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Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford could be fit for the final two Premier League games of the season despite initial fears he would not return this campaign.

The Lowdown: Bamford’s torrid season

The 28-year-old was arguably the Whites’ star man last season, scoring 17 league goals, but things have panned out very differently this time around.

Bamford has been hampered by injury problems throughout the campaign, being limited to just seven league starts, which has played a part in the Whites’ struggles.

The striker is currently out with a foot injury which was initially expected to make him miss the rest of the campaign, but Jesse Marsch has revealed he could now miss just the next three weeks.

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The Latest: Hay shares good news

Providing his thoughts in a Q&A for The Athletic on Monday ahead of Leeds’ trip to Crystal Palace, Phil Hay claimed that Bamford could return for the last two league games of the season, which are at home to Brighton and away to Brentford.

The journalist shared a prospective return date from the Whites manager which essentially means missing the next three weeks, claiming:

“Still no Patrick Bamford [v Palace] but Jesse Marsch thinks he might make it back for the last two games of the season.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]

The Verdict: Could be massive for Leeds

This is a potentially huge boost for Leeds, as they find themselves in danger of getting sucked back into a relegation battle between themselves, Everton and Burnley.

Bamford’s finishing ability means that just one chance could be needed in one of those final two matches, should Marsch’s side still not be safe at that point.

In many ways, the hope is that Leeds have avoided relegation by then and Bamford doesn’t need to be risked, but having him in contention would feel significant, providing the Whites with proven Premier League firepower.

In other news, Hay has dropped a Leeds transfer claim. Read more here.

Liverpool bolstered their chances of finishing in the Premier League top four on Saturday with a straight-forward 2-0 victory against Southampton.

Sadio Mane opened the scoring midway through the first half as he converted Mo Salah’s cross before Thiago Alcantara sealed victory with his first Liverpool goal late on.

The win moved the Reds up to sixth following Tottenham Hotspur’s defeat earlier in the day and nowthey sit just six points behind fourth-placed Leicester City with a game in hand.

It goes without saying then that victory was crucial and key to that success was scorer of the opening goal, Mane.

The Senegalese winger was a threat to the Saints all evening long, racking up two shots according to WhoScored, one of them finding the net via a great diving header from Salah’s ball in.

It was just his ninth Premier League goal of the season but his second in his last three matches having also scored in the 1-1 draw against Leeds United in mid-April.

Mane’s contributions did not end there though.

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The forward, who earns approximately £100k per week at Anfield, contributed three key passes for his teammates. Only Trent Alexander-Arnold could better that figure in the Liverpool side with five of his own.

It was on the ball where he was particularly effective too. The 29-year-old managed to complete four dribbles throughout the game, the most in the entire Reds’ team and also won two fouls which again was a number bettered by none of his teammates.

His excellent evening’s work was eventually brought to an end in the closing stages as he was replaced by Curtis Jones.

Previously hailed by a “warrior” by Liverpool legend Graeme Souness, Mane will surely be keen to continue his excellent form going forwards especially with the Reds set to take on Manchester United on Thursday in the Premier League.

The forward has had a quiet season by his own high standards, but if he can perfrom to the same level as he did on Saturday night in Liverpool’s next four fixtures, the Reds will have a decent chance at salvaging a top four finish.

AND in more news, read about the four injuries that could devastate the Reds’ Champions League push…

As Manchester City followed up a stunning Champions League semi-final second leg win against Paris-Saint Germain with defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, putting the Premier League title champagne back on ice, many Sky Blues fans weren’t impressed with Benjamin Mendy’s performance.

Pep Guardiola’s side were looking to mathematically confirm their fifth league crown in total and third under manager Pep Guardiola with a win against the west Londoners, but a number of first team changes combined with Chelsea’s solid performance made it a day to forget.

City rested plenty of big names for the clash, with the likes of Phil Foden, Ilkay Gundogan, Riyad Mahrez, Kyle Walker, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fernandinho and Bernardo Silva all coming out of the first XI from the win over PSG. Kevin De Bruyne was also missing due to not being fully fit, while John Stones couldn’t take part with his domestic suspension (mancity.com), and it’s arguable that the Sky Blues missed them.

City did manage to take the lead, with Raheem Sterling poaching in an effort after a heavy first touch on goal from Sergio Aguero, but the Argentine’s attempted ‘Panenka’ penalty soon afterwards wasn’t able to thwart Edouard Mendy.

As a result, Chelsea came back in the second half with goals from Hakim Ziyech and Marcos Alonso giving them three points at the Etihad Stadium.

