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Leeds United are back in action in the Championship this evening as they travel away from Yorkshire to take on Middlesbrough at the Riverside stadium.

The Whites have the opportunity to move up to second in the division with a win over Boro tonight, as Ipswich Town's clash with Coventry has been rescheduled for later in the week.

Leicester City's win over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday means that Leeds cannot move to the top of the division, but they can put the pressure on their rivals by going into the automatic promotion places.

Daniel Farke's team are chasing a return to the Premier League and a win over Michael Carrick's side would be another step in the right direction.

Leeds have failed to win any of their last three matches in the Championship – the most-recent being a 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers – and the German boss may look to make some changes to his starting XI in order to return to winning ways.

One player who must be ruthlessly ditched from the lineup, in order to fire the team back into the automatic places tonight, after an underwhelming display last time out against John Eustace's team is centre-forward Joel Piroe.

Joel Piroe's 3/10 display against Blackburn

LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross handed the attacker a dismal match rating of 3/10 against Rovers after Farke selected the number nine to lead the line ahead of Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph.

Piroe was provided with a huge opportunity to prove to the manager that he has what it takes to start for the Whites during the crucial games during the promotion run-in, and any potential play-off games that could be to come.

Instead of grasping his chance with two hands, the Dutch striker – as described by Cross – 'brought nothing' to the attack during his time on the pitch.

Minutes played

90

Goals

0

Shots on target

0

Assists

0

Big chances created

0

Pass accuracy

68%

Duels won

3/7

As you can see in the table above, the left-footed attacker offered very little at the top end of the pitch for Leeds, with zero shots on target and zero 'big chances' created.

Both of his attempted shots were blocked by opposition players, which suggests that his shot selection was poor, and his two key passes created a meagre 0.03 xA, which speaks to the low-quality of chances the forward provided his teammates with.

Overall, Piroe did not have a big impact on the game with his anonymous performance in the final third, which was not a huge surprise given his form of late.

Joel Piroe's season in numbers

The Dutch striker has only scored two goals in his last 17 matches in all competitions for Leeds, and has only scored two open play goals – three including penalties – in 23 games since Christmas.

Analyst Louorns on X claimed that Piroe is "invisible" 90% of the time earlier this season, and his poor statistics – in terms of goals and his all-round contributions on the pitch – back that up.

It has been a barren run for the 24-year-old attacker, who was signed on a permanent deal from league rivals Swansea last summer, and one that does not look likely to change any time soon, given his display against Blackburn last time out.

Alongside his struggles in front of goal, Piroe has also struggled to provide the team with much outside of finishing. He currently ranks 11th in the squad for key passes per game (0.7) – below Ethan Ampadu, Junior Firpo, and Glen Kamara, among others.

The 6 foot 1 dud has also lost 62% of his duels in the Championship this season, including 70% of his aerial battles, and this shows that opposition players find it far too easy to get the better of him.

Despite his height and large frame, defenders have had plenty of joy against Piroe in one-on-one duels to win possession back for Leeds, which is why he is not a reliable outlet for Farke in the number nine position.

Appearances

42

Goals

12

xG

12.45

Big chances missed

8

Assists

3

xA

2.16

As you can see in the table above, the Dutchman has not been completely ineffective in the final third throughout the entire season, as he has still plundered 12 goals from 12.45 xG – only slightly underperforming his expected tally.

However, his current run of form since Christmas and his 3/10 display against Blackburn suggest that Farke should drop him for an alternative option against Boro tonight to give the team the best chance of picking up all three points and returning to the automatic promotion places.

The alternative options to Joel Piroe

The German tactician does have a number of players who could step in to take Piroe's place at the top end of the pitch against Carrick's men on Teeside.

One option could be to move Georginio Rutter into the number nine role, from his usual number ten position, and then bring Dan James or Jaidon Anthony in, which would allow Wilfried Gnonto to play centrally.

The lesser-seen Joe Gelhardt, who has only played eight games in the Championship this season, is also a player with centre-forward experience, but is unlikely to be selected for such a big game given his lack of action so far.

Bamford appears to be the obvious candidate to replace Piroe as the English forward has been trusted by Farke for much of 2024 so far.

