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Leeds United have suffered an injury blow, with journalist Graham Smyth confirming that youngster Lewis Bate has picked up a knock on England duty.

The Lowdown: Bate joins Leeds

The Whites brought in the likes of Junior Firpo and Dan James in the summer transfer window, but Bate’s arrival went a little more under the radar.

The 18-year-old midfielder joined from Chelsea back in July, which was seen as a coup, given his potential – he was just this week tipped for a breakthrough into the first team.

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The Latest: Youngster injured

Bate was in action for England Under-2os on Thursday evening, starting against Italy, along with fellow Leeds starlets Cody Drameh and Sam Greenwood.

Unfortunately, he didn’t see out the 90 minutes, limping off with an injury that Smyth confirmed in an eight-word verdict on Twitter:

“Looked like ankle or foot was the issue.”

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The Verdict: Another setback for Whites

Leeds have been picking up key injuries this season, from Diego Llorente to Patrick Bamford, and this is another blow for a talented young player.

Granted, Bate isn’t part of Marcelo Bielsa’s first-team plans currently, but he has been progressing well and this layoff could stunt his progress.

The hope is that it is nothing serious, however, and that the teenager can continue to thrive at Elland Road, having made eight appearances for the Under-23s to date.

In other news, a pundit has claimed one Leeds player needs to improve as a footballer. Read more here.

Celtic returned to winning ways on Saturday afternoon as the Hoops bounced back from an Old Firm derby defeat before the international break.

Ange Postecoglou’s side were without star striker Kyogo Furuhashi who will miss the next seven games through injury but that didn’t seem to matter as Albian Ajeti found form.

On the chalkboard

Celtic also happened to be without two of their key players from years gone by in Odsonne Edouard and Ryan Christie.

Both players sealed moves away from Paradise on transfer deadline day as Edouard joined Crystal Palace and Christie headed to Bournemouth.

The former began Palace’s game with Spurs on Saturday on the bench but appeared late on and scored twice on a sensational debut.

However, it could actually be the latter who Celtic end up missing more. Christie was in sublime form at the start of the season, creating more key passes a match (4) than anybody else in the Bhoys side.

His early season performances were in stark contrast to the type of displays that we saw from the Scot last term when he scored only once in his last 11 Premiership outings.

The solution

One way Celtic could go about replacing the Scotland international is by signing Jed Wallace.

Reports from Football League World suggested this week that the Hoops were one of a number of sides interested in signing the £6.3m-rated player.

Wallace is currently contracted to Millwall but is out of contract next summer and thus, could be signed on a pre-contract agreement once January rolls around.

Also interested in the attacking midfielder are Rangers, West Brom, West Ham, Newcastle and Crystal Palace.

By fending off the competition to sign him, Celtic could discover their brand new Christie.

Described as a “top player” by Lions boss Gary Rowett, the 27-year-old is capable of scoring and creating goals in abundance.

He has already scored three goals and assisted two strikes in seven outings in the second-tier of English football this term. That adds to the 18 goal involvements he registered throughout the 2020/21 season.

A closer look at the tools they both possess also displays a host of similarities. Last season, Christie registered 2.8 shots, 2.1 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per game.

In comparison, Wallace had 2.2 shots, 2.2 key passes and 1.2 dribbles a match.

With that in mind, Celtic could find their direct replacement by luring him to Glasgow next year. On a free transfer, this would be the perfect acquisition for Postecoglou to make.

AND in other news, Forget Ajeti: Celtic gem who took 126 touches vs Ross County was their true hero…

A number of Liverpool supporters are concerned about the extent of Thiago’s injury after a photo appeared to show the Spaniard on crutches.

The Reds could only draw 3-3 away to Brentford at the weekend, blowing the opportunity to pull three points clear at the top of the Premier League.

Liverpool fielded Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Curtis Jones in midfield, with Thiago unavailable after picking up a calf injury against Crystal Palace while Naby Keita was also ruled out, and now even more worrying news has emerged in the form of an image from Instagram.

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The 30-year-old will be out until the upcoming international break, but there are now fears that his absence could be more long-term.

That’s because a photo that Thiago’s wife shared on social media [via Anfield Edition on Twitter] appears to show him on crutches, suggesting the injury is serious.