One particular problem area for the Sky Blues was their left flank, as both Mendy and Nathan Ake were troubled time and time again. Christian Pulisic and Reece James often bombed forward to good effect, leaving the pair exposed in a tough afternoon, although Ake arguably held his ground more effectively given his 7.0 match rating by SofaScore.

Mendy, on the other hand, lost the vast majority of his ground duels (6/8) and was dribbled past twice on that side (SofaScore), and a number of City supporters duly took aim at his “shocking” performance. One fan even dubbed the 26-year-old a “liability”.

Check out a flavour of the social media verdicts on the Frenchman below.

Man City fans slam Mendy

“Mendy needs to go in my opinion. Shouldn’t be near the team!”

Credit: @PaddyDavidson1

“Pep set up this lineup just to play Mendy and he was complete liability. Sterling is a talented player in poor form. Mendy is way beyond poor form, good form is a rarity for him.”

Credit: @ManchesterMike_

“Mendy and Ake must go this summer! Poor”

Credit: @THEK1NGPIN

“Mendy was shocking and isn’t City quality, dunno why you have an issue with that”

Credit: @MCFCAJ10

“Mendy definitely needs to be moved on. He was shocking today”

Credit: @1cornishblue

“Also before I sleep Mendy was a liability today, exposing Ake so many times”

Credit: @MCFC_Rez

“So why play him. He’s been consistently poor and getting worse. So out of his depth”

Credit: @Mike_Y_653

In other news: Man City fans were, however, excited by this new deal claim…find out more here.

Leeds United fans won’t want to hear what The Athletic’s Phil Hay has to say about deadline day at Elland Road…

What’s the word?

Speaking on Twitter, the ever-reliable reporter delivered a gutting claim about the likelihood of the Whites conducting any sort of business before the 11pm deadline.

“As for incomings at Elland Road, still expecting a quiet day,” he revealed.

In just 11 words, Hay has surely ruined the hopes and dreams of many supporters around west Yorkshire with just a few hours left to go.

Gutting news

Much of the Leeds faithful have been desperate to see Marcelo Bielsa handed some reinforcements to his decimated squad this month but it appears as if it just isn’t going to happen.

Their attempts to bring a new midfielder to the club have fallen short after seeing bids of £15m and £20m rejected by RB Salzburg for their star maestro Brenden Aaronson.

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That’s a deal that is expected to happen in the summer instead, meaning Leeds haven’t signed anyone for the engine room for four years now when Adam Forshaw joined from Middlesbrough in January 2018.

That area of the pitch has been a pressing need with influential England international Kalvin Phillips, who was subject of interest from West Ham United in the past few days, absent through injury until March at the earliest.

He along with skipper Liam Cooper and last season’s leading talisman Patrick Bamford have been huge absentees for the Yorkshiremen.

There have been times where Bielsa has been without as many as 11 first-team players in the Premier League, leaving him to fill the bench with academy players who simply aren’t ready for a crack at the big time.

This latest bombshell from Hay will leave many around Elland Road absolutely furious, that’s for sure.

AND in other news, Enquiry made: Leeds submit last-ditch “offer” on deadline day, Bielsa badly needs him…

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has been nominated for the PFA Fans Player of the Year award [Aston Villa FC Official].

Making an instant impact in his debut Premier League season, the 25-year-old notched an impressive 16 goals and five assists in 40 appearances [Transfermarkt], eventually helping the Villains to a commendable 11th placed finish under Dean Smith.

A member of Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33-man England EURO 2020 squad, the former Brentford man was unfortunate not to make the final cut considering his exploits [Evening Standard].

Further adding to the adulation, he has now been nominated alongside Kevin De Bruyne, Mohamed Salah, Patrick Bamford, Harry Kane and Bruno Fernandes respectively for the prestigious award [Leeds United].

No doubt buzzing with these developments, loads of Aston Villa diehards took to social media as they revel in their hero’s recognition.

Villa Fans react:

Replying to the Aston Villa FC Official Twitter outlet, here is what some fans had to say following the nomination:

“Who deserves it more? A quite brilliant first season in the Premier League”

Credit: @jonnygould

“Just think Ollie is being mentioned in the same conversations as De Bruyne, Kane and Salah. Villa are on the up”

Credit: @fanboy82

“Fully deserved”

Credit: @Davidomahony18

“OLLIEEEE”

Credit: @catrinedwards18

“What a signing”

Credit: @av_reece

“Click the link and vote for Watkins!”

Credit: @ultimateAVFC

In other news, Aston Villa fans react to their interest in a midfield beast.

