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After tasting back-to-back defeats in the Premier League, Leeds United got back to winning ways with a superb 3-0 win over Southampton on Tuesday night.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side sealed all three points thanks to goals from Patrick Bamford, Raphinha and Stuart Dallas, and it was arguably the latter who stole the show for the Argentine.

While Raphinha may take most of the headlines for his wonderful free-kick, Dallas’ energetic contributions set the tone for the contest, and once again reaffirmed why Bielsa seems to be such a massive fan of his – he’s played the full 90 minutes in every single Premier League this season, bar one, and even in that he only came off with ten minutes to go.

As per Sofascore, Dallas completed both of his attempted dribbles – the best success rate of any Leeds player versus the Saints – while he was one of only two players to provide at least one key pass and create one official big chance.

His fine attacking work was eventually rewarded when he scored (toe-poked) with just less than 15 minutes to go, arriving on the scene to take a touch from a Helder Costa cross and then firing into the bottom corner.

But it wasn’t just offensively that the 29-year-old really caused problems for Southampton. Defensively, he was a beast too. He made a game-high five tackles (more than double his season average of 2.3 in the top-flight), while he also won seven of his nine total duels (again, far more than his season average of 4.7).

In their post-match player ratings, Leeds Live gave Dallas the joint-highest of eight, writing: “Yet another goal to add to his tally. Was one of the best outlets United had in the first half with his link-ups with Raphinha down the left. So dependable in every position and always an option arriving on the edge of the box from deep.”

And, after the game, The Athletic’s Phil Hay delivered his verdict on Leeds’ Mr Reliable, saying: “Had Dallas down as player of the year last season (granted, Hernandez ambushed proceedings at the death). I’d say Dallas has been even better this season. It’s like constant evolution for so many in this squad.”

Though Leeds’ sparkling Brazilian, Raphinha, may be the name on everybody’s lips after another goal-scoring display, it was Dallas who really proved himself to be Bielsa’s key man on the night.

Norwich City defender Max Aarons is reportedly a transfer target for some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Manchester United and Bayern Munich interested in securing a deal for the talented full-back.

What’s the word?

Norwich will reportedly hold out for a fee up to £35 million for the full-back, with the 21-year-old valued at £18 million according to Transfermarkt.

He has been an ever-present figure in the Norwich side and appeared in all 34 of the Canaries’ Championship fixtures to date this season.

He has found the net in a 2-1 win over Sheffield Wednesday and claimed assists in the games against Reading, Middlesbrough and Rotherham United.

The stock of Aarons is rising all the time and Norwich legend Darren Huckerby described him as a “special player” with an “unbelievable future.”

It loks like Canaries Sporting Director Stuart Webber faces a battle to keep the talented youngster at Carrow Road.

Tie him down

Norwich are in a commanding position to secure an automatic return to the Premier League, and it is vital that they keep hold of a player with the quality of Aarons with the long-term future of the club in mind.

The full-back has just over three years left on his existing deal and it remains imperative to tie him down to a long-term contract.

Keeping players like Aarons would enable the Canaries to ditch their reputation as a yo-yo club and allow them to look to establish themselves in the top flight once they return.

The club has sold a host of academy graduates in recent years that includes the likes of James Maddison, Ben Godfrey and Jamal Lewis, but they may need to hold onto their up-and-coming stars to take them to the next level.

Canaries’ fans will be hoping that Aarons will go on to star in the Premier League for Norwich in the very near future.

Read more, Spurs face Everton competition for Norwich starlet Max Aarons

Southampton travel to the Etihad on Wednesday evening to face top-of-the-table Manchester City, and if Ralph Hasenhuttl wants to get anything from the game, he must start Che Adams.

The former Birmingham City man ended his poor run of form in front of goal with a superb volley against his old side Sheffield United at the weekend after coming on as a substitute.

The injury to Danny Ings at Bramall Lane also gives Hasenhuttl a decision to make with who to select up front, with Nathan Tella perhaps deserving to keep his place after an excellent performance in the 2-0 win against Chris Wilder’s side.

Adams, who reportedly earns £30k per week at Southampton, is one man he should select up front, as that screamer on Saturday will hopefully have given him the confidence to start finding the net on a more regular basis, especially with Ings now set for a spell on the sidelines.

Before last weekend, the two sides couldn’t have been in more opposite form, as City had won 21 games in a row in all competitions, whilst Hasenhuttl’s side had picked up just one point from a possible 27 in the top-flight.

However, City’s 2-0 defeat in the Manchester derby, combined with Southampton distancing themselves from the relegation battle with a 2-0 win against Sheffield United, will surely give the South Coast club some hope ahead of their trip to the Etihad.

They have shown they can do it against Pep Guardiola’s side before, as they were superb in the 1-0 win against City at St Mary’s last season following Project Restart, a game in which Adams scored his first Premier League goal for the club with a superb lob over Ederson.

Alan Shearer labelled the 24-year-old striker “magnificent” for his performance in that game, so Hasenhuttl should definitely hand him a start at the Etihad on Wednesday, in the hope that he can replicate that performance and help the Saints pull off a huge upset against the league leaders.

