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Leeds United are expected to “go back for” RB Salzburg starlet Brenden Aaronson in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Phil Hay.

What’s the story?

Reports back in the January transfer window had suggested that Jesse Marsch’ side had a bid rejected for the USA international, but it appears their interest has not gone away ahead of the summer.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-marsch-raphinha-dest-philhay” title=”Read the latest Leeds news!”]

And, in responding to a question from a fan about whether Leeds should potentially pursue Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse instead of the Salzburg man, Hay said: “JWP is a cracking player. I always assumed that he’d be a target for someone further up the league (and maybe he will be in this next window). I’d take him for sure but I do expect Leeds to go back for Aaronson.”

Exciting signing for Leeds

Having seemingly missed out on him in January, Aaronson’s name is once again the main topic of conversation when it comes to potential incomings at Elland Road.

And, when you look at some of the rave reviews he has earned – both for his on-pitch ability and off-the-pitch nature – it’s clear to see why Leeds have felt both under Marsch, and predecessor, Marcelo Bielsa, that Aaronson would be a good fit for the club.

Indeed, his former head coach at Philadelphia Union, John Curtin, waxed lyrical about the kind of personality he has, even revealing a little tidbit about the way current Leeds boss Marsch took to him at Salzburg.

He said: “He looks like he should be in a boy band rather than a Champions League game. But when he steps on the field and the whistle blows, he’s ruthless, man. He is a killer and he’s relentless. It’s important too, his teammates freaking love him. I can’t stress that enough. There’s so many great young talents that know they’re great, and maybe don’t fit in in the locker room.

“But the kid is a sweetheart. Instantly, Jesse was like, ‘The whole team has fallen in love with Brenden. They root for him like he’s a mascot, almost.’ And now he’s like one of their best players. He just has such a good way about him.”

Furthermore, the £18m-rated star has also drawn praise from Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who watched him first-hand during his time in the MLS, and saw him deliver a fine performance against Bayern Munich in the Champions League recently.

The Frenchman said: “I came across him when I was a coach with Montreal, and he killed us with Philadelphia Union. His activity, the way he sees the game. I’ve always been a big fan of him and I’m not surprised to see what he’s doing right now with Salzburg.

“He’s contagious. The way he plays, his energy. His intensity is second to none. He supports the team. He’s a good player. I always thought he was going to be a player. He’s still learning.”

Hay’s update on Leeds going back in for the midfielder is sure to have fans buzzing.

AND in other news: Orta can now axe “awful” £55k-p/w flop as Leeds eye “underrated” £12.5m-rated “threat”

The Southampton revival under Ralph Hasenhuttl continues with the south coast club managing to gain a point from their 1-1 draw with Burnley at Turf Moor last Saturday in a game where they came extremely close to winning. 

A stoppage-time penalty converted by Ashley Barnes ensured the points were shared after Nathan Redmond, who is at the top of his game right now, had given the visitors the lead.

And the 24-year-old has since come in for praise from one of his team-mates as he continues to impress under his new boss.

The Breakdown

Speaking about the form of Redmond, midfielder Stuart Armstrong told the Daily Echo: “I think everyone can see how talented a player he is in training and in games of late. His goal [against Burnley] was fantastic.

“The way he moved the ball and then a quick shot into the corner of the net with so much power, with so little back-lift. He is a very good player to have in our team.”

As mentioned by Armstrong, Redmond is undoubtedly a talented individual, something which has been clear since his days in the Championship with Birmingham City.

However, for whatever reason, it has not quite worked out for the England international at St. Mary’s despite a strong start to life in a Southampton shirt.

At 24, though, there is still plenty of time for Redmond to get things right, which he has been doing in recent weeks, and evolve that talent into something further.

Watching the way Redmond can take the ball past a defender with his pace and dribbling skill, he really should be on course to becoming a serious winger in the Premier League, yet without the numbers to go with it, that did not look like the path the former Norwich City man was heading down.

Rejuvenated under Hasenhuttl, though, Redmond now appears to be going in the right direction again.

Newcastle United have made an enquiry for Aston Villa left-back Matt Targett.

