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Leeds United youngster Jack Jenkins has extended his stay with the Whites, signing a new deal that will keep him at Elland Road until 2024.

The Lowdown: Jenkins excites at Leeds

Kalvin Phillips may be Leeds’ undisputed main man in midfield for the first team, but Jenkins has similarly caught the eye for Under-23s.

The 19-year-old has made 24 appearances for the Whites’ youth team in total, including 22 in Premier League 2, registering five assists along the way.

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The Latest: Youngster rewarded with new deal

On Monday, Leeds’ official Twitter account confirmed that Jenkins had penned a new deal that will see him remain at the club until at least 2024.

The midfielder joins Whites duo Charlie Cresswell and Liam McCarron in agreeing new contracts.

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The Verdict: One for the future

It is important that Leeds build towards the future and Jenkins is someone who could become a key figure if his form at youth level translates to the senior game, highlighting the importance of tying him down.

Granted, he won’t necessarily be a first-team regular for a while – it may even be after Marcelo Bielsa eventually moves on – but long-term planning is essential.

Jenkins has one first-team appearance to his name, coming against Crawley Town in the FA Cup last season, and the hope is that it is the first of many.

In other news, Graham Smyth was disappointed with one Leeds player against West Ham. Find out who it is here.

Everton can form a scary duo in the January transfer window after being linked with a move for Derby County midfielder Jason Knight.

With the Rams currently in financial turmoil, it’s highly likely that Rafael Benitez’s charges could seal a bargain deal for the £5.4m-rated maestro if they can convince him to move to Merseyside.

Derby’s administrators recently revealed that they’re hoping to have completed the sale of the club by late January, although they’ve refused to rule out selling some of the most talented players in Wayne Rooney’s first-team squad over the winter window.

That raises the prospect of Knight departing Pride Park over the coming weeks, with the 20-year-old being one of Derby’s most promising prospects.

As a result, a host of Premier League clubs are believed to be circling for the Republic of Ireland international, including West Ham United, Wolves, Crystal Palace, Leicester City, Leeds United, Burnley and Newcastle United, according to Football League World.

Benitez can form a scary duo

If Benitez can convince the highly-rated Knight to join his revolution at Everton, beating off the extensive competition for his signature, then the 61-year-old could form a scary duo in midfield.

Earlier this year, Manchester United legend Rooney dubbed the Derby academy graduate a “manager’s dream” who “gives everything,” and his presence in the Toffees’ engine room would be warmly welcomed.

Current Everton midfielder Allan has racked up more than 400 appearances throughout his career for club and country, with the 30-year-old enjoying success with Udinese, Napoli and Vasco da Gama before his switch to England.

The Brazil international has become renowned for his dribbling skills, tough tackling and positional intelligence throughout his career, assets which would compliment Knight perfectly.

After making his senior debut back in 2019, the 5 foot 6 dynamo has gone to score 11 goals and provide three assists in 94 appearances for the Midlands outfit, firmly establishing himself in the starting XI.

Knight’s surprising ability in the air, leadership qualities, ability to retain possession and youthful energy could see him strike up a formidable partnership alongside the experienced Allan.

Whether Everton follow up their apparent interest with a formal offer remains to be seen, but it’s a move that Benitez should carefully consider in the weeks ahead.

In other news… Benitez can seal big Everton coup by signing “unbeatable” £27m-rated gem, he’s “incredible” 

Sunderland extended their unbeaten run in League One to 10 matches as they held Plymouth to a 0-0 draw away from home on Monday.

They had the chance to move above Steven Schumacher’s side with a win but failed to make the breakthrough in an attritional match as they played for the second time in four days.

Neither side came particularly close to scoring as both goalkeepers enjoyed relatively simple afternoons with both attacks failing to catch fire.

The result leaves Sunderland sixth in the table as it stands and six points off the automatic promotion places, with it now being almost mathematically impossible for them to finish in the top two.

Nathan Broadhead was the brightest spark in the final third for Alex Neil’s side. The Welshman, as per SofaScore, completed four of his six dribbles, won seven individual duels and managed one shot on target as he showed flashes of quality throughout the game.

However, his striking partner flopped badly against Plymouth. Ross Stewart continued his struggles in front of goal as he was unable to showcase his true ability in the match.

