Peter Lever, the former Lancashire and England fast bowler, has died after a short illness. He was 84.Lever took almost 1000 wickets for Lancashire during his playing days in the 1960s and ’70s. He was capped 17 times in Tests by England, as well as featuring in 10 one-day internationals.He went on to work as England bowling coach under Ray Illingworth, and was inducted into the Lancashire hall of fame last year.Lever’s chances with England were initially limited by strong seam-bowling competition, and he had to wait until the age of 30 for his official debut. He had played for England against the Rest of the World during the summer of 1970, taking 7 for 83 including the wickets of Graeme Pollock, Garry Sobers and Clive Lloyd – but the matches subsequently lost their Test status.Related
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He played five Tests during the 1970-71 Ashes, taking 13 wickets, as England won 2-0 to reclaim the urn; he was also picked for the first-ever ODI, staged due to the abandonment of the third Test, in Melbourne.Although his involvement thereafter was sporadic, Lever toured Australia and New Zealand again in 1974-75. It was during the Auckland Test that Lever bowled the ball that struck Ewen Chatfield on the side of the head, leaving the New Zealand No. 11 needing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on the pitch.Lever was part of the England side that reached the semi-finals of the first men’s World Cup later that year, but he only made one further Test appearance before retiring in 1976.
Newcastle United are “looking” at a potential move for another attacking player hailed as a “pure baller” this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
Ramsey completes move to Newcastle
The Magpies’ summer transfer window hasn’t been a happy one, with key targets choosing other clubs instead, and the Alexander Isak saga hanging over them.
On the plus side, Newcastle have now completed the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey, with the Englishman looking forward to his new challenge at St James’ Park.
“I’m delighted to be here. It’s been a mad two or three days, but I’m really happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started. This is a big move for me, but as soon as I knew the gaffer was interested and really liked me, it didn’t take much time to decide. His track record of developing players, especially those who have gone on to become internationals here, speaks for itself.
“It was always a tough game playing for Villa against Newcastle – the team is full of energy, so athletic and the fans are so passionate. I feel my game will suit that and I’m excited to be on the other end of it now.”
Now, another gifted young player has also been mentioned as a target for Newcastle, with two weeks of the transfer window remaining.
Newcastle "looking" at move for "pure baller"
Speaking to Football Insider, O’Rourke claimed that Leicester City ace Bilal El Khannouss is a target for Newcastle this summer, with offers expected to arrive for him from clubs.
“He isn’t letting the speculation effect him at the moment, he started for Leicester in their opening game of the season and got a couple of assists as well. Newcastle have been looking at him while pursuing Jacob Ramsey. They could potentially sign both to strengthen the squad in that position.
“Eddie Howe needs a bigger squad this season with Champions League football to contend with. Leicester are open to selling him and they’ll face a real battle to convince him to stay in the Championship if he does have Premier League offers. It’s one to keep an eye on before the end of the window. I expect offers to come in for El Khannouss before the end of the window.”
Leicester City's Bilal El Khannouss in action against Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch.
El Khannouss is a huge talent with so many good years ahead of him, so he could be a superb long-term signing in attacking midfield areas.
The 21-year-old has already bagged two assists in as many games in the Championship this season, while analyst Ben Mattinson has described him as a “pure baller” because of his natural ability.
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Granted, El Khannouss plays in a similar position to Ramsey, so minutes could be hard to come by initially, especially given the quality already in Newcastle’s midfield. That said, he should still feature plenty, and has the potential to be a future star at St James’.
