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Manchester City have reportedly made a move towards trying to sign Sergi Roberto from Barcelona, according to reports from Spain.

Mundo Deportivo claimed that director of football Txiki Begiristain has made enquiries to the La Liga club about the 28-year-old, with the approval of City manager Pep Guardiola, under whom the versatile Spain international has previously played at Camp Nou.

Roberto, who is valued at £36m by TransferMarkt and has won two Champions League titles with Barcelona, has the vast experience of playing 273 times for the La Liga champions, with 29 of those games coming this season as he has been a regular presence in their starting XI (as per TransferMarkt).

A midfielder by trade, the 28-year-old has been deployed mainly at right-back in recent months – coincidentally the position in which Nelson Semedo, who has also been linked with Manchester City (Sport,via Sport Witness), regularly features.

Roberto has an excellent passing success rate of 91.2%, which puts him ahead of Guardiola’s current right-backs Joao Cancelo (89.4%) and Kyle Walker (88.9%) in that regard. He also wins more tackles per game than the Englishman (1.2 to one), while they both average one interception per game.

However, Cancelo has a far better tackling average with 2.3 per game and also makes more interceptions per match with 1.4. Additionally, the Etihad Stadium duo have far greater attacking instincts than the Barcelona man. Roberto’s match averages of 0.2 shots and 0.5 successful dribbles pale in comparison with the respective figures put up by Cancelo (0.7 shots, 1.6 successful dribbles) and Walker (0.6 shots, 0.9 successful dribbles).

While Roberto would present Guardiola with a versatile option at right-back and central midfield, he does not seem an upgrade on the current right-sided defensive pair of Walker and Cancelo. Indeed, the latter has been reportedly considered as bait in a potential swap deal with Semedo (Mundo Deportivo, via Sport Witness), which seems difficult to comprehend given Cancelo’s more than respectable statistics from this season.

At £36m, 28 years of age and in a position where Manchester City are already well stocked, the Premier League champions ought to be looking elsewhere to bolster their squad over the summer.

Man City fans, are you surprised that the club are reportedly pursuing a move for Sergi Roberto? Comment below with your views!

Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce has spoken out about the prospective takeover in public for the first time and it has sparked mass reaction from the Magpies faithful on social media.

The 59-year-old, who has been in charge since the summer, was interviewed on Sky Sports on Thursday morning and claimed that he’s just as unknowing as the rest of the fanbase.

He said: “If it’s good for Newcastle, and the club are going to try to compete with these teams, to be part of it would be great. I would love to see it, and I’d love to be part of it.”

Before adding: “I’m in the dark like most other people, and for that, I’m glad, really, because I can’t comment on it. It’s not worth talking about it as I really don’t know.”

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There have been several reports during this process linking the new ownership with a change in management with both Mauricio Pochettino and Zinedine Zidane linked to the gig even despite Bruce being under contract at St James’ Park for another two years.

He’d clearly like to be a part of it but the same can’t be said for some fans.

Here’s how they have reacted to his comments…

AND in other news, Newcastle fans react as Paul Dummett tweets…

Dele Alli put in a masterclass performance for Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, playing an integral role in their 3-2 victory over AFC Bournemouth.

The England international scored both of Spurs’ first goals, while he also played the ball through to Heung-min Son that allowed him to set up Moussa Sissoko.

Following the game, he sent out a tweet summarising his mood after the performance and three points.

Many Spurs fans were absolutely delighted by what they had seen and let him know about it in the replies.

The midfielder’s performance was so impressive that he was awarded a rating of 9.5 on WhoScored, having also completed all eight of his attempted dribbles and won both of his aerial duels.

After putting in such an impressive performance, the 23-year-old received plenty of congratulations from supporters.

There were also hints made about how much he has improved since Jose Mourinho replaced Mauricio Pochettino as manager.

Prior to the Portuguese tactician taking over at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Alli had managed three goals and no assists, but in the three games since, he has managed a brilliant two goals and two assists.

In addition to that, he is also looking far more confident in his general play, as indicated by the piece of skill that helped Lucas Moura to score against West Ham United.

The club’s fans are over the moon to see that he is hitting form once again.

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It’s clear where Leeds are lacking this term – goals.

The Whites have scored just 23 times, eight fewer than Championship front runners West Brom. With that in mind, signing a forward would be a cunning idea in January.

Phil Hay has quashed the potential of a move for Dwight Gayle, suggesting he could be on his way to Nottingham Forest while there have also been rumours linking Matej Vydra with a permanent £7.5m switch to Elland Road (The Mirror, 22/11, pg. 74).

But there is a younger face who could walk through the doors. Liverpool’s Rhian Brewster is the player in question but Marcelo Bielsa’s men face stiff competition to land him on temporary terms.

Also in the market for the Premier League teenager are Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Swansea.

Leeds would presumably have to lose one of their loan players for this deal to go through. They’ve already got six at their disposal and are bound to rules from the EFL which restricts more than five appearing in a single matchday squad at a time.

