Leicester City have recently confirmed on their official website the signing of winger Rachid Ghezzal on a four-year deal. The 26-year-old had been playing his football in France with 2016/17 Ligue 1 champions Monaco prior to making the move to the King Power Stadium earlier this week, where manager Claude Puel will likely be hoping he can fill the void left by Riyad Mahrez, who joined Manchester City earlier in the summer.

And news of Ghezzal’s arrival at Leicester should be of keen interest to Southampton manager Mark Hughes, who as such should be triggered into a late summer move for Foxes winger Demarai Gray, who could be set to suffer from the 26-year-old’s recent addition.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, Puel and the club’s hierarchy would have been well-aware that a replacement of soughts for Mahrez was needed over the summer, what with the Algeria international having produced the goods throughout his time at the King Power Stadium.

And while there aren’t many players in Europe that are capable of producing that level of performance on a weekly basis, Ghezzal’s arrival would certainly help plug the hole left from his departure, although it does mean that there are now several wingers on the books at the Midlands outfit.

And given he was unable to command a starting place on a regular basis last season, that could spell bad news for England Under-21 international Gray who, although appearing in all but three of their 38 Premier League games last term, only started 17 of them.

And what with Southampton having been linked with a move for the 22-year-old in the past (albeit while Puel was in charge), and clearly in need of further attacking reinforcements after a testing campaign last term, Hughes’ men must seek to make a move for the talented winger.

The Saints narrowly avoided relegation from the top-flight last season, with their tally of 37 goals from their 38 games a chief reason for their demise from being an established Premier League club to one just three points away from dropping down into the Championship.

And while Hughes has gone some way to addressing that with a move for Mohamed Elyounoussi, the departure of Dusan Tadic certainly hasn’t helped his cause, which is why a move for Gray is one they simply must make this summer.

Yes, the 22-year-old hasn’t always produced the goods for Leicester since his move there back in 2016, but there is little doubting that he has the talent and indeed the potential to become a top-quality winger, be it pace, trickery, or indeed the desire to take defenders on and beat his man.

Those moments have been few and far between in recent seasons, hence the lack of regular playing time under Puel, but at a club that are renowned for developing young talent and giving them a chance in the first team, a move to Southampton could be on the best interests of both himself, and indeed the Saints as a whole.

And while Ghezzal’s arrival may appear to be a nod towards a Mahrez replacement, Gray’s position in the starting eleven may also be in jeopardy, which is why this recent deal should trigger Southampton into a move for the 22-year-old.

Southampton and Leicester fans… what do you think? Let us know!

According to The Sun’s live transfer blog (8th August, 7am), Leeds United are close to signing midfielder Oliver Norwood. The 27-year-old currently plays his football at Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion and has done so since leaving Reading back in 2016, although he spent last season on loan at second tier outfit Fulham given his lowly position in Chris Hughton’s pecking order.

And Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds are reportedly interested in sealing a deal for the £2.7 million-rated ace (as per Transfermarkt), a deal which, if they do indeed get done in the last knockings of the transfer window, could prove to be a very shrewd move indeed by the Yorkshire heavyweights.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, optimism has been high among Leeds fans ever since the highly-rated Bielsa took over as the club’s new head coach back in the summer, what with the man labelled by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola as the ‘best coach in the world’.

And while that optimism somewhat reduced given their lack of activity in the transfer market, their outstanding performance in their 3-1 victory over pre-season Championship favourites Stoke City on Sunday has got many Leeds fans talking about the possibility of a return to the Premier League.

And while it is only one game, further performances like that one, which was full of energy, dynamism, and ultimately genuine quality in both boxes, will surely see the Yorkshire giants go close in the second tier this season – something they have threatened to do in each of the past two seasons.

And adding the vastly experienced Norwood will only aid in their quest to maintain that throughout the campaign.

The 27-year-old has 248 games worth of Championship experience to call upon in his career in a bid to add further quality and know-how to the Leeds ranks, but significantly he knows how to get out of the division having been a part of Fulham’s team that won promotion via the play-offs last season.

