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Leeds United are now in active talks to sign an attacking addition worth £9m in the January transfer window, according to recent reports.

Farke: Calvert-Lewin on course to become "Leeds United hero"

When Leeds signed Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free deal fresh from his Everton exit in the summer, there were plenty of doubters. Now, however, he very much looks like one of the most in-form players in the Premier League and has barely put a foot wrong in front of goal since Daniel Farke changed to a 3-5-2 system.

It wasn’t so long ago that reports were indicating the worst for Farke. Some even went as far to suggest that he would be out of a job if he lost against Chelsea and Liverpool. By the time those fixtures had passed, though, the German had overseen victory over the Blues and a dramatic draw against the Premier League champions.

Leeds’ turnaround has been as unexpected as it has been sensational and they’re now on a run of just one defeat in their last five Premier League games.

In that run, Calvert-Lewin has scored six goals and sparked deserved praise from Farke, who told reporters: “Right now he’s on the on a path to be a top-class player for Leeds United and also a Leeds United hero.

“But you know my attitude – I don’t like to speak about quality and top-class players just after a few weeks or a good couple couple of months.

“You have to show this with consistency over the whole season. But if he keeps going in this way and keeps delivering, then we would speak about an outstanding season.”

As things stand, the Whites are six points clear of the dropzone and perfectly placed to welcome vital January reinforcements, should they please.

Leeds now in active talks to sign Ruben Vargas

As reported by TeamTalk, Leeds are now in active talks to sign Ruben Vargas from Sevilla next month. The Swiss winger reportedly wants to complete a move to the Premier League and intermediaries have been in contact with Leeds, as well as Sunderland and Bournemouth.

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Valued at around €10m (£9m) by Sevilla, the deal won’t come too cheap for those at Elland Road next month. Alas, it could be one worth chasing.

Subscribe for deeper Leeds transfer insights and analysis Gain in-depth transfer context: subscribe to the newsletter for scouting takeaways, tactical implications and market perspective on Leeds’ interest in Ruben Vargas and wider Premier League moves. Subscribe Subscribe for deeper Leeds transfer insights and analysis Gain in-depth transfer context: subscribe to the newsletter for scouting takeaways, tactical implications and market perspective on Leeds’ interest in Ruben Vargas and wider Premier League moves.

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Aside from Calvert-Lewin, Farke’s forwards have struggled for goals throughout the campaign and it’s no secret that the former Everton forward has an extensive injury history. That makes an attacking addition crucial to the Whites’ survival chances.

Leeds’ attacking options

Goals

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

7

Lukas Nmecha

4

Noah Okafor

2

Joel Piroe

0

Vargas could help the rest of Farke’s frontline kick on, having scored three goals and assisted another four in 12 La Liga games so far this season. Whilst his goalscoring record is not clinical, his creative spark would undoubtedly add another element to Leeds’ attack in the January transfer window.

Aston Villa are on the verge of signing Charles N’Zgobia after talks resumed with Wigan, according to the Daily Mail.

The Latics has rejected Villla’s original £9 million offer for the French midfielder after they failed to meet the original valuation.

But a compromise appears to be close after discussions between the clubs saw Villa up the bid to around £9.5 million with the deal only needing Wigan chairman Dave Whelan’s approval.

N’Zogbia will talk personal terms with Villa in the next 24 hours if an agreement is reached.

A medical will follow before the player signs, what is believed to be, a five-year deal at Villa Park.

However Alex McLeish taking nothing for granted after his failed pursuit of N’Zogbia last season whilst he was Birmingham boss.

Completion of the transfer will provide relief for both clubs with Villa’s search for a winger to fill the holes left by Ashley Young and Stewart Downing finally coming to an end.

The deal also suits Wigan who are receiving a large fee for a player who would be able to leave on a free transfer at the end of next season.

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If he signs N’Zogbia will have to wait before joining up with his prospective new teammates. The Villa squad are touring Hong Kong and the Frenchman doesn’t have the required work visa.

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The excitement can begin, even though 2012 is just a few days old, preparations should be under way for this summer and Euro 2012 in Ukraine and Poland where England will once again fall at the quarter finals stage and the players will be roundly slated.

But the main positive for me and for plenty of Premier League players is that Mr Capello will be leaving his post as manager when England’s tournament comes to an end. The overpriced Italian coach has failed to improve the Three Lions in his spell here, even though a promising group of youngsters have emerged to work well with some key experienced players.