Alyssa Healy is racing the clock to play in Australia’s looming ODIs against India after being ruled out of the remainder of the WBBL with a knee injury.Sydney Sixers on Saturday said Australia’s captain would not play for them again this tournament, after picking up an injury in her left knee. Australia’s three-match ODI series starts four days after the WBBL final, leaving Healy in significant doubt for international duties.Related
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Healy did not keep in Sixers’ last-start loss against Brisbane Heat because of body management, and had entered the tournament with a foot injury that ended her T20 World Cup early. Australia host India in three ODIs, before travelling to New Zealand over Christmas for three more one-dayers.It’s understood Healy will be assessed in the next fortnight ahead of those two series, with a squad to be announced next weekend.The injury is not believed to be serious enough to have her in any current doubt for the multi-format Ashes, which begin with an ODI at North Sydney on January 12.Healy had warned on her return from her foot injury that she may need to be managed through the summer.”There are higher powers sitting above that are quite vocal in what can and can’t happen, which I completely understand,” Healy said earlier this month. “Being skipper as well is a fairly big role for me. I want to be available for as much of the summer as I can.”I’ve hardly played a game for the Sixers for the past two seasons, and it’s a place I really enjoy playing cricket. I want to be available for every game that I possibly can, but the reality is that might not be the case.”It’s going to be managing the pain, function and what I can and can’t do [all summer]. How I pull up from games is going to be really important as well.”Healy’s injury comes as a serious blow to Sixers, who face the prospect of needing to win their last three matches to make the WBBL finals.If Healy does miss international matches, Tahlia McGrath would be expected to deputise as captain again after doing so in the World Cup.
The unfolding situation might well be dripping with controversy, but Nottingham Forest will be playing in the Europa League next season as things stand, after UEFA’s decision to remove Crystal Palace from the European competition due to multi-club ownership came as a shock.
Last season in the Premier League, Forest were even dreaming of a Champions League adventure at one point, with just one point the difference in the end between Nuno Espirito Santo’s side competing in one of football’s grandest tournaments and Newcastle snatching fifth place.
Nottingham Forest managerNunoEspiritoSantobefore the match
Still, they have been handed a fortuitous lifeline by being gifted a spot in the Europa League, with Nuno no doubt now hunting down some significant buys to help them be a success story in the competition.
Nottingham Forest looking at move to sign £40m attacker
Of course, whilst this latest development will have given Forest fans a ray of positivity, there are some challenges still to be addressed at the City Ground involving player exits.
Anthony Elanga has already departed the building for pastures new at Newcastle United, and it did look as if Morgan Gibbs-White was going to be the next high-profile exit, only for his move to Tottenham Hotspur to hit a bump in the road.
Nottingham Forest's MorganGibbs-Whitecelebrates scoring their first goal with a shirt in support of their injured teammate Taiwo Awoniyi
It will be welcome news to Forest fans, therefore, that Yoane Wissa is still on their radar as an exciting addition in attack, but – as per a new report by the BBC’s Sami Mokbel – the race has livened up for the standout Brentford striker.
Indeed, the journalist states that the aforementioned Magpies now have Wissa on their list of striker targets owing to Hugo Ekitike favouring a Liverpool switch over a St. James’ Park move. Despite that, Spurs and Forest are both advancing with their plans to sign the forward who could cost £40m.
Why Wissa could be a dream for Gibbs-White
Wissa would have been booed relentlessly when he fired home this poacher’s finish against the Tricky Trees last season.
However, now, he could go on to be a beloved marksman in the Midlands, with Gibbs-White and the DR Congo international perhaps striking up a dynamite duo in attack if the equally in-demand Englishman remains put with Nuno’s men.
Bryan Mbeumo leaving the Bees behind this summer will, of course, be a demoralising loss if it goes through, but Wissa deserting West London during the same window will make Brentford’s bleak situation even more horribly soul-crushing.
After all, Wissa and Mbeumo combined last season to notch up a mighty 39 strikes in Premier League action, meaning they will leave a sizable hole behind.
Mbeumo and Wissa
Those clinical goal-scoring powers on display from the striker when donning Brentford red and white surely won’t dry up at the City Ground with his trusty teammate no longer by his side, especially if he has the likes of Gibbs-White next to him supplying him with countless golden chances.
Last campaign in the Premier League, Gibbs-White struck up an equally fearful partnership with 20-goal titan Chris Wood, with the 5-foot-7 midfielder in dreamland even more if he’s able to link up with another potent attacker next season who needs very minimal touches to strike fear into opposition defences.
Games played
34
35
36
Goals scored
7
19
20
Assists
8
4
3
Touches*
51.1
29.1
23.0
Accurate passes*
28.8 (81%)
12.8 (79%)
8.7 (65%)
Key passes*
1.5
0.8
0.6
Big chances missed
3
17
15
Big chances created
10
3
3
Wissa’s impressive 19-goal tally across the 24/25 campaign came about even as he averaged just 29.1 touches per Premier League clash.
Amazingly, Wood averaged even less at 23 touches per match, as Gibbs-White routinely fed the well-oiled New Zealander with frequent chances to be Forest’s main leading man.
