Claims Andrea Radrizzani Won’t Sell Leeds

YouTuber Conor McGilligan claimed that majority owner Andrea Radrizzani won't leave Leeds United even if they get relegated.

What's the latest news on Leeds and Radrizzani?

It's been a hectic few days after the Whites last played in the Premier League game. Indeed, after losing to Bournemouth 4-1, that seems to have sparked chaos behind the scenes.

First of all, Radrizzani admitted he was "broken" and accepted responsibility for the club's terrible form. Since then, as per Fabrizio Romano, it's been decided that Javi Gracia will be sacked and replaced by Sam Allardyce. On top of that, however, director of football Victor Orta has left the club by mutual consent.

Amid all this mess, Leeds are strong candidates to be relegated as they sit 17th in the league but level on points with Nottingham Forest below them.

While speaking about it all on the One Leeds Fan Channel, McGilligan insisted that Radrizzani would remain at the club for financial reasons even if they were to go down.

He said (4:19): "I do think Radrizzani will still remain owner of Leeds United when Leeds do go down.

"Because I think he will want to revitalise, he will want to make some of that money back via parachute payments, player sales.

“But he has got to get this next appointment as director of football right. Because, for me, it shows that Radrizzani isn't clued up on many bits when it comes to football, hence why he gave so much power to Victor Orta.”

Will Radrizzani sell Leeds?

It is expected that Leeds’ chairman Radrizzani and majority shareholder will sell to 49ers Enterprises in the near future but it remains unclear when exactly that will happen.

As per The Athletic, the 49ers hold an option to acquire the Premier League club in January 2024 but in their report also claim "figures familiar with the deal and the discussions around it believe it will proceed by this summer, if not sooner."

If it is to happen sooner, that would potentially require a negotiation on the final selling fee. And this figure would likely drop if the Whites are relegated, so Radrizzani may be reluctant to immediately let go of his asset in that instance – especially as player sales and parachute payments can help him recoup some money, just as McGilligan explains.

In the meantime, however, it seems very important that the chairman gets things right regarding the next director of football at Leeds. After all, if they do drop out of the Premier League and can't get back up immediately, his asset will seriously diminish in value even more.

Liverpool confident they can land Mason Mount

Liverpool have 'confidence' they can land Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount this summer, says CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest transfer news involving Mason Mount?

As per Football Insider, Newcastle United expect Liverpool to pip them in the summer transfer window and beat them to the signing of Mount.

The same outlet also state that a contract for the 24-year-old to join Liverpool has been 'prepared and approved' as Jurgen Klopp eyes making a marquee addition to his midfield in the forthcoming off-season.

Nevertheless, The Evening Standard have reported that Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has resumed negotiations with Mount over him signing a new agreement at Stamford Bridge following months of deadlock.

Boehly has asked the England international to agree to a one or two-year deal to extend his current terms that run out in 2024. At the same time, Chelsea are believed to value Mount at around £70 million in an attempt to ward off keen suitors, including Liverpool alongside Manchester United, Arsenal, Newcastle and Manchester City.

CBS Sports journalist Jacobs thinks that Liverpool have a good chance of bringing Mount to Anfield this summer.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs said: "Liverpool will push there. He's definitely one of the big priorities and there is a confidence at Liverpool's end that they can get Mount for a bargain due to the contract winding down.

"Now we have to wait and see whether Chelsea's new manager impacts anything and what Chelsea do, in response to firm interest, to try and keep the player because, even though he hasn't had his best season, Chelsea still don't want to lose Mount. But obviously, they're not going to go beyond the summer if he doesn't sign a contract and risk not taking the fee."

Would Mason Mount be a good signing for Liverpool?

He'd certainly add some fresh ideas to the Reds' ageing midfield and could be the ideal foil for Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez in attack.

The 24-year-old has excelled compared to his positional peers in the art of shots on goal, having had 2.41 per 90 minutes over the last 365 days, meaning he ranks in the top 3% for this metric against other midfielders in Europe's top five divisions (via FBref).

In total, Mount has made 35 appearances for Chelsea this season in all competitions, notching three goals and six assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Evidently, Mount has flickered in and out of periods of inconsistency in 2022/23; however, he still produces a lot of useful output from the middle of the park and could excel under Klopp if the German coach entices the midfielder to swap west London for Merseyside in the summer.

