£65k-p/w Leeds Winger Slammed After Defeat

Journalist Beren Cross has slammed Leeds United winger Luis Sinisterra after failed to impress and looked "miles off it" in the club's most recent loss.

What's the latest on Luis Sinisterra and Leeds?

The Whites knew they had a big task on their hands as they travelled to the Emirates to take on league leaders Arsenal this Saturday in the Premier League.

And it all turned out to be too much for Javi Gracia and co as they slumped to a 4-1 away defeat with a brace from Gabriel Jesus and further efforts from Ben White and Granit Xhaka sealing their defeat.

There wasn't a whole lot to enjoy for Leeds fans but they did at least manage to score a consolation through Rasmus Kristensen but his deflected effort did little to change the final outcome of the match.

Evidently, it wasn't a fun afternoon for the relegation-threatened team and when writing the player ratings for LeedsLive, Cross noted that one player in particular struggled.

Indeed, the journalist gave Sinisterra a 3/10 for his efforts which was the lowest score from the entire Leeds United squad.

He also wrote: "Miles off it fitness-wise. Heavy legs made everything with and without the ball look a challenge. Feels like a long time since we saw those halcyon days of the autumn."

How poor was Luis Sinisterra vs Arsenal?

When you look at the match stats on SofaScore, it's quite easy to see that Sinisterra failed to do his job and have a positive attacking impact on the game

Indeed, he failed to get a single shot away at goal (either on or off target, or even blocked), while every other attacker who started managed this. What's more, he completed a dismal 8/16 attempted passes (at a dismal rate of 50%), and gave the ball away 13 times (the most of any outfield Leeds player).

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The Colombian has struggled for fitness in 2023 so far, but his last Premier League goal for the club came way back in September and he has not provided an assist in his 14 appearances in the competition so far either.

Seeing as he's on a reported £65k-p/w, it's fair to say he needs to start earning his keep soon with some improved performances.

In fairness, this was Sinisterra's first start under new boss Gracia, so it may take some time to find his rhythm but in the midst of a relegation battle Leeds need big performances sooner rather than later.

Chelsea ‘Monster’ Will Be Buzzing With Lampard Hire

Chelsea have now confirmed that Frank Lampard will be the caretaker manager until the end of the season, a decision which may boost Noni Madueke's hopes of becoming a regular at Stamford Bridge.

Does Madueke deserve to start?

Despite the plethora of wingers already at the club, Todd Boehly spent £29m to bring the England U21 international to Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window, but he struggled for regular game time under Graham Potter.

The former Tottenham Hotspur youngster had caught the eye in the Netherlands with PSV Eindhoven, contributing an impressive 20 goals and 14 assists in just 80 appearances for the Eredivisie side, so it is easy to see why Boehly wanted to bring the promising youngster in, given his preference for 'wonderkid' signings in his time at Stamford Bridge.

However, the youngster has so far been unable to replicate the form he showed with PSV, with no goals or assists in any of his five Premier League appearances this term, although only two of those have been starts.

He did show his class during the international break, scoring once and assisting twice in England U21s' 4-0 win over France U21s, which led manager Lee Carsley to urge Chelsea to utilise him more often.

He said: “He is exciting, fast, direct, and very versatile but what we have to remember is he is still young.

“He is going to need time, match minutes, the time to work on his game, but he has high potential. Like a lot of the younger players, he just needs an opportunity.

“They need opportunities to show that talent and given a run of games he will be fine.”

Madueke, who has previously been described as a "mentality monster" by his coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst, managed just six minutes of action for Chelsea in March and was left on the bench again for the stalemate against Liverpool in midweek.

Frank Lampard claps the fans as Chelsea play in the Premier League.

Fortunately for the 21-year-old, his fortunes may be about to change following Lampard's appointment, as the 44-year-old's previous spell at the club saw him regularly put his faith in the best prospects on offer at Stamford Bridge, with Mason Mount and Reece James the most notable examples of academy graduates who became key first-team players.

