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Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has praised Kalvin Phillips’ decision to have surgery, also hinting at him staying put beyond the summer.

The Lowdown: Phillips undergoes surgery

The Whites have suffered yet another injury blow with the news that the England midfielder is going to be missing for a significant chunk of action.

The 25-year-old has suffered a hamstring injury and is likely to miss around two months of football, having undergone successful surgery.

Leeds will have to battle on without their talisman during a hectic period in the season but he should be back for the business end of the campaign.

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The Latest: Whelan finds positives

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan claims that it is a wise decision to have surgery immediately, rather than risk Phillips not being at his best for a long time. He said:

“It’s a really sensible move. We know how integral and important Kalvin is, and his value to this team will have demanded the surgery to take place in order to sort it out properly.

“No one wants to be without their talisman, but Leeds United will also realise that having him long-term is better than playing with a Kalvin Phillips that might be in and out of the team with the same problem.”

Furthermore, Whelan hinted at the Leeds hero staying at the club for a further 12 months at least, seemingly ruling out the idea of a summer exit amid rumours of other Premier League sides eyeing a swoop for him. The 46-year-old stated:

“It’s vitally important that he gets the treatment he needs. If that means we have to go without Kalvin for two months, but then we get him for the next 12 – then brilliant.”

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The Verdict: Better in the long run

Whelan is right- losing Phillips midway through the season is a big blow, but the decision to have surgery immediately is the right one, taking the hit now rather than letting it going on for several more months.

This way, the England international should return in good shape in February or March, rather than playing with an injury for the entirety of the campaign.

Regardless of where Phillips is playing his football in the future, it is important that he isn’t hampered in the long-term because of delaying surgery and making the situation worse.

In other news, one Leeds player has been linked with a summer exit. Find out who it is here.

As per a source close to Flamengo forward Gabriel Barbosa, speaking in an interview with Globo Esporte, there has been more news involving West Ham United and the player.

The Lowdown: West Ham enter talks…

The 25-year-old is a name we keep hearing through the press as David Moyes aims to bolster his attacking options before the January 31 deadline.

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Sky Sports first broke news of West Ham’s interest in Barbosa as they went on to lift the lid on talks and a loan-to-buy offer for him earlier this month.

Indeed, the Irons and recruitment chief Rob Newman lodged a proposal to take the striker on a temporary spell for 18 months with the option to make his stay permanent for €30m (£25m), according to Sky Sports.

Sharing an update, a source very close to Barbosa has now made a further admission.

The Latest: Agent confirms Barbosa offer…

Speaking to South American news outlet Globo Esporte, the former Inter Milan striker’s representative Junior Pedroso has claimed that West Ham have indeed tabled a formal offer to take Barbosa on loan.

First revealing an approach from Newcastle, Pedroso then went on to confirm West Ham’s involvement, saying: “The other club that actually went about with a formalization of a loan offer was West Ham. And then I didn’t even take that offer to Gabriel, I directed it to Flamengo , who gave a negative.

“Flamengo doesn’t see a loan as a possibility, even paying a fortune, and we wouldn’t consider a loan issue at the moment either.”

The Verdict: Time to move on…

The prolific forward has been nothing short of a revelation in Brazil, having scored a phenomenal 29 goals in all competitions throughout 2021, but he could be a gamble in the English top flight.

Barbosa’s only spell in Europe to date came at Inter, which was a regrettable one to say the least, so you can understand why Moyes and co want to test the waters with a loan deal before discussing any permanent move.

According to journalist Pete O’Rourke, West Ham are still interested in a loan deal for the ‘big name’ striker, as Graeme Bailey worded it. However, after this interview with his agent, it could be time for the Irons to move on to other targets.

In 0ther news: ExWHUemployee claims West Ham are eyeing ‘absolutely incredible’ ace with loan-to-buy move in discussion, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur colossus Cristian Romero was the only shining light as the north London outfit were held by Brentford on Saturday evening.

Antonio Conte’s side were struck an almighty blow in the race for a top-four finish in the Premier League as they couldn’t find a way past Christian Eriksen and co, failing to even register a shot on target all game.

It now puts the Lilywhites two points behind their arch-rivals, Arsenal, with only five matches left to play – including the derby on May 12th – meaning it is now out of Spurs’ hands completely.

Despite dominating possession (56%), Tottenham failed to create anything of note, whilst their former playmaking Dane effectively ran the show for the Bees.