Leeds: £50k-p/w Ace Has Been Transformed Under Gracia

Javi Gracia has given Leeds United a new lease of life since his arrival at Elland Road, with the Spaniard overseeing vital wins against Southampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest.

The Yorkshire outfit now look to be in a better position than most in the Premier League relegation battle but it is so tight that a poor run of form could easily see Leeds drop back down the table.

Gracia's instant impact on results has been impressive but his transformation of key attackers has also been vital to the upturn in form, with Luis Sinisterra arguably enjoying his best game since joining the club on Tuesday night when he scored the winner against Forest.

However, it has arguably been the form of Jack Harrison since Gracia's appointment that has been the most eye-catching change under the former Watford boss at Elland Road.

How has Jack Harrison improved under Gracia?

Although it was a strong start to the season from the former Manchester City man, as he notched three assists and one goal in the opening three fixtures, he would then endure a barren run of form that saw him fail to register a single goal contribution in any game for the rest of 2022.

While the 26-year-old winger did manage a goal and assist in the 3-1 win over Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup, he had a woeful record of no goals and just one assist in 15 Premier League games ahead of Marsch's sacking in February.

Gracia was appointed on February 21st and Harrison, who earns £50k-per-week at Elland Road, has been a key player for the new manager ever since then, kick-starting his and Leeds' revival with an assist in the 1-0 win over Southampton.

javi-gracia-leeds-united-junior-firpo

Other than in tough away defeats against Chelsea and Arsenal, Harrison has been a constant threat to Premier League defences recently, hitting three goals and an assist in games against Brighton, Wolves and Nottingham Forest.

Leeds were very close to losing the English wide man in January when Leicester City came calling, but Marsch handed the Yorkshire outfit a parting gift by ensuring that Harrison remained at Elland Road, until the end of the season at least.

Marsch said: “Listen, all I’ll say is, I really like Jack first as a person. He’s one of the most incredible people I’ve ever coached.

“We like him here. We want to keep him. He’s performing really well. I think getting him fit and healthy has been a big key. He’s got flexibility in the way he plays.”

Harrison has certainly lived up to that praise following the American's departure and if he can maintain this impressive form, then he could be a key player for Leeds in their bid for survival.

Dyche Could Replace Everton Leader With £16m "Diamond"

Everton have enjoyed an upturn in form since Sean Dyche's appointment, with the 51-year-old taking over a squad admittedly lacking in quality and confidence and managing to steer them out of the relegation zone thus far.

Since the Toffees brought him in, they have yielded the fourth-most points, with only Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur having recorded more.

It marks a mini miracle, as the ex-Burnley boss seeks to continue this following the imminent conclusion of the international break.

However, disaster has once again struck for the Merseyside outfit, who were dealt a huge blow as their club captain Seamus Coleman was outlined as a doubt for his country's upcoming game.

The Irishman has seldom had much fortune when playing for the Boys in Green, with the 34-year-old suffering the worst injury of his career in a match against Wales where he sustained a broken leg.

Given that this potential ailment is of far less concern, despite him enjoying the best form he's had in recent years, it does now allow the returning Nathan Patterson to prove to the new boss why he is the perfect man to take over from him in the near future.

When will Nathan Patterson play for Everton?

Having joined for £16m back in January of 2022, the youngster has struggled for fitness throughout his tenure at Goodison Park. Just when opportunities seem to arise for him, the Scotsman is usually struck down with an issue of his own.

His latest came against Brighton and Hove Albion, where he suffered what Frank Lampard described as a "freak" injury that has seen him ruled out ever since.

But whilst one right back suffers on international duty, the other made his triumphant long-awaited return to senior football in a short cameo for Scotland.

The 21-year-old came on for the final portion of the game, having built up to a re-emergence by featuring for Everton's youth sides multiple times.

But by finally getting on the pitch again, for club or country, it bodes well for a strong finish to the season back at Everton.

seamus-coleman-injury-everton-nathan-patterson

Having only featured 13 times this season before the injury, Patterson's 6.74 average rating thus far in his debut Premier League season is impressive. He has already established himself as a capable defender, boasting three tackles and 2.1 interceptions per game (via Sofascore), but it is his youthful energy that marks him apart from the £55k-per-week "leader", as branded by journalist Paddy Boyland.

