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Leeds United are in trouble.

Seven points after five games isn’t the worst return in the world, but they now have to navigate the next six weeks without their star player as Kalvin Phillips picked up an injury on Monday against Wolves.

The midfielder faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after picking up a shoulder problem, and to make matters even worse, Leeds don’t have a proper replacement in the squad.

Adam Forshaw is the only thing close to a defensive midfielder that Leeds have, but he isn’t fit, and even if he was he hasn’t played for a year.

It’s times like this where you feel that Leeds should have just splashed out on Ben White.

The centre-back is undoubtedly a great player, shown by the fact that he won Young Player of the Year for Leeds last season, but the club weren’t able to reach an agreement to bring him back on a permanent deal, and if they had, they wouldn’t be in such a worrying predicament with Phillips.

Of course, this isn’t the first time Phillips has missed matches – last season he had the odd injury or suspension keeping him out of action – but Leeds managed to resolve those situations by moving White into midfield, and it worked very well.

Leeds won three of the four games that White started in defensive midfield last term, keeping a clean sheet in each of those victories, so it’s clear that he was a competent replacement for Phillips, and that’s an option they probably wish they had right now.

There’s no doubting that White would have been a good signing, after all, he was tipped to be an England international and a future Champions League player by Noel Whelan last season.

“This kid is going places,” Whelan told Football Insider. “He is going to be an England international and is heading for a top club, a Champions League club. There’s no doubt he’s good enough.”

Unfortunately, Leeds didn’t get the deal over the line and they should be regretting that now more than ever.

Leeds United are finally back in the Premier League, but it looks as though they could be headed there without one of their best players from this season.

Indeed, with Ben White’s loan spell coming to an end the Yorkshire club are without their Young Player of the Year, and unless they buy him back, they’re going to have to find a replacement.

Unfortunately, Purchasing the 22-year-old isn’t going to be straightforward, Graham Potter has made it clear that he doesn’t want to sell him, while others have claimed that the Seagulls value him at £40m, nevertheless, Leeds’ interest remains strong.

Sadly, Leeds may not get another chance to sign him if they don’t land him this summer.

White is set to embark on his first season as a top-flight player, and if he can prove he’s up to scratch his value will only skyrocket seeing as he’s also young and English.

Nathan Ake has just been relegated after a torrid season with Bournemouth that saw him start 29 games for the division’s third-worst defence, and he’s about to get a £41m move to Manchester City.

White is supposedly already valued at £40m after one good season in the Championship, so we could be talking about mind-boggling figures if he performs to a high level in the Premier League, and with Liverpool and Arsenal reportedly already looking at him, it’ll be hard for Leeds to get in on the action if they don’t make the move this summer.

£40m is a lot, but it could look like a snip in a year’s time if White’s form carries over to the top-flight.

If United don’t land him now, they may never ever get another chance at him.

Leeds United seemingly have this season’s loan star Ben White at the top of the shortlist this summer, but they’ll simply have to look at alternatives incase Brighton do not budge and they could call on Pep Guardiola once more.

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic’s Phil Hay, a new name was “mentioned” to him in the form of Manchester City youngster Taylor Harwood-Bellis. He revealed this information following a question about having a back-up to the Elland Road favourite.

He does go onto claim that he doesn’t know if the Whites will actually go after him considering that the Yorkshire giants seem to be all in on White.

Hay believes the club are “trying to make that happen” but it can’t hurt to have other targets.

Ben White 2.0

And that’s why Harwood-Bellis is someone that Marcelo Bielsa will absolutely have to consider as he seems to be picked from the same crop as the Brighton centre-back.

Despite being only 18, the young defender has impressed in Guardiola’s first team playing in the EFL Cup, Champions League and the FA Cup.

He’s described as a “powerful central defender also blessed with excellent skills on the ball” which is pretty much what you’d see next to White in the footballers’ dictionary.

Guardiola also lauded the academy grad as an “exceptional human being” with a “good mentality” after he made his senior bow back in September.

In addition, Haywood-Bellis has captained the U17 England squad, which only goes to show that he fits the leadership qualities that Bielsa would look for in a new signing.

Leeds ultimately need a new ball-playing defender with the only senior option going into next season’s PL return being skipper Liam Cooper.

If White can’t be secured, it’ll be big shoes to fill, but the club ought to look no further than the City sensation. Guardiola trusts him, so Bielsa should too.

