Chelsea have not been afraid to splash the cash under Todd Boehly as they have flexed their financial muscle with signings all across the pitch to bolster the squad. The Blues spent £115m on Moises Caicedo last summer and splashed out £52m on Christopher Nkunku, £38.8m on Axel Disasi and £32m on Nicolas Jackson, among others, for Mauricio Pochettino.

Ligue 1 has been a popular hunting ground for Boehly as the likes of Disasi, Benoit Badiashile, Lesley Ugochukwu, and Malo Gusto have all come in from the French top-flight over the past 18 months or so. The Blues owner is now pursuing a deal to sign another defensive-minded player from France this month to improve Pochettino's options at the back.

Chelsea's pursuit of a new centre-back

Chelsea have already signed Disasi and Badisahile from Ligue 1 to bolster their array of centre-backs but they are now looking at a third arrival from Ligue 1 in that position. According to Telefoot, the Blues are keen on a swoop to sign Nice colossus Jean-Clair Todibo and Boehly is battling it out with Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Italian giants Napoli to land his signature.

The report claims that discussions have already been held between the club and the player's representatives ahead of a possible switch to Stamford Bridge. However, the two sides they are in competition with have also gone down that route to test the water.

Unfortunately for Chelsea, Napoli, and Spurs, Nice are rejecting any advances this month and a winter transfer is very unlikely. All three clubs will need to wait until the end of the season before they can strike an agreement to land his signature.

Nice-Matin, as relayed by GFFN, recently reported that the Ligue 1 club value the former Barcelona giant at €60m (£51m), which provides an insight into how much he could cost in the summer.

Todibo's impressive performances for Nice

The 24-year-old, who was hailed as "underrated" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, ace has caught the eye with his impressive displays at the heart of the Nice defence this season. He has showcased his quality as an out-and-out defender whilst also being able to make an impact with his progressive play in possession.

Appearances

14

Sofascore rating

7.21

Tackles per game

1.9

Interceptions per game

1.3

Ball recoveries per game

7.9

As you can see from the table above, Todibo can win the ball back for his frequently throughout matches in the French top-flight by cutting out opposition attacks with his ability to make tackles, interceptions, and recoveries.

The France international has also been a fantastic outlet for his side on the ball. He currently ranks within the top 16% of Ligue 1 centre-backs for progressive passes per 90 (4.84) and the top 4% for shot-creating actions per 90 (1.47).

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This shows that he has been well above the average when it comes to progressing the ball up the pitch to build up attacks that result in shots at the opposition's goal. It now remains to be seen whether or not Chelsea will be able to bring his defensive and offensive qualities to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season amid competition from Spurs and Napoli.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras venceu a equipe do Presidente Médici, do Maranhão, pelo placar de 8 a 0, no Allianz Parque e passou para as oitavas de finais da Copa do Brasil Sub-20. Os gols foram marcados por Newton (3x), Marino (2x), Pedro Acácio, Davi e Vitinho. A goleada marcou o placar mais elástico do novo estádio palmeirense desde sua inauguração.

Realizando a estreia oficial da temporada 2021, a equipe entrou em campo repleta de caras novas. Newton e Davi debutaram com a camisa alviverde, enquanto Leonardo Zabala, zagueiro da seleção profissional da Bolívia, realizou seu primeiro jogo oficial desde janeiro de 2020, quando atuou pela Copa Santiago Sub-18.

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Tentando se impor diante de um adversário mais fraco, o Palmeiras teve dificuldades na finalização de jogadas no inicio do jogo. Apesar de estar no campo ofensivo, a equipe criava, mas não concluía bem. Pedro Acácio, duas vezes, e Newton perderam ótimas chances.

No entanto, aos 44 minutos, brilhou a estrela do camisa 9 Newton. O panamenho de 1.91m de altura fez boa jogada individual e abriu o marcador. Dois minutos mais tarde, Davi ampliou e aos 49, Newton, novamente, apareceu para dar números finais na primeira etapa.

Já no segundo tempo, com a vitória bem encaminhada, a equipe do Verdão continuou soberana na partida e sacramentou o placar. Com menos erros em comparação o primeiro tempo, Marino (duas vezes), Newton, Pedro Acácio e Vitinho fecharam a conta. 8 a 0.

