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Manchester City fans want to sign Denis Zakaria after they were linked with a move for the central midfielder.

The Citizens have made a strong start to the new campaign as they sit third in the Premier League table, just two points behind leaders Chelsea (Sky Sports). They have cruised through their Champions League group stage games so far and are still in the League Cup (mancity.com).

All of this has been done with only one recognised striker in Gabriel Jesus but, instead of adding a new forward to his squad, it seems Pep Guardiola is interested in strengthening the midfield with Zakaria

Calciomercato say the Citizens are ready to challenge Jose Mourinho’s Roma for the £24.3m-valued Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder (Transfermarkt), who will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Zakaria news below

“He’s literally free and he’s be a back up Rodri he won’t play that many games. This is a steal”

Credit: @trevsenpai

“I would love this move”

Credit: @ManCitizen06

“Good”

Credit: @MosesOnduso5

“Yasss”

Credit: @pipkvn

“Think he would be a good signing tbh . Perfect Rodri backup”

Credit: @TwoPhonesJones3

“Gr8 backup to Rodri and would be free. Makes perfect sense”

Credit: @King_Kevin100

In other news, Man City fans are far from happy with this managerial news.

Leeds United’s poor start to the Premier League season continued as they held Wolverhampton Wanderers to a 1-1 draw at Elland Road.

Hwang Hee-chan scored the opening goal in the game, before a last-minute penalty from Rodrigo secured a point for the home side. Marcelo Bielsa’s Whites are now three points above the drop zone, in 17th, and only five points ahead of bottom club Norwich.

Whilst it was a frustrating afternoon for Leeds as a whole, one player in particular who let Bielsa down was Jack Harrison.

The winger endured an abysmal first half after starting the game and was hauled off at the interval by the Argentine head coach, who was clearly unimpressed by the 24-year-old’s performance. He was dreadful at all aspects of the game as he struggled to showcase the quality Leeds fans know he can produce.

Harrison produced eight goals and eight assists in the top flight last season, proving that he has the ability to be a threat at this level. However, those statistics are a far cry from his display against Wolves on Saturday as he put in a worrying performance.

Defensively, he was a lightweight. As per SofaScore, he lost all seven of his duels before being substituted. The winger also failed to make a single tackle, interception, clearance or block as he was dribbled past once. This shows that he was weak in his individual battles and unable to defend well enough to win the ball back for the Whites whenever Wolves were in possession.

He also offered very little on the ball. As per SofaScore, he had a dribble success rate of 0% as he failed with both of his attempts. Harrison was also unsuccessful with his one cross and only completed 67% of his passes, creating one chance in the first half. This shows that, whenever he did get the ball, he did not have the quality to make the most of his openings, despite showing last season that he has it in his locker.

Therefore, he let Bielsa down with this performance as the Argentine knows that Harrison is capable of far better than what he showed against Wolves. The 24-year-old must now get his head down in training and work hard to improve ahead of the trip to face Norwich in the Premier League next Sunday.

In other news: Leeds could sign a huge Dan James upgrade in “exceptional” £22.5m-rated trickster

Leeds United youngster Jack Jenkins has extended his stay with the Whites, signing a new deal that will keep him at Elland Road until 2024.

The Lowdown: Jenkins excites at Leeds

Kalvin Phillips may be Leeds’ undisputed main man in midfield for the first team, but Jenkins has similarly caught the eye for Under-23s.

The 19-year-old has made 24 appearances for the Whites’ youth team in total, including 22 in Premier League 2, registering five assists along the way.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359346″]

The Latest: Youngster rewarded with new deal

On Monday, Leeds’ official Twitter account confirmed that Jenkins had penned a new deal that will see him remain at the club until at least 2024.

The midfielder joins Whites duo Charlie Cresswell and Liam McCarron in agreeing new contracts.

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The Verdict: One for the future

It is important that Leeds build towards the future and Jenkins is someone who could become a key figure if his form at youth level translates to the senior game, highlighting the importance of tying him down.

Granted, he won’t necessarily be a first-team regular for a while – it may even be after Marcelo Bielsa eventually moves on – but long-term planning is essential.

Jenkins has one first-team appearance to his name, coming against Crawley Town in the FA Cup last season, and the hope is that it is the first of many.

