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Leeds United picked up their first win of the Premier League season as they beat Watford 1-0 at Elland Road on Saturday.

Diego Llorente’s first half strike was enough to secure the three points for the Whites as they worked hard to earn a win against the Hornets. The result takes Leeds up to 16th as it stands and three points off the top half of the table in this early stage of the season.

Despite the positives to come from winning the game, one player for Marcelo Bielsa’s team struggled to perform. Summer signing Dan James put in a worryingly ineffective display out wide, which will surely have left his manager feeling let down.

The 23-year-old has now played four Premier League games for Leeds and is yet to record a SofaScore rating of higher than 6.6 for the club. His rating against Watford on Saturday was a measly 6.2 as he failed to show what he can do in general play and in the final third.

In terms of his general play, James was a lightweight. As per SofaScore, he lost six of his 10 duels and made zero tackles in the game. He also gave the ball away 18 times and only completed 64% of his attempted passes, having 35 touches overall throughout the 90 minutes.

This suggests that he was too weak to deal with the strength of the Watford defenders, who eased him out of the way most of the time. Bielsa could be worried by this when Leeds come up against other teams who use their physical attributes to impose themselves on the Whites, as James may not be suited to such opponents based on this performance.

The Wales international did not redeem himself in the final third, either. As per SofaScore, James had a dribble success rate of 0% from four attempts and completed none of his attempted crosses. This led to him providing zero key passes in the match, whilst his only two shots were blocked by Watford defenders before they could reach Ben Foster’s goal.

Bielsa will surely have been feeling let down by James’ overall performance. The winger struggled both in his build-up play and in his execution of skill in key moments, leading to an all-round disappointing performance from the winger. Hopefully he will be able to repay Bielsa’s faith by coming back after the international break and improving the standard of his displays.

In other news: Leeds take major step as Thorp Arch news emerges, fans will be buzzing

Leeds United are still reportedly keen on signing Denmark international Mikkel Damsgaard this summer, with Marcelo Bielsa an admirer of the player.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Damsgaard move

The 21-year-old enjoyed a hugely impressive Euro 2020 campaign with Denmark, standing tall in the absence of Christian Eriksen and scoring a superb free-kick in the semi-final against England.

Leeds have been previously linked with a summer move for Damsgaard, as Bielsa looks to add to his squad in the final weeks of the transfer window.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359346″]

The Latest: Rumour refuses to go away

Another rumour has now emerged regarding Leeds’ potential pursuit of the Sampdoria attacking midfielder, with La Repubblica [via Sport Witness] reporting that the Whites are willing to rival Tottenham for the Dane’s signature.

It is claimed that Bielsa himself is ‘pushing hard’ to snap up Damsgaard, who is valued at £18million by Transfermarkt, but would likely cost more than that due to his stunning showings in the summer.

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The Verdict: Superb potential addition

Damsgaard showed what a talented young player he is at the Euros, scoring twice and assisting once, and he could provide some extra guile for Leeds in the final third.

There were times when central areas arguably needed an extra bit of creativity last season – Mateusz Klich and Kalvin Phillips only scored five Premier League goals between them – and the Sampdoria man could help solve that issue.

With Phillips protecting the defence and Damsgaard supplying the attack, Bielsa would have two up and coming stars in the heart of his midfield with proven quality and room to grow even further.

In other news, some Liverpool fans are fuming after an update on one Reds player’s future. Read more here.

Taking to Twitter with an exciting update, reliable reporter Alasdair Gold has shared what managing director Fabio Paratici is ‘currently’ doing at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Paratici era in full flow…

The Italian transfer chief’s arrival at N17 over the summer was met with promise as chairman Daniel Levy heralded the ‘tough negotiator’ and what he could bring to Spurs.

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Paratici’s already overseen his first Tottenham transfer window, managing to shift some players off the wage bill in permanent departures for the likes of Serge Aurier, Toby Alderweireld, Erik Lamela, Juan Foyth and Moussa Sissoko while Danny Rose and Paulo Gazzaniga left on free transfers (Transfermarkt).

Meanwhile, the 49-year-old orchestrated deals to bring in Pierluigi Gollini, Emerson Royal, Bryan Gil, Cristian Romero and Pape Matar Sarr (Transfermarkt) – the latter of whom will officially link up with Spurs following another season at FC Metz.

While Paratici failed to bring in some of his transfer targets, like Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic for instance, it was a fairly solid window but senior transfers aren’t his sole responsibility.

