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Ex-Premier League striker Nigel Jemson has hailed Leeds’ decision to tie Patrick Bamford down to a new Elland Road contract.

The 27-year-old recently put pen-to-paper on a new five-year deal, which will keep him at Elland Road until 2026.

Bamford has been in fine goalscoring form for Leeds, scoring 43 goals for the Whites in 112 games. The striker was in good superb form in Leeds’ first campaign back in the Premier League, netting 17 goals and provided eight assists throughout the 2020/2021 season.

And Jemson believes its good news for Leeds that Bamford has committed himself to the club, exclusively telling Football FanCast: “I think just spreading a bit of good news, I think Patrick Bamford has just signed a new five-year deal there.

“I know there was talk of him, you know, if Kane did go that maybe he would be a replacement at Tottenham, but that doesn’t look like that’s going to happen now.”

Speaking to the Daily Mail on signing his new contract, Bamford said: “I know that Leeds want to get back to where they were and hopefully reach Europe at some point, and that is my ambition as well.”

After an impressive first season back in the top flight of English football, Leeds are looking to avoid a case of second-season syndrome by replicating last season’s success at the very least, and Bamford will no doubt be the focal point in Marcelo Bielsa’s attack.

Ligue 1 expert Adam White insists that Leicester City will be desperate to keep hold of defender Wesley Fofana for the foreseeable future after his breakthrough at the club.

The £36m-rated French defender is currently on the sidelines after suffering a leg fracture in pre-season.

He is likely to be out until 2022 at the earliest, but he had developed into one of Brendan Rodgers’ first-choice stars at the King Power Stadium.

Indeed, Fofana has made 38 first-team appearances for the club and played 90 minutes in the FA Cup final victory over Chelsea at the end of last season, keeping a clean sheet in the 1-0 victory.

Fofana developed at Saint-Etienne but he has consistently been linked away from the club.

Manchester United were linked with an interest prior to his injury, although reports suggested that Leicester would demand a massive fee to let him go.

And White insists they will attempt to keep him for as long as humanly possible.

He said: “Yeah I think he definitely is someone that Leicester City are going to keep hold of. In France, he’s regarded very highly having come through at St Etienne.”

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Não são apenas os torcedores do Corinthians que estão enfrentando dificuldades para conseguir ingresso para a final do Campeonato Paulista, domingo, contra a Ponte Preta, na Arena. Os próprios jogadores do clube têm sofrido para garantirem entradas para amigos e familiares na decisão em Itaquera.

Cada atleta tem direito a apenas três bilhetes por partida. O número costuma satisfazer o elenco, mas na decisão a demanda está bem maior. Para se ter ideia, um atleta (cujo nome não foi revelado) chegou a pedir 30 ingressos para o jogo de domingo.

– Eu já falei para os meus amigos, tem muito pedido, todo mundo está querendo ingresso. Se eu arrumar, vou aparecer lá no bairro e fazer uma distribuição – contou o lateral-esquerdo Guilherme Arana.

A diretoria alvinegra consultou os jogadores para saber quantas entradas extras cada um precisa para domingo. Nem todos os pedidos serão atendidos, mas o clube se esforça para agradar a todos. Os atletas também precisam pagar por esses bilhetes a mais.

Os ingressos para a Fiel torcida se esgotaram em menos de uma hora na última semana. A carga total é de 45 mil entradas e ainda restam lugares em camarotes, cadeiras e espaços corporativos, que são vendidos pelo departamento comercial do clube.

-É muito legal você ser campeão na frente da sua torcida. Sabemos que todos os ingressos foram vendidos, até para nossos familiares está difícil conseguir ingresso – disse o goleiro Cássio.

– Tem amigo querendo ir. Quando eu não estava bem não chamava, agora chamam. Todo mundo quer estar perto, mas a gente dá preferência a quem estava na hora boa e da derrota. Está difícil, mas vai dar para todo mundo ir no jogo – completou o camisa 12.