In other news, Graham Smyth was disappointed with one Leeds player against West Ham. Find out who it is here.

Tottenham Hotspur Managing Director of Football Fabio Paratici has praised the make-up of the squad and says the spirit has changed in the Spurs camp.

The Lowdown: Paratici happy with start

Spurs sit top of the Premier League table after three wins from three, including an opening day victory over Manchester City.

Following the arrival of Nuno Espirito Santo in June, the north London side brought in five players over the course of the summer whilst also keeping hold of Harry Kane.

Pierluigi Gollini and Cristian Romero both joined on season-long loans from Atalanta, whilst Bryan Gil, Pape Sarr and Emerson Royal all arrived at the club as the shape of the squad has changed.

The Latest: Training spirit has helped

Speaking in a special Q&A on the official Tottenham Hotspur website, Paratici discussed improvements he has seen on the training ground:

“It’s not just one player, I think the style and the spirit that this squad showed every game, every team, the spirit is to fight together, to speak to each other, to help together to be a unit to arrive to the target.

“This is my feeling when I look at the games and look at training. It’s changed, the spirit.”

The Verdict: Positive moves by Spurs

After a couple of disappointing seasons under Jose Mourinho and caretaker Ryan Mason, the future does look bright at the club as they look to end their 13-year wait for a trophy.

Nuno looks to have stamped his authority onto the playing staff at N17 with his style of play, and could win his second trophy as manager if he can continue this impressive form.

The key figure in the squad will of course always be Kane for as long as he stays fit and firing – he contributed to 37 goals last season. Perhaps then, this refreshed mood on the training ground can help the talisman bed back in immediately after a rocky summer transfer window.

Arsenal are now on the verge of completing a deadline day signing…

What’s the word?

According to renowned Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners have agreed on a deal to sign versatile Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu.

“Takehiro Tomiyasu to Arsenal, agreement reached and here we go! Personal terms agreed and Bologna will receive €20m plus €3m add ons,” he tweeted.

“Medical during the afternoon and then official announcement. Here-we-go.”

Here we go!

Heading into the final day of the summer transfer window, it was widely believed that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was seeking the addition of a new right-back, even despite the multitude of options at his disposal.

However, the long-serving Hector Bellerin appears to be on the way out, whilst Ainsley Maitland-Niles has been left upset after his move to Everton fell through. That would have left just Calum Chambers and Cedric Soares for that one spot and given their defensive issues so far this season, that’s a worrying prospect.

Tomiyasu is a hugely exciting signing and one that could solve this problem, especially as he can play both right-back and in the middle. And we know that the Spaniard likes to sometimes go to a back-three, so this move makes a ton of sense.

The £18m-rated Japan international featured at the Tokyo Olympics this summer and has previously been described as a “true warrior” by fellow Bologna defender Mitchell Dijks.

Last season, the Bolgona star averaged 1.5 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 2.9 aerial battles won per league game, via WhoScored, which shows he’s quite the physical threat.

By comparison, Cedric, who has started two of the Gunners’ three Premier League fixtures has only managed 0.5 interceptions per game and is yet to win an aerial battle, per WhoScored.

It’s clear that Arsenal will be getting a signing in a much-needed position and that should give a small glimmer of hope to the Emirates Stadium faithful heading into the international break.

The Gunners would also be beating arch-rivals Spurs to his signature, so that should give them something extra to shout about, too.

AND in other news, Arteta suffers gutting Arsenal transfer blow as Edu heads for another ghastly mistake…

Declan Rice has been named in the England squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Hungary, Andorra and Poland [West Ham United FC Official].

Of course, the 22-year-old midfielder is fresh from a summer of epic proportion with the Three Lions, after playing a key part in their run to the EURO 2020 final against Italy, where they agonisingly lost on penalties [BBC].

Within this tournament run, Rice made 28 ball recoveries and ten tackles, cultivating his reputation as one of the best young midfielders in Europe [UEFA EURO 2020].

Now, he looks set to make an impact on the international stage again after being selected in Gareth Southgate’s latest squad, where he could potentially make his 25th England appearance [West Ham United FC Official].