Appearances

32

Starts

14

xG

8.61

Goals

7

Big chances missed

8

As you can see in the table above, the former Boro man has been wasteful in front of goal in the Championship this season – underperforming his xG and missing more 'big chances' than he has scored goals.

Another option for Farke could be to unleash Joseph from the start for the first time in the league. The 20-year-old striker has scored one goal in 18 appearances as a substitute.

He also scored two goals in his last start for the first-team against Chelsea in the FA Cup at Stamford Bridge, which is why the gem could be an exciting player to bring in to offer more in the final third than the other options.

Whichever direction the manager decides to go in, dropping Piroe is the first step he must take on the road to firing Leeds back into the top two places tonight, due to the Dutch dud's lack of form in the final third.

Bengal fast bowler Mukesh Kumar and left-arm spinner Shreyan Chakraborty have tested positive for Covid-19, it emerged on Wednesday, after the state association conducted RT-PCR tests on 63 people, including 37 cricketers – male and female.”The Cricket Association of Bengal [CAB] today held a Covid-19 Test Camp where 63 persons, including 21 senior Bengal cricketers and 16 women cricketers, were tested maintaining strict Covid protocols,” a statement from the association said. “Incidentally Shreyan Chakraborty and Mukesh Kumar tested positive during the drive.”After obtaining no-objection certificates from all relevant departments of the government, the CAB on Wednesday conducted the camp following the approved SOPs, with CAB president Avishek Dalmiya explaining that the tests were done for people “who will be directly and indirectly involved as the association gets ready to begin its staggered gym sessions at the indoor facility within the Eden Gardens premises”.The process was conducted under the supervision of Naresh OJha, the CAB vice-president who has also been made chairperson of the Covid Task Force at the association. Ojha confirmed that those tested included, apart from the cricketers, “the coaching team, physios, housekeeping boys, security staff and Dr Ujjal Banerjee, who is also a grade one umpire, he has been appointed as a doctor for the camp”.

With their top four chances taking a few hits in recent weeks, Aston Villa have received a worrying injury update which could play a part in their first game back after the international break – a Midlands derby against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Aston Villa transfer news

With just nine games left until the end of the Premier League season and just three points separating Villa in fourth and Tottenham Hotspur – who have a game in hand – in fifth, the last thing that Unai Emery needs is more injuries.

The former Arsenal boss has already been forced to cope without the likes of Tyrone Mings and Emiliano Buendia for most of the current campaign, and needs as many members of his squad available for one final push for top four.

Given where we're at in the Premier League campaign, the March international break is always a nervy one for clubs still on course to achieve their goals, whether that be survival, top four or winning the title. And Villa have become the latest club to prove why it's right to watch on nervously, with one star now potentially ruled out of their first game after the break.

Aston Villa above all in race for "important" star who could cost just £10m

This would be one of the bargains of the summer.

ByTom Cunningham Mar 21, 2024

After the right-back came off the bench only to limp back off 11 minutes later, Poland manager Michal Probierz provided an update on Matty Cash's injury: "It's probably a little worse for Matty. We will make a decision later with your doctor.”

The right-back collided with an advertising board, before clutching his hamstring in worrying scenes for Villa with a derby against Wolves up next. The coming days should prove to be crucial when it comes to learning the full damage done and whether the Pole will miss an extended period.

"Versatile" Cash adds to Aston Villa's injury list

If Cash does not recover in time to face Wolves on Saturday 30 March, then he will become the latest injury for Emery to contend with at Aston Villa at the worst possible time. That said, here's how Aston Villa's injury list is currently looking and when those in the Mildlands can potentially expect players to return…

Boubacar Kamara

26/10/2024

Emiliano Buendia

24/06/2024

Tyrone Mings

24/06/2024

Jacob Ramsey

30/03/2024

Matty Cash

30/03/2024*

Emery will be well aware of just how big a blow Cash's long-term absence would be, so he and the rest of the club will be hoping to see the full-back make a swift return after the international break.

Emery highlighted the right-back's ability to fill other gaps in his squad at the start of the season, saying via The Independent: “He’s versatile, he played before as a winger, he’s playing with us in a back four sometimes, sometimes lower, but we used him in pre-season playing higher, as a winger.

