Leeds fans have debated the quality of Patrick Bamford all season long and though his goal return still leaves a lot to be desired, more and more supporters are becoming enamoured with his style.He is clearly a favourite of Marcelo Bielsa as he is the man he depends on to consistently lead the line for Leeds. It is a role he plays to great effect, both with and without the ball.Bamford links play with his 76% pass accuracy, and his desire also enables him to act as a threat on the counter-attack, as evidenced by the Whites’ second goal against Hull in mid-week.

Added to that, he has also developed a “nasty” streak in his game, ruffling up defenders and making a nuisance of himself when without the ball, and that is no doubt contributing to Leeds’ success, which has pleased some supporters.

Many fans believe the new side to his game has made him a better player, and anything that prevents him from being bullied by defenders means he should be better at holding the ball up and bringing teammates into play.

As the sole striker that is a vital attribute to have as it allows the more creative players to take up threatening positions, and even if Bamford doesn’t get onto the end of crosses and passes, a teammate likely will.

If he can maintain his style whilst increasing his focus on getting into goalscoring positions then he should improve his current goal tally of seven, and that will be huge in Leeds’ promotion push.

In other Leeds news, fans have been discussing the one factor which could still prevent Marcelo Bielsa’s team gaining promotion.

Ever since the previous summer transfer window, we’ve been fed the same old story – “Zinedine Zidane only wants Pogba”, as Marca put it and that claim ended up being true.

After all, Real Madrid never signed anyone to compensate missing out on the Frenchman but not for the lack of any real options – considering both Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen were there for the taking, as the same outlet states – but rather because Zidane was picky and quite literally only wanted Manchester United’s star.

But a new report, once again from Marca, states that things have somewhat changed and even though Los Blancos’ coach still likes the player and Pogba himself desires to leave Old Trafford, no business will be made in the January transfer window.

And this could be wonderful news for Real Madrid.

We’ve already discussed how Zidane’s obsession might cost the team in the long run and with the recent emergence of Federico Valverde and the commandeering displays of Toni Kroos both to consider, splashing around €100m (£85.7m) – the fee United would demand – on a superstar they don’t really need would be foolish, to say the least.

He’s a football superstar, but how much do you really know about Paul Pogba? Test your knowledge below…

But if Marca’s report is to be believed, maybe the Galacticos have finally seen the light and are willing to place some bets on their own players rather than someone else’s.

Besides, Pogba has been out of action for quite some time and his short cameo in Manchester United’s 2-0 defeat to Watford was the first game he’s played in a long while.

Of course, a lot of that has to do with his ankle problems but that’s one reason more as to why his acquisition in January would not be wise.

Granted, we know how much he’s given to the Red Devils when he was fit and firing on all cylinders.

We’ve seen as much in 2018/19 when Pogba came through with 16 goals and 11 assists across all competitions and even in the aforementioned clash with Watford, despite ultimately losing the game, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was reminded what he was missing with the Frenchman’s continuous absence.

Even though he was on the pitch for just around 26 minutes, Pogba tallied two shots, one key pass and managed to maintain 90% passing accuracy, showing that the quality is still somewhere beneath all of the issues currently surrounding their relationship.

The biggest problem Man United might face, however, is the financial one.

Marca have stated they would still ask for around €100m (£85.7m) for the player if he was to be sold in January but if he ends up staying, he might enter the final year of his contract that is due to expire in the summer of 2021.

The clock seems to be ticking for the Red Devils and the only thing worse than actually losing such a benchmark name could be losing him on the cheap – or even for nothing.

Elsewhere, Bayern Munich should be wary of splashing the cash on a Premier League star that has one major flaw…

Liverpool’s Adam Lallana is facing a defining few months in his career.

The attacking midfielder has never quite lived up to expectation since his move to Merseyside.

Injuries have plagued his time at Anfield and rendered him something of a nearly player who was cruelly deprived of the opportunity to blossom into a star player at both club and international level.

Jurgen Klopp is blessed with a multitude of high quality central midfield players but the club’s incredibly hectic December schedule has forced him to call upon some fringe players of late – including Lallana.

The 31-year-old was offered an opportunity from the outset against Wolves on Sunday and he took his opportunity, impressing with both his tenacity and intricate build up play.

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And for plenty of the Reds faithful on Twitter his performance was satisfactory enough to suggest he is worth of an extension on his current deal, which expires in June 2020.

