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A number of Leeds United supporters have been reacting to a contract update involving defender Robin Koch.

The Lowdown: Talks underway

Koch has made himself a regular at centre-back during the current Premier League campaign, turning out on 25 occasions in the top-flight and playing every minute under new manager Javi Gracia.

The defender’s current contract at Elland Road runs until 2024, however, the player himself has admitted that talks are underway over a new deal in Yorkshire. As relayed by The YEP, Koch said:

“During the season, I want to distract myself as little as possible with planning for the future.

“The first talks between the club and my advisor are currently underway. Towards the end of the season and during the summer break, I will deal with that. Now my focus is 100 per cent on our games and goals.”

The Latest: Fans react

YEP reporter Joe Donnohue shared the contract news regarding Koch on Twitter. His post received plenty of interaction, with a number of supporters hoping to see an agreement when it comes to new terms with Koch.

“We need to get this done.” – @ralph98bownas

“He is one of our better players. If we can keep hold of him after 2 relegation battles, that’s massive.” – @SamLocker1

“Been playing well this season. Wasn’t convinced but shows what staying fit and a run of games can do” – @WorsnopD

“I can totally get him not signing until safety is assured. Also his form has been a lot more solid since Wöber came into the side. Hopefully they can form a strong (Prem) base for next season.” – @aclr1972

“I hope he does. He’s been imperious this season.” – @whiterosedave

“Hes had a great season and if we stay up we should re-sign him. Defensively we have been much better this season….shame about the other end.” – @Jeffers0846

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

Koch has made more appearances this season than his previous two thanks to remaining injury free and has seemingly caught the eye as a result.

Newcastle United are thought to be showing an interest in the 26-year-old, so securing him to a new long-term deal would be good news. It may put the Magpies off moving for the defender, or at worst, would keep his valuation at its maximum, meaning that Leeds could receive an eye-catching fee if they were to sell.

Hopefully, a new deal can be signed over the coming months and Koch can help the club remain in the Premier League, although he is ‘convinced’ the Whites won’t drop down to the Championship despite their current position.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Diogo Jota ahead of the summer transfer window…

What’s the latest on Diogo Jota to Newcastle?

According to journalist Jacque Talbot on FootballTransfers, the Magpies are eyeing up the versatile Liverpool attacker for a potential deal at the end of the season.

The report claims that the Portuguese international is one of the players on the club’s list of targets as Dan Ashworth and Eddie Howe plot moves to improve the squad.

It is stated that the forward is valued at around £60m by the Reds but that Jurgen Klopp’s side are not keen on selling him to a direct rival, which could make it a difficult deal for the club to complete.

Who could replace Allan Saint-Maximin at Newcastle?

Jota could come in as an upgrade on Magpies forward Allan Saint-Maximin and replace the Frenchman in the side on the left of the front three.

The Liverpool dynamo’s primary position is as a left winger, despite playing 84 matches as a striker, and the quality he has displayed in the Premier League since being promoted with Wolves in 2018 suggests that the gem would offer far more at the top end of the pitch than the current Toon attacker.

Since stepping up to the English top-flight, the 26-year-old, who Alex Batt hailed as a “serious baller”, has plundered 40 goals and 14 assists in 130 matches in the division – one contribution per 2.3 games – for Wolves and the Reds combined.

Saint-Maximin, meanwhile, has scored 12 goals and provided 17 assists in 102 outings in the league for Newcastle – a contribution every 3.5 outings.

Over the last 365 days, the “clinical” – as dubbed by journalist Callum Vurley – Jota ranks in the top 7% of players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues and European competitions for assists, expected Assisted Goals, and non-penalty xG + xAG per 90.

This essentially means that the gem has been one of the best players on the continent at providing high-quality chances to his teammates and putting himself in excellent positions to take high-quality shots.

Saint-Maximin, however, ranks in the bottom 45% in xAG and non-penalty xG + xAG per 90, whilst ranking in the top 22% for assists per 90 over the last 365 days.

This means that Jota would be a significant upgrade on the Frenchman in what he offers at the top end of the pitch as the Liverpool gem is able to consistently put himself and his teammates in great positions to score, whilst the Newcastle man’s xG – both his own and the xG he creates for others – is below average for players in his position.

