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YouTuber Conor McGilligan has slammed Leeds United for hiring Chris Armas shortly before Jesse Marsch was sacked after Javi Gracia’s recent comments.

What’s the latest on Chris Armas, Javi Gracia and Leeds?

The Whites sacked their former American manager at the start of February following months of inconsistent form. And while the writing looked to be on the wall for some time, the board were still backing their man right up until the end.

For instance, they brought in Armas to become the new assistant head coach of the club at the end of January. However, they did not have long to establish their relationship and now it seems as though new boss Gracia doesn’t have much use for Armas in his coaching staff either.

Indeed, the Spaniard recently told the press: “He’s not part of my staff. He’s not here. It’s something the club can maybe explain better.”

While speaking about it all on the One Leeds Fan Channel, McGilligan slammed the “circus” going on within the club.

He said: “We knew it was going to get to a stage where Jesse Marsch was going to get sacked, because unless you were living under a rock, you realised that Leeds United were sinking like a stone.

“So they kept him [Marsch] in, they brought Armas in at a very weird point in January. He came in, obviously, he spent a little bit of time with the squad and all this sort of stuff, and now we don’t know what is going on with Armas.

“And Gracia is having to come out in the press conference today, be asked a question by journalists and essentially turn around and say he doesn’t know what’s going on at the club in terms of Chris Armas’ position.”So it’s the absolute circus that goes on at Leeds United.” Why was Chris Armas hired for Jesse Marsch and Leeds?

It’s interesting that in the official club statement for Armas’ arrival, Leeds noted that he’d previously played and coached alongside Marsch. Clearly, this shows that the appointment was made specifically to help the American turn things around.

However, just 13 days later, they’d decided to sack the manager and were on the hunt for a replacement. After a long search, the Whites finally settled on Gracia.

With the Spaniard now in charge of hoping to keep the club from Premier League relegation, it seems as though Armas has already become redundant – with Gracia’s latest comments suggesting as much.

With all that in mind, you can’t help but feel as though the planning behind the scenes at Leeds of late hasn’t exactly been well-thought-out.

Chelsea are now interested in signing Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez this summer, according to a report.

The Lowdown: Chelsea spending big

Chelsea are estimated to have shelled out whopping £323m in the January transfer window, with marquee signing Enzo Fernandez arriving on deadline day, in a British-record £106.8m deal.

However, the Blues did not bring in an out-and-out striker to provide competition for Kai Havertz, and they are now looking at potential options for the summer, with Martinez said to be emerging as a target.

The Latest: Interested in Martinez

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Chelsea are ready to battle it out for the forward in the next transfer window, with Manchester United and Arsenal also named as potential suitors.

Inter’s financial problems mean they may have to sell the 25-year-old at the end of the season, opening the door for a move to Stamford Bridge.

The Verdict: Get it done

Striker is the one area of Graham Potter’s squad that still needs to be strengthened, given that Havertz has scored just one goal in his last seven Premier League starts, and the opportunity to sign Martinez should definitely be taken advantage of.

The Argentinian has received his fair share of plaudits, being lauded as ‘ridiculous’ by Luis Miguel Echegaray, while he has also been called a ‘beast’ by Inter Milan teammate Romelu Lukaku, and it is hard to disagree given his recent form.

In 21 Serie A games this season, the marksman has netted on 12 occasions, while he has also displayed his creative side, weighing in with four assists, with the latter figure being more than he managed across the whole of the previous campaign.

However, given the quality possessed by the 46-time Argentina international, he is only likely to favour a move to a club that manage to qualify for the Champions League, and so Chelsea will need to focus on overturning a ten-point gap from the top four in the second half of the season.

Liverpool have enjoyed enormous success since Jurgen Klopp assumed the managerial role in 2015, and despite their recent struggles they have clinched major silverware across almost every available front with the German at the helm.

While the lion’s share of Liverpool’s transfer strategy in that time has been brilliantly executed, there is one particular missed opportunity which stands out as a major ‘what if?’.

According to The Athletic’s James Pearce (when he wrote for the Liverpool Echo), Liverpool were interested in a move for Dele Alli before the attacking midfielder completed an initial £5m transfer to Tottenham Hotspur from MK Dons in 2015, when he was only 18.

Alli went on to make 269 appearances for the Lilywhites, scoring 67 goals and supplying 61 assists, with the majority of his success coming in the earlier stages of his Spurs career before a spluttering finish to his time in north London resulted in a move to Everton after being pushed for an exit from N17.

Alli, who former Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho once backed to become “one of the world’s best”, plundered 37 goals and 29 assists across his first three Premier League campaigns, leaving pundits and fans waxing lyrical over the prodigious rate of goal contributions for a midfielder of such a tender age.

