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Former Premier League star Dean Windass is worried that Leeds United simply do not have enough pace in their defence.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have struggled at times this season and have yet to keep a clean sheet in the top-flight.

Already, they have been thumped 5-1 by Manchester United at Old Trafford, drawn 2-2 with Everton, and drawn 1-1 with both Burnley and Newcastle United.

Against United, Leeds fielded Liam Cooper and Pascal Struijk as they shipped five, while they switched to a back three against the Toffees, with Luke Ayling joining Cooper and Struijk in defence. Diego Llorente came in to play in the back three against Burnley, with Ayling pushed further forward.

They were unable to get a shutout after taking the advantage at St James’ Park on Friday with Windass believing that there isn’t enough speed in the backline, and he also believes that the club could continue to struggle throughout the campaign if they continue to play with the same kind of defenders.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Windass said: “I just think that you’re in the Premier League now and the two centre-halves for Leeds United, I’m not being disrespectful but the trouble is, if you don’t have pace at the back in the Premier League, you’re going to struggle.”

This Wolves team are yet to record a single point in the Premier League under Bruno Lage but importantly, they are playing well.

The football from an offensive point of view has been pleasing on the eye as the Old Gold look to forget about Nuno Santo and move on to a new era.

What’s the word?

Wolves haven’t been able to spend too much money in the ongoing window but there is hope that the cheque book is opened in the remaining days of the market.

They are targeting another central defender in the form of Sven Botman at Lille and Duje Caleta-Car at Marseille.

Yet, there is still hope that they’ll sign one or two forwards. Kieffer Moore of Cardiff City has been mooted with a switch but we think Lage should look at acquiring Lucas Ocampos.

The £36m-rated winger was linked with Wolves several months ago but there is now renewed interest in the Argentine from the Premier League.

According to reports in Spain (via Daily Star), Liverpool are now plotting a move for Ocampos.

Must sign

If Lage can finalise a deal for a central defender and then bring Ocampos to the club on top of that, it would end the summer with a bang and conclude their business perfectly.

Capable of playing on either side of an offensive line, the Argentina international has proven to be one of the most dangerous characters in La Liga over the last few years.

For Sevilla last season, the 27-year-old scored eight goals – more than anybody at Wolves – and also picked up four assists for his troubles.

Furthermore, he was dazzling in possession of the ball. Previously described as “electric” during his time in Argentina by Fede Prami, a journalist and River Plate fan, he completed two successful dribbles per match.

That would have ranked him third in the Wolves squad, only behind Adama Traore and Pedro Neto.

Vitally, Ocampos is also well-disciplined, especially defensively. He is in the 97th percentile among players in the same position across Europe’s top five leagues in the past year for aerial duels won.

The attacker is also in the 95th percentile for successful pressures which proves he has the energy and work rate to suit Lage’s system.

Although he’s worth a fairly sizable sum of money, Wolves need to lure him to Molineux, especially with the idea of Adama Traore leaving still lingering in the atmosphere.

AND in other news, Sky Sports reporter drops exciting Wolves transfer update, fans should be buzzing…

Over the last month or so, Everton have suffered at the hands of a very particular trend running through academy football.

That happens to be the Jadon Sancho effect; whereby a youth player sees regular first-team opportunities elsewhere and takes their chance by seeking a permanent move over a loan deal.

It has worked for many footballers over the last few years including a player that the Toffees were ultimately happy to get rid of – Thierry Small.

The left-back was arguably the hottest talent in the Everton youth set-up and is the youngest player to ever feature for the club at the age of 16 years and 167 days.

However, as pre-season resumed a few months ago, Small was nowhere to be seen. A new deal had been proposed by Everton and he was even given a first-team locker but he trained on his own at a separate location and didn’t even turn up to Finch Farm.

The youngster ripped up his contract and eventually headed to Southampton, another Premier League side renowned for their academy.

However, we could see a repeat scenario with Lewis Dobbin attracting widespread interest from elsewhere.

Before leaving Goodison Park behind, Small was wanted by the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United but ultimately settled on the south coast instead.