That’s according to 90min, and their update has had a number of Villa fans talking on social media.

Targett has been a regular for Steven Gerrard in recent months, missing just two games under the Villa boss. The 26-year-old signed a new Villa Park contract last year through to 2025 but could now be second choice following Lucas Digne’s arrival.

Targett dropped to the bench against Manchester United last weekend for Digne to make his debut after his move from Everton, and it seems as if Newcastle are keen on the Englishman as a result.

90min revealed on Wednesday that the Magpies have approached Villa over a possible move for Targett, who could now be available to leave the Midlands.

Villa fans react

Both The AVFC Faithful and Total Villa shared the news regarding Targett on Twitter. This is what these Villa fans had to say in reply, with one wanting Allan Saint-Maximin in any deal.

“I’ll drive him up to Scotland myself”

Credit: @BenevolentBarry

“Saint-Max swap deal”

Credit: @charliepowellm1

“No way does Targett get sold. You don’t solve a problem then unsolve it immediately. Summer may be a different matter”

Credit: @TheHolte1874

“Crazy to sell him as we can’t just have Ash. Matt is great backup and would hope he wants to fight for his place rather than go elsewhere!”

Credit: @k1eranw

“No. Targett is ahead of Young on the pecking order for LB by a long shot. It would be silly for him to be sold.”

Credit: @AvfcUncut

“We want a squad now. So he has to stay unless he wants to go.”

Credit: @ch1992_ch

In other news: ‘Give them what they want’ – Many Villa fans flock to transfer update on potential ‘superstar’. 

Tottenham Hotspur are lining up a move for Andrea Belotti this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Italian newspaper Tuttosport (via Sport Witness), who claim that manager Antonio Conte and sporting director Fabio Paratici will attempt to bring the 28-year-old to north London upon the expiry of his contract at Torino.

It’s believed that he wouldn’t be signed as a starter due to Harry Kane’s role at the club. However, he’d be considered as a solid backup to the England talisman.

Napoli are also keen on the Italy international, though the player is less sold on that potential move.

Belotti bargain

Bringing the 5 foot 11 marksman to Hotspur Way would be something of a bargain for Paratici and Conte as they desperately need reinforcements in attack, where Kane is the only senior centre-forward option.

It would be a low-risk signing given that they wouldn’t have to pay a fee for the European champion, one valued at £25.2m – often, the club have had to splash out on backups in this regard. Roberto Soldado cost £26m, Vincent Janssen cost £17m and Fernando Llorente cost £12m.

Belotti has proven to be quite the prolific goalscorer during his time in Turin, with 109 goals in 244 appearances. He has bagged double figures in every season barring the current one, as he has been blighted by injury worries, and that includes a career-best of 28 goals in 2016/17, via Transfermarkt.

Former Spurs goalkeeper Joe Hart has previously lauded his former teammate and his ability to lead the line. He told Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio during a loan stint at Torino:

“Andrea is similar to all the great strikers, English and not. It’s hard to compare him to someone else because he’s special. He’s Belotti and that’s it. He has [an] instinct for goals, personality and he’s a team player: he’s always focused on his team and plays hard to help it.”

The 41-cap striker may have struggled this season but that has largely been down to injuries keeping him out of the Torino side. However, now back fit, he has scored two goals in his last five starts, so a comeback may be on the horizon at just the right time.

As Kane badly needs a backup, Spurs could do little wrong in sealing Belotti for absolutely nothing. It would be quite the bargain indeed.

AND in other news, Spurs leading race to sign £42m-rated “special talent”, could be Conte’s next Martinez…

A Rangers transfer claim has emerged on the future of Ibrox winger Ryan Kent and whether Giovanni van Bronckhorst will be able to keep him.

What’s the talk?

Transfer insider Pete O’Rourke has revealed that the winger has a release clause in his contract with the Glasgow giants and that he remains a long-term target for a club in England.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “The Ryan Kent one’s interesting; he’s been a long-term target for Leeds. Ever since they won promotion back to the Premier League, there was links with Ryan Kent.

“He’s had another good season for Rangers, impressed especially in their European run as well. If Leeds did follow up their interest, there is a release clause in his contract.”

