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After it was recently reported by The Athletic that the San Francisco 49ers have a deal in place to buy Leeds United for more than £400m with an option for 100% control of the Yorkshire club to pass to 49ers Enterprises by January 2024, which includes ownership of Elland Road, it seems as though fresh details have emerged on the matter.

What’s the news?

Leeds journalist Adam Pope recently shared a post on his Twitter page with some fresh details on the proposed takeover deal.

He said: “I understand that due to a multiple of revenues the overall price to take over Leeds could rise to £500m or more depending on factors such as future spending and league status.”

Pope also said that Andrea Radrizzani’s company Aser have the option to void the deal if they wish and that the current message seems to be 49ers and Leeds are “still working closely.”

Radz buzzing

Radrizzani completed his takeover of Leeds back in May 2017, ending Massimo Cellino’s three-year spell as the club’s owner after buying a 50% stake in January of the same year.

Since then, the Yorkshire club have managed to rise from the bottom half of the Championship at the end of the 2017/18 season to a top-half finish in the Premier League last season under Marcelo Bielsa’s guidance.

With the future in mind, it seems as though the club could be welcoming new owners in the near future to presumably push the club even further than they’ve managed to come under Bielsa and Radrizzani, which would surely delight a lot of Leeds fans.

However, taking into account what Pope had to say in his recent tweet, it seems as though the club’s final league position this season could have some sort of financial impact on what the takeover deal could look like.

Consequently, if Leeds can finish as high up the table as possible, this would lead to more money being put into the club, which would surely be music to Radrizzani’s ears. Not only would he have generated some fantastic results behind the scenes, keeping them in the division, but his pockets will be larger as a result.

Of course, the Italian’s first thoughts should be with the club but he will surely be motivated by the opportunity to gain an even greater source of income from Leeds’ accomplishments this term. The end goal for Radrizzani was always to cement their Premier League status and if he ends his tenure at Elland Road with that achieved, he will be a very happy man indeed.

However, the fact that Leeds are currently sitting in 15th position in the Premier League table with 16 points on the board from their opening 15 games of the season suggests that there is still some work to be done throughout the second half of the season if they want to match or even improve on their ninth-place finish in the league last season.

In other news: Time to shine: Bielsa must now unleash “superb” £17k-p/w prodigy after big Leeds blow – opinion

Tottenham Hotspur return to Premier League action this evening and manager Antonio Conte is facing several decisions on his team selection.

Their north London derby against Arsenal was postponed on Sunday, so he should be able to welcome back a few players from injury that wouldn’t have featured, as one positive.

Conte’s men head to the Midlands to face Leicester City, who haven’t played in three weeks due to a number of postponements, at the King Power Stadium.

This encounter is actually re-arranged from before Christmas, so both teams have plenty of games in hand and are by no means out of the race for the top four.

But what sort of lineup could we see from the Italian tonight? Here’s what we are predicting…

It has been a week since Spurs last played as they exited the Carabao Cup at the semi-final stage, tasting defeat to Chelsea over two legs. And there could be as many as four changes from last Wednesday’s defeat.

After being rested for that encounter, club captain Hugo Lloris should return between the sticks over Pierluigi Gollini, on the week in which his contract edges closer to an extension.

[snack-amp-story url = “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-news-transfer-gossip-rumours-conte-paratici-levy-premier-league” title=”Read the latest Spurs news, transfer updates and much, much more!”]

The backline is likely to remain largely the same, with central defensive duo Eric Dier and Cristian Romero still absent through injury. It means left-back Ben Davies will partner Davinson Sanchez and 22-year-old Japhet Tanganga in a back three.

Emerson should continue at right wing-back but Conte will be able to welcome the return of Sergio Reguilon on the left, who replaces Matt Doherty in a straight swap.

In midfield, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg should remain and he is joined by Oliver Skipp. There is no place for either Harry Winks or Giovani Lo Celso, who are both axed to allow the midfield gem back into the side.

Further up the pitch, there is still no Heung-min Son but we may well see the return of Steven Bergwijn, who was expected to be named on the bench on Sunday.

He joins Lucas Moura and Harry Kane in the attack.

Predicted Spurs XI vs Leicester (3-4-3): Lloris; Davies, Sanchez, Tanganga; Reguilon, Hojbjerg, Skipp, Emerson; Bergwijn, Moura, Kane

AND in other news, Spurs now “interested” in £10m gem with “enormous ability”, he could be the new Walker…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Premier League striker Dean Windass has urged Tottenham to sign Brighton captain Lewis Dunk, who he thinks would start for Jose Mourinho’s team.