Nascido no Panamá e primeiro jogador da América Central a atuar com a camisa do Palmeiras, Newton Williams chegou ao clube para testes na Academia de Futebol II, em novembro. Centroavante de bom porte físico e finalização, o jovem surpreendeu a diretoria e assinou em definitivo para a temporada 2021. Antes do Palmeiras, ele atuava no FK Spartaks Jumala, da Letônia.

continua após a publicidade

Com a vitória, a equipe espera agora a definição do jogo entre Real Ariquemes-RO e Náutico para descobrir seu adversário nas oitavas de final da competição. O duelo está marcado para acontecer na terça-feira (16), às 16h30, com mando da equipe rondoniense.

With nine days to go in the January transfer window, Burnley have made one signing so far, with David Datro Fofana arriving on loan from Chelsea. Fofana could make his debut when Vincent Kompany's side return to action away to Manchester City on 31 January, but the manager will hope to have another new face in the door by then too.

The Clarets are under pressure to make the most of the window and give themselves a chance of mounting a fully-fledged survival push in the second half of the season. They currently sit down in 19th in the Premier League table, five points from safety.

While the club have vowed to remain sensible and avoid overspending in case of relegation, they were also expected to be active this month and adopted an open-minded approach, ready to strengthen any position where the right upgrade is available. And it seems they may have found one at centre-back.

Burnley "working on" deal for Esteve

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Burnley are trying to sign Maxime Esteve from Montpellier. The club are now actively "working on a deal" for the defender, who's one of the "main options" on their list.

Romano also mentions that Esteve has now entered the final 18 months of his contract, and the hope at Turf Moor will be that this puts Montpellier under pressure to sell for a favourable price.

Esteve could give Burnley what they need on and off the pitch

Esteve, who's still only 21, made his Ligue 1 debut for Montpellier in the first game of the 2021/22 season, and went on to start 20 more that year. It would have been more had he not been unavailable with a muscle injury from late November to late February.

He would make the line-up for the majority of his team's matches last year too (18), and while he was out of the team at the start of the current campaign, he managed to find a way back in and is now enjoying a run of five straight starts. He's already made 60 appearances for the club overall, and he earned his debut for the France under-21 side in September too.

Montpellier may be 12th in Ligue 1, but they're only two points above the relegation play-off spot in an 18-team league, having only amassed 18 points so far. This means that Esteve knows what it's like to play for a struggling side where he has a lot to do, and that will be important for Burnley in the coming months. He ranked fourth among all under-21 players in Europe's top five leagues last season for interceptions per 90, and as of January 17, he was fourth in the same age group for clearances per 90.

A "special" player in the words of under-23 talent scout Antonio Mango, he'll also hold his teammates to account. After his side lost to a 10-man Strasbourg in February 2023, he demanded that the squad "pull their fingers out", and Kompany may feel this attitude will be an asset in the dressing room.

Big picture

When Bangladesh and Sri Lanka get to the ground on Tuesday, they will have one eye on the 22 yards, and the other on the skies.Last weekend, Bristol was the venue of the only washout of the World Cup so far, which has meant that Sri Lanka haven’t played a game for six days. But that washout against Pakistan has ensured they are, against most calculations, in the top half of the points table despite being thumped by New Zealand and doing just about enough to beat Afghanistan.But there are problems aplenty in their camp. Arguably their fastest bowler, and Man-of-the-Match from the Afghanistan game, Nuwan Pradeep, is unavailable due to a hand injury, and their batsmen have the poorest numbers among all the teams. On average since the start of 2017, they lose half their batsmen by the 30th over and are likely to be bowled out every 1.80 ODIs. In the World Cup, their middle order (Nos. 4-7) has scored just nine runs in two matches, with Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews having horror starts. Their only bright spots have been Kusal Perera’s dogged batting performances and a seam attack that looks like it can trouble batsmen when the conditions help a bit.For Bangladesh, it’s about turning their campaign around after a promising start that has hit a roadblock following two defeats. But there were lessons in those losses. Their spin-focused attack has been expensive and unpenetrative, with some even calling it “regressive”. In English conditions, it would make sense to tweak their strategy against a big-hitting team. But against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh may be tempted to give that strategy one last shot.There’s not much praise for their pacers either. They average a wicket every 90 balls in the first 30 overs, and it’s only some zippy death-bowling from Mohammad Saifuddin that gave New Zealand a hiccup and stopped England from making an even bigger total. The real differentiator between the two sides is Bangladesh’s superior batting form, and if the opportunity presents itself, bat-first-put-pressure would be their best approach against Sri Lanka.There could be a major spanner in the works for Bangladesh, however, with their allrounder and talisman Shakib Al Hasan suffering a quadriceps injury during their last game against England in Cardiff, in which he scored a century.Shakib missed training in Bristol on Monday, although he did come to the ground and was seen around the nets. “He batted against England with the strain, so we took him for a precautionary scan on his way back to the hotel,” Rabeed Imam, Bangladesh’s media manager, said.Shakib has been Bangladesh’s best batsman in the World Cup so far, scoring two fifties apart from the century against England. Liton Das and Sabbir Rahman are the batsmen in reserve.

