Após golear o Vasco da Gama fora de casa, o Ceará foca as atenções no Bahia e tenta se aproveitar do momento ruim do rival no clássico nordestino, que será disputado na Arena Fonte Nova.
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Uma das esperanças de gol do Vozão é o atacante Cléber, que marcou no primeiro turno e quer repetir a dose neste fim de semana.
‘A gente, sempre que joga contra o Bahia, costuma fazer bons jogos. Isso acaba facilitando lá na frente quando a bola chega. Eu tô conseguindo fazer os gols e, esse próximo jogo, a gente pretende sair com os três pontos de lá’.
Classificação
Após 23 partidas disputadas, o Ceará aparece na 11ª colocação, com 29 pontos.
Manchester United are considering a move for an overseas goalkeeper to replace Andre Onana, according to a recent report.
Andre Onana struggling at Man Utd
Since putting pen to paper from Inter over the summer, Onana hasn’t made the beginning to life that he would have hoped at his new home, having kept just four clean sheets (Transfermarkt – Onana statistics), but it’s not just letting goals in that have affected his performance levels in the Premier League.
The Red Devils goalkeeper has looked nervous with the ball at his feet on multiple occasions this season – something he was supposed to thrive at – and made some silly mistakes leading to the opposition being given an opportunity to hit the back of the net.
Therefore, Erik ten Hag may be regretting signing him in the first place and it sounds like he’s already seeking out successors, which has led him to FC Porto’s Diogo Costa, and it’s not the first time the boss has attempted to secure a deal for the 24-year-old.
The Old Trafford side were pushing to land the Portugal international after David De Gea left the club, but having instead opted to go for their current first-choice between the sticks, a move failed to come to fruition before the previous transfer deadline.
Man United still keen on deal for Diogo Costa
According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola (via Sport Witness), Man United sent scouts to watch Costa during FC Porto's 2-0 victory over Vizela last weekend. The Red Devils maintain an interest in their target and "could make a new move" for him in January.
The M16 outfit are planning to deploy chiefs to assess the goalkeeper again in the near future, with €75m (£65m) being the price tag that has been set for him by his club, but it yet remains to be seen whether the board are considering submitting an offer.
FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.
Diogo Costa's impressive clean sheet record
During his time at FC Porto, Costa has kept 50 clean sheets from 122 senior appearances, which has seen him described as a “superman” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, so it’s understandable to see why Old Trafford chiefs would want to take a second bite of the cherry (Transfermarkt – Costa statistics).
Standing at 6 foot 1, Sergio Conceicao’s colossus has also made 12 saves from 18 shots on target against so far this season, giving him a 72.2% success rate (FBRef – Costa statistics), with his impressive performances having helped to contribute towards securing ten pieces of silverware for club and country since the start of his career.
Portuguese Champion
2019/20 & 2021/22
Portuguese Cup Winner
2020, 2022 & 2023
Portuguese League Cup Winner
2022/23
Portuguese Super Cup Winner
2021
UEFA Youth League Winner
2018/19
Portugal European U19s Champion
2018
Portugal European U17s Champion
2016 (Data via Transfermarkt)
Therefore, Ten Hag would only benefit from having Costa’s winning mentality and extraordinary shot-stopping skills in the building, so having been a player on the radar for quite some time, this could be one to keep a close eye on ahead of January.
Manchester United will be grateful the international break has arrived when it did, as they are going through a difficult stage under the leadership of Erik ten Hag.
Having secured a top-four finish in the Premier League last season – ensuring Champions League football in the process – along with winning the Carabao Cup, it appeared as though Ten Hag was finally the right man in charge at Old Trafford to return the Red Devils to the summit of English football.
However, it looks as though second-season syndrome has struck the Dutchman and while he hasn’t been helped with injuries to key players or missing out on some transfer targets, he still has a strong enough squad to be doing better.
United have lost four of their eight league matches thus far, while losing their opening two Champions League group games and things will need to be turned around in swift fashion if they want to play European football beyond Christmas.
Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag.
Rasmus Hojlund has scored three goals in these two Champions League matches, but none in the Premier League so far, while fellow summer signings Andre Onana and Mason Mount haven’t exactly been spellbinding either.
Defensively, United have been poor, conceding 19 goals in all competitions so far this term, including two or more in six of these games.
Ten Hag hasn’t been helped by still having to rely on Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, and he should be looking to offload them as soon as possible.
How have Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof performed for Man Utd?
Maguire saw a move to West Ham United collapse during the summer transfer window, preferring to remain and fight for his place in Manchester, while Lindelof is out of contract at the end of the current season and his seven-year spell at United could soon be over, especially if Ten Hag has his way.
The Swede has featured in all but one of United’s fixtures this term while Maguire has made only four appearances, including just two starts, yet their performances haven’t exactly been wonderful.
2023/24 Premier League statistics per game
Harry Maguire
Victor Lindelof
Accurate passes
24
50
Tackles
0.3
0.6
Interceptions
0.7
0.4
Clearances
Zero
One
Total duels won
Two
1.3
Stats via Sofascore
Both Lindelof and Maguire rank outside the top five across the United squad with regard to league stats for tackles, interceptions and clearances per game, and it's clear that the duo are underperforming when it comes to these key defensive metrics.
Indeed, when compared to positional peers, the Englishman fails to rank in the top 35% with regard to tackles (1.11), interceptions (1.2) and clearances (4.07) per 90, while Lindelof fails to even rank in the top 60% when compared to positional peers for the very same metrics, proving that they are not at the required standard for the current regime at United.
With the January transfer window fast approaching, Ten Hag will be hoping to add a defender or two to his senior squad, yet much of this might depend on who he could offload first.
Maguire and Lindelof are clearly the two frontrunners in terms of being sold, and it appears United are keen on a duo who are shining in Portugal – Antonio Silva and Goncalo Inacio.
Who could Man Utd sign in January?
According to Portuguese newspaper Record (via Sport Witness), United are extremely keen on bringing both Inacio from Sporting CP and Silva from Benfica to Manchester in the coming months with the report even claiming that the Red Devils have been ‘attentive’ to both players over the course of the previous few months.
The Dutchman couldn’t spend as much during the summer transfer window as he would’ve liked, meaning he missed out on several targets and with the Portuguese giants clearly not letting their players leave unless their release clauses are met, it could be a case of Deja Vue.
Antonio Silva
Indeed, the report states that Silva could potentially cost €120m (£104m) and while Inacio would cost slightly less at €60m (£52m), the £156m fee for both may prove to be far too much for Ten Hag to splash out in one window for just two players, especially in January.
They would be worthwhile purchases however, especially with United’s leaky defence and the duo should be top of Ten Hag’s list in terms of potential new signings.
How good are Goncalo Inacio and Antonio Silva?
Inacio has already gained three caps for Portugal – scoring twice in these games – while making 132 appearances for Sporting, and he has only turned 22 in August, indicating a bright future.
The defender would be an excellent fit for Ten Hag and his style of play as he currently ranks in the top 1% for progressive passes per 90 (8.84) and the top 2% for progressive carries per 90 (2.01) when compared to positional peers, showing how often he likes to get forward during games.
Goncalo Inacio
Silva is three years younger than Inacio, yet has made over 50 appearances for Benfica while even gaining five caps for Portugal since making his debut in 2022, and he even featured at the World Cup last year, proving he is one of the finest young defenders in the country.
While he doesn’t quite have the same forward-thinking qualities that Inacio has, Silva more than makes up for this with his strength in the tackle and while compared to positional peers, he ranks in the top 7% for tackles per 90 (2.2) along with ranking in the top 1% for pass success rate per 90 (91.7%) and these are attractive qualities no doubt about it.
The talented duo could forge a strong partnership at the heart of the United defence for the foreseeable future, especially with their respective strengths.