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Liverpool fans shocked and worried

It may be that fans are reading too much into the image and that the midfielder will be back in good time, but these supporters have jumped immediately to shock and worry.

“He’s out for at least 2 months”

Credit: @NocturnalPsycho

“So much for just a minor calf strain. I bet all my money he’s out until Christmas”

Credit: @AnfieldOpinion6

“Watch how this 2-3 week injury turns into 3+ month saga where the club go cold on any news”

Credit: @HypeTrainSam

“Injury FC strikes again”

Credit: @NolesAndPhins

“This is exactly why squad depth is needed”

Credit: @beamerrrrrr

“We’re finished”

Credit: @Shadyy_

In other news, some Liverpool fans are excited about a transfer rumour that has emerged. Read more here.

Former professional footballer David Norris believes that if Manchester City can add both Jack Grealish and Harry Kane to their squad, it would take them to another level.

City completed the £100m signing of the former England international earlier this month, following plenty of speculation throughout the summer months.

Whilst that deal is completed, another name that City have been linked with is Tottenham striker Harry Kane, with the club’s Athletic correspondent Sam Lee suggesting that the Premier League champions are confident of sealing a deal before the transfer window closes on August 31st – it remains to be seen whether the England captain starts against the club that want him on the opening day of the season tomorrow.

If the Cityzens can follow up the Grealish deal by signing Kane, Norris believes it will take the club to another level, telling Football FanCast: “To take them two, just to add to what they have already got, you can’t see past them then. 

“With the other teams, Man United are getting better and were good, but they are still a little bit inconsistent for me. Liverpool had a bad season so it will be interesting to see how they come back but they’re going to need to bring in a few.

“It looks like it will just be Man City, they already have their way of playing, a settled group of players and they’re just topping it up with pure quality.”

After adding another Premier League title and Carabao Cup last season, City will be hoping that they can defend their titles this coming season and also mount another serious charge for the Champions League.

It’s been a busy summer for Crystal Palace, with new manager Patrick Vieira overseeing a significant overhaul of the first-team squad, yet there’s still plenty of work left to be done.

What’s the story?

The Eagles have addressed serious weaknesses in their defence and midfielder, bringing the likes of Marc Guehi, Joachim Andersen, Michael Olise and Conor Gallagher to Selhurst Park.

However, after failing to secure a victory or even score a goal in their opening three encounters of the new campaign, it’s clear Vieira needs to focus his attention on the final third of the pitch in the closing stages of the transfer window.

Therefore, a move for PSV Eindhoven winger Noni Madueke must become a priority for the capital club ahead of the August 31st deadline.

The Dutch giants were dumped out of the Champions League play-off round by Benfica on Tuesday night, reportedly lowering the Philips Stadion outfit’s asking price for the highly sort after 19-year-old and providing a boost to his potential suitors.

Patrick Vieira needs him

Palace have been one of several Premier League sides linked with a move for Madueke throughout the summer, and now PSV are out of Europe’s elite cup competition, an imminent exit could be on the cards.

Journalist and transfer expert Pedro Almeida has provided an update on the England Under-21 international’s situation, claiming that PSV have dropped their asking price to just £17.1m following their defeat to Benfica.

As a result, Palace chairman Steve Parish must swoop for Madueke, providing Vieira with the attacking quality he needs to implement his playing style in south London.

During the capital club’s first three games of the season in all competitions, Palace have created just three big chances and have missed them all, failing to score a single goal against Chelsea, Brentford and Watford.

They have also recorded just seven shots on target across 270 minutes of action, highlighting their need for a natural creator and prolific finisher. In Madueke, the Eagles could ger both in one player.

The London-born attacker contributed nine goals and eight assists in 32 appearances for the Dutch giants last term, earning praise from several plaudits, including former PSV ace Tommie van de Leegte.

“He’s fast and has the capability to trick his opponent. He brings creativity and is very explosive in his actions,” said Van de Leegte (via Goal).

And he’s started the new season in emphatic style, bagging six goals and providing one assist in nine outings in all competitions.

Therefore, a move for Madueke could be a realistic solution to Vieira’s current goalscoring conundrum at Selhurst Park, and the hierarchy must attempt to secure his services this summer.