The £2.7k-per-week gem has now gone nine games without a goal from open play in League One and eight games without a goal by any means.

In possession, he failed to make the most of the opportunities that came his way. Elliot Embleton clipped a sublime ball over the top to him in the first-half and his poor control meant that the goalkeeper was able to take it off his feet before he could shoot.

As per SofaScore, he only had 27 touches of the ball – fewer than shot-stopper Anthony Patterson (36) – and he only completed 55% of his attempted passes. He was also unable to complete any dribbles and did not manage a single shot on target.

Off the ball, he was a lightweight for Sunderland. As per SofaScore, he lost seven of his eight duels (87.5%) and committed five fouls. This shows that he was outmuscled and outpaced out of possession as Plymouth’s defenders got the better of him in the majority of their battles, which meant that he did not provide a focal point at the top end of the pitch.

It was a disappointing display for the Scot and his form is beginning to falter at the worst possible time with games running out and the Black Cats chasing a play-off spot. Hopefully, he can get back to his best sooner rather than later…

AND in other news, Neil must avoid disaster on £1.4k-p/w “young Paul Gascoigne”, he’s SAFC’s biggest hope…

West Bromwich Albion have been in a ‘will they, won’t they?’ saga with the transfer rumours surrounding Dwight Gayle and there have now been further reports connecting the Championship goal machine back to the club yet again.

West Brom have been heavily linked to offer a return opportunity for Dwight Gayle to assist the side in gaining promotion back into the Premier League this season and now that the 32-year-old has reportedly been made available for loan, it’s time for Ismael to swoop in for the striker.

The last time the £40k-per-week player went on loan from Newcastle to West Bromwich Albion was the 2018/19 season in the Championship where he scored 24 goals and bagged eight assists for the Baggies, albeit not enough to get them promoted that term when they finished fourth, losing to Aston Villa in the playoffs.

Now the Magpies centre forward could be set for a return if Valerien Ismael can seal the deal to bring him back to the club in the winter transfer window, as it appears Newcastle have given the green light for him to depart for the rest of the season.

Gayle’s former teammate and West Brom defender, Kyle Bartley, was full of praise for the striker calling him a “proven goalscorer” when he was asked about him in an interview, hailing qualities that would make him a phenomenal addition at the Hawthorns.

“Dwight is a proven goalscorer and he is always going to get you goals and his work rate off the ball is also immense.”

Fans have been buzzing at the speculation of a return for the former Baggies player, with many taking to social media to express their desire to get him back in January.

One Albion fan tweeted; “Gayle HAS to be better than Hugill and Zahpoor so yes. Wages though…. Hmmmm.”

West Brom are desperate to add a prolific goal scorer to their side in January, as they attempt to climb the table into one of the two automatic promotion spots.

Gayle does have the experience and tenacity to handle the Championship, with a proven record of scoring important goals in the second tier for both the Baggies and Newcastle.

Ismael will be working closely with the board to ensure that the right players are brought into the club in January and West Brom can get a healthy run of form going with more goals being scored and better finishing in the side going forward into the second half of the season.

It’s evident that their former loan star would fit the bill. They’ve scored 21 goals fewer than league leaders Fulham this term so need all the additional help they can get if they want to seal promotion back to the promised land of the Premier League.

Although Gayle hasn’t exactly been on fire for the Toon, failing to score this campaign, his tally of 59 Championship goals is something for fans to get excited about.

They simply have to sign him, or a player of his proven calibre, in order to better their current league position.

In other news: Lai still wants to sell the Baggies

Speaking to talkSPORT in a video message, reporter Alex Crook has dropped a teasing Tottenham Hotspur transfer update involving Wolves star Adama Traore.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Traore move…

As reported by multiple sources, Tottenham are firmly in the mix to sign the Spain international with some reports suggesting they are in pole position.

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Matt Law of The Telegraph even believes Traore becoming manager Antonio Conte’s first signing since taking over is actually ‘pretty likely’.

90min, meanwhile, claim Wolves are set to greenlight his exit from Molineux after their boss Bruno Lage personally sanctioned the move – with a price tag set at around £20 million.

In an update, talkSPORT reporter Crook has shared what could be an exciting update.