And having that particular nous can only be beneficial in a Leeds side that, in the last two years, have got into positions to challenge for promotion only to fall away as the season drew to a conclusion – Norwood has played his part in a team that kept going for the duration.

And with expectations now even higher after a majestic start to the season, bringing in players of the quality and indeed experience of Norwood will only benefit Leeds in the long, hard slog that is the second tier campaign.

Thus, sealing a deal for the 53-times Northern Ireland international could prove to be a very shrewd move indeed by Bielsa and the Leeds hierarchy.

Leeds fans… what do you think? Let us know!

It was a summer of change for the Hammers as the club brought in nine new players and new boss, Manuel Pellegrini.

After such a poor season last year, the Hammers needed to improve heavily on their squad this summer in order to try and push up the table this year.

With the likes of Felipe Anderson, Jack Wilshere and Issa Diop, the Hammers will certainly improve on last year but it will take time.

Pellegrini’s men suffered a disappointing opening day defeat to Liverpool but in truth, they were playing a side that’s going to challenge City for the title.

While not much should be taken from the defeat, Pellegrini must make one change to his squad, and that’s to drop Michail Antonio for Andriy Yarmolenko for his ‘creativity’ going forward.

The Breakdown

Against Liverpool, West Ham struggled to muster much of a threat going forward. At times Marko Arnautovic was incredibly isolated and although Felipe Anderson showed flashes of his potential, Antonio didn’t really provide much going forward.

The sense behind Antonio starting on the wing is that he provides defence cover and energy down the right but in truth, technically, he doesn’t have much talent.

It might seem a gamble but starting Yarmolenko instead of him could be a good move. The Ukranian may not provide much help in defence but when he’s on the ball, he has the talent to score goals.

At Dortmund he didn’t score too much but aside from his final half a season with Dynamo Kyiv, he was a consistent scorer and regularly reached double digits in goals.

So West Ham fans, would you drop Antonio?

Leeds had to fight from behind twice to earn a point at Swansea on Tuesday, but the performance of Gaetano Berardi should fill fans with a lot of confidence going forward.

Oliver McBurnie found the net twice on Tuesday night, as Leeds’ perfect start to life under Marcelo Biesla finally came to an end.

If you had offered the boss ten points from matches against Stoke, Derby, Rotherham and Swansea he would have certainly taken it, but the manner of the goals conceded may just be irking him for the remainder of this week.

The defence was all over the place for McBurnie’s first goal, and the striker had no one near him when he headed in a second after half time.

It is perhaps no surprise that the defence was a bit of a mess, with Jamie Shackleton, Luke Ayling and Berardi all playing in unfamiliar positions, but Berardi’s showing proved he is versatile enough to be Bielsa’s utility man this season.

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The 30-year-old was not perfect, but filling in as a centre back he managed an incredible ten clearances, and won a colossal eight aerial duels. To put that in perspective, Ayling made just three clearances and won just two aerial duels.

Berardi has often been criticised for a lack of discipline, but he kept his cool on Tuesday, making two tackles and one interception.

The Swiss international was also tidy in possession, completing 85 per cent of his passes in a high-pressure match, while also completing four long balls, the most of any outfield player.

It is perhaps assumed that Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper will be the first choice pairing when they return to fitness, but Berardi’s performance will be giving the boss something to think about even when the natural centre backs return.

If Bielsa persists with the high-octane pressing all year, Berardi’s ability to play anywhere across the back four might just make him the most essential player in the squad as the injuries mount up.

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So, Leeds fans, are you impressed by Berardi’s start to the season? Should he keep his place when Jansson and Cooper return? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…

Manchester United are in a state close to turmoil right now and things weren’t helped with an awful performance and a 3-2 loss to Brighton at the Amex Stadium on Sunday, and fans on Twitter were shocked with one player’s struggles in particular.