In light of this news, no wonder loads of West Ham United diehards took to social media to congratulate their player on his latest feat.

West Ham United FC fans react:

Replying to the West Ham United official Twitter account, here is what some fans had to say about the call-up, with one supporter hailing the youngster as a ‘machine’.

“England’s best player in my book”

Credit: @coyioscar

“So happy for him. He was a machine in the Euro final. Until he got took off…”

Credit: @East02End

“Well of course he has! NICE ONE DECLAN”

Credit: @_samhowell

“Never in doubt”

Credit: @HammerStu76

“Warra player”

Credit: @WestHam_egg

“Deserved”

Credit: @JerryBuzzKill

In other news, West Ham United fans react to their EFL Cup draw. Find out who they got here.

Manchester United have reportedly ended their interest in Eduardo Camavinga, Saul Niguez and Ruben Neves, with Paul Pogba now set to remain at the club, but it could be another midfielder who has the biggest impact at Old Trafford in the years to come.

What’s the story?

According to the Daily Mail, French giants Paris Saint-Germain can no longer afford to sign Pogba this summer following their shock move for six-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.

However, the report claims that the highly-rated 28-year-old is expected to depart United as a free agent for the second time in 12 months’ time, meaning current understudy Donny van de Beek should have an ideal opportunity to shine.

The Netherlands international arrived in Manchester for £40 million prior to the 2020/21 campaign following two standout seasons with boyhood club Ajax, yet he struggled to settle on English shores, limiting him to just four Premier League starts.

Now though, United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must place his faith in the technically gifted maestro, potentially saving the club millions when it comes to finding Pogba’s successor.

Fans would love to see him flourish

After scoring 41 goals and providing 34 assists in 175 games for Ajax, as well as winning a domestic double in 2018/19 as they reached the Champions League semi-finals, Van de Beek arrived at Old Trafford with high expectations.

Nevertheless, the new environment and physical, fast-paced nature of the Premier League often looked a bit too much for the midfielder to take in last term, although he did show his true potential on occasions.

One such time was against Istanbul Basaksehir while on European duty, and his impressive showing drew praise from former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves.

“I thought Van de Beek was close to perfect. He is so unselfish, he can just fit in and play the right balls everywhere,” said the BT Sports pundit.

The technically gifted midfielder has embarked on physical transformation over the summer months after injury meant he had to pull out of Hollands Euro 2020 squad, improving his strength, balance and agility.

“He’s put on a bit of muscle,” Solskjaer said of the Van de Beek “He’d had last season to learn about English football, and he’s used the summer well.

“You never know how players from abroad come in. Some players need a year. You see Fred’s development, but there are other players that just come in and take to it straight away. It depends.”

And now it’s time for Solsjaer to reward Van de Beek’s dedication with a string of regular starts, allowing him to showcase his true, top-class quality on a consistent basis.

With Marcus Rashford sidelined until October through injury and Jesse Lingard unavailable after testing positive for Covid, Pogba could take up residency on the left-wing for the first few weeks of the new campaign, allowing the Dutchman a chance to prove that he can be the World Cup-winning star’s natural heir.

Every club’s fans love a comeback story, but no side is more associated with them than United, and the fanbase would surely love to witness Van de Beek begin his this season.

And, in other news…Journalist drops intriguing Man Utd transfer update, fans will be delighted

West Ham could find another Michail Antonio if David Moyes reignites interest in one of his striker targets this summer…

What’s the word?

Back in March, 90min listed the Irons among the teams monitoring Hatayspor striker Aaron Boupendza ahead of a potential move, and now they have learned how much it’ll cost to prise the 24-year-old away.

According to honorary president Lutfu Savas to Turkish outlet Sabah, they will only let the versatile Gabonese frontman leave for €8m (£6.8m).

The Hammers are likely to face competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal, where Boupendza’s fellow countryman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is captain, Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City and Southampton, to name just a few.

Shades of Antonio?

Moyes has had Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham atop his shortlist for most of the summer but any move for him seems to be dead in the water after ExWHUemployee revealed that he had no intention of joining the East London outfit.

It leaves the 58-year-old in a sticky situation as he’s heading into the new season with only one senior striker in Antonio, so something needs to happen soon.