The Portuguese currently has four centre-backs at his disposal, but has been unable to find a settled pairing throughout the campaign, with Davinson Sanchez, Eric Dier, Toby Alderweireld and, more recently, Joe Rodon sharing the burden at the heart of the Spurs defence.

But many of Tottenham’s struggles this season has been down to their defensive issues, with widespread reports hinting that a centre-back is the priority for Mourinho this summer.

On-loan Fulham centre-back Joachim Andersen has already been mentioned as a potential addition to Mourinho’s squad, but Windass thinks that someone in the Dunk category is exactly what the north London outfit need, following a report from Football.London’s Alasdair Gold that he has admirers at Tottenham.

Dier and Rodon started Sunday’s game against Manchester United, although more defensive lapses in concentration saw Tottenham’s Champions League hopes suffer another massive blow, leaving them six points behind fourth.

“People like Lewis Dunk, who’s been at Brighton, are a seven or eight out of 10 every game, Windass told Football FanCast. “They’re born defenders, they’re nothing special, but they know how to defend.

When asked if he’d start for Tottenham, Windass added:

“Without a doubt. He’s captain of Brighton and wants to go and play at the next level. Players like that are easy on the eye because you know what you’re going to get from them.

“But the trouble with Mourinho is he goes down the foreign player route.”

Liverpool attacking midfielder Harry Wilson has completed a permanent move to Fulham, as per a report from Goal. 

The lowdown: Wilson’s career so far

Wilson has been with the Reds since 2013, having joined as a youngster before advancing through the academy ranks on Merseyside.

The Wrexham-born star racked up 32 goals and 14 assists for the Liverpool under-23s and made a senior debut against Plymouth in the FA Cup in 2017.

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However, the Wales international only made one more competitive first-team outing and was sent out various loan deals to Crewe Alexandra, Hull City, Derby County, Cardiff City and Bournemouth.

The latest: Finally found a home

As per the report from Goal, the 25-year-old winger is set to turn the latest loan switch into a permanent one this summer.

Speaking to the outlet, Wilson has confirmed that he’s delighted to finally have ‘stability’ following a career of temporary switches to date.

The report claims that Liverpool will receive £12m and hold a 15% sell-on clause for the player, who was once described as ‘magic’ by Neil Harris after a stellar display against Birmingham City whilst on loan at Cardiff.

The verdict: Unfortunate timing

Truthfully, given the strength in depth at Anfield, the Welshman has always faced an uphill battle to force his way into Jurgen Klopp’s long-term plans. Despite often shining during pre-season, the 34-cap star never truly appeared ready to make the necessary step-up to this current Liverpool squad.

Wilson has flourished once more in the Championship this season and currently boasts an excellent return of 11 goals and 18 assists in 40 appearances across all competitions for newly-promoted Fulham.

Ultimately the right-winger may end up simply being a victim of circumstance as, in previous incarnations of Liverpool, the cultured left-footer would almost certainly have been given a try. However, when sharing a position with the mercurial Mohamed Salah, regular opportunities were never likely to be forthcoming.

Attention will now turn to how Liverpool’s incoming sporting director Julian Ward can best spend the early budget boost in the summer transfer window.

In other news, Liverpool have been linked with a shock move for one player. Find out who it is here.

In a recent interview with Football FanCast, former Southampton striker Kevin Phillips has claimed that he expects Danny Ings to leave the Saints this summer.

Speaking exclusively to FFC, when asked if he could see the 28-year-old departing, he said:

“Yes I can, as much as Southampton fans won’t thank me for it. I think he even came out at one point and said he wants to play Champions League football, so that suggests to me he would like to move on.”

“So I possibly could see him moving on. It’s just a case of, he is a little bit injury prone. We have seen what he can do, I’m not doubting that. I think he’s a fantastic striker, scores great goals, good movement, but he is a little bit injury prone, so I think ‘who would take him who would finish in the Champions League spots?’.

“But I do think that he’ll probably be angling for a move come the summer.”

Whilst Phillips’ claim does seem to be a fair one, with the former Liverpool man having reportedly expressed an interest in playing European football again in the near future, recent injury setbacks for the England international might just put some clubs off signing him this summer.