AND in other news,£15m swoop for PL ace would be shades of JKA…

This article forms part of our Total Duds feature series, which is where Football Transfer Tavern takes a look at how a player has fared since being signed or sold, using statistical figures and statements from pundits to prove how bad a deal the club got.

A deal that many Everton fans may look back on and wonder why it even happened in the first place, was their appointment of James McCarthy. The Blues brought him in from Wigan for a £13 million fee (via Independent), but in hindsight, maybe they shouldn’t have even bothered.

The Glaswegian turned Republic of Ireland international hardly painted his name in lights during his time with the Merseyside outfit. Amassing 133 appearances in blue, McCarthy managed to muster up just six goals and ten assists (via Transfermarkt) which works out to be a goal every 22 matches. Not exactly ideal numbers for a central midfielder.

His final couple of seasons with Everton were riddled with injuries. Before he was sold in 2019, the 29-year-old suffered a a leg fracture and was out of action for almost 12 months. Despite returning to fitness, McCarthy was dropped almost completely from the first team squad, featuring just once in the 2018/19 season – a 14 minute cameo against Manchester United.

The ROI international’s stint at Goodison Park ended last summer, when Crystal Palace came knocking with a £3million bid to acquire his services. Snatching their hand off so as not to miss another chance to offload him, Everton banked the money and accepted a hefty loss on the fee they originally paid.

Following the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti, the Blues’ transfer tactics seem a lot smarter. The Italian is using his links to Serie A to coax proven players into joining the Everton set up. Hopefully with the 60-year-old in charge, the club won’t make a similar mistake in the near future.

How would you rate James McCarthy’s time at Everton, Blues fans? Have your say in the comments below…

Anthony Knockaert is no longer a Brighton player after he completed a permanent move to Fulham yesterday, having been on loan at Craven Cottage for the past year.

The French winger, who joined the Seagulls back in January 2016, made 139 appearances for the club, with 27 goals and 25 assists in that time, and scored 15 times in Brighton’s promotion-winning 2016/17 season (as per TransferMarkt).

Sadly, the 28-year-old’s time at the Amex Stadium was overshadowed by the death of his father four years ago, with many of his team-mates and then-Seagulls manager Chris Hughton attending the funeral in France (as per BBC). In 2018, he revealed that he had been struggling with mental health issues.

Knockaert took to Instagram (via

/CCYbHgMFe2J/”>@knockaert_anthony) to pay an emotional thank-you to team-mates, staff and fans at Brighton, particularly for their “love and support” at the time of his father’s passing and during subsequent difficult times.

The Frenchman said on the social media platform: “Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club will always have a very special place in my heart. I wish the club every success in the future. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Knockaert’s contribution during the promotion campaign, in which he was named EFL Championship Player of the Year, should ensure that he is always remembered fondly by the Brighton faithful, not least as he had such an influence in that success despite losing his father during that season.

There were times when indiscipline let him down, such as his red cards against Everton and Bournemouth, but his last goal for the club was a particularly memorable one – a winner away to Crystal Palace which earned him the Premier League Goal Of The Month award for March 2019.

If Knockaert can have anywhere near the same level of influence at Fulham – who are firmly in the hunt for promotion to the Premier League – that he had for Brighton, the Cottagers faithful are sure to idolise him in years to come.

Brighton fans, what did you make of Knockaert’s emotional farewell message on Instagram? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

When Nicolas Pepe arrived in a club-record £72m deal, it felt like Arsenal had entered into a new era. Despite missing out on Champions League football again, they had secured a quality of talent that had reportedly attracted interest from the likes of Bayern Munich. They were dining at the top table for signings once more.

But fast forward a couple of months, and the Ivory Coast international has been a peripheral figure at the Emirates. Coming in from a different country, and having to experience a new culture and lifestyle was always going to be difficult. And Pepe has been rather eased into first-team action. However, with the season now in December, and therefore almost at the half-way point, it seems almost unbelievable that the Gunners continue to keep him out of the firing line.

Arsenal are on a wretched run of form, with no wins in their last nine games across all competitions. Their last victory came against Vitoria in the Europa League –  the game that felt like the beginning of the Pepe show at the Emirates, after his pair of stunning free-kicks to cap a dramatic comeback. And yet for some reason, the 24-year-old has inexplicably been left out of the starting line-up for the past few games under both Unai Emery, and now Freddie Ljungberg.

The Gunners’ new interim head coach opened up on Pepe’s lack of game-time earlier in the week, and suggested that he will hold talks with the winger about how he plans to use him. But against Brighton at home on Thursday night – a team that was languishing in the bottom half of the table – Ljungberg chose to leave the former Lille man on the bench again, instead turning to him at half-time when he knew the side just didn’t look threatening at all (they had just two shots on target in the first-half).