"He helped us a lot today defensively and offensively and then he used the moment to remember when he played more at Nottingham Forest as a winger. His two goals were a good example for us but we know he can be versatile.”

Manchester United’s incredibly dramatic 4-3 FA Cup victory over fierce rival Liverpool could very well be the catalyst for a last-minute revival of the campaign.

After that result, the Red Devils are now in the semi-final against Coventry City, while also sitting sixth in the Premier League.

However, inconsistency has been a common theme for Erik ten Hag this season, meaning that progress is often halted almost instantly.

Having said that, there has been one constant, and that is the outstanding performance of Kobbie Mainoo, who could thrive even further next campaign if United do sign their current midfield target.

Man Utd's search for a midfielder

Italian news outlet CalcioMercato recently reported that Man United are keen to reinforce the midfield department in the summer, with Joao Gomes said to be one of their main targets.

Ten Hag has first-hand experience playing against the Brazilian, with the 23-year-old being a key player in Gary O’Neil’s Wolverhampton Wanderers side, so the former Ajax boss has a strong understanding of what he could bring to the side.

It is reported that the former Flamengo player is estimated to be worth €40m (£34m), but Wolves are set to demand a higher fee at the end of the season.

With Sir Jim Ratcliffe wanting to change the culture at the club, a player like Gomes fits the bill for the type of requirements the new owner will look for in a signing.

Man Utd have begun talks to sign a £50m Harry Maguire replacement

Erik ten Hag is keen to reinforce his backline next summer.

ByTom Lever Mar 26, 2024 How Joao Gomes could slot in at Man Utd

Mainoo’s rise to the top has been simply unbelievable, to the point where he’s not only a key figure in the Man United side, but he’s also earned his first England cap.

At just 18 years old, the number 37 has started 14 Premier League matches while displaying the maturity and mentality of a seasoned professional with experience way beyond his years.

The versatile midfielder’s position in the team has fluctuated between a few roles, but his main position has been as a defensive midfielder, like against Jurgen Klopp’s side last time out.

However, with the potential introduction of Gomes, Mainoo could be deployed in a more familiar and better-suited number eight position, which would allow him to showcase his ability to impact the game in the final third as well as drop deeper when needed.

Tackles

3.5

Duels won

5.8

Balls recovered

5.5

Possession lost

9.3

Pass accuracy in own half

87%

As can be seen in the table above, showcasing Gomes’ average statistics in the Premier League this season, he’s the definition of a “warrior,” as dubbed by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, with his duels won, balls recovered, and tackles serving as evidence.

The Wolves gem with a “winning mentality” – as per Kulig – also ranks as the third-highest tackler in the entire league per game, which would see him slot alongside Mainoo perfectly.

Ten Hag’s midfield balance is currently all over the place, with Casemiro struggling to cover ground and keep up with intensity, as shown by his dribbled past per game average of 2.2, and the signing of Gomes could enable Mainoo to sprinkle his magic further up the field, just like the goal of the month he netted against Wolves in February.

Gomes also only loses the ball 9.3 times per game, which would provide much more control to United in possession while also limiting the number of times the team gets counterattacked, which would see Mainoo’s untouchable dribbling occur more often.

Overall, having the security of Gomes alongside Mainoo, who can simply act as a ball-winner and retainer, will enable the youngster to blossom into a world-class talent that he has already shown glimpses of.

Zimbabwe fought back bravely, with Tiripano scoring a fifty, but in the end it wasn’t enough

The Report by Liam Brickhill03-Mar-2020

Tamim Iqbal walks off after breaking his own record for highest ODI score for a Bangladesh batsman•BCB

