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Transfer expert Dean Jones has backed a "class" Southampton player to revive his St Mary's career despite currently being on loan.

Southampton transfer news

The Saints will have the opportunity to make new signings when the January transfer window rolls around should Russell Martin want to improve the options in his squad.

A number of players have emerged as potential targets for Southampton in the winter window, with West Brom youngster Tom Fellows seen as a possible option. Another player who is also believed to be in their thoughts is Maximilian Entrup, with the Hartberg striker seen as an option to replace Che Adams in the event that the Scot leaves in January.

Pundit claims Southampton have "replacement" for star man lined up

The Saints are believed to be “looking at” one specific player.

By
Henry Jackson

Nov 24, 2023

There are also loanees who are currently plying their trade away from St Mary's at the moment, with the south coast club having the option to bring them back further down the line. A significant claim has now emerged regarding one of those figures, with Paul Onuachu's Southampton future assessed.

Key update on Paul Onuachu's Southampton future

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones claimed that Onuachu could yet return from his loan spell and still have a successful Southampton career ahead of him.

He said: "I think it is a win-win. Onuachu obviously hasn't set the world on fire since landing at Saints, but I actually thought it was a good signing when they brought him in initially.

"But to see him go away now scoring goals, everyone's a winner from that point of view. I think that eventually he'll come back to Southampton and he will get another opportunity and just needs to hit the ground running when that happens."

This is perhaps an encouraging sign for Southampton, with Onuachu impressing greatly on loan at Trabzonspor at the moment, scoring six goals in eight Turkish Super Lig appearances so far this season.

The 29-year-old has averaged an eye-catching 4.5 aerial duel wins per game in the competition, highlighting his dominance leading the line, while he also has a tally of 3.1 shots per match, showing that he is often in the thick of the action.

Martin will surely be tempted to try again with Onuachu at the end of this season, assuming he continues his current impressive form. Former teammate Rasmus Carstensen has lauded him in the past, saying:

“He is on the top scorer list again, and a player who scores 30+ goals obviously has a level for more than the club he plays for. Paul has a great opportunity to take the next step. He is a class guy, I can’t say anything negative about him."

It will be fascinating to see how he fares in the coming months, and should the chance to bring him back in January even emerge, it is something they should consider.

Wayne Rooney dismissed Virgil van Dijk's complaints about an early kick-off on Saturday after defeat to Everton and told him to "get on with it".

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• Liverpool beaten 2-0 by Everton
• Return to action on Saturday at 12:30 pm BST
• Van Dijk's complaints on early kick-off were brushed aside

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Liverpool's aspirations for the Premier League title suffered a significant setback at Goodison Park on Wednesday night, as Everton secured a 2-0 victory with goals from Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Goodison Park. The defeat leaves the Reds trailing leaders Arsenal by three points with only four matches remaining in the season, starting with an upcoming clash against West Ham on Saturday afternoon.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Van Dijk is not pleased with the 12:30pm kick-off on Saturday as he feels that the Premier League should have given them more time to recover following a Wednesday evening fixture. However, Rooney dismissed Van Dijk's concerns, citing Liverpool's recurrent complaints this season regarding early kick-off times following midweek matches and instead emphasised the professional obligation of Liverpool players to adapt.

• WHAT VAN DIJK & ROONEY SAID

  Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Van Dijk said: "It's time to focus on the 12:30 kick-off again. These games are always a big fight and something that we shouldn't have lost in my opinion. Now we have to pick ourselves up and be ready for an early kick-off Saturday."

  Rooney rebuffed the defender's grievances and said: "Again we are hearing about 12:30 kick-offs. Those Liverpool players should be wanting to go tomorrow because when you lose a derby game you want the games to come quick. Get on with it, it's part of your jobs."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has previously voiced discontent over the disproportionate number of lunchtime fixtures his team has encountered compared to rivals. Following the international break in November, Klopp criticised the decision to reschedule Liverpool's fixture against Manchester City to a 12:30 pm kick-off slot, questioning the rationale behind such scheduling decisions and its impact on players.