Rafa Benitez hasn’t managed to welcome any new faces to Everton just yet but the club are working intently behind the scenes.

The 61-year-old has a cash pool to splurge but after the long-winded process that led the Toffees to Benitez, they are lagging behind in the market.

What’s the word?

One player Everton have been continuously linked to in the last few weeks is Dutch sensation Denzel Dumfries.

The right-back captured the hearts of many football fans around the globe with his performances at Euro 2020 and now he could be set to leave PSV Eindhoven.

In fact, the player’s agent Mino Raiola, is even discussing a transfer with certain clubs.

That’s the word of journalist Marco Timmer who told Voetbal International: “Yes, of course, there are negotiations going on, and with that, it can also be counted on the negotiations that in this case, Mino Raiola is conducting with Dortmund or Liverpool, for example, for Malen and Inter and Everton for Dumfries, so he has been given that space.”

Sign him at all costs

If Everton like what Raiola is saying and the Toffees conclude a deal then supporters should be absolutely delighted.

After all, with Seamus Coleman the only reliable option from a right-back perspective, they need an extra body in that position.

Dumfries has the potential to get Goodison Park rocking again if his displays at the European Championships are anything to go by.

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He was one of the most frightening defenders in the entire tournament, rampaging forward from full-back to score two goals during the group stages.

A powerful character, he beat defenders relentlessly and then bullied them in the tackle.

The 25-year-old was so impressive that he registered 1.5 shots, one key pass and one dribble per match. That would be a solid tally for an offensive player, let alone someone who should be playing in the defensive half.

Dumfries is a brutal force of nature and as he rapidly approaches his prime, it’s scary to think what he’d be capable of in the Premier League.

His pace and tenacity would be perfect for the top-flight, as well as Everton who have become accustomed to seeing Lucas Digne and Coleman run forward from defence.

In winning three aerial duels per match at the Euros, he also showed himself to be stellar in the backline. For context, that’s a higher tally than the vast majority of the Everton squad last season.

Only Digne, Michael Keane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin prevailed in more aerial battles.

After starring so much during the course of this summer, fans should be delighted that the club are making progress in their bid to sign him.

AND in other news, Alan Myers delivers 11-word Everton transfer update, fans will be delighted…

Mikael Lustig will be remembered fondly for his time at Celtic but it could have ended so differently.

The Swede’s debut for the Hoops didn’t go according to plan as he was blamed for a goal against Aberdeen.

However, in typical Lustig fashion, the defender bounced back and became an imperious, consistent figure.

Injuries often got the better of him but he became a fan favourite on his way to making 276 Celtic appearances and winning eight Premiership titles in a row.

Lustig eventually departed in 2019 as he moved to Gent in Belgium. With a lack of first-team right-backs now in their ranks, you could argue that the Bhoys miss his experience.

Well, fortunately, they could sign a like-minded player this summer in the form of Carl Starfelt.

Celtic have been linked with a £4m switch for the 26-year-old who also hails from Sweden.

Starfelt is a centre-half by trade, an area of the pitch that Lustig has featured in on the odd occasion. Appearing on 67 Hail Hail, journalist Anel Avdic made the following connection: “If he joins Celtic, I see a little bit of potential in him to be a new Mikael Lustig.”

Avdic made that point with a wry smile but it’s hard to ignore the comparisons, especially from a personality viewpoint.

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The reporter hailed his work rate and attitude, commenting: “He’s a fantastic man. I only have positive things to say about Carl.”

Lustig’s work rate was second to none as well but in terms of their defensive duels and distribution, they’re fairly similar.

Starfelt won 1.6 aerial duels per match last term, just 0.1 fewer than Celtic’s former Swede in terms of his career average.

Their reading of the play is also vastly similar with the Rubin Kazan defender registering 1.4 interceptions per game, a number that replicates Lustig’s average.

Both reliable and consistent performers, it was perhaps surprising that the latter made Sweden’s European Championship squad at the age of 34, rather than Starfelt.

Either way, the pair are reliable and consistent. You also have to go a long way to find a Swede that’s disappointed while donning the green and white hoops.

All being well, he should be as big a success as Lustig was in Paradise. Ange Postecoglou must ensure the defender becomes a Celtic player.

AND in other news, Celtic open talks to sign “unbelievable” 13-goal gem, he may end Christie’s Hoops stay…

With current Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy and Fraser Forster currently set to see their contracts expire next summer, the club have had their eye on adding a new shot-stopper to their squad in the past with previous reports linking them with a transfer move for West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.

