We're well into the second half of the January transfer window now, and it's been a very quiet one for Leicester City up to this point. Luke Thomas has made an early return to the club after a loan spell at Sheffield United, while goalkeeper Daniel Iversen has been sent to Stoke City on a permanent deal.

There's no critical need for Enzo Maresca to do business, of course. Leicester currently sit seven points clear of Ipswich at the top of the Championship, and ten clear of third-placed Southampton. They look more than good enough to achieve promotion with their current roster.

Still, the manager is hopeful of building from a position of strength before the 1st February deadline. He's publicly acknowledged that the Foxes 'like' Stefano Sensi at Inter, but stressed that the club must sell before they can buy. Leicester have been in talks with Inter over a deal, and there's now been a breakthrough.

Leicester shake hands on Sensi deal

According to Sky Sports News, Leicester have "agreed" a deal for Sensi in principle. The club must still clear a space in their squad before they advance with the deal, but the basic structure is now in place.

With "some way to go", as per the report, before Sensi can be presented as a Leicester player, Maresca continues to push for the deal. You'd imagine that the club are now actively inviting offers for players who are surplus to requirements.

Leicester should sell Thomas to sign "glorious" Sensi

Sensi joined Inter from Sassuolo in 2020 after an initial loan spell at San Siro, but has since spent time on loan at Sampdoria and Monza. He's racked up 142 games of experience in Serie A, but has appeared just 56 times for the Nerazzurri. This season, he's only played 28 minutes of league football across three substitute appearances and has watched the full game from the bench on 13 occasions. His contract is due to expire this summer, so there's a clear incentive for Inter to bank some money for him this month rather than lose him for nothing.

Journalist Jack Collins describes him as a "glorious, glorious footballer", and while he's not really had the platform to show what he can do at Inter, the nine-cap international put up some impressive numbers at Monza last season. He ranked second for passes received per 90 (61.3) and third for passes completed (60.5), making him something of a midfield hub for Raffaele Palladino's side.

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While he would at times play the final ball himself – he ranked third in the squad for expected assists (xA) per 90 (0.14) – he was better used as a deep-lying playmaking force. Indeed, he led the way for progressive passes (7.94) and passes into the final third (7.11) and wound up third for shot-creating actions (3.5), which shows that he played a key role in his team's attacking sequences without racking up too many assists (one).

The question now is who Leicester can sell to trigger his arrival. One standout candidate is Thomas, who's also into the final six months of his deal and attracting interest from fellow Championship side Sunderland. Maresca clearly hasn't suffered without the full-back this season, and it might make sense for Leicester to sanction a cut-price deal for a player who's on course to be a free agent anyway.

كشف المدير الرياضي لنادي آينتراخت فرانكفورت الألماني، تيمو هاردونج، عن تطورات جديدة حول إصابة عمر مرموش مهاجم منتخب مصر.

وغادر عمر مرموش معسكر منتخب مصر عقب مباراة الرأس الأخضر بعد تعرضه للإصابة.

وتعرض مرموش لإصابة بالتواء في الرباط الخارجي للركبة أثناء لعبه مع المنتخب الوطني أمام الرأس الأخضر.

اقرأ ايضاً.. هيثم فاروق: محمد صلاح يقدم 100% من جهده مع منتخب مصر.. ويبقى أعظم لاعب عربي وإفريقي

وقال تيمو هاردونج في تصريحات لموقع “fussball.news”: “إصابة مرموش بالركبة ليست هيكلية كما كان يُخشى في البداية، لكنه ضعيف ويخضع للعلاج قبل وبعد التدريب”.

وأضاف المدير الرياضي للنادي الألماني: “لا يزال أمام مرموش بعض الوقت للتعافي قبل انطلاق المباراة ضد ناديه السابق فولفسبورج، ليس مستبعدًا أن يلعب عمر، لكنه غير مؤكد حتى الآن”.

وخاض عمر مرموش 3 مباريات هذا الموسم مع آينتراخت فرانكفورت، حيث أحرز هدفا وحيدا وقام بصناعة 3 أهداف.

ويحتل فرانكفورت المركز التاسع في ترتيب الدوري الألماني “بوندسليجا”، برصيد 3 نقاط.

The win means Capitals moved to the top of the IPL 2019 points table, the first time the franchise from Delhi has attained that position in the second half of an IPL season since 2012.