Therefore, Ashworth could improve Howe’s squad by replacing Saint-Maximin in the starting XI with the forward and that is why the Magpies chief must convince the Reds to part ways with the Portuguese marksman this summer.

Liverpool midfielder Thiago has no intention of leaving the club despite a recent rumour suggesting otherwise, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Thiago linked with Reds exit

The Spaniard is currently sidelined through injury for the Reds, as has frustratingly been the case too often down the years, but that hasn’t kept him out of the headlines.

Thiago has been linked with a move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce in recent days, with Jurgen Klopp potentially planning a major midfield overhaul in the summer transfer window.

The 31-year-old is out of contract at the end of next season and a key update regarding his future has now emerged.

The Latest: Romano drops key update

Taking to Twitter, Romano claimed that Thiago will be going nowhere, with no truth in the reports of a move to Fenerbahce:

“To answer many questions: there are no chances, no contacts and nothing true into the links between Thiago Alcantara and Fenerbahçe, despite links in Turkey.

“Thiago Alcantara is only focused on the Liverpool project.”

The Verdict: Still an important player

At 31, Thiago’s very best days are now arguably behind him, especially as injuries continue to take an edge off his game and slow him down more.

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That being said, the 46-cap Spain international remains an important player for Liverpool, averaging more tackles per game (2.9) than any Reds individual in the Premier League this season.

Thiago shouldn’t necessarily be a guaranteed starter moving forward, given his age, but he should certainly be kept on this summer, given his ability to dictate matches and bite into challenges.

He has still been one of Liverpool’s better players in a disastrous season to date – presenter Jim Whites has called him a ‘Rolls Royce’ footballer – and his eventual return from injury could be vital in the top-four push.

Newcastle United are just over 24 hours away from what will arguably be the club’s biggest game for years, with the Magpies making their return to Wembley for the first time since 1999 to take on Manchester United in the Carabao Cup showpiece.

The overwhelming excitement and anticipation ahead of tomorrow’s clash has been somewhat tempered, however, following the loss of goalkeeping colossus Nick Pope to suspension at the weekend, with the England international having inexplicably handled the ball outside of his penalty area during Sunday’s loss to Liverpool.

That moment of madness and misfortune – which culminated in an early bath for the 30-year-old – has provided manager Eddie Howe with an unwanted headache for the impending final, with understudy Martin Dubravka, who spent the first half of the season on loan at Old Trafford, also cup-tied for the meeting with the Red Devils.

As the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope pointed out, the Newcastle boss will likely be ruing his decision to allow Karl Darlow to join Hull City on deadline day, with the 45-year-old said to have been ‘not entirely comfortable’ about signing off on that temporary switch.

That goalkeeping crisis has ensured that ex-Liverpool man Loris Karius is in line to make his first appearance for the club following his free transfer arrival at the start of the season, with the only other senior option that of Mark Gillespie – who has not played for almost three years.

Karius himself, however, has also not featured since lining up for Union Berlin back in February 2021, while the German’s last outing for an English club came in that disastrous, error-strewn display in the Champions League final for the Reds back in 2018.

Having to call upon two men who may well be somewhat rusty is far from an ideal scenario for Howe, hence the potential for the Englishman to make a bold decision and look to his academy ranks to find a possible solution.

Who should start in place of Pope?

One such youngster who may be keen to throw his hat into the ring is 19-year-old starlet, Jude Smith, with the promising Scotsman having caught the eye since his move from East Fife back in August.

The one-time Celtic academy asset received notable plaudits earlier this season as a result of his bright start to life on Tyneside, having been on the receiving end of glowing praise from U21s boss, Elliot Dickman, who stated:

“From day one, when he entered the building he’s been really good. There’s been lots of stuff in training where we’re thinking wow, we’ve got some good potential here.

“The games he’s played in, the first was Norwich away he was thrown in the deep end to an extent, and even in that game he kept the score down. The other games he’s played, he’s done terrific.

“He’s come in and hit the ground running, but there’s still lots for him to learn. He hasn’t been here long in terms of how we want to play and what we want to do, and I think he’s getting there which is a credit to him and all of the staff who are around him.”