Inacio would move the ball forward from the back often, starting attacks from the defence, while Silva would offer more in the tackle and would rarely misplace a pass, offering a comfortable presence alongside the current Sporting centre-back.
Ten Hag needs to totally revamp his defence and making moves for both Silva and Inacio, whether it's January or next summer, should be integral to how successful the former Ajax manager becomes at United.
O Corinthians bem que tentou, mas foi eliminado para o América-MG nas oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil. Os dois laterais do Timão tiveram momentos opostos no jogo. Fagner marcou o gol de pênalti, enquanto Lucas Piton cometeu a penalidade que resultou no gol do Coelho. Veja as notas dos jogadores corintianos e o sobe e desce do Coelho.
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Cássio – 6,0: Fez boas defesas na primeira etapa. Chegou a tocar na bola no lance do pênalti do América-MG.
Fagner – 7,0: Presença constante no ataque, levou perigo em cruzamentos e ultrapassagens na direita. Marcou o gol de pênalti no segundo tempo, batendo firme a penalidade.
Gil – 6,0: Seguro, o zagueiro não assustou a torcida corintiana. Foi para o ataque no fim do jogo e foi importante nas disputas pelo alto.
Marllon – 6,0: Teve bom desempenho defensivo, anulando as jogadas do Coelho. Partida regular, sem grandes sustos.
Lucas Piton – 5,0: Teve dificuldades na marcação e não foi bem no ataque. Cometeu o pênalti ao tocar a mão na bola dentro da área em cruzamento.
Xavier – 6,0: Protegeu bem o sistema defensivo da equipe. Saiu no intervalo para Mancini soltar mais o time, pois precisava da vitória.
Éderson – 5,5: Pareceu perdido no meio-campo do Corinthians, sem saber se atacava ou avançava. Arriscou alguns chutes de fora da área e foi substituído no intervalo do jogo.
Ramiro – 6,0: Esforçado, conseguiu bons lances para o Corinthians no jogo. Porém, falta acertar o último estágio, seja um passe ou uma finalização.
Mateus Vital – 5,5: Começou aberto pela esquerda e passou a atuar mais centralizado depois da saída de Cazares. Criou uma boa chance no começo, mas depois sumiu do jogo.
Cazares – 6,0: Vinha fazendo um bom jogo, tentando organizar o sistema ofensivo da equipe. Saiu machucado na metade do primeiro tempo.
Davó: – 6,5: Não começou bem o jogo, mas cresceu na segunda etapa. Teve uma boa chance de cabeça e sofreu o pênalti convertido por Fagner.
Everaldo – 5,5: O mesmo de sempre. Correu, lutou, se esforçou, mas toma decisões erradas. Precisa caprichar na última decisão.
Gabriel – 6,0: Entrou no intervalo e foi bem. Protegeu a defesa e ainda teve duas chances de marcar no fim do jogo, mas errou nas finalizações.
Cantillo – 6,0: Fez as inversões de jogo como de costume, mas não deu resultado. Precisa criar um repertório melhor se quiser um espaço na equipe titular.
Luan – 5,5: Entrou para tentar dar mais movimentação ao ataque, mas não conseguiu. Precisa ter mais confiança e mobilidade.
Léo Natel – 6,0: Tentou algumas jogadas pelas pontas mas pecou no último passe. Poderia ter tido mais tempo de jogo.
Vagner Mancini – 5,5: Entrou com três volantes mesmo tendo que ganhar o jogo para se classificar. Corrigiu no intervalo, viu o time melhorar, mas não o suficiente para a classificação.
Sobe e Desce América-MG: Sobe / Organização: Comandados de Lisca souberam a hora certa de se defender e atacar o Corinthians. Mostrou boa transição da defesa para o ataque e soube suportar a pressão. Desce / Finalização: Coelho teve chances de construir um placar melhor, mas pecou nas finalizações e nos últimos passes nas chances criadas.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was spotted "winding up the Chelsea crowd" in the 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge this afternoon, with reporter Jacob Tanswell taking to X to comment on an incident involving Nicolas Jackson.
