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Newcastle United transfer target Niklas Sule has decided to leave Bayern Munich, according to Bild (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown

26-year-old centre-back Sule is out of contract at the end of the 2021/22 season.

Bayern president Herbert Hainer said over the weekend that the player’s camp were considering an improved offer from the club.

Sule has been with Bayern for four and a half years, having joined from TSG Hoffenheim for £18million back in 2017.

In that time, he’s made 158 appearances, including 25 so far this term.

The latest

The report from Germany (via SW) states ‘decision made’, with Sule opting to leave Munich as a free agent in the summer.

Sule ‘has long since rejected’ the offer of a €10million-per-year (£160,000-per-week) salary.

Newcastle are named among the clubs ‘interested’ in snapping up the German for next season.

The verdict

You’d imagine the move would depend upon Newcastle staying up, but what a signing this would be.

Sule is a 37-cap Germany international who’s played at the last two major tournaments for his country.

He also boasts a huge trophy haul, including the 2019/20 UEFA Champions League and a remarkable four Bundesliga titles.

Sule is a strong tackler, but he’s also more than comfortable in possession, excelling at passing and dribbling (via WhoScored).

One surprising asset, given that he looks ‘like the Incredible Hulk’ is his speed. Sule has been clocked at 21.6 miles per hour, which at one point made him the second quickest player in the Bayern ranks (via Bundesliga.com).

He has so many qualities that there’s bound to be a long queue of suitors – Jupp Heynckes called him ‘superb’ and ‘world class’ – so this would be quite a coup if the Magpies can snap him up on pre-contract terms for the summer.

In other news, Newcastle are reportedly moving in for this signing.

Off the back of two successive agonising defeats – and both for different reasons – Leeds United face the daunting task of games against Arsenal, Liverpool and a resurgent Aston Villa before the end of the year.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side were hammered 7-0 by Manchester City in their latest outing, and host Arsenal knowing that they are firmly in that battle to beat the drop.

Injuries have derailed the Whites’ hopes of enjoying another impressive year in the top-flight, but while that is understandably a cause for concern, it can also be a blessing in disguise in other respects: namely, handing an opportunity to some of the club’s brightest young prospects.

Joe Gelhardt has already had his share of first-team football in recent weeks, and now, Cody Drameh should surely be in the frame for a starting spot.

Jamie Shackleton occupied that right-back slot against City before being taken off, and when you consider Bielsa ought to be putting square pegs in square holes, Drameh must figure into the equation for that role going forward.

Indeed, The Athletic’s Phil Hay has even suggested that the 20-year-old could well be the long-term heir to Luke Ayling.

He said: “The point about Drameh was that he could be a natural successor to Ayling, who still has time left but is clearly not in his first flush of youth. Drameh is well thought of and I do feel like he’s got a serious chance here if he’s patient.”

While naturally much of the excitement of Leeds fans will be surrounding Gelhardt, Drameh is another from the U23s group who could really make a name for himself at Elland Road.

At just 20, the versatile ace has got plenty of time to grow and develop, but first-team minutes could be more on offer now that the Whites find themselves in such an injury crisis.

Eredivisie scout Xander Wilkinson was quick to rave about his potential and how good he is already, saying: “Defensively so impressive! His mind works quicker than most right-backs I’ve seen in a naturally defensive mindset. Tactically very aware of what is being asked of him, times his engagements well, needs to add a little more unpredictability going forward.”

Meanwhile, LUTV commentator Tom Hill described the 20-year-old as a “box of tricks” after an impressive performance against Sunderland at U23 level, and that bodes well for his future as a more adventurous full-back.

With the busy festive schedule taking its toll on Leeds’ players, Drameh could finally be unleashed by Bielsa in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, Leeds are eyeing a move for this South American star…

Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Klich is expected to leave the Whites at the end of the season, according to journalist David Anderson.

The Lowdown: Klich a good servant

The Poland international has been a Leeds player since joining from FC Twente in 2017, making 158 appearances for the club in total.

Klich has made 10 Premier League starts so far this season, scoring one goal and setting up another, but he arguably wouldn’t be a regular with everyone fit.

A telling update has now emerged regarding his future at the club, even though his current deal doesn’t expire until 2024.

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The Latest: Journalist makes Klich exit claim

According to The Mirror’s Anderson, Klich ‘is on his way out of Elland Road’ in the summer, bringing an end to his time at the club.

