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[ad_pod ]Leeds could be handed a big fitness boost in the next couple of weeks, as Phil Hay has delivered an update on the condition of Jack Clarke.Leeds have had horrific luck with injuries this season, made even worse by the fact that Marcelo Bielsa’s squad was relatively thin to begin with.Clarke became the latest man on the injury list at Middlesbrough, as the youngster was stretchered from the Leeds sideline during the 1-1 draw at the Riverside.Clarke was taken to hospital for tests, and it is now understood that he was suffering from a virus.According to The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Phil Hay, the teenager will do indoor gym work this week and return to outdoor training next week, though not yet with the first team.

A boost before the Baggies

While Clarke still has plenty of recovery time in front of him, the fact that he is looking to shake it off and return as quickly as possible is fantastic news for Bielsa.

Kemar Roofe is out with a knee injury and Pablo Hernandez will turn 34 in April and has played a lot of games this season, so depth is absolutely crucial as the Whites look to keep pace with the teams around them.

Clarke’s ability to beat a defender and whip in a dangerous cross is matched by very few wingers in the Championship, and while next Tuesday’s clash against QPR may come too soon, he is surely eyeing the hugely important fixtue at the start of next month.

Leeds welcome West Brom to Elland Road on March 1 in a match that could ultimately decide who goes up automatically and who endures the play-off gauntlet, and Clarke’s potential return will be giving the Baggies’ full-backs nightmares.

Leeds United missed out on Ben Godfrey as a teenager amid comments that the centre-back was snubbed by the club following a trial…

What’s the story?

After being released by Middlesbrough as a youngster, Godfrey would then go on trial at Elland Road, Barnsley and Sheffield Wednesday, with none of them leading to a contract, thus leaving the defender contemplating his future in the game.

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He said: “It felt a little bit like the dream was over. For them to say no was a massive confidence-breaker, really. It looked like the end of the journey.

“The moment that stands out massively is after that Leeds United trial. The coach told me they were not going to offer me anything but to go and prove him wrong. That stuck with me. I was desperate then. I could not wait to go and prove them wrong.”

Godfrey’s rise to the top

Daniel Farke, Godfrey’s former boss at Norwich, once tipped him to reach the very highest level, declaring: “Whoever signs Ben Godfrey can be unbelievably happy. It is no coincidence he is captain of the England Under-21s. This club has had some decent players in the past so to be rated the biggest transfer fee for a figure that is on the world level says everything about his potential.

“I am pretty sure he will play for best clubs in the world one day and he has the potential to captain England. That is what I wish for him. He is one of the best centre backs in the world in terms of potential.”

While Godfrey hasn’t exactly emerged as a real cornerstone of England’s defence, he has picked up a couple of caps for the Three Lions and earned himself a high-profile move from Norwich to Everton just a couple of years ago while Carlo Ancelotti was the manager on Merseyside.

Indeed, the 24-year-old’s potential and ability was on clear display just this past weekend, when the Toffees ran out 1-0 winners against Manchester United at Goodison Park. Godfrey was instrumental at the back, making a whopping game-high 13 clearances (more than double that of the man in second), and he wasn’t once dribbled past either.

Described as an “absolute baller” by Everton’s official Twitter channel, the £25m-rated Godfrey has certainly carved out a fine career for himself since that rejection from Leeds a number of years ago.

The 6 foot ace has proved not only the Whites wrong, but all those other clubs who snubbed him too.

AND in other news – Signed for £5m, now worth 700% more: Orta struck dream Leeds deal with “quality” 22-year-old

Transfer insider Dean Jones suspects that Chris Wood will only be a ‘rotation’ player for Newcastle United next season.

The Lowdown: Striker wanted

The St. James’ Park faithful have been linked with moves for a number of high-profile strikers in the summer, suggesting that Wood could be knocked down the pecking order.

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Even though he is injured at the moment, Callum Wilson still remains their top scorer this season with six goals in total over all competitions, and so if a top striker were to be brought in, it is likely that he would then become second choice under Eddie Howe, with Wood third.

The Latest: ‘Rotation’ player

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, Jones says that while Wood will not leave if another striker is brought in, he would then become more of a ‘rotation’ player:

“Let’s see how he finishes the season. But at the moment, he will stay at the club, but he’ll be more part of the rotation.”