With Johnstone’s contract at the Midlands club also set to run out in 2022, there’s every possibility that he could be on the move at that point unless Johnstone puts pen to paper on a new deal at The Hawthorns before then.

What’s the latest?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Tom Barclay had his say on the possibility of Southampton making a move to sign Johnstone in January if West Brom would rather let him go for a fee instead of as a free agent in the summer.

He said: “You’re looking at probably less than £10m. I’m speculating there, but I imagine it’d be less than £10m.”

Fans surely thrilled

Johnston signed for West Brom back in the 2018 summer transfer window from Manchester United for a fee of £6.5m. Since then, the 28-year-old, who is currently valued at £7.2m according to Transfermarkt, has gone on to make a total of 145 appearances for the Baggies, firmly cementing himself as their first-choice goalkeeper.

On the international stage, Johnstone has made three senior appearances for England, keeping three clean sheets in the process.

Even though Barclay made it clear that the potential price tag of under £10m for Johnstone was merely speculation, we feel that if this is true and West Brom would be willing to part with their goalkeeper in January, the Saints should definitely look to see if they can add him to their squad rather than wait until the summer.

Additionally, we feel that if Ralph Hasenhuttl does sign Johnstone in January for the price that Barclay has suggested, we feel the supporters would be thrilled by this swoop.

After all, he is a proven international ‘keeper and performed incredibly well for West Brom last term. For instance, no goalkeeper made more saves (161) than the England stopper in the top-flight throughout 2020/21. That type of record would be crucial for the south coast side who find themselves near the bottom of the table.

With The Athletic claiming that McCarthy has agreed a new deal at St. Mary’s, we feel that Johnstone would be a good replacement for Forster if he leaves in the summer when his deal expires. Crucially, he would provide some healthy competition to the former for a number one spot in Hasenhuttl’s side.

In other news: Ralph must unleash “explosive” £16.2m-rated Southampton machine, he’d terrify Villa – opinion

Many Glasgow Rangers fans have been left lauding the latest news at Ibrox, after it emerged that their famous home will be allowed to be full for the rest of the season.

As per their official website, the Gers have now confirmed that there will be a full capacity allowed at Ibrox for the remaining games of the 2021/22 campaign, subject to conditions given by the Safety Advisory Group of Glasgow City Council.

This will start in their UEFA Champions League qualifying second leg match against Malmo on Tuesday, where the supporters will hope that they can roar their team on to victory following a 2-1 defeat in Sweden.

It has been a very long time coming, but for the fans to finally be able to go back to a full stadium will be a joyous occasion, and they will hope that it will be able to stay that way throughout the rest of the campaign.

Rangers fans on Ibrox news

These Gers lauded the news as it was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that they were ‘buzzing’, while another described it as ‘fantastic’:

“Buzzing like an old fridge”

Credit: @KelmanPeter

“Omg I’m gonna cry”

Credit: @DecCairns72

“YASSSSSSS”

Credit: @Andrew_GWilson

“Let’s go”

Credit: @Bail1803

“Fantastic, can’t wait now I need to get out of doing extra shift at work..”

Credit: @Mobell1964Moira

“Aw man. Tears in my eyes”

Credit: @craig_gamble93

In other news, find out whose exit has Gers buzzing here!

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is expecting to have Aston Villa pair Emi Buendia and Emi Martinez for all three World Cup qualifiers during the international break.

And a number of Villa supporters have been quick to give their thoughts to the latest update on social media.

Villa released a statement over the weekend regarding Buendia and Martinez, claiming the pair would be available for matches against Venezuela and Brazil but not a third against Bolivia.

The arrangements Villa thought they had agreed on would mean both would miss one Premier League game against Chelsea due to quarantine restrictions.

However, Scaloni, talking to the media, posted on Twitter by Roy Nemer, believes he will have both Buendia and Martinez available for selection for all three qualifiers.

“We gave the list for the three matches and there’s no doubt about it. The players are here for the three matches.”

Villa fans react

@villareport shared Scaloni’s comments on Twitter regarding the Villa duo on Wednesday evening. This is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply, with many not exactly thrilled.

“This could get nasty”

Credit: @SebastianBacon8

“Selfish beyond belief”

Credit: @MisterGuilbert

“Welp”

Credit: @LionsVilla

“oh crikey”

Credit: @tiwari0216

“Very poor from Argentina if they’ve already gone back on the agreement.”

Credit: @JonahB90

“What a terrible manager and a coach to put two of his players in such a position.”

Credit: @deanmoulder

In other news: ‘Not happy with this’ – Many AVFC fans react as news is confirmed.