Há a expectativa de que a Arena atinja seu recorde de público, que atualmente pertence ao clássico contra o São Paulo, em novembro de 2015, quando o Timão goleou por 6 a 1 e ergueu a taça de campeão brasileiro.44.976 pessoas pagaram ingresso na ocasião.

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Rangers make their return to the Champions League on Tuesday evening as they travel to take on Malmo, with Steven Gerrard’s side looking to avoid a repeat of 2011 when they suffered defeat against the same club in their last Champions League venture.

Gerrard’s side kicked off their 2021/22 campaign with a routine 3-0 victory against Livingston at Ibrox on Saturday but will face a much sterner test against Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side, who beat HJK Helsinki and Riga to earn their place in the third qualifying round.

The Rangers boss will be without some key players for the trip to the Eleda Stadium but will still be hoping to pick up a positive result ahead of the second leg at Ibrox next week.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects the 41-year-old manager to line his side up in Sweden, with five changes from the team which started against Livingston…

After being rested against Livingston at the weekend, it seems likely that 2020/21 first choice Allan McGregor will return in between the sticks, with Jon McLaughlin dropping to the bench.

There are two changes in defence, as Borna Barisic makes his return at left-back in place of Calvin Bassey, who lost possession 24 times at the weekend, whilst Filip Helander comes in for the suspended Leon Balogun at centre-back against his former club.

Gerrard was full of praise for the £3.15m-rated Sweden defender in 2019, dubbing him a “leader”, and his and Connor Goldson’s partnership at the back could be crucial in the Gers keeping another clean sheet on Tuesday evening.

In midfield, Gerrard will be without Glen Kamara due to his suspension, so John Lundstram makes his first competitive start as a Rangers player in his absence.

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Finally, Scott Wright comes in for Ianis Hagi on the right-hand side after the Romanian was forced off against Livingston, with Ryan Kent and Fashion Sakala keeping their places while Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe are unavailable due to self-isolation and suspension respectively.

In other news… Rangers miss out on “fantastic” gem, Gerrard must be fuming

Birmingham City are interested in a deal to bring Dion Sanderson to St. Andrew’s this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by The Athletic journalist Tim Spiers, who revealed in a post on Twitter that Lee Bowyer’s side wish to take the Wolverhampton Wanderers centre-back on loan ahead of their upcoming Championship campaign.

However, the Blues will face a significant battle to land the 21-year-old in the summer transfer window, with Sheffield United, Newcastle United and Sunderland all reported to be keen on a move for the defender, whom Wolves would be willing to sell for a fee in the region of £2m.

Fans surely buzzing

While it would appear that a deal for Sanderson may be a difficult one to get over the line for Birmingham this summer, the fact that Bowyer is targeting such a promising young defender is sure to have fans of the club buzzing.

Indeed, over his 26 League One appearances while on loan at Sunderland last season, the £820-per-week man helped his side keep eight clean sheets, as well as making an average of 0.9 interceptions, one tackle, 2.7 clearances and winning 4.3 duels per game.

These metrics saw the £135k-rated centre-back earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as Lee Johnson’s 13th-best player in the third tier of English football, playing a key role in his side reaching the League One play-off semi-final.

The man Stephen Elliott claimed has a “huge future” in professional football also has experience of playing in the Championship, featuring 10 times for Cardiff City two seasons ago, where the 21-year-old helped the Bluebirds keep four clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.2 tackles, 2.1 clearances and winning 3.7 duels per league fixture.

As such, with Bowyer having already made a number of impressive signings in the summer transfer window, with the likes of Chuks Aneke, Jordan Graham and Ryan Woods already having arrived at St. Andrew’s, Sanderson would appear to be yet another fine addition to the Blues squad – with the club seeming to be moving in a very positive direction under the leadership of the 44-year-old.

In other news: Journalist drops transfer claim on “excellent” £4.9k-p/w gem, BCFC fans surely buzzing

Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish was substituted for England on Wednesday night just over half an hour after coming on against Denmark at Wembley.

ITV pundits Gary Neville and Ian Wright had their say on Gareth Southgate’s decision, with a number of Villa supporters giving their thought to the pair’s comments.