But if he did arrive at Leeds, would he be a good signing? Football FanCast’s writers have provided their verdicts.

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Lewis Blain:

“Should Leeds be in the market for Rhian Brewster? Absolutely. Will it happen? I’m not so sure. Marcelo Bielsa has hardly covered himself in glory with how he utilised Eddie Nketiah this season. His stubborn ways could see him lose out to any one of the other clubs linked to the Liverpool starlet.

“Patrick Bamford may be rounding into some nice form with two goals in two, but the Championship season still has so much to play for and squad depth will need to be called upon. If anything, a player like Brewster would offer a different type of threat. At 5 foot 11, he is more nimble and agile, very similar to Nketiah, who is not only injured but may face a return to Arsenal in January.

“It would be a statement of intent, for sure. Although, its likeliness seems slim given Bielsa’s dogged commitment to his team selection and regular brand of football.”

Viji Jeevathayalan:

“Leeds have already seen one highly-rated loanee fall by the wayside in Eddie Nketiah, what would be the difference in bringing in Rhian Brewster? Despite firing in the goals whenever he has played for Marcelo Bielsa’s side (he has scored five times in 12 appearances), Nketiah has managed just 262 minutes of Championship football.

“Brewster is in a similar mould to the Arsenal prodigy, in that both are incredibly talented finishers. The 19-year-old has scored four goals in seven games at Premier League 2 level, but does he offer the same all-round game that someone like Patrick Bamford brings to the table? Bielsa is seemingly intent on having a number nine who is more than just a goal-scorer, and swooping for Brewster on loan just has another Nketiah disaster written all over it.”

Jon Radcliffe:

“With just two senior appearances to his name, Brewster is in desperate need of first-team football. However, Leeds’ interest in him beggars belief – why do they need a new on-loan striker when they already have Eddie Nketiah at their disposal? Even though he has started just two matches, he has five goals in all competitions. Yet, for some reason, Marcelo Bielsa insists on using him in a bit-part role.”

“Why would it be any different with Brewster, when he has even fewer appearances in the professional game? The Whites may need a new striker, but taking the 19-year-old makes no sense, even if Nketiah is recalled. An academy player could surely do a similar bench-warming job.”

Matt Dawson:

“This would be a strange signing and one that I’m not quite sure would be a good idea. Although there is no doubting Brewster’s talents, you can’t help but feel as though Leeds need someone with proven pedigree at this level.

“Vydra would provide them with that, having scored 65 goals in the Championship, but the 19-year-old would not. He’s only got two senior matches to his name and whether he’d be up the required standard remains to be seen.

“Once compared to a Leeds goalscoring hero of the past in Robbie Fowler, the potential is there, but with the Whites in need of a certified striker to boost their promotion hopes, they must look elsewhere. Bringing in Brewster on loan would be a gamble – one that isn’t really necessary when Patrick Bamford has been in the team ahead of a fellow loan signing, Eddie Nketiah.”

And in other news, Phil Hay has cast his view on whether Marcelo Bielsa will stay if QSI invests in Leeds…

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

Lewie Coyle is having a fantastic loan spell at Fleetwood right under everybody’s nose.

We’ve covered his time in the north-west before here on FFC, but just for some context he’s won two Player of the Year awards during his time away from Elland Road, and this season he’s registered four assists in 15 games from right-back.

However, his good performances for Joey Barton’s side seemingly haven’t been enough to save his skin at Leeds United as the Yorkshire club are apparently looking to sell him in January.

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What’s the story?

Football Insider are reporting that Coyle could be moved on permanently once January rolls around, and his destination is an unsurprising one.

Indeed, it won’t be too shocking to hear that it’s Fleetwood Town who he’s apparently going to join once the winter transfer window opens.

The 24-year-old hasn’t really had a look in at Elland Road over these past few years, but selling him at this juncture of his career seems rather short-sighted.

Bad decision

Selling a 24-year-old who has spent the past three seasons out on loan seems like a no-brainer on paper, but Leeds could live to regret this decision.

Coyle has proven his class in League One, and there’s no reason why those performances can’t translate into the Championship.

He’s seemingly in the form of his life, and for Leeds to just disregard him is silly. Going forward, the number of assists he’s gained is impressive but he’s also adept defensively.

In 2019/20, the defender has won 1.6 tackles per game, as well as winning 1.5 aerial duels on average each outing.

Leeds aren’t exactly flooded with options on the right side of defence and if Luke Ayling continues to play in a back three, their only viable option is to field Stuart Dallas in that position.

Keeping Coyle as back up could be a smart decision. With that in mind, they must turn down any permanent advances from Fleetwood for his services.

Leeds United remain well in the hunt for promotion this season as we get into the final international break and then head towards a hectic Christmas period.

The Whites have enjoyed this season very much indeed and look a side capable of challenging for the top two between now and the end of the campaign.

Indeed, Marcelo Bielsa is once again underlining why he could be the best manager in the league with his approach and the fact that he is so willing to use young players.