I feel that a number of players have not been given a fair chance over the past few years in a time of need; especially at the World Cup in South Africa where the squad was missing some key attributes that were obvious to the majority of fans. On that note, here is an alternate England XI that have been harshly ignored by Fabio Capello during his reign.

Click on Steven Taylor below to unveil the alternate England XI

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Who do you think should be in the alternate XI? Let me know on Twitter: @Brad_Pinard

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The Mirror are reporting that Liverpool are looking to take Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero on loan for the rest of the season.

The Spanish midfielder has been on the fringes of Jose Mourinho’s side thus far this season but did manage to make a rare start this past weekend against Athletic Bilbao.

Granero has been rumoured to be on the move to Malaga this January, but injury to first-team regular Sami Khedira has meant Mourinho had to persuade the former Getafe player to remain at the Bernabeu.

However, Kenny Dalglish is determined to add to his squad and believes he’ll be able to prize the Spaniard away from Madrid, if only for the short-term.

Granero has also been a target for Arsenal in recent months with both Arsene Wenger and Dalglish looking to add extra firepower to their respective midfields. (Goal)

The stumbling block for the Reds will be Madrid’s insistence on selling the player should he leave this January. But with very little in the way of potential suitors for the midfielder’s signature, Liverpool may have a clear run with just over a week left until the transfer window closes.

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I may just be imagining it but I do get the feeling that there is a tension among Liverpool supporters recently about how the team should play. I alluded to this in a previous article yesterday about the use of set pieces and the importance of both Charlie Adam and Andy Carroll next season, and I think it is something worthwhile elaborating a bit further on.

A lot of supporters, both young and old, could be termed to be “Football Purists.” Although it is not really right to pigeon hole fans so specifically, if you did generalise slightly, there are those who like to see the beatifically game played as exactly that, beautiful. It is a style of play most perfectly demonstrated by the current Barcelona side, and it is a winning, attractive style which has won them many plaudits as well as many trophies. Great Liverpool teams of the past, playing the Liverpool Way have also come close to matching this style in the pass and move philosophy instilled first by Shankly, and latterly perfected by Dalglish in the late 1980s.

For this reason then, there are a higher percentage of “Football Purists” among Liverpool supporters than anyone else, and so there should be, considering how we have all been brought up believing in this way of playing the game, watching the Reds over the years. It was a big factor in fans hostility towards Roy Hodgson as in no way did he befit this style despite proclaiming its virtues before the start of last season.

The argument has reared its head again during the last 6 months though after the purchase of Andy Carroll. Why do we need a big burly old style English number 9 some have asked? Won’t he mess up our style of play, and prevent the pass and move style from being established again?

This feeling that the Reds may revert to playing more direct is certainly notable among some fans and it has also crept in to concern at the type of players that the Reds have signed this summer. For all intents and purposes, you could very well see the signings of Adam, Henderson and more specifically Downing as a reversion to a more direct style of player being bought, all bought to suit Andy Carroll rather for someone like Luis Suarez .

I cannot deny I would like to see similar players to Luis Suarez and although I haven’t joined the clamour for the likes of Juan Mata and Sergio Aguero, I have to admit I would have loved the Reds to bring in these sorts of players. Who wouldn’t want them? Especially alongside Suarez, the Reds could have been playing some great pass and move footballl, but at this point in time I don’t think its too realistic, King Kenny is being a hell of a lot more pragmatic than that. If you are going to buy a £35million striker you must utilise him to the nth degree.

At Blackburn Rovers , Dalglish showed he has the ability to change styles to suit the players he has, and with both Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll in his armoury, Kenny again has the ability to adapt, switch styles and capitalise on the weaknesses of opponents. If you are going to win the Premier League title, you need to be able to adapt against different sides. Arsenal have showed that a lack of a plan B can be fatal, Dalglish will not make the same mistake. To beat teams such as Stoke, you need a different game plan, and I have full confidence in Liverpool ’s coaching staff that they have every plan available to make a full frontal assault this coming season.

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Read more of David’s articles at Live4Liverpool

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As a football fan there will be dates which stick in the mind; and these memories can normally be categorised into “the good,” “the bad,” and as has become the norm for Leicester City fans, the “unbelievable.” Whilst my first game was the play-off game against Swindon Town in 1994 as an eight-year old, I’ve been hooked ever since, and during the last seventeen years I’ve experienced my fair share of the above, which include:

The Good:

It’s these moments which make standing shoulder to shoulder next to complete strangers in the freezing cold winter evenings, hoping to grind out a win that make being a Leicester fan so worth while; and I don’t think anyone can argue against the three examples of the “good” times being an LCFC fan.