The striker enjoyed an injury-free campaign last season and scored a superb 22 goals in 38 Premier League appearances and looked set to repeat that feat with a superb start to the 2020/21 campaign.

However, he has struggled with minor injury problems since the New Year, which has, unsurprisingly, coincided with Southampton’s awful run of form, and he has just three goals in 12 appearances in 2021.

He suffered another setback in the 2-0 win against Sheffield United recently, which will keep him sidelined for another couple of weeks, and you feel that, given his injury history, top four clubs may well feel that it is too big a risk to bring him in for the sort of money that Southampton would likely demand this summer.

His last big move to Liverpool, unfortunately, didn’t go to plan because of significant injury problems and after his recent Issues, despite being minor in comparison to those he suffered at Anfield, might just prove to be a key factor in whether or not a club playing in Europe comes knocking during the summer transfer window, which might just work in Southampton’s favour.

However, all signs suggest that Phillips is right and that Ings will push for a move this summer, which won’t go down well with Saints fans. Whether he gets his move, or not, remains to be seen.

And, in other news… Semmens must avoid VVD repeat with £13.5m-rated “role model” Hasenhuttl loves

Many Southampton fans were delighted with the performance of Jan Bednarek as Poland managed to hold Spain to a 1-1 draw at Euro 2020.

Bednarek was selected as part of Poland’s 26-man squad for the European Championships. Their campaign did not start well as they were defeated 2-1 by Slovakia, meaning they needed a result against Spain to maintain their hopes of progressing to the next round.

Fortunately, they picked up a draw against a Spain side who, while not the all-conquering team of 10-12 years ago, can still be a dangerous proposition. The £22.5m-valued Bednarek (Transfermarkt) was a rock at the heart of the Polish defence, winning five of his seven duels while also completing three interceptions and four tackles as his side thwarted the attacks of La Roja (Sofascore).

These Saints fans were delighted with their defender’s imperious display and they took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts on the 25-year-old.

Let’s see what these fans had to say about Bednarek

“Bednarek has largely been the best player on the pitch for Poland. would love him to carry these kind of performances into the Prem”

Credit: @SaintsBlueropa

“Bednarek has had a world class game”

Credit: @jackfurze16

“Jan Bednarek was absolute class tonight, showing his form from the first half of the season. Showing what he can do tonight”

Credit: @JoshSFC13578

“Bednarek was absolutely class”

Credit: @sfcewan

“Bednarek played very well. Interesting to hear that he’s been using a Polish psychologist. IIRC you found a quote from him to the Polish press saying that mentally he was knackered.”

Credit: @MatthewStiles2

“A really impressive performance from Jan Bednarek tonight!  Our centre-back won 100% of his tackles vs. Spain & 4/5 of his ground duels. Jan also made the most clearances and tackles in the first half. A solid performance to help keep Poland’s dreams alive”

Credit: @TheSaintCentre

In other news, Southampton want to sign this man in the summer.

Aston Villa and West Ham have both made contact over a potential deal for Young Boys defender Mohamed Camara.

And, as to be expected, a number of Aston Villa fans have been reacting to the links on social media.

According to Sports Witness, Villa and the Hammers have asked for information regarding the 23-year-old centre-back.

No formal offers have been made, however, the Swiss side would allow the Guinea international to leave this summer, should a convincing offer come in.

Villa recently confirmed they have reached an agreement with Royal Antwerp for Bjorn Engels, with the centre-back now set to depart Villa Park.

Camara could well replace Engels, with the former making 39 appearances in all competitions last season.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared the news of Villa’s interest in Camara on Twitter on Thursday afternoon.

This is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply, with many not knowing much about Camara.

“Big spenders fc at it again. First team squad is gonna be 100 man deep”Credit: @J7_BVN”idk who that is but i’m all for it”Credit: @DanAV___”If this happens, we’ll have Trezeguet AND Pique. Massive club”Credit: @VillansOpinions”Yess”Credit: @avfcmds”This link now looks a lot more believable”Credit: @stephenoleary89″Anyone know him?”Credit: @avfctom_

In other news: Many AVFC fans buzz as inside NSWE info emerges, find out more here. 

Lee Ryder has dropped a relegation claim on the potential takeover of Newcastle United by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group.

