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Leeds United pundit Joe Wainman insists that the club need to bring in two more signings before the transfer deadline.

The club have been relatively quiet in this transfer window, with Junior Firpo, Jack Harrison, and the goalkeeper Krisoffer Klaesson.

Wainman, though, insists that more depth is needed in Marcelo Bielsa’s squad if they are to properly compete at the highest level of the Premier League.

Bielsa has previously claimed that he does not expect the club to do any more business.

But Wainman believes that both a central midfielder and a winger are required, especially after Ian Poveda was allowed to move to Blackburn Rovers on loan.

Wainman has previously claimed that a new left-back was also required, but he believes that the signing of Firpo from Barcelona has gone some way to plugging that gap.

Asked about whether the club still needed new acquisitions ahead of Tuesday’s transfer deadline, he said: “Central midfield and winger, in that order. I think left-back, we’ve brought Firpo in, my worry is obviously if we were to get an injury but we can move people about, which isn’t ideal, but we definitely need another midfielder and another winger option now that Poveda’s gone on loan to Blackburn.

“We do need something there.”

Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron need to step up, says former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey.

Last season, the £42.7m-rated attacking duo scored seven league goals combined, which was five less than what top scorer Callum Wilson managed on his own (as per WhoScored).

The Englishman is Newcastle’s talisman but has struggled with injury during his time at St James’ Park.

Considering that, Howey feels Wilson is not a player you can afford to solely rely on and is now calling for the likes of Saint-Maximin and Almiron to do better in front of goal so that Newcastle do not suffer in the absence of their first-choice striker.

“The two of them can show flashes,” the ex-Newcastle player told TT. “I think sometimes it’s the final end product with both players.

“Saint-Maximin is one of those players where he does get you off your seat and fans love watching him live. Almiron is so quick and defenders hate that. He got a couple of goals last season, but he still had a lot of chances where he missed those chances.

“It is a worry if Wilson gets injured, but then you need other players to step up.”

Saint-Maximin already has one Premier League goal to his name for the season, so from a Newcastle perspective, hopefully he can build on that. Almiron, however, is yet to register, while Wilson once again tops the list with his two strikes.

Liverpool may face a battle to keep hold of one of their star players next summer after Real Madrid were linked with a move for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

What’s the story?

According to Spanish outlet DefensaCentral (as relayed by the Liverpool ECHO), Los Blancos could be in the market for a new right-back in 12 months’ time as they want extra competition for Dani Carvajal.

The report states that Madrid’s hierarchy have identified three possible options that the La Liga giants have on their radar, with Youcef Atal and Reece James joining Alexander-Arnold on their shortlist.

Liverpool fans may be worried

Although the 22-year-old Liverpool ace was one of several first-team stars to sign a new long-term contract back in July, keeping him at the club until 2025, the supporters may still be worried over the local lad’s future.

In the past, fellow academy graduates Steve McManaman and Michael Owen have been prized away from their boyhood club after the lure of Madrid became too strong, and there could be a worry that the same could happen to Alexander-Arnold.

The 13-time European champions may not be as strong as they once were, but the Bernabeu will always be an exciting and extremely tempting place to play football.

Losing the influential right-back would come as a bitter blow for Jurgen Klopp and his plans to return Liverpool to the Premier League summit during his time at the club.

In 184 appearances for the Reds in all competitions, the England international has bagged 10 goals whilst providing an incredible 47 assists, highlighting his importance to Klopp’s successful system.

Alexander-Arnold has played a pivotal part in Liverpool’s recent Champions League, Premier League, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup victories, and his departure would be a significant setback in the club’s development.

Nevertheless, his recent show of commitment by putting pen to paper on fresh terms should reassure Klopp and the fans alike that his immediate future lies on Merseyside, but things can often change quickly in football.

And, in other news…Edwards must secure Liverpool swoop for £28.8m-rated wizard, Klopp would love him 

Manchester City were heavily linked with Romelu Lukaku earlier in the transfer window but the Belgian striker has now completed a move to Premier League rivals Chelsea, which will be a cause of frustration for Pep Guardiola if City cannot complete a move for Harry Kane this summer.