Bad news for van Bronckhorst

This update spells bad news for Gio van Bronckhorst as it means that he will be helpless to stop Kent from leaving if a club comes in with an offer that triggers the release clause.

Without that contract stipulation, the Dutch head coach could urge Ross Wilson to reject any offers for Kent’s services unless an eye-catching amount of money was placed on the table. Instead, he will be forced to suffer in silence if Leeds, or any other team, stumps up the required fee.

This means that it may be a summer full of anxiety for the ex-Feyenoord boss as he hopes that no team decides to come in for him at the required price, with July and August allowing teams to swoop for him.

He will be desperate to keep hold of the Englishman as he has been a key player for the club throughout the campaign, domestically and in Europe. The forward has produced three goals and 17 assists for the Gers, including 11 assists in 24 Premiership outings and four in nine Europa League matches.

These statistics illustrate his importance to the team as he has been a regular source of creativity for the side. He has proven that he can do it in the Scottish top-flight and in European competition, which is why the head coach will be eager to retain him heading into the 2022/23 campaign.

Therefore, it is incredibly bad news for the Ibrox boss that Kent has a release clause that can be triggered in the coming months, especially with him being a long-term target for Leeds. Hopefully, they decide to look elsewhere and Rangers will be able to enjoy his talents for another year, at least.

AND in other news, Big blow: Rangers dealt worrying injury setback that’ll leave Van Bronckhorst gutted…

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in CF Montreal’s Djordje Mihailovic.

What’s the talk?

According to 1000Cuorirossoblu, PIF are plotting a swoop for the attacking midfielder at the end of the season, alongside a number of other clubs.

The report claims that Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Leverkusen and Leeds are also keen on the gem, whose contract with the MLS side expires in December 2023.

Huge Almiron upgrade

Newcastle must secure a deal to sign Mihailovic as he would be a huge upgrade on Miguel Almiron heading into the 2022/23 campaign.

In 26 Premier League appearances, Almiron has scored one goal and provided one assist for the Toon. Whilst his strike against Crystal Palace earlier this month was a terrific finish and one for the fans to enjoy at St. James’ Park, he has not been able to produce that level of quality on a consistent basis and his lack of impact in the final third is a cause for concern.

Two goal contributions in 15 league starts is a dismal return from a winger, particularly after he managed five (four goals and one assist) in 28 starts last season (34 appearances). He has not been a reliable player for the Magpies in the final third and that is why the club should be looking to sign Mihailovic to take his place in the team.

The Montreal midfielder has had a sensational start to 2022 as he has racked up four goals and two assists in eight appearances. He has averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.61 as he has created 2.5 chances per game, showing that he can consistently deliver at the top end of the pitch.

This comes after he managed four goals and 14 assists in 32 starts in 2021. In the 2020/21 campaign, he created a whopping 18 ‘big chances’ and made 2.3 key passes per game and these statistics suggest that he can be a creative force for the Magpies – with journalist Chris Smith dubbing him a “gorgeous passer”.

He can, therefore, be a big upgrade on the Paraguay international if he is able to translate his form for Montreal over to the Premier League next season.

The American dynamo, who has 40 MLS goals and assists combined in his career, is also five years younger than Almiron and has scope to develop further over the years. Howe can work with him on the training pitch to hone his skills and this means that he can be a player for the short and long-term future of the club.

AND in other news, 71% duels won: £19k-p/w NUFC titan brought his “passion off the pitch” onto it vs NCFC – opinion

Thiago Alcantara delivered a midfield masterclass as Liverpool thumped arch-rivals Manchester United 4-0 at Anfield on Tuesday evening to bolster their claims in the race for the title.

It now puts immense pressure on Manchester City, who they defeated in the FA Cup semi-final at the weekend, to keep up the ground ahead of their fixture with Brighton and Hove Albion later tonight.

Jurgen Klopp’s side were in rampant form as they picked apart a Red Devils side decimated with injuries – it was summed up by the fact that Phil Jones was starting in a back three for his second top-flight appearance of the season.