Throw the “exceptional” Wissa into the mix – as he’s been glowingly labelled by Jamie Redknapp – and Gibbs-White could elevate his game even more, with the 25-year-old managing to reach even loftier heights at the City Ground, over favouring a switch to Thomas Frank’s tempting Spurs.
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Morgan Gibbs-White might be convinced to stick it out at Nottingham Forest if this ambitious purchase gets over the line.
Arshdeep Singh’s first-class career-best of 6 for 40 helped deliver a consolation win for India D in the final round of the Duleep Trophy 2024-25, in Anantapur. Set 373 for victory in a little over two sessions, India B folded for 115 in just 22.2 overs, with Arshdeep and Vidarbha seamer Aditya Thakare, who got 4 for 59, picking up all ten wickets between them.Arshdeep’s strikes across both innings included the big one of Suryakumar Yadav, who only managed scores of 5 and 16 in his first first-class fixture in over a year. Left-arm seamer Arshdeep, who picked up only his second five-wicket haul in first-class cricket, finished with a match haul of 9 for 90.India B’s allrounder Nitish Kumar Reddy was the only batter to offer any semblance of resistance, remaining unbeaten on 40 when Arshdeep fittingly picked up the final wicket to clinch a 257-run victory before tea on the fourth and final day.As well as Arshdeep contributed, it was batter Ricky Bhui who was named the Player of the Match. Bhui top-scored in the second innings with an unbeaten 119, going with 56 in the first, to swell the lead after India D found themselves in trouble at 18 for 3 in the second innings. Bhui, who began the day unbeaten on 90, completed his 20th first-class century quickly as India D added 59 more to their overnight 244 for 5 even as spin-bowling allrounder Saransh Jain didn’t come out to bat due to an unspecified injury.India B’s hopes of going after the target needed a stable base from the top order, but that wasn’t to be, as they quickly found themselves three down inside eight overs. Musheer Khan, who had opened the tournament with a backs-to-the-wall 181, was out for his second duck in four innings since, to end a tournament that had promised much more.Nitish, who himself hadn’t contributed as much as he would have liked with the bat, ended the tournament on a brighter note, albeit in a losing cause. He managed two wickets with the ball during the competition, where he showed the ability to bowl long spells and move the ball both ways at a brisk pace.Arshdeep aside, Saurabh Kumar, the left-arm-spinner, enjoyed a productive outing; his five-wicket haul in the first innings setting up a 67-run lead for India D. In other positives for them, Shreyas Iyer, who was leading the side, hit 50 off just 40 balls in the second innings, while Sanju Samson, the first-innings centurion, played a cameo in the second to set up a total they were able to eventually defend.For India B, Abhimanyu Easwaran was among their bright spots. Having begun the tournament with two very uncharacteristic dismissals, he bounced back with twin hundreds in his subsequent outings. However, a loss in the final game ended his side’s chances of clinching the Duleep Trophy, as India A are all but certain to gain three points from their ongoing fixture against India C.
Everton’s transfer business is starting to ramp up after a slow start to the window. Carlos Alcaraz is set to join on a permanent basis following a loan spell last season, while defender Kenny Tete is looking like the next summer arrival.
David Moyes is also looking at signing a new centre-forward or two during the window. Villarreal star Thierno Barry is a player who could be close to sealing a move to Everton in the coming weeks.
Villarreal's Thierno Barry
These players will improve the current squad, but the newest player that Moyes is showing interest in would certainly trump them all.
Everton make enquiry for Ligue 1 sensation
With Moyes eager to bolster his first-team squad ahead of Everton’s maiden season at their new stadium, a marquee arrival would signify a statement of intent.
According to TEAMtalk, Everton have now made an enquiry about Lyon starlet Malick Fofana amid Lyon’s relegation from Ligue 1.
Lyon's Malick Fofana
This decision could see the French side selling off their finest talent, something the Toffees have taken into consideration. They initially wanted £42m for the winger, but this fee might be dropped due to their financial crisis.
As many as ten Premier League clubs want to sign the youngster, indicating that Moyes has plenty of competition.
By landing the Belgian starlet, Moyes could sign Everton a bigger talent than Iliman Ndiaye.