Form guide

Bangladesh LLWWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
Sri Lanka WLWLL

In the spotlight

Mohammad Saifuddin is only 22, but in his 15-ODI career, an economy of 7.1 in the last ten overs has meant that he has delivered more balls between overs 41-50 than even Mustafizur Rahman in this World Cup. He can tail in the older ball, and against a batting line-up that is still trying to find form, a bowler they have never faced could be tricky for Sri Lanka. If the spinners can’t find purchase, Saifuddin could be a good partnership-breaking option in the middle period as well.Alex Carey looks on as Kusal Mendis prepares to drive•Getty Images

Kusal Mendis has not played a single shot in control at the World Cup. He’s faced three deliveries for his two dismissals. Since 2018, he’s averaged 21.50 and has not been able to provide the stability that Sri Lanka have desperately needed in both their matches. With Milinda Siriwardana available for selection, the Bangladesh game could be Mendis’ final chance of keeping his spot in the XI.

Team news

Bowling allrounder Jeevan Mendis is the likeliest replacement for the injured Pradeep, which means Sri Lanka could field the same XI as the one in their ten-wicket loss against New Zealand. It increases their batting depth.Sri Lanka 1 Kusal Perera, 2 Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), 3 Lahiru Thirimanne 4, Angelo Mathews, 5 Kusal Mendis/Milinda Siriwardana, 6 Dhananjaya de Silva, 7 Thisara Perara, 8 Isuru Udana, 9 Jeevan Mendis, 10 Suranga Lakmal, 11 Lasith MalingaIf Shakib isn’t fit to play, Bangladesh will have a choice to make between Liton Das – who is perhaps better suited to the No. 3 spot – and Sabbir Rahman – who can fill in with a few overs of legspin. Bangladesh could also be tempted to bring Rubel Hossain or Abu Jayed in for their extra pace instead of Mehidy Hasan.Bangladesh 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Soumya Sarkar, 3 Shakib Al Hasan/Liton Das/Sabbir Rahman, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5 Mohammad Mithun, 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Mosaddek Hossain, 8 Mohammad Saifuddin, 9 Mehidy Hasan/Rubel Hossain, 10 Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), 11 Mustafizur Rahman

Pitch and conditions

In the last three completed games in Bristol, teams bowling first have won twice, England’s successful chase of 359 against Pakistan in May one of them. The weather is expected to be “showery” with over 50% chance of rain near toss time and again around 2pm.

Strategy punt

• Dhananjaya de Silva has averaged only 16.90 after eight games in 2019, with a strike rate of just over 70. He could be replaced by Siriwardana, who also bowls a bit of left-arm spin, so Sri Lanka won’t lose the part-time option either. Importantly, Siriwardana has three half-centuries from No. 6 in a short career and could provide a new dimension to their batting.
• It’s in Sri Lanka’s best interest for Mathews to bat at No. 4. Since the start of 2017, he has been dismissed inside 20 deliveries in only 16% of his games, while the rest of his team-mates range between 48% (de Silva) and 100% (Jeevan Mendis). It appears he is the only option in the Sri Lankan line-up to play the anchor role if their captain Dimuth Karunaratne falls early.
• Bangladesh should start off with spin against Kusal Perera. Since 2018, he averages 51.1 against the quicks so feeding him pace would enable Sri Lanka to have a crisp beginning. Against spin, he averages only 22.7 and is dismissed every 25.7 deliveries. Mehidy turning the ball away from him would be a good match-up from Bangladesh’s perspective.