What was the Chelsea vs Aston Villa score?
Villa ran out 1-0 winners at Stamford Bridge this afternoon, bouncing back from their 3-2 defeat against Legia Warsaw in their opening Europa Conference League game on Thursday night, and they are now up to sixth in the Premier League table.
The game changed in the second half when Chelsea's Malo Gusto was sent off after an intervention from VAR, with the right-back being dismissed after going into a challenge with Lucas Digne with his studs up.
Ollie Watkins' goal with just over 15 minutes remaining was the difference between the two sides, producing a finish to beat Robert Sanchez from a very tight angle, and the Villans held on to secure an important victory, their fourth in their last five league games.
However, it appears as though Unai Emery's side would have been fairly content with a point, considering what Martinez did during the first half, at which point the game was still tied up at 0-0.
The goalkeeper was spotted time wasting on a number of occasions, which certainly managed to get under the home crowd's skin, according to Tanswell, with the Athletic reporter taking to X to say:
"Emi Martinez is winding up the Chelsea crowd, not that he cares. Every other free-kick he has taken ages. The moment Jackson stands in front of the ball, but with his back turned, Martinez smashes it against his legs. Jackson booked for stopping a quick free-kick. Artful."
How many clean sheets has Emiliano Martinez kept for Aston Villa?
Prior to the game, the Argentina international had picked up 41 clean sheets in 146 appearances for Aston Villa, and he has another one to add to his collection after today, having put in a solid performance to keep the Blues at bay.
As per Sofascore, the 31-year-old prevented a total of 1.51 goals throughout the match, having been called into action to make four saves, three of which were from shots inside the box, playing a key role for Villa en-route to picking up a big three points.
The shot-stopper received a SofaScore match rating of 7.7 for his efforts, the second-highest figure of any player on his side, and he will be glad to be back to his best, after shipping three goals away at Legia Warsaw on Thursday night.
emiliano-martinez
Martinez eventually picked up a yellow card for his time wasting antics in the 94th minute, but he will not care one jot, considering his use of the dark arts ultimately ended up paying off, with his side holding out to secure a 1-0 victory.
Emery will now be hoping his goalkeeper puts in a similar performance if he is picked for the EFL Cup game against Everton on Wednesday night, before Villa play host to Brighton & Hove Albion in a tough match next weekend.
Manchester United have set their sights on signing another new forward alongside Brighton and Hove Albion's Evan Ferguson, as a reliable journalist dropped an update on the club's transfer plans this week .
What's the latest transfer news at Man United?
Over the summer, Erik ten Hag was busy in the market, bringing in seven fresh faces in the form of Mason Mount, Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund, Jonny Evans and Altay Bayindir all on a permanent basis, whilst securing loan moves for Sofyan Amrabat and Sergio Reguilon.
There were also plenty of outgoings, with the hierarchy sanctioning the sales of some big names like Fred, Dean Henderson, Eric Bailly and Anthony Elanga, though having this space in the squad means that the boss has room to bolster his ranks further in January.
One of the players that he could turn his attention to is Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia who has caught the eye for Rudi Garcia’s side since joining last summer from Dinamo Batumi, where he’s so far made a total of 45 appearances to date.
The Premier League giants were credited with an interest in the left-winger during the previous transfer window, alongside Manchester City and Newcastle United, and despite a deal failing to come to fruition, the 22-year-old could be on his way to Old Trafford in 2024.
Are Man United signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia?
According to The Daily Mail's Mike Keegan during a live Q&A, Man United could look at Kvaratskhelia as a possible attacking reinforcement alongside Ferguson – who the board are also keeping close tabs on – despite Ten Hag's options currently being more limited out on the right wing. He said:
"He plays on the other side but it wouldn’t surprise me if Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was in the Premier League next season. I know he’s had admirers here, including United, but I can’t imagine he would come cheap and a switch during the season may be unlikely. As for January, a loan move may be the answer to get them through until the end of the campaign."