What’s the word?

After a sensational season with Inter, City were said to be keen on signing Lukaku this summer as a replacement for the departing Sergio Aguero, but they seemingly ended their interest when the 28-year-old suggested that he would be staying with the Serie A champions.

However, a number of factors – including Antonio Conte’s resignation, Inter’s dreadful financial problems and City’s pursuit of Kane – have allowed Chelsea to bring in the Belgian relatively unchallenged in a deal worth £97.5m.

Should City have signed Lukaku?

Given that City have already seen a bid of £100m rejected for Kane, with their first game of the Premier League just two days away, you could argue that they should have reignited their interest in Lukaku once it became clear that Inter were keen to sell him, as he would’ve been a cheaper, more attainable alternative to the England captain.

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As it stands, Guardiola’s side risk going into the new season with just Gabriel Jesus and Liam Delap as their natural centre-forward options, and you worry that their current squad might not have enough attacking depth to help them retain the Premier League title this season when you consider the quality signings that the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool have made this summer.

Lukaku certainly could’ve been the clinical striker that City are missing, as his form during his time at Inter emphasises that he is a very different prospect to the man who left Manchester United in 2019.

Last season saw the Belgium international contribute an impressive 24 goals and 11 assists in just 36 Serie A appearances, averaging a superb 7.47 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

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Considering that Guardiola labelled Lukaku “world-class” during his time at Manchester United, and he has further improved as a player since then, the Spaniard would surely have loved to have in his City squad for next season. He will be frustrated that Chelsea have managed to sign the Belgian, especially if a deal for Kane cannot be completed in this transfer window.

In other news… Fabrizio Romano drops Harry Kane update, City fans will be buzzing

Aston Villa journalist Luke Hatfield has told Football FanCast that he can see Jack Grealish signing a new deal at the Villans amid interest from Manchester City.

According to The Athletic, the Premier League champions are determined to sign both Grealish and his England team-mate Harry Kane this summer.

Getting him out of Villa Park, though, will not be easy. The Telegraph reports Villa have no intention of selling their captain in this transfer window, while the same outlet also states that the Midlands club are hopeful of him putting pen to paper on fresh terms.

And the longer this saga drags on, the more likely it is that Grealish does indeed sign a new contract, says Hatfield.

“I think the longer it goes on, the more you think that this deal could eventually be signed between Villa and Grealish,” the Express & Star reporter told FFC.

“If I had to put my money on the table now, I’d probably side to him signing a new deal at Villa, but we just don’t know what’s going to happen.

“You never know, in a week’s time, he may end up being signed by City. But I’m certainly kind of tempted toward him sticking around for another season.”

While Grealish does seem to be high on City’s list, if he does sign a new deal and remains at Villa Park for another season, it is not the end of the world.

Depending on whatever agreement Grealish and Villa come to, they could perhaps sign him next summer. In the meantime, Pep Guardiola still has the likes of Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez as attacking options, so the Spaniard is hardly lacking in that area of the pitch.

Southampton’s hopes of signing Ryan Gauld this summer are over after the Scottish youngster completed his move to Vancouver Whitecaps last week, which is undoubtedly a blow to Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

What’s the word?

Southampton were one of several English sides linked with a move for the 25-year-old earlier in the summer, with an exit always on the cards after his old side, SC Farense, suffered relegation from the Portuguese top-flight.

The former Dundee United youngster, who was once likened to Lionel Messi, rebuilt his career in Portugal with Farense after a failed move to Sporting Lisbon and will look to improve even further during his time in the MLS.

Last season saw the attacking midfielder contribute an impressive nine goals and seven assists in 33 top-flight appearances, averaging a superb 7.19 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Should Southampton have signed Gauld?

Transfermarkt claim that Gauld cost Vancouver Whitecaps as little as £315k, which suggests that he could have been a bargain option for the Saints this summer.

Although Hasenhuttl usually sets his side up in a 4-4-2 formation, which leaves little room for an attacking midfielder such as Gauld, the former Scotland U’21 international could have offered the Austrian manager a different, more creative option in the middle of the park next season.