The Report by Saurabh Somani22-Apr-20191:29

We had a plan for Archer’s short balls and yorkers – Prithvi Shaw

Ajinkya Rahane brought out his full repertoire of shots and then some uncharacteristic ones, charging to a second T20 century, but even his 105* off 63 couldn’t carry Rajasthan Royals to a total that was safe from Delhi Capitals’ powerful top order.Shikhar Dhawan smashed 54 at two runs a ball, and Rishabh Pant shrugged off a run of low scores where he seemed to get himself out more than the bowlers. Pant came in at 77 for 2, with the required rate having crept over 10, and stayed till the end to steer the chase, smacking 78* off 36 balls that was full of one-handed slog-sweeps and stunningly timed sixes – including the winning hit in the final over.The win meant Capitals moved to the top of the IPL 2019 points table, the first time the franchise from Delhi has attained that position in the second half of an IPL season since 2012. They are level on 14 points with Chennai Super Kings, but ahead on net run-rate.Victory also put to bed the chasing jitters that had plagued Capitals. They have now won their last two matches while chasing. For Royals, defeat meant their chances of making it to the playoffs dwindled significantly, and they will most likely have to win each of their remaining four games to even be in contention for a spot.Rahane’s turbo charge after the dropHe had been involved in a mix-up with Sanju Samson that resulted in a run-out for Samson without facing a ball. He had looked like getting bogged down at the start. And he would have been on his way for 16 off 18 if Ishant Sharma had held on to the easiest of chances in the fifth over. Ishant clanged it, and from that point on, Rahane’s innings was turbo-charged. The next 45 balls he faced would bring 89 runs, and that included the end phase when he was tiring, with only 11 runs coming off his last 10 deliveries. In the middle period of his innings, between the drop and the sluggish end, Rahane was scoring at an Andre Russell-ian run-rate of 13.37.This was the avatar of Rahane that people had clamoured to see: aggression, innovation in shot-making and even the much-maligned ‘intent’. His classical shot-making has always been a beautiful sight, but he married that with scoops, paddles and whips too. Most crucially perhaps, his mindset appeared to be one of attacking the bowlers.Capitals pull it back at the deathAfter 13 overs, Royals were motoring at 135 for 1, with both Rahane and Steven Smith carting the bowlers around. The home side would have backed themselves to finish above 210 from there, but the last seven overs brought only 56 runs, with five wickets falling.It began with Smith skying Axar Patel to the long-off boundary where Chris Morris held the ball over his head just inside the boundary line. Royals had Ben Stokes and Ashton Turner to follow, and would have expected a powerful finish. Instead, they fizzled out. Stokes’ poor season with the bat continued, but even his returns looked massive when set against the unfortunate Turner, who got a third successive golden duck. Turner has now scored ducks in his last five consecutive T20 matches, four of which have been off the first ball.Rahane had done all the running for his team and in an ideal world, he should have played second fiddle at the end with the big-hitters powering through. Instead, it was left to him to continue the power-hitting, and a tiring Rahane couldn’t find the boundary as regularly as he had, and the ball wasn’t going off the middle as often either. Capitals had kept the trio of Kagiso Rabada, Morris and Ishant for the end, and all three kept the batsmen relatively quiet, meaning Royals ended with a slightly below par total on a flat track.Dhawan starts, Pant finishesDhawan has reinvented himself as a T20 opener midway through this IPL season, and the new version of Dhawan ensured Capitals rocketed off at the start. That meant there was no run-rate pressure from the outset, and Dhawan’s onslaught had given Capitals the dual cushion of allowing Prithvi Shaw the luxury to settle in, and not let the natural downturn when a wicket fell let the required rate climb too high. Dhawan didn’t try to see off any bowler, or play himself in against anyone. He simply attacked each one, and won his battles against each one too. The spectre of dew later on forced Smith to bowl Shreyas Gopal in the Powerplay, but Dhawan carted him for 15 runs in his opening over to nullify his threat.Pant walked in when Dhawan and Shreyas Iyer fell within eight balls. It was a delicate situation, which could have gone pear-shaped for Capitals if Pant had fallen. But with Shaw playing within himself to hold one end up, Pant opened up successfully. He didn’t attempt extravagant shots at the start of his innings, which was perhaps the crucial difference from how his last few knocks had gone. But he didn’t go into a shell either, which meant that by the time he was well set, he was already scoring at a rapid rate. Once set, he unleashed his full range. There are few bowling attacks in the world that can go unscathed against Pant in these situations, and Royals weren’t one of them.