Perhaps he should look to reignite his interest in Boupendza, especially as there are plenty of similarities to be had with the 31-year-old forward.

The 16-cap Gabon international found the net a whopping 22 times during the 2020/21 campaign, which was the most in the Turkish top-flight.

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He did so playing both centrally and out on the wing, In fact, 24 of his 38 appearances came on the left flank, whilst he was deployed through the middle on eight occasions.

Before the intervention of Moyes, Antonio began life as a right winger but has emerged as a prolific marksman ever since that transformation. Last season, he finished the campaign as the Hammers’ top scorer on ten goals.

Boupendza has similar abilities, having been described as a very strong dribbler and finisher by WhoScored, which is backed up by his average of 3.1 shots and 2.6 dribbles per league outing last season.

Furthermore, the 24-year-old gem has been lauded as a “very good footballer” and a “goal machine” by Hatayspor president Nihat Tazearslan.

The 5 foot 11 dynamo has even been likened to Kylian Mbappe and considering his nickname is the “panther”, it suggests that he has explosive speed which could devastate defences in the Premier League.

Evidently, Boupendza has an eye for goal and he could well be worth a chance for just £6.8m, especially considering Moyes’ coaching – something we’ve seen first-hand with Antonio.

GSB should look to get him in following the recent Abraham setback.

AND in other news, Moyes risks repeating fatal Pellegrini mistake if West Ham sign £120k-p/w “passenger”…

The Transfer Tavern’s EFL spy reckons that Dwight Gayle could score the goals that were missing for Fulham last season.

Whilst former manager Scott Parker showed the Cottagers up defensively, they managed just 27 goals in the Premier League last season, with only rock-bottom Sheffield United scoring fewer.

Talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic failed to hit the heights of the previous campaign, scoring just three in the league, whilst top goalscorer Bobby Decordova-Reid ended with just five.

And if Fulham are to achieve promotion at the first time of asking once again, they’re going to need someone to step up to the plate and fire them back into the big time.

That someone could be Dwight Gayle, who only signed fresh terms with Newcastle earlier this month, but the Northern Echo believe that was to protect his value.

Gayle scored just once in the Premier League last season, but is proven at Championship level, netting 23 times in each of his previous two campaigns at this level, to go with the 13 he managed at Peterborough prior to signing for Crystal Palace – a total of 59.

The EFL insider exclusively told The Transfer Tavern:

“I’m expecting some big hitters with the money that Fulham have available. I am expecting a big push and a lot of the players will come from abroad and will probably be full internationals.

“Dwight Gayle of Newcastle has scored goals in the Championship and the Premier League, and could give Fulham something they missed last season being an out and out goalscorer.”

A number of Liverpool supporters are unhappy after Neil Jones’ claim that Naby Keita could sign a new Reds contract this summer.

The Guinean has endured a hugely frustrating Liverpool career to date, having arrived with such big expectations on his shoulders in 2018.

While Keita has still produced good performances at times, playing a part in the Reds’ success, there is no denying that he has been underwhelming overall.

[freshpress-quiz id=“359326”]

Incredibly, Keita has still only made 76 appearances for Liverpool, with injury problems and patchy form both holding him back too often.

Despite this, Jones has claimed on The Kopite Podcast [via Anfield Edition] that he thinks the 26-year-old “will sign a new contract at Liverpool”, extending his stay at Anfield in the process.

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Liverpool fans unhappy at Keita claim

It isn’t a rumour that has gone down too well with these Reds fans on Twitter, however, with some questioning whether or not it makes sense, and one supporter going so far as to call the news ‘awful’ and ‘rewarding failure’.

“No contract for Hendo or Gini tho”

Credit: @calthegingerone

“You’ve got to be kidding me”

Credit: @starboyTAA

“So you’re telling me the likes of Jordan Henderson wouldn’t get his contract extended and were ready to give the most unfit player in our squad a new deal???”

Credit: @oilookitsian

“Hate this club”

Credit: @Tripeirooo

“If we give Keita a new contract but not Hendo we’re not serious”

Credit: @Declancarr96

“Just liquidate the club what an awful organization let’s reward failure”

Credit: @lfcbradd

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting negatively to a rumour regarding one player. Find out who it is here.