The Latest: Crook drops update…

Speaking in a video message (via Twitter), the reporter claims that Tottenham are set to make a ‘formal’ bid to sign Traore ‘very soon’ with an offer expectedly imminent.

“Interest from Tottenham in Wolves’ enigmatic winger Adama Traore appears to be hotting up,” he explained.

“Antonio Conte has a cunning plan to use Traore’s pace to turn him into a wing-back.

“We know that Conte loves to play with a back three and now he has the backing of the Tottenham sporting director, Fabio Paratici, who has a long-term admiration for Traore.

“£20m should be enough to prise him away from Wolverhampton Wanderers, I’d expect a formal bid very soon.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

At £20m, the winger could be an absolute coup for Conte and Paratici as the Italians aim to solve Tottenham’s wing-back conundrum.

At 25-years-old, Traore already possesses years of English top flight experience without being too long in the tooth – all whilst proving to be a real threat on countless occasions.

According to WhoScored, the winger has averaged a very impressive 4.5 dribbles per 90 in the Premier League this season – almost double that of Lucas Moura, who is Spurs’ best in that bracket.

If Conte can successfully re-mould the former Barcelona man into a right-wing back, the potential could be limitless in terms of threat from out wide.

In other news: Spurs agree £33.4m option for ‘sensational player’ after loan spell with EPL rivals, find out more here.

The Premier League has ushered in the new year in typically scintillating fashion. Alongside an intriguing if not exactly jaw-dropping transfer window, the games came thick and fast in the first month of 2019 – starting off with a thrilling top-of-the-table clash between Liverpool and Manchester City.

Elsewhere, the race for seventh has really hotted up, while the Champions League qualification battle continues to rumble on. Away from the teams and onto the individuals though, here’s a look at the six players who impressed enough throughout January to earn nominations for the PFA Bristol Street Motors Fans’ Player of the Month award…

David De Gea

David De Gea’s form has come into question at times this season but the Spaniard has performed much closer to his usual impeccably high standards since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took the helm. January saw Manchester United go undefeated and their No.1 played an important part in that with two clean sheets, one of which hinged on him making a season-record eleven saves against Tottenham at Wembley.

Troy Deeney

Watford are well in the mix for seventh place and after going goalless from mid-September to mid-December, captain Troy Deeney is really starting to pull his weight again – an incredible performance against Bournemouth seeing him bag two goals and one assist. Even when he’s not scoring or supplying though, the old-school front-man is always contributing; he was first for aerial duels won and second for key passes in the Premier League throughout January.

Paul Pogba

It’s Paul Pogba’s second nomination in consecutive months, but that hardly comes as a surprise. The Frenchman has been a player reborn under Solskjaer’s leadership, with an incredible six goals and four assists in the Premier League since the Norwegian was named United’s interim manager. Three of those goal contributions came in January as the Red Devils fell just two points short of a perfect start to 2019.

Marcus Rashford

Another beneficiary of United’s change of the managerial guard. Trusted to lead the line rather than simply support it, Marcus Rashford notched up three goals in four appearances throughout January, only failing to score in the 2-2 draw with Burnley. The 21-year-old is going from strength to strength under Solskjaer, seemingly growing in confidence by the game – which is great news for both the Red Devils and England.

Mohamed Salah

We’ve become almost desensitised to Mohamed Salah’s excellence, such has been the relentlessness of the Egyptian international’s demolitions of Premier League defences since he moved to Anfield. January was another potent month for Liverpool’s talismanic attacker, albeit ending with a blank drawn against Leicester City. Overall though, three goals in four outings is a typically formidable contribution to the Reds’ title bid.

Leroy Sane

No Premier League star played a direct hand in more top flight goals than Leroy Sane last month, who scored two and assisted two in four outings. In fact, City’s shock defeat to Newcastle in midweek was the only occasion throughout January in which the Germany international failed to contribute to a goal, having previously scored and assisted against Huddersfield, supplied versus Wolves and netted the all-important winner in City’s victory over title rivals Liverpool.

A number of Aston Villa fans hailed the performance of midfielder John McGinn on Saturday despite their calamitous late collapse in the Midlands derby against Wolves.

