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Pep Guardiola looks set to receive a huge boost at Manchester City this week, with reports suggesting that Phil Foden is set to sign a new contract.

According to the Daily Star, a new six-year deal coupled worth £150k per week has been offered to the 21-year-old after his superb performances in recent seasons.

The City academy graduate established himself as a key player in Guardiola’s side after having to make do with a bit-part role in previous seasons and emphasised the immense quality he possesses with incredible displays in the Premier League and Champions League.

The England international would contribute 16 goals and 10 assists in all competitions for the Citizens, with the young Englishman finishing as the joint-third top scorer in the Premier League of those in Guardiola’s side last season.

[freshpress-quiz id=“577936”]

While he is currently contracted at the Etihad until 2024 and valued at £72m by Transfermarkt, which essentially makes him untouchable in the transfer market, he is one of the lowest earners in the first-team squad and his performances more than warrant an improved deal, one which will keep the 21-year-old happy and ensure that it is near impossible for another club to tempt him away from the Etihad.

Guardiola faced some criticism for not playing Foden more when he was a teenager but his performances last season justify the Spanish manager’s decision to keep him at the club rather than loaning him out.

He explained his reasoning back in 2019, saying:

“The people say he doesn’t play too much. He is 18 years old and he has played a lot of minutes.

“The people say he should be on loan; Phil Foden will not be on loan. All the time he is here he will be close to me because he is an incredibly talented player.”

Foden has certainly proven himself in the Premier League since those comments were made and he looks set to be a key part of the City and England sides for the next 10 years, so it can only be good news that he is on the brink of signing a new and improved contract.

And, in other news… Guardiola may soon have his own Neymar at Man City with teenage wonderkid

Leeds United reporter Phil Hay shared his views on a controversial incident against Newcastle United involving Dan James.

And, as to be expected, Hay’s Twitter post had plenty of Leeds fans talking on social media.

The Whites made it five league games without a win for the first time under Marcelo Bielsa with a 1-1 draw at St James’ Park.

Raphinha gave Leeds an early lead, and Leeds should’ve possibly been given a penalty after James collided with Joe Willock inside the area.

Mike Dean had a clear view of the challenge but decided not to award a penalty, with VAR also not getting involved.

Hay revealed he didn’t get a replay of the tackle on Friday night but now believes that Leeds had a ‘very strong shout’ for a spot-kick.

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Leeds fans react

The well-known reporter’s Twitter post on Saturday morning led to a number of Leeds fans sharing their thoughts, with plenty still fuming that a penalty wasn’t given.

“Perhaps a clear and obvious error. Shambles”

Credit: @DoctorT1992

“Mental. Stone wall pen and it didn’t even get looked at?”

Credit: @ryancoles89

“Strong shout it’s a stonewaller, absolute joke”

Credit: @tbeattie9

“Clear and obvious penalty for anyone but Leeds. Another awful decision against us.”

Credit: @david_kitty

“Is that not why we have VAR? If not then what’s the point at all?!”

Credit: @Lee6378

“The refereeing in England is abysmal”

Credit: @GTFOH1986

In other news: ‘Be a big boost’ – Paddy Kenny lauds ‘brilliant news’ from Leeds United source. 

Sheffield Wednesday have racked up a mixed bag of results in their League One campaign with five wins, three draws and three defeats from 11 games played, putting them in ninth place in the league table.

Despite seeing his side secure a 1-0 victory away at Bolton Wanderers in their latest League One match thanks to a goal from Lee Gregory, Owls manager Darren Moore was unfortunately handed a double injury blow in the clash.

What’s the news?

During the match against Bolton, Wednesday duo Lewis Gibson and Sam Hutchinson had to be replaced at halftime due to injury after starting the match at the University of Bolton Stadium.

Speaking after Saturday’s match, Moore said that the injuries were muscle-related and that both players will be assessed today (Monday) to find out the extent and seriousness of the issues.

Further setbacks

With Gibson having struggled with his fitness since arriving at the Yorkshire club back in August on a loan deal from Everton’s U23 side, it’s a real shame to see him pick up this latest injury.