Stats and trivia

• Shakib Al Hasan is 23 runs away from becoming the second Bangladesh batsman to reach 6000 ODI runs.
• Lasith Malinga needs four wickets to become the fourth man to take 50 World Cup wickets. If he takes three, he’ll tie with Chaminda Vaas on 49 World Cup wickets – the second-highest for Sri Lanka behind Muttiah Muralitharan’s 68.
• Mustafizur Rahman is set to play his 50th ODI.

Quotes

“I’m not worried about who is respecting us or not. I’m more worried about our performance, and make sure we are winning these matches. That is more important for us. Respect varies from one person to another, but I don’t think respect is going to work in the 22 yards.”.GMT 1645 The preview was updated to include news of Shakib Al Hasan’s quadriceps injury.

It hasn’t been an entirely smooth route to England’s final 15-man squad, but it’s a vast improvement on past campaigns

George Dobell at Lord's21-May-2019There are some things – flights, cups of tea, and your heartbeat, for example – you want should be predictable.And perhaps it is the same with squad announcements. Squad announcements for global tournaments, anyway.Selectors have had four years to plan. They have had four years to ensure that every player knows their role and every player knows what to expect from their team-mates. At this stage, squads should be settled and predictable.England have achieved that pretty well. Yes, David Willey is unfortunate. Yes, Joe Denly will be disappointed. But, for the first time in many, many years, England are going into a World Cup with a relatively settled, well-balanced side that has a realistic chance of victory. The position that provoked most debate and discussion on Tuesday was that of reserve spin bowler. It’s a detail, really. An important one, but nothing compared to what we have seen before.Perhaps, to appreciate how smooth this process has been, it is worth comparing it to the chaos with which we have become accustomed. In 2015, for example, England sacked their captain, Alastair Cook, a few weeks before the tournament. Then, on its eve, they changed the new-ball attack (demoting Chris Woakes to first-change) and fiddled with the batting order (swapping Gary Ballance and James Taylor at No. 3 and No. 6). In the tournaments before that, it became customary for them to change their wicketkeeper (2007 and 2011) or opening partnership (1999) at the last minute. Indeed, in 1999, they dropped their captain (Adam Hollioake) and their opening batsman (Nick Knight) shortly before the tournament and prepared for a home event with a training camp in… Lahore. You could hardly make that up.And, even if England did go into a tournament with their best side, there was usually some crisis (the Zimbabwe affair of 2003, for example) or late change of approach that threatened to derail their progress. They rarely had a chance to define plans or develop well-rehearsed strategies. In a format in which role-definition and planning is so important, England have invariably gone into World Cups hoping it would all come together on the night. It rarely has done.Mark Wood and Jofra Archer both returned to the starting line-up•Getty Images

It doesn’t feel like that this time. While the introduction of Jofra Archer has come at a late stage, anyone taken by surprise simply hasn’t been paying attention. While England would, in an ideal world, like him to have played more than three ODIs – and, indeed, more than 17 List A matches – the experience he has of playing in high-profile, high-pressure T20 leagues suggests he has the talent and temperament to succeed. His range of skills – not least his well-controlled pace – are a huge asset to a team that, Mark Wood apart, can look a little pedestrian. They were, remember, thrashed for sixes by Chris Gayle every 8.10 balls he faced in the recent series in the Caribbean. Archer’s batting and fielding are also more than useful. He is British, he is eligible, and he is very good. His is not, at this stage, a remotely controversial selection.Nor is Liam Dawson. He is, quite simply, a more experienced, more reliable spin bowler than Denly. And while Denly is almost certainly a better batsman, Dawson’s average of 45.33 in the Royal London Cup is proof that he’s no mug either. Besides, the role essentially demands that the occupant can come into the side at short notice and fill the hole left by injury to either Moeen Ali or Adil Rashid. Dawson is a better fit for that specific job. Denly may console himself with the knowledge that he now has the opportunity to return to county cricket and score heavily in the Championship with a bid to securing a place in the Ashes. He is the man in possession of the No. 3 spot in the Test side, after all.Willey could yet win a recall mid-tournament. While he is not officially on any reserve list, it stands to reason that he – and perhaps Chris Jordan – would be next in line should one of England’s seamers suffer an injury. His left-arm variations, the swing he can generate with the new ball and the control he demonstrates at the death, are all attractive qualities. But it was his ill-fortune to be competing for the new ball, in particular, with Archer, Wood and Woakes. Leaving him out was a tough decision, but it was also probably right.Again, in an ideal world, England might have liked Dawson to have been with them throughout the Pakistan series. Or at least for the final couple of games, when it became apparent the selectors were not in total agreement over the suitability of Denly for the role. But at least Dawson was playing cricket rather than running drinks on for his colleagues, and it is not as if he is a stranger to either the environment or the players.There have been other bumps on the road. The loss of Alex Hales – who may be remembered as the Pete Best of cricket if England go on to win the trophy (Denly may be remembered as the Jimmie Nicol) – might have destabilised some squads. Equally, the introduction of Archer might have unsettled the bowlers and provoked reasonable concerns about talent pathways in both England and the Caribbean.But, whatever feathers within the squad were ruffled by Archer’s arrival have long since been patted back down – not least by evidence of his obvious ability and his amiable, equable nature – while Hales has simply been left behind. This team, like kids cramming ahead of important exams, no longer had time for the class joker. Damning though it sounds, his absence has hardly been mentioned in recent times.So England go into this tournament confident, settled and united. Their squad has bite with the ball, punch with the bat and balance through the depth provided by the allrounders. This may well be the best World Cup squad they have ever assembled; it certainly represents their best chance to win in many years.

Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has apparently identified a "priority" next signing, coming as Spurs seal deals for forward Timo Werner and defender Radu Dragusin.

Spurs complete double January signing

The aforementioned duo arrive at N17 to reinforce Postecoglou's defensive and attacking options, with Postecoglou having pleaded for Spurs to get their business done early in the transfer window.

Tottenham want to sign £20m player after Dragusin as club prepare to sell

He’s turned heads this season.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jan 10, 2024

Werner joins the club on a six-month loan with the option to buy at around £14.6 million, while Dragusin will sign for Spurs in a part-exchange deal worth in excess of £26 million (Fabrizio Romano).

The latter's arrival is a particularly welcome boost for Postecoglou. Dragusin will provide much-needed centre-back depth, with Spurs suffering from a real lack of options in the last few months.

Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero's injuries have even forced the Lilywhites to play both Emerson Royal and Ben Davies as their makeshift pairing on more than one occasion. Postecoglou, before Dragusin's pending move to N17, publicly admitted that Spurs are in dire need of another centre-half.

"I don't put as much stock into the left-sided or right-sided centre-back scenario, we just need another player in that position who can provide some more depth for us and the ability to change it up. It won't matter if it is left-sided or right-sided, it is more the profile and characteristics," he told football.london.

"We didn't go looking for a left-sided centre-back at the start of the year, it just happened that Micky was the perfect centre-back. Even if we had another left-sided one, I still would have signed him. It is about looking at the right profile, the right characteristics and seeing what is available, then going from there."

Postecoglou identifies next "priority" Spurs signing

Attention now turns to whether Tottenham can offload more of their unwanted squad members, like the out-of-favour Eric Dier, or reinforce other key areas. Spurs are believed to be eyeing promising young stars like FC Copenhagen forward Roony Bardghji, while there have been other suggestions that they could look to bring in a first-team midfielder.

That is according to Football Insider, who claim midfield is a "priority" signing area for Postecoglou now. While the Australian is keen to add more quality there, it could depend on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and his future at the club.

Hojbjerg has been tipped to leave Tottenham in January, and Football Insider claim his exit remains a possibility if interested clubs can find an agreement. Spurs specifically want to bring in a new midfielder around or under the age of 24, as Postecoglou looks to build a long-term project.

Indeed, Postecoglou will only sanction an exit for the "sensational" Hojbjerg if he's certain to land a replacement for him, making the midfield room a real one to watch at Spurs in the build up to deadline day. Other reports suggest Tottenham have already started to line up options after Dragusin.

In addition to signing established players ready to make an immediate first-term impact last summer – the likes of James Maddison, Micky van de Ven and Brennan Johnson – Spurs also acquired a couple of teenagers with the potential to be starters for the club in the longer term.

