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Leeds United would have walked off at the end of a first-leg stalemate at Norwich City pleased with the grit on display in defence, even if their attacking game was somewhat non-existent.

The likes of Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu in the heart of the Whites back four ensured the Canaries were kept at arm's length throughout, receiving various plaudits after the dust had settled at Carrow Road.

Yet, there would have been some frustration amongst the Leeds fanbase at the lack of creativity on show when the visitors from West Yorkshire attempted to bomb forward with Wilfried Gnonto notably failing to spark into life in Norfolk.

Wilfried Gnonto's performance vs Norwich in numbers

The Italian winger was hauled off by Farke on the 70-minute mark, with his performance below-par compared to the standards he's set before down the flanks for Leeds.

Helping himself to nine goals during the regular campaign, there was no danger from a Canaries perspective that he would add more strikes to his account in the lunchtime kick-off with just one effort being registered which was blocked by a yellow shirt.

Only amassing 34 touches of the ball too, with nervy Whites goalkeeper Illan Meslier even bettering this lacklustre total with 46, the ex-FC Zurich dynamo was also quiet with his accurate passes tally only coming in at 13.

Leeds Live's Beren Cross dished out a poor 5/10 rating to Gnonto post-match as a result, with Cross stating that the out-of-sorts 20-year-old 'battled well' but 'never got' into dangerous enough positions to regularly test the home side's back four.

Minutes played

70

Touches

34

Accurate passes

13/17 (76%)

Shots on target

0

Successful dribbles

1/3

Duels won

4/10

Possession lost

14x

Stats by Sofascore

Giving possession up 14 times in total at Carrow Road also, Farke could now look to drop his usually dependable ace to freshen up the attack for the second leg.

The main option to come in as the Italian's replacement looks to be Daniel James, who will hope to battle back from his recent injury issues and become a key star in Leeds progressing to Wembley this coming Thursday night if selected.

The player that could replace Gnonto

Given a very brief three-minute run-out against David Wagner's hosts on Sunday lunchtime, James could now be drafted in from the start to give the Whites more energy and drive going forward to overwhelm a tricky Norwich side back in West Yorkshire.

The tenacious Welshman managed to win two duels despite only being on the pitch a matter of moments in the first leg, eager to leave his mark on proceedings in a more obvious way in the second match-up now.

When the two teams met in the regular season at Elland Road, James ended up assisted the only goal of the game to hand Leeds a narrow 1-0 victory – the ex-Manchester United attacker beautifully picking out Patrick Bamford with a sublime cross to head home.

Bamford won't be present owing to injury, but Farke will pray James can be as effective as he was in this close encounter back in January when push comes to shove in the playoffs.

Picking up a staggering 20 goal contributions from 44 clashes before these tense contests got underway, James will have the bit between his teeth to star in the second leg having had to become a background figure as of late with his injury troubles.

Whatever happens, Farke will just want a more open affair on home soil with Leeds potentially putting on a show to then seal a huge showdown at Wembley to be just one game away from a Premier League return.

Leeds star with 99% passing was Farke's best player vs Norwich

Leeds United will be the happier of the two sides after a defensive shut-out at Norwich City.

ByKelan Sarson May 12, 2024

Manchester United have made progress in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte, according to a report.

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United still pushing to sign Ugarte from PSGRed Devils feel the asking price is too highFrench side willing to come to a compromiseWHAT HAPPENED?

The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the Uruguay international in recent weeks but have so far been unable to come to an agreement with the French giants. However, reports that the two teams have accepted they will have to reach a compromise over a transfer fee, giving United a significant boost as they look to get a deal wrapped up.

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United's efforts to land Ugarte hit a snag because they felt PSG's demands of a £51 million ($67m) transfer fee were excessive. According to the report, the 23-year-old is 'desperate' to make the switch to Old Trafford and the English side reckon a £40m ($52m) fee would be a fair price for him, but PSG are not currently willing to accept that deal for a player they only signed last year.

DID YOU KNOW?

After signing Joao Neves from Benfica in a big-money deal, PSG are overstocked in midfield, with the likes of Danilo Pereira, Warren Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, Carlos Soler and Ayman Kari all available to play in central midfield. United, on the other hand, are eager to strengthen in the middle of the park to ensure coach Erik ten Hag has enough options at his disposal as they look to improve on last season's eighth-placed Premier League finish.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR UNITED?

The English and French clubs will continue negotiations over a potential deal for Ugarte as they look to get one over the line before the transfer window closes on August 30. In the meantime, Ten Hag and his players will continue preparing for Saturday's Premier League match against Brighton.