Glenn Murray and Shane Duffy both netted within two minutes of each other to fire Brighton into a two goal lead within half an hour but it looked as though Jose Mourinho’s side would come back into the game as Romelu Lukaku’s glancing header halved the defecit.

However, on the brink of half-time Eric Bailly made a poorly mistimed sliding tackle and brought down Pascal Gross in the box, who then stepped up to squeeze the ball past David De Gea as the Seagulls went in to the break 3-1 up.

It was Bailly who then took the brunt of the criticism on Twitter after the game, his poor passing and inability to maintain his balance contributing to an all round poor performance from the 24-year-old. Check out some of the best tweets below.

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Liverpool fans are rightly celebrating what has been a fantastic start to the season so far. They’re one of only a few teams to currently be maintaining a 100% record in the English top flight, with a number of Anfield regulars impressing at present.

However, today (Tuesday), Liverpool fans are also celebrating something else – the anniversary of Lucas Leiva’s Liverpool debut. The Reds have been celebrating the news online on their official Twitter page.

Lucas Leiva joined Liverpool back in 2007, and he went on to make nearly 250 league appearances. Mainly playing through the midfield, he regularly put in solid performances, and though his injury record is spotty at best, he’s gone down as a bit of a cult figure at Anfield among fans.  He regularly played more than 20 league games per season for the Reds, and that’s a testament to his importance over the years.

In response to Liverpool’s message of support to Lucas, many fans have responded in kind, with plenty of them proclaiming their love for the Brazilian. It’s fair to say that he’s still very popular among fans.

Take a look at what they’ve had to say below…

Liverpool fans – thoughts?

Let us know below!

Loads of Rangers fans have been reacting to an injury update from Jamie Murphy, as the popular winger underwent successful knee surgery this week.

Rangers fans were furious when Murphy injured his ACL during the recent win at Kilmarnock, and who can blame them?

The 29 year-old has become hugely popular during his short stint at Ibrox so far, joining the club on loan in January before making the move permanent this summer.

Murphy has scored four times in 20 Premiership appearances, and was already looking like he could be a key part of Steven Gerrard’s side before the injury.

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The winger has now updated fans on his official Twitter account, saying the operation was a success.

He is still expected to be out for the season, but it’s already clear from his positive mind-set that he will not let the injury damage his career, as knee injuries often do.

Lots of fans have been reacting to the Ibrox favourite’s tweet, and you can find some of the best Twitter reactions down below…

Free agent Gabby Agbonlahor sparked transfer rumours this weekend when he said he would love to play for Celtic, but the Hoops should be on the lookout for a different free signing – Steven Caulker.

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What’s the word?

Agbonlahor issued a “come and get me” plea after taking part in the charity match at Celtic Park this weekend, saying he would love to play for the Hoops.

If Celtic are going to dip into the market for a free agent though, it shouldn’t be a 31 year-old striker with limited use left in him. It should instead be Caulker, who would arrive with a point to prove.

The 26 year-old was extremely highly rated when he broke through at Tottenham, but a mixture of injuries and poor form have damaged his reputation.

He is now a free agent after leaving Dundee earlier this summer, and his physical presence could be just what Celtic are lacking in defence.

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Why would he be a good signing?

While Moussa Dembele leaving has left a gaping void at the striker position, most Celtic fans would agree their top transfer priority is in defence. Filip Benkovic joined on deadline day on a temporary deal, but the Hoops still don’t have that dominant commanding presence at the back that every team needs.

Kristoffer Ajer has shown moments of real potential, but the young Norwegian isn’t a leader, and neither is Benkovic. A move for Caulker makes perfect sense, as the Hoops would then have a mixture of youth, experience, speed, size and ball-playing ability in their defensive ranks.

Standing at 6 ft 3 in tall, Caulker is an absolute beast in the air, and could be the perfect partner to guide Ajer through the season. He has one England cap to his name, and played 14 Premiership games for Dundee last season, scoring once.

