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Leeds United are interested in signing Blackburn Rovers centre-back Darragh Lenihan, according to a fresh transfer rumour which emerged on Thursday.

The Lowdown: Lenihan shines for Blackburn

Tony Mowbray’s side are enjoying an excellent season currently, sitting second in the Championship and looking strong to seal promotion to the Premier League.

Lenihan has been an undisputed key man for Blackburn, starting 26 of 28 league games at the heart of the defence and being hailed as ‘special’ by his manager.

The captain’s performances appear to have alerted a host of clubs, however, with a potential move to the top flight now on the cards.

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The Latest: Leeds in the mix

According to a report from TEAMtalk (27/01/22), Leeds are one of numerous Premier League teams eyeing up a move for Lenihan, with Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Wolves and Everton also mentioned.

The 27-year-old’s current Blackburn deal expires at the end of the season, meaning the Whites could snap him up on a free transfer if he doesn’t extend his stay at Ewood Park.

Promotion could be a determining factor in convincing the Republic of Ireland international to stay put.

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The Verdict: Good squad acquisition

While the step up to the Premier League from the Championship is admittedly great, Lenihan’s performances this season suggest he could be a shrewd signing by Leeds.

The Irishman has won an impressive average of 5.1 aerial duels per match in the league this season, not to mention 4.9 clearances each game too.

To put that into context, Liam Cooper leads the way for the Whites in aerial duels with 3.6, highlighting the Blackburn skipper’s prowess in both boxes, while no Leeds player with more than one appearance boasts more clearances than Lenihan.

The fact that he would be available on a free takes out the financial risk element, too, so there is a little about the move that feels negative.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly considering another bid for one player. Find out who it is here.

Manchester United are on the verge of appointing Ralf Rangnick as their interim manager after failing to prise Mauricio Pochettino away from Paris Saint-Germain.

What’s the story?

That’s according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, who claims the 63-year-old innovative tactician has reached a deal to become their interim boss.

He tweeted: “Man Utd reach agreement with Ralf Rangnick to become interim manager. 6mnth contract then 2yr consultancy.”

“Deal subject to Lokomotiv Moscow approval. Work permit process prevents 63yo leading #MUFC v Chelsea.”

Man Utd fans surely buzzing

After the likes of Luis Enrique, Julen Lopetegui and Erik ten Hag distanced themselves from the vacancy in the red half of Manchester, the club’s supporters will be buzzing to learn of this revelation.

The experienced campaigner is the forefather of the gegenpressing style that has so heavily influenced the likes of Jurgen Klopp, Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagglsmann, and Rangnick is widely regarded as the founder of German football’s modern-day tactical approach.

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He took Schalke to the Champions League semi-finals in 2011 before moving to RB Leipzig, fulfilling the roles of both manager and sporting director, signing the likes of Joshua Kimmich, Naby Keita, Dayot Upamecano and Timo Werner throughout his tenure.

At present, Rangnick is the Head of Sports and Development at Russian outfit Lokomotiv Moscow, but is believed to be open to taking the United job on a temporary basis if certain conditions are met.

The Times report: “Rangnick is willing to leave his role as head of sports and development at Lokomotiv Moscow, but only if he is given a significant role at United beyond this season.”

Only time will tell if the United hierarchy are willing to accept the German’s terms and grant him a place in the upper echelons of the club from next season, yet much of the fanbase will be excited and encouraged by Ornstein’s latest update.

And, in other news…Big Man United manager update issued live on Sky Sports, fans will be concerned

Newcastle United are reportedly tracking Ben Brereton Diaz ahead of a potential transfer move.

The Lowdown: The Chilean from Stoke

Born in Stoke-on-Trent, Brereton Diaz changed his national allegiance to Chile in June this year after playing for England at youth level, and has since managed to score three goals in nine games for the South American nation across all competitions (Transfermarkt).

The Chilean press have since raved about him after some of his performances in the Copa America and in World Cup qualifying, with journalist Cecilia Lagos claiming that the 22-year-old is a ‘box killer’ who is ‘so eager’, ‘so active’ and ‘fits like a glove’ (BBC).