Celtic have a chance to book a place in the final of the SFA Cup on Saturday as they face Aberdeen at Hampden Park in the semi-finals of the competition.

The Hoops turn their attention away from the Scottish Premiership, in which they currently sit top of the tree, for this clash with the Dons in Glasgow this weekend.

They won 3-0 against St Mirren in their last game, which came in the league, thanks to goals from Reo Hatate, Kyogo Furuhashi, and Adam Idah.

However, Brendan Rodgers could rotate his team and offer opportunities to other players to ensure that he makes the most of his squad ahead of the run-in to the end of the season.

Therefore, the Northern Irish head coach could make some changes to the starting XI that was selected against St Mirren last time out, and here is FFC's predicted Celtic lineup to take to the field on Saturday.

1 Joe Hart

Starting off between the sticks, Joe Hart has been the manager's first-choice throughout the season and should start once again in goal as he looks to cap off his playing career with another cup trophy.

2 Alistair Johnston

At right-back, Alistair Johnston should start and look to provide an attacking threat down the flank, as he has done in recent weeks with his superb crossing ability.

He has provided four assists in his last seven league appearances for Celtic and will be looking to supply the forwards with quality service into the box.

3 Cameron Carter-Vickers

Celtic's man mountain at the back, Cameron Carter-Vickers, should start and command the backline with his towering presence to the left of Johnston.

The USA international has won 69% of his duels across 21 appearances in the Premiership this season, which speaks to how dominant he is against opposition players in physical battles.

4 Maik Nawrocki

Former Legia Warsaw star Maik Nawrocki could be handed another opportunity to impress at the heart of the defence next to Carter-Vickers, after his start against St Mirren.

The Polish defender, who started in place of the injured Liam Scales, won five of his seven duels and completed 93% of his attempted passes in 64 minutes last time out.

5 Greg Taylor

Alexandro Bernabei's departure in March has left Greg Taylor as the only natural, senior, left-back option for Rodgers, which is why he should start once again against Aberdeen.

6 Callum McGregor

The first change to the starting XI could come at the base of the midfield, with captain Callum McGregor returning to the lineup to replace Tomoki Iwata.

Recently returning from an Achilles injury, the Scotland international could be selected for his leadership in the middle of the park for this big semi-final clash at Hampden.

Iwata also did his chances of retaining his place in the XI few favours against St Mirren as he lost three of his five duels, failed to create any chances, and made just one tackle with zero interceptions.

7 Paulo Bernardo

Another alteration to the lineup could come in midfield next to McGregor. Hatate, who scored last time out with a sumptuous outside the foot finish, is recently back from injury and could be rotated out for Paulo Bernardo.

The Portuguese midfielder, who is on loan from Benfica, has two goals and one assist in his last four appearances for club and country in all competitions.

He could, therefore, provide an attacking spark from midfield, to replace the Japan international, and that would allow Rodgers to give Hatate a rest, rather than overworking him after his calf injuries.

8 Matt O'Riley

Matt O'Riley should keep his place in the middle of the park as he has been a terrific performer for Celtic throughout the campaign and could be the match-winner.

The Denmark international has produced a stunning 13 goals and 11 assists in 32 Premiership appearances this season, which shows that the left-footed magician has the quality to cause huge problems for opposition defences with his quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

9 Nicolas Kuhn

On the right side of the attack, Nicolas Kuhn should keep his place in the starting XI as the January signing from Austrian side Rapid Wien has been in superb form of late.

The German winger has scored one goal, provided two assists, made 11 key passes, and created four 'big chances' in his last five appearances for the club in all competitions, and could look to be a creator for his team on Saturday.

10 Adam Idah

The third alteration to the lineup could come in the number nine position as Norwich City loanee Adam Idah could be selected ahead of Kyogo Furuhashi.

Idah, whose ability has been described as "incredible" by Rodgers, has produced two goals and one assist in his last three appearances off the bench for the Hoops, with goals against Rangers and St Mirren in the last two outings.

Whereas, Kyogo had one goal, zero assists, and three 'big chances' missed as a starter in those three matches, which suggests that the Bhoys could improve their team by dropping the Japanese forward to unleash the Ireland international in his place.

The 6 foot 3 centre-forward has scored seven goals and provided two assists in ten league outings for the Scottish giants so far, and could be handed the chance to fire Celtic to a cup final as a starter against Aberdeen on Saturday.

Turkish outfit Galatasaray are reportedly after a "special" Liverpool player in the summer transfer window, in what could be a shock development.

Liverpool transfer news

The Reds have six mammoth Premier League matches remaining this season before the Jurgen Klopp era at Anfield comes to an end. Once the new manager is brought in during the summer, he will no doubt want to bring in players who suit his style of play, so plenty of business can be expected.