Grealish came on for Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka in the second half and helped the Three Lions take the lead against Denmark in extra time through a Harry Kane effort after a missed penalty. However, Southgate then replaced the 25-year-old with full-back Kieran Trippier for the final 15 minutes as England booked their place in the final against Italy on Sunday.

Neville said it was ‘an embarrassing moment’ for the attacking midfielder, whereas Wright admitted he ‘felt for’ Grealish but it was ‘about the team’.

Villa fans react

@AVFC_News shared both Neville and Wright’s comments on Grealish on Twitter on Wednesday evening.

Here is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply, with many fuming over his prompt withdrawal…

“Done more in that time than most. Disgusting he was taken off! No need”Credit: @taker1874″Embarrassing…No Disgraceful…Yes!”Credit: @smnhndmch”Why ?????????”Credit: @william55004613″So happy for the team but as a Villa fan I need an explanation from Southgate why this happened to Jack?”Credit: @motownmarvin”Look, there’s many of us, we’re more than entitled to be absolutely fuming at the decision to bring Jack off. Why do it to him in a major semi final? Why? Could have easily brought Sterling off instead who was puffing. Why Jack…that’s the question.”Credit: @KingsyAVFC”He looked gutted, staying out on the pitch for over an hour after the game with a beaming smile across his face.”Credit: @IanJamsie

In other news: Aston Villa source provides telling Emile Smith Rowe update as third bid looms, find out more here.  

Liverpool are interested in signing Napoli and Italy superstar Lorenzo Insigne this summer, according to journalist Fabio Santini.

The Lowdown: Insigne shines for club and country

The 30-year-old has been one of Napoli’s star men over a number of years, having scored 109 goals in 397 appearances for the Serie A side.

Insigne has taken his club form with him to the international stage this summer, too, starring for Italy at Euro 2020 and scoring a sensational goal in their quarter-final win over Belgium.

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The Latest: Liverpool reportedly keen on move

Speaking to Area Napoli [via Sport Witness], Santini claimed that Liverpool are keen on signing the winger this summer, rivalling Atletico Madrid for his signature:

“To make the situation even more complicated is the intense competition for the player. I know for sure that there is a strong interest from Liverpool and Atletico Madrid on Lorenzo Insigne.”

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The Verdict: Hard to see move happening

While there is no doubting Insigne’s quality as a player, there seems to be little sense in the Reds bringing in the £43.2million-rated Italian.

At 30, it would be hard to justify paying a big fee for his services, with Jurgen Klopp more likely to bring in a younger rival to the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

The idea of Liverpool signing Insigne goes completely against Michael Edwards’ hugely successful approach in the transfer market, with players in their early-to-mid 20s signed and developed at the club, as was the case with Salah and Mane.

In other news, Liverpool are preparing talks with one Reds player – find out who it is here.

Noel Whelan is enthused by the prospect of Leeds United acquiring young Celtic defender Leo Hjelde [Football Insider].

The Lowdown: Leeds United get ready for the 2021/22 campaign

Bringing in ready-made first-team talent will be key for Leeds to kick on and look even further up the Premier League table this term, but unearthing starlets with considerable potential may also be high up on Marcelo Bielsa’s priority list.

One prodigy who has been reported as a Whites target has been Norwegian Under-18 international Hjelde, who is in talks about a move to Bielsa’s side – he was previously labelled as ‘the next (Virgil) van Dijk’ by former coach John Hughes [Football Insider].

At 17-years-old, he has already been predisposed to first-team football on loan at Scottish Premiership side Ross County in 2020/21 [Transfermarkt].

The Latest: Whelan waxes lyrical over Hjelde’s potential capture

Inspiring Whelan to have his input, the BBC Radio Leeds pundit waxed lyrical over Hjelde’s potential arrival in Yorkshire in an interview with Football Insider, stating:

“When someone is coming out and saying he’s the next Van Dijk, wow, people will take notice.

“The fact that he’s already played first team football at such a young age is a testament to his ability.