19-year-old forward Alejo Veliz arrived from Argentine club Rosario Central, while 18-year-old centre-back Ashley Phillips came in from second-tier Blackburn Rovers. It looks as if Spurs may try to continue that two-timeline approach in January, this time with a move for Royal Antwerp's Arthur Vermeeren.

Even though he's only 18, Vermeeren has already established himself as a mainstay in the Antwerp side. He's not only started all 20 of their Pro League games this season, he's also completed the full 90 minutes in all but three. His domestic form has earned him a rapid call-up to the Belgian senior side, with two caps under his belt, and he's firmly in contention to feature at this summer's European Championships.

Man Utd rival Spurs for Vermeeren

According to Tottenham Hotspur News, Spurs have been pursuing Vermeeren, who has drawn comparisons to former Lilywhites player Christian Eriksen his "technical ability and range of passing".

However, they now face "serious competition" from Premier League rival Manchester United, who have identified Vermeeren as a "big target" for 2024. Manager Ange Postecoglou is "keen" for his side to come out on top, particularly because it would hurt to see him playing a direct competitor.

Vermeeren could be a transformative signing

Fabrizio Romano reported last month that Vermeeren is "set to leave" Belgium this year, if not in January, then definitely in the summer. The big question is where he ends up, with interest likely extend beyond the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Old Trafford.

Named in the best XI of players born in 2005 or 2006 by the CIES Football Observatory last year (Breaking The Lines), he's one of the premier midfield talents in Europe. Under-23 expert Antonio Mango has described him as a "gift to football", while talent scout Jacek Kulig has billed him a "sensation".

Vermeeren has took his chance to sign in the Champions League this season, scoring against Barcelona in the final group-stage match and becoming the third-youngest player to provide two assists in a Champions League game against Shakhtar Donestsk.

Indeed, the teenager is a player who can spot gaps in opposition defensive structures and thread the ball through, which is why he ranks as high as fifth in the Belgian top-flight for progressive passes this season (142). He was also right up there last season for take-on percentage (third with 76.2), emphasising his ability to evade pressure in the middle of the park, and tackles won (10th with 46), proving that there's a bite to his game too (FBRef).

When you combine all this with the fact that as, of January 1, he'd covered the most distance in the league (Zach Lowy), you can see how he's managed to make himself an indispensable player already. Vermeeren is an outstanding, all-round midfield package, and if Spurs win the race, his capture could be celebrated for a generation.

عزز فريق ريال مدريد تفوقه في مباراته الجارية حاليًا ضد إسبانيول، في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإسباني، موسم 2024/25، عن طريق هدف رابع.

ويستضيف ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” مباراة الفريقين في إطار منافسات الجولة الخامسة من الدوري الإسباني (لمتابعة اللقاء من هنا).

وجاء الهدف الرابع لصالح ريال مدريد في شباك إسبانيول، في الدقيقة 89 من عمر المباراة.

وسجل كيليان مبابي هدف ريال مدريد الرابع، من ركلة جزاء، بعدما تحصل عليها أصحاب الأرض عقب تعرض إندريك للجذب من قِبل لاعب الخصم. هدف مبابي في مباراة ريال مدريد وإسبانيول

كان إسبانيول قد سجل الهدف الأول عن طريق النيران الصديقة، من خلال الحارس تيبو كورتوا في الدقيقة 54، قبل أن يتعادل داني كارفاخال بهدف لـ ريال مدريد في الدقيقة 58.

وفي الدقيقة 75، أحرز رودريجو الهدف الثاني لـ ريال مدريد، قبل أن يسجل زميله فينيسيوس جونيور الهدف الثالث في الدقيقة 78.

While three wins from three has proven the perfect way to start 2024 for Leeds United, manager Daniel Farke will still be aware that there is much work still to do in order to bridge the gap between his rampant side and Ipswich Town in second.

With seven points separating the Whites and Kieran McKenna's high-flying outfit – with Southampton also now firmly in the picture – the Yorkshire giants really will need to put a consistent run of form together over the coming weeks and months if they are to mount a proper push for automatic promotion.

To aid that challenge, Farke is likely to require further reinforcements to help bolster a squad that was depleted by numerous departures over the summer, albeit with the only activity so far this month having been further outgoings, in the form of Djed Spence, Darko Gyabi and Luke Ayling.