One player who has been linked with a switch to Liverpool in the coming months is Bayern Munich superstar Jamal Musiala, who could be weighing up his options. Manchester City are also showing strong interest in the attacker, with a return to England far from out of the question.

Last summer, the Reds showed interest in signing Chelsea centre-back Levi Colwill, and a recent report has suggested that they could be back in for him during the summer. Young Senegal defender Mikayil Faye is another individual who has been backed to seal a move to Merseyside, with additions to the backline potentially needed if Joel Matip departs when his contract expires at the end of the campaign, as is expected.

There could be others who leave Liverpool, however, and a surprise exit claim has now emerged.

"Special" Liverpool player linked with exit

According to Turkish outlet Fotomac, Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is wanted by Galatasaray this summer, with the Super Lig giants seeing him as a strong option to bring in. He is looked at as an ideal midfield partner for Lucas Torreira.

This is a rumour that has seemingly come from nowhere, and it would be an undoubted surprise to see the 21-year-old depart so soon into his Reds career.

Stat

Total

Appearances

21

Starts

10

Goals

0

Assists

0

Tackles per game

1.0

Key passes per game

0.5

Pass completion rate

82.8%

Gravenberch only joined from Bayern last summer, and while he has struggled to impress as much as fellow new signings Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Wataru Endo, he has undoubted talent, with assistant manager Pep Lijnders calling him "special" and also saying of him:

"Ryan in the final third, as an eight, is the one who slides, the one who still has [an] overview, the one who has a first touch with his left or right to get out of a situation, out of proper pressure. He can keep the ball under high pressure and still find the passing option forward. He is a complete, complete eight with scoring and with attitude. It is the eight we searched for and the eight we got. We are thankful to our owners and our scouting and everyone who made it happen."

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ByAngus Sinclair Apr 20, 2024

Granted, more is needed from Gravenberch moving forward, with the Dutchman struggling with consistency across his 21 Premier League appearances this season, but he has been compared to Jude Bellingham in the past, and he is worth persevering with, assuming the new manager wants him.

With their Scottish Premiership title hopes now in the hands of leaders and Old Firm rivals Celtic, Rangers could be set to make some ruthless decisions this summer, which could see one particular defender depart.

Rangers transfer news

As things stand, the Gers are set to bid farewell to several players at the end of their current contracts this summer, with Leon Balogun, Borna Barisic, Jon McLaughlin and Ryan Jack all set to leave Ibrox at the end of the season. One player who may not suffer that fate, however, is John Lundstram with negotiations ongoing regarding his new contract just weeks away from the expiration of his current deal.

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ByRoss Kilvington Apr 17, 2024

Following those departures, though, Rangers will have room to make improvements, with Fabio Silva and Oscar Cortes already linked with permanent moves, whilst a move for Eduard Spertsyan has also been mentioned in three moves which would boost Philippe Clement's frontline this summer. And whilst attacking incomings potentially enter Ibrox this summer, they could be funded by the sale of those struggling to break into Clement's current side, with Ben Davies among those.

The former Liverpool defender has endured a frustrating season and journalist Chris Jack now believes the "forgotten" Davies could be among those shown the door at Rangers this summer.

Jack told Rangers Review, relayed by Ibrox News: “It’s been a long time since he’s been on the pitch and [he’s] just become one of the forgotten guys. I think it’s safe to say the manager doesn’t see a place for him, doesn’t rate him.

“There was a lot of talk in the January window about Davies potentially moving on. It’s looking like he’s definitely one the manager will look to shift in the summer. If he’s not even going to get in the matchday squad at present it’s hard to see how he’s got a long-term future.”

Ben Davies' continued struggles

In truth, Davies has struggled since completing a surprise move from Preston North End to Liverpool in January of 2021. Failing to ever break into Jurgen Klopp's plans amid a defensive crisis, the central defender completed a loan switch to Sheffield United before eventually escaping his Anfield nightmare courtesy of a permanent move to Rangers.

Things haven't gone much better in Scotland, however, and after just 12 appearances in all competitions, it's fair to say that Davies may need to move on once again. Now 28 years old, the former Preston man could soon have the chance to get his next move right, given that he is still in what is usually considered a player's prime.

If any club does come for Davies this summer, then his reported £27k per-week salary may prove to be an obstacle. According to Salary Sport, it made him one of Rangers' highest earners in 2023 in what comes as a shock given that he is now on the fringes of Clement's plans at Ibrox.