Bangladesh survived a thrilling late rally from Zimbabwe’s lower order to secure a four-run win in an epic finish in Sylhet. After Tamim Iqbal’s record-breaking 158 had boosted Bangladesh to 322 for 8, Zimbabwe appeared out of the hunt when they slipped to 225 for 7 in the 42nd over. But Donald Tiripano and Tinotenda Mutombodzi launched a rousing counter-attack with an eighth wicket stand that brought 80 runs in just 7.3 overs. Tiripano struck five enormous sixes, including two in the final over, but he needed to hit another one off the final ball to secure the fairytale finish. It was not to be, Al-Amin Hossain holding his nerve at the last to seal the series for Bangladesh.Mutombodzi and Tiripano’s partnership was a new record for the eighth wicket in ODIs in Bangladesh, and was all the more remarkable given the situation in which it arose. When Sikandar Raza sliced Mashrafe Mortaza to third man to fall for 66, Zimbabwe’s last frontline batsman was back in the dugout and the required rate was well over 12 an over. Tiripano’s career strike-rate in ODIs before this knock was a shade over 56, and he is more known for his stodge than his flair. Mutombodzi’s career strike-rate was barely any better.It seemed that the match would fizzle out when the asking rate peaked above 15 with five overs to go, but Zimbabwe would not go quietly into the night this time and Tiripano sparked an incredible fightback. With Mutombodzi trailing in his wake, 16 runs flowed from the 46th over and 20 from the 47th, the fifty stand being raised in just 4.4 overs.Suddenly, Bangladesh were the team under pressure, but Shafiul Islam and Hossain then found their range with the yorker to set up a grandstand finish: 20 runs required from the last six balls. After a single and a wide, Zimbabwe once again appeared buried when Mutombodzi holed out to long-on. But Tiripano surged once more with back-to-back sixes, the second of which took him to a maiden ODI fifty. With Zimbabwe hunting six from the last two balls, Hossain was very fortunate to get away with a bouncer that cleared Tiripano’s head by some distance, leaving Zimbabwe needing a miracle from the last ball. In a breathless finish, Hossain held his nerve as Tiripano could only manage a toe-ended single down to long-off.Things could have been very different had Zimbabwe’s top order held things together, and that was the difference between the two sides: Zimbabwe scored 49 in the Powerplay, losing two wickets, but Bangladesh cruised to 65 in the same period and Tamim Iqbal batted all the way through to the 46th over to set up their innings.Iqbal spanked 20 fours and three sixes in his knock, which marked a career-best effort for him, and also a record high individual score for Bangladesh in this format. His approach this afternoon stood in contrast to the first ODI. On Sunday, he took his time to settle and struck just one boundary in the first ten. Today, he burst out of the blocks in vintage style, putting Zimbabwe’s seam attack to the sword with 10 rasping fours on either side of the wicket inside the Powerplay.His aggression meant that the early run-outs of Liton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto barely put a dent in Bangladesh. Indeed, Iqbal’s calling was perhaps his only flaw, and there was more than one moment of indecision in his third wicket stand with Mushfiqur Rahim. But Zimbabwe were not able to capitalise on them and the partnership had reached 87 before Rahim holed out to long-on.Iqbal shifted through the gears throughout his knock: his first fifty came in just 42 deliveries, his second took 64 as Zimbabwe’s spinners wrested back a modicum of control in the middle of the innings, but then he went on the charge once again to motor from 100 to 150 in just 27 balls. Along the way, he became the first Bangladesh batsman to go past 7,000 runs in ODIs and with his third six he broke his own record for the highest score by a Bangladesh batsman in ODIs.To their credit Zimbabwe’s seamers struck a couple of blows of their own to ensure that Bangladesh couldn’t run completely rampant at the death, but on current form it seemed 322 was already well out of their reach. And when they wobbled early on, it seemed this match would follow the same script as the first ODI.Tinashe Kamunhukamwe managed to keep Zimbabwe in touching distance with his first ODI fifty, and an 81-run stand between Raza and Wesley Madhevere revived hopes once more. Both batsmen reached fifties of their own – Madhevere’s being his very first in internationals, coming in his second game – but when they fell in quick succession Zimbabwe once again appeared sunk.Tiripano and Mutombodzi had other ideas. While a fairytale finish was denied to them at the last, Zimbabwe can at least hold their heads high while Bangladesh will go into their third game with the comfort of an unassailable series lead.

