpouring of delight will be more restrained.

The good news is, it has been confirmed that the top flight will return on June 17th. But, not only will there be no fans at stadiums for the rest of this campaign, but the Merseyside outfit are unlikely to be able to win the league at their own stadium. The Times have reported that Liverpool’s home games may not be held at Anfield in an attempt to discourage supporters from congregating outside the ground.

Whilst the Reds are unlikely to be the only team affected by such rules – Manchester United vs Sheffield United, as well as Manchester City vs Newcastle, could meet the same fate – it would be even more crushing to not win the title on their home turf. The season may already be one out of the norm, but this would be even more of a hit to the players who have been so fantastic up until now.

Let us know what you think below!

Chelsea will look to continue their positive run of form as they prepare to take on reigning champions Manchester City. 

Unarguably, something exciting is happening down at Stamford Bridge as Frank Lampard continues to poach serious talent.

Even without top scorer Tammy Abraham, the Blues were able to fight back from being 1-0 down, to securing a win against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Wins from both sides see them retain their respective positions in the Premier League table, but a win against City would be a huge statement from Chelsea. After a tough start to the season, they have done extremely well to come back fighting and have Champions League football locked in their sights.

City’s 5-0 win over Burnley earlier this week will have put them in good stead, so the Blues must be ready to defend against that blistering Pep Guardiola attack.

Transfer Tavern has put together a predicted starting lineup for how Lampard may opt to go into the game.

Olivier Giroud did well to get himself on the scoresheet against Villa and it will be a huge boost for his confidence. He will keep his position with Abraham still easing himself back to full match fitness.

Christian Pulisic will take the place of Ruben Loftus-Cheek on the left-wing after his superb substitute appearance. The former Dortmund man netted Chelsea’s equaliser against Villa which set the tone for their eventual win.

Lampard will keep the defence the same and will have more than likely worked on how to shut out Man City’s clinical attackers. However, a start for Billy Gilmour could be on the cards over the likes of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho. Although he is less experienced than the other two, his raw passion to play for the club could be a driving force in the heart of the midfield.

His last Premier League match against Everton saw him maintain a 91% passing accuracy rate as well as creating a goal-scoring opportunity and making one tackle (via Sofascore). Gilmour may also be underestimated as a weak link and he could catch City off-guard with his pace and movement on the ball, whilst he will also be fresh having not featured at Villa Park.

Guardiola and his men will still have hope they can catch leaders Liverpool and will push to score goals. If Chelsea can make them pay on the counter-attack, they could walk away with all three points.

Do you think this is a lineup Lampard could opt for, Blues? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!