The Latest: Gold shares exciting Paratici update…

In an exciting Twitter update, Gold has explained what Paratici ‘currently undertaking’ right now at Spurs.

Indeed, the former Juventus sporting director is apparently orchestrating a behind-the-scenes shake up at Tottenham as he overhauls the club’s scouting set up alongside fellow official Steve Hitchen.

According to the reliable journalist, Paratici plans to ‘bring it in line with Europe’s top clubs’ among ‘other departments’ as he aims to ensure Spurs snap up the best young players in world football (football.london).

The Verdict: Paratici cooking…

As the Lilywhites continue to nurture, arguably, some of their brightest starlets in Oliver Skipp, Dane Scarlett and Dilan Markanday, to name a few, supporters may be optimistic Paratici also has eyes on bringing in some talent from the outside.

He is set to play a major role in the Tottenham project and has perhaps excited fans the most with his addition of new boss Antonio Conte, a serial winner with trophies galore at the highest level.

Conte will need backing to ensure his vision is realised, and this may not necessarily mean splashing the cash on a plethora of incoming senior stars.

As evident by Spurs success stories like Harry Kane in recent years, their academy and scouting could play a major role as Paratici aims to lead their assent back to the summit of European football.

If they’re to hit the heights previously met under former boss Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham’s scouting infrastructure could come as an underestimated key cog.

In other news: Conte gifted January boost in race to sign ‘explosive’ playmaker for Spurs, he wants to leave…find out more here.

A number of Wolves supporters have reacted negatively to a rumour linking the club with a move for Fenerbahce winger Enner Valencia.

Bruno Lage’s side may have found some form in the Premier League but that doesn’t mean their squad doesn’t need strengthening.

It could be that new signings are made in the January transfer window to ease the burden off Raul Jimenez given his constant international exploits, and one player who has been linked with a move to Molineux is Valencia.

According to Fotomac [via Talking Wolves on Twitter], Wolves are the front-runners to sign the former West Ham and Everton man.

The 32-year-old has scored an impressive 34 goals in 67 caps for Ecuador, so he could arguably be an experienced head who provides Lage with quality.

Wolves fans react to Valencia rumour

Despite Valencia’s pedigree, these Wolves fans took to Twitter to react negatively to the rumour, saying they don’t want him to sign for Wanderers.

“Please don’t Wolves”

Credit: @parker_bradley

“Sanches this, Botman that, Donny van de Beek the other. No Enner Valencia”

Credit: @charliewwfc_

“We can’t be paying more than £3m for him”

Credit: @_samwhitehouse_

“How about we don’t do that and sign a good player instead”

Credit: @SamJGollings

“This has to be a joke right?”

Credit: @JamesSa36443478

“Please no”

Credit: @thedonck

In other news, a journalist has provided a key update on one Wolves player’s future. Read more here.

Tottenham Hotspur are said to have opened talks to sign Caleb Chukwuemeka from Northampton Town, according to Football Insider. 

The lowdown: Contract offers turned down

Chukwuemeka is a player attracting significant interest in recent months, with the forward catching the eye with some strong displays for Northampton Town’s academy teams.

Football Insider have labelled him as a ‘rising star’, with the 19-year-old previously attracting interest from Scottish giants Rangers, who recently won the league title under the management of Steven Gerrard.

Chukwuemeka’s current deal with Northampton Town is set to expire at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, and it is claimed that he has rejected the Cobblers’ attempts to tie him down to a new deal.

The latest: Talks with Spurs underway

Spurs have reportedly opened talks with Chukwuemeka over a potential agreement this summer, although it remains to be seen as to what stage they’re at with negotiations on a deal.

Football Insider’s Spurs source has claimed they are discussing offering one of their own young players as part of a potential swap deal, which could make the deal more appealing for Northampton Town.

Spurs’ scouts have reportedly been impressed with Chukwuemeka’s performances during pre-season, with it being claimed that there is a sense that he’s progressed to a new level.

The verdict: A shrewd move for the future

This could turn out to be a smart bit of business for Spurs.

Chukwuemeka has evidently got something about him if he’s attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs, including a club with the stature that Spurs currently have, as well as Gerrard’s Rangers – the Ibrox manager knows a thing or two about what it takes to succeed in the Premier League.

Obviously this wouldn’t be a deal that would be for the first-team straight away, with the forward not having any experience under his belt in the Premier League.

But in terms of a long-term vision, it’s a signing that could pay off in future seasons for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side if the youngster fulfils his potential.

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester City supporters have erupted in response to a development involving Joao Cancelo and Bernardo Silva.