Dean Smith’s side found themselves two goals to the good with little over 10 minutes left to play at Villa Park, the Scot’s deflected shot on 68 minutes putting them 2-0 up and seemingly out of sight. However, the visitors staged a dramatic late comeback, turning the game on its head and coming away with a 3-2 victory after Ruben Neves, off whom the ball deflected for McGinn’s goal, saw his free kick take a deflection on its way into the net, leaving the home side stunned. [Sky Sports]

Despite the extraordinary surrendering of what had seemed a comfortable lead for Villa, their Scottish midfielder can come away from the match feeling pleased with his own personal contribution.

Aside from the goal he netted – his second in a week after bagging for Scotland against Israel on international duty – he also claimed an assist for Danny Ings’ opener yesterday and gave an all-round strong performance. As per SofaScore, he had three successful dribbles, won four tackles and came out on top in eight of his 13 duels.

His display won the praise of Birmingham Live’s Ashley Preece, who wrote that the midfielder (who turns 27 tomorrow) “did everything that was asked and more”. It also made an impression on numerous Villa fans on Twitter, one of whom called McGinn an “elite level” player.

Check out some of the online reaction below.

Aston Villa fans praise John McGinn

“When in form, John McGinn is practically unplayable. Such a dynamic, Swiss Army knife of a footballer.”

Credit: @CianByNature

“John McGinn has reached elite level. Been saying it all season but today he’s something else. #AVFC”

Credit: @greggevans40

“So many fans on here with egg on their face, Super John McGinn is on another level, performances like today sets him above any other player at the club, but I’ve been saying this since day dot, some of our fanbase really don’t know football. Super @jmcginn7  MOTM @AVFCOfficial”

Credit: @MrPJLinton

“Shout out to the meatball…..levels above anyone else on the pitch today @jmcginn7 #avfc”

Credit: @deano7villa

“John McGinn is on another level this season! #AVFC”

Credit: @7500toHolte

“John McGinn is a machine. Best @AVFCOfficial player since God”

Credit: @CallumK54024687

“We’re so lucky to have John McGinn, what a player”

Credit: @JoeSpencerAV

In other news, one of McGinn’s team-mates got a rather frostier reaction from some Villa fans for his performance yesterday

Leeds United are thought to be preparing a seven-figure bid for FC Nantes’ Andrei Girotto in January, according to Homme du Match.

The Lowdown: Girotto profiled

The defender has been with the Ligue 1 club since 2017 and has made 130 appearances for his current employers. The 29-year-old has started every Ligue 1 game this season and has scored three of his eight goals for Nantes during the current campaign.

Capable of playing as a centre-back or in a defensive or central midfield role, the versatile 6 foot 1 beast is on £21,000 per week in France and has been on Leeds’ radar for some time.

The Latest: Bid expected…

Homme du Match shared a story on Tuesday, suggesting that the Whites are expected to make a January bid in the region of €5m (£4.2m) for Girotto.

The report describes the Brazilian as a player who would perfectly fit the Premier League, and it appears as if Leeds will attempt to bring him to Yorkshire over the coming months.

The Verdict: At last…

Andrea Radrizzani is yet to make a significant purchase in January while Marcelo Bielsa has been in charge at Elland Road, with the majority of business finalised in the summer, but it seems as if that may change with a possible swoop for Girotto.

The 29-year-old has been compared to West Ham’s Tomas Soucek by FBRef and has made more tackles and pressures than the Czech Republic international this season.

On that basis, bringing in the Brazilian could be a shrewd piece of business in a deal under £5m. He would give Bielsa another option in midfield, where the Whites are arguably short, can provide cover at the back and would bring a welcome physical presence, sanding just two inches shorter than Soucek.

In other news: Beren Cross spots ‘important’ Leeds ace back in training after four-man boost. 

Arsenal are believed to be leading the race to sign Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans this summer with the Belgian potentially available for a cut-price fee.

What’s the latest?

According to the Telegraph, via Football London, Tielemans could leave this summer for just £25m, having been bought for £40m from Monaco in 2019.

The 24-year-old’s contract at the King Power Stadium expires in 2023 which could give clubs swooping for the midfielder’s signature this summer an edge as the Foxes look to cash in on the Belgian.

It has been suggested that, alongside Arsenal, Manchester United are interested in securing the 24-year-old’s signature this summer, however, with the Gunners looking more likely by the week to be able to offer Champions League football next season, Mikel Arteta’s side are the more favourable option.