The Verdict: Good plan B

Wood could still offer himself as a good plan B option for Howe, should another striker be brought to the North East.

If they need to go a bit more direct, the New Zealand international is the perfect option off of the bench, as he wins a mammoth 8.1 of his aerial duels per game in the Premier League, by far the most out of any of his teammates.

Nonetheless, having three quality options up top will only help Howe when he picks his squads.

In other news, find out who NUFC’s three worst performers were against Wolves here!

Wolverhampton Wanderers are looking to sign Mexican forward Hirving Lozano from Napoli this summer.

What’s the story?

That’s according to Napoli Today, who claim that Wolves have been ‘following’ the 26-year-old for some time.

The winger joined the Italian club from PSV Eindhoven for a reported £36m in the summer of 2019 and hasn’t really lived up to the price tag with 25 goals and 12 assists in 110 appearances for the Serie A outfit.

However, Lozano could be reunited with current-Wolves striker and Mexico teammate Raul Jimenez at club level, with the latter making his desire to play alongside the forward, nicknamed ‘Chucky’, in Bruno Lage’s side.

Imagine him & Jimenez

Despite still being able to qualify for European football next season with Wolves sat in eighth, Lage’s men have struggled in the final third this term.

Only Brighton, Burnley, Watford and Norwich have scored fewer than the West Midlands outfit’s 33 Premier League goals this term in 32 matches.

Therefore, adding reinforcements to the attack would certainly be shrewd going into the new season as relying on the defence to be as colossal as it has been this campaign next is unsustainable.

Granted, the 26-year-old’s spell at Napoli has been incredibly inconsistent with his first season seeing the Mexican score five goals in 39 matches before a much-improved 15 in 43 matches last term before scoring just five all season this term.

However, having linked up with Jimenez on numerous occasions for the national team, Wolves could reap the rewards of reuniting the Mexico internationals at club level.

The £31.5m-rated 30-year-old has also endured a mixed season this term, scoring just six goals upon a miraculous return from a skull fracture.

Lozano has been subject to praise from his coach Luciano Spalleti, who called the winger “unique”, as well as midfield legend and Barcelona manager Xavi, who said he’s a footballer who is “capable of making a difference.”

There is certainly a risk by signing the 26-year-old, however, with the Mexican at a great age to still improve whilst also having plenty of experience and Wolves needing extra quality in the final third, it would certainly be a gamble worth making.

AND in other news: Forget Raul: Wolves must sign “special” 139-goal star who has the “mindset of a lion”

Everton are still at risk of being relegated down to the Championship at the end of their current Premier League campaign.

Despite their unfortunate position in the league table, it seems as though a potential clue has been dropped over one deal the Toffees could look to get done at Finch Farm during the upcoming summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist and transfer insider Pete O’Rourke had this to say about the possibility of Everton offering midfielder Fabian Delph a new contract in the summer when his current deal expires.

He said: “Potentially, it could maybe have Everton have a rethink on what they’re going to do with Fabian Delph.

“I think before that game, many people would have expected Delph to leave on a free transfer when his contract is up, but he came in from the cold against Manchester United and performed really well in that midfield role.

“For Everton right now, he’s obviously out of contract. He’s not getting any younger either, so, it’s going to be hard for him to turn things around and get a new deal at Goodison Park.”

Fans would be furious

Since arriving at the Merseyside club back in the 2019 summer transfer window, the Englishman has made just 37 appearances for the Toffees across all competitions and is yet to score a goal or provide an assist.

Having picked up a significant number of injuries since moving to Goodison Park, Delph hasn’t been the most reliable of figures in Everton’s squad over the past few years.

However, as O’Rourke mentioned, the 32-year-old did put in a solid shift against Manchester United in the 1-0 win between the two sides earlier this month.

Despite this, the midfielder has failed to impose himself as a solid option for the Toffees in the Premier League this season, with WhoScored giving him a rather uninspiring overall performance rating of just 6.46.

With that in mind and the fact that Delph didn’t exactly hit it off with the Everton supporters when he got involved in a social media spat with one of them back in the early months of his time as a Toffees player, it presumably wouldn’t please a lot of those fans to see him get given a new deal.