It is stated that Marcelo Bielsa doesn’t want to lose him in the January transfer window, but an exit once the campaign reaches its conclusion looks to be on the cards.

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The Verdict: Does it make sense?

With Klich turning 32 in the summer, it makes sense for Leeds to sell him at a time when they could still receive a fee for him. If it happens, it would further highlight the need to keep hold of Kalvin Phillips, with Bielsa not wanting to make wholesale changes to his midfield.

Selling Klich at a time when he is arguably past his best but still young enough to receive interest is the correct stance to take, despite him being hailed as ‘wonderful’ by David Prutton.

In other news, Leeds are eyeing up the signing of an attacker. Find out who it is here.

Rangers have enjoyed a sublime start to life with Giovanni van Bronckhorst in Glasgow after two wins from two since his official arrival at Ibrox.

The Gers have beaten Sparta Prague, in the Europa League group stage, and Livingston, in the Premiership, and are now looking to make it three wins in a row.

They face up against Hibernian, who they recently lost to in the semi-final of the League Cup, in the league as they look to build on their 3-1 win at the weekend.

How many changes will he make to the team? Here is our predicted XI…

We are predicting that he will make three alterations to the side, with John Lundstram, Fashion Sakala and Scott Wright coming in.

With a busy festive schedule set to hit the Gers in the coming weeks, van Bronckhorst may need to make changes to his side based on more than just individual performances from week to week. He may need to offer minutes to players to keep them fresh and rest others to avoid burnout.

The first change we are predicting is John Lundstram coming in for Glen Kamara, with the back four and goalkeeper staying the same. Per SofaScore, the Finland international was dribbled past twice and lost six of his 11 duels against Livingston, which could open the door for the ex-Sheffield United man to step in and have his chance to shine.

FFC published an article explaining why Ryan Kent should be axed from the team, after back-to-back disappointing displays under the Dutchman’s reign. Sakala replaced him off the bench against Livingston and scored the third goal for the Gers with a composed header, which could see the £8.3k-per-week Zambian start on the left of the attacking four tonight with the ex-Liverpool man cut from the XI.

Finally, Wright could start out wide on the right ahead of Ianis Hagi. With a busy schedule coming up, van Bronckhorst could keep the Romanian winger fully fit by resting him for this clash, whilst also offering Wright an opportunity to come in and show that he is deserving of more minutes in the coming weeks and months for the Gers.

The 24-year-old has one goal and an average of 1.3 chances created per game despite only starting three games in the Premiership this term. This suggests that the potential is there for him to be a threat in the final third, but he needs to go and show that he can do it on a consistent basis – starting with Hibs.

AND in other news, GVB must brutally axe £18k-p/w Rangers “wizard” vs Hibernian, he’s been a passenger…

West Brom will need to pay a ‘substantial loan fee’ if they want to sign Orlando City striker Daryl Dike in January, according to journalist Luke Hatfield.

The Lowdown: Baggies linked with Dike move

The Baggies had to settle for a 0-0 draw away to Barnsley on Friday night as they dropped points in the Championship promotion race.

It could be that Valerien Ismael delves into the transfer market next month, and one player they have been mooted with potentially signing is Dike. The 21-year-old has scored three goals in eight caps for the USA, as well as netting 19 times in just 41 appearances for MLS side Orlando.

The Latest: Hatfield makes Dike claim

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Hatfield admitted that Dike wouldn’t come cheap if West Brom plan to bring him to The Hawthorns in the January transfer window.

The journalist claimed: “Dike’s not a cheap player to pick up. We saw that when he went to Barnsley. I mean, they paid a substantial loan fee to bring him in at Oakwell and Albion would have to do the same thing.”

The Verdict: Worth the money

Dike showed during a loan spell at Barnsley what a force he can be in the Championship, scoring nine goals in 19 matches in the division last term. For that reason, West Brom should take a punt on him next month, strengthening their attacking options as they look to make a swift return to the Premier League.

Only Karlan Grant (nine) has scored more than four goals for Albion in the league this term, so Dike could be the man to add more firepower at a key point in the campaign, having been hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by his former Barnsley manager Ismael in the past.

In other news, three Albion players struggled in the draw with Barnsley. Find out who they are here.

West Ham United are back in Premier League action this afternoon with a home clash against Liverpool, who have beaten the Hammers five times in their last six league meetings.