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Harry Kane and Heung-min Son were starved of service from the Italian’s wing-backs, the former even putting in a last-ditch goal-line clearance to save the clean sheet, at the very least.

Although it was the Argentine defender, who has been lauded as an “animal” in the past by his teammate Pierluigi Gollini, who ensured that Spurs walked away with a point rather than nothing whatsoever.

The £36m-rated warrior was an absolute rock defensively, often mopping up behind the error-prone Emerson on the right side of the defence.

As per SofaScore, the 23-year-old centre-back earned a ‘Man of the Match’ 8.1 rating, having made a game-high five interceptions, on top of three blocks, two clearances and one tackle.

Not only was he solid at the back, having won 75% of his ground and aerial battles but he was also influential with the ball at his feet, registering 74 touches, which included one key chance created – as many as Kane and Dejan Kulusevski combined – from 51 successful passes (93% total accuracy).

Romero’s performance earned quite the praise indeed, justifiably so.

Alasdair Gold of football.london graded him an 8/10 in his post-match ratings column and claimed that he ‘was by far Spurs’ best player on the day.’

There weren’t many players that could come away from such a display with their head held high but on the above evidence, the Argentina international was a cut above his teammates and without him, they may well have returned to N17 with an even worse result.

Romero was certainly Conte’s one and only positive from such a drab display.

AND in other news, Forget Emerson: “Really poor” Spurs lightweight who lost possession 19x failed Conte…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, ex-Newcastle midfielder Rob Lee has praised Dean Smith’s transfer business this season, describing it as “smart”.

Having survived on the final day of last season by drawing at West Ham, Villa invested heavily in their squad last summer, with sporting director Johan Lange spearheading a spend of more than £70million in a bid to improve the squad.

Perhaps their biggest success story has been Emiliano Martinez, whose kept 14 clean sheets in 28 games in the Premier League this term following his move from Arsenal, leaving him in with a chance of winning the Golden Glove for the first time ever.

Meanwhile, former Brentford man Ollie Watkins has reached double figures in terms of league goals, whilst Matty Cash, Bertrand Traore and on-loan Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley have all had positive impacts at Villa Park this season to leave Smith’s team in touch with the European places.

Villa’s form has dipped in recent weeks following the injury to Jack Grealish, but Lee believes their fine campaign has been down to their transfer window.

He told Football FanCast: “They were smart signings. They bought players that I think had a good chance of doing well in the Premier League. Matty Cash, did well in the Championship for a long time.

“I think they spent wisely. They paid over the odds for a few players, but are reaping the rewards.

“Ollie Watkins, 30-odd million, but you know he’s strong, quick and will score goals, so let’s take a chance on him. They are players that are very good Championship players that want to prove they can be in the Premier League, or players that have been in the Premier League and we know they’re not going to fail in the Premier League.”

Whilst Villa’s campaign is somewhat petering out, the fact that a midtable finish might now be viewed as a disappointment is the biggest compliment you could pay Smith after last season.

Juventus could look to bring Everton striker Moise Kean back to Turin by offering to send Adrien Rabiot the other way, Gazzetta Dello Sport have claimed.

Carlo Ancelotti handed the 25-year-old a Paris Saint-Germain debut during his time in the French capital, and a report earlier this month suggested that the Everton manager had his sights set on a reunion.

What could Rabiot offer Everton?

Rabiot joined Juventus in the summer of 2019 after his PSG contract came to an end. The Frenchman, who can play either as a defensive or central midfielder, has made 35 appearances for Andrea Pirlo’s men this season (via Transfermarkt).

In terms of the defensive side of his game, he has averaged 2.1 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 0.9 clearances per game in Serie A (via WhoScored). Attacking-wise, he boasts one dribble, 0.8 shots and 0.3 chances created per match. He has scored three goals and provided two assists in all competitions.

He outperforms Andre Gomes for all three metrics and also has a better tackling and clearances average than Tom Davies. He also takes more shots per game than the Everton duo and completes more dribbles than Davies (via WhoScored).

Rabiot piqued the interest of a rival fanbase in 2018 when an Instagram post suggested an admiration for Anfield. His manager Pirlo has been effusive in his praise of the 25-year-old, telling Sky Sport Italy (via Goal.com): “He is a complete player, I have rarely seen someone so strong both physically and technically.”

Juventus regretting Kean sale?

