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The Athletic journalist Phil Hay has praised match-winner Rodrigo’s improved performance in Leeds United’s vital 2-1 win away to Norwich City.

The Lowdown: Massive win for Leeds

The Whites faced a huge game at the bottom end of the Premier League on Sunday, but they prevailed to secure a much-needed three points.

It wasn’t a classic at Carrow Road, but goals from Raphinha and Rodrigo helped Marcelo Bielsa’s side to climb out of the relegation zone.

After the late draw at home to Wolves and now a crucial away win, the hope is that Leeds may slowly be turning a corner after a poor start to the season.

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The Latest: Hay praises Rodrigo

It was Rodrigo who fired home the winner on Sunday, finding the net from distance as he bagged his second league goal of the campaign. His ball distribution was also on point, completing 24 of his 28 passes, while he also won five duels and had three shots in total (SofaScore).

Taking to Twitter after the game, Hay spoke positively about the Spaniard with the seven-word verdict of: “Rodrigo got better as that went on.”

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The Verdict: Still need more from Rodrigo

It was a key contribution from Rodrigo, who now has two goals in as many league outings, but there is still a feeling that more is required from him, having been described as a ‘huge’ player by Hay in the past.

The 30-year-old is the club’s record signing but is yet to perform like it overall, with two goals in 12 appearances still a disappointing return so far this season.

With Patrick Bamford out injured, it is vital that Rodrigo continues to steps up to the plate in the coming weeks, justifying his price tag in the process. More performances like yesterday’s should help.

In other news, three Leeds players struggled despite the eventual win over Norwich. Find out who they are here.

Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz was called up by Brazil on Tuesday, and a number of Villa supporters have been reacting to the news on the 23-year-old on social media.

Luiz was initially left out of the squad for World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela, Colombia and Uruguay, with eight Premier League players included.

However, Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro was forced to withdraw due to a wisdom tooth infection, which has led to Luiz replacing him in Tite’s squad for the three fixtures.

Reliable Villa reporter Ashley Preece has now suggested that Luiz, who has been a regular this season, is facing a race against time to be available for Dean Smith in the first fixture back after the international break against Wolves at Villa Park.

Villa fans react

Preece shared the news regarding Luiz on Twitter, along with Villa posting the update on their official account. This is what these fans had to say in reply, with one labelling it as ‘ridiculous’.

“I think we’re missing an update on which international are missing Wolves and which aren’t!!! It’s getting a bit ridiculous all of this and the PL need to act accordingly. Fixture moves or pressure on FIFA over their scheduling.”

Credit: @TheVillaDecree

“when is it gonna end”

Credit: @catrinavfc

“I’m shocked he wasn’t an automatic pick”

Credit: @MrPJLinton

“international breaks are the bane of my life”

Credit: @avbiIly

“Hate international football, really I do.”

Credit: @amc89avfc

“We’re actually gonna be missing a player cuz someone had toothache I actually cba”

Credit: @euanavfc

In other news: ‘Surely not?’ – Lots of Villa fans erupt as transfer news emerges. 

Crystal Palace have suffered an injury setback ahead of their Premier League encounter with Liverpool this afternoon after Jeffrey Schlupp was ruled out of action.

What’s the word?

The versatile 28-year-old picked up an injury while on international duty with Ghana and was also unavailable for Palace’s impressive victory over Tottenham Hotspur last time out.

Schlupp had played a part in all of the Eagles’ fixtures up until his enforced absence, and manager Patrick Vieira confirmed that he’ll be sidelined once again for today’s trip to Anfield.

“Jeffrey Schlupp is getting better but is not going to be involved tomorrow,” the Frenchman revealed in Friday’s press conference.

“He didn’t have enough training with the squad, so will stay behind and do a session tomorrow, before getting with the team on Monday morning.”

However, Vieira did have some positive updates for the Palace faithful. Youngster Eberechi Eze is currently on the treatment table with an Achilles injury, although he’s making good progress in his recovery.

The manager stated: “He’s improving, he’s going to start working outside very soon. Him and Nathan (Ferguson) are getting better.

“We can’t put any date (on his return to action). The positive side is he is getting better, and that is positive, but we can’t put any date because we don’t want to push him.

“There’s a medical journey that we have to take into consideration, and then we’ll know the next step with him. The same for Nathan.”