Napoli forwardKhvicha Kvaratskhelia.
How many goals has Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored?
Since putting pen to paper at Napoli, Kvaratskhelia has posted an impressive 32 contributions (18 assists and 14 goals) in 45 appearances, form which has seen him dubbed a “legend” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, so should he put pen to paper at Man United in the new year, it would be a huge coup.
The Georgia international, who pockets just £25k-per-week, is also currently averaging 9.47 shot-creating actions per league game which is more than any of his fellow teammates, via FBRef, highlighting the constant threat he poses to an opposition's defence when it comes to the action in the final third.
Sponsored by Nike, the both-footed Serie A winner has also received plenty of individual recognition over the course of his career, receiving his country's Footballer of the Year award on four occasions whilst being named the Champions League’s Best Young Player in 2023, so he would be able to pass his winning mentality onto the current squad who are already in M16.
On Sunday afternoon, Everton suffered a miserable and damaging 4-0 defeat against high-flying Aston Villa in the Premier League.
For the first time since 1955/56, Everton have lost their first two league games of the season without scoring and it is worrying times for the Goodison Park faithful.
It has kickstarted that argument blaming the board’s mismanagement for the club’s fall as relegation candidates, with Michael Keane becoming an embodiment of the struggle over recent years.
He has been at the club since 2017 but has never impressed, and his inclusion in the starting lineup six years later is indicative of the fragmented and broken nature of the transfer policy.
Keane was at fault for the third Villa goal, and his lack of pace, awareness, defensive positioning, and technical ability means he is not at the standard required.
Toffees director of football Kevin Thelwell is in the market for a new centre-back, but the latest target won’t fill Everton fans with any hope…
What’s the latest Everton transfer news?
According to reputable journalist Rudy Galetti, Everton have expressed an interest in signing Manchester United’s Harry Maguire.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he revealed:
“Despite the deal that collapsed with West Ham, Maguire is still on the market. Only with his farewell, Manchester United will sign a new centre-back. At the moment for the former United captain, everything is going slow. Everton showed interest in him in the last few days, but nothing concrete at the moment.”
Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…
The Englishman’s proposed £30m transfer to West Ham United broke down, as he was unable to agree on the terms of his exit with the Red Devils, which has opened the door for Everton to possibly make a move.
Would Harry Maguire be a good signing for Everton?
Given the desperation and the uncertainty that envelopes Everton, the idea of signing a player whose recent playing time has been littered with mistakes would be a questionable strategy.
Last season, Maguire started just eight Premier League games and has slipped behind Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, and Victor Lindelof in the pecking order.
More recently, as a damning indictment of his faltering form and waning influence, Erik ten Hag stripped the former Leicester City titan of the captaincy.
Harry Maguire
Although he would probably be more suited to Sean Dyche's setup – given the deeper, defensive style – it is unclear whether he is the right option for a club destined for another desperate relegation fight.
The £190k-per-week centre-back has previously been branded as “woeful” by Lianne Sanderson, and his slow, immobile, unconvincing presence for United closely mirrors what Keane, unfortunately, offers to Everton.
Back in 2019, United shelled out a ridiculous £80m on Maguire, but Everton’s purchase of Keane for a then-club record fee of £30m is also embarrassing in hindsight.
In April 2022, talkSPORT’s Perry Groves commented that the Toffees' defender looks like “he’s not in control of his own body” and this was painfully apparent against Villa.
In an attempt to intercept a throw-in, Keane's lackadaisical ouch perfectly cushioned the ball into the path of Leon Bailey, who calmly finished the chance. Then, a mix-up between Ashley Young and the 6 foot 3 calamity allowed Jhon Duran to steal in a net a fourth.