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

Liverpool are reportedly confident that Mohamed Salah will sign a new deal at the club, with Luis Diaz’s arrival not affecting the situation whatsoever.

The Lowdown: Salah’s deal expiring soon

The 29-year-old has arguably stood out as the world’s best player this season, scoring 23 goals and registering nine assists for the Reds in all competitions.

Worryingly, Salah’s current deal expires in the summer of 2023, and talks regarding a new-and-improved contract at Anfield are still yet to show any real signs of progress, at least from the outside looking in.

Of course, if an agreement cannot be found, it will surely cross FSG’s mind that they are better off cashing in this summer than losing him for free in 15 months time, but a fresh update suggests that Liverpool fans’ worries could be eased soon.

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The Latest: New update emerges

According to Football Insider, a Liverpool source believes a new deal may soon be agreed for Salah, revealing the Reds are ‘confident’ and acting as an enormous boost for anyone associated with the club.

It is stated that talks could ramp up once the forward returns from Africa Cup of Nations duty, with Egypt taking on Sadio Mane’s Senegal in the final on Sunday.

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The Verdict: Simply has to be extend

The idea of Salah moving on, either this summer or when his contract runs out, simply doesn’t bear thinking about, given his vast influence at Liverpool.

He is already undoubtedly one of the all-time great Reds players – his record of 148 goals in 229 appearances is astonishing. He has been hailed as ‘extraordinary’ by former Arsenal striker Ian Wright, and his incredible fitness levels suggest he will remain a top player well into his thirties.

Liverpool’s owners divide opinion amongst the fanbase but failing to sort a new contract for Salah would be inexcusable, potentially even defining their entire reign at the club.

In other news, Liverpool and Manchester City are reportedly tracking the same player. Find out who it is here.

According to a report from the Daily Star, West Ham and by extension club owners GSB are plotting a move for Everton centre-back Michael Keane in the summer transfer window. 

The lowdown: Difficult season

The 29-year-old has endured a turbulent spell at Goodison Park following a then record-equalling £30million switch from Burnley in 2017 (BBC).

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Having amassed 181 appearances for the Merseyside club and earning England recognition in the process, Keane has struggled for any semblance of form this term as Everton battles against relegation from the Premier League.

Despite the issues, Irons’ boss David Moyes could be about to turn to Keane to bolster the defensive department at the London Stadium…

The latest: Daily Star makes claim…

As per the report from the Daily Star, the Hammers and GSB ‘will make a summer swoop’ for the 12-cap England man should Everton be relegated out of the top flight – plotting a bid behind-the-scenes.

It’s claimed that West Ham will ‘make an attempt’ to bring Keane to east London as Moyes looks to strengthen the centre-back ranks with Angelo Ogbonna sidelined through a serious knee injury.

Furthermore, the report states that the Scot is a ‘big admirer’ of the man once tipped to become a ‘top player’ by Rio Ferdinand having worked together at Manchester United.

The verdict: Another career rekindled?

Moyes has developed a penchant for revitalising stalling careers in east London, with the resurgence of Jesse Lingard during a loan spell with the Irons the most poignant example.

Whilst Keane has continued to feature for Everton, making 33 appearances across all competitions this term, a lowly 6.90 average Sofascore rating from 27 league games underlines the problems the Englishman has faced.

Under contract until 2025 (Transfermarkt), he would cost around £20 million, signing Keane wouldn’t be an inexpensive move for the Hammers and perhaps transfer chief Rob Newman would be best served to find an alternative option.

In other news: Agreement reached: ExWHUemployee also has some promising player news for West Ham supporters! Find out more here.

Leeds United pair Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha could both stay put at Elland Road this summer, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Phillips and Raphinha on the move?

There has been plenty of speculation regarding the future of both Phillips and Raphinha in recent weeks, with the duo arguably the most important players at the club.

With Leeds floundering towards the bottom of the Premier League, it could be that both eye up moves elsewhere, in order to continue their career trajectories.

Raphinha has been strongly linked to Bayern Munich in the past and more recently Barcelona, while Phillips is reportedly a target for Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa.

That being said, a key update has now emerged that could excite Whites supporters.