Patrick Vieira will be gutted

Despite Palace securing a famous three points over Spurs in Schlupp’s absence, Vieira will still be gutted that he is unable to call upon the Ghanaian’s services against Liverpool.

The midfielder adds energy and an attacking flair to the Eagles’ engine room, assets which the likes of James McArthur, Luka Milivojevic and Cheikhou Kouyate can’t replicate. Indeed, only four of Schlupp’s team-mates have completed more dribbles per game this season.

Considering that the Reds have started the 2021/22 term in impressive fashion, Vieira will not be at all amused that he will be forced to make do without a seasoned campaigner in the 28-year-old.

In other news… Signed for £26m, released for free: Parish endured a Palace nightmare over 31y/o dud 

When Slavisa Jokanovic took over at Sheffield United earlier this summer, it is highly unlikely that the 53-year-old manager would have thought his Blades side would be languishing down in the Championship relegation zone when the first international break of the season came along.

However, after losing three and drawing two of their opening five fixtures of the 2021/22 campaign, as well as scoring just one goal while conceding seven, that is exactly where the Serbian finds his United team.

As a result, rather predictably, a number of Sheffield United’s players have turned in a number of rather disappointing performances, none more so than Oliver Burke.

Lost 70% of duels

In truth, none of Slavisa Jokanovic’s six options up front have covered themselves in glory so far this season, having scored just one Championship goal between them, however, it is Burke who has perhaps been the most disappointing of a bad bunch.

Indeed, over his three league appearances this term, the £5.4m-rated centre-forward has scored no goals, registered no assists, made no key passes and created no big chances for his teammates, as well as hitting the target with an average of just 0.3 shots per game.

The 24-year-old has also made no tackles, no interceptions, lost 70% of his duels and has given away possession of the ball an average of 6.3 times per appearance.

These returns – or lack thereof – have seen the £19k-per-week forward earn a highly disappointing average SofaScore match rating of 6.53, ranking him as Jokanovic’s fourth-worst performer in the second tier of English football.

As such, should Sheffield United have any hope of mounting a push for a top-six finish this season, it is undeniable that Burke must start pulling his weight in the Blades attack, or else the club could well find themselves in a fight to remain a Championship side come next May – rather than challenging for promotion from the division.

In other news: SUFC figure drops promising claim on “fantastic” £900k-rated ace, fans surely buzzing

Leeds journalist Phil Hay has made a big Andrea Radrizzani transfer claim ahead of the 2022 summer window…

What’s the talk?

The Athletic reporter has claimed that the window could be a busy one for Leeds as owner Andrea Radrizzani wants to take the club into Europe.

Replying to a fan questioning the lack of money spent in the summer, Hay said: “What I’m starting to feel now is that if this season is going to be a slog (and it looks like it will be) now is the time to start seriously thinking about what to do next summer.

“Investment in the squad will definitely be needed because Radrizzani is the one who keeps talking about Europe. It seems like next summer should be so much more active than this one.”

Leeds fans could be buzzing

Leeds fans will surely be left buzzing by this claim from Hay as it suggests that they are in for an exciting summer next year. The Whites added only two senior players to their squad in the window just gone, with Junior Firpo and Dan James arriving from Barcelona and Manchester United respectively for a combined fee of £39.69m.

Young goalkeeper Kristoffer Klaesson was also brought in and Jack Harrison’s loan from Manchester City was finally converted into a permanent deal. Their spending totalled £53.01m as they made nothing from outgoings, which shows that Radrizzani did invest a fair amount in the squad despite the relatively low number of new faces.

It also highlights why Leeds fans may now be excited about what could be to come next summer. Hay believes that the club could be in for a busy transfer window in comparison to the one just gone, which suggests that more than £53m could be spent. Fans will surely be delighted as it means that big money could be invested in some exciting talent to add to the squad, particularly if the rest of this season continues to be a “slog”, as Hay put it.

They will also be buzzing with the club’s ambition to qualify for Europe in the coming seasons. Imagine a European night at Elland Road after so long without one to enjoy… it sends chills down the spine. If Radrizzani can give Marcelo Bielsa and Victor Orta the funds to go and build a squad capable of challenging for the top six, then fans could start to believe that the glory days will return to Yorkshire.