The 26 year-old has experience both in European competition and now in Scottish football, and could turn the Hoops underwhelming window into a satisfactory one.

So, Celtic fans, would you like to see Caulker signed for free? Are there any other free agents you think you should sign? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…

Newcastle supporters have been drowning their sorrows in recent times after seeing their side slip to a third successive Premier League defeat on Saturday.

Rafa Benitez’s men went into their encounter with Arsenal off the back of losses at the hands of Chelsea and Manchester City, which added to their opening day defeat to Tottenham left the Magpies with just one point, a 0-0 draw at Cardiff City, from their first four games. And they remain without a win this season as goals from Granit Xhaka and Mesut Ozil set Unai Emery’s Gunners on their way to all three points, as although Ciaran Clark got one back for the hosts late on, it wasn’t enough to deny the North Londoners a third consecutive victory.

Thus, there have been many disappointed and frustrated Newcastle fans up and down the country in recent times, several of whom have taken to Twitter to criticise manager Benitez for his substitutions against the Gunners, what with Jonjo Shelvey and Salomon Rondon left on the bench by the Spaniard.

And while Newcastle fans have on the whole been pretty supportive of the former Chelsea and Real Madrid during his time on Tyneside, they are absolutely spot on to suggest that he got those key decisions badly wrong at St James’ Park on Saturday.

Ultimately, Benitez was bold in his team selection in making four changes to the side that lost at champions City last time out, and the efforts of Joselu in leading from the front as well as those from Jacob Murphy and Matt Ritchie down the flanks certainly gave the home fans hope in the first half.

Yet as Arsenal grew into the contest, and subsequently took the lead four minutes after the break, the onus was surely on the Newcastle boss to tweak things to give his side more control and a greater threat in the attacking third of the pitch – yet to take Murphy and Ritchie off, arguably their two brightest sparks, seemed a somewhat strange decision.

The midfield duo of Mo Diame and Isaac Hayden really struggled in the second half to suggest that the introduction of Shelvey may have been a shrewder move from Benitez, not just to give greater strength in that department, but also given that the England international is much better on the ball than the aforementioned pair – and against an Arsenal side that have looked vulnerable defensively this term, he could have unpicked the lock.

And Joselu certainly tired as the encounter went on to suggest that bringing Rondon on, another physical presence who can hold the ball up and provide an aerial threat from set plays, could have proved beneficial in helping to bully the tiring Arsenal centre backs – yet Benitez opted for neither.

In fact, his substitutions, one of which somewhat forced following the injury to Jamaal Lascelles, proved to be hugely ineffective with neither Kenedy nor Yoshinori Muto having much of an impact on proceedings – and when that happens, it brings into greater focus those he decided against bringing on.

And against one of the better sides in the division, Newcastle fans would likely have wanted to see two of their team’s better players in Shelvey and Rondon on the pitch on Saturday, especially as the chance was there for them to get something out of the encounter – if, as has been suggested, they were slightly injured or lacking in match sharpness, why have them on the bench in the first place?

Thus, while Magpies fans have generally been very supportive of Benitez, those who have criticised his decision-making regarding his substitutions on Saturday are absolutely right to do so.

Newcastle fans… what do you think? Let us know!

Arsenal fans waved goodbye to a fan favourite in the summer as Jack Wilshere left the Gunners to join West Ham on a free transfer.

Wilshere rose through the academy in North London to become a first-team favourite at the Emirates Stadium but his career with Arsenal was heavily affected by injury issues, which eventually played a key part in his exit.

At West Ham, Wilshere started to enjoy a new lease of life after featuring for Manuel Pellegrini’s side in each of the opening four games of the Premier League season, though he experienced defeat in all of those matches and has since been hit with another injury blow.

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Wilshere missed Sunday’s 3-1 victory over Everton and it has now been confirmed that the England international has undergone surgery, which leaves the 26-year-old set for another six-week spell on the sidelines.

Arsenal fans on social media have had their say on the news and we have gathered some of the best reactions below.

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