Dobbin, meanwhile, is now being courted by several Premier League and Bundesliga clubs according to reports.

Therefore, in order for Everton to avoid losing him, Rafa Benitez must demonstrate that there is a clear pathway towards senior football.

Dobbin featured for the first-team against Manchester United in pre-season but is yet to gather a taste of competitive action.

Little opportunities like those will keep Dobbin fresh and hungry to succeed, though, and judging by his record at youth level, he deserves more chances.

Described as an “exciting talent” by The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland, the teenager has found the net on 14 occasions 36 outings for the U18s.

Furthermore, the 18-year-old was on fire for the academy during pre-season. Dobbin was so good that he scored a jaw-dropping three hat-tricks.

Of course, that kind of form doesn’t always translate to first-team football but the striker has a very good chance of thriving at Goodison Park for years to come.

Benitez now just has to hope he avoids another Small incident when January rolls around.

AND in other news, Everton must now be reeling from Silva’s epic blunder over “unbelievable” £10m beast…

Leeds United and Huddersfield Town are ‘not a million miles apart in their valuation’ of Lewis O’Brien, according to journalist Graham Smyth.

The Lowdown: Leeds keen on O’Brien move

Marcelo Bielsa may still be looking to do some transfer business this summer, despite the new Premier League season getting underway this weekend.

One player with whom the Whites have been linked is Huddersfield midfielder O’Brien, who started 39 of his side’s 46 Championship games in 2020/21.

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The Latest: Smyth provides update

An update has now been provided by Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Smyth, who claims that Leeds remain interested in the 22-year-old.

While it is stated that ‘nothing is imminent’ currently, it is thought that positive talks are taking place between the two clubs over a move.

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The Verdict: Exciting long-term prospect

While O’Brien may not necessarily come straight in as a regular starter for Leeds, he could be considered both a reliable squad player and a long-term prospect, having been lauded as a ‘superb player’ by Noel Whelan.

The youngster averaged an impressive two tackles per game in the Championship last season, outlining the Kalvin Phillips-esque tenacity he possesses in the middle of the park.

O’Brien could afford the Leeds star more of a breather throughout the campaign and be a strong option in domestic cup competitions, if of course the Whites can go on to seal the deal.

In other news, a transfer update has emerged linking Leeds with a new signing this summer. Find out who it is here.

Angus Kinnear has dropped a major update on Marcelo Bielsa’s new contract at Leeds United, and it’s one that will have fans buzzing.

What’s the story?

Speaking on The Square Ball podcast, he said: “I think, bar the contract, we’re in great shape (heading into the 2021/22 season).

“It’ll be signed this week and announced to great excitement. It’s not even been discussed. The discussions are all around preparations, it really is a formality.

“We had a handshake probably six months ago and it really is just the details. Every day he’s talking to Victor (Orta), Andrea (Radrizzani) and myself but it’s all about preparations.”

Fans will be excited

With the Premier League season now inching ever closer to its beginning, the fact there hasn’t been any confirmation just yet about Bielsa putting pen to paper on a new deal at Elland Road might have raised some worry among fans.

The kind of affinity and love Leeds fans have for Bielsa is unquestionable, with the Argentine a firm favourite in Yorkshire for the way he has embraced the city and brought the Whites back to the big time of the Premier League.

Leeds enjoyed a superb first season back in the top-flight last term, finishing in the top ten and picking up some notable scalps along the way, not least a fantastic victory over Premier League champions Manchester City at the Etihad.

It’s exactly why Kinnear’s latest update that everything is virtually done and dusted, and a formal announcement is being readied, should have fans very much excited.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has dropped an update on Leeds’ chase for Adama Traore…

Lee Ryder has dropped some promising insight from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) consortium on the potential takeover of Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Arbitration adjourned

As per the official website of the St. James’ Park faithful, the arbitration hearing between them and the Premier League has now been adjourned until early 2022 due to issues with the disclosure of evidence.

The case was expected to take place this month, but now further delays have been implemented.

The Latest: Consortium insight

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Ryder, a North East journalist who has been following the whole takeover saga closely, has shared that Mike Ashley is ‘confident’ that the consortium will stay around long enough to see the results of the legal battle with the top flight.