Upon his signing, Whitecaps CEO Alex Schuster was full of praise for Gauld, saying:

“He is a difference-maker, brings experience, as well as an exceptional work rate, all qualities we identified as being key characteristics that we need in this position.”

Given that Southampton regularly lost momentum in the second half of games last season, as opposition managers seemed to figure out their tactics and style of play, having someone such as Gauld, who can provide superb individual moments of quality, could have improved Hasenhuttl’s squad ahead of the new season.

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Therefore, the Austrian manager should be disappointed that Southampton didn’t push harder to complete a bargain deal for Gauld, as it surely would’ve been well worth the low risk to bring him to St Mary’s.

And, in other news… Tom Leach shares James Ward-Prowse update that will delight Saints fans

A number of Liverpool fans have been heaping praise on youngster Neco Williams, following his superb goal in a behind-the-scenes friendly at Anfield.

The Reds got off to a winning start in the Premier League last weekend, picking up an impressive 3-0 victory away to Norwich City.

Goals from Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah helped Liverpool cruise past their opponents, in what represented the perfect opening game.

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A number of individuals didn’t feature at Carrow Road, from Jordan Henderson to Thiago, and another who played no part was Williams.

The trio all played in a closed-doors friendly at Anfield on Sunday, however, and the young right-back outlined his quality with a wonderful solo strike [via on LFC Transfer Room on Twitter].

Having hit the post with one great effort, he then turned an opponent and curled a brilliant finish into the top corner.

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Liverpool fans laud Neco Williams footage

It was a great moment for Williams and these Liverpool fans took to Twitter after the ‘insane’ goal footage emerged online.

“That’s a cracker. Well in”

Credit: @Green_Scouser

“What the hell”

Credit: @rxuben17

“By any measure, that is an insane goal”

Credit: @simong0808

“What in the world!”

Credit: @Mikeshashimi

“Incredible goal!”

Credit: @shahaab17

“Oh my goodness Neco”

Credit: @Obi4Somto

In other news, some Liverpool fans are unhappy at an update regarding a Reds transfer target. Read more here.

Rangers have been linked with a move for Liverpool striker Divock Origi recently, and the Belgian could be a superb addition to Steven Gerrard’s side at Ibrox this summer.

What’s the word?

According to 90min, Rangers are one of a number of sides including Southampton, Crystal Palace, Newcastle United and West Ham who are monitoring Origi’s situation at Anfield, with Liverpool seemingly keen to cash in on the striker after a less than impressive season with Jurgen Klopp’s side.

The arrival of Diogo Jota limited the 26-year-old’s game time with the Reds, as he managed just two starts in the Premier League last season, and failed to find the back of the net in any of his appearances in all competitions, so it is no surprise that he is being touted with a move away.

The £10.8m-rated forward could prove to be an affordable option for Rangers due to his contract being set to expire at the end of next season, whilst Gerrard’s obvious connection with Liverpool suggests that he would be able to negotiate a good deal for the former Lille man.

Would Origi be a good signing for Rangers?

Although Rangers are already well-stocked in the attacking department, Origi could add some serious quality to Gerrard’s front line, and would be an eye-catching replacement for Alfredo Morelos should he depart Ibrox this summer.

Whilst Origi has managed just 35 goals in 157 appearances for Liverpool thus far, he has very rarely been trusted with a starting spot, and has shown glimpses of his ability with notable braces against Everton and Barcelona at Anfield.

If he were to join Rangers, you feel that he could easily rediscover his goalscoring touch playing against objectively weaker opposition, whilst he would also bring some Champions League experience to Ibrox ahead of Rangers’ return to the elite club competition next season.

After his goals against Everton in the 2019/20 campaign, Phil Neville was full of praise for Origi, saying:

“He’s got a taste for the big games. He has made big contributions in big games.”

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He has also been lauded as a “monster” by former Belgium teammate Vincent Kompany. “He is very gifted and talented,” he said. “Technically, he’s a monster. More importantly, he is an outstanding worker in training. I see him working like crazy.”

A big-game player is something Rangers could definitely do with next season if they are to end their hoodoo in Scottish cup competitions and progress in the Champions League, so Ross Wilson should definitely look at the possibility of bringing Origi to Ibrox this summer.