Why Everton must sign Malick Fofana
Like Fofana, Ndiaye was at a Ligue 1 club before moving to Everton last summer. During his first season in the Premier League, he scored nine times, showcasing his talents on the big stage.
When compared to his peers in the top flight, Ndiaye also ranked in the top 6% for successful take-ons (2.52) and in the top 12% for interceptions (0.74) per 90. If he can build on these statistics next term, Ndiaye will be one of the club’s finest players.
There is no doubt that Fofana could be a bigger talent, however. The 20-year-old scored 11 goals and grabbed six assists for Lyon last term, enjoying a stunning breakthrough season in France.
Hailed as a “game-changer” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Fofana was at his best in the Europa League last season.
Malick Fofana’s stats in the Europa League last season
Goals
6
Assists
1
Big chances created
1
Key passes per game
1
Goal conversion percentage
50%
Scoring frequency
86 minutes
Via Sofascore
Indeed, when he was compared to his peers in Europe’s secondary club competition, Fofana not only ranked in the top 1% for non-penalty goals (1.05) per 90, but the winger also ranked in the top 1% for both progressive carries (7.88) and for touches in the opposition penalty area (8.23) per 90 for Lyon.
These statistics prove that he is among one of the finest young wingers on the continent, hence why so many clubs are keen on signing him.
Lyon's Malick Fofana against AC Milan.
Ndiaye has shown that there is plenty of value to be had in France, impressing at the Toffees since making his switch from Ligue 1 last year.
Fofana is certainly a bigger talent than the current Everton star, especially as he has plenty of years left before he hits his peak.
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Everton are now keen on signing a “quality” World Cup winner on a free transfer, according to a recent Toffees transfer report.
Jarrad Branthwaite signs new Everton contract
This week, Everton announced that defender Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new long-term contract, which runs until the summer of 2030. The 23-year-old has been with the Toffees since 2020, when he joined the club from Carlisle United.
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After spells on loan at Blackburn Rovers and PSV Eindhoven, Branthwaite has now turned into one of Everton’s key defenders, and that has led to speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United most recently. However, Everton have acted quickly to secure his future, and Branthwaite is “over the moon” at extending his stay with the Premier League side.
Branthwaite told the club’s official website: “I’m over the moon. It’s been something we’ve been talking about since the end of the season, and to get it signed now is something I’m really excited about.
“The trust the club’s put in me and how many games I’ve played over the past two seasons has made it quite an easy decision for me to stay and to keep progressing as a player.
“I know the Club. I feel loved by the players – we’ve got a good group here – and the fans. Over the past few years, I’ve seen the impact the fans have on us as a team and how much it means to them. And, obviously, with the new stadium we’ve got here, the new ownership and the new manager, it’s an exciting project, and it’s something I want to be part of.
“Moving to the new stadium together and having that first game at home is something we’re all looking forward to. We want to go again and push for a good season.”
Everton keen to sign World Cup winner on free transfer
Now that Branthwaite’s future has been resolved, the Toffees are turning their attention to who could be playing alongside him. According to The Daily Mail, relayed by Liverpool World, Everton are interested in signing left-back Nicolas Tagliafico on a free transfer.
Nicolas Tagliafico
The Argentine international, who won the World Cup in 2022, left French side Lyon at the start of this month when his contract expired. Given his situation, David Moyes is interested in adding him to his squad, as he would provide competition for Vitaliy Mykolenko, who is Everton’s only recognised left-back.
Tagliafico, who has been dubbed “quality” in the past, has never played in the Premier League before but has enormous European experience after playing for Lyon and Ajax in most recent seasons.
Nicolas Tagliafico’s Lyon stats
Apps
102
Goals
9
Assists
10
The report does claim that West Ham and Sevilla are also interested in signing the left-back, but the Toffees may have an edge in this race, as Tagliafico does have the same agency as current Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, which means there is a previous relationship between the agency and the club.
The SPFL fixtures are out, meaning Celtic supporters can start looking forward to the new season as Brendan Rodgers’ side go about defending their crown.
The Hoops will begin their Premiership title defence at Parkhead on Sunday 3 August, before a Scottish Cup Final rematch a week later for Rodgers’ Bhoys, seeking revenge following that penalty shootout defeat at Hampden.