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The Latest: Jones makes big claim

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones said that there is a feeling that Phillips and Raphinha could both remain at Leeds beyond the summer, especially the former:

“Around Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips, obviously all the talk has been about where are they going to end up? But the latest update is that, at this point, there is a possibility that they will stay, particularly Kalvin Phillips.”

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The Verdict: Too good to be true?

The thought of the Leeds favourites both staying put is almost too good to be true, with the Whites’ Premier League status surely vital to that.

Should Jesse Marsch’s side be relegated, it is so difficult to imagine Phillips and even more so Raphinha being willing to play in the Championship, even though they have shown loyalty to this point.

Phillips staying is certainly easier to envisage, given he is a boyhood fan, but Raphinha could feel it is time for a step up and look to join a Champions League-playing team. If they don’t leave, however, their legends will only be further enhanced at Elland Road.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly keen on signing one player – find out who it is here.

While Raphinha leaving Leeds United this summer ‘isn’t a formality’, his future is now causing ‘real concern’ at the club, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Raphinha’s future unknown

The Brazilian has starred for the Whites during a difficult season in the Premier League, chipping in with nine goals and three assists in the competition, drawing praise as ‘wonderful’ from Match of the Day pundit Danny Murphy.

There has been constant speculation regarding his Leeds future in recent months, however, with a host of clubs linked with signing him this summer.

A fresh claim has now emerged, as the situation continues to look cloudy as we move closer and closer to the transfer window.

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The Latest: O’Rourke drops key claim

Speaking to Transfer Tavern, O’Rourke claimed that while Raphinha’s exit isn’t definite, he ‘won’t stick around’ for a team fighting relegation, an ominous message for Leeds supporters:

“I wouldn’t say it’s a formality, it’s a real concern for Leeds. Obviously Raphinha won’t want to be sticking around in a team that’s fighting for survival.”

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The Verdict: Still hard to predict

This is a transfer saga that could still be alive come May, with Leeds’ Premier League status potentially playing a key role in Raphinha’s final decision.

If they stay up, he may feel that one more year at Elland Road makes sense, whereas relegation to the Championship would surely be the final nail in the coffin.

The lure of moving to a huge club such as Liverpool or Barcelona could be too good to say no to, however, and it would be hard for Leeds fans to resent the decision too much if he decides to enjoy a new challenge.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly keen on signing one player. Find out who it is here.

Everton are set to hold onto star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin for the remainder of the season at least with the Toffees planning to reject any potential offers that come their way for the striker in the January transfer window.

What’s the story?

According to The Daily Star, Everton will block a potential exit for the Englishman before Monday’s deadline with Premier League rivals Arsenal keen on the 24-year-old.

The Toffees are set to appoint former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard as their new manager following the sacking of Rafa Benitez almost two weeks ago and the 43-year-old is keen to hold onto his star striker, for the remainder of this window at least.

Mikel Arteta is still in the hunt for a new striker after the Gunners missed out on signing former Fiorentina man Dusan Vlahovic who instead joined the Italian outfit’s Serie A rivals Juventus.

It has also been suggested that the Arsenal manager was confident of sealing a deal for Calvert-Lewin amid the chaos at Goodison Park surrounding the managerial situation. However, the striker looks set to stay.

Fans will be delighted

Before taking a single training session, let alone taking charge of a match, Lampard has already made a major scalp to kick off his tenure on the blue side of Merseyside with a bang.

Calvert-Lewin is undoubtedly one of Everton’s most valuable possessions and the Toffees will be very keen to hold onto their star striker, at least for the remainder of the season, with their position in the Premier League an uncomfortable one.

Currently sat in 16th, the Toffees are dangerously close to the relegation zone with just four points separating them from 18th place Newcastle United. They do, however, have two games in hand on the Magpies.

The Englishman will prove vital if Lampard is to steer the Toffees clear of any relegation concerns with his goal scoring record a major asset.

Although he is yet to score in his three games since returning from a three-month layoff caused by a toe injury, the 24-year-old is still the club’s best goalscorer.

Calvert-Lewin netted in each of Everton’s three opening league games before his injury and also ended last campaign with 21 goals in all competitions.

At 24, the Englishman will only get better and, once he rediscovers his form, Everton will have a major weapon in their arsenal once again.

Meanwhile, Patrick Boyland has dropped another Everton transfer update…