With a Test comeback imminent, the opener dug deep to bring up Bangladesh’s highest ever first-class score

Mohammad Isam02-Feb-2020

Tamim Iqbal whacks it over the top•Raton Gomes/BCB

When Tamim Iqbal reached 298 while batting for East Zone against Central Zone in the Bangladesh Cricket League, a meeting inside the BCB headquarters broke up. Those attending climbed out of the window, and waited in the balcony overlooking the Shere Bangla National Stadium’s grandstand. In attendance were BCB’s chief executive Nizamuddin Chowdhury, cricket operations chairman Akram Khan and chief selector Minhajul Abedin.Tamim’s innings breakdown

Day 2 lunch: Tamim on 72*
Day 2 tea: 157* (85 runs in the session)
Day 2 stumps: 222* (65 runs in the session)
Day 3 lunch: 279* (57 runs in the session)
Day 3 declaration: 334* (55 runs in the session)

As soon as Tamim scampered to take the single, the loudest cheer came from these three men, as well as from inside their meeting room where Bangladesh coach Russell Domingo and Habibul Bashar, selector and former captain, stood to give him an ovation.At the end of the third day’s play, Chowdhury and other board officials greeted Tamim and cut a cake with him to celebrate the left-hander becoming the holder of the country’s highest individual score, an unbeaten 334 that had 42 fours and three sixes, spanning a gargantuan nine hours and 45 minutes. Tamim’s triple hundred was only the second by a Bangladeshi, after Raqibul Hasan’s 313, nearly thirteen years ago.Raqibul, who played nine Tests between 2008 and 2011, coincidentally was in the opposition when Tamim was batting in this game. Later, he was specially called to cut the cake with Tamim as one of the two triple centurions in Bangladesh’s first-class scene, apart from Tamim’s East Zone teammates and BCB officials.Tamim said that the nine-hour essay will remain an innings that is close to his heart.”It is a special feeling to score a triple hundred,” Tamim said. “I think everyone dreams of such an innings but I didn’t think it would come in this game. The most important thing for me was how I batted. I hope I can continue with the same form. It is a special innings; three hundred runs is tough against any opposition or at any level. If it was easy, you would have seen a 300 every month. It will have a special place in my heart.”What stood out in Tamim’s knock was his perseverance while playing a low-key domestic match. Often in the past he has gotten out after scoring a big hundred, but this time, with the need of getting in the groove ahead of his comeback Test next week in Rawalpindi, Tamim dug deep.”I felt that I was very determined. The wicket was playing well. It wasn’t spinning or doing that much. I kept it simple. After completing the triple-hundred, I took some chances. Otherwise, I kept on playing cricketing shots. I was looking for boundary options, rather than sixes.”When I touched 280 was the first time I started to think about the triple hundred. I felt that if I thought about the milestone for too long, it would change my overall plan which was to bat in a plain and simple manner,” he said.Tamim scored more than fifty runs in each of the sessions since the second day, but he said that as the innings wore on, on the third day, batting became tougher. From being unbeaten on 222 at the start of the third morning, Tamim played patiently to reach 300 after lunch, and only then did he open up to attack the Central Zone bowlers.”Compared to the second day, the wicket was tougher on day three. I had to settle on singles and doubles, rather than boundaries,” he said. “I was always on the lookout for runs just like a Test match where there are many fielders behind the wicket.”We always wondered how Raqibul made that triple hundred all those years ago. It is not easy. Wickets used to be slower and take spin. We always talked about his innings in the Bangladesh dressing room, how he managed to do it. I think he faced around 600 balls too.”

Warner said he wants to take a call after taking part in the back-to-back T20 World Cups