Although that peripheral trio were happily shown the door by the Elland Road side, there may be fears that the squad has so far been weakened rather than strengthened in the winter window – despite the positive news that teenage sensation Archie Gray has signed a new 'long-term deal' at the club.

The hope will be that fresh faces will arrive before the close of the window at the start of next month, with numerous targets having already been mentioned in recent weeks, including a sparkling talent who is currently operating in the Premier League.

Leeds eyeing ex-Sheffield United man

According to Phil Hay of The Athletic, while Farke and co are prioritising the signing of at least one new full-back – amid the departures of Spence and Ayling – there could also be a fresh face to bolster the attacking ranks, in the form of Bournemouth's David Brooks.

As per Hay's recent report, Leeds believe an 'extra attacking midfielder' may prove 'useful' between now and the end of the season, with Brooks – who left Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United back in 2018 – said to be a 'player of interest'.

The Cherries are, however, wary of allowing the 26-year-old to depart on loan this month, although Hay suggested that such a stance could 'soften' as the window edges towards its climax, offering hope that a deal for the Wales international could be wrapped up.

Although the 5 foot 8 playmaker has been restricted to just two league starts this season, he will likely be raring to go to prove his talents once again with a consistent run of game time.

How David Brooks would fit in at Leeds

For much of the campaign so far, Farke has experimented with more unorthodox options in the number ten berth, with former Swansea City striker Joel Piroe featuring predominantly in that role, while fellow forward Georginio Rutter has also taken on that challenge in recent weeks.

Being able to acquire a more natural fit in that role behind the striker, such as Brooks, would certainly be a wise move, with the "Welsh wizard" – as described by the Bournemouth Echo's Jack Tynner – typically operating in an attacking midfield berth or on the flanks in his senior career to date.

Once on the books at Bramall Lane – where he registered 11 goals and assists in just 37 games for the Blades – the Warrington-born ace has now almost spent six years at the Vitality Stadium, albeit having seen much of that spell cruelly hampered after being diagnosed with cancer back in October 2021.

To his credit, Brooks has bravely fought his way back to establish himself as part of Andoni Iraola's first-team squad, producing a respectable haul of two goals and one assist in 16 games in all competitions this season, despite largely being utilised off the bench.

For Leeds, if a deal is to be struck, they will be hoping to coax out the type of performances that the 27-cap international had shown prior to his spell on the sidelines, notably registering 11 goals and assists in the Championship in 2020/21, as well as previously scoring seven goals and contributing five assists in the Premier League in 2018/19.

32 games (25 starts)

5 goals

6 assists

6 'big chances' created

1.1 key passes per game

79% pass accuracy rate

1.4 fouls won per game

1 successful dribble per game

Stats via Sofascore

Evidently a player who can unlock a defence with a piece of creative magic – having created nine 'big chances' in that debut season at Bournemouth – as well as also being able to find the back of the net himself, Brooks would provide another weapon to Farke's attacking arsenal.

The hope would be that he could also strike up a partnership with his international colleague, Daniel James, with the former Manchester United man currently flourishing under the one-time Norwich City boss.

Daniel James' season by numbers

It is fair to say that James has finally found a home for himself this season after a turbulent last few years, with the oft-maligned winger having established himself as a key figure for the promotion hopefuls.

The 26-year-old had endured a difficult two years or so after joining from the Red Devils in 2021, scoring just four goals in his debut season at Elland Road, before being shipped off on loan to Fulham last term – where he netted just three times in 23 appearances.

With the likes of Jack Harrison and Luis Sinisterra no longer at the club, however, James has taken his chance under the new regime, scoring nine goals and registering six assists in 25 league games – the best return of his senior career so far.

Farke can then combine the winger's "raw pace" – as hailed by Ryan Giggs – with Brooks' majestic midfield quality, with the latter man having previously been lauded by former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe for his "creative flair" as he can "do a little bit of everything".

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The £50k-per-week talent may still be in the process of getting back to his prior elite levels, yet surrounded by familiar faces – such as James, Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu – he could well flourish in the second tier at Elland.

Not just then a dream partner for James, Brooks could also represent a dream January signing for the Yorkshire side.

The attacker has been plagued by injuries, but he has the chance to bring the curtain down on his BVB career by lifting the European Cup

Marco Reus freely admits there were times when he previously thought about leaving Borussia Dortmund. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool – nearly all of Europe's elite were interested in signing him at one point or another.