This season is a different story, though. Having been shipped out on loan to Turkish Super Lig outfit Besiktas by the Toffees, the 26-year-old has scored just three goals from 16 appearances, with a return to prominence on football’s biggest stages appearing an increasingly distant possibility.

For a once budding talent with the world at his feet and a ceiling stretching far beyond most up-and-comings prospects within English football, Alli’s plummet from prominence might seem inexplicable. However, an illuminating past report from The Athletic lays bare his regression, highlighting his stark decline in output and technical deficiencies as key components behind his fall from grace.

There were also question marks over his attitude and application, something that Mourinho infamously called out in one of his first training sessions as Spurs manager in November 2019.

Had he joined Liverpool in the summer of 2015, with the Merseyside outfit soon to appoint Klopp in the managerial role and duly opening the door to an illustrious period in the club’s history where Premier League and Champions League trophies were gleaned, it all might have been so different for the playmaker.

Klopp’s high-octane counter-pressing system, heaping emphasis on full-backs Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold to serve as devastating, overlapping creative focal points, has been a largely unrelenting and formidable strategy.

With Alli receiving such superlative service in the form of precise looping crosses and swift, aggressive movements up the pitch, playing under the German could have given him the platform to truly cement an enduring stature as one of Europe’s most effective threats behind the frontline.

Alli’s downfall is largely down to his failure to adapt and maintain standards of performance for someone of his calibre, but if a demanding coach like Klopp could have had the chance to put his faith in the 37-cap Englishman’s abilities, he could have provided him the confidence needed to flourish at the top of his game for longer, rather than spiking so young before an alarming drop-off.

Alli’s early exploits with Tottenham serve as evidence that there is a player of immensely talented capabilities still laying dormant within, and despite his subsequent fall from grace, the 26-year-old boasts one of the most resounding entrances to the Premier League of any English starlet in the division.

Indeed, Klopp has previous when it comes to nurturing bright English talents, promoting Alexander-Arnold from the Reds’ academy and honing his talents to help the 24-year-old become one of the best right-backs in the world at his prime.

If only Alli fallen into Liverpool’s clutches around the time that Klopp came to Anfield, it all could have been so different for him; just imagine the impact that Klopp might have made had the club beaten Tottenham to the punch for this rough diamond eight years ago…

Chelsea manager Graham Potter has had conversations with Moises Caicedo over a transfer, journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed.

What’s the word?

The Brighton midfielder has been the subject of heavy transfer interest from Chelsea and Arsenal, with both clubs bidding to bring him to London.

Potter originally signed Caicedo for Brighton during his time in charge at the club, and is seemingly keen on reuniting with the 21-year-old.

Speaking on Chelsea Fan TV, Jacobs claimed that Caicedo could choose either club, with no previous loyalty to either, but his previous conversations with Potter could play a part.

“So it’s going to be interesting to see what the direction of travel is with the actual valuation. My sense is the first club to agree a deal with Brighton will be the club that Caicedo goes to, because I don’t think that he’s got as defined loyalty to either,” he stated.

“Chelsea’s interest is definitely more long-standing. And he has already held conversations as I understand it with Graham Potter.”

A bigger role

If he were to join league leaders Arsenal now, he would predominantly act as cover to Thomas Partey, whereas Chelsea could be prepared to hand him a starting role upon arrival.

However, both clubs are well stocked in midfield, with Chelsea already possessing a lot of players on their books despite their interest.

Arsenal could entice him given their position in the table, but Potter’s presence at Chelsea, as well as the allure of a starting place, could sway his decision in Chelsea’s favour.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is assessing his options regarding the transfer activity of his club, with moves being made in the ongoing January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

According to Spanish publication Marca, Villa are interested in acquiring the signature of South Korean flanker Kang-in Lee, who has emerged as one of the hottest young prospects in the Spanish La Liga with RCD Mallorca, having previously risen to prominence with fellow divisional outfit Valencia.

Interest in the Asian sensation is mounting, with the Claret & Blue poised to rival high-flying Premier League rivals Newcastle United in clinching his signature as per the report.

A dynamic offensive force, Kang would fit the bill for Emery’s budding system in the Midlands, providing cover across multiple fronts and rising to prominence over the next few seasons under his Spaniard manager’s sagely observation.

Imagine him & Watkins 

At just 21-years-old, Kang has already racked up 89 appearances in the Spanish first division, scoring five goals and assisting nine more.

As evidenced by Transfermarkt, the South Korean has played across every imaginable forward position this season for Mallorca, earning direct contributions on both flanks and as a centre-forward.

This season for his outfit, the ten-cap star has made 14 starts in the top-flight, scoring two goals and serving four assists, impressing with his positional fluidity and building upon his previous term, where he chalked in just one goal and two assists all season.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 6% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues for attempted passes, the top 3% for dribbles completed and the top 9% for progressive passes, while also bolstering his teammates’ fortunes by sitting within the top 9% for shot-creating actions.