That impact has seen the Coatbridge-born stopper make 11 appearances for the Magpies’ U21 side to date – keeping two clean sheets – having started all three EFL Trophy outings earlier this season, making 12 saves and recording a solid average match rating of 7.2, as per Sofascore.

Unlike both Karius and Gillespie, the teenager has had a more recent taste of competitive action against senior opposition due to his run in that competition, as well as having made 28 appearances at first-team level for his former employers last season.

While it would prove something of a left-field choice to turn to young Smith for such a momentous occasion, the other more senior alternatives have hardly done much to warrant an inclusion themselves, hence the need for Howe to potentially take a gamble with his selection tomorrow.

Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah is wanted by Paris Saint-Germain ahead of a potential summer move, according to a recent transfer report.

The Lowdown: Salah having a tough season

The Egyptian has been one of the Reds’ greatest players of the Premier League era, scoring 175 goals in 289 appearances in total for the club, but this season has been a struggle for him.

While he has still bagged a total of 19 goals in all competitions, his performances have often lacked a spark, and he is part of an out-of-sorts Liverpool team, while his last eight top-flight matches have yielded just one goal.

The 30-year-old only signed a new long-term deal at Anfield last summer, keeping him there until 2025, but there is a possibility that he could depart Merseyside before then.

The Latest: PSG eyeing move for Salah

According to Football Insider, PSG are interested in a move for Salah this summer as they look to bring in a new attacking superstar.

It is claimed that there are doubts over the future of world-renowned trio Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, and the Liverpool icon is seen as a potential option to bring in at the Parc des Princes.

Earlier this month, Football Insider claimed that FSG could be willing to cash in on Salah, who could reap a vast transfer fee for the Merseyside club, and discussions have taken place internally over a potential big-name sale at Anfield.

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The Verdict: Would be a huge loss to Liverpool

While Salah’s performances this season have not been at the level that we have seen before, he remains absolutely priceless for Liverpool, with his goal tally in 2022/23 still quite impressive.

At 30, some may argue that his very best days are behind him, but he is a physical machine and there is no reason why he can’t play at the top level well into his 30s, having previously been described as ‘world class’ by Jurgen Klopp.

[freshpress-quiz id=“419074″]

The £350,000-a-week earner is someone around whom the manager needs to keep building his attack at Liverpool, and losing their top scorer this summer would be a massive blow for the Reds.

The team’s struggles have perhaps been a contributor to his own dip in form, and there is no reason why he couldn’t return to his elite standards further down the line at Anfield.

Leeds United have now named former Watford head coach Javi Gracia as their next manager, with the 52-year-old taking over from Jesse Marsch at Elland Road.

It’s believed that the Spaniard has agreed to a ‘flexible’ contract that is initially until the end of the current campaign, tasked with the sole objective of keeping the west Yorkshire giants in the Premier League, according to The Guardian.

Having achieved a similar feat with the Hornets in the past, there is some logic behind the, perhaps controversial, appointment, for the time being.

At Vicarage Road, Gracia largely utilised a 4-4-2 formation to great effect and that’s something that he could look to replicate at the Whites, with them in dire need of scoring more chances and being more rigid defensively.

As a primarily pressing-based system, the current squad should be used to the energy and relentlessness of such demands but not everyone will be able to fit into this scheme.

At full-back, the Spaniard likes his players to get forward to provide width, which means the two wide midfielders are given a little more license to drift inside and roam freely.

This means there is no natural no.10, something that both Marsch and interim boss Michael Skulbala had utilised this season. It also means that summer signing Brenden Aaronson is in even greater danger of becoming a forgotten man already.

His form since his £25m arrival from RB Salzburg has somewhat fallen off a cliff.

Initially, the signs were promising as the USMNT international scored against Chelsea in his third-ever Premier League outing and then two games later, provided an assist to snatch a point against Everton.

Since those first five outings, though, the 22-year-old dynamo has suffered, registering only the one goal contribution in the subsequent 17 games, most of which being starts, via Transfermarkt.

One game against West Ham United, in which the attacking midfielder drew a 5.9 rating on Sofascore, saw him lambasted as “sloppy” by Sky Sports News pundit Jay Boothroyd [4th January, 20:51], whilst another 5.9 display, this time against Aston Villa, had Joe Donnohue highlighting his struggles.