  "How can you put a game like this on Saturday at 12.30 pm?" he said. "Honestly, the people making these decisions, they cannot feel football, it is just not possible. And it is the moment where the world pays the most to see a football game."

Manchester City are reportedly targeting the signing of a “very dangerous” player in the January transfer window, seeing him as part of a double swoop that could cost as much as €60m (£51m).

Man City not at their irresistible best

Pep Guardiola's side haven't necessarily been in their most sparkling form of late, having only won three of their last seven Premier League matches. That includes last weekend's 1-1 draw at home to Liverpool, when they let their lead slip late in the day.

Some of City's summer signings haven't yet made the impression that may have hoped at the time, with the likes of Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes in and out of the team through injury, and others arguably haven't hit top form yet.

While Guardiola still has a squad that is the envy of the vast majority of managers around the world, January will give him the chance to bring in further reinforcements, as they look to win the title battle with Liverpool and Arsenal, and go all the way in the Champions League for a second year running.

It looks as though a double signing could be on the cards for the reigning English and European champions, following a fresh transfer update that has emerged.

Man City want Liverpool target Khephren Thuram

According to TV Play [via Sport Witness], Manchester City are interested in signing Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram in the January transfer window.

Guardiola is keen on boosting his defensive and midfield options next month, with someone young seen as an ideal choice in the middle of the park – a box that Thuram ticks. Meanwhile, Club Brugge defender Tajon Buchanan is also a target, and the pair potentially cost around €60m (£51.4m) combined.

Thuram could be a wonderful signing by City if they manage to strike a deal in January, with the 22-year-old someone with so much long-term potential, both in terms of technical quality and physical ability.

Former Arsenal favourite Aaron Ramsey has spoken glowingly about him after playing with him at Nice, saying:

"Khephren is another talented player here. I think he's definitely got a big future ahead of him if he carries on the way he's going at the minute. He's very dangerous, very powerful, a very strong dribbler of the ball. Hopefully, he can keep progressing. He's another player that can go all the way to the top I feel."

Liverpool are also reportedly interested in signing Thuram, as even though they ended up missing out on him during the summer transfer window, the Reds are thought to be willing to pay £45m for his services in 2024.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane were on song as Al-Nassr thrashed Al-Wehda 6-0 in the Saudi Pro League.

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• Ronaldo netted 66th career hat-trick
• Mane scored and provided an assist
• Al-Nassr kept title hopes alive

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  TELL ME MORE

  Ronaldo and Mane were on fire as Al-Nassr registered an important win to keep their Saudi Pro League title hopes alive on Saturday. It took the Portuguese just five minutes to break the deadlock as he intercepted a poor clearance by Wehda goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi and found the back of the net. Seven minutes later he doubled his tally after converting a simple header from Marcelo Brozovic's header.

  Otavio then scored a third goal after receiving a brilliant pass from Mane. The Portuguese took a touch inside the box as he found himself one-on-one with Munir before lobbing the ball over the custodian to find the back of the net.

  At the stroke of half-time, the former Liverpool star got his name into the scoresheet. The winger received the ball from Ronaldo and exchanged a quick one-two with Otavio before pushing the ball into the net.

  Al-Nassr were in no mood to stop after thoroughly dominating the first as they further increased their tally in the 50th minute as their striker completed his hat-trick. The Portugal captain made a brilliant run after getting a through ball from Mane and then netted his 31st league goal of the current campaign and 41st overall.

  Mohamed Al-Fatil then scored the sixth goal of the night after Meshari Al-Nemer's initial attempt was blocked by Mohamedi.

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  THE MVP

  Ronaldo was once again the star performer for his side and was as clinical as ever in front of the goal. The 39-year-old was too hot to handle for the Al-Wehda players who completed the 66th hat-trick of his illustrious career.

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  THE BIG LOSER

  it was a night to forget for Morocco international Munir Mohamedi who conceded six times in 90 minutes and was at fault for the opening goal as his horrible clearance allowed Ronaldo to break the deadlock.