Celticmanager BrendanRodgerscelebrates with the trophy after winning the League Cup
With an Old Firm derby at Ibrox on 31 August, as well as a season-defining Champions League play-off, their opponents in that tie will be confirmed on 4 August, there’s plenty for Celtic supporters to look forward to on the park.
Off the pitch, they’re making a splash in the transfer window.
Celtic seeking midfield reinforcements
Before pre-season begins against Glasgow neighbours Queen’s Park at Lesser Hampden on Friday week, focus remains on transfers, with Rodgers looking to bolster every area of his squad.
So far, Kieran Tierney has re-joined Celtic, while Ross Doohan has arrived to be the new third-choice goalkeeper, replacing Scott Bain, with Callum Osmand and Benjamin Nygren expected to be through the door soon.
Now, according to a report by Africa Foot, Celtic are interested in signing Moussa Baradji, facing competition from Sunderland, who have been promoted back to the Premier League.
The 24-year-old defensive midfielder currently plays for Yverdon-Sport, who finished bottom of this season’s Swiss Super League, thereby relegated, hence why Baradji is expected to be on the move again this summer, just one year after arriving from Legnago Salus in Serie C.
Baradji is valued at €3m (around £2.5m), described as a versatile midfielder by Drissa Traoré of Africa Foot, who adds that Galatasaray are amongst a number of European heavyweights vying for his signature.
Now though, could he be on his way to Glasgow?
How Baradji could replicate Victor Wanyama's Celtic career
Similar to Baradji, Victor Wanyama was not a known quantity when he joined Celtic from Beerschot in 2011, costing a reported fee of £900k, having made only 54 senior appearances for De Mannekes.
Nevertheless, just two years later, he was sold to Southampton for £12.5m, a Scottish record fee at the time, having impressed during his 91 appearances in hoops, most notably starring during the famous 2-1 victory over Barcelona in the Champions League, heading home the night’s opening goal.
That night, according to Ewan Murray of the Guardian, up against Lionel Messi, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi and others, the Kenyan was the best player on the pitch, with then-manager Neil Lennon labelling him “world class”.
After three seasons by the South Coast, Wanyama would join Tottenham, a key figure in Mauricio Pochettino’s successful Spurs side.
He was then not quite so impactful at Club de Foot Montréal, spending a large period of his four-year stay in Quebec injured or not contributing much, before returning to Scottish football in March, linking up with Lennon again at Dunfermline Athletic.
Victor Wanyama
So, could Baradji be the new Wanyama? Let’s assess his statistics from this season.
Moussa Baradji’s Swiss Super League statistics
Statistics
Baradji
Swiss league rank
Appearances
27
111th
Minutes
2,104
77th
Goals
4
51st
Shots
45
29th
Fouls
41
13th
Interceptions
24
71st
Tackles
72
12th
Average SofaScore rating
7.14
37th
Statistics courtesy of FBref.com and SofaScore
As the table outlines, Baradji is something of an all-rounder, as Wanyama was, ranking pretty highly when it comes to shots, fouls and tackles, made all the more impressive considering his team finished rock-bottom of the Swiss top-flight.
Wanyama was particularly strong in the tackle, notably ranking as the tenth-best midfielder in the 2014/15 Premier League season for tackles per game (2.9). Thus, there are certainly similarities here.
Patrick Juillar of Sport 365 further describes him as a “box-to-box midfielder” who has just enjoyed an “outstanding” campaign, so if Celtic can secure his services, he could offer a big return on investment.
Celtic have made an approach to beat Premier League club to sign £2.5m ace
Rangers are believed to have made an offer to a trophy-laden young manager over becoming their next boss, according to a significant new update.
Rangers eyeing up and comers in manager search
Despite the transfer window rolling around, much of the Gers’ focus is still on making sure they bring in the right manager this summer, with Barry Ferguson’s spell as interim boss not expected to be made permanent at the end of the season.
There are various names who have been thrown into the hat, including former Southampton manager Russell Martin, who is looking for a new job after being relieved of his duties early in the season. While some saw his risky ball-playing style with Saints as flawed, it could go down well at Ibrox, as the Gers dominate possession in the majority of their games.
Sheffield Wednesday ace Danny Rohl has also been mentioned as a possible option for the Gers, having impressed with the Owls, coming in last season and guiding them away from the Championship relegation zone, before steering them to a 12th-place finish this time around.