Vikings keep hopes alive in dramatic victory at Wantage Road

David Hopps01-May-2019

Ricardo Vasconcelos of Northamptonshire pulls the ball to the boundary•Getty Images

Yorkshire are hanging in there, but only just. Just about every match has gone down to the wire. Nerves have been constantly shredded. Too many matches have been taunted by rain. But they go to Worcester on Sunday still holding hopes of a play-off spot in the Royal London Cup after sneaking a rain-hit chase against Northamptonshire with two balls to spare.The Worcestershire match is a must-win game and whatever fate awaits it is likely it will not be straightforward. They have had an extraordinary run of results: ties with Warwickshire and Derbyshire and a one-run defeat against Lancashire on a gloriously sunny Headingley day. Now this – a rain-hit match where they began chasing 352 confidently enough and, after the rain had done its worst, ended up thrashing around for 47 off 4.1 overs in a ground long since emptied.Matches like this should probably major upon the real stand-out batsman, Ricardo Vasconcelos, a 21-year-old batsman-keeper from South Africa who hit his maiden List A century with considerable aplomb – 112 from 97 balls, an innings characterised by stylish off drives and ambitious, steely-wristed leg-side clips.After all, mention the dreaded phrase “DLS calculation” and interest wanes. The bit before it rains is turned into a spreadsheet calculation; the bit after it rains feels entirely artificial. Cricket still has no solution to that.But sometimes appearances at cup finals all boil down to such low-key moments with importance cruelly thrust upon them, looked upon by a few diehards with hands in their jackets – such as the situation facing Jonny Tattersall, a spritely wicketkeeper-batsman who relishes pressure situations. With 12 needed from the final five deliveries, he swung Ian Holland over midwicket for six, pushed two down the ground then carved the winning runs over point.Yorkshire had needed 32 from three overs with seven wickets remaining when Gary Ballance took command of the game by striking Rob Keogh’s offspin for three successive sixes. It’s a strange game when Rob Keogh bowls ahead of Jason Holder, the West Indies captain. Holder is by all accounts an impressive young man. But imagine doing that in yesteryear to the likes of Malcolm Marshall.Northants, initially behind on Duckworth-Lewis-Stern when rained halted play, were handed a potential reprieve when rain relented (later than forecast) and looked favourites when Holland sprinted 30 yards to claim an outstanding diving catch to remove Tom Kohler-Cadmore off his own bowling – the more straightforward claims of two fielders running in the right direction strangely ignored.Back to the real match: at 232 for 1 in the 35th over – a point at which the Yorkshire captain, Steve Patterson, later admitted “We didn’t know how to stop them scoring” – Northants had designs on at least 380. Even their 351, a disappointment after the loss of seven wickets for 63 in the last 43 balls, represented their highest List A total against Yorkshire and sixth best of all time. Yorkshire, for all their winter’s signings, do not look as if they have a bowling attack strong enough to compete seriously.Vasconcelos had been restored to the side after illness. Physically overshadowed by his top-of-the-order partners, Richard Levi and Josh Cobb, he maintained an even tempo and had the distinction of being acclaimed twice for his century – the television scoreboard and official scorers having a run difference in their tallies. So TV provides the game with evidence for run-out decisions that can decide where trophies are won and lost, but two parallel scoring systems can run at the same time? Cricket never ceases to amaze.Yorkshire were well on course when the rain arrived to complete what would have been their highest List A run chase with a stand of 109 between Kohler-Cadmore and Harry Brook. Brook played stylishly for his 47 then got out to the first ball of the DLS recalculation with a hair-brained off-side hit. He had shown maturity on one side of the rain; naivety on the other. Maybe he doesn’t like DLS. Not many of us do. But at his age you have to deal with it.

An "outstanding" Manchester United player could now reportedly leave in the January transfer window, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe makes his presence felt.

Man Utd transfer news

The Red Devils' 2-1 defeat away to Nottingham Forest on Saturday was another low point in an increasingly poor season, as they failed to build on the 3-2 win at home to Aston Villa on Boxing Day. It again highlighted a lack of quality within the squad, which is why new signings could come in when the January window opens imminently.

VfB Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy has emerged as a target, following an excellent season to date, but Newcastle United are providing competition for his signature. Meanwhile, defensive issues mean someone could be brought in at the back, too, with Sporting CP and Portugal ace Goncalo Inacio arguably one of the more-linked players.