"But, in the end," Reus explained, "I always chose my club." Why? Because Dortmund was his "home" and the team felt like his "family". "I belong here," he said.

There were those that questioned his ambition, but Reus remained steadfast in his belief that he could realise his dreams in Dortmund. "I really want to win the Bundesliga with this club," he confessed in 2019. "I want to be in the Champions League final again."

Sadly, his hopes of finally winning a German title were dashed in heart-breaking circumstances last year, with Dortmund suffering a devastating final-day collapse. However, as Reus prepares to bid farewell to his beloved BVB, the Champions League dream is, incredibly, still alive.

On Saturday, Dortmund return to Wembley, scene of their last final appearance 11 years ago, to face the biggest club in the world, in the biggest game in club football.

Reus is unlikely to start against Real Madrid. Truth be told, there's no guarantee of game time at all. But the mere prospect of him being involved in a Champions League final, at the age of 35, and after more injuries than most players could bear, is well worth celebrating.

Getty 'The game's next superstar'

When it comes to Reus, there is an understandable temptation to focus on the negatives. His name has become synonymous with misfortune. For some, he is the great unfulfilled talent, a fantastic footballer cruelly prevented from realising his full potential by one savage setback after another.

Certainly, a decade ago, there were few more exciting attacking midfielders in world football. During Dortmund's run to the Champions League final, where he won a penalty in the 2-1 loss to Bayern Munich, he was directly involved in eight goals, netting 19 times in total in all competitions. He proved even more prolific the following season, scoring 23 goals in 44 games, as well as providing more assists than any other player in the Bundesliga. Put quite simply, there was no better player in Germany at the time.

"I think very, very highly of him," the legendary Franz Beckenbauer said in early 2014. "He's going to be the game's next superstar, that's my opinion. It's really fun to watch him play football."

AdvertisementGetty 'Dream was shattered'

The 2014 World Cup should have been the defining tournament of Reus' career. He was 24 and playing at the peak of his powers for one of the strongest sides in the international game.

However, while his great friend and former Dortmund team-mate Mario Gotze ended up scoring the winning goal in the final in Rio, Reus didn't make a single World Cup appearance, having been struck down by an ankle injury in his Germany's final warm-up game, against Armenia.

A devastated Reus stated, "A dream was shattered from one moment to the next." And not for the last time either.

Just two years after the bitter disappointment of missing out on Brazil 2014, Reus was left out of Germany's Euro 2016 squad after failing to recover in time from a groin injury. Coach Joachim Low lamented, "Marco has serious fitness problems."

It's always felt like the abiding theme of Reus' career, with the attacker once famously admitting that he would "give up all my money to be healthy enough to do my job."

Getty ImagesLooking after his body

Reus did make it to Russia for the 2018 World Cup, and even scored in the group win over Sweden, but he made the decision to pull out of Euro 2020 himself.

"After a complicated, exhausting and, in the end, 'thank God' successful season, I decided, together with (Low), not to go to the European Championship," he wrote on Instagram. "This decision was very difficult for me because I am always full of pride when I am allowed to appear for my country. But after a very intense year for me personally and achieving my goals at BVB, I made the decision to give my body time to recover!"

Unfortunately, even such a sensible approach to looking after himself failed to solve his fitness problems, as Reus went on to be ruled out of the 2022 World Cup with another ankle injury.

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Getty'Time flies'

When one also considers that Reus has only two DFB-Pokal winners' medals to show for his career, it's undeniably difficult not to feel as if he maybe he would have been better served by joining another top club when he had the chance, just like so many of his former team-mates, such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham.

Reus doesn't see it that way, though. In his eyes, the shame isn't that he stayed, but that so many other great players left.

"I've always said that everyone is responsible for their own career. Time flies and you only have so much of it," he pointed out. "We've had a lot of players here who we could have built a fantastic team with, but they unfortunately made different choices and pursued other career paths. That should be respected.

"For a player like me, who always wants to compete for titles, it obviously stings to see the best players leave the club because they regrettably don't see that they would be able to make the next big step here. But I never had the sense that I should go down this route just because others did. I was always ready to build up something new again and thereby send a message to people: 'I'm staying here no matter what!"