He also shared that the consortium remain ‘undeterred’ by the news of the arbitration delay, and added that there is ‘no immediate rush’ to walk away.

The Verdict: Promising

It is certainly promising to hear that the consortium remain fully committed to the deal, despite yet another setback with the arbitration delay.

The fact that the proceedings are not set to take place until next year now is not ideal at all, given that the Tyneside club will have to go into yet another season with uncertainty, and the inability to really flex their financial muscles in the transfer market.

Nonetheless, with patience could come great reward, and the Magpies seemingly still have confidence that they can win arbitration and thus speed up the whole takeover process.

In other news, find out which Premier League ace dubbed ‘unbelievable’ by Callum Wilson NUFC are trying to sign here!

Tottenham Hotspur are the latest club to be linked to coveted Euro 2020 champion Manuel Locatelli in this transfer window…

What’s the word?

According to Calciomercato.it, Spurs have entered the race to sign the Sassuolo and Italy midfielder as talks with Juventus continue to rumble on without much success.

Arch-rivals Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in the 23-year-old.

It’s thought that Locatelli is currently available for just €40m (£34m), as per Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, even despite his success on the international stage this summer.

Imagine him and Hojbjerg

A move for a new midfielder may come as a surprise to some, but with the futures of Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko in doubt, new Spurs boss Nuno Santo should absolutely look to secure an upgrade in that position.

The Portuguese coach needs that perfect option alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and he could find a nice balance by signing Locatelli.

Valued at £31.5m by Transfermarkt, the 6 foot 1 enforcer played in five of seven matches as Italy went on to beat Harry Kane’s England side in the Euro 2020 final.

It was just desserts for the midfielder, who performed admirably throughout the 2020/21 domestic campaign – as per Transfermarkt, he delivered seven goal contributions in 34 appearances from the engine room.

Furthermore, Locatelli was graded as Sassuolo’s second-best player of the season, averaging a WhoScored rating of 7.08, which was higher than any of Nuno’s current midfield options.

Whilst Hojbjerg is a more defensively-minded midfielder, the 15-cap Italy international offers more going forward but that doesn’t hinder his defensive output whatsoever. He can work both boxes, which in turn could allow someone like Tanguy Ndombele to thrive further forward.

An average of 2.4 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, 1.2 shots and 1.1 key passes per game and a seasonal 88.3% passing accuracy, via WhoScored, would back that up greatly.

As a result, it’s no wonder he has been dubbed a “real dominator” in midfield and an “extremely talented” player.

If Nuno is to get the perfect balance in midfield this season, then Spurs chairman Daniel Levy must look to sanction a £34m move for Locatelli.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops major Spurs transfer update that is sure to leave fans buzzing…

As quoted in a football.london Q&A, Alasdair Gold has some news which ‘will probably upset’ Tottenham Hotspur fans.

The Lowdown: Spurs in Aouar mix…

Multiple reports from France have emerged over the last week detailing Tottenham’s interest in Lyon midfield star Houssem Aouar.

Le10 sport broke news that Spurs had joined the race for his signature alongside north London rivals Arsenal, with the player’s asking price thought to be no problem for chairman Daniel Levy.

This has been backed by Ligue 1 correspondent Julien Laurens on Twitter, but Gold now has some further news for supporters.

The Latest: Gold shares Aouar news…

As quoted in football.london, when asked about Tottenham and the Aouar situation, Gold shared his own update.

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The reporter explained that while it may ‘upset’ Spurs fans who want to see him in north London, there is apparently no ‘concrete’ link to the 23-year-old. He stated:

“I know this will probably upset people who have decided they want him but, at this current moment in time, there does not appear to be anything concrete in that link, just a player the club have looked at in recent seasons.

“As I’ve said before Tottenham are very much focusing on getting central defenders in through the door first and they’re working through that renowned Fabio Paratici method of negotiating for up to 10 players in that position before making the move on one or potentially in this case two of them.