Meanwhile, many Everton fans will likely have been keeping a close eye on Moise Kean’s exploits at PSG. The 21-year-old managed only two goals in his first season at Goodison Park, but has scored 14 goals this season, a tally bettered only by Kylian Mbappe in the Ligue 1 side’s ranks.

Everton paid an initial £25.1m to sign him from Juventus in 2019, but it seems that the Old Lady is looking on in envy at his exploits this year.

Rabiot may be the bargaining chip they need to bring him back to Turin.

Transfer Tavern verdict

Rabiot would be a great signing for Everton, and another show of the club’s ambition. Transfermarkt value him at £28.8m, and Kean a shade under tjat at £27m. Might they entertain the idea of a straight swap?

The Frenchman would represent an upgrade on Davies and Gomes and could slot into the midfield in front of Allan as a number eight.

In other news, Everton will apparently listen to offers for this defender to raise funds.

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has reportedly made contact with Huesca defender Javi Galan over a summer move to Elland Road.

The Lowdown: Leeds search for new left-back

Assuming Ezgjan Alioski leaves the Whites this summer, it is imperative that Bielsa signs a new left-back in order to fill the void left by the North Macedonian.

A host of names have been linked with joining Leeds, from Nicolas Tagliafico to Junior Firpo, and Galan is another thought to be in the mix.

The 26-year-old averaged an impressive 3.3 dribbles per game in La Liga last season, which was only bettered by Lionel Messi (4.5) in the Spanish top flight.

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The Latest: Whites make move for Galan

According to Football Insider, Bielsa has made a move to bring Galan to Elland Road, speaking to the Spaniard about how he could fit into this Leeds side.

It is stated that the 26-year-old is now the Whites’ first-choice left-back target, even though they know there will be competition for his signature.

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The Verdict: Ideal Alioski replacement?

Should Alioski leave, Galan looks like he could be the perfect candidate to come in and make the left-back spot his own. His aforementioned dribbling ability highlights his attack-minded full-back nature, which is likely to appeal to Bielsa and suit his bold style of play.

Not only that, but Galan can defend when he needs to, averaging 2.4 tackles per game in the league last season, as well as 1.4 clearances. This well-rounded defender would appear to be the right man for Leeds to bring in to fill Alioski’s shoes.

In other news, a key update has been provided regarding Leeds’ quest to sign one player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Crystal Palace and Leeds United are thought to be interested in Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles ahead of the summer window.

And, as to be expected, plenty of Palace fans have been giving their thoughts to the club’s reported interest in the 23-year-old on social media.

The Mirror claim that Palace are the latest club to show an interest in Maitland-Niles, who has impressed out on loan at West Brom in recent months.

He’s made nine appearances for the Baggies, with Sam Allardyce’s side winning three, drawing three and losing three with the Arsenal man in the starting line-up.

Leeds have been watching developments closely, with the report suggesting the Gunners may decide to cash in on the versatile ace over the coming months.

Maitland-Niles, on £48,000-a-week, still has over two years remaining on his Emirates deal and is valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt.

Palace fans react

@cpfc_xtra shared the report on Monday evening. This is what these Palace fans had to say in reply, with many seemingly keen for a deal to materialise.

“I beg”

Credit: @RRcpfc

“A young home-grown utility player? I’m all for the east London Schlupp”

Credit: @acjonesy1

“Yes please!”

Credit: @deanmiles23

“On the cheap or for loan and we should be all over this. Can play LWB/RWB and CM”

Credit: @ReeceJMT

“all over plz plz plz”

Credit: @luiscpfc

“I’ll take it”

Credit: @TheEagleDC

In other news: Fresh Eddie Howe to Crystal Palace update emerges, find out more here. 

Rangers have been heavily linked with Nimes’ winger Zinedine Ferhat in recent weeks and after his asking price was cited as just €2m (£1.7m), Ross Wilson should definitely look to bring him to Ibrox this summer, as he could be a superb addition to Steven Gerrard’s side.

Rangers were first linked with the Algeria international by Foot Mercato earlier this month and it seems likely that the 28-year-old will be keen to depart following Nimes’ relegation to Ligue 2.

Whilst Transfermarkt values the wide man at £7.2m, a recent report from Midi Libre (via @Fleck_Scout), suggests that he would be available for as little as €2m (£1.7m) this summer.