He could well be the perfect successor to Morelos, if he were to leave.

And, in other news… Rangers handed huge transfer boost with 23 y/o gem who “rarely makes mistakes”

Fulham look set to complete a deal that would see Steve Cooper take over at Craven Cottage this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by South London Press journalist Richard Cawley, who revealed in a post on Twitter that it sounds “extremely likely” that the 41-year-old Swansea City manager will become Scott Parker’s successor at the west London side in the coming days.

Sky Sports reported on Sunday that the incumbent Fulham boss looks set to leave the club in the next 48 hours, with the Cottagers now appearing to have beaten Crystal Palace to the signing of Cooper.

Fans should be buzzing

While losing a manager with experience of achieving an immediate return to the Premier League in Scott Parker is something of a blow for Fulham, should Shahid Khan go on to land Cooper as the 40-year-old’s replacement, it should give fans of the Cottagers plenty of reason to be buzzing.

Not only has the Swansea boss guided a largely unfancied side to consecutive top-six finishes in the Championship, something that would appear to bode extremely well if he were to take over a Fulham squad that boasts a great deal of Premier League experience, Cooper has also earned a reputation for placing an emphasis on the development of youth players.

Indeed, the Swans’ squad was the sixth youngest in the second tier of English football last season, while the England U17 World Cup winner’s reputation has also led to Premier League sides offering their youth prospects to Swansea before making them available to the wider loan market.

As such, with the 41-year-old appearing to be a manager who can overachieve in terms of a club’s performance in the league, as well as one who is extremely adept in developing young players – who can either go on to star in the first team or be sold for considerable transfer fees – the Welshman could well be something of a perfect fit for Fulham, and may even be considered as a step up from Parker by some of the Cottagers fan base.

In other news: Khan must ruthlessly axe “unbelievable” £21k-p/w flop, he’s let Fulham down for years

West Brom will be looking to win promotion back into the Premier League at the first time of asking this season, after being relegated from the top-flight last term.

The Baggies finished 19th in the Premier League table under the management of Sam Allardyce, before the 66-year-old left his role in charge of the club earlier this summer.

West Brom looked towards a manager that has caught the eye in his first season in the Championship, as they appointed Valerien Ismael as their new boss, after agreeing compensation with fellow second-tier side Barnsley to see him move to the Hawthorns ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

Ismael will be looking to add players to his squad, with Alex Mowatt joining him at West Brom after opting not to renew his contract with Barnsley at Oakwell.

But with new arrivals likely, it does mean that some of the current West Brom squad are set for summer departures, and some are already attracting interest.

One of those to be linked with a move back into the Premier League is defender Darnell Furlong, with Football Insider claiming that both Burnley and newly-promoted Brentford are reportedly keen on finalising a deal to land his signature in the near future.

The full-back signed for the club back in 2019 from QPR and has gone on to make 69 appearances in total for the Baggies, and it appears as though his performances haven’t gone unnoticed.

It’ll be a tempting move

For any player, you’re going to want to be playing your football at the highest possible level, and a move to either Burnley or Brentford would present Furlong with the opportunity to do just that in England’s top-flight.

The Championship is a competitive league, but the prospect of playing against some of the best players in the world whilst in the Premier League will tempt Furlong, and you couldn’t blame the defender if he wanted to head for the exit door this summer.

He might not feature in Ismael’s plans

Ismael was heavily reliant on his wing-backs whilst with Barnsley, with the likes of Callum Styles and Callum Brittain catching the eye with some strong performances with the Tykes, as they challenged for promotion into the Premier League themselves.

But Furlong only chipped in with one goal and three assists last term for West Brom, which could make it the ideal move for all parties involved if he was to depart the Hawthorns.

An attack-minded full-back playing to a high-intensity style is key to Ismael’s philosophy, and with Furlong on reported wages of £22,000 per-week (according to Salary Sport), it is time for them to cash-in on him in the near future, and sign a cheaper, more suitable option, as they look to adjust to dropping back to the Championship and to the new manager’s desires.