The latest benefactor of that has been Leif Davis with a new contract being signed earlier this week and, indeed, that news has lent itself to the wheeling out of this clip – which is fast making the Argentine a bit of an online meme:

Whites fans rightly love Bielsa, and this clip has only served to increase that affection by the looks of the responses on Twitter.

Let’s look at them now:

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

There’s damning with faint praise, but is there such a thing as praise with faint damning?

Because that’s the situation that the staff and players at Sheffield United might just find himself in after some rather weird remarks from former Blades boss Neil Warnock.

What’s he said?

Speaking to talkSPORT, Warnock praised Wilder for the work that he is doing at Bramall Lane right now even though the players he’s working work aren’t exactly of the highest quality:

“It’s an amazing system. I’m not being disrespectful, but he’s got bang average players playing top of the Premier League standards. That’s what you talk about man-management, these lads believe in what Chris is doing and good luck, the fans are loving it and I’m sure they’ll do well.”

Unleashing the beasts

Warnock has always been one that isn’t afraid to voice his opinion on all things football, but this might come back to bite him in the backside at the end of the season.

The praise for Wilder just seems to be never-ending, with ex-pros like Tony Cascarino saying that he should be considered for ‘bigger’ Premier League jobs further down the road, but a comment like this, is exactly what players like those in the Bramall Lane dressing room should be looking for, extra motivation.

Whilst Warnock might not exactly hold the highest esteem when it comes to the world of football, much in the same way John Terry made disparaging remarks about Robbie Savage a number of years ago, the chance to go and prove someone wrong should be a big motivator for the players as they go on this season.

Whilst some might write the Blades off, including to a certain extent us at FFC as well, they should take all these comments and use it as a way to prove everyone wrong.

They’ve already exceeded expectations by even getting into this division, and a quote like this might just be that little bit extra that they need to really kick on and make this season a memorable one.

Tottenham’s scouting department have reportedly been very busy over the last few days, with some in attendance at Benfica’s match against Lyon in the Champions League.

A Bola report via Sport Witness that Spurs were in attendance at the game, and while no names are given as to who they might have been watching by the original report, Sport Witness suggest Houssem Aoaur of Lyon and Alejandro Grimaldo of Benfica could be of interest, with the latter in particular attracting interest from fans of the north London outfit.

Many should be aware of him as he has been linked to the club previously, going back to 2017 when he was reportedly being eyed as a potential Danny Rose replacement, so the club should have a good knowledge of what he can offer.

The England international has been in and out of the team a little this year, which hints that Mauricio Pochettino isn’t too happy with his options at left-back, and therefore Grimaldo could be a potential solution.

The 24-year-old may only have one assist in seven league games, but he has also helped to keep a clean sheet on five of those occasions, so could be what Spurs need to shore up the defence, albeit having played at a lower standard.

Some supporters are certainly encouraged by the news, and this is how they have been reacting.

West Brom currently sit top of the Championship table going into this weekend’s fixtures and much of their success has been down to their manager Slaven Bilic.

Only a few players from last season remain amongst the regular starting line up with the Croatian electing to strengthen the squad during the summer.

But not all players were complete newcomers or part of a past Albion outfit as the likes of Nathan Ferguson and Kyle Edwards were promoted from within during pre-season.

The former has had quite the impact at the Hawthorns already this season, playing ten of their 11 matches in multiple positions.

Watch West Bromwich Albion Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

Amongst the youth ranks, the 19-year-old was primarily a central defender playing 31 games there per Transfermarkt’s recorded U23 matches, but he began the season at right-back, where he even picked up the Sky Sports Man of the Match award for his role in their opening day victory over Nottingham Forest.

He has since been used at left-back in Kieran Gibbs’ absence, but he has played well enough to keep the former Arsenal man out of the team upon his return.

There are now new developments suggesting that Ferguson is close to signing a new long-term contract in the west Midlands, which has delighted several members of the Baggies support.

One fan claimed the starlet deserved his contract as his breakthrough campaign has been ‘sensational,’ as another labelled it ‘good news.’

A further supporter hoped a massive release clause was included in the deal so that the defender wouldn’t leave on the cheap with one more describing Ferguson as a ‘top-class player.’

Here’s the best of the reaction:

Liam Palmer was busy earning his second cap for Scotland on Thursday night but it wasn’t a happy evening for the full-back who was part of a 4-0 defeat against Russia.

The Scots held their own throughout the first half but four unanswered goals in the second period saw them condemned to a defeat which meant they couldn’t automatically qualify for Euro 2020 unless they do it via the Nations League playoffs.

One of the players who had a particularly difficult night – according to fans anyway – was Sheffield Wednesday’s Liam Palmer.

A number of individuals took to Twitter throughout the game and after the final whistle to slam the 28-year-old.

One fan said he looked like he’d won a competition to be out on the pitch while another said seeing him play international football should give everyone hope.

He was also labelled garbage and shocking by two others.

Palmer has featured nine times for the Owls in 2019/20 with the vast majority of those matches seeing him play at left-back.

For Scotland, however, he was playing on the opposite side of the pitch.

Here’s the best of the reaction.