The longer Ljungberg continues to side-line the three-goal star from the first-team, the more difficult it becomes for the Ivorian to make his mark as he looks to adjust to the pace and intensity of English football. And for the team as a whole, leaving your club record signing on the substitutes bench as you endure a win-less run just doesn’t look right at all. It’s an issue that needs to be sorted out.

Meanwhile, Arsenal would be taking a major gamble by appointing this former club hero.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s In The Pipeline series, which takes a look at some of the most promising young talent either linked with clubs or emerging from their academies…

There is something about the way Rob Street plays football that throws you back to years gone by.

Black boots, low socks, strong in the air and loves a simple Alan Shearer-esque, hand-in-the-air celebration as we saw against Reading on Thursday evening.

In that particular 4-2 win against the Royals – which saw Palace’s U18 side progress into the next round of the FA Youth Cup – the old-fashioned striker played a part in both of the Eagles’ first two goals.

Street easily flicked the ball on for Brandon Aveiro, where the Portuguese youngster then played a one-two with TQ Addy before firing high into the back of the net.

It was Aveiro who then lofted a freekick to the back post for Palace’s second goal, where again, Street rose highest to head the ball across goal for Malachi Boateng to prod home.

Street – who the club’s former U23 boss Richard Shaw compared to a young Ian Wright – also managed to get on the scoresheet himself with a well-taken effort hit hard into the bottom left corner, after Brandon Pierrick, who recently signed his first professional contract, assisted him.

If you thought Street was finished, think again. The broad-shouldered teenager was then involved in yet another goal, winning the freekick which Aveiro smashed into the top left corner to ensure Palace progressed further in the FA Youth Cup.

As Palace legend Mark Bright revealed while on commentary duty, Street’s goal was his 12th of the campaign, which is quite impressive at this stage of the campaign.

At times, it does look like Street was born into the wrong era, where his aesthetic feels better-suited to the 90s rather than modern-day football – however, his exquisite performances so far this season are proving that his footballing ability is perfectly suited to today’s game.

Having had a hand in all four of Palace’s goals against Reading, the old-school No.9 is certainly one to keep an eye on.

In other news, these Crystal Palace fans have reacted to some worrying news regarding a first-team player…

It’s clear where Leeds are lacking this term – goals.

The Whites have scored just 23 times, eight fewer than Championship front runners West Brom. With that in mind, signing a forward would be a cunning idea in January.

Phil Hay has quashed the potential of a move for Dwight Gayle, suggesting he could be on his way to Nottingham Forest while there have also been rumours linking Matej Vydra with a permanent £7.5m switch to Elland Road (The Mirror, 22/11, pg. 74).

But there is a younger face who could walk through the doors. Liverpool’s Rhian Brewster is the player in question but Marcelo Bielsa’s men face stiff competition to land him on temporary terms.

Also in the market for the Premier League teenager are Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Swansea.

Leeds would presumably have to lose one of their loan players for this deal to go through. They’ve already got six at their disposal and are bound to rules from the EFL which restricts more than five appearing in a single matchday squad at a time.

But if he did arrive at Leeds, would he be a good signing? Football FanCast’s writers have provided their verdicts.

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Lewis Blain:

“Should Leeds be in the market for Rhian Brewster? Absolutely. Will it happen? I’m not so sure. Marcelo Bielsa has hardly covered himself in glory with how he utilised Eddie Nketiah this season. His stubborn ways could see him lose out to any one of the other clubs linked to the Liverpool starlet.

“Patrick Bamford may be rounding into some nice form with two goals in two, but the Championship season still has so much to play for and squad depth will need to be called upon. If anything, a player like Brewster would offer a different type of threat. At 5 foot 11, he is more nimble and agile, very similar to Nketiah, who is not only injured but may face a return to Arsenal in January.

“It would be a statement of intent, for sure. Although, its likeliness seems slim given Bielsa’s dogged commitment to his team selection and regular brand of football.”

Viji Jeevathayalan:

“Leeds have already seen one highly-rated loanee fall by the wayside in Eddie Nketiah, what would be the difference in bringing in Rhian Brewster? Despite firing in the goals whenever he has played for Marcelo Bielsa’s side (he has scored five times in 12 appearances), Nketiah has managed just 262 minutes of Championship football.