“Whether they come back around for Aouar later in the window is another thing (and whether he will still be available), but he doesn’t sound like a priority right now with any funds being put towards Nuno Espirito Santo’s defence.”

The Verdict: Glimmer of hope?

While this update appears doom-mongering, Gold did not rule out Spurs coming in for Aouar at some point in this transfer window, but of course that all depends on his availability and the state of play at N17.

It is no surprise that Paratici is prioritising Spurs’ defence this summer, given that it has been a problem area for quite some time.

While the French playmaker comes at an enticing price, rumoured to be around €25m (£21.4m), Tottenham are still on a sell-to-buy mission and any available funds must be used accordingly.

In other news: Bid made – Paratici swoops with fresh offer to sign ‘absolute beast’ for Spurs, find out more here.

West Ham look set to sign Celtic attacker Armstrong Okoflex, according to the Glasgow Evening Times.

The Lowdown: Okoflex’s Celtic career

Okoflex, who can play anywhere across the front three, joined Celtic from Arsenal back in 2018.

However, the 19-year-old struggled to force his way into the Hoops’ senior squad and appeared to mock the club last year due to his lack of game time on Tik Tok.

His two senior Celtic appearances came last season after multiple members of Neil Lennon’s side were forced to isolate following Christopher Jullien’s positive result, leaving the Hoops with the bare bones.

It now seems as if the attacker is now set to leave Celtic Park for good.

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The Latest: Okoflex in London; Two-year deal

The Glasgow Evening Times shared the story on Wednesday afternoon, claiming the youngster was in London to finalise a move with the Hammers.

David Moyes is a big fan of Okoflex, who looks set to sign a contract with the Premier League side this month.

Mark Hendry was the reporter behind the Glasgow Evening Times’ story, and he added some more information on a proposed deal on Twitter.

“Okoflex looks like he’ll sign a two-year deal at West Ham, with a one-year extension option.”

The Verdict: Will it prove to be a big loss?

Okoflex never got the chance to impress with the Hoops at senior level in a full-strength squad. For whatever reason, it hasn’t worked out for the youngster up in Scotland, but Moyes clearly thinks there is potential with Okoflex, with the Hammers offering a two-year deal.

Over the next few years, we’ll see if the Hoops will regret not giving the youngster more of a chance at first-team level.

Should he go on and break into Moyes’ plans at the London Stadium, Celtic may well end up kicking themselves. Only time will tell.

In other news: Alan Nixon drops Ange Postecoglou transfer hint, find out more here.

Paddy Kenny has urged Glasgow Rangers to sell Alfredo Morelos this summer as speculation increases regarding his future at the club.

The Lowdown: Morelos linked with Porto

Already during this transfer window, Morelos has been heavily linked with a move to Porto whilst away on international duty with Colombia at the Copa America.

It has even been reported that he has already agreed terms with the Portuguese outfit (Antena1), but there has not yet been any official confirmation.

The Latest: Kenny urges Gers to sell

Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny has urged the club to sell the 25-year-old this summer. He said:

“If he’s pushing for a move, I can’t imagine Steven Gerrard would want something like that lingering over the club.

“They’ll want to get the squad settled, have a good pre-season and try and retain that title.

“You may as well cut your losses, get him sold and move on. Go and get someone who wants to be there, who’s gonna play well, score goals and help you towards that title.

“That way, you can go and organise your side for next season too.”

The Verdict: One more year

Morelos has always appeared to be using Rangers as a stepping stone, albeit while showing an immense pride and passion for the club on the pitch.

He previously said he wanted to play in a more competitive league (Goal.com), while he also more recently admitted he dreams of playing in the Premier League (Radio Caracol).

That being said, he has been a fantastic servant for the Gers, scoring 94 goals and providing 43 assists in 182 games for the club.

The carrot of Champions League football may be too much for him to ignore, though. Porto have also qualified for Europe’s premier club competition, of course, but Morelos has gone through a lot to put the 55-time Scottish champions in a position to do the same. He may well wait to find out whether the Gers reach the same stage and, if they do, he could wait until next year to depart.

In other news, Rangers are set to get a 40% discount on this 21-year-old.