The three tiny terrors up top for the Merseyside giants had an evening to remember with all three getting their names on the scoresheet.

Mo Salah broke his duck to bag a brace, scoring the second goal after Luis Diaz opened the scoring and the final goal of the rout five minutes from time after Sadio Mane fired home a delightful first-time finish just after the hour mark.

Plenty of the plaudits will go to both the Egyptian and the Senegalese winger, whom both faced one another in the recent international break, but it was the Spanish midfielder who absolutely ran the proceedings, truth be told.

Earning a second-high 8.2 rating by SofaScore, Thiago looked a class apart during the 80 minutes he had on the pitch, registering a phenomenal passing accuracy of 95% from 110 attempts.

Three of these passes resulted in a key chance created, whilst the 31-year-old – who cost the club just £25m –  also recorded a whopping 129 touches of the ball, the most on the pitch, only further highlighting his input and influence in the win.

Elsewhere, he did his defensive dues, winning a total of three tackles, two interceptions and one block, on top of a further 77.7% duels won, as per SofaScore.

The £19.8m-rated maestro earned some high praise for his fine showing in Liverpool.

Liverpool ECHO chief Ian Doyle dubbed him “incredible,” popular fan page Anfield Watch claimed he was playing “on a different planet,” and verified journalist Brad Webb lauded him as a “Rolls-Royce” of a player.

It didn’t stop there as the ECHO wrote in their post-match ratings:

‘Seemed to be on a different level to everyone else in terms of his passing, and United couldn’t handle his speed of thought or tenacity. Faultless.’

Indeed, it was Thiago’s world and we were just living in it at Anfield on Tuesday night. What a performance. He absolutely ran the show for Klopp.

AND in other news, Liverpool now targeting “special” £49.5m-rated star, he’s the dream Salah replacement…

Darwin Nunez is ‘one to watch’ as Newcastle look to further strengthen their squad, according to The i’s Northern Football Correspondent Mark Douglas. 

The lowdown: Goalscorers wanted

Newcastle, Douglas says, ‘made enquiries’ about Nunez last month, before the transfer window opened.

They’ve already strengthened their striker ranks this month with the £25million signing of Chris Wood from relegation rivals Burnley.

They should also have top scorer Callum Wilson back from injury in around five weeks time.

The Magpies have, however, only managed to net 21 goals in their first 21 Premier League matches, so it makes sense that they would want even more firepower.

Transfermarkt value Nunez, who still has three and half years left on his SL Benfica contract, at £28.8million.

The latest: Surprise!

Sources at St James’ Park have apparently spoken about a ‘potential surprise’ in the final knockings of the window, reports Douglas, aside from the more heavily reported targets like Jesse Lingard and Diego Carlos.

Clubs are expected to lower price tags to more ‘realistic’ territory as it becomes clear that ‘Newcastle’s is the only offer that is likely to materialise’.

Douglas has urged Newcastle fans to keep an eye on Nunez in the final week of trading, suggesting he may be the ‘surprise’ arrival.

The verdict: Perfect signing

Wilson will be 30 next month and Wood is there already, while Nunez is still only 22, so perhaps Newcastle envisage building their attack around the Uruguayan long-term.

And it’s no wonder they like him – his record is magnificent. This season, he’s scored 20 goals in just 25 appearances in all competitions, averaging one every 79 minutes.

Yes, the Primeira Liga may not be the standard as the Premier League (it ranks sixth in UEFA’s coefficient, while the PL is top), but Nunez has also carried his form into the UEFA Champions League.

He bagged a brace in a 3-0 win over FC Barcelona in September and was also on target in a defeat against Group E winners Bayern Munich in November.

Perhaps this is a deal to revisit in the summer, though, because Benfica know that selling a prize asset at this late stage could spark a late scramble for a replacement.

In other news, Newcastle are considering another player who produced a UCL masterclass.

Brentford are ready to rival West Ham for the signing of Hull City midfielder Keane Lewis-Potter, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Hammers keen on Lewis-Potter

The Hammers are reportedly interested in acquiring the 20-year-old’s signature before the end of the January transfer window, following some impressive performances for Hull.