Brereton Diaz has become such a popular player in the South American country that he is now the face of their Pepsi commercial (BBC), and his aim is now to help Chile qualify for the World Cup in Qatar next year.

The Latest: Newcastle tracking him

As per Football League World, Newcastle are among a number of clubs who are now tracking Brereton Diaz ahead of a potential move.

Leeds United, Burnley, Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton have also been tracking the 22-year-old, who has admirers in Sevilla as well.

The Verdict: Wilson alternative?

With 16 goals in just 19 Championship games so far this season (Transfermarkt), Brereton Diaz has shown that he looks capable of making the step up to the Premier League.

The 6 foot 1 striker could be a very nice alternative to Callum Wilson, who does come with injury scares. Notably, Newcastle failed to win and only managed to score four times in the four-game period that he missed earlier in the campaign (Transfermarkt).

Thus, when Wilson is injured or finds himself out of form, Brereton Diaz would be a valuable understudy to have, and the two could even play alongside one another if he is particularly impressing Eddie Howe.

He might also attract a new Chilean following to Tyneside, and he seems like a player who the Toon Army could easily get behind.

In other news, NUFC are considering a shock return for this midfielder

Merry Christmas, Celtic fans!

Ange Postecoglou’s Christmas came early after he won his first piece of silverware as Celtic manager last weekend following a 2-1 win over Hibernian at Hampden Park in the Scottish League Cup final.

Kyogo Furuhashi, their number eight and record signing under Postecoglou, scored twice as the Hoops won for the first time under Postecoglou after conceding first.

We’ve prepared a Celtic-related quiz for you which will give you the chance to break up your day.

Are you good with player numbers? If so, take today’s quiz and try and see if you can get a full house regarding these former Hoops heroes.

We’ve given you four options for each player – all you have to do is select what number they wore during their time at Parkhead.

Some are fairly recent, while others will test your knowledge dating way back. Good luck, and remember to share your score once completed!

Leeds United have been handed a potential blow ahead of their Premier League clash against Fulham tonight with the news that Rodrigo could be missing.

The Spain international missed the entire month of February with a groin injury he had picked up in the 3-1 victory over Leicester, which saw him forced off early in the first half.

The £100,000-a-week ace only returned to first-team action when he came on against West Ham earlier this month, before being involved in one of those rare instances of being substituted after coming on as a substitute himself versus Chelsea.

Now, The Athletic’s Phil Hay has delivered some damaging news about that Leeds blow, revealing that Rodrigo is a “doubt with a fresh muscular problem”.

While it is a “doubt”, there is surely no way Marcelo Bielsa will want to risk Rodrigo potentially doing even more damage to his muscle and even tearing it by forcing him out onto the pitch against Fulham.

The Leeds boss will surely take a more reserved approach with a player who has only just come back from an injury, and that will no doubt mean Rodrigo misses out on today’s game.

After an impressive appearance against Arsenal earlier in the campaign, former Whites man Noel Whelan explained just how important Rodrigo is to this side, telling Football Insider: “He’s always looking for it, he’s never ever standing still, he’s always on the move and that’s what I like about him. He can’t be marked, he’s always looking for a space – very much the next Hernandez.

“He is a player that looks like he can make things happen. He’s very intelligent, he brings other people into play and makes space for them.”

Whelan also delivered his verdict on why the Spaniard should have started against Chelsea last week, saying: “If you ask 100 Leeds fans who they would prefer in that position, Rodrigo or Tyler Roberts, they would all say Rodrigo all day long.

“He’s your star signing, your record signing. He’s the one player that if he is fit then you’ve got to have him in your side to give you that extra opportunity. Roberts didn’t do anything wrong but I just think it brings a different dimension to the game when Rodrigo’s out there.”

It’s exactly why Bielsa must be worried at seeing the Spaniard go down with yet another injury and potentially missing another game for the Whites.

While he hasn’t exactly set Elland Road alight with his performances, he does perform that key role of joining Patrick Bamford in attack and offering a “different dimension” as Whelan says.