Considering Ferhat enjoyed a superb season in the French top-flight, contributing six goals and 10 assists for Pascal Plancque’s side, it is something of a surprise that he is seemingly available for such a low fee, and therefore, he could prove to be a bargain option for Rangers this summer.

The Algerian’s performances in Ligue 1 earned him an average rating of 7.21/10 from WhoScored, which was the best of any player at Nimes, whilst it would be enough to rank him as the sixth-best performer in Gerrard’s squad if he had produced the same level of performances at Rangers this season.

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Gerrard will be very keen to add depth and Champions League quality to his squad ahead of next season and given that Ferhat managed more assists than global superstars Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in Ligue 1 in the most recent season, he would certainly fit the bill.

Whilst Rangers shared the goals around effectively this season and ran away with the title, only James Tavernier (20) boasts more goals and assists in the league than Ferhat this season, with the likes of Ryan Kent (15), Ianis Hagi (15) and Alfredo Morelos (14) just falling short of the Algerian’s impressive return.

Given that the 28-year-old was able to contribute those sorts of numbers in a side which managed just nine wins all year, he could prove to be devastating in a side such as Rangers who will surely be favourites to make it back-to-back title wins next season given their dominance this campaign.

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Therefore, if Ferhat is indeed available for as little as £1.7m this summer, Wilson should definitely be looking to bring him to Ibrox.

And, in other news… Forget Ferguson: Wilson should seal Rangers swoop for “top player”, he won’t cost a penny

Former Leeds midfielder David Norris believes that should Diego Llorente repeat his second half of the campaign next year he could attract interest from bigger clubs.

Signed from Real Sociedad for £18m, the Spanish defender, who’s recently been called into Luis Enrique’s squad for the European Championships, endured a mixed first campaign in English football.

A groin and then hamstring problem kept Llorente out of the first 60 percent of Leeds’ season, but following his return in February, the defender quickly came a key part of Marcelo Bielsa’s team.

In fact, prior to the final two matches with him missing only the final-day victory over West Brom due to a precautionary injury, Llorente started 13 games on the bounce in a three-month period, with the Yorkshire outfit losing just three times during that run.

Strong reports believe that Leeds are expecting offers for the Spaniard, but Norris thinks that following his injury struggles, it would be a major risk for other clubs, especially given the price-tag that’s likely to be slapped on him.

He exclusively told Football FanCast:

“I think Leeds will ask for crazy money, and everyone will be put off because of the injuries and the first half of the season.

“I think if he stays at Leeds and does as well next season, then I think he will have all of the big clubs sniffing around, but at this stage it will be a gamble for the money that Leeds are going to ask.”

The return of Christopher Jullien will be a ‘massive’ boost for a Celtic side who look like they’re ‘missing a leader’.

That’s according to former Scotland full-back Alan Hutton, who was speaking to Football Insider.

The lowdown

Julien has been out of action since the end of December 2020 with a knee injury. It’s ruled him out of 34 matches to date.

Speaking midway through last month, manager Ange Postecoglou said that Jullien was ‘still very much on an individual programme’ and insisted Celtic were being ‘careful’.

It will be ‘a little while’ before he’s back in contention, the Australian added.

Celtic have managed to keep four clean sheets in their first 11 competitive matches of the new campaign.

The latest

Hutton says the partnership of Stephen Welsh and Carl Starfelt is unconvincing, with the former inexperienced and the latter struggling to ‘find his feet’.

He expects the composed Jullien to elevate the defence when he does eventually return.

“They must be desperate to have him back,” the former Rangers, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa man said. “I think they’re missing a leader at the moment in that centre-half pairing.

“Welsh has come in and done really well, but he’s young.

“Starfelt has only just walked through the door, he’s not found his feet yet after a difficult time at the start of the season.

“They need a calm head back there, so Celtic will be desperate for Jullien to come back.

“He’s played in those high-pressure games, and he can help bring on the centre-backs around him with his experience as well.

“He’ll be a massive part of this Celtic side, and when he’s fit he’ll come straight back in.”

The verdict

Celtic’s centre-back ranks have been doubly weakened with Jullien sidelined and Kristoffer Ajer transferred to Brentford for an initial £13.5million back in July. Those two formed a reassuring partnership.

After such a serious injury, there may also be concerns that Jullien will struggle to recapture his former levels.

It’s key for Celtic’s domestic, and indeed European, ambitions that he’s fit and firing soon.

In other news, Celtic have been linked with this attacker.