As the transfer window approaches, it looks as though Clement will have no time for sentiment with some ruthless decisions set to take place ahead of his first full season in charge of Rangers.

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi says he did not feel any "pressure" to accept a transfer to Liverpool this summer.

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• Zubimendi was a top target for Liverpool
• Rejected move to Anfield
• Fully committed to Sociedad

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Spanish midfielder says his life is at Real Sociedad after rejecting the chance to move to one of Europe's giants this summer. Liverpool's keen interest in the 25-year-old was knocked back following Zubimendi's impressive performances for Spain at Euro 2024 this summer. After deciding to stay in his homeland, the Sociedad maestro has broken his silence on the Reds' failed attempts to lure him away.

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  WHAT ZUBIMENDI SAID

  Speaking to Marca, he said: "My friends are clear that whatever I decide will be the best. There is no pressure whatsoever. Real Sociedad for me is my life, I think I have spent half my life there. A lot of what I am is part of La Real, it is my life."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Zubimendi may have decided to stay put for now, but if he performs at the same level as he did last season in La Liga, top teams will come knocking again next summer. The Copa del Rey winner is contracted to Sociedad until 2027, but failure to qualify for Europe will likely prompt the midfielder into another think about his future.

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• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR ZUBIMENDI?

  Sociedad have not had the best start to the 2024-25 campaign, picking up four points from as many matches. Zubimendi and Co have the tough task of hosting Real Madrid after the international break, but the Spaniard will have his sights set on matches against Serbia and Switzerland in the Nations League first.

Chelsea's dressing-room rift is out in the open as Enzo Fernandez's video leaves the club's pre-season plans in "total meltdown".

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Fernandez led chants about FranceChelsea players furious with the ArgentinePublic apology is not enough to ease tensionWHAT HAPPENED?

Fernandez was filmed singing an alleged racist song with his Argentina teammates in the team bus during their celebrations after winning the Copa America. This incident has caused significant unrest among the Chelsea squad, with Wesley Fofana labelling the chants as "uninhibited racism."

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The fallout from the video has been severe, leading to a division within the team. According to up to ten players have reportedly unfollowed or snubbed Fernandez on social media, highlighting the deep rift caused by the incident. Despite Fernandez issuing a public apology, an insider told that his apology was deemed insufficient by many within the club. One of them even said: "People are saying ‘what the f*** was he thinking?’”

The chant in question allegedly also included derogatory and transphobic references to French star Kylian Mbappe, which has been condemned by many. This has exacerbated the tensions within Chelsea’s diverse squad, further complicating the efforts to restore unity and focus ahead of the new season.

DID YOU KNOW?

The incident has particularly affected Chelsea's French contingent, which includes Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Malo Gusto, Malang Sarr, Christopher Nkunku, Lesley Ugochukwu, and Fofana. These players, along with three other non-French teammates, are reportedly upset by the offensive content of the chant. The situation has led to increased tensions and disharmony within the squad.

Striker Nicolas Jackson attempted to mediate the situation by posting a picture of Fernandez greeting a young black Chelsea fan and another of himself holding up Fernandez's shirt. However, this gesture backfired and was later removed. A source close to Jackson explained: “Nicolas had no intention to create controversy or disrespect people. It was a kind gesture to support a team-mate and acted in good faith.”

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

Both Chelsea and FIFA have taken up the matter and are investigating the controversial video. The club is working to address the issue internally while also cooperating with football’s governing body to resolve the matter. The investigations aim to determine the full context and impact of the video, as well as any potential disciplinary actions that may be necessary.

Adrien Rabiot has issued a lengthy farewell message to Marseille fans after his controversial summer exit in the wake of a dressing room altercation.

• Rabiot released statement to Marseille fans
• Speaks of his love for the club
• Joined AC Milan in the summer

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The France international has penned a lengthy message to the OM supporters, thanking them for their warm welcome to the city and spoke of the passion and love he felt at the club. Rabiot has since left France and joined AC Milan in controversial circumstances.

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• AFP
  

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  This move follows a turbulent spell at Marseille, where he had returned to France after five seasons with Juventus. Rabiot's time at Orange Velodrome ended after he and team-mate Jonathan Rowe were placed on the transfer list due to an altercation following a match against Rennes in August.

• WHAT RABIOT SAID

  Rabiot said on Instagram: "Dear Marseille supporters, before I start my new adventure in Milan I wanted to send you a message. Since the first day I arrived in Marignane, you did not attach importance to my Parisian past, and immediately adopted me as a Marseillais, until I left. Throughout the season you've encouraged, accompanied, carried, applauded. You have been of steadfast support. I felt this fervour, this passion, this love of football that encourages you and makes Marseille a unique city and club in France. I will never forget the atmosphere of the Velodrome. The chants, the cheering and the badge. The joys of celebrations and especially the indescribable feeling of scoring in this stadium. It was an immense pleasure to defend your colours, those of the Olympique Marseille."