1)      Martin O’Neill era, including Cup victories against Middlesborough and Tranmere

2)      Matt Piper getting the last ever league goal at Filbert Street; how fitting that it should go to a product of our academy team!

3)      The Monday night after that game also falls into the “Good” category as the curtain was brought down on the true home of Leicester City Football Club, the moment the lights went out and the packed out crowd joined together to sing Auld Lang Sign, it was enough to bring a lump to the throat, tears to the eye and the hairs on the back of the neck to stand on end.

The Bad:

As hard as you try, you can never forget these moments, and some that I’ve experienced include the Carling Cup defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur in 1999, it was my first experience of Wembley and the way I felt when the only goal of the game went in will live with me forever, along with the crowd violence which hit the headlines; and the season we were relegated to the third tier of football for the first time in our illustrious history.

The Unbelievable:

These can range from the good, such as Stan Collymore’s hat-trick against Sunderland in what was his only appearance alongside Emile Heskey in-front of the Filbert Street faithful; and the bad, such as Brian Little declaring that he won’t be leaving Filbert Street, before being unveiled as the new Aston Villa manager a few days later.

Saturday July 30th 2011 also falls into the “unbelievable” category as it was the day our new(ish) owners brought one of the greatest teams in the world, Real Madrid, aka Los Blancos,  to the King Power Stadium to face Leicester City.

From the day that this fixture was announced back in May it caught the attention and imagination of nearly everyone as they thought of the likes of Kaka, Casillas and Ozil taking to the pitch for our only home pre-season game. It was a game which I too was looking forward to, and one which when it arrived didn’t disappoint.

The owners, with the help of Susan Whelan ensured that the day lived up to the build up, and laid on a “fans village” which featured free Thai massages, Thai dancing and entertainment from local singer and Leicester City fan, Jersey Budd who took to the stage to sing Leicester’s anthem “When You’re Smiling.”

As the Madrid coach pulled up outside the players entrance, the atmosphere heightened further, as fans queued for hours to catch a glimpse of the arrogant as ever Cristiano Ronaldo walk from the coach to the entrance of the ground without even a glance towards the fans. Fortunately the Leicester squad, including new-boys Matt Mills, Neil Danns and David Nugent spent time signing autographs when asked.

On the pitch, unfortunately there isn’t a great deal to write about. It wasn’t that the game wasn’t entertaining, but it was a pre-season and it certainly had that feel about it. As the players lined up, I along with a large section of Leicester fans aimed one of our first chants to the rest of the crowd (which totalled 32,000), asking them where they were when we were *****. (I’m proud to say that come rain or shine, good times or bad I was behind the team, and will continue to be!)

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Despite the millions that Real Madrid are worth, it took them until the 43rd minute to get their first goal against what looked a solid back five of Peltier, Bamba, Mills, Konchesky and Schmeichel; and it was a mistake from the rock-solid Mills which gave Los Blancos the chance to break on an almost empty goal.

Up until the goal, the Foxes battled bravely and didn’t look fazed by their multi trophy winning side. Yuki Abe, Danns, Richard Wellens all looked to hold midfield well, Nugent looked promising in attack, whilst Darius Vassell and Paul Gallagher looked dangerous on the wings, and each player was clearly playing with pride; and some may say an eye on our next game against Coventry next Saturday.

The start of the second half summed up the difference in money the two clubs have. Whilst many are casting looks at the Foxes for the money we’ve spent this summer on our nine (soon to be 10) new signings; nothing can beat the bench of the visitors. Whilst we brought on Andy King, Michael Johnson and Lloyd Dyer; Mourinho turned to his bench and introduced the likes of Ronaldo, Ozil and Casillas; but despite their will the Spanish couldn’t prevent Dyer grabbing a consolation goal in the 83rd minute; and following the game Sergio Ramos also managed to heap praise onto the Leicester side, saying they’re definitely a Premiership side (here’s hoping!).

As entertaining as it was to host one of the greatest club sides in the world, I personally cannot wait for the start of the season next Saturday. Come 12:30 August 6th 2011, I’ll be standing with the rest of the travelling faithful at the Ricoh Arena, as we take on our minor M69 rivals, Coventry!