Meanwhile, Leeds must start this “rock” tonight…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Rob Lee, who scored 34 goals in the Premier League, believes Dean Henderson replacing David De Gea would make little difference to Manchester United so the Red Devils should sell the Spaniard.

De Gea was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson in 2011 for £22.5 million from Athletico Madrid and has gone on to win the Premier League, League Cup, FA Cup and Europa League, as well as playing under five different permanent managers. However, it now being reported that Man United are looking to cash in on the shot-stopper to generate some transfer funds for this summer.

However, with Henderson desperate to get some game time as he attempts to dislodge Jordan Pickford as England’s number one, it may mean that Man United are forced into selling one of their keepers.

Speaking on what the future holds for De Gea and if it would make that much of a difference to the team if Henderson started, Lee told FFC exclusively:

“Man United have got David De Gea there and I think I would sell him. If they can get anywhere near the prices they’re quoting, so around the £50-80 million mark, then I would.

“They’ve got Henderson there who is gagging to get in the team and I think you can spend the money in better areas of the squad than on a goalkeeper.

“He’s been a great keeper but is it going to make that much difference if Henderson goes in and De Gea comes out? I don’t think so.”

De Gea has missed the last few matches for Man United after being in Spain for the birth of his child and thus, had to isolate on his return to the UK.

The Spaniard has 434 appearances for the Red Devils and keeping 153 clean sheets in that time.

Everton have the chance to take another step away from the relegation zone tomorrow as they take on Leicester City in the Premier League.

The Toffees’ previous league game saw them beat Manchester United at Goodison Park 1-0 thanks to a goal from Anthony Gordon.

Another win for Frank Lampard’s side would take them six points ahead of the relegation zone before Burnley face off against Southampton on Thursday.

On the chalkboard

One player that didn’t feature against United that should be in the starting XI tomorrow is Demarai Gray.

With 26 league appearances under his belt this season, the winger hasn’t started a game for the Toffees since their 2-1 defeat against West Ham United earlier this month.

In those appearances, the Englishman has found the back of the net five times and provided two assists, showing what a useful attacking option he can be.

To further highlight what an attacking nuisance he is for opposition teams, only Andros Townsend (3.34) has a higher average of shot-creating actions per game in the league than Gray (3.21).

In terms of how the £19.8m-rated attacker can hurt teams on the pitch, no other Everton player has come close to equalling the same number of successful dribble attempts that have led to a shot attempt as the winger (10).

With that in mind, even though he hasn’t been able to deliver a goal contribution in the league since his winning strike against Arsenal in December, the 25-year-old can still be a real threat for his side going forward.

Labelled as an “inspirational” player for Everton by Martin Keown, Gray could also have an extra incentive to deliver a top-notch performance this time out if Lampard picks him to start.

Having left Leicester in January last year and admitting to not feeling like he was valued or wanted there, getting the chance to show the Midlands club why they were wrong to let him go or treat him the way they did could put a fire in Gray’s belly and really rile him up for this match.

With that in mind and the opportunity to get another goal or assist to his record and push his new club even further away from danger, Lampard could pull a tactical blinder by giving the winger the chance to haunt his old club, which he definitely has the ability to do.

In other news: Lampard can now axe “reckless” Everton dud with move for “powerful” £27m-rated machine

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Sheffield Wednesday legend Carlton Palmer has questioned the Owls’ decision to re-sign Sam Hutchinson this week.

The 31-year-old midfielder, who can also play in defence, returned to Hillsborough Stadium on Monday and subject to international clearance, he will be available for Wednesday’s crunch match with Coventry.

Hutchinson left the Owls in the summer after a six-year stint in south Yorkshire, joining Cypriot outfit Paphos FC on a free transfer but after only five appearances, he had his contract terminated in December.

And after a month without a club, he has made a return to Wednesday.

However, former Owls midfielder Palmer is baffled by the decision…

He told FFC:

“Listen, I’ve always liked Sam in terms of what he gives the team when he plays, but he doesn’t play an awful lot of games because he’s either suspended or injured.