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, the journalist has claimed that the future of the proposed deal between the Sports Direct chief executive and the consortium could be just eight weeks away from a ‘major diversion’, as the 2020/21 Premier League season would have ended by then and it will become clear whether or not the Tynesiders are relegated to the Championship.

However, Ryder added that Ashley looks like he is prepared to ‘take another chance’ as the current owner at St James’ Park despite the possible repercussions of another season outside the top flight.

Relegation worry for Newcastle takeover

There is still a worry over whether the prospective bid would go through if Newcastle were in a lower division.

The KSA’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) may not want to come back onto the table if the Magpies are not in the Premier League, while Ashley would certainly not be able to demand as much money from a sale if they were in the Championship.

Nonetheless, Ryder claims that the businessman is willing to take a chance of the Toon potentially finding themselves relegated come the end of the season, with their ultimate fate being sealed eight weeks from now.

In other news, find out what PIF claim Mark Douglas has dropped on the potential takeover after a beIN development!

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has suffered another blow ahead of the transfer window as fresh news emerges from Bodymoor Heath.

What’s the story?

Reports earlier this week had suggested that recruitment chief Rob Mackenzie was set to make the move to Bristol City, and now Villa are heading for further upheaval among the transfer committee.

Football Insider claimed that the Premier League club are planning to sack two members of their recruitment team, with long-term scouts Mick Brown and Alan Wood set to be offloaded amid a “major revamp behind the scenes”.

The report added that “Villa’s expected decision to part with senior duo Brown and Wood is a surprise given their experience and the esteem in which they are held in the industry”.

Dean Smith will be fuming

After hearing the news that Mackenzie was set to make his departure from Villa Park, and now facing up to the prospect of seeing two of his club’s most respected scouts also being let go, Smith must be fuming.

The Midlands club have just three Premier League games remaining before the end of the Premier League season, and yet here they are making some major changes to their core backroom staff right before the start of the transfer window.

More than anything, it’s the timing of these decisions which raises the most questions. Could Villa have not been more proactive and made these changes and decisions a few weeks or even months ago, knowing that this was the route they were going to embark upon going forward?

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Instead, they’ve left it all very late, and they face starting the transfer window with things up in the air. Like most if not all managers up and down the country, Smith will surely want his club’s business to get done early so that he can work with new players during pre-season and get them up and running ahead of the 2021/22 Premier League season.

Instead, Villa have suffered a setback with the culling of their recruitment team, and the pressure is very much on the remaining parties involved in the transfer process to get their act together and vindicate the decision from the club’s hierarchy.

Meanwhile, this Villa player was shocking against Everton…

Sheffield United are closing in on a deal to bring Robin Olsen to Bramall Lane.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Fabrizio Romano, with the journalist revealing on Twitter that Slavisa Jokanovic’s side are nearing a deal for the AS Roma goalkeeper, who is expected to join the Championship side on a season-long loan as Aaron Ramsdale’s replacement.

In his tweet, Romano said: “Robin Olsen is close to [joining] Sheffield United from AS Roma, here-we-go soon. He’s expected to be Ramsdale’s replacement, deal agreed on [a] one-season loan.”

Fans will be buzzing

While the loss of Ramsdale will have come as a major blow to everyone involved with Sheffield United, if Jokanovic manages to secure the signing of Olsen prior to Tuesday evening’s transfer deadline, it would undoubtedly soften the hit of losing the English stopper.

Indeed, the 31-year-old Swede impressed over his seven Premier League appearances while on loan at Everton last season, with the £2.7m-rated ‘keeper keeping two clean sheets, conceding an average of just 1.3 goals and making three saves per game.

These metrics saw the man who Alexander Isak dubbed an “incredible” player earn an average SofaScore match rating of 6.87, ranking him as the Toffees’ 12th-best player in the top flight of English football.

As such, considering that Olsen’s level of performance would more than likely improve upon dropping down a division – on paper, at least – the signing of the Sweden international would be quite a coup for the Blades.

Furthermore, with Jokanovic desperately requiring a boost to kickstart Sheffield United’s Championship campaign – as the 53-year-old has seen his side pick up just two points over their opening five league fixtures of the season, leaving them languishing in 23rd place in the table – the last-minute signing of a player who boasts the quality and experience of Olsen could well prove to be the spark the Blades manager has been craving.

In other news: Witcoop drops SUFC transfer claim on “exciting” £2.6k-p/w ace, fans will be buzzing