“Brewster is in a similar mould to the Arsenal prodigy, in that both are incredibly talented finishers. The 19-year-old has scored four goals in seven games at Premier League 2 level, but does he offer the same all-round game that someone like Patrick Bamford brings to the table? Bielsa is seemingly intent on having a number nine who is more than just a goal-scorer, and swooping for Brewster on loan just has another Nketiah disaster written all over it.”

Jon Radcliffe:

“With just two senior appearances to his name, Brewster is in desperate need of first-team football. However, Leeds’ interest in him beggars belief – why do they need a new on-loan striker when they already have Eddie Nketiah at their disposal? Even though he has started just two matches, he has five goals in all competitions. Yet, for some reason, Marcelo Bielsa insists on using him in a bit-part role.”

“Why would it be any different with Brewster, when he has even fewer appearances in the professional game? The Whites may need a new striker, but taking the 19-year-old makes no sense, even if Nketiah is recalled. An academy player could surely do a similar bench-warming job.”

Matt Dawson:

“This would be a strange signing and one that I’m not quite sure would be a good idea. Although there is no doubting Brewster’s talents, you can’t help but feel as though Leeds need someone with proven pedigree at this level.

“Vydra would provide them with that, having scored 65 goals in the Championship, but the 19-year-old would not. He’s only got two senior matches to his name and whether he’d be up the required standard remains to be seen.

“Once compared to a Leeds goalscoring hero of the past in Robbie Fowler, the potential is there, but with the Whites in need of a certified striker to boost their promotion hopes, they must look elsewhere. Bringing in Brewster on loan would be a gamble – one that isn’t really necessary when Patrick Bamford has been in the team ahead of a fellow loan signing, Eddie Nketiah.”

And in other news, Phil Hay has cast his view on whether Marcelo Bielsa will stay if QSI invests in Leeds…

Freddie Ljungberg took charge of his first game for Arsenal in the 2-2 draw against Norwich, but he failed to convince fans that he has what it takes to take on the role of manager on a permanent basis.

Arsenal looked good in spells but relied on two goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and some brilliant saves from Bernd Leno to salvage a draw against a team in the relegation zone.

The decision to recall Mesut Ozil and Granit Xhaka to the side didn’t really pay off for the Swede as their influence was limited, and that has led some supporters to suggest there is too much similarity to Unai Emery’s reign.

Many were left unimpressed by Ljungberg’s selection choices and the changes he made mid-game, indicating that a permanent manager, perhaps one with more experience, would be better equipped to the task of turning Arsenal around.

Numerous candidates have been linked with the job so it could take the club some time to narrow down their man, which means Ljungberg could get a few more games to prove himself.

Here are some of the reactions to the interim boss’ first game in charge.

Don’t miss out on MASSIVE savings with Fan Deal Drops – shop now for the latest deals (USING LINK HERE) on TVs, laptops, football shirts & much more.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Off the Bench series, which places in-game managerial decisions and squad selections under FFC’s microscope.

Birmingham City crashed to defeat in the Welsh capital on Saturday afternoon despite playing against ten men for the best part of 40 minutes.

Pep Clotet’s men were smashed 4-2 by Cardiff City thanks to a hat-trick from midfielder Joe Ralls.

But the caretaker manager may have cost his side any chance of a late comeback with a crucial decision he made with ten minutes to go.

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Snapshot

The home side went down to ten men in the 52nd minute with the game poised at 2-1, but Neil Warnock’s side still managed to bag a third before the Blues could even answer.

And despite chasing the match, Clotet decided to withdraw one of their most influential players with ten minutes to go, and that may have been a terrible move.

Odin Bailey replaced Dan Crowley before they went on to lose the game 4-2, with captain Harlee Dean also seeing red.

Off the Bench

In recent weeks, the 22-year-old midfielder has been singled out as one of Birmingham’s best players by sections of the St Andrews faithful, and this game was no different.

The former Arsenal man recorded a passing accuracy of 86%, registered two successful dribbles, one key pass, and had five shots at goal, per SofaScore.

So it is clear to see he had a significant impact on the match on the right flank – he even could have scored as one attempt cannoned off the woodwork in the second half.

By withdrawing his presence, the side struggled to create much, and it took a moment of magic from Ivan Sunjic to draw them close at 3-2 as he pelted in a trademark screamer, but aside from that, Clotet’s men looked lacklustre in Crowley’s absence.

Had the £700k man remained on the pitch, City may well have seen the promising midfielder create something or score a goal himself, he was very much trending towards that until he was hauled off ten minutes from time.