Ahead of the match against the Reds, after drawing 2-2 against KRC Genk in the Europa League on Thursday, Irons manager David Moyes revealed that Andriy Yarmolenko and Nikola Vlasic will potentially be unavailable to play against Jurgen Klopp’s side through injury.

With that in mind, here’s how we think West Ham could line up today, with seven changes anticipated from the clash against Genk.

In goal, considering that he’s played in all of West Ham’s Premier League so far this season, it would be a surprise to not see Lukasz Fabianski start for the Hammers. He replaces Alphonse Areola, who started in Belgium and made four saves on the night.

In defence, we can only see Aaron Cresswell keeping his place from the back four which started in midweek. Craig Dawson, Issa Diop and Vladimir Coufal make way for Angelo Ogbonna, Kurt Zouma – who is currently earning a weekly wage of £120k-per-week according to Spotrac – and Ben Johnson respectively, restoring the same back four which started in their 4-1 win over Aston Villa last weekend.

In the centre of midfield, we think Moyes will put Tomas Soucek back in from the start alongside Declan Rice, even though the 26-year-old scored a late own goal against Genk in midweek.

Ahead of those two, with Said Benrahma scoring both of West Ham’s goals in Belgium, we reckon he will keep his place in the team in between Pablo Fornals and Jarrod Bowen out wide, with Manuel Lanzini and Arthur Masuaku dropping down to the substitutes’ bench. The Argentine could pay the price for failing to record a shot of any description against Genk.

Up top, with six goals scored in nine Premier League games so far this season, it would be madness for Moyes to consider dropping Michail Antonio from the team. The 31-year-old could make himself a real danger to Liverpool’s defence and give his side a good chance of ending the Reds’ unbeaten status in the league.

In other news: Moyes must start “unplayable” West Ham beast today, he could scare Liverpool

Tottenham Hotspur could finally fill the void left behind by Christian Eriksen after they were handed a timely January transfer boost this week.

The north Londoners have recently been linked with a move for Juventus outcast Dejan Kulusevski, who Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici originally signed during his time at the Serie A giants.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the 21-year-old attacking midfielder is now likely to be allowed to leave the Turin club, with them currently valuing him at €35m (£30m).

A temporary exit in January isn’t out of the question either, as the report claims that the Sweden international is unhappy at the club and would like a ‘change of scenery.’

The most likely destination appears to be the Premier League, with arch-rivals Arsenal also keen to secure him, as the Old Lady do not want him to thrive at a league rival.

Newly-appointed Spurs boss Antonio Conte needs to find a creative fix as quickly as possible because it has been their main Achilles heel this season – no side is averaging fewer shots per game (10.1), not even the three teams in the relegation zone, and their last shot on target was nearly four hours ago, against West Ham.

There is an argument to be made that Eriksen has never been properly replaced, with neither of their club-record signings, Tanguy Ndombele nor Giovani Lo Celso, stepping up to the mark. In two-and-a-half seasons, neither has recorded more than eight assists altogether.

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By comparison, the Dane hit double figures for assists in each of his last four full Premier League seasons at the club.

Kulusevski, who has been branded as “explosive” and compared to Mohamed Salah, could be the solution. His career average of 1.8 shots and 2.1 key passes per 90 minutes makes for encouraging reading as it suggests that he’s a real thorn in the final third, and evidently one who can create chances.

In 2020/21, when he was entrusted to feature regularly, the young £31.5m-rated gem registered 14 direct goal contributions across 47 matches in all competitions and did so playing no fewer than seven different roles, as per Transfermarkt.

By comparison, Lo Celso has managed only 13 direct contributions since summer 2019, while Ndombele is just four contributions ahead in a longer time frame, too.

Meanwhile, football scout Jacek Kulig has previously lauded Kulusevski as an “athletic phenomenon”, an “advanced playmaker” and a “complete player”, which only bolsters the claims to sign him all that more.

Paratici knows exactly what Spurs would be getting, so he must do all he can to seal the 21-year-old’s signature in January, regardless of whether it’s on loan or on a permanent basis.

AND in other news, “Understand”: Alasdair Gold reveals major behind-scenes Spurs development…

A number of Liverpool supporters are excited after it emerged that the Reds are expected to wear their new Nike away kit away to Manchester United.

Jurgen Klopp’s men face one of their biggest games of the season this weekend, making to trip to Old Trafford for a fierce clash with United.