Daniel Brettig11-Feb-2020David Warner has flagged his likely retirement from T20Is following the two T20 World Cups to be played in consecutive years, and also explained why he has chosen to skip the Big Bash League for much of his international career.On an emotional Australian Cricket Awards night for Warner, he took out the Allan Border Medal as the national team’s best player across all three formats despite an abominable Ashes series in which Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne scored the runs that allowed Tim Paine’s team to retain the urn in England for the first time since 2001. He fared far better on home soil after adopting the belligerent, aggressive batting approach that Australian cricket followers have grown used to, and also made runs on the brief India ODI tour last month that was the last series that featured in the medal’s voting period.At 33, Warner is starting to consider how to approach the remainder of his career, and the dropping of T20Is from his schedule appears the next step he will take to prolong it – albeit only after the T20 World Cups in Australia later this year and in India in 2021.ALSO READ: David Warner, Ellyse Perry win top honours at Australian Cricket Awards”I don’t have a BBL team; I took a break during this period, and that was about my body and my mind, making sure I’m getting ready for the next series that comes up,” Warner said. “If you look at T20 internationals, we’ve got back-to-back World Cups as well, that’s probably a format that could be one I’d probably drop in a few years.”I have to look at the schedule; it’s going to be very difficult [for me] to play all three forms, and good luck to all the guys who want to keep playing that. You talk to guys like AB de Villiers and Virender Sehwag, these guys who’ve done it for a long time, it does become challenging. Having three young kids and my wife at home all the time, the constant travelling becomes very difficult. If it was to come down to [leaving out] one format, it would probably be the international T20s.”As for the BBL, Warner denied that its rapid growth to a 61-game tournament, after starting as a 20-game, state-based event in 2005 and then growing to 31, 35, 43 and 59 games under the BBL banner from 2011 onwards, was a factor in him avoiding it. Warner’s manager had said last year that his client would consider playing in the BBL but that it would need to be financially “worth his while” to do so, but the opener also indicated that some CA-contracted players were uneasy about taking the spots of cricketers who had represented their clubs for the whole event.Ellyse Perry, winner of the Belinda Clark medal poses with David Warner, winner of the Allan Border medal•Getty Images”For me it’s about working out timeframes with different series, identify when you need a bit of a rest,” Warner sad. “Generally, we play a Test series and go into a one-day series. We went to India and then generally you have a one-day series at home, back-to-back games and then you go away. So, it was a bit different this year; I was able to have that opportunity to have that break which I’m grateful for.”A lot of the guys try to go back and play as much as they can. Sometimes, you look at the finals as an example, they come back and play the final, you’re taking someone’s spot as well, which is always tough as a player, you don’t want to come back and just take someone’s spot for one game. So, this opportunity was great for these guys to go out and play, and to see Smithy and Gazza (Nathan Lyon) and them take part in it and win the title is fantastic.”There had been plenty of tears from Warner as he accepted the medal, after not even being invited to last year’s ceremony, which predated CA’s lengthy reintegration process for him, Smith and Cameron Bancroft after their Newlands bans.”I had no doubt that I had the capability of being back here again. It was obviously a lot of hard work and commitment to be able to put my hand back up for selection for one, and go away and just do what I know best and that’s to try and score as many runs as I can in any competition I was playing in,” Warner said. “There was obviously a lot of work behind the scenes to reintegrate the three of us and I really appreciate the way that unfolded and the way we were reintegrated back into the team and into the fold, and that was by having net sessions as well at the Test matches, keeping our sharpness up against quality bowling, and I’m extremely grateful for that.”There were tough times there with me and, my wife having two miscarriages, there were a lot of things going on in my life away from cricket that I had to work on, and I was able to do that and that was the thing about not having cricket there. I had to work out what was going to be best for me. I had to work on my fitness, me and my wife are a great team, we have three beautiful daughters, and we really enjoy each other’s company.”Australia’s next assignment is a tour of South Africa for three T20Is and three ODIs, taking Warner and Smith back to the scene of their transgressions for the first time in nearly two years. Warner said his experiences in England last year, where he was able to shrug off a constant stream of abuse from crowds while never once retaliating, would be helpful memories.”I knew what I was walking into in England and I know exactly what I’m walking into in South Africa,” Warner said. “You just look at the recent series against England; it doesn’t matter where you go in the world, you’re probably going to cop something of some sort. You’ve got to try and get that out of your head and not let that affect you. I’ve well and truly learned my lessons from last time. It’s going to be great to go back over there, and I’m just really excited to get out there against South Africa and hopefully come home with a win.”

Glasgow Rangers managed to sign three talented youngsters during the January transfer window as Philippe Clement bolstered his hungry Ibrox squad ahead of what could be a hectic second half of the season.

Fabio Silva, Oscar Cortes, and Mohamed Diomande were the three signings and all three could play their part in the coming weeks.

Silva has already scored twice for Rangers, while the latter two looked bright while making their first start for the club during the 2-0 Scottish Cup win over Ayr United.

The Light Blues did miss out on a few players last month though, and Clement could rue some of these calls.

Lawrence Shankland was linked perennially throughout January, while Brazilian Jefte looked like he was making the move to Scotland, then the deal collapsed at the last minute, ensuring more bad news for the Gers.