Although there was a transfer ban in place at the time, Lampard still gave 12,545 minutes to players aged 21 or younger in the Premier League during his first spell, which was more than any other club over the same period.

Given that the other wingers in Chelsea's squad, notably Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Mykhailo Mudryk have all failed to deliver so far this season – scoring a combined haul of one goal for the Blues – Madueke could finally get an extended run in the side under the new caretaker manager.

Tottenham’s Exciting Teen Could Soon Partner Kane

Tottenham Hotspur do boast some incredible talent, however, it is quality that has certainly been utilised in questionable ways.

With the likes of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son in attack, most managers should have been able to quickly find the necessary additions to supplement such world-class talent.

However, with Antonio Conte the latest casualty of this doomed project, it marks yet another setback for the Lilywhites and their long-term vision.

With Cristian Stellini now overseeing the short-term and seeking to somehow get his side back into contention for those coveted top four spots, perhaps in an effort to freshen up a tired outfit who have endured real struggles under the recent bosses, the Italian, or whoever might take his spot, could look to his academy for an injection of youthful exuberance.

Of those in and around the setup, there are a few standout names who would be more than deserving of a call-up. However, in an effort to add more goals to this outfit, Dane Scarlett could perhaps be prioritised when his loan comes to a conclusion this summer.

Who is Dane Scarlett?

Having been at the club since 2020, the 19-year-old marksman has scored goals at every youth level he has featured in at Hotspur Way.

This was especially pertinent during the 2020/21 season, where the teenage sensation recorded 17 goals and four assists in 16 U18s Premier League games, before making the step-up to the Premier League 2 with a further three goals in five games.

Conte even admitted in February of last year that the forward was: "At this moment for sure the best prospect from the academy."

Clearly well-versed in finding the back of the net, this form culminated in the first of what has since been ten senior appearances for the first team. This is further indicative of how well-thought-of the youngster remains, and likely merited his move to Portsmouth for this season.

Earning his stripes and growing physically against a host of senior players, Scarlett has enjoyed 33 appearances in League One, scoring a less than impressive four goals, albeit while having to adjust to these new demands.

harry-kane-dane-scarlett-tottenham-hotspur-academy

It is all these facets that will likely culminate in an increased involvement next season, to perhaps partner Kane.

The legendary marksman enjoyed a similar path to the one his future teammate is undertaking, enduring plenty of loans before bursting onto the scene as a regular goalscorer. The 29-year-old will likely have unlimited wisdom to offer Scarlett, which could help fast-track the career of such a talented asset.

Not only this, but the speed of the 5 foot 11 forward could mesh well with Spurs' record scorer, latching on to the searching balls that many of Kane's teammates have benefitted from.

This duo has the potential to petrify most defences, with one of the league's greatest mentoring one for the future.

Aston Villa Could Sell £160k-p/w Player

Aston Villa will consider selling left-back Lucas Digne this summer, according to Football Insider.

What’s the latest Villa news on Digne?

Digne arrived at Bodymoor Heath last year from Premier League rivals Everton in a transfer worth up to £25m.

The 29-year-old was a regular straight away under former manager Steven Gerrard and made 16 top-flight appearances during the second half of the 2021/22 season, with journalist Ashley Preece labelling him as “fantastic” for a display against Burnley.

Digne has made 25 appearances in all competitions this season but has fallen out of favour under Unai Emery since the turn of the year, with January signing Alex Moreno becoming first-choice.

He has played just six minutes of action in the last four games with Villa winning all four and conceding just once, and it looks as if a move away could be on the cards.

Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke shared an update he’s heard from Villa Park regarding Digne in the last 48 hours.

He revealed that Emery is not a fan of the defender, which explains the move for Moreno, and that Digne himself is not happy at his current backup role in the Midlands. As a result, Villa will seriously consider parting ways with the Frenchman, providing they receive an acceptable offer.

Would Villa be right to sell Digne?

Emery has been given a hands-on role at Villa Park in all departments and is planning big changes, with Christian Purslow expecting a busy summer in the transfer window.