Some may argue that injuries have been the biggest issue for United, and that not many new signings are required, but in order for Erik ten Hag's side to mount a genuine top-four push in the Premier League, at least one new face may have to arrive.

On the flip side, some supporters may be keen to see the back of certain players, and it looks as though one household name who played vs Forest could be on his way out of OId Trafford in the very near future.

Raphael Varane could leave Man Utd

According to a new update from Football Insider, Raphael Varane could leave Manchester United in January, with the club willing to listen to offers for him.

"Man United are prepared to accept offers for Raphael Varane in the January transfer window, sources have told Football Insider. The 30-year-old’s contract is set to expire this summer with an option to extend for an additional year if triggered by the club.

"As it stands, Varane is free to talk to foreign clubs about a free transfer in January which has caused concern among staff at Old Trafford. United do not want to lose another player on a free transfer and are therefore considering the sale of Varane next month if an appropriate offer is received."

Selling Varane in January could certainly be a risk, considering Lisandro Martinez's lengthy absence, but there is no question that his time at United has become increasingly disappointing. The 30-year-old, on £340,000-a-week, started against Forest on Saturday and was part of a shaky back-line that twice allowed their opponents to score too easily – he got a 5/10 rating from The Manchester Evening News – and he no longer looks like the player who has won four Champions League crowns and many other trophies, although he as been hailed as "outstanding" by former Real Madrid teammate Toni Kroos.

Man Utd being personally pushed to sign "outrageous" striker by Ten Hag

The Old Trafford board have been asked to make a move for an overseas centre-forward.

By
Chloe Chadwick

Dec 31, 2023

For that reason, should a big offer arrive for Varane in January, United should certainly consider accepting it, before bringing in a younger, less injury-prone centre-back as soon as possible, such as Inacio, making this one to watch over the coming weeks.

Before the start of the season, Liverpool supporters faced much uncertainty after watching the Anfield side slump to a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League, failing to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2016.

Admittedly, the stark decline wasn't quite out of the blue, with a lack of investment compounding an ageing and weary squad that craved some fresh energy, and there were even question marks lingering over the sustainability of Jurgen Klopp's leadership heading forward.

But, as they say, form is temporary and the German manager proved his worth as one of the elite leaders of his generation after enforcing emphatic change last summer, welcoming stars such as Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister while clearing the flotsam that had cluttered and disrupted the 2022/23 term.

And so the midfield conundrum has been addressed and Liverpool are back firing on all cylinders this season, first-placed in the Premier League after 20 matches and in contention for silverware across all three cup competitions, but the defence still suffers from a lack of depth and this is now the priority area.

Liverpool's search for a defender

Joel Matip's season-ending injury heightened the need for defensive reinforcements but the veteran Cameroonian was out of contract at the end of the campaign anyway and Jarell Quansah's emergence this season has eased the need for action this month.

There have been numerous rumours floating around but the latest does have the shape of that traditional Klopp signing – a rising star of high potential and perhaps attracting less attention than the most highly-sought names on the market.

Related Liverpool could sign Van Dijk clone in move for “special” 6ft 1 star

This Premier League phenom is an even bigger talent than Jarell Quansah.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jan 19, 2024

According to TNCZ, Liverpool are hoping to sign Feyenoord centre-back David Hancko this year, and while Paris Saint-Germain have also expressed an interest, the Reds could be well-placed to secure his signature.

The Dutch Eredivisie champions value the 26-year-old at €45m (£39m) and this would be more than affordable for the Anfield side in the summer.

David Hancko's style of play

Hancko has completed 70 matches for Feyenoord since joining from Czech giants Sparta Prague in 2022, scoring five goals and providing seven assists.

Not quite the typical central defender, Hancko operates in a free-roaming role and is comfortable when shifted out wide or placed in the central engine room, with statistical site WhoScored listing his most significant attributes as: key passing, dribbling, distribution and concentration.

As per FBref, Hancko ranks among the top 1% of centre-backs across divisions similar to the Dutch Eredivisie for assists, shot-creating actions, passes attempted, progressive passes and progressive carries per 90, highlighting his lofty advantage in mobility and technical quality.

The Slovakian sensation was instrumental in Feyenoord's triumph in the Dutch top-flight last season, playing 31 times, posting two goals and four assists, completing 88% of his passes, averaging 2.3 tackles and 3.3 clearances per game, succeeding with 72% of his dribbles and winning 75% of his contested duels, as per Sofascore.