And, in other news…Parish must complete Palace move for “extraordinary” £20m gem, fans would love him 

Southampton have been linked with a move for OGC Nice defender Flavius Daniliuc recently and the Austrian could be a superb addition to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side this summer.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, both Southampton and West Ham are interested in signing the Austria U21 captain this summer, with Nice reportedly willing to let him leave.

The centre-back, who has previously spent time with Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, enjoyed a fine debut season in senior football with Nice last season, which has seemingly attracted the interest of the Saints.

Would Daniliuc be a good signing for Southampton?

The 20-year-old made 23 appearances in Ligue 1 last season for Nice, averaging a 6.40 rating from WhoScored for his performances, although eight of his appearances in the French top-flight came from the bench.

He could prove to be an excellent option for the future at Southampton and could work well under the coaching of fellow countryman Hasenhuttl, who suggested earlier this week that he was targeting another centre-back in the transfer window.

Considering Daniliuc is currently rated at £5.4m by Transfermarkt, he would arguably fit into two of Southampton’s key areas when targeting players so far this summer, in that he is young and would likely cost under £10m.

The youngster has also featured in every position across the defence, which suggests that he could provide excellent back-up at both centre-back and full-back, which is an area the Saints arguably need to strengthen in, as they currently have just Romain Perraud as a natural left-back in their squad.

It could definitely be argued that Hasenhuttl needs a versatile defender such as Daniliuc in his squad for next season, if he wants to strengthen a defence that shipped the second-most goals in the Premier League last season.

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Therefore, Martin Semmens should definitely consider bringing in the Austrian youngster this summer, as he could prove to be a very shrewd acquisition for the future.

And, in other news… Imagine him and JWP: Semmens should seal Saints deal for beast who “always performs”

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Tottenham are set to enter talks with the agent of Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.

The Lowdown: Spurs need a striker

Spurs are quite clearly in need of a new striker. Harry Kane has shared his desire to move on from north London (Sky Sports), while he even failed to turn up for training to further illustrate his point (talkSPORT).

Even if the talisman stays put, the Lilywhites do not have adequate support in depth behind him, such has been the problem for several years now.

They have been heavily linked with a move for Lautaro Martinez (Football Insider), but it also seems they have their eyes on another forward during this transfer window.

The Latest: Spurs to enter Vlahovic talks

As per this latest report, Spurs are set to enter talks with the agent of Vlahovic, while Inter Milan are also interested.

Fiorentina are said to be looking for €70m (£59.2m) to part ways with the Serbia international.

The Verdict: Top target

Losing Kane would be a blow to Nuno Espirito Santo – he will of course be eager to hold on to the man who has 221 goals in 336 games for the club.

However, if he were to depart, bringing in Vlahovic would certainly soften the blow. The 21-year-old was in top form last season in Serie A, scoring 21 goals in 37 matches (Transfermarkt), while he also has two strikes in seven caps for his country.

Legendary Italian striker Christian Vieri is a fan, calling him “the best striker in Europe” for his age along with Borussia Dortmund man Erling Haaland (Football Italia). £59m is a lot of money to spend on just one player given the pandemic’s financial implications on clubs, but they would have that money available if Kane were to depart. To us, Vlahovic would be a worthy replacement.

In other news, Tottenham have been offered this Premier League winner.

Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma is not an unrealistic target for Wolves, says Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

The Midlands club recently had a proposal knocked back by the player, according to Julien Maynard of Telefoot, as they look to strengthen their backline.

Zouma made 36 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea last season, featuring five times in the Blues’ successful Champions League campaign.

The 6 ft 3 Frenchman is quite clearly capable of playing at a very high level, explaining why Tottenham and Jose Mourinho, now manager of AS Roma, are also interested in him.

Even so, Hatfield does not believe Zouma is the kind of player who is out of reach for Wolves. On the club’s interest, he told FFC:

“If Wolves want to carry on improving after a season which was, you know, pretty poor in their respects, it’d be a really good signing – particularly if they’re going to a four at the back.

“I don’t think it’s an unrealistic target. In the same respect, I think there’ll be a fair few teams after him, so it could be a bit of a battle if he is up for sale.”

From Zouma’s perspective, joining a Premier League side like Wolves does not sound like the worst idea.

The £28.8m-rated France international lost his starting place at Chelsea following Thomas Tuchel’s appointment, so he probably will not have a big role at the west London club this season if he does remain there.