The Portuguese duo, currently at Euro 2020, are said to be attracting interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs this summer.

Cancelo played a key role in parts of the 2020/2021 campaign, earning praise from Rio Ferdinand on BT Sport (via the Daily Mail) for his versatility and performances in the Champions League.

Bernardo was also a regular for the Sky Blues and attracted his own plaudits, with manager Pep Guardiola stating the tenacious midfield player has a ‘special quality’ (mancity.com).

Now, as per journalist Duncan Castles, Bernardo wants to leave the Etihad Stadium and has two offers – one from Atletico Madrid and the other from Barcelona.

The latter La Liga giants are also chasing Cancelo and propose a possible swap deal – with the Catalans prepared to offer options including Sergi Roberto and Ousmane Dembele.

Flocking to this development, many supporters have erupted in response with a wide array of verdicts – find all of their best ones from social media down below.

Man City fans erupt over Bernardo/Cancelo development…

“This can’t be serious”

Credit: @CitehFlip

“We cannot lose Cancelo, Walker is 32 this year”

Credit: @LMF9320

“Sigh, if Bernardo wants to leave then fine, I wish him all the best but if we even think about swapping Cancelo for Sergi Roberto or Dembele, I’m cutting ties and supporting Rangers”

Credit: @onemilli19

“Pain”

Credit: @AgueroProp

“We’re a joke even entertaining this”

Credit: @BLACKEDHART

“Could cry”

Credit: @BernardoTouch

“There’s no way we lose Cancelo AND Bernardo”

Credit: @InGoodKompany

“This is getting laughable”

Credit: @JussiMe

In other news: ‘Wow’, ‘Ooooo’…Man City fans also flocked to this news, find out more here.

Rumoured Celtic target and former defender Erik Sviatchenko is set to stay at FC Midtjylland this summer, The Daily Record report.

The Lowdown: Celtic links

The Hoops have brought in three centre-backs this summer in Carl Starfelt, Liam Scales and Osaze Urhoghide but were linked with a swoop for Sviatchenko back in June.

Reports then suggested Ange Postecoglou had Sviatchenko on a list of potential targets at Parkhead, with the 29-year-old having unfinished business in Glasgow.

However, any chance of a shock late swoop in the current window have diminished.

The Latest: £2m bid

The Daily Record posted an update on Sviatchenko on their live deadline day blog (31/08, 10:35).

They suggested that the centre-back is in the middle of a transfer stand-off, with Midtjylland turning down a £2m bid for his services.

Dinamo Zagreb are also keen on Sviatchenko, with Midtjylland sports director Svend Graversen having this to say on the defender:

“Erik will not be sold. We are insanely happy with him and he will stay here.”

The Verdict: A good summer

The Hoops, overall, have had a productive window and look set to come out with a profit.

As deadline day got underway, Celtic had spent just over £17m on nine signings and had brought in just under £17m on various exits.

Ryan Christie has left and Odsonne Edouard also looks set to bump up the departure accounts, while Georgios Giakoumakis has joined and Filipe Jota has also arrived on loan.

Postecoglou also wanted a centre-back on deadline day, but with the market ‘proving difficult’ for one, it doesn’t look like a defender will arrive, definitely not summer target Sviatchenko, anyway.

In other news: Greek journalist drops late Celtic transfer news; ace now ‘doesn’t want to’ move. 

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Moussa Sissoko is in talks over a surprise move to Premier League rivals Watford on a permanent deal, as reported by Sky Sports.

The Lowdown: No room for sentimentality as Nuno Espirito Santo re-shapes his squad

Despite starting the 2021/22 campaign in strong fashion, Lilywhites boss Nuno Espirito Santo will be keen to re-structure his squad and dispose of players not currently at the forefront of his thinking.

Not held back by any misplaced loyalties or sentimentality, the Portuguese coach has got rid of experienced figures such as Toby Alderweireld, Erik Lamela and Danny Rose [Transfermarkt].

In total, six players have left on permanent deals under the leadership of Nuno and Fabio Paratici, and it looks like we could be about to add one more big earner to that number.

The Latest: Watford in permanent talks to sign Sissoko from Tottenham

Watford are believed to be in advanced negotiations to sign 6 foot 2 ace Sissoko on a permanent deal from Tottenham Hotspur [Sky Sports].

Both clubs are ‘confident’ that a deal can be finalised by next week according to Alasdair Gold, who confirmed ‘Spurs very much in talks’ with the newly promoted side.

The France international likely to be a direct replacement for Will Hughes, who is set to depart for Crystal Palace.