Tielemans has become a cult hero at the East Midlands club over the past three and a half years, particularly for last season’s stunning goal in the FA Cup final that secured Leicester their first ever FA Cup success.

However, given his contract situation, it seems likely that the 24-year-old will depart this summer.

Arsenal must swoop for Tielemans

With one of the Premier League’s best midfielders outside of the so-called top-six available for just £25m, it’s a no-brainer for Arsenal to swoop.

Described as a “top-class” player by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola last season, Tielemans’ stock has certainly risen since joining Leicester, initially on loan, in January 2019.

Whilst playing for Brendan Rodgers’ side, the Belgian has been involved in Champions League pushes, competed in Europe and won silverware. However, the 24-year-old will undoubtedly be looking to make the next step up in the very near future.

With the north London club fourth in the Premier League whilst also having a three-point advantage over and game in hand on fifth-place Tottenham, Champions League qualification is looking more likely each week.

Arteta will undoubtedly need recruits in the summer to manage both a European campaign and another top-four push next season, and Tielemans could prove to be exactly what Arsenal need.

In terms of midfielders, the Gunners are quite heavily stacked with the likes Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Emile Smith-Rowe, Granit Xhaka, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Mohamed Elneny all senior midfielders at the Emirates, something that will certainly have to change to accommodate Tielemans.

It appears as though Elneny is set to leave with the Egyptian’s contract expiring in the summer whilst others may have to be moved on in order to ensure the Belgian will have regular playing time north London.

However, there is no doubt that swooping for the 24-year-old would be worthwhile, with the midfielder averaging a 7.18 rating in the league this season, according to SofaScore.

Moreover, the Belgian currently averages 68.3 touches per game as well as creating four big chances and providing 1.3 key passes with a 83% passing accuracy.

With Tielemans suiting a box-to-box role, his efforts at both ends of the pitch this season have been impressive, scoring six goals and averaging two shots per game whilst also making 2.1 tackles, 1.4 clearances and 0.7 interceptions.

Therefore, there is no doubt that the Belgian could recreate the role of Gunners legend Patrick Vieira in the famous red and white, although replicating the Frenchman’s legacy in Islington would be a very tall ask.

Players of Tieleman’s quality will certainly be keen to make the move to Arsenal if Champions League football is secured which will also make qualifying for Europe’s elite competition more likely in seasons to come given the improved personnel available.

AND in other news: Arteta can finally axe £27m-rated “practice dummy” as AFC bid for “sneaky” £13m dynamo

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s sublime start to life in charge of Rangers continued as he led his side to a 1-0 win at Ibrox in the Premiership on Wednesday night.

The Gers beat Livingston in a frustrating match to watch as the away side dug in deep and fought hard in an attempt to come away with a point and a clean sheet.

Scott Arfield came off the bench to win the match as he delightfully lobbed the ball over the Livi goalkeeper from a Borna Barisic cut-back.

Forget Arfield

Although the Canadian substitute ultimately sealed the three points, the real star of the show for van Bronckhorst was wide attacker Fashion Sakala.

The electric Zambia international was sensational in the absence of Ryan Kent and was unlucky not to end the match with a goal or assist to show for his efforts. He was a constant menace to the Livingston defence and played a huge role in the side’s dominance throughout the game.

Off the ball, he worked his socks off for the team. As per SofaScore, he won a whopping 12 of his 19 ground duels, whilst winning four tackles and only committing two fouls. This shows that he did not shy away from the physical side of the match and was willing to put his body where it hurt to win his individual battles to benefit himself and the team.

Offensively, he was outstanding. Via SofaScore, he managed three shots on target and created an impressive four chances for his teammates – suggesting that those around him let him down as they were unable to tuck away the opportunities he presented them with.

He also completed an exceptional seven of his nine attempted dribbles, showing that he was able to beat the full-back with ease to get fans off their seats and up in excitement.

Therefore, he was the real star of the show for van Bronckhorst as he caught the eye at both ends of the pitch and put in a stunning showing over the entire 90 minutes. He may not have scored or even assisted the winning goal, but fans will surely appreciate his magnificent performance, with it now being down to Sakala to consistently deliver these types of displays in the coming weeks and months.

AND in other news, “Will be back”: GVB handed major Rangers boost at Ibrox that’ll leave fans buzzing…