The Spaniard has transformed things on the pitch and has Villa pushing for European football already, so if he wants to move on Digne, then the club should fully back him.

New arrival Moreno has also made an instant impact and already ranks amongst Villa’s top performers this season, as per WhoScored.

He has already reregistered more assists than Digne in the Premier League and tops the Villa squad for key passes and dribbles made per 90. Moreno has outperformed Digne comfortably when it comes to overall match rating, so it seems as if Emery is already getting the best out of the new signing.

Digne is also the club’s top earner on more than £160,000 a week, and with him now seemingly viewed as second-choice in the Midlands, it could make sense to move him on and free up funds for summer signings, making this one to watch over the coming months.

Man Utd Must Ditch Maguire For £150k-p/w Monster

Manchester United are in huge danger of watching their once-promising season crumble in the space of just one week, as today they travel to Wembley hoping to book their spot in the FA Cup final.

Having crashed out of the Europa League in embarrassing fashion, on the end of a 3-0 hammering at the hands of Sevilla, Brighton and Hove Albion now pose an arguably even tougher challenge as both sides clash for the honour to face Manchester City.

With the EFL Cup already under his belt, and top four well in his sights, Erik ten Hag would certainly have chalked this debut campaign down as a roaring success. However, the opportunity they had to win further silverware is melting away, whether it be through fatigue, a mentality shift or injuries.

The latter in particular is an easy source of blame, especially with the huge absences of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez at the back.

Missing one is bearable, but with both out it has meant Harry Maguire has had to partner Victor Lindelof once again. Their display in Spain was enough to prove this was far from sustainable.

harry-maguire-manchester-united-sevilla

Therefore, in front of a packed-out Wembley crowd, perhaps the Dutch tactician could return to an old idea that had been trialled earlier in the season with success; to deputise Luke Shaw at centre-back and in turn drop their £80m flop.

Will Luke Shaw be available vs Brighton?

Despite having picked up a knock in their last game, the England full-back reportedly claimed "I'm good" following the match that he still finished.

To start the £150k-per-week ace at the heart of defence has been a tactic that has worked at times this year, and led to huge praise from Ten Hag: "He’s showed a lot of leadership capacities – he’s the example at this moment – and with his skills and with his physical power he brings a lot to the team. But now also with his mentality.

"He’s an example of how to win big games. I’m really happy with his development. I think it’s been huge either at centre-half or left full-back, he’s a great player and a great personality for the dressing room."

Shaw's 7.08 average rating this season is indicative of this, where he marks himself out as a defensive leader by boasting 1.7 tackles and 1.8 clearances per game, via Sofascore. However, by putting the mobile star at centre back, it could allow greater control of the ball, with his speed sure to quell the threat Roberto De Zerbi's free-flowing outfit pose.

Especially in the place of Maguire, who earned an abysmal 6.3 rating last time out of which only David De Gea was handed worse. Both were particularly bad, with the former notably being dispossessed in awful fashion for the opener. With his culpability for mistakes in key areas and positional deficiencies, the natural centre half cannot be trusted to avoid another disasterclass that would knock them out of a different cup.

The 27-year-old is far from a huge physical downgrade to his 30-year-old teammate too, standing at 6 foot 1 and having been branded a "monster" by recruitment analyst Daniel Sebestyen.

To once again remove the former Leicester City man from the scrutiny of the limelight could be good not only to bolster the team but to defend Maguire from further scathing criticism.

37 y/o Has "Positive" Talks Over Spurs Manager Job

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Vincent Kompany has held "positive" talks with Tottenham Hotspur but he's still just one of a few candidates.

What is the latest on Vincent Kompany and Spurs?

At the moment, it's been left to Ryan Mason to hold the fort in north London until the rest of the campaign, with Italian coaches Antonio Conte and Cristian Stellini failing to impress at Spurs this season in quite spectacular fashion.