One fan acknowledged that this is an opinion unlikely to be shared by the majority of supporters.

However, his sentiments were echoed by lots of supporters on Twitter as talk of a contract extension ran rife in the aftermath of his fine display.

Given Lallana’s age and his unfortunate injury record it would be easy to dismiss suggestions that he is worthy of a new deal.

However, the transfer market is changing and bargains are becoming increasingly rare to find, and that is something one supporter has alluded to in regard to the former Southampton star’ future.

Indeed, the Reds would almost certainly need to part with a hefty sum of money to secure the services of a player who can offer a similar set of attributes to Lallana, and that has been used as justification to advocate a new deal.

In other Liverpool news, a youngster admired by Jurgen Klopp put in an impressive display last weekend…

Sunderland flop Will Grigg is a transfer target of Blackpool, according to The Sun’s Alan Nixon.

What’s the word?

The striker has had a tough time in the north-east since joining a year ago and now finds himself out of the team having contributed just one league goal all season.

Despite his lack of form the Seasiders are still interested in making a move for the £4m man, with Simon Grayson perhaps interested in partnering him alongside Nathan Delfouneso or Armand Gnanduillet.

However, Nixon reports that there is one hurdle in the way of a possible deal being agreed – Grigg’s wages – and he suggests that Sunderland may have to cover a portion of his salary as Blackpool are likely unable to meet his demands.

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Cut their losses

The Northern Ireland international has been nothing short of a disappointment at the Stadium of Light and his torrid time is showing no hope of ending any time soon.

In that case, it’s best if the club gets rid of him while it still can so they can still fetch some kind of transfer fee, that’s if a permanent deal is being sought.

Can you remember how much each of these transfer icons cost? Only experts will get 100% on our quiz…

A loan move is another option which could benefit all parties involved. Grigg clearly isn’t suited to Sunderland’s style of play but the fact he has scored 25 and 20 goals in two separate League One seasons shows he isn’t short of quality.

As a result, some time away from the club to rediscover his mojo would be very useful and could help out the Black Cats long-term, as he may be able to start scoring goals for the team on his return.

Either way, he is below Charlie Wyke in the pecking order and possibly Marc McNulty too, as the loan man was picked ahead of him by Parkinson to come on against Fleetwood last time out.

Grigg has no doubt been hugely underwhelming with eight goals in 48 games, and though everyone at Sunderland would love it if he started performing, that seems unlikely to happen. Therefore Stewart Donald and co. should consider helping Blackpool to sign the 28-year-old.

In other transfer news, a player who has previously played for Phil Parkinson has recently been training with the club.

Having arrived from Swansea in the summer for a reported £15m, Daniel James has been a revelation for Manchester United in his debut season at Old Trafford. The Wales international has struck the back of the net three times and provided a further seven assists, and against Burnley in late December, delivered the kind of display that showed he has the mettle to be a real Premier League star.

But against Manchester City in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash on Tuesday night, James’ performance left a lot to be desired. It raised a serious concern about how effective the 22-year-old can be in certain games, and whether there is an element of being a one-trick pony about him.

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His speed is there for all to see, with that breakaway goal against Chelsea in United’s opening Premier League game of the season still fresh in the mind. But up against defences that are far more resilient and form a low block, does he have more tricks up his sleeve to really unlock the door? Against City, James tried simply to knock the ball past Benjamin Mendy before chasing after it, and it was a tactic that failed to succeed.

As per Sofascore, he failed to complete the one dribble that he attempted, delivered three inaccurate crosses, and made just six total passes in the 64 minutes that he was on the pitch. It was no surprise therefore that his 6.1 match rating was the lowest of any player on either side.

And perhaps crucially, it should force Ed Woodward and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer into reconsidering their transfer plans for this month. Their lack of real significant depth in the right-wing position is alarming, with Mason Greenwood really the only other option – and even he played up front against City. The Red Devils could do with someone who presents a different profile and style of play to James.

Quickfire Quiz: How much do you know about Man Utd’s history in the January transfer window?

Solskjaer only had to look at the opposition on Tuesday to see City’s right-winger Riyad Mahrez score a goal and cause Brandon Williams problems with his propensity to check inside onto his left foot – the Algerian completed all five of his attempted dribbles. If United can secure a wide-man who perhaps is similarly left-footed and is more adept at getting engaged in the build-up play of the game, rather than as an out-and-out old-school winger like James, they could be a lot more destructive.