Additionally, Hutchinson has also had some fitness issues this season.

Taking this into account, we feel the setbacks of both of these players is starting to become an issue for the team now, which Moore will have to deal with moving forward.

Looking ahead to Wednesday’s next League One match against AFC Wimbledon at the weekend, Moore will have to make some changes to the starting XI that faced Bolton if Hutchinson and Gibson end up being unavailable to play in the game due to their new concerns.

With Wednesday duo Cheyenne Dunkley and Dennis Adeniran replacing Hutchinson and Gibson for the second half of the match against Bolton, it seems likely that Moore will have to pick those two from the start against Wimbledon depending on the extent of Gibson and Hutchinson’s latest injury problems.

However, with Wednesday chasing a promotion place back to the Championship, Moore will undoubtedly need all of his squad players available to him for selection to give the club the best chance of achieving that. That’s precisely why he’ll be gutted over recent developments.

In other news: Forget Gregory: 30 y/o Sheff Wed ace stole the show v Bolton after “solid” display – opinion

French football expert Adam White insists Manchester United will not have to pay over the odds to win the race for sought-after teenager Eduardo Camavinga.

The 18-year-old, who is currently on the books of Ligue One side Rennes, has been on United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s radar all summer.

Fierce rivals Liverpool have also been tracking Camavinga for some time, along with Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Arsenal.

The central midfielder featured 39 times last season, scoring one goal and adding three assists, and has been involved in both of Rennes’ Ligue One fixtures so far this term.

He has also won three caps for France thanks to his impressive form.

United have already spent big to seal the signings of Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho and Real Madrid central defender Raphael Varane this summer, but Get French Football News’ White has revealed the Red Devils will not need to break the bank to persuade Rennes to part with Camavinga.

He told Football FanCast: “There’s been talk of a €40 million fee but Rennes will take less than 40 million.”

Some Wolves fans have been left reacting as a transfer update emerged on Rafael Leao.

As per MilanNews.it, the striker will not be sold by AC Milan before the summer window shuts.

Leao has reportedly been linked with a potential move to the Midlands club throughout the window, but it looks now as if any deal is off the cards.

It has been seen as a blessing in disguise by some members of the Molineux faithful, given that he only managed to score a mere seven goals in 40 matches in all competitions over the course of the 2020/21 term (Transfermarkt), and has also been criticised for his attitude when on the pitch.

Bruno Lage also has the likes of Raul Jimenez, Fabio Silva and Rafa Mir currently in his squad as options up top, and so they should really be focusing on strengthening in other positions.

Wolves fans on Leao transfer update

These WWFC supporters gave their reactions as the transfer update was shared on Twitter:

“Kind of happy about this just so we can focus on signing players in the midfield or defence”

Credit: @Millenwwfc

“Good, we don’t need another winger! We need a CM!! #wwfc”

Credit: @CallumONeill93

“We don’t need him anyway”

Credit: @Dreapers03

“I’m glad he’s not leaving Milan. He sucks big time. Very lazy player”

Credit: @pcaseiro

“Good sign Matthew Hoppe”

Credit: @capzwwfc

“Good now sign Palhinha”

Credit: @wwfcglover

In other news, find out whose Olympics performance has been lauded by Wanderers here!

Dean Windass has tipped Mikel Arteta to be the first managerial casualty of the Premier League season and is adamant Arsenal have already earmarked Brendan Rodgers as his successor.

The Gunners head into the new campaign without European football to look forward to for the first time since 1995.

It comes after Arteta, who made 150 appearances for Arsenal during his playing career, could only lead the north London club to an eighth place finish in the Premier League standings last term.

Arteta has reacted by splashing out £50million on Brighton & Hove Albion and England central defender Ben White, while Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga have also joined from Benfica and Anderlecht respectively.

But Arteta, who was named as fellow Spaniard Unai Emery’s replacement in December 2019, will be under pressure to deliver after being backed by the board following a disappointing first full campaign at the helm.