Described as a top "talent" by Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, Hancko would provide Klopp's side with the perfect extra dimension to expand the depth and dynamism on Merseyside, proving to be the perfect replacement for the absent and likely outgoing Matip.

Furthermore, his stylistic approach mirrors that of Sporting Lisbon centre-half Goncalo Inacio, and given Liverpool's interest in the Portugal international, it might be wise for full focus to be shifted to the cheaper option in Hancko.

How David Hancko compares to Goncalo Inacio

Inacio is known to be among the contenders for transfer at Liverpool and will be discussed on the transfer committee when the summer market draws closer.

The 22-year-old has a €60m (£52m) release clause in his contract and Sporting are not likely to grant his departure for anything below this fee, having convinced him to pen new terms in August when clubs like Liverpool were sniffing around.

Ranking among the top 1% of positional peers for passes attempted and progressive passes, the top 3% for assists, the top 4% for progressive carries, the top 7% for successful take-ons and the top 8% for assists per 90, it's clear that Inacio is something of a "sensation", as has been said by talent scout Jacek Kulig, though he's not quite matching Hancko.

David Hancko vs Goncalo Inacio: 23/24 Stat Comparison

Stat (per 90)

Hancko

Inacio

Matches played

17

17

Goals

0.00

0.06

Assists

0.12

0.06

Pass completion

89%

88%

Progressive passes

8.41

7.40

Progressive carries

2.94

1.30

Shot-creating actions

2.65

1.56

Successful take-ons

0.71

0.45

Ball recoveries

7.71

6.49

Tackles

1.12

1.23

Interceptions

0.65

1.10

Clearances

2.76

2.40

Blocks

0.76

1.04

Aerial duels won

1.59

1.69

*Sourced by FBref

Given that Inacio is considered one of the benchmarks for the new modern, progressive wave of central defenders gracing the European game, it's pretty impressive that Hancko eclipses him in most possession-based, creative and technical elements.

Moreover, while the Leões titan appears to be more active in his defensive duties, he has only won 51% of his contested duels in Liga Portugal this term, which hardly suggests that he can provide the kind of dominance in key battles for Klopp's side.

On this point, young Quansah, still in his infancy on the major stage, has won 61% of his duels in the Premier League since making his debut back in August.

Naturally, Hancko has won 75% in his league this season and is proving himself to be the kind of multi-functional asset that Klopp could shape into a true world-beater under his wing.

The Slovak is four years Inacio's senior and admittedly the latter does have more scope for growth, but Liverpool are nurturing Quansah to the fore and could make fine use of a player already established in their game, reading to take the next step in their development – take Wataru Endo, for example.

Ultimately, Liverpool will have money to spend to freshen up the defence next season and now it boils down to Klopp's preference and the decided best fit for the club, but Hancko – rumoured to be £13m cheaper than Inacio – could be the man for the job.

James Bracey hit a stylish 65 to lead a solid Gloucestershire reply to Derbyshire’s first-innings total of 291 on the second day of the Specsavers County Championship match at Bristol.In reply, the hosts had reached 202 for 5, skipper Chris Dent contributing 33, the same unbeaten scores that both Gareth Roderick and Ryan Higgins had made by the close. Luis Reece claimed 2 for 33 from 16 overs.Left-hander Bracey faced 120 balls, hitting 12 fours, before falling to a stunning catch at point by Anuj Dal off Tony Palladino. The 21-year-old Bristol-born batsman looks set to build on an impressive first full season of county cricket last year.Earlier, Derbyshire had added 35 to their overnight total of 256 for 7 before being dismissed nine short of a third batting point. Higgins and Matt Taylor finished with three wickets each.On another bright, but cold day, the visitors had advanced their score by only two runs when Higgins sent back Dal, lbw for 3.Logan van Beek had his middle stump sent cartwheeling by Taylor shouldering arms, but Palladino and Ravi Rampaul added a valuable 25 for the last wicket before the latter edged Howell to second slip.Gloucestershire had around an hour to bat before lunch and reached 26 for one by the interval, Miles Hammond having been caught at second slip for 6 off left-armer Reece.As on the opening day, a slow pitch made it difficult to score quickly. Dent and Bracey were watchful in adding 84 from 27 overs, but Bracey also produced some sparkling off-side strokes to reach fifty off 57 balls, with 10 fours.Dent had faced 115 balls and look settled when getting an inside-edge onto his stumps off a delivery from Alex Hughes that appeared to keep a bit low.Derbyshire quickly picked up another wicket, George Hankins carelessly clipping a catch to mid-wicket off Reece and departing for a duck with the total 97 for 3.It was 110 for 3 at tea. The final session saw Bracey fall unexpectedly, tempted by a wide ball from Palladino and staring in horror as a flashing shot off the meat of the bat was plucked out of the air by Dal moving to his left.From 111 for 4, Roderick and Howell build steadily in a fifth-wicket stand of 46. Howell appeared in good touch, striking five fours, before being comfortably caught at cover by Matt Critchley off van Beek from a shot he will want to forget.At 157 for 5, Gloucestershire were still 134 behind and needed another significant partnership. They got it through the patient Roderick and more aggressive Higgins, who had added 45 by the time bad light ended proceedings three overs early.