Sissoko is not a priority for Nuno, who has omitted him from three match-day squads this campaign.

The Verdict: Offloading £79k-per-week

Carrying a considerable wage package at £79,000 per week, offloading Sissoko would be an intelligent move by the Spurs hierarchy that would free up funds to bring in younger talent [Salary Sport].

In 2020/21, the former Newcastle man was ever present for his current employers, but registered just two goal contributions in 42 appearances in all competitions; one goal and one assist [Transfermarkt].

Always willing to receive and recycle the ball, the 32-year-old recorded an 84.4% passing accuracy across last term [WhoScored], but his lack of end product from midfield has always been the issue.

Once labelled as ‘fantastic’ by former boss Mauricio Pochettino and ‘incredible’ by Football.London’s Rob Guest, moving on to pastures new may be the best course of action for both Tottenham and Sissoko after five years in north London.

In other news, Tottenham Hotspur have reached a transfer agreement. Find out more here.

Leeds United are still reportedly keen on signing Cagliari midfielder Nahitan Nandez this summer, as Marcelo Bielsa eyes up fresh reinforcements.

The Lowdown: Key summer at Elland Road

The Whites enjoyed an exceptional first season back in the Premier League, finishing ninth and playing a rich brand of attacking football.

Bielsa now has to ensure that his team go again in 2021/22, hopefully going up a further gear and looking to finish in the European places.

Midfield is an area Leeds could do with strengthening in and Nandez is a player who has already been linked with coming in this summer.

The Latest: Nandez interest continues

A fresh report from Calciomercato [via Sport Witness] claims that the Whites have ‘set their eyes’ on the 25-year-old, with Andrea Radrizzani’s relationship with Cagliari owner Tommaso Giulini described as ‘optimal’.

Nandez has a release clause of €36million (£31.1m), although the Serie A club may be willing to complete a deal for less.

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The Verdict: Great option for Leeds

Nandez is a midfielder who possesses genuine pedigree, already winning 35 caps for Argentina and making 31 league starts for Cagliari this season.

He is an all-round footballer who can shine both going forward and defensively, enjoying an average of one key pass and 1.2 dribbles per game in 2020/21, but also making 1.8 tackles per match.

That versatility could help Leeds in the middle of the park, providing competition for Kalvin Phillips or even starting alongside the Englishman, so snapping him up makes perfect sense.

In other news, a pundit believes Leeds could upgrade on one player this summer – find out who it is here.

Everton were denied a penalty in the Merseyside derby yesterday against Liverpool at Anfield, according to Sky Sports journalist Alan Myers.

He replied to a tweet from Everton player Anthony Gordon after the game, which was a video of the incident, saying “All day long, penalty!”. Many are likely to agree with him and believe that it was harsh not to give the decision in favour of the Toffees.

Liverpool ended up claiming a 2-0 victory with goals from Andy Robertson and Divock Origi, but it wasn’t made easy for them with Everton battling it out in a heated game that was still all square at half time.

The decision will leave Everton supporters fuming as the opportunity could have brought them back into the game at a time when they are desperate for the points. Frank Lampard’s men sit in the relegation zone and are in a huge battle for survival.

These days it’s never a game of football, let alone a local derby, without a controversial decision. With the addition of VAR technology, officials have no excuse not to be getting the big calls right. The challenge on Gordon yesterday was quickly dismissed by referee Stuart Attwell, and despite being in the box, the tackle wasn’t even reviewed by VAR.

Even The Professional Game Match Officials Board said they would have had “no complaints” if the penalty was awarded to Everton with manager Lampard stating that it was “a clear foul” but that “you don’t get them here.”

It raises the question once again as to whether the size of a club and its home crowd have any influence on the decisions that officials make? Gordon was booked for diving earlier on in the game before the penalty denial so did that play a part in Attwell’s decision too?

Former Toffees striker Kevin Campbell seems to think so, saying that the referee “bottled it” and that the decision was there to be made but he didn’t make it.

In games as big as the Merseyside derby, when there is a lot riding on the result for both sides, the referee is going to take a lot longer to think about the decisions he makes which allows doubt to creep in. The point of VAR is to prevent this and to assist the official on the field with the aid of replays and footage from different angles.

We certainly think that the technology should have been used a lot more in the game and if it was it would have produced a much fairer outcome for both sides. Last season VAR awarded 29 penalties and so has proven to be used successfully when it comes to these decisions, however, yesterday wasn’t one of those.

IN other news: Everton: Alex Iwobi was anonymous against Liverpool…