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• WHAT COMES NEXT?

  Luis Castro's side will be next seen in action on Thursday as they take on Al-Akhdoud in a vital Saudi Pro League clash.

Tottenham could sign an "untouchable" international centre-back for very affordable money as a report shares "open discussions".

Spurs prioritising new defender in January

Head coach Ange Postecoglou has been forced to deal with a wave of injury and suspension problems lately, especially at the heart of his defence. Micky van de Ven, who was starring for Spurs after his arrival from Wolfsburg in the summer, won't be available to play again until 2024 as a serious hamstring injury keeps him sidelined.

Juventus plot "special" £22m player sale to Spurs, it's not Iling-Junior

Spurs are eyeing yet another player from the Old Lady.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 14, 2023

Postecoglou's lack of faith in Eric Dier has also resulted in the Australian turning to makeshift option Ben Davies, who is now partnering Cristian Romero at the heart of Tottenham's defence. The latter recently returned from a three-game suspension, but as evidenced by his needless lunge during Tottenham's 4-1 win over Newcastle last weekend, Romero can often be walking on a tightrope.

Lack of cover behind van de Ven and Romero is a big problem which chairman Daniel Levy and sporting director Johan Lange quite simply need to address. Tottenham are prioritising a new centre-back signing as a result, according to reliable media sources, and there have been many names linked.

Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite is being chased by Spurs as an option, but he isn't the only one, with his teammate Ben Godfrey, Genoa star Radu Dragusin, Benfica starlet Morato and Sporting Lisbon international Goncalo Inacio among the other centre-backs linked with moves to Spurs

Another very viable name to be mentioned in recent months is Club America defender Sebastian Caceres. The Uruguay international has really impressed under former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa at international level, which has apparently prompted major interest from clubs in Europe.

Tottenham hold "open" agent talks for Caceres

One of those sides is Tottenham, as per widespread reports previously, and an update has now come to light courtesy of Tuttsport (via Sport Witness).

When relaying Serie A side Torino's interest in the 24-year-old, the outlet claims Spurs have "open discussions" with the agent of Caceres over joining Postecoglou's side.

Little else is mentioned beyond that, but if Spurs are serious about making a move, they may have to act fairly quickly. The report claims Napoli and Sevilla are also chasing Caceres, who is available for a bargain fee of around £6 million including bonuses.

That valuation is unquestionably great value for money, as highlighted by his growing reputation. Caceres has become a star for Uruguay in the last few months, with journalist Rodrigo Romano calling the South American an "untouchable" under Bielsa – as translated from Spanish.

As the legendary German manager bids farewell to Anfield, GOAL counts down the best buys of his nine-year tenure

Jurgen Klopp's time as Liverpool manager is almost at an end – and it's been one hell of a ride. The Reds were in utter disarray when he took over from Brendan Rodgers in October 2015, a once-great club in real danger of becoming an irrelevance. Klopp quickly set about arresting the decline before eventually putting Liverpool back on their perch, winning a first English title for three decades, in the summer of 2020 – just one year after leading the Merseysiders to their sixth European Cup.

His charisma, coaching skills and powers of motivation were all key but, in conjunction with Liverpool's transfer team, he also bought ridiculously well, making one smart signing after another.

Below, GOAL ranks Klopp's best buys during his nine-year tenure…

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  10Luis Diaz (January 2022, £47m)

  Liverpool intended to sign the Colombian in the summer of 2022, but Tottenham's move for Diaz during the January window forced the Reds into the market earlier than anticipated. It didn't take long for the fans to realise just why Klopp & Co. felt they couldn't afford to miss out on the Porto winger, either.

  Diaz hit the ground running at Anfield, playing a pivotal role in the quadruple bid as he rapidly went about establishing himself as the best dribbler at the club – and the team's best attacking option on the left flank. The heroic way in which he dealt with his father's kidnapping in 2023 only further endeared him to the club's supporters.