Leicester City boss Rodgers was also linked with the Arsenal post close to two years ago and ex-Premier League striker Windass believes he could be in charge at the Emirates Stadium soon.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Windass said: “I’m sure Brendan Rodgers could be there in the next three to four months. I think he could be the next Arsenal manager if Arteta struggles. He would be one of the first names on the list, without a shadow of a doubt, if they get off to a bad start.

“Everything changes now because the supporters are back in the stadiums. There is more pressure on the players, manager and board.

“If Arteta doesn’t start well, he could be the first one to go and I think Brendan Rodgers is nailed on to become Arsenal manager.”

Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford could be sussed out this season, former Premier League forward Dean Windass has told The Transfer Tavern.

Bamford was fantastic for Leeds last term following their promotion from the Championship. The 27-year-old featured in all 38 of his side’s Premier League fixtures, scoring 17 goals.

He has also made a decent start to this campaign. While the Englishman was not able to find the back of the net in either of Leeds’ first two fixtures, he did manage to grab an assist against Everton to help the team earn a point from that 2-2 draw at Elland Road.

Windass, however, would not be surprised to see him struggle later on now that Premier League defenders know his game.

“I know Bamford scored double figures last season and did unbelievably,” the ex-Hull City player said. “But it’s a fact, centre-halves will suss you out. They get tighter to you.

“It’s so difficult in the Premier League because, you know, you’re playing with athletes. And all of this analysis now, they know everything, your strengths and weaknesses.”

It will certainly be interesting to see if Bamford can maintain his goalscoring form. If he can, you would expect Marcelo Bielsa’s men, who finished ninth last season, to be in for another solid campaign in English football’s top flight.

New Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has been handed a significant boost ahead of his first competitive game in charge of the Glasgow giants.

The Hoops welcome Danish side FC Midtjylland to Celtic Park tonight for their Champions League second qualifying round first leg tie, with both teams hoping to eventually progress to the group stage of Europe’s elite club competition.

It’s set to be a special occasion for Postecoglou, and the game will also see the largest crowd in attendance at Parkhead in almost 18 months, adding to the excitement.

“We’re going to have 9,000 people at Celtic Park,” the Australian said. “I guarantee you they will make the noise of 90,000. We’ve got to put in a really good performance for them.”

Forrest and Griffiths both available; Postecoglou must be pleased

Celtic’s chances of earning a favourable result were increased after it was revealed that winger James Forrest is available for selection after finishing his self-isolation period after being in close contact of a positive Covid case.

The 30-year-old winger was sidelined for large periods of last season through injury, but his return to full fitness will provide a much-needed injection of quality to Celtic’s squad.

Forrest is set to be joined by fellow experienced forward Leigh Griffiths after Postecoglou declared the Scotland international ‘ready to go’ following an off-field incident. The striker is unlikely to start against Midtjylland after being unable to play any part in pre-season games, but he should be fit enough to take a place on the bench.

Ryan Christie, Nir Bitton and Ismaila Soro are all expected to return to the matchday setup after missing Saturday’s friendly loss to Preston North End, although there will be some high-profile absentees. Kristoffer Ajer and Olivier Ntcham have been left out of Celtic’s Champions League squad following continued speculation over the pair’s futures. [BBC]

Norway centre-back Ajer has had a fitness issue and has been heavily linked with Premier League duo Brentford and Norwich City, while there has been extensive talk regarding the future of midfielder Ntcham following his unsuccessful loan stint at Marseille in the second half of 2020/21. [BBC]

Summer signings Liel Abada and Kyogo Furuhashi have also been left out of Celtic’s squad, and Mikey Johnston is unavailable through injury. [BBC]

Despite being deprived the services of a handful of players, the returns of experienced duo Forrest and Griffiths to contention for Celtic’s latest attempt at negotiating the Champions League qualifying rounds is sure to please Postecoglou ahead of his first big test in the Hoops dugout.

In other news… Celtic receive boost in pursuit of “different class” £60k-p/w gem, Ange will love him

If you take a look down a list of Celtic’s current options, it’ll quickly become apparent that they have a whole host of areas they need to strengthen.