Although he has impressed this season, Coleman will eventually start to slow down. It, therefore, means that his young successor needs to be ready to step up, and this marks his huge chance to do so. With pundit Danny Murphy having lauded him as a "diamond" already for his displays in Royal Blue, should he find consistency then it could prove incredibly fruitful for Dyche and the club.

Man United could find a Martinez heir in 20 y/o "leader"

As ten-man Manchester United hung on to secure a point at home to Southampton at the weekend, one man who was instrumental in fending off the visitors was Argentine centre-back, Lisandro Martinez, with the World Cup winner again showcasing his class both in and out of possession.

Arguably the club's "best player" against the Saints, according to The Athletic's Carl Anka, the 25-year-old regularly bailed his side out of trouble after recording nine recoveries on the day, having also been remarkably composed on the ball – at one stage expertly turning his man just outside United's penalty area.

That standout showing has come amid what has been a stunning campaign thus far for the former Ajax man since his £56.7m arrival, with the 5 foot 9 warrior shaking off any early doubts over his suitability to the Premier League to become a leading figure in Erik ten Hag's side.

The relentless "animal" – as hailed by compatriot Emi Martinez – has already started 32 games in all competitions this season as a marker of his importance to the backline, with Ten Hag seemingly favouring a left-footed option at centre-back.

The problem for the Red Devils boss will be that lack of alternatives to the 15-cap machine in that role when required, with it perhaps somewhat unsustainable to have to use starting left-back Luke Shaw as something of a makeshift option in the centre of defence.

Therefore, finding a potential heir or understudy to Martinez could be vital for the Old Trafford outfit in the near future, with Ten Hag potentially having an ideal candidate for the role in the form youth star, Bjorn Hardley.

Who is Bjorn Hardley?

While likely not a name familiar to most United supporters, young Hardley has been on the cusp of the first team in recent times, despite having been left to wait to make his senior debut for the club.

The 20-year-old centre-back – who arrived at the club from NAC Breda in his homeland back in 2019 – was called up to first-team training by former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer back in October 2021, having also again made the step up last month with Ten Hag keen to take a closer look.

The promising Dutchman mirrors Martinez in his ability to feature at the heart of the defence, as well as at left-back or in central midfield if required, having previously been hailed as a "special kid" by academy scout, Rene Moonen.

Martinez-Man-United-Premier-League-Ten-Hag-Hardley

Equally, the 6 foot 2 ace has also been hailed as a "real leader" in the recent past by youth coach Neil Ryan, with such a trait again sparking a likeness with that of the Argentine, who has been praised by his manager for bringing "personality" and "character" to the club.

Hardley's quality has been evident so far this season as he has made 22 appearances in all competitions at U21 level – registering two goal contributions – having notably featured in all five EFL Trophy outings earlier in the campaign.

Those appearances in that latter competition saw the emerging gem average a solid 1.6 tackles and one interception per game from his defensive berth, with that record not too dissimilar to that of Martinez, who has averaged 1.8 and 1.2 for the same two metrics, respectively, in the league.

That should indicate that Ten Hag should truly consider giving Hardley a chance if he is to rotate his side in the near future, with the youngster seemingly possessing the necessary traits to be able to flourish in his compatriot's system.

Man City told price to sign Jude Bellingham

Man City among the clubs ‘lining up’ to sign Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham and the Premier League champions have been told his price tag.

The Lowdown: City linked…

Pep Guardiola’s team are one of the many elite sides to have been linked with a move for the 19-year-old in recent months, alongside the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Reports have suggested that City are in contention for the England international’s signature, coming as club captain Ilkay Gundogan’s future remains up in the air.

The German’s contract at Eastlands expires at the end of this season, potentially making sporting director Txiki Begiristain contemplate his successor.

The Latest: City given Bellingham price tag…

As shared by reliable journalist David Ornstein on Twitter, City are indeed ‘lining up’ for Bellingham as well as a queue of other suitors.

The Blues have also been told what it will take to land him with Dortmund setting a marquee price tag of around £132 million.