The £13m-rated phenom would be a brilliant, flowing addition to an ambitious Aston Villa side crying out for an injection of quality on the attacking front, and he would aid the likes of Ollie Watkins in rekindling goalscoring form.

By utilising his budding knack for creating openings for his teammates, and tendency to target forward-thinking dribbles and passing plays, the “outstanding talent” – as dubbed by Valencia academy director Luis Vicente Mateo – would provide Watkins with a boost to the creativity behind his shooting boots.

Indeed, he has only found the back of the net on three occasions in the Premier League this season and is clearly in need of some extra creativity behind him.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano recently confirmed that the club were approaching the final stages of a transfer deal for Real Betis left-back Alex Moreno, and the offensive flanks are the forthcoming departments of the field in need of fortification.

By signing Kang, there is an instant replenishment of the frontline and the platform to nurture the talents of an outstanding young star.

When it was revealed that Elliot Embleton had suffered a broken ankle and ligament damage in Sunderland’s 1-1 draw with Hull City last weekend, many fans may have been worried that he wouldn’t be seen again this season.

However, a recent report from Football Insider has claimed that the 23-year-old could still be seen again this season as he is set to undergo surgery on Friday, and could return after between nine and 12 weeks on the sidelines.

The former Blackpool loanee is one of just three Sunderland players who have featured in all 23 of their league fixtures so far this campaign, which emphasises how important he has become under Tony Mowbray and the 59-year-old will surely be delighted if he can return before the season is over.

In those 23 appearances, the young midfielder has contributed two goals and two assists, while he also memorably scored the opening goal for the Black Cats in their 2-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers in the League One playoff final.

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He also played a key role in the normal season, notching eight goals and six assists in 38 games and at just 23, there seems no reason why he can’t be a mainstay in the Mackems’ midfield for many years to come.

Lee Cattermole spoke highly about the 23-year-old’s potential back in 2020 when he featured on the SAFC Unfiltered podcast.

He said:

“He’s technically one of the best players I’ve seen. A good mark of knowing someone’s technically good is he can take corners with both feet.

“He’s someone who sees that pass that other players don’t. He’s a nightmare to play against in training because he can go either way, shoot off both feet.”

Embleton, who earns £6k-per-week at the Stadium of Light, will undoubtedly be working as hard as possible after his surgery to ensure that he can still play a part for the Black Cats towards the end of the season, which could prove crucial in their hopes of achieving a playoff spot once again.

With Sunderland arguably low on central midfield options, with the inexperienced trio of Edouard Michut, Abdoullah Ba and Jay Matete likely replacements for Embleton, Mowbray will be hoping that his surgery is a big success and he can get back on the pitch as soon as is safely possible.

Leeds United are expected to rebuff any advances for coveted midfielder Tyler Adams this January transfer window, according to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano…

What’s the word?

The Italian transfer guru delivered a fresh update on the American’s situation at Elland Road amid interest from teams both in England and abroad, despite only joining for £20m in the summer.

“Inter Milan are not in talks to sign Tyler Adams as things stand,” he told Caught Offside. “I’m sure Leeds will try to keep him, they love Tyler as player but also I’m told they love his attitude in the dressing room.

“It always depends on the proposals, we will see; too early to say. But I think he’s very good player with a top future.”

Premier League rivals Manchester United were one of the other teams recently linked with a move for the Whites star ahead of the new year.

A dream for Marsch

A couple of months after Marsch’s arrival at Elland Road, he lost two of Leeds’ very best performers in Kalvin Phillips – who joined champions Manchester City – and Raphinha – who switched Yorkshire for Barcelona.

The former left behind a particularly large void but one that has been filled pretty well, thanks to the shrewd summer recruitment from the American head coach and director of football Victor Orta as both Adams and fellow signing Marc Roca have stepped up to the plate.

It should, therefore, please Marsch immensely that he isn’t going to need to source a replacement and that he can continue to deploy the World Cup maestro for the remainder of the season.

Ultimately, he’s something of a dream player for the current system and the coach.

Adams played a key part in Leeds’ early season form, resulting in a shock 3-0 win over Chelsea, where he was lauded as an “engine” and a “monster” for just how influential he was against some of the Premier League’s very best counterparts.

As per Sofascore figures, the former RB Leipzig ace is currently the club’s fifth-best performer in the Premier League, averaging a rating of 6.92. No other midfielder is more accurate in his passing, whilst he ranks second for tackles and third for key chances created per game, too.

That all-round ability is what makes him an ideal player in the English top-flight and the fact that he is more than likely to remain at Elland Road is certainly a huge boost of encouragement to the manager and the club.

AND in other news, Leeds handed definitive Stuart Dallas return date…

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in James Maddison ahead of the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has claimed that the Magpies are set to avoid a swoop to sign the England international during the midway point of the season.