Whilst Maguire is arguably more reliable than Keane, his form, confidence, and lack of agility are very concerning factors and his possible arrival isn’t the boost that Goodison Park needs, so Thelwell ought to steer clear of the Red Devils flop heading into the final ten days of the transfer window.
A report has shared news on Fulham's transfer plans and it involves Real Betis defender Juan Miranda, a player once praised by Lionel Messi.
Who will Fulham sign?
After sealing deals for both defender Calvin Bassey, who put pen to paper on an £18.2 million move from Ajax, and Mexico striker Raul Jimenez, there is still plenty of work to do at Craven Cottage.
Indeed, reliable media sources like transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano have claimed that Fulham are also pushing to sign Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi, with their west London rivals "clear" he can leave.
Meanwhile, there has also been talk of reignited interest in Man United midfielder Fred, coming after claims earlier in the transfer window that he is willing to join Marco Silva's side.
This will be pleasing for Silva, as the Fulham manager has publicly admitted that he is far from satisfied with the club's progress this summer.
Marco Silva
“Unfortunately, we need many still. We have some important players injured,” he said.
“I hope they can come sooner. We have just two full backs, we need a midfielder too and we have just two wingers so we need another two wingers.
“We have completed our central defenders. I needed these players 15 days or 20 days ago, not now.”
Fulham, after Silva admitted they have a real full-back shortage, have reportedly joined the race for AS Monaco full-back Ismail Jakobs – who featured for Senegal at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
It appears new full-backs are firmly on the agenda, with a report sharing news on Miranda of Real Betis.
The 23-year-old has under 12 months left on his contract, and Fulham are hoping to strike a "cut price" move for Miranda as a result.
He has apparently caught the eye of Silva, who has made the signing of a new left-back one of his top priorities before deadline day. That is according to TEAMtalk, who also say Silva is eager to add competition for Antonee Robinson on that left side.
How good is Juan Miranda?
The Spaniard made 21 appearances under Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini last season, ranking among their best-performers per 90 by average match rating in La Liga (WhoScored).
Miranda also featured among their best regulars for clearances made per 90, indicating he can be relied upon defensively.
Meanwhile, the young defender also ranked joint-third out of Real Betis' regular starters for key passes made going forward (WhoScored).
Miranda could be seen as a real asset both at the back and in more advanced areas, with footballing icon Messi once praising him as ones to watch out La Masia's famed Barca academy.
"They [Miranda and Rique Puig] have been training with us for a whole and you see they are different players," said Messi five years ago.
"The club did well in bringing them up to train with us. They will grow more and that's good the club are using people from the youth academy because for a while nobody came.
"Going back to that model is important for the academy and the club."
Crystal Palace are set to enter the running to sign Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah this summer, and reports have revealed whether his club are willing to sell.
Is Trevoh Chalobah leaving Chelsea?
The Blues centre-back is an academy graduate at Stamford Bridge having worked his way up through the various youth ranks to get promoted to the first team back in 2021, but he’s never really been able to nail down a regular place in the senior squad in the capital.
In the Premier League last season, the 24-year-old was handed just 18 starts from 38 matches and earlier in his career was sent out on three development loans to Ipswich Town, Huddersfield and FC Lorient, so he knows that the only time he’ll receive consistent minutes is if he’s on the road rather than remaining where he is and being out of favour.
The England youth international still has another five years remaining on his contract with Mauricio Pochettino’s side, but TEAMtalk have reported that the 6 foot 3 colossus has been told that he can leave having been deemed surplus to requirements by his manager.
The Argentine recently signed AS Monaco’s Axel Disasi to replace the injured Wesley Fofana, not to mention that the in-demand Levi Colwill is expected to be used more often moving forward having signed a new long-term contract, so Chalobah won’t be able to get a look in next season should he stay put.
Are Crystal Palace signing Trevoh Chalobah?
According to Football Insider, Crystal Palace are “poised to join the race” for Chalobah this summer. Premier League rivals West Ham United and Everton are also “ready to pounce and secure a deal”, alongside a “number of top sides” from across Europe.