The Hoops’ defence will be of great concern after shipping 16 more goals than their biggest rivals last term while there is a big void in midfield that’s been left behind by Scott Brown.

On the chalkboard

The Bhoys have been linked with a number of central midfielders during the ongoing transfer market.

PFA Young Player of the Year nominee Ali McCann is on their radar while Lewis Ferguson has been touted as a potential acquisition as well.

Brown’s departure has left a hole that needs filling while Olivier Ntcham’s potential exit will place greater importance on strengthening the middle of the park.

Liam Shaw has arrived from Sheffield Wednesday but he’s still particularly raw.

According to Celtic Now and Forever, the Hoops now have Torino midfielder Sasa Lukic in their crosshairs.

Dialogue has been opened with the Italian club about a potential move but it’s one that could be rather expensive. Prior reports stated he was valued at £8.5m, close to Celtic’s record signing; Odsonne Edouard.

This would be a tremendous pick-up but you have to take it with a pinch of salt given his price tag.

That being said, Ange Postecoglou will have money to spend if they fetch hefty sums for Kristoffer Ajer and Edouard.

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Lukic is an all-action midfielder, someone who scored three times for Torino last term. His numbers weren’t too impressive in league action but he has been a star for his country, Serbia.

After shining at the U21 European Championships in 2019, he was described as a player of the “highest quality,” by World Football Scout.

He has taken on the mantle excellently since progressing into the senior side.

Lukic made three tackles per game in the Nations League, more than any Celtic player in the Premiership last term, while he also provided two key passes.

Of those who played in green and white last season, only David Turnbull and Ryan Christie bettered that statistic.

Composed in possession of the ball, the 24-year-old can dribble past players and advance towards goal, producing 1.3 shots per match. Based on those numbers, it would appear that Lukic is a classic box to box midfielder.

Ntcham has been Celtic’s go-to man in that department over the last few years so Postecoglou could welcome a like for like replacement here.

With the Australian favouring an intense and quick route to goal, Lukic’s playstyle could be perfect for the new Hoops boss.

AND in other news, £15k-p/w liability must never play under Ange at Celtic, Lennon dubbed him “stupid”…

Queens Park Rangers are still pursuing a deal to bring Stefan Johansen to the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by West London Sport, who claim that Mark Warburton is hoping to make a further three signings in the summer transfer window, one of whom remains the Fulham central midfielder.

The report goes on to state that talks between the two clubs have slowed following Scott Parker’s departure and Marco Silva’s appointment at Craven Cottage, although QPR are still hopeful that a deal for the 30-year-old can be completed ahead of next season.

Fans surely buzzing

Considering just how impressive Johansen was while on loan at QPR last season, the news that the club are maintaining their pursuit of the Norway international this summer is sure to have left fans of the club buzzing.

Indeed, over his 21 Championship appearances for Mark Warburton’s side last term, the £1.8m-rated midfielder bagged four goals, provided two assists and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of one shot and making 1.6 key passes per game.

The £8k-per-week man also impressed in more typical central midfield metrics, making an average of 0.8 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and completing 44.4 passes in each league appearance.

These returns saw man Ronny Deila dubbed an “unbelievable” player earn an average SofaScore match rating of 7.00, ranking him as the club’s sixth-best performer in the second tier of English football.

As such, if Warburton can indeed go on to seal a deal for the Fulham midfielder in the coming weeks, he would very much appear to be yet another fantastic addition to the QPR squad ahead of their upcoming Championship campaign, with the 58-year-old having already made seven signings this summer, including the likes of Andre Dozzell, Charlie Austin, Jordy de Wijs and Sam McCallum.

This business would appear to bode extremely well for the club’s chances of going on to mount a promotion push next season, something that Warburton will undoubtedly be hoping to mastermind following an extremely strong finish to their campaign last time out.

In other news: QPR confirm big transfer news on “low maintenance” £3.1k-p/w gem, fans surely buzzing