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Temperamental QPR playmaker Adel Taarabt did not stay to watch his team’s 6-0 defeat at the hands of Fulham on Sunday after being substituted at half time, and instead chose to get the bus home.

Fans of the Loftus Road club were shocked to see the former Tottenham midfielder standing at a bus stop still wearing the side’s tracksuit before the match had finished, as he was upset at being replaced by DJ Campbell at the interval.

Despite the incident, manager Neil Warnock feels that he has bigger worries after the heavy defeat.

“That’s not my problem. I’ve no idea. I’ve got more worries than individuals at the moment. I don’t think you can blame Adel Taarabt today,” he told Mirror Football.

“You’re going to get days when Adel throws his toys out the pram. If you’re not bothered about being subbed.. I’d rather have players like him. I’m not concerned about it. You write what you like,” he concluded.

The result continues Rangers’ inconsistent start to their Premier League season, with hard fought wins being undone by heavy defeats.

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The London side sit in 11th place, with eight points from their first seven games.

By Gareth McKnight

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Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry has warned his team-mates that their individual strops could cost the side, and has urged players who are not playing regularly to be patient.

With Carlos Tevez refusing to come off the bench against Bayern Munich and Edin Dzeko, Mario Balotelli and James Milner all showing petulance when being substituted at various points during the start of the season, the England midfielder has stated that the players’ attitude is key.

“It’s important that players keep their focus and not get too disappointed when they’re not playing,” he told Sky Sports.

“Everyone has got to stay together and be patient. That’s going to be the key to success this season. When their chance does come, it’s important they take it.”

The Etihad Stadium outfit are currently joint top of the Premier League standings, and Barry has stated that the team won’t be too far away from winning the title come the end of the season.

“The club and the squad are still on a learning curve. It’s our first real experience of this.

“It’s our first season in the Champions League and we are looking to be going on long cup runs as well. The players and the whole club are adapting to it and I’m sure we can have a great season.

“If you look at our finishes – fifth in 2010, then third last season when we won the FA Cup – that’s great progression. If we can keep doing that, then a league title is not going to be too far away,” he stated.

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City host Aston Villa on Saturday at home, and will look to make it seven wins out of eight games.

By Gareth McKnight

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England cruised through their Euro Qualifier with a comprehensive 3-0 victory in Bulgaria last night. Goals from Cahill and a brace from Wayne Rooney ensures that qualification remains firmly in their hands ahead of next week’s game against Wales at Wembley.

Elsewhere in the papers this morning, Kolo Toure ready to challenge after ban; Arteta admits his tough task, while Petrov is amazed Cahill is still at Bolton.

Matthäus sorry for racist abuse of England players in Bulgaria – Guardian

Kolo Touré ready to challenge after ban – Guardian

We’ve got one foot in the finals, says Rooney – Guardian

Pass-master Arteta admits it will be tough task to replace Fabregas – Independent

Manager has familiar battle to assemble Team GB for Olympics – Independent

Fears as U21 boss reveals Henderson was ‘on his knees’ at the Euros – Daily Mail

Newcastle legend Shearer says Pardew should take his time to find a No 9 hero – Daily Mail

Hammers snub £4m bid for in-form striker Cole from Galatasary – Daily Mail

Dos Santos seething that he’s still at Spurs – Mirror

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Petrov amazed Cahill’s still at Bolton – Mirror

Premier League 25-man squads – Sun

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Aston Villa have confirmed that Barry Bannan has been suspended, as the club conducts an internal investigation into the midfielder’s arrest early on Sunday morning.

The Scotland international was involved in a car crash on the M1 heading southbound late on Saturday night, and was arrested by local police on the charge of drink-driving at 5.30am.

The 21-year-old was later bailed pending further action, and did not train with the Midlands side on Monday.

With the seriousness of the offence, Villa boss Alex McLeish has admitted that the player has been suspended, and will not be available for the team’s next game.

“Barry Bannan has been suspended while the club carries out internal enquiries into allegations which arose last weekend. He will not be available for this weekend’s game at Sunderland,” the Scottish coach told the club’s official website.

The news will be a blow for Villa, as Bannan has emerged as one of the side’s brightest prospects and has become an important part of the Birmingham-based club’s first team.

Villa go into the game against Sunderland eager to get points, after a 2-1 home defeat to West Brom last weekend left the side’s supporters disgruntled.

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By Gareth McKnight

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