Writing in a piece for The Athletic, Ornstein and colleagues hint that City could see Bellingham as a replacement for Gundogan given the latter player may leave for free this year.

The Verdict: Perfect player…

Gundogan was Guardiola’s first ever signing at the Etihad and he has gone on to become a faithful servant, endearing himself to supporters with a real on-pitch leadership and crucial moments in big games.

However, if City are to say goodbye to him in 2023, Bellingham could be viewed as the perfect like-for-like successor.

The midfield ‘monster’, as dubbed by members of the press, has been a shining light for Dortmund yet again this season – standing out as their best player by some distance.

Bellingham ranks as their best-performer overall by average match rating, as per WhoScored, all while completing more successful take-ons and attempting a higher number of shots per 90 than any Dortmund player.

The all-round gem also has more tackles per game to his name than any other member of Dortmund’s squad (WhoScored) – further exemplifying his sheer quality.

Tottenham ‘doing everything’ to keep Mikey Moore

Tottenham Hotspur are ‘doing everything’ to keep teenage starlet Mikey Moore and are attempting to tie him down to a long-term deal, according to John Wenham.

The Lowdown: Tottenham’s youth policy…

Spurs have seen many bright and exuberant youth prospects blossom into potential first-team stars, most notably Oliver Skipp and Dane Scarlett in recent years.

The former has been labelled a ‘future Spurs captain’ and already has a few noteworthy performances in the bank. Meanwhile, the latter has been likened to Marcus Rashford by former Lilywhites boss Jose Mourinho, with the promising Englishman currently on loan at Portsmouth.

The Latest: Spurs ‘doing everything’ to keep Moore…

Speaking to Football Insider, Tottenham ‘expert’ Wenham claims that the club hold another youngster in Moore, who is yet to make a first-team appearance, in very high esteem.

Spurs are currently attempting to tie down the 15-year-old with a long-term contract and are believed to be ready to give it their all to keep him.

Wenham explained: “I thought the selection of players was very interesting when the club shared an image of Alan Shearer at the training ground. Tottenham chose some academy players to line up next to Shearer. You had Jamie Donley there, a very highly-rated striker.

“Luca Gunter, a very highly-rated England youth goalkeeper. Then two 15-year-olds, one of which being Mikey Moore.

“Tottenham are trying to tie him down to a long-term deal. We can only do so much, we are involving him in everything that we can.

“He’s started in the Youth Champions League and the Under 18s’ League this season. I get the indication that he will stay and the club are doing everything to make sure that happens.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

The 15-year-old has already displayed real promise in the youth leagues, not just for Spurs but also at international level.

The England under-16 international has two goals in two caps for the young Lions and has plundered three goals and four assists in nine appearances for Tottenham’s under-18s (Transfermarkt).

Moore has attracted huge praise from those who follow the Spurs academy with real intrigue, not least Wenham, who has previously raved over the teenager before this latest appraisal.

The striker has been called a ‘hugely promising’ and ‘hugely impressive’ youngster by the Spurs expert before, and Wenham claimed in another interview last year that the teeanger put in ‘outstanding’ displays in the UEFA Youth League (Football Insider).

If recent form and plaudits are anything to go by, Moore is another hot prospect who could soon emerge from the Hotspur Way academy.

Liverpool have ‘sent scouts’ for Nakamura

Liverpool have ‘sent scouts’ to watch LASK forward Keito Nakamura ahead of a potential switch to the Premier League, according to journalist Mike McGrath.

The Lowdown: Planning for the summer

The Reds completed the signing of PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo earlier in the January transfer window, and whilst Jurgen Klopp has said that there won’t be any new incomings before tonight’s deadline, that hasn’t stopped him from planning for the summer.

The Japanese attacker’s contract in the Austrian Bundesliga isn’t set to expire until 2025, but following an impressive first half of the campaign, he has been generating interest from the English top flight, in particular from Anfield and Brighton.

The Latest: Liverpool eyeing Nakamura

Taking to Twitter, McGrath revealed that Liverpool have sent scouts to see Nakamura in action this term and are set to keep a close eye on him in the lead-up to the summer transfer window.