Furthermore, if Wolves come back in again, perhaps he should give their proposal some serious consideration.

An update has emerged on West Ham’s pursuit of Matheus Pereira, with the Hammers making an opening offer for the midfielder…

What’s the talk?

According to Turkish journalist Ekrem Konur, West Ham have submitted an official offer of £12.8m (€15m) for West Brom attacking midfielder Matheus Pereira, with fellow Premier League side Leicester also said to be interested in him.

Konur claims that the Baggies are looking for a fee closer to £21m (€25m) and that Leicester are expected to make an offer before the end of the window.

Moyes would love him

GSB must go back in with another bid for Pereira if West Brom do reject this offer, which seems likely given that it is lower than their valuation of the Brazilian. He could be a phenomenal addition to the squad to help bolster David Moyes’ attacking options, given his impressive performances for the Midlands club in the Premier League last season.

In the 2020/21 campaign, Pereira registered 11 goals and six assists for West Brom as they were relegated back down to the Championship. Despite his side’s struggles, he was still able to show that he can score and assist goals on a regular basis at the top level.

Moyes would love him as he is a quality player, one who has the versatility to play in a variety of positions. Noel Whelan hailed him as a fantastic player, who could play anywhere within the attacking set-up, amid links with Leeds United. He told Football Insider: 

“He’s a fantastic player, he’s great on the ball, he can turn people inside out. Pereira’s another option we can use right across that front three and maybe in a number 10 role as well.

Ex-Spurs and England midfielder Jermain Jenas lauded him as silky and highlighted his set-piece quality as one of his biggest strengths.

He said: “He’s just silky. When he’s on it, he’s just got that lovely left-foot, (tucked) his penalty away, the delivery into the box for set-pieces was brilliant, and he wanted to showcase his skills.”

At the age of 25, Pereira is heading towards the peak years of his career and still has room left to grow. Moyes could enjoy coaching the midfield maestro into becoming a key cog in his Hammers team alongside the likes of Said Benrahma, Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen.

Therefore, West Ham must ensure that they can get a deal over the line for the Baggies forward as he would be a shrewd addition to the squad. The original bid was a lowball offer from GSB, they need to up it to closer to the fee that West Brom want or they risk missing out on an excellent prospect.

AND in other news, “Would be fairly expensive” – Evening Standard journalist hints West Ham can’t afford 2 targets…

Aston Villa could sign their new Juan Pablo Angel in Southampton and England striker Danny Ings.

What’s the story?

According to recent reports from The Athletic, Villa, along with fellow Premier League sides West Ham and Tottenham have all shown an interest in signing the £75k-a-week earning ace this summer.

Villa’s new Angel

In a countdown of Villa’s 50 greatest ever players done back in 2011, Angel was named 49th, with his profile piece saying: “It took Juan Pablo Angel a while to justify his £9.5m club record price tag but there’s no doubt that he eventually achieved his aim as he evolved into one of Villa’s most popular players of the modern era.

“Quick, deceptively strong and clinical in the penalty area, he developed into one of the most dangerous strikers in the top flight, scoring some magnificent goals. None was better, arguably, than his darting run through the heart of Chelsea’s defence before drilling home a stunning low shot from just outside the penalty area. As well as his obvious quality in front of goal, Angel will also go down as one of the most popular players for Villa in the modern era.”

And just like Angel, Ings is also similarly clinical, with his ability to finish off either feet and his clever movement off the ball a real thorn for defences. Clinton Morrison even described that area of his game as “first-class” and compared him to Robbie Keane.

His current boss at Southampton, Ralph Hasenhuttl has lauded his exploits as “unbelievable”, and he has been proving that in the top-flight for a few years now.

Ings enjoyed another decent campaign in the Premier League last season, firing in 12 goals in just 29 top-flight games – that of course followed on from the season before when he bagged 22, just behind Jamie Vardy’s league-leading 23.

As per Understat, in the 55 Premier League goals that he has scored in total, only five of them have come from outside the box, with several coming within the width of the six-yard area – a real indication of the way in which his clever positioning and off-the-ball movement can outfox defenders.

Dean Smith could well sign Villa’s new Angel in the Southampton man this summer.

Meanwhile, Villa are now interested in this “unbelievable” star…