• AFP
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR RABIOT?

  Rabiot would be forgiven for wanting a quieter life after the drama at Marseille. He's just signed a three-year contract at AC Milan and will be battling for a place in Didier Deschamps' France World Cup squad. 

Nottingham Forest could also sign an “attacking” defender alongside Giovanni Reyna and Rodrigo Ribeiro before the deadline, with an agreement reportedly reached.

Nottingham Forest set to sign Reyna

Nuno Espirito Santo is yet to make his first signing in charge at the City Ground, with the Reds’ focus so far being on moving players out of the club. The likes of Emmanuel Dennis, Jonathan Panzo and Scott McKenna have all sealed loan exits, joining Watford, Standard Liege and FC Copenhagen respectively.

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With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

Talking about transfers following the 2-1 defeat to Arsenal, Nuno was coy on potential incomings, saying: “It is two days to go. Let’s wait and see. Since the window opened there has been things going on. We have to wait and see what happens in the last days.”

Since then, it has emerged that Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder Reyna is on course to become Forest’s first January signing, with Fabrizio Romano sharing an update on Wednesday morning.

Following that, it has been added that striker Rodrigo Ribeiro is also on course to move to Forest on a loan with an option to buy deal from Sporting CP.

However, the pair may not be the only players through the door before tomorrow evening’s deadline, with an update coming to light on a new full-back.

Nottingham Forest reach Brandon Soppy agreement

According to journalist Orazio Accomando, Nottingham Forest have reached an “agreement” for defender Brandon Soppy, although he doesn’t state if a deal would be a loan or permanent transfer. Since then, it has been added that Schalke are in talks over a loan deal for the full-back, while Torino are shopping for replacements, so there could be a late tussle for his signature.

Soppy is 21 years of age and is currently on loan at Torino from Atalanta. However, it looks as if his temporary spell could come to an end with a move to Forest. The Frenchman is primarily a right-back and can also play as a left-back or as a right-midfielder. Previously on the books of Rennes and Udinese, Soppy’s Transfermarkt valuation has dropped in the last 12 months, so he could need a new challenge in England.

Udinese

32

0

Atalanta

16

4

Rennes

11

0

Torino

5

0

Once linked with a move to Celtic, French football expert Adam White said at the time that Soppy is a “very attacking” full-back with a lot of potential.

“He's very inexperienced and very attacking. Soppy likes to take players on and is very good on the ball. He has a lot of potential and there's a reason why all these clubs are interested in him – he has talent.”

Nuno currently has Neco Williams, Gonzalo Montiel, Ola Aina, Serge Aurier and Richie Laryea as his right-back options, and by the looks of things, Soppy could be the next to arrive to challenge for a starting spot.

The fast-bowling allrounder had missed the first Test, which West Indies lost by 318 runs, due to an ankle injury

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Aug-2019Keemo Paul has recovered from his ankle injury and has been drafted back into the West Indies squad straightaway for the second and final Test against India in Kingston, replacing Miguel Cummins, the man who had filled in for him in Antigua.

WI squad for second Test

Squad: Jason Holder (capt), Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Jahmar Hamilton (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope (wk), Shannon Gabriel, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach.

That was the only change to the squad for the first Test, which India won by 318 runs. Shai Hope kept wickets then, and might continue to do so with first-choice Test wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich back in Barbados continuing his rehabilitation from an ankle injury, even though back-up keeper Jahmar Hamilton is among the 13 in Jamaica.Cummins didn’t have a particularly good time of it in Antigua, conceding 69 runs in 20 wicketless overs across two innings, as India piled up 297 and 343 for 7 declared while bowling West Indies out for 222 and 100 to earn 60 World Test Championship points.While batting was West Indies’ weak link in the first Test, the bowling unit did let India off the hook somewhat after having the visitors down on the mat at 25 for 3 – Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli among the batsmen out – on the first morning. “We got the early wickets we were looking for but I thought that we tried a bit too hard, we didn’t stick to coming down the channel, we tried a bit too hard with the short-ball plan and stuff like that,” Roston Chase, the only spinner in the XI for the first Test, had said of that performance.West Indies will hope that changes in the second Test. With Cummins out and Paul in, that might be a straight swap in the XI at Sabina Park, unless the conditions call for an international debut for Rahkeem Cornwall, the 26-year-old offspinning allrounder from Antigua.