The Chelsea product’s exit is set to soon be “accelerated” as they are “keen to sell” him, despite having captained his side during their pre-season tour of the USA.
Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah.
How much does Trevoh Chalobah earn?
At Chelsea, Chalobah currently pockets £50k-per-week which he isn’t really earning considering that he’s a fringe player, but that could all change should he make the move to Crystal Palace where he would only excel further under the guidance of Roy Hodgson.
The Freetown native last season averaged 2.2 clearances and 1.2 aerial wins per top-flight game when given the opportunity to play, via WhoScored, alongside recording an 88.5% pass success rate, which was higher than any of the regular starters achieved in SE25, showing his calmness and composure on the ball.
The Blues' “soldier”, as previously dubbed by his former manager Graham Potter, is also capable of contributing to efforts in the final third having scored 13 goals and provided nine assists since the start of his career, highlighting the positive impact he can make at both ends of the pitch.
Furthermore, Chalobah shares the same agent, CAA Base Ltd, as Eberechi Eze, so this existing connection that his representative already has to the club could give them a small advantage should they attempt to get a deal over the line in the final weeks of the transfer window.
Leeds United target Karl Darlow is set to undergo a medical ahead of a proposed £400,000 move to Elland Road, Sky Sports’ Keith Downie reports.
Are Leeds signing Karl Darlow?
New owners the 49ers Enterprises and manager Daniel Farke are making preparations ahead of the new Championship campaign. Ethan Ampadu is the only player the club have signed so far, with the versatile midfielder arriving on a permanent deal from Chelsea.
The club’s focus since has been on signing a new shot-stopper ahead of their season opener with Cardiff City next Sunday, with Darlow a player who has been admired by the Whites.
It looked as if Premier League side Bournemouth were close to signing the 32-year-old ahead of the Whites, however, the Cherries have since struck an agreement to land Andrei Radu on a season-long loan from Inter Milan.
That has opened the door for Leeds to make their move for Darlow, and it appears as if a transfer is now gathering real pace. Sky Sports reporter Downie took to Twitter in the last 24 hours to share a further update regarding Darlow.
It has been confirmed by Eddie Howe that the shot-stopper will head to Yorkshire for a medical. And the 49ers have clearly worked their magic, with a deal believed to be in the region of just £400,000, considerably less than his previously reported £5m price tag.
“Eddie Howe confirms Karl Darlow will travel to Leeds for a medical tomorrow. Understand the fee is in the region of £400k.”
Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow.
Who is Karl Darlow?
Darlow came through the youth system at Nottingham Forest but has been with Newcastle since 2014. During that time, the Englishman has turned out on 100 occasions for the Magpies, helping them win the Championship back in 2017.
He actually spent the second half of the previous campaign out on loan with Hull City, and in total, Darlow has kept 48 clean sheets in 152 Championship appearances throughout his career.
Newcastle defender Jamaal Lascelles has praised Darlow, labelling him as “fantastic” who has “everything you’d want” from a keeper.
"Since he’s been at Newcastle, I don’t think he’s put a foot wrong. Every time he’s been asked, he’s played well. In the Championship season, he played the majority of the games and we got promotion.
"He’s been patient. He’s a great professional. He’s been fantastic. That’s what I know from Karl. He’s a great goalkeeper. His shot-stopping, crosses, everything you’d want from your goalkeeper."
His second-tier experience could be just what is required at Elland Road, and as per Joe Donnouhue, over a 46-game season, Darlow averages just under 15 clean sheets in the second-tier.
A similar display for Leeds could go a long way in helping them earn promotion back to the Premier League at the first opportunity, and tightening up at the back is crucial after the club conceded a total of 157 goals over the past two top-flight campaigns.
A £400,000 fee is also good to see, especially given his £5m asking price earlier in the summer, and it’ll be interesting to see who Leeds decide to go after next.