A 2-2 comeback draw against Manchester United in the week – having fallen two goals behind – suggests there is life in the team yet. Even so, many supporters will be desperate for the Premier League season to end already.

Off the field, Daniel Levy looks to be doing his due diligence as the club seek out a permanent manager and it sounds as though a few important conversations having been taking place behind the scenes.

Indeed, while talking on the latest episode of the Here We Go podcast, Romano explained that Burnley boss Kompany had been one man spoken to recently and things had gone pretty well.

The journalist said: "Vincent Kompany had a conversation with Tottenham, it was a positive conversation. But of course, he's not the only candidate.

"There is a list of candidates, and so let's see how Tottenham will proceed on the manager, but also on the director situation."

Of course, as alluded to by Romano, the club also need to make a new appointment at executive level with managing director Fabio Paratici recently resigning.

Whoever comes in, will no doubt have a big role in hiring a new manager but it sounds as though they'd have no reason not to be positive about Kompany.

Tottenham Hotspur director of football Fabio Paratici watches on from the dugout in their FA Cup clash against Morecambe.

After all, beyond his promising talks with Tottenham already, the 37-year-old has been doing the business with Burnley in a rather impressive manner.

Indeed, Kompany has helped get the Clarets promoted back up into the Premier League from the Championship in record time during his debut campaign as a manager in England.

His relative lack of experience could be one issue to be considered but it sounds as though there is a lot of support for the idea.

For instance, journalist Alasdair Gold mooted the idea recently, saying: "I like the idea of Vincent Kompany, although very much I think he's probably one of the biggest gambles out there in that regard."

Still, with a new managing director yet to be appointed either, it sounds as though Spurs have not made any major managerial decisions just yet. No doubt there are a handful of other candidates who will be considered over the coming weeks and months just like Kompany.

Journalist Shares Two Options For Leeds If They Go Down

There are two potential scenarios for the proposed 49ers Enterprises takeover of Leeds United if they are relegated, journalist Phil Hay has explained.

What's going on with Leeds?

The 49ers Enterprises now own 44% of the club, and a full takeover has been mooted for some time, with the expectation that a deal could happen at the end of this season.

However, Leeds find themselves in a relegation battle, and with just four games left of the season, they have brought in Sam Allardyce in a desperate bid to stay up.

Should they go down, the potential takeover could be greatly affected, which will add even more pressure to their final few games given what is at stake.

Speaking on The Phil Hay Show (35.00), Hay revealed what could happen to the takeover if Leeds do suffer relegation, with two potential scenarios on the horizon.

"I feel like there are probably two more likely options in the Championship. One is that Radrizzani sits at 56% and tries to get back up as Burnley have using parachute payments, transfer funds, whatever else they can pull together," he stated.

"The other which seems to be that 49ers Enterprises do move into majority ownership without going close to 100%, with clauses or options or whatever else further down the line, to complete a full takeover if they're promoted back in the Premier League, perhaps at a price that was more suit Radrizzani and would allow them to do it."

Could Leeds stay up?

Given that the ownership could look very different depending on the division Leeds are playing in, there should be an extra emphasis on the squad to secure safety in order to help the future of the club.

If Leeds do stay up and the takeover is completed, then they could hope for better days in the Premier League after a couple of tough seasons. If they go down and Andrea Radrizzani stays, then they will likely have to hope for a quick return to the top flight in order for a full takeover to happen.

Sam Allardyce shouts from the sidelines during his time in the Premier League.

With a tough trip to Manchester City now behind them, Allardyce will have had the chance to assess which of his players are suitable for this high-pressure run-in, as he aims to stop a run of poor results and keep Leeds above Everton and Leicester.

Leeds: Allardyce Must Ditch Useless Dud For Teen Warrior

Leeds United need a miracle to remain in the division, with one of the toughest run-ins and just three Premier League games left to play. Having enlisted the late help of Sam Allardyce, the hope is that this relegation stalwart can pull one last magical run out of the bag to retain their place in the division.