However, the club have not completely given up their pursuit of the Leicester attacking midfielder and could change their stance in a future window.

Edwards tweeted:

“#nufc “highly unlikely” to move for James Maddison in Jan according to well-placed sources. There could be signings made but not going to be huge month for recruitment and that deal is very, very expensive and difficult to do. Still like the player though and remains of interest.”

Big blow

This update will come as a big blow to Eddie Howe as Maddison has the quality to be a phenomenal signing for the Magpies in January.

Signing the former Norwich and Coventry man would give Newcastle a huge boost in their pursuit of European football as he has proven himself to be a fantastic player at Premier League level.

The gem, who has been valued at around £60m by the Foxes, has been on fire in the top-flight this season – scoring seven goals and providing four assists in 13 appearances. 

Statman Dave described the midfielder as a “magician” earlier this season and his creative statistics back that up. Maddison has created 2.4 chances per match in the division and completed 84% of his attempted passes, which shows that he is regularly providing his teammates with opportunities to score without consistently gifting possession away.

Meanwhile, Kieran Trippier (2.3) is the only Newcastle player with more than 1.3 key passes per match in the Premier League and this suggests that the Leicester man would be a welcome addition to the side.

The superb gem, who is currently in Qatar for the 2022 World Cup with England, also scored 12 goals and provided eight assists in 28 starts in the league for the Foxes last term. Whereas, no Toon player managed more than eight goals or five assists during the 2021/22 campaign.

Therefore, Maddison would be a sensational signing for the club as he could improve their attacking options, both in terms of his goalscoring potential and his creative qualities.

This is why not signing him in January is set to be a big blow for Howe as he will not be able to call upon the 26-year-old’s talents to help his side’s Champions League hopes in the second half of the season.

Newcastle United have reportedly scouted Lorient midfielder Enzo Le Fee ahead of the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Standout season

The 22-year-old is enjoying a standout season with Lorient, ranking high in key metrics for Ligue 1 players, and helping his team make a charge up to the Champions League qualifying places.

His performances have been consistently impressive as, over the past year, he has ranked in the 96th percentile for shot-creating actions, 94th percentile for tackles and 90th percentile for dribbles completed out of all midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues (FBRef).

Therefore, it seems likely that Le Fee is due a big move away from the Stade du Moustoir in the near future.

The Latest: Newcastle scout Le Fee

Writing in his latest piece for 90min, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed that Newcastle have ‘scouted’ Le Fee ahead of a potential move in January.

However, the Magpies face competition from fellow Premier League clubs Leicester City and Fulham, along with Real Sociedad, Borussia Dortmund and Lazio from the continent, for his signature.

Lorient are ‘ready’ to open talks over a new contract for Le Fee, but may find it difficult to keep him if a suitable offer comes in.

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The Verdict: Another great option

Le Fee would be another great squad option for Eddie Howe at Newcastle going into the second half of the campaign as they look to maintain their push for a Champions League place.

Similar to Bruno Guimaraes in terms of playing style, the Frenchman could establish a formidable new partnership with the Magpies favourite in the middle of the park, having already racked up a tally of two goals and two assists in 13 matches in Ligue 1 this term (Transfermarkt).

Also, as he is still only 22 years of age, the Magpies could help him to fulfil his high potentialif he comes to St James’ Park.

Pundit and former Aston Villa star Dion Dublin has name-checked Sean Dyche as a possible successor to Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard.

The Lowdown: Gerrard speculation

Gerrard’s future has been a hot topic of conversation following Sunday’s defeat to Chelsea at Villa Park.

Reports from Football Insider on Monday have gone as far as saying that the club have decided to sack the 42-year-old and that his exit could be formalised by the end of the week.

Mauricio Pochettino and Unai Emery have been sounded out as potential replacements, however, Dublin has thrown two more names into the ring, should NSWE be on the hunt for a new boss.

The Latest: Dublin’s comments

Dublin, who now contributes for the BBC, was talking to The Daily Express regarding possible Gerrard successors. He said that Dyche and Rafa Benitez could be ‘good replacements’ and are currently out of work.

“The only managers I can think of off the top of my head out of work [who would be good replacements] are Sean Dyche and Rafa Benitez. Is there any symmetry between those two managers? I’m not quite sure, but they are the two I can think of out of work.”

The Verdict: Not sure

Dyche, who had a famous bust-up with Villa captain John McGinn, has been out of work since April after parting ways with Burnley. The Englishman spent just shy of ten years at Turf Moor and had done an impressive job on a tight budget with the Clarets.

However, should Villa sack Gerrard, you’d expect that NSWE would want a big name to take them to the next level like Pochettino. Persuading the Argentine may prove to be a challenge, though, which could possibly open the door to one of Dublin’s suggestions, but a move for Dyche at this moment in time appears like a safety net.