This is not the first time the Glasgow side have missed out on transfer targets, with several over the years eventually going on to bigger and brighter things.

One name was linked a few years ago and is now thriving in the Premier League. He is also likely to be on the move this summer; Ivan Toney.

Toney was 'going to sign' for Rangers

After Covid-19 curtailed the 2019/20 campaign, Steven Gerrard set about building a team which could end Celtic’s hegemony of Scottish football and prevent them from winning the elusive tenth league title in a row.

Kemar Roofe, Calvin Bassey, Ianis Hagi and Cedric Itten were all signed to prevent this from happening and over the following 12 months, the Light Blues were ruthless as they swatted away all challengers and romped to the Premiership crown.

They went the entire 2020/21 campaign undefeated, conceding just 13 goals, yet they failed to capitalise on this and failed to retain the trophy the following season.

Would the outcome have been different had they signed Ivan Toney in 2020? With Celtic keen on the player too, quite probably.

Gerrard eyed up a swoop for the then Peterborough United striker alongside their Old Firm rivals, but no move ever materialised as he ended up signing for Brentford instead.

While speaking to former Ibrox legend Ally McCoist a year later, Toney admitted he could have made the move to Scotland, saying:

"Like you said I was going to sign for Celtic – but I was also going to sign for Rangers.”

What a piece of business it could have been for the Ibrox side, especially when you consider how he has taken the Premier League by storm over the previous few years.

Toney's numbers after being linked with Rangers

The 6 foot 1 Englishman only cost the Bees a reported fee of £5m, with another £5m in potential add-ons, and it looked like it could prove to be a wonderful bargain.

Toney certainly justified the £5m during his debut season for Brentford as he scored 31 goals and grabbed ten assists across 45 Championship matches as the London club secured promotion to the top flight for the first time since the 1946/47 season.

The former Posh striker didn’t take long to settle into life in the Premier League and eventually ended up bagging 12 goals in 33 matches as the club finished in a respectable 13th position.

His performances led BBC reporter Simon Stone to describe him as “sensational” and this laid the foundations for his second season in the top flight.

If this campaign was impressive, the 27-year-old took things to the next level during the 2022/23 season, finding the back of the net on 20 occasions in the league, and this meant he finished third in the race for the Golden Boot, which was won by Erling Haaland.

In May 2023, Toney was banned for eight months for breaching FA betting rules, admitting to 232 breaches, only making his return to action last month.

Three goals in just four matches prove that he has returned with a bang and his goals could ensure Brentford retain their top-flight status having endured a tough opening half to the campaign.

Goals

12

20

Assists

5

4

Shots on target per game

0.9

1.3

Big chances created

10

12

Successful dribbles per game

0.7

0.5

These last few seasons have certainly shown that the Light Blues missed out on a player who could have taken them to the next level and solved their attacking woes which plagued them in the two seasons post-2020/21.

The centre-forward is now wanted by some of the biggest teams in England and, judging by his reported value, the Gers had a nightmare by not stumping up £5m back in 2020.

Ivan Toney's valuation in 2024

Brentford manager Thomas Frank recently admitted that this could be the final few months of Toney’s Brentford spell, saying:

"It is relatively obvious that Ivan Toney will probably be sold this summer. We also know what he is worth. I don't think there are many strikers in the world who are better than him right now.”

Arsenal and Chelsea are just two of the Premier League sides who have shown a keen interest in making a move for Toney in recent months, and this revelation by Frank will certainly have given them a big boost.

Manchester United may also join the race for the 27-year-old hitman, yet Brentford’s valuation of around £100m could potentially make them go after other targets during the summer transfer window.

Rangers definitely missed the boat on Toney, and now it looks as though he will be playing for a side in the Champions League while challenging for major honours in England.

Of course, that is not to say he would have been a success in Scotland, but the fact that he has netted a stunning total of 71 goals since the start of the 2020/21 season – while missing eight months – indicates that he would have shone at Ibrox.

The missed opportunity represents yet another occasion where the penny-pinching board refused to shell out on a player, and it looks like it has come back to haunt them, especially with his recent £100m valuation.

Hopefully Clement does not rue missing out on a few targets he wanted to sign in January as the season progresses and make the same mistakes as his predecessors.