For a club as huge and historic as the Whites to return to the Championship would be a travesty, but years of mismanagement have led to this abysmal point in time.

Newcastle United, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur stand in their way, and on current form, they stand no chance.

Through enlisting the same tired squad full of those who have let them down all campaign, Javi Gracia drew criticism for claiming just one win since the start of April.

Although their loss against Manchester City was unfortunate, fans could remain pleased that at the very least they battled with the potential champions as a few key names were recalled under the new head coach.

Crucially though, Patrick Bamford retained his spot. The English forward is arguably the farthest away from those deserving a starting berth, and so his 68-year-old boss might seek to place his trust in someone who's actually playing well.

To feature alongside Rodrigo, surely the young prodigy Mateo Joseph is worth a shot.

Who is Mateo Joseph?

The 19-year-old has been in imperious form for the U21s this campaign, with a remarkable tally of 15 goals in just 18 appearances. Surely it marks a no-brainer to start someone brimming with confidence, over the English forward who has never looked so goal-shy.

mateo-joseph-leeds-united-bamford

Although the £70k-per-week marksman has been branded "unlucky" in the past by pundit Alan Hutton, few can excuse his recent form. Bamford boasts just four league goals all season, with his late miss in their draw with Leicester City drawing particular scrutiny.

After a late corner was flicked on at the near-post, as the scores remained level, the 29-year-old stood unmarked by the back stick. Unable to adjust his feet, the forward's strike was high and wide and the points were frustratingly shared. That is not a striker in form.

Meanwhile, his teenage competition is earning rave reviews from all who watch him, with his youth boss Michael Skubala reserving particular praise: "He’s in a good place, he’s scoring goals, he’s a character, but he still needs to keep working hard. His finishing ability is top drawer."

He continued: "He’s been training like a warrior and you can see that in his game."

Such hunger, added to a youthful exuberance and unpredictability could be key in bamboozling their next three opponents. Everyone knows that Bamford has lost his threat, but in Joseph, the sky really is the limit. This could be Allardyce's wild card option.

Tottenham: Nagelsmann Could Land New Gnabry For £50m

Tottenham Hotspur's pursuit of Julian Nagelsmann has been well-documented, with the north London outfit having engaged in talks with the German just last week.

However, given there has been little update since, it seems chairman Daniel Levy is not prepared to wait around to appoint a manager before beginning the rebuild of his playing staff.

In fact, any acquisitions he makes could serve as an added incentive to convince one of the higher-end bosses to trust in the process being crafted at Spurs.

This was at least the thought process being reported by Football Insider last month, as they suggested that the board are already sold on the signing of James Maddison, and are not keen to wait around for the approval of their next manager.

The Leicester City midfielder has been in imperious form this season despite featuring for a relegation-threatened side, and as such has garnered interest from other Premier League clubs, front-runners Newcastle United included.

Should Levy and the board manage to push this deal through, with which the Foxes are reportedly holding out for around £50m, it could present Nagelsmann with a fine asset to mould in the image of another of his successful former players in Serge Gnabry.

How has James Maddison played this season?

Despite recording ten goals and nine assists from an attacking midfield role this season, the England international's outfit are actually languishing in the relegation zone.

To think how these numbers might elevate further when supplying the likes of Harry Kane makes for an exciting future, with journalist Nizaar Kinsella suggesting he boasted the ability to play a "killer ball" when fit and firing.

The comparisons that the 26-year-old share with the German winger is more with regard to their technical proficiency rather than physicality, as despite the electric pace of the Bayern Munich star, Maddison is not blessed with such speed.

bayern-julian-nagelsmann-serge-gnabry

What he has been given instead though is an immeasurable ability to dribble with the ball, weaving and fainting to create space for himself and others, and convincing analyst Statman Dave that he is a "magician".

When compared to other attacking midfielders across Europe, the Foxes' "creative genius" – as further hailed by Statman Dave – actually ranks in the top 9% for non-penalty goals per 90, as well as the top 4% for assists per 90, via FBref.