Given the fact that the £45k-per-week is primarily a no.10, combined with his poor form this term, he could very much be in grave danger with Gracia now through the door at Thorp Arch.

AND in other news, Orta could finally replace Raphinha in Leeds summer swoop for £16m-rated “phenomenon”…

Liverpool should start Curtis Jones in the Merseyside Derby if Thiago is injured, according to Ian Doyle.

The Lowdown: Merseyside Derby

Jurgen Klopp could be set for one of the biggest Merseyside Derbies of his Liverpool tenure with the Reds sat in tenth following Chelsea’s 1-1 draw against West Ham United, offering the chance to leapfrog them.

Whilst at the other end of the table Sean Dyche will be looking to turn up the heat on the German with a win seeing Everton climb out of the relegation zone after the new boss beat Premier League leaders Arsenal in his first game in charge.

A livewire atmosphere is expected on Monday night with this derby proving key in both sides’ seasons as they both struggle to reach the expectations this campaign that the fans demand.

The Latest: Doyle’s comments

Speaking on Blood Red, Doyle suggested that the Reds could deploy a wildcard option in midfield who has proved in the past he can handle the fixture, should Thiago be absent after Klopp admitted he’d been unable to train, Doyle said:

(33:24) “You’ve got someone like Curtis Jones, who loves playing in this game, he’s got a winner in the past.”

“I think the time has come given how the midfield has not been functioning properly, if Thiago’s not fit, I said it the other week that he should be playing, he’s left footed, he has to be on the left hand side.”

“Anything’s going to be better than what’s been going on recently, so the legs and a bit of you know, with Curtis Jones, he’s obviously a local lad, he’ll be quite keen to make an impression.”

The Verdict: Jones to start?

Liverpool’s midfield has been a troubling position this season for Klopp and Thiago’s absence as their brightest spark in the engine room, with him averaging the third highest rating at the club (via WhoScored), is a real worry.

Jones’ lack of minutes throughout the entirety of the campaign is a huge concern for the 22-year-old who has found his career at Anfield stagnating, with him appearing just eight times in the league and Champions League so far, only two of them starts.

It could prove a risk bringing a player who’s featured just 15 minutes in the league since the World Cup into the engine room after Everton’s incredible showing against Arsenal, which saw all five midfielders break into the top seven for distance covered in a single match (via Sky Sports), showing how energetic Dyche is making his Toffees side.

This could be a worry on the unlikely fully fit Jones despite having positive memories over the fixture after scoring a show-stopping FA Cup winner against Everton back in 2020.

Alasdair Gold has shared a transfer update on Tottenham Hotspur’s interest in Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni.

The Lowdown: Spurs linked with Bastoni…

Spurs have been linked with a move to sign the 23-year-old in previous months, with reports dating as far back as last summer.

Antonio Conte is apparently a fan of Bastoni and potentially sees the defender as someone who could seriously upgrade Tottenham’s central defensive options.

The Nerazzurri ace’s contract is slowly winding down, too, with Bastoni now entering the final 17 months of his deal at the San Siro.

The Latest: Gold shares Bastoni to Spurs update…

Speaking in a football.london Q&A, reliable transfer reporter Gold claims that Bastoni is among Spurs’ top summer transfer targets as they eye a move for him.

However, much will depend on his contract situation, especially since the player’s price could drop a ‘fair bit’ if Bastoni doesn’t renew terms with Inter.

Gold explained: “Much depends on these new contract talks and whether Bastoni signs on at Inter again. Spurs have retained their interest in the Italy international and he is still among their top summer targets. Of course, with just a year left on his contract at that point, his price tag also drops a fair bit.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Bastoni would be an undoubted asset at Tottenham, so Conte and Spurs supporters will surely be hoping that these new contract talks with Inter eventually lead nowhere.

As per WhoScored, the centre-back ranks among Inter’s top four players in terms of tackles won, interceptions made, successful clearances and blocks attempted per game.

The Italian would bring both youth and dynamism to the Spurs backline as a signing of real longevity for future seasons – even beyond Conte’s reign at the club.