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  9Joel Matip (July 2016, free)

  The former Cameroon international may never have received universal acclaim in England, but he'll forever be a cult hero at Anfield, beloved for both his quirky personality and impressive performances in defence, most notably during the quadruple bid of 2021-22.

  Matip may have been cruelly plagued by injury, which almost inevitably brought a premature end to his time at Liverpool, but the Reds got eight seasons of service out of the free transfer from Schalke, who will always be fondly remembered for his assist in the 2019 Champions League final win over Tottenham.

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  8Diogo Jota (September 2020, £41m)

  Eyebrows were raised when Liverpool paid such a significant sum of money for a player that had scored just nine Premier League goals the season before. However, the Reds had done their homework on Jota, who wasn't just a forward of enormous potential, but also a perfect fit for Klopp's pressing football.

  Were it not for injuries, Jota would have an even better strike-rate for Liverpool, but he's already done enough to be considered one of the finest finishers to have ever played for the club.

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  7Gini Wijnaldum (July 2016, £23m)

  Liverpool took advantage of Newcastle United's relegation to snap up Netherlands international Wijnaldum, who proved his valuable versatility and incredible footballing intelligence by adapting to a deeper role at Anfield to become a key contributor to the team that conquered Europe – and then the world.

  Wijnaldum sealed legendary status for himself with his two-goal salvo in the miraculous Champions League win over Barcelona in 2019, but many supporters arguably only realised the true importance of Wijnaldum, whom Klopp described as "a manager's dream", as the Reds struggled to replace him after his departure on a free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.

Gary Lineker has proposed an idea to solve the issues surrounding VAR amid calls to remove it from football.

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• Lineker offers VAR solution
• Wolves submit official complaint
• Premier League clubs set to vote on removing VAR

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Lineker, 63, has suggested that video assistant referees (VAR) operate on an appeal-style system. Other sports such as basketball and cricket use a similar method, which aims to limit the amount of times each side can request the intervention of VAR.

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  WHAT LINEKER SAID

  Speaking on theRest is Football podcast, Lineker said: "The only way out of this mess, and I think they should keep offside and goal-line technology.

  "But I think you either scrap the rest of it or, more realistically, you take it to an appeal system.

  "You limit the amount of times that VAR can intervene. It can not intervene unless someone appeals.

  "It has to be the captain and they have got to tell you what they are appealing for.

  "It does not mean there is a goal and you have got to find some kind of foul somewhere.

  "They have to stipulate what the foul is, the captain does it, and if it is a foul then it is a foul, there is no bar.

  "It is the decision that the VAR and the referee come to. Maybe one appeal a half, but it stops VAR coming into every possible corner that comes in. It stops all those things.

  "You can have 20 seconds to do the appeal and it would add to the drama. You can get it on the screens and all that kind of stuff. It won't be where every single goal is looked at."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The discussion arrives as the Premier League now face a vote to scrap the use of VAR in the sport. All 20 member clubs will vote at the annual general meeting on June 6. The situation was triggered after Wolverhampton Wanderers submitted a resolution to the Premier League in midweek.

  According to the BBC, Liverpool – as well as three other clubs – are not in favour of scrapping the system.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR VAR?

  As previously noted, Premier League clubs will now vote on whether or not VAR will be removed from the top flight of English football next season. The league itself remains in support of VAR and will implement semi-automated offsides next season if it is not removed.

  Any rule change would need 14 of the 20 teams to vote in favour of removing it.

Chelsea picked up their first away victory since the start of November last weekend, as they beat Luton Town 3-2 in their final clash of 2023.

Mauricio Pochettino is still yet to find his best side, with numerous inconsistencies putting the Blues tenth in the Premier League.

However, he still wants to add to his squad in January, with a new left-back on the Argentine’s wish list.

Chelsea transfers latest – Valentin Barco

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea are keen to sign a left-back, with Valentin Barco on their list of targets.

However, they will have to battle Man City for his signature, with Pep Guardiola’s side the favourites to sign the Argentine.