Such a consistent offensive threat has even seen Gnabry mentioned within FBref's similar players model for the former Norwich City ace, with the two made to seem even more similar as the 27-year-old has recorded 14 goals and 11 assists this season across all competitions; a similar return to Leicester's main man.

Both players have also been deployed in alike roles, either through the middle as a no.10 or secondary striker or out on the right flank.

When Nagelsmann was in charge of the trickster, who featured 107 times under the 35-year-old, his philosophy to narrow the pitch and forge intricate plays between his players was when the former Arsenal gem truly showcased his technical proficiency.

Therefore, Maddison would likely thrive in this sort of environment, as a similarly right-footed player able to come inside from the left with an eager eye and his decisiveness.

If Spurs can push this deal through with immediacy, the out-of-work manager could well walk into the job with a very exciting player already at his disposal and in transitioning his tactical beliefs at Hotspur Way, the young mastermind could well unearth his next Gnabry-like threat in the final third.

Man Utd Could Find Osimhen 2.0 In £17m "Phenomenon"

It is no real secret that Manchester United are set to target a new centre-forward addition this summer, with the question now as to just who will be the man to lead the club's attack for the foreseeable future.

As per Manchester Evening News, manager Erik ten Hag is believed to be keen on bringing in a 'world-class' number nine ahead of next season, with both Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane and Napoli's Victor Osimhen having been mooted as potential top targets.

In the case of the latter man, the Nigerian marksman has come to wider attention as a result of his standout form as part of the Serie A side's Scudetto success, having thus far scored 23 goals in just 29 league games this season, as well as a further five goals in just six Champions League outings.

A player who is said to be on the "same level" as Manchester City machine, Erling Haaland – according to journalist Tom Colomosse – the 24-year-old certainly won't be allowed to leave Naples without a fight, amid reports that Luciano Spalletti's side could demand as much as €150m (£130m) for the former Lille ace.

Such a hefty asking price would likely blow United's budget – amid reports that Ten Hag will have £100m to work worth this summer, before player sales – hence the need to consider alternative targets if a compromise on Osimhen's value cannot be met.

As it is, it would appear that the Red Devils may well have already identified a more affordable candidate for the role in the form of Osimhen's compatriot, Gift Orban, with recent claims in Belgium suggesting that the Old Trafford outfit having been scouting the Gent starlet.

Should Man United sign Gift Orban?

The promising 20-year-old could well be United's answer to Osimhen, having also proven himself to be a real prolific and clinical presence in recent times, much like his fellow Nigerian.

Hailed as "electric" and someone who is simply "born to score" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Orban has caught the eye after scoring 19 goals in just 19 appearances so far this season for the Pro League side, after previously bagging 19 goals and registering seven assists in just 24 games for Norwegian outfit, Stabaek.

Clearly a real talent, the 5 foot 10 ace has already earned comparisons to the Napoli ace due to his fine start to life at senior level, with CBS reporter Ben Jacobs having stated earlier this year:

"And he is, naturally, because they’re both Nigerian, being compared a little bit to Victor Osimhen. He’s a little bit smaller than Osimhen, but he’s not afraid to put his body about, he’s clinical, he’s intelligent and he’s got good awareness."

Man United's Victor Osimhen

The youngster is perhaps following in the footsteps of his compatriot after making the decision to move to Belgium earlier this year, with Osimhen having previously enjoyed a stellar stint at Pro League side Charleroi, where he scored 20 times in just 36 games.

While the 25-cap marksman has since gone on to blossom in both France and now Italy, the hope for those at United will be that young Orban could make a more direct route to England by linking up with Ten Hag this summer, having proven himself a real "phenomenon" – according to his manager, Hein Vanhaezebrouck.

With it set to take a colossal fee to prise Osimhen from the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, the Gent ace would be far more attractive with a fee of closer to €50m (£44m) having been suggested by Vanhaezebrouck, while transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claimed the asking price could be closer to €20m (£17m) last month.

Either way, United could well find value for money in the emerging superstar.

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