Meanwhile, Manchester United making a swoop for this 13-assist ace could help transform them.

Leeds’ U23 outfit has been incredibly successful over the past 18 months or so.

Carlos Corberan led his side to the PDL National title last term, and the performances of Ryan Edmondson had a lot to do with that.

The striker scored 20 goals for the U23 outfit in 2018/19, and understandably that’s led to a number of fans calling for him to get a first-team chance.

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However, an update from Phil Hay indicates that he may never get the shot that supporters have been asking for.

What’s been said then?

The journalist was hosting a Q&A session on The Athletic.

A supporter asked him if any youngsters could leave on loan this month, to which Hay replied that Edmondson could go.

In response to that answer, another fan asked if that meant that the striker doesn’t have a future at the club.

“I’m not convinced he has a future here, or not under Bielsa. He hasn’t kicked on.”

Worrying

How on earth has it got to this point?

The striker hasn’t put a foot wrong at youth level, netting 20 goals last season despite only being 17 years old for the majority of the campaign.

If a youngster playing at six years above his age group and scoring 20 goals a season isn’t getting a chance, then how does any player forge his way into the first-team?

This is ridiculous from Bielsa if this is his mindset. The striker’s goalscoring record speaks for itself, and if he doesn’t have a future at Leeds he certainly won’t be short of suitors after his scoring antics over the past 18 months.

This is incredibly shortsighted, especially with Patrick Bamford the sole senior striker now at the club’s disposal.

In other news, it may be time for Leeds to drop one player after consistent poor performances.

Sunderland have been linked with a move for Bristol City’s Bailey Wright in recent days and Sky Sports News’ Keith Downie has revealed the deal could be completed on Monday.

What’s the latest?

Last week Phil Parkinson spoke of a potential deal being delayed by the selling club due to them sustaining an injury to one of their players, but suggested a medical for the incoming signing would take place early this week.

That aroused suspicion that the club and player in question could be Bristol City and Wright due to the injury to Nathan Baker in a Tuesday match against Shrewsbury.

The Black Cats’ boss also admitted the interest in the centre-back as well as the fact that the club were looking to complete the deal this week, which suggests it could only be a matter of time until Wright is confirmed as a Sunderland player.

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Tough competitor

The addition of an experienced and capable defender who has spent years playing in the Championship and on the international stage, even going to the 2014 World Cup, should be enough to excite anyone at Sunderland.

It is important Wright stays fit given he has played just four times for the Robins this season, but considering his career history he should be an upgrade on Jordan Willis and Alim Ozturk, neither of whom have played above League One standard.

Call yourself a Premier League expert? How much did each of these big-money January signings cost?

Perhaps more importantly, it is another step which allows Parkinson to pursue his apparent goal of changing the culture of the club and producing a winning mentality which will be integral in the promotion run-in.

His decision to remove Aiden McGeady from the squad has led to Sunderland’s best run of form this term with seven games unbeaten, and now the addition of a natural leader could also prove vital on and off the pitch.

Wright has captained Bristol City for two-and-a-half years and he often sets an example to his teammates, manager Lee Johnson lauding his “warrior spirit” – which could be a valuable asset for Sunderland.

In other transfer news, there is potential for another experienced player to join up with Sunderland in a move which may impress fans.

The Athletic’s Southampton correspondent Carl Anka has offered an update on the future of Pierre-Emile Højbjerg amid interest from Everton.

What’s the word, then?

Well, Sky Sports and Gianluca Di Marzio broke the story on the Transfer Centre, which revealed that the Toffees have made the Denmark international their primary target this month as Carlo Ancelotti looks to add another midfielder to his ranks.

Di Marzio added that the Saints would demand a fee of around £35m, which the Merseysiders are reluctant to pay.

Højbjerg arrived from Bayern Munich in 2016 for a fee of £12.8m, and has since gone on to make over 120 appearances for the club while also earning the captain’s armband in the process.

So far this term, he has made 22 Premier League starts, helping Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men sit ninth with 31 points to their name.

What did Anka say?

In a Q&A session on Friday afternoon, The Athletic journalist offered an update on Everton’s interest in Højbjerg and what he thinks the chances of such a transfer happening are, with just a week to go until deadline day.

Anka said that, after doing some digging, he has learned that Ancelotti is a “big fan” of the 24-year-old midfielder, although the Southampton correspondent also added that he “highly doubts” this move will happen so late on in the window – he also wrote that second quote in capital letters, emphasising just how unlikely it is, we feel.