“The scouts aren’t just looking abroad at £30million players. In this day and age, you can find some real rough diamonds.”

The Verdict: Hjelde would be an excellent Leeds signing

Pointing to the modern methodologies of recruiting talented youngsters, Whelan makes some credible arguments regarding talent spotting at elite clubs.

In terms of long-term progress, Hjelde could develop into an established Premier League player should an alleged move to Elland Road materialise, even if it takes a while before we see him make a real impact.

Within his temporary stint in the Highlands, the former Rosenborg man made 12 appearances [Transfermarkt], netting a crucial solitary goal for the Staggies in a crunch relegation fixture against Kilmarnock [BBC].

His Celtic future hangs in the balance, owing to the fact he only has 12 months left on his deal at Parkhead [Sportslens].

A rising star, Leeds United will be doing all they can to get the deal over the line, whilst they are said to be confident of landing his signature to boot [Sportslens].

In other news, Leeds United have been linked with a surprise swoop for a 17-goal striker.

Manchester City do not want their pursuit of Harry Kane to drag on into the final days of the transfer window, according to a joint-report from The Telegraph from Mike McGrath and Sam Wallace.

The lowdown

Kane has expressed a desire to leave Tottenham after they finished sixth in the Premier League and saw their wait for a trophy extend to 13 years.

The 27-year-old has scored 221 goals and provided 47 assists in 336 appearances for the club (via Transfermarkt). Last season, he landed both the Golden Boot and the Playmaker Award.

Manchester City have identified him as one of their top targets for the summer after Sergio Aguero left to join Barcelona at the end of his contract at the Etihad Stadium.

Kane is currently on Euro 2020 duty, which may delay any clarification as to where his future lies. A recent report from the Daily Star suggested that City will table a £100m ‘take it or leave it’ offer for the England captain.

The latest

The report from The Telegraph underlines the determination of Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy to keep hold of Kane, while claiming that City are ‘reluctant’ for their pursuit of the 27-year-old to become a protracted saga. This leaves Kane facing transfer ‘heartbreak’, with a ‘dream move’ potentially blocked.

The window, which opened on 9 June, is set to close at 11pm on 31 August, and intriguingly Tottenham are due to host the Premier League champions on the first weekend of the 2021/22 season.

The verdict

Levy may take this as a sign that an obstinate stance in the coming weeks could be enough to put City off buying Kane, as the chairman may feel that Pep Guardiola’s side will have a list of alternatives if Spurs simply refuse to play ball.

The concern, though, is how Kane would react to being denied a move. It’s difficult to imagine him going on strike, but he won’t simply be passive in this process. Manchester United could also have a say, if indeed they’re willing to enter into lengthier negotiations.

In other news, Fabio Paratici has identified his next managerial target.

Many Everton fans have been left to flock to a big manager update on Christophe Galtier.

As per football journalist and transfers expert Duncan Castles, the Goodison Park faithful have been in contact with his agents over a potential move to the Merseyside club after Carlo Ancelotti left to go and manage Real Madrid.

Galtier has just come off the back of a very impressive Ligue 1 title win over the previously dominant PSG, and former sporting director at LOSC Lille, Luis Campos, has claimed that he has ‘all the qualities’ to coach in English football, and believes that he would be a good choice for the Blues as their next permanent boss.

Nonetheless, the update has certainly drawn a lot of excitement from several Toffees supporters, who see him as the ideal fit to manage them ahead of the new season.

Everton fans on Galtier manager update

These EFC fans flocked to the manager update as it was shared on Twitter:

“I’m all for this…go get him”

Credit: @Snakepl08350140

“Please!!!!”

Credit: @stevekendrew

“I’m all aboard the Galtier train! Someone get him a room with Contract Dave!!”

Credit: @markoos01

“Sign the dotted line Christy”

Credit: @Tiernancusack21

“Please be true.”

Credit: @mattcardus16

“Beg we just do something right and get him”

Credit: @Georgeharper250

In other news, find out what big Everton manager claim has been dropped here!