Frank Lampard’s name has been discussed, too, with the Chelsea legend and his former England teammate Steven Gerrard both also in the mix to take charge ahead of next season. The former is impressing at Coventry City, preparing for their Championship playoff semi-final second leg clash with Sunderland on Tuesday.
Rangers make offer to Davide Ancelotti
According to a big claim from Corriere dello Sport, Rangers have now made an offer to Real Madrid assistant manager Davide Ancelotti. The 35-year-old is said to have received multiple offers from clubs, including the Gers and Como. He is the son of Carlo Ancelotti, working alongside his father at the Santiago Bernabeu currently.
The Italian has enjoyed great success in his career so far, playing his part in coaching Bayern Munich and Madrid to a combined 12 trophy wins, including two Champions League and La Liga titles apiece with the latter. Meanwhile, his father has praised him, saying: “Davide is a competent, disciplined, professional and very calm assistant coach.
Bundesliga
Bayern Munich
2017
German Cup
Bayern Munich
2017
German Cup
Bayern Munich
2018
Champions League
Real Madrid
2022
La Liga
Real Madrid
2022
Spanish Cup
Real Madrid
2022
Club World Cup
Real Madrid
2023
Spanish Cup
Real Madrid
2023
Spanish Super Cup
Real Madrid
2023
Champions League
Real Madrid
2024
La Liga
Real Madrid
2024
Spanish Super Cup
Real Madrid
2024
“He works alongside Francesco Mauri, who is very young too. Luis works with the goalkeepers, Pintus with his experience on the physical side of things. I have a young and very competent coaching team. We combine their enthusiasm with my experience well.”
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Ancelotti would certainly be a gamble for Rangers, considering he hasn’t actually been a manager yet in his career, but there would be an intriguing aspect to them appointing him, considering he has coached some of the best players in the world, from Kylian Mbappe to Vinicius Junior.
Leeds United have reportedly made a £20m defender similar to Joe Rodon one of their top targets following a recent scouting mission.
Leeds reach 100 points and lift Championship title on final day
It was a final day to remember for Daniel Farke and his Leeds side after clinching the Championship title in stoppage time.
A Manor Solomon goal in the 91st minute ensured a come-from-behind victory for the Whites at Home Park and meant they’d finish the season on 100 points.
Talking after winning the title, Farke said: “Today I was allowed to have one or two tears in my eyes. After Wembley I had to be there for my players and give them some belief, it was a tough moment. For Ethan [Ampadu], Ilia [Gruev], Joe [Rodon] they were all in tears.
“I wanted to create something really special with them. To see them like little kids [after the title was won], enjoying themselves like they did at the age when they started playing football. In these moments you’re never thinking about money or contracts. To be a bit reminded how happy they are, like children, it’s one of the best moments you can have as a manager.”
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Now, the club’s attention behind the scenes at Elland Road will be on the summer, looking to bolster the current squad ahead of their Premier League return. Adam Underwood has been promoted to the role of sporting director having been at the club for more than 10 years, and it could be a crucial first transfer window with him at the helm.
Solomon has been linked with a permanent move to Leeds, whereas a raid on Celtic for the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Nicolas Kuhn has also been mooted.
Additions at the back and in attack look likely, and now, a new defensive option has emerged on Underwood’s radar.
Leeds eyeing bid to sign £20m defender Leonardo Balerdi
According to reports from The Sun, relayed by MOT Leeds News, Leeds have recently sent scouts to watch Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi.
The Whites have now made Balerdi one of their top targets, and the Argentine is open to a move to England. It is added that Marseille would demand a £20m fee for their defender over the coming months.
Balerdi signed for Marseille from Borussia Dortmund back in 2021 and is now the captain of the Ligue 1 side having made more than 160 appearances for his current employers.
Passes attempted
99th percentile
97th percentile
Passes completed
99th percentile
98th percentile
Passes into final third
93rd percentile
94th percentile
Capped six times by Argentina, Balerdi has impressed on the ball over the last 12 months. As per FBref, he has ranked in the top 1% of centre-backs when it comes to passes attempted and top 3% for successful passes per 90, whereas the Marseille man is also in the top 1% for successful take-ons.
Balerdi is similar Rodon as the Leeds star ranks in the top 3% for passes attempted and top 2% for successful passes, and by the looks of things, he could be partnering the Wales international at the back next season.