Barco’s contract expires in December 2024, and he has a release clause of just £7.9m, which makes a move this January quite likely.

How Valentin Barco compares to Ben Chilwell

Barco has been one of the most talked-about youngsters in world football over the last six months, and according to Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, the Boca Juniors star is "one of South America’s biggest jewels."

With Ben Chilwell suffering from various injuries since joining the Blues and missing 17 games since September through his third hamstring injury in a year, Pochettino wants to acquire a reliable youngster who can provide the attacking threat of the ex-Leicester man and potentially replace him.

This is where Barco comes into the equation, and the table below compares the two left-sided players based on stats from the last year. As you can see, Barco is the definition of an attack-minded player who can do almost everything with the ball at his feet due to his immense technical ability.

The 19-year-old can progress the play through his excellent passing range and vision while also carrying the ball up the field courtesy of his progressive style. Furthermore, he is a direct dribbler who seems to be able to glide past opponents due to his slender 5 foot 7 frame.

That is very reminiscent of Chilwell, who loves to drive forward and support the attack. Another trait that is similar to that of the England star is that he is extremely versatile and can operate anywhere on the left, even in midfield, which we have seen Chilwell do before his injury.

Barco has played as a left-back, a left midfielder in a 4-4-2, and even a left-winger this season, which would allow Pochettino to be tactically flexible, playing Axel Disasi as a right centre-back and pushing Barco on in possession.

However, the only downside to his game, which is the same as the current Chelsea full-back, is that he doesn’t boast particularly great defensive statistics. This is going to be the case for someone of his age and build, but his attacking benefits certainly outweigh his slight defensive liabilities.

Overall, signing Barco for less than £10m has the potential to be one of the bargains of the last few years, never mind the season. Although he may not make an instant impact at Chelsea, he would be a signing for the future who can be relied upon when needed.

Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland were given the same message by Borussia Dortmund when leaving club – before going on to win the Champions League.

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• Bellingham and Madrid win Champions League
• Haaland given same message before City move
• Bellingham to star for England in Euros

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Dortmund manager, Edin Terzic, has explained how he had expressed his pride to both Bellingham and Haaland at having coached the superstars in Germany. Bellingham replicated Haaland's success in winning the Champions League at the first time of asking after leaving Dortmund and Terzic had nothing but praise for his former player.

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  WHAT TERZIC SAID

  Terzic said to : "When he left us I said the same thing I said to Erling Haaland – that I was proud to be their manager. It is his first Champions League win and it is a proud moment for him. I know what Mark, Denise and Jobe are doing to get this success in the family. Congratulations to Jude."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Haaland helped Manchester City to break their Champions League duck and beat Inter 1-0 in the 2023final. Bellingham, perhaps inspired by his former team-mate and friend's successful move, made the switch to the Bernabeu and has torn up record after record in Madrid. The Englishman ended the season as the club's top scorer in the league, and the Champions League triumph strengthens his claim to win the Ballon d'Or.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM?

  Bellingham will have little time to recover before he is thrown back into the limelight. The 20-year-old has been tipped to lead England to glory in this summer's European Championships and end a 58-year wait for a trophy for the men's side. Success at the tournament could propel him to being recognised as the best player in the world.

Leeds United have the opportunity to bolster their playing squad this month as the January transfer window officially opened for business last week.

It is not easy to get deals over the line at this time of the year as teams may not want to part ways with their top talent midway through a campaign.

This means that the Whites could find it difficult to improve their team immediately with permanent signings, which opens the door to the loan route.

Chief executive Angus Kinnear revealed back in October that the club had deliberately left two loan spots free ahead of the January window to do business this month.

EFL Championship done deals: Every January 2024 transfer

As the January transfer window closes, FFC has you covered for every in and out involving your club in the EFL Championship.

By
Luke Randall

Feb 1, 2024

Two has since become three as Leeds decided to exercise a break clause in Djed Spence's loan from Tottenham Hotspur, which sent the defender on his way back to the Premier League side.