Assistant coach says the team dynamic wasn’t healthy while they were going through a six-match losing streak this IPL

Ankur Dhawan in Mumbai05-May-20194:45

We fell badly in middle phase of tournament – Katich

There was an indication throughout the IPL that all wasn’t well in the Kolkata Knight Riders camp. Contradictory statements from the players and team management regarding Andre Russell’s batting position furthered that suspicion, before the situation escalated to the point where the allrounder questioned some of the decision making, besides adding that the atmosphere around the team hadn’t been the healthiest.Simon Katich, the KKR assistant coach, reiterated that the dynamic within the group had started to change during the course of their six-match losing streak and that’s something that they’ll have to work on as a group going forward.

To finish where we did is probably what we deserved given how our season wentSimon Katich, KKR assistant coach

“Can’t hide from the fact that there was tension,” he said at the press conference. “That was pretty evident from the last few games after we got on a bit of a roll with losses. We’ve got to address that as a group. What is so important in the IPL is the dynamic if the group and I guess the unity. That’s something that KKR is very very proud of. It’s a very successful franchise and it’s something that everyone involved has worked very very hard to contribute to over a long period of time. That’s something we have to certainly work at to get better at it because there’s no doubt that throughout this campaign, the dynamic within our group has certainly changed.”Despite that, KKR came into this game against Mumbai Indians with a very good chance of making the playoffs. All they had to do was win.But the combination of Lasith Malinga, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah were too difficult to handle. So much so that after being 49 for 0 at the end of the Powerplay, they finished 133 for 7.”It did go wrong, that’s for sure,” Katich said. “Today is obviously disappointing but it’s a tough ask coming to Mumbai, we don’t obviously have great record here [It was KKR’s sixth straight defeat at Wankhede]. Yes, it would have been great to win today and get through but to finish where we did is probably what we deserved given how our season went.”Dinesh Karthik and Andre Russell have a chat•BCCILooking back at a season that began brightly with four wins in five matches, Katich rued the home defeats against Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals the most, which he felt came back to hurt them in the end, given that one more win would have secured a playoff spot.”We had a very good start but it fell away badly through that middle phase of the tournament,” he said.”If you look back on our season, the two missed opportunities we had were in the matches against Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals. We hadn’t played well through the season but to lose those two games was always going to come back and hurt us in the end. When you look back in the end, that’s what probably catches up with you, when you don’t win at home, where that wicket suits our style of play, particularly our batsmen, given how flat it’s been.”Katich’s sentiments were echoed by the captain Dinesh Karthik, who conceded Knight Riders had a lot of work to do to get back to their best.”Through the whole tournament, we’ve been good a lot of times, bad at a lot of times, but this tournament is such that we had to play consistent cricket and we were not up to the mark,” he said at the post-match presentation. “It’s been decent. I don’t think it’s the best season that we’ve had. There’s definitely a lot of areas for us to improve and come back stronger next time.”

Leeds United could give the "green light" for a "brilliant player" to exit Elland Road in January, despite manager Daniel Farke praising him for his attitude.

Leeds losing ground in promotion push

After just one win in their last five Championship games, Leeds are slowly losing ground in their Premier League promotion push – currently sitting nine points behind second-placed Ipswich Town, who occupy the second automatic place.

Leeds now want to sign "flair" player who once scored late winner at Elland Road

He could add so much quality to Daniel Farke’s squad.