Celtic made no mistake when it came to reclaiming the Premiership title in Ange Postecoglou’s debut season in charge of the Hoops.

The Bhoys won 29, drew six and lost just three of their 38 league matches, ending the campaign four point ahead of their Glasgow arch-rivals.

However, one man in Postecoglou’s squad who didn’t play much of a part in Celtic’s title charge was left-back Boli Bolingoli.

With just two league appearances to his name in 2021/22 (in September and October), the Belgian only featured in a league matchday squad on one other occasion.

Now that the summer transfer window is on the horizon, it seems as though the Hoops have identified one potential transfer they could make which could push the 26-year-old outcast out of the club for good.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from the Daily Mail (via Daily Record), Celtic are exploring the option of signing Velez Sarsfield left-back Francisco Ortega.

A product of the Argentina club’s youth system, the defender has gone on to make 97 appearances for the club across all competitions. In that time, the 23-year-old has scored one goal and provided 10 assists for his teammates along the way.

With 20 league appearances last season, the £3.78m-rated Argentine racked up the second-highest number of crosses (59) and tackles (31) at his club. This shows how dangerous an attacking figure he can be, as well as a capable defender without the ball.

Taking into account how Bolingoli has been away training on his own and how Celtic will reportedly be looking to get rid of him this summer, securing a deal for Ortega could be the best way to replace the unwanted Belgian.

Slammed by Neil Lennon for his “incredibly selfish” actions when he broke the government’s guidelines during the pandemic, Bolingoli’s next step would ideally be one which would see him leave the Scottish champions and join another club where he would be playing regularly again.

If Celtic find themselves calling time on the Belgian’s period at the club, going in for Ortega should definitely be in their plans before the next campaign kicks off.

In other news – Signed for £4.5m, now worth 70% less: Celtic had a huge howler on £9k-p/w “disaster”

Whilst Chelsea have so far endured a rare quiet spell in the transfer window, the Blues have been linked with a number of players and could yet make their move to sign a major reinforcement before the end of the month.

Chelsea transfer news

Routed in mid-table in the Premier League, there's no doubt that Chelsea once again need reinforcements, despite welcoming a number of additions in the summer. Mauricio Pochettino's side just haven't got going this season, with the former Tottenham Hotspur boss failing to make an instant impact at Stamford Bridge. Speaking on the potential for new arrives, Pochettino previously said: "It is not like this. Like you know, too many rumours going around the clubs. It is not what they translate to me. It is not necessary to sell to buy some players.

"I am very positive and happy with the squad. We are working, if something appears, we will announce. At the moment we are assessing and working normally, how we have been working from the beginning of the season."

With that said, one name that has been mentioned is Alphonso Davies. According to reports in Spain, Chelsea are ready to make their move for Davies in an attempt to beat Real Madrid to his signature. It's clear that Todd Boehly is once again not messing around when seeking reinforcements and given that the left-back's current Bayern Munich deal expires in 18 months, the Blues could take full advantage.

It may be difficult to convince the Canadian to choose Stamford Bridge over the Santiago Bernabeu, but money, as ever, seems unlikely to be the problem for those in London if they push on and attempt to secure a deal either this month or in the summer transfer window. A standout star, Davies could be one to watch.

"Unbelievable" Davies is better than Chilwell

Ben Chilwell's injury history means that Chelsea are often left without a reliable starting left-back for Pochettino, but Davies wouldn't just solve that problem, he could also be a major upgrade on the former Leicester City man, as Davies' stats this season show.

Alphonso Davies

5.50

5.11

4.20

1.37

1.07

Ben Chilwell

3.08

2.56

2.31

0.26

0.77

Davies' most famous game for Bayern Munich is of course the 7-2 thrashing of Barcelona in the Champions League, in which he played a starring role for one particular goal. Praising the left-back for his assist on that night, teammate Joshua Kimmich said:

"That was unbelievable. Even I was a bit ashamed when I celebrated. He gets 99 percent of the credit for the goal. I only had to get the ball over the line."

It's clear that if Chelsea managed to secure a deal to sign Davies, then they could be getting one of the best around in his position. With Real Madrid also interested, it could be a hefty task, but one that the Blues are seemingly ready to pursue.