“I really don’t understand. Again, this [decision] would be the chairman and his advisors. Why would you go and sign a player you’ve let go? You’ve let him go for a reason, so why would you re-sign him again? It just doesn’t make sense.

“Don’t get me wrong, when Sam plays he gives 110% – he’s all in. I like that about him, but he picks up a lot of injuries and misses a lot of games.

“I don’t see the benefit in re-signing somebody like Sam.”

The former Chelsea youth product made 151 appearances in an Owls shirt before his exit in the summer, contributing immensely to those two playoff campaigns under ex-boss Carlos Carvalhal.

During the 2016/17 season, Wednesday finished fourth, their highest position since relegation from the Premier League over 20 years ago and Hutchinson started 34 matches where he picked up seven WhoScored Man of the Match awards.

He was also their second-highest rated player (7.13) behind current central defender Tom Lees (7.17).

The 31-year-old could make his second debut on Wednesday night.

AND in other news, this TWO-time promotion winner could be a dream Owls appointment…

Southampton travel to the London Stadium on Sunday to face West Ham in the final game of the Premier League season.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side can still finish as high as 12th should they earn the three points against the Hammers, although David Moyes’ side will be desperate to avoid defeat, as they can secure Europa League football for next season with a point.

Therefore, there is plenty at stake for the hosts, but Southampton will be out to spoil the party on Sunday afternoon, although they will have to do so without Che Adams, who has been ruled out of the game through injury.

After a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Leeds United on Tuesday changes, seem likely for Southampton, although a strong starting eleven is still likely to be named.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Hasenhuttl to line his side up on Sunday, with five changes to the team that started in the defeat against Marcelo Bielsa’s side…

Alex McCarthy certainly should have done better for Leeds’ opening goal in midweek so he drops to the bench, with Fraser Forster replacing him in between the sticks.

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There’s one change in defence, as after returning to the bench in midweek, Jan Bednarek replaces Jack Stephens at centre-back, and is partnered by Jannik Vestergaard.

There are two changes in midfield, as Nathan Redmond comes in for Moussa Djenepo on the left after another poor display from the Mali international, whilst Stuart Armstrong moves out to the right-wing to accommodate the return of Oriol Romeu in the middle, with Theo Walcott dropping to the bench.

Finally, with Adams sidelined, the “outstanding” Danny Ings seems likely to partner Nathan Tella in attack, after he was left on the bench for the first 45 minutes against Leeds in midweek.

And, in other news… Southampton can finally sign their Hojbjerg heir in £8.6m beast who dreams of playing in the PL

After signing him back in the January transfer window, it’s been a rather slow start to life at Aston Villa for Morgan Sanson.

The Frenchman has played just the 33 minutes of Premier League football since joining, with Dean Smith understandably cautious of throwing him straight into the deep end.

But with momentum stalling after two games without a win, including a defeat to Leicester last time out, it’s surely time for Smith to cast off the shackles and unleash Sanson – starting with today’s clash against Leeds United at Elland Road.

Speaking after his signing, Smith raved about the kind of qualities the midfielder could bring, saying: “He has got a big game mentality, he has played at the top of the French league for the last five years, played in the Champions League.

“He is a great technician and has great tactical awareness. He can play in a number of positions, can set up goals and can score goals. He has a bit of everything in his game so we’re really pleased with the acquisition.”

The £18m-rated Frenchman, dubbed as a “warrior” by himself, showed he’s able to be a really effective box-to-box presence in his time at Marseille. Before his move to the Midlands, he had averaged an impressive 1.8 tackles and 1.1 key passes per game in Ligue 1, both of which ranks him favourably compared to the rest of Villa’s squad.

Only two other players have averaged more tackles per match than him, while again, only two other have averaged more key passes too. That dynamism could bring some much-needed energy into the Villa engine room, and offer them a bit more guile going forward, especially when you consider they’ve actually only scored four goals in their past five league matches.

With Villa not tasting victory in their past couple of Premier League games, and suffering from crucial injuries to the likes of Jack Grealish and Matty Cash, bringing in someone like Sanson into the starting line-up could be the kind of breath of fresh air that kicks things back into gear for Smith.