Lewis-Potter has scored five goals and registered three assists in 27 Championship appearances this season, also being hailed as a ‘special talent’ by Grant McCann.

It now looks as though West Ham could face competition for the youngster, though.

The Latest: Brentford emerge at contenders

According to The Daily Mail, Brentford have made a £12million offer to Hull for Lewis-Potter’s services, with Tottenham also mentioned in the report.

The Englishman’s current deal expires in the summer of 2023, meaning the Tigers are running out of time to receive a healthy fee for him.

The Verdict: Blow to miss out on him

While Lewis-Potter wouldn’t necessarily arrive as an immediate key man under David Moyes, he has the long-term potential to be a superb signing. He is already shining in the Championship at a young age and also won the EFL’s Young Player of the Month award back in October 2020.

With Mark Noble an ageing figure and Declan Rice not a certainty to stay put this summer, the Hull man is someone who could eventually mature into an influential figure in the middle of the park, albeit in a slightly more advanced role.

Not only has he chipped in with eight goal contributions in the league this season, but he has also averaged 0.8 interceptions and one clearance per game, showing he can shine defensively too.

In other news, some West Ham fans are excited by a transfer update. Read more here.

When it comes to online casino games, it is safe to say that slot games are the most popular. That shouldn’t come as a surprise. Slot games are rather simple and entertaining. They also have beautiful game designs. But, not all slot games are the same. Most of them work on a similar principle, but they are different when it comes to themes. That is usually how passionate online casino enthusiasts choose their slot games. If you are searching for new games, you can browse the New online casinos list by Erik King and find the one that suits you best. But, if you are searching for a slot game with a soccer theme, this article is perfect for you. Here are the best slot games with a soccer theme you must try.

Shoot! Slots

Soccer lovers are pretty passionate when it comes to their favourite game. That is why a slot game with a soccer theme must be pretty authentic. But, slot games are pretty simple and there simply can’t be any soccer features. At least when we discuss the gameplay. But that doesn’t mean that the game can’t celebrate soccer with its design. That is exactly what Shoot! Slots did. The game was made by Microgaming and it shows respect to soccer legends like Pele and Maradona. The design is easy on the eye and everyone who loves soccer will definitely love this game.

Football Glory

When it comes to soccer slots, there aren’t many games that are better than Football Glory. The game was made by Yggdrasil, one of the best names in the online casino business. The game design is pretty simple. That means that you will easily find the most important features. Also, if you are a true soccer lover, you will definitely like the graphics. The artists did a wonderful job with the soccer theme. The Football Glory game is rather popular with soccer fans because it is subtle. People who made it know soccer and they knew what the players would love to see. That is why it is one of the most successful slot games with the theme of soccer.

Football: Champions Cup Slots

When you look at the names that are the best in the online casino business, you will definitely see NetEnt there. That is why the Football: Champions Cup Slots game simply had to be on our list. What are the things that make this game so good? The game design is pretty simple and that means that it is easy to learn. Also, the artwork is beautiful. But, the best thing when it comes to this game is the fact that it gives you a chance to experience the ambient that you can experience at soccer stadiums. How does it do that? When you do something good, the crowd cheers you. It feels like you are on the pitch, playing football. There aren’t many games that can give you that.

Hat-Trick Hero

The last game on our list is definitely one of the best. It is made by Betsoft and that tells you enough when it comes to the quality of the game. But, what makes this game good for soccer lovers? The most important thing is that it shows respect for the game. People who made the game definitely understand the game. They also understand the passion soccer lovers have for the sport. That is why it is no surprise that they made such a good slot game. The design is simple, but beautiful. Players can easily find the most important features and that makes their gaming experience much better. Sure, this game may not make you feel like you are at the stadium, but it will definitely give you a chance to win money and watch the beautiful soccer art.

Final Word

Soccer slot games are wonderful. But, you must not forget the fact that playing slot games is also gambling. That is why you must be rather careful with your money. The best thing you can do is set a stop-loss limit. For example, if you determine that you can afford to lose $50 per day, then you must stop playing when you lose that money. That is one of the best ways to take care of your finances when playing slot games.

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