The Telegraph reporter tweeted: “LASK forward Keito Nakamura subject of approaches from FC Augsburg and Reims but the Japanese player is set to stay with [the] Austrian Bundesliga club for [this] season.

“Liverpool & Brighton have sent scouts to watch him this season (8 goals+3 assists/15 apps) & will monitor him.”

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The Verdict: One for the future

Earlier this season, football talent scout Jacek Kulig gushed that Nakamura has been ‘on fire’, and he would appear to be a massively exciting prospective signing for Liverpool in the long-term.

The Japanese winger has posted 17 goal contributions in 18 appearances for LASK across all competitions so far this season and has represented his country at various age grades up to under-21, albeit without earning a senior cap as of yet (Transfermarkt).

Nakamura also shares the same agent as both Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones, so this could possibly give the Merseyside club an advantage if the race for his signature intensifies in the coming months.

Leeds suffer big injury blow before Cardiff

Leeds United have been handed a big injury blow before tonight’s FA Cup third-round replay with Cardiff City at Elland Road…

What’s the word?

As revealed by Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth, Whites boss Jesse Marsch is likely to be without Liam Cooper after he suffered a knee injury during Monday’s training session.

The American head coach played down the skipper’s chances of featuring this evening during his pre-game press conference, suggesting that “it’ll be difficult” after the “strange” problem arose out of nowhere.

He’ll now surely join Stuart Dallas and Archie Gray on the longer-term treatment table.

Big blow before critical cup clash

This will come as worrying news to the under-fire Marsch as he’ll be without one of his trusted leaders for a clash that could put him in the spotlight even more.

The 49-year-old is already looking to end the Yorkshire outfit’s hoodoo in the FA Cup, having narrowly grasped another shot at the fourth round nearly two weeks ago. His side were 2-0 down at the break before a couple of inspired second-half substitutes snatched a replay against the Bluebirds.

When the Scotsman has been available, Marsch has started him. Indeed, Cooper has played full 90-minute games in seven of Leeds’ last eight Premier League outings, but he wasn’t in the squad to face Cardiff last time out.

His absence was clearly missed as a backline including deputising captain Pascal Struijk and Diego Llorente shipped two quick goals to a struggling Championship outfit.

Neither looked convincing enough to start again in west Yorkshire tonight, with the former looking rusty after a large stint at left-back and the latter arguably being at fault for ball-watching for both of the goals.

Cooper, once dubbed a “real leader” among his peers on and off the pitch by journalist Dean Jones, is certainly going to be a big miss in what is a crucial encounter that could well decide the immediate future of the manager, with the Daily Mail recently claiming that transfer plans were on hold due to doubts over Marsch.

The 31-year-old’s experience and leadership could have helped navigate a potential banana skin and cup upset, so you’d imagine that the under-pressure boss is worried about tonight’s prospects as a result of this latest setback.

AND in other news, Bid made: Orta now eyeing “world-class” £26m maestro at Leeds, imagine him & Rodrigo…

Celtic planning Casper Tengstedt talks

Celtic are planning talks with the representatives of Rosenborg striker Casper Tengstedt, according to journalist Mark Hendry.

The Lowdown: Striker search

The Hoops have already bolstered their defensive ranks by agreeing on deals for Yuki Kobayashi and Alistair Johnston.

Attention now seems to be turning to additions further forward after contract talks with Giorgos Giakoumakis broke down. Cho Gue-sung appears to be the club’s main target, while Ladislav Almasi has been linked again in recent days, but Tengstedt is also of interest.

The Latest: Tengstedt talks planned

Hendry shared a story for Football Scotland on Thursday morning, revealing that Celtic are one of a number of clubs interested in Tengstedt.

The reliable reporter added that ‘initial conversations’ with the striker’s representatives are scheduled, with Tengstedt considered a ‘serious prospect.

The Verdict: In fine form

Tengstedt is just 22 years of age and can play anywhere across the front three, although the majority of his appearances during his career so far have come down the middle.

He has found the back of the net with ease for his current employers in 2022, scoring 15 times and registering nine assists in just 14 games to take his senior tally to 35.

Therefore, you could say that he may prove to be an excellent signing and potential replacement for Giakoumakis by Hoops officials, however, the club may need to act fast and beat multiple clubs to his services.

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