The journalist also mentioned that it will be “interesting” to see if the ‘gentleman’s agreement’ between Højbjerg and the club makes itself known when the Saints reach 36 points – Anka said that the details of said agreement, which happened last summer, are unknown, although he thinks that it means the Dane was “waiting to see if RH (Hasenhuttl) is a good enough coach so I’m not worrying about relegation before I commit.”

Call yourself a Premier League expert? How much did each of these big-money January signings cost?

It would be a significant moment for Southampton to lose their captain this late in the month, although he can only wait and see what happens at this point.

In other news, a Daily Echo journalist has revealed how much it would cost to convince Southampton to sell Jannik Vestergaard…

Daniel Levy should be looking over his shoulder.

Across London, at the Olympic Stadium, West Ham United fans are rebelling against the ownership of the club. There were protests before their 1-1 draw with Everton, with supporters calling for David Gold, David Sullivan and Karren Brady to leave the club and allow new owners to take over.

There is something similar brewing at Spurs. An admittedly small minority of fans unfurled a banner at the club’s 2-1 FA Cup win over Middlesbrough, reading: “Thanks for no memories. Time to say goodbye. Levy out!”

Spurs die-hards are getting 70% on this Ultimate Tottenham Quiz. Can you beat them?

Now, ignoring the stupidity of the statement – these fans surely remember that incredible Champions League semi-final win over Ajax, the title challenges under Mauricio Pochettino and the 3-1 thumping of Real Madrid at Wembley – this is significant.

All of a sudden, there is a possibility that a movement could take hold at Spurs and that Levy could well see his stint as chairman – it must be said that Joe Lewis, who is not often seen at matches, is the actual owner of the club – called into question.

It is telling, too, that this protest has started in the January transfer window. Thus far, Levy has done a deal for midfielder Gedson Fernandes, bringing him in from Benfica on an initial loan.

The lack of a striker has sharpened the focus on the seldom nature of investment in the squad. There is nothing to say that Levy couldn’t have signed an alternative to Harry Kane in the summer; now the England captain is injured, Spurs have left themselves scrambling around the transfer market.

A number of options have been offered to the club according to FFC sources, from Borussia Dortmund’s Paco Alcacer to Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke, and now comes an acid test.

Spurs remain in contention to qualify for the Champions League this season but they will need to improve their form.

They sit six points behind Frank Lampard’s Chelsea in fourth but this is a club operating without an out-and-out centre-forward.

There has long been a suspicion that Levy does not pay the going rate for players and that his haggling can cost the club in the transfer market. That would certainly explain how Spurs went two whole transfer windows without bringing in a single player.

As the January window winds down and comes to a close, he needs to pull a rabbit out of the hat, for the sake of Spurs’ season and for his own reputation.

Failure to do so will surely see more banners and more protests.

Meanwhile, Spurs fans have debated the signing of a global superstar!

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal for Benfica striker Haris Seferovic, per O Jogo.

What’s the word?

Spurs are attempting to find back-up for Harry Kane, who is currently out with a serious hamstring injury.

The club are closing in on the signing of PSV Eindhoven winger Steven Bergwijn but, per sources, remain in the market for an out-and-out forward.

The report states that Spurs are now considering a move for Seferovic, expressing their interest in securing the 27-year-old’s signature, with London rivals West Ham United also monitoring developments.

A Switzerland international with 64 caps to his name, he has scored six goals this season in 27 outings in all competitions.

Bolt from the blue

This has come completely out of left-field.

Football FanCast understands that the club are currently attempting to bring AC Milan striker Krzysztof Piatek in on loan and there is confidence that a deal can be struck before the transfer deadline.

It appears, then, that chairman Daniel Levy may be putting his ducks in a row in case the deal for Piatek somehow collapses.

The big fat Tottenham quiz of 2019 – how much do you remember about the last year at Spurs?

A move for Seferovic, a player who has not been of interest throughout the month, would be a surprise but, at this point, Spurs have reportedly just asked the question as to his availability.

Throughout his time at Benfica, he has scored 40 goals in 107 games for the club, enjoying a phenomenal season in 2018/19, netting 23 league goals in 29 outings.

As a back-up option, he could be a decent option, particularly if Spurs have not managed to sign Piatek prior to the final day of the transfer window.

Meanwhile, sources have given Football FanCast the lowdown on Spurs’ striker hunt!