By
Henry Jackson

Dec 30, 2023

The Whites' form has taken a bit of a nosedive after their promising start to the campaign, and Farke will be hoping to resurrect it – and quickly – if they're to usurp Ipswich Town and Southampton to climb into the top two.

Leeds take on Birmingham City on New Year's Day, which represents a good opportunity to get back to winning ways against a side not exactly in great form themselves.

Farke's side could also look to strengthen their ranks in the looming January transfer window, with reports this week suggesting Leeds are eyeing a move for Bournemouth forward David Brooks.

Leeds' transfer plans may need to be bolstered financially by players moving the other way, though, and one player heavily tipped to do so is Wilfried Gnonto.

Leeds could green-light Gnonto exit

The Italian has featured in 19 of Leeds' second-tier matches, but just seven of those have been starts in what must be a frustration for Gnonto.

According to Il Romanista.it, Gnonto wants to leave Leeds and they may "give the green light" to his exit, with "several teams" from Italy tracking the player.

Lazio and Fiorentina are among his admirers, but Farke's men will only allow him to go in the event of a fair offer of around £13 million.

The Italian has scored just one goal and assisted one other this term, which is a far cry from his electric Premier League form last campaign.

Nevertheless, Farke has actually praised Gnonto's attitude in coping with a lack of chances to start.

"What I like a lot about Willy at the moment is his attitude," said Farke to the Yorkshire Evening Post earlier this month (via LeedsAllOver).

"He was always used to shine, always the posterboy. It’s not easy when he’s on the bench, but when we score and do positive stuff, the first one celebrating on the pitch is Willy. I like our team spirit that we are also happy for the teammates. It’s also a good solution to find our best way back. He has to be stubborn and patient and keep going, and he will be back at his best, I’m sure."

Journalist Dean Jones, speaking to GiveMeSport, also expressed his surprise at Leeds not starting such a "brilliant player" more often.

"I'm really surprised a player that is this good is not in the starting lineup at a Championship club," said Jones.

"Especially when he was given a second chance at Leeds to make things work and was forgiven for that little moment he had in the summer. He is a brilliant player, but that has to be matched by the right mindset."

Leeds United are now preparing an offer to sign a talented young star at Elland Road as Daniel Farke looks to the future, according to a new report.

Leeds United prepare for January transfers

Despite enjoying a commendable start to life in the Championship, Leeds fans will be keen for their side to strengthen in key positions once the market re-opens in mid-season for business.

On Boxing Day, a 2-1 defeat away to Preston North End in an ill-tempered affair has placed the Whites eight points behind Ipswich Town, who occupy second place in the division, making new arrivals potentially crucial to achieving their aspirations of automatic promotion.

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Defence has been mooted as an area that the Whites could look to beef up under Farke and Fenerbache full-back Bright Osayi-Samuel is reportedly a target at Elland Road. Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace are also believed to be keen on the Nigeria international, who is out of contract at the Turkish giants in the summer of 2025.

Capable of playing in a number of positions, the former Queens Park Rangers man would be a coup for the Yorkshire outfit; however, there is no specific fee mentioned in regard to the fee Leeds United may need to pay to acquire the 25-year-old.

Galatasaray forward Kerem Akturkoglu has been mentioned in connection with a move to the Whites; however, he is a potential recruit who would be deemed to be a little more on the ambitious side. Now, the Whites are believed to be readying a bid for an exciting young star who could potentially be one for the future at Elland Road, according to a report.

Leeds United prepare Jack Hastings offer

According to Football Insider, Leeds United are preparing an offer to sign Larne youngster Jack Hastings, who is also attracting interest from Crystal Palace, Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Whites have previously monitored the 17-year-old who could now be at the centre of bids from elsewhere, with his current employers braced for approaches concerning the Northern Ireland Under-17 forward.

Hastings is capable of operating as a lone striker or as part of a front-two and has impressed at Under-18 and Under-20 level with his club, leading to his senior debut earlier this year in an Irish Cup tie.

Contact has previously been initiated between the two clubs regarding a potential swoop and the youngster could now move to Elland Road if all goes to plan with a formal bid. Unlikely to come in as a senior player, Hastings would likely head to Thorp Arch on arrival as he continues to develop as a player before potentially breaking through into the first-team later down the line.

Of course, Leeds United fans will want to see senior names come in once the window opens in January; however, bringing in prodigious talent is an important factor in the long-term sustainability of the club.