Manchester City are seemingly still desperate to bring Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane to the Etihad Stadium, with the latest reports suggesting that they are set to submit a fresh bid to sign him.

What’s the word?

Following Sergio Aguero’s exit earlier in the summer, it quickly became clear that Kane was the man who Pep Guardiola wants to succeed the Argentine idol at the Etihad.

The England captain made it clear that he wants to leave the north London club after they endured a less than successful campaign in the Premier League and Europe, failing to qualify for the Champions League or Europa League despite Kane finishing as the top scorer and top assists provider in the division.

Guardiola’s side have already seen at least one bid rejected for the 28-year-old, with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy seemingly unwilling to let the striker go. That has reportedly infuriated Kane, as he felt he had a gentleman’s agreement with Levy to leave the club this summer.

However, it seems as if City are undeterred by Spurs’ actions thus far, with the latest reports claiming that they are prepared to submit another bid for the forward, in the hope of bringing him in before the transfer window shuts later this month.

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Will Man City sign Kane?

Worryingly for City fans, Kane came off the bench for Spurs in their 1-0 win against Wolves at the weekend, which suggests that he could soon be convinced to stay with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, unless a deal can be agreed with the Premier League champions.

However, if Levy doesn’t accept this latest bid from City, he risks Kane downing tools for the entire season and potentially missing out on a huge sum of money, which if reinvested correctly could massively improve Tottenham’s squad.

Although City thrashed Norwich 5-0 at the weekend, the Canaries were no real test for Guardiola’s side, and the defeat against Spurs in their opening league game emphasised the need for a world-class striker such as Kane.

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Therefore, fans must be delighted to hear that City are about to make another bid for Kane, as they will be desperate to see him join up with Guardiola’s side for the 2021/22 campaign.

In other news… Pep masterclass: City have revitalised “fantastic” gem with key tactical switch

An update has emerged on Newcastle United’s interest in Burnley centre-forward Chris Wood…

What’s the talk?

According to the Northern Echo, the Magpies have made contact with Burnley over a potential deal for the attacker this month.

The report claims that he is in the final 18 months of his contract but Sean Dyche does not want to lose any of his key players in the midst of a relegation battle, which could make it a difficult deal for the Toon.

New Andy Carroll

Eddie Howe can land Newcastle’s new Andy Carroll with a deal to sign Wood from the Clarets this month. He could come in to be the main focal point for the team at the top end of the pitch and serve as a foil for the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson to play off.

Carroll scored 36 goals and provided 26 assists in 134 games for the Magpies after coming up through the ranks. In his final campaign for the club, he produced a stunning 11 goals and ten assists in just 19 Premier League matches.

Across his entire top-flight career, he scored 24 headers from his 54 goals. Wood, meanwhile, has scored 50 goals in the division and 17 with his head, showing that he is a similar type of striker to Carroll in the sense that he is a big target man who can be aimed for with crosses into the box.

The £72k-per-week beast was also previously compared to Toon legend Alan Shearer, with ex-Leeds man Ben Parker saying of a goal he scored a few years ago:

“It was a fantastic header. He’s kind of like Sheareresque and I don’t think there are many strikers in the division, especially in the Championship, even going to the Premier League, who would have scored with that header.

With 50 goals in 155 Premier League matches, Wood has proven that he can score goals at this level and, therefore, he could be an excellent addition to the team.

This is why Howe must work hard to ensure that he is able to snap up Carroll 2.0 in the coming weeks, as it would strengthen his own side whilst weakening Burnley by taking away a goalscorer from their XI.

AND in other news, “A lot of talk”: Journo drops big NUFC transfer claim that’ll leave fans excited…

Wolves may have to accept that they will have to cash in on midfielder Ruben Neves this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Neves’ future in doubt

The 25-year-old has been a fantastic servant for Wanderers down the years, dictating many midfield battles and scoring some spectacular goals along the way.

Neves has arguably enjoyed one of his best seasons yet at Molineux in 2021/22, bagging four goals, two assists and averaging 2.3 tackles per game.

There have been constant rumours linking the Portuguese with a move away this summer, however, with Barcelona among those keen on signing him.