Leeds could, in theory, bring in three more players on loan to add to the group and one star who could arrive in such a move is Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos.

Leeds transfer news – Andrey Santos

The Whites have recently been touted with a possible swoop to sign the Brazilian prospect on loan until the end of the season from the top-flight outfit.

Speaking on CaughtOffside's YouTube channel earlier this month, journalist Ben Jacobs claimed that Leeds could be in the race to land his signature before the end of the window.

The reporter stated that Premier League side Crystal Palace are also interested in a deal to land the former Vasco da Gama star this month.

Jacobs also named Ipswich Town, who are currently second in the Championship and ahead of Daniel Farke's men, as a team to watch out for in regard to Santos' immediate future.

The central midfielder looks set to be available after Chelsea decided to recall him from his loan with Nottingham Forest during the first half of the campaign.

Santos was one of 14 first-team signings for the Tricky Trees last summer and found game time difficult to come by in Steve Cooper's bloated squad.

The young talent played 12 minutes off the bench against Liverpool in October 2023 and that was his only Premier League appearance for Forest in his short time there.

His failure to establish himself as a regular in the top-flight suggests that a loan down to the Championship would be a logical next step for him in his development.

Playing week-in-week-out in the second tier could help Santos to push on and then be ready to make the step up to top level football next season.

Farke must now push for the club to secure a deal for the talented youngster, who showcased his potential in Brazil, as he could be a dream partner for Ethan Ampadu in the middle of the park as an alternative option to Glen Kamara for the German head coach.

Ethan Ampadu's season in numbers

The Whites splashed out an initial fee of £7m to sign the Wales international from Chelsea on a permanent deal last summer and he has been a terrific addition to the squad.

Farke has relied on the defensive midfielder week-in-week-out in the Championship as he has selected the impressive ace in every single match so far this season.

Ampadu has started all 26 of the club's league matches and averaged 90 minutes played per match, which illustrates how important he has been to the side.

The 23-year-old enforcer was not given a rest against Peterborough in the FA Cup and proved his worth to the team once again with two goals and one assist in a 3-0 win.

It has been the other side of his game, however, that has caught the eye this season. Ampadu has been a superb defensive screen in front of the back four for Farke.

As you can see in the table above, the former Chelsea starlet has been an above-average performer in the Championship in terms of the defensive actions he makes per 90.

His 1.5 interceptions per game in the league also tops the Leeds squad and this highlights how important the gem has been to the defensive structure with his ability to cut out opposition attacks on a regular basis.

The statistics that show why Leeds should sign Andrey Santos

Farke could now land a dream partner for Ampadu by striking a deal to sign Santos as the Chelsea youngster can provide combative performances alongside him whilst also being able to carry an attacking threat.

Glen Kamara has been an impressive performer in midfield for Leeds but has never scored more than three goals in a league season and is yet to get off the mark for the club.

Santos, who talent scout Jacek Kulig once hailed as a "pressing machine", has the potential to offer more at the top end of the pitch to provide the Whites with a boost in the final third.

The 19-year-old whiz produced two goals and one assist in five matches at the U20 World Cup for Brazil last year and caught the eye with eight goals and four 'big chances' created in 33 Serie B games for Vasco da Gama in 2022.

These statistics suggest that the teenage dynamo could chip in with goals, whilst also being able to create chances for his teammates, from a defensive or central midfield position, which is something Kamara and Ampadu – with zero league goals this term – do not offer.

As you can see from the table above, Santos, who was once described as "wonderful" by Kulig, also has defensive quality and could provide steel in the middle of the park to go along with his attacking prowess.

No Leeds player has made more than 2.4 tackles per match in the Championship this season, which suggests that the 5 foot 11 gem could be an outstanding performer at both ends of the pitch for Leeds if he can recapture that form from 2022.

He could, therefore, be a dream partner for Ampadu by being able to break forward from midfield to make an impact in attack whilst also having the defensive quality to sit in alongside the Welsh ace to shut out opposition teams.