Liverpool are in superb form at the moment, thumping Watford last Saturday and winning away to Atletico Madrid in midweek, but this will be a stern test even despite their hosts’ questionable form.

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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under huge pressure and United don’t look on the Reds’ level currently, but they have the attacking quality to win matches in an instant.

According to This Is Anfield [via Anfield Watch on Twitter], Liverpool will wear their new Nike away strip for the first time on Sunday, giving fans a chance to see it on the biggest stage of all.

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Liverpool fans react to kit claim

These Reds supporters reacted to the news on Twitter, with many seeing this is a ‘good omen’.

“Finally”

Credit: @stackz1shot

“We winning 6-0”

Credit: @lulusityy

“Finally. I hope this kit be our good omen”

Credit: @Hananliverpool

“Looks great”

Credit: @sean99o82

“I’m wearing mine all day then”

Credit: @TheOrigin__96

“Such a beauty”

Credit: @quindelamore

In other news, some Liverpool fans are fuming at one piece of news ahead of the United clash. Read more here.

Southampton fans are far from happy with the cameo performance of Theo Walcott during the Saints’ League Cup exit at the hands of Chelsea.

The Saints travelled to Stamford Bridge for their round of 16 tie against the Blues and put in a positive display. Kai Havertz gave the home side the lead before Che Adams equalised early on in the second half and, eventually, it was only a penalty shoot-out that stopped the Saints from progressing to the quarter-finals.

Walcott was one of the men who stepped up to take a spot-kick, and he was unable to find the back of the net. That came following a 23-minute performance that was far from impressive – the former Arsenal failed to have any real impact on the game.

The fans were generally pleased with what they saw from their side, but Walcott was one of the exceptions. The supporters took to social media to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the display of Walcott below

“Walcott needs to go in January waste of wages”

Credit: @sfcJoshhh

“Walcott is done man”

Credit: @SfcGdog

“Know a lot of people disagree but I think Elyounoussi has been alright recently. He certainly deserves more of a chance than Redmond/Djenepo who have had multiple seasons, and Walcott who is finished.”

Credit: @sfcJoe_

“How does Walcott get anywhere near the team, always been overrated”

Credit: @kevinro290560

“I really fail to see exactly what RH sees in Walcott he is now stealing a living from SFC he did the same at Everton who were lucky enough to unload him on to us… he is now holding up younger better players development it’s time to get rid of and to save the £75k a week !”

Credit: @Peter67305335

“Forster and Lyanco surely start at the weekend. Tonight’s performance proves Walcott shouldn’t be anywhere near the starting line up. Long is also a better option to bring on”

Credit: @sfc_zone

In other news, Southampton fans were reacting to this Yan Valery news.

Leicester City will be hoping to return to winning ways when they take on Millwall in the third round of the Carabao Cup tonight.

The Foxes fell to successive Premier League defeats over the weekend after losing 2-1 against a much-improved Brighton and Hove Albion side, but they’ll be confident of getting a positive result this time around.

It has been a slow start to the new season for Leicester, who have now lost three of their opening seven games in all competitions, and Brendan Rodgers will be keen to get his side back on form as quickly as possible.

Nevertheless, their participation in the Europa League means that the Midlands outfit have a hectic schedule this season, meaning that several fringe players could get their chance to impress at The Den tonight.

With that in mind, here’s how Football FanCast expects the Foxes to line up against Millwall, with nine changes from side which started on the south coast on Sunday…

Welsh goalkeeper Danny Ward is expected to replace club captain Kasper Schmeichel between the sticks after impressing while on international duty.

Ahead of him is likely to be a much-changed back four, with Luke Thomas, Daniel Amartey and Timothy Castagne all coming into the starting XI. Caglar Soyuncu should keep his place in the side despite a tricky start to 2021/22 for both club and country.

The engine room will also have a rather unfamiliar feel to it as Hamza Choudhury and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall partner summer signing Boubakary Soumare in the middle of the park, allowing Wilfried Ndidi and Youri Tielemans a well-earned rest.

Rodgers could decide to rotate his forward line as well. The £49.5m-rated James Maddison is currently enduring a desperate run of poor form, so Marc Albrighton could partner Ademola Lookman and the exciting Patson Daka in attack.

In other news… Leicester liability who had just 62% passing accuracy had a nightmare against Brighton