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The Latest: Journalist drops fresh claim

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke admitted that Wolves may have to let Neves go at the end of the season:

“There are fears obviously that Wolves might have to end up cashing in on Neves this summer. He’s been such a good servant to them as well. He’s helped them establish themselves in the Premier League.”

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The Verdict: Matter of time?

While the idea of Neves staying on at Wolves is exciting, it looks increasingly likely that he will head off for a new challenge in the summer, given the number of reports emerging.

Some players simply hit a sell-by date at a club, and while the midfielder clearly loves playing for Wanderers, he may feel that it is time to test himself somewhere with loftier ambitions.

It would be hard to begrudge Neves a transfer after offering so much since joining in 2017 – he has made 207 appearances overall – and the key will be ensuring the vast money earned for his sale is spent wisely ahead of next season.

In other news, a Spanish source has dropped a key Wolves transfer claim.

A Newcastle United chief has now had a meeting over the potential signing of Darwin Nunez.

The Lowdown: On fire

Nunez is certainly on fire this season, with 11 goals and two assists in 18 games in total over all competitions for Benfica, including strikes against Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League (Transfermarkt).

His growing reputation has also seen the striker play six times for the Uruguay national team ahead of the likes of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, scoring two goals (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, the 22-year-old certainly has a bright future ahead of him, and may not be playing in Portugal much longer.

The Latest: Nickson meeting

As per Maisfutebol, Head of Recruitment at St. James’ Park, Steve Nickson, has now had a meeting with Benfica president Rui Costa over potentially signing Nunez, but the Portuguese giants do not want to let him go until the summer at least.

The player has a contract with them until June 2025, and has a whopping release clause worth €150m (£127.8m), although it is thought that the starting price for talks would be close to €50m (£42.6m).

The Verdict: Survival

The North East club must avoid relegation down to the Championship before they can even think about signing Nunez in the summer.

Described as an ‘incredible talent’ by sports journalist Maxi Angelo, there will no doubt be other suitors for him, especially given the fact that he has already shown his worth in the Champions League.

Nonetheless, if the Tyneside outfit can survive, then there is no reason that they cannot tempt him to move to the Premier League next summer, and he would certainly be a real signing of intent for their long-term project.

In other news, find out boost NUFC have now received in pursuit of this ‘extraordinary’ star here!

Newcastle United moved on to 43 points on Saturday as they beat Norwich 3-0 in a Premier League encounter at Carrow Road.

The Magpies are well clear of relegation and are on course to avoid the drop down to the Championship after an impressive resurgence under Eddie Howe.

They can now start to think about what they are going to do in the summer transfer window as attention turns to 2022/23 and their ambitions to compete higher up in the table.

One player the club are reportedly in the running for is Napoli centre-forward Victor Osimhen, who has been thriving in the Serie A this season.

Speaking about a potential transfer, his agent – Andrea D’Amico – said: “If a very important offer arrives, it goes away. But this is true for every player who plays in Italy.”

“At the moment I have no requests from the Premier, but it is early, it is a situation that remains evolving. England remains a top-tier market. When I speak of an important and indispensable offer for Osimhen, I mean offers of 150 million.”

Imagine him & Bruno

If the Magpies can bring the £126m (€150m) attacker to St. James’ Park then he would be able to form an exciting partnership with Bruno Guimaraes.

Osimhen has scored 12 goals in 19 Serie A starts this season and averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.12 for Napoli. The dynamo also scored four goals in five Europa League matches earlier in the campaign and this shows that he has been a reliable scorer, and performer, for the Italian side.

He is finally fulfilling the potential that he showed earlier in his career. Whilst in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg, his then-manager Andries Jonker outlined his talent, saying: “He has great potential in him. He is ambitious, quick and highly unpredictable, he will be a star in the future if he maintains his focus.”

Guimaraes, meanwhile, has four goals and one assist in 13 games in the Premier League since arriving in England in January. He has averaged a fantastic SofaScore rating of 7.25 as he has been able to hit the ground running in the top-flight under Howe.

The Brazilian has proven that he can make an impact in the division and now you can imagine what his link-up with a striker as clinical as Osimhen would look like. Imagine both of them exchanging passes and running at opposition defences next season; it’s an exciting thought and a dream that PIF can, hopefully, realise in the coming months.

AND in other news, “Newcastle want..”: Journo drops exciting claim on £109m duo, it’ll delight supporters…