Bastoni has already been heralded as a defensive ‘genius’ for his exploits in Serie A, with Transfermarkt valuing him at around £49m. As he approaches the final year of his Inter deal, this value could drop significantly, leaving little wonder as to why Spurs are keeping close tabs.

Newcastle United have made an enquiry for Bayer Leverkusen star Moussa Diaby with the Magpies keen to invest heavily this summer.

What’s the story?

That’s according to the Telegraph, who claim that Newcastle boss Eddie Howe wants to add a wide forward to his squad this summer with the northeast club making enquiries over a deal for the 22-year-old winger.

Diaby is now a senior French international and helped Leverkusen qualify for the Champions League this season with the German outfit finishing third in the Bundesliga.

The Frenchman still has three years left on his current deal at the BayArena and is therefore expected to cost in excess of £40m if a deal is to be struck this window.

Newcastle must sign Diaby

With Allan Saint-Maximin a firm fan-favourite whilst being one of Newcastle’s best players, having Diaby on the opposite flank alongside his fellow countryman would be a mouthwatering concept for the Toon Army.

Having spent three seasons in Leverkusen after joining from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019, this campaign has been Diaby’s best to date.

Described as “clever” by teammate Kerem Demirbay,  the 22-year-old finished the season with 17 goals and 14 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions, an improvement on last term’s ten goals and 15 assists in 43 appearances.

There is plenty of interest surrounding the Frenchman, who now has five caps for his country, with the wide man one of Europe’s hottest prospects on the flank.

Newcastle are expected to be busy this summer with the upcoming transfer window the first summer window under the ownership of PIF who have already demonstrated how deep their pockets really are.

The captures of Bruno Guimares and Kieran Trippier in January laid down a marker for what is to be expected from the Magpies over the coming seasons as they look to build a monstrous proposition.

Had it not been for a woeful start to the season under Steve Bruce, Howe’s side could’ve genuinely been in with a shout of securing a place in Europe with Newcastle finishing 11th, despite not winning their first league game of the campaign until December.

With Diaby alone, the Toon Army would massively upgrade their attack with the 22-year-old surely set for plenty of speculation this summer with numerous suitors keen.

AND in other news, Howe can ruthlessly axe £63k-p/w deadwood as PIF plot “insane” £40m Newcastle signing…

Leeds United remain interested in Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino, according to a report from David Lynch, writing for Anfield Watch. 

The lowdown: Long-standing admiration

Leeds were heavily linked with a move for Minamino during the January transfer window and even had approaches turned down, while there was also interest elsewhere from French Ligue 1 club AS Monaco.

Since then, the Japan international has remained a bit-part player on Merseyside despite scoring in the midweek Premier League victory over Southampton.

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Now, perhaps unsurprisingly, Whites’ boss Jesse Marsch could be weighing up a possible reunion at Elland Road with the versatile ace whom he selected on 22 occasions during their time together at Red Bull Salzburg.

The latest: Marsch loves him

As per the report from Anfield Watch, Leeds were indeed ‘among the clubs’ that attempted to make a deal happen in January.

It’s claimed that Liverpool will demand a fee in the region of £17million for Minamino and the former Southampton loanee is still ‘attracting interest’ from Yorkshire and Inter Milan.

The report also states that should Leeds avoid relegation this weekend then Marsch will ‘renew their attempts’ to land the 39-cap ace who is said to be ‘receptive’ to the possibility of making the switch.

Marsch is a huge fan of the player, having gushed over his abilities when Liverpool first signed him.

The verdict: Go all out

Despite a lack of regular opportunities since joining Liverpool, Minamino continues to prove his quality when called upon, scoring ten goals and providing one assist in just 24 appearances across all competitions this season.

In truth, the inability to break into Jurgen Klopp’s first team has been through no fault of the gifted Japanese attacker and was instead caused by a lengthy settling in period as the pandemic struck followed by the arrival of instant superstar signings Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz.

Dsecribed as being a ‘very clever’ operator by Marsch following his transfer to the Premier League, Minamino’s ability to play in both wide and central positions would make him a huge addition to the Leeds squad and Director of Football Victor Orta should desperately be attempting to make this deal come to fruition.

In other news: Orta now finally set to accept defeat as Leeds plot exit for Bielsa ‘mistake’ – opinion.