And, in other news… Deadwood: Hasenhuttl should axe £10.8m-rated flop if he wants to rebuild this summer

Former Glasgow Rangers striker Kenny Miller has praised current Ibrox goalkeeper Allan McGregor.

Miller praises McGregor

Miller picked up six trophies across three spells with the Gers and has gone down as somewhat of a cult hero at the club after he helped Rangers return to the Premiership after they were demoted to the fourth tier.

Speaking to Sky Sports prior to the Gers’ clash with Celtic on Sunday, Miller praised McGregor. He said:

“It’s credit to him because there’s always been a perception of Allan that he’s a bit of a joker and a mad-cat goalkeeper, and he is – but when he turns up to work nobody works harder.

“He pulls off huge saves at big, big moments. Like you say, the Old Firm game he was absolutely outstanding in, and he was the difference.

“Rangers were under a lot of pressure in that first 15 or 20 minutes while Celtic were playing some outstanding football and creating chance after chance but they just couldn’t find a way past him.

“That’s what he does. He brings about 10 or 15 points a season with some of the saves he makes. He’s definitely had a hand in Rangers’ European run with the big saves he’s made.”

Important

McGregor, even at the age of 39 years old, has been vital to the Gers between the sticks. In 23 matches in the league, he has kept a huge 16 clean sheets, conceding just seven times (Transfermarkt), and while he shipped more in the Europa League, he has still been solid, chipping in with some fantastic saves such as the one against Slavia Prague last week.

Unfortunately, he is approaching the end of his career – at some point, the 55-time Scottish champions will need to replace him. Until then, though, as Miller has said, McGregor can continue to play a big role in the Gers’ success.

In other news, Rangers are interested in this 18-goal striker.

A number of Liverpool fans have been reacting in delighted fashion to the Champions League quarter-final and semi-final draws.

The Reds progressed from the last-16 earlier this month, getting the better of RB Leipzig over two legs and winning 4-0 on aggregate.

It was an impressive showing from a Liverpool side who have had a season to forget in the Premier League, as they outlined the quality they still possess.

The only way Jurgen Klopp’s men can turn this campaign in a memorable one is if they go all the way in the Champions League, winning it for a second time in three seasons in the process.

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On Friday, Liverpool discovered who they will face in the quarters, with a mouthwatering tie against Real Madrid to look forward to and revenge in the air after the 2018 final in Kiev.

If the Reds get through, they will then play the winner of Chelsea’s clash with Porto, with the final in Istanbul within touching distance at that point.

Liverpool fans react to Champions League draw

Here’s how some Liverpool fans reacted to the draw on Twitter.

“This could come back to haunt me but I’m delighted with that draw. We owe Madrid one. Up the Reds!”

Credit: @JamieHolme

“That’s some draw, UCL is now officially at the business end of the competition”

Credit: @Chris78Williams
“What. A. Draw. That. Was.”Credit: @em_sandy“Good draw! Happy to face Real Madrid! Revenge time. Porto or Dortmund would’ve been maybe easier but I wanted to avoid City, Bayern or PSG too early. If we get through then we face either Porto or Chelsea, which is the easier side of the draw!”Credit: @TaintlessRed“Yes lovely draw”Credit: @DHardayal“Chelsea in the semi-final? Party like it’s 2005.”Credit: @BassTunedToRed“Yesssss! Bring it, Madrid”Credit: @BenWebbLFC“‘Number 7’ is trending”Credit: @LFCTransferRoom“Pretty happy with that. Phillips vs Benzema will be tasty.”Credit: @paul_grechIn other news, Liverpool fans have been reacting to claims the Reds could move for a Premier League midfielder. Read about it here.

Rangers were unable to make their second-half pressure count at Parkhead on Sunday afternoon, as Steven Gerrard’s side drew 1-1 with their Old Firm rivals, although they do preserve their unbeaten run by avoiding defeat.

The Ibrox outfit had plenty of chances to add a second goal after Alfredo Morelos’ equaliser in the first half but were forced to settle for a draw against John Kennedy’s Celtic side.

Although the performance was much more impressive than Thursday’s 2-0 defeat against Slavia Prague in the Europa League, there will still some lacklustre displays at Parkhead, with Joe Aribo arguably nowhere near his usual standard.

The Nigerian international has been one of Gerrard’s most impressive performers in the Premiership so far this season, having averaged a superb 7.4 rating across his 26 appearances, with six goals and four assists to his name.

However, he wasn’t anywhere near his best on Sunday and struggled to have much influence on the game, even when Gerrard pushed him further forward when Scott Arfield replaced Ianis Hagi in the second half.

As per SofaScore, the former Charlton Athletic man would earn a disappointing 6.6/10 rating for his display, which was the worst of any Rangers player who started the game.

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Aribo really struggled to have any influence on the game whatsoever, as he managed no shots, no dribbles and no key passes during his time on the pitch.

Considering he has averaged 1.6 shots, 1.9 dribbles and 1.3 key passes per game in the Premiership so far this season, it is definitely fair to suggest that he was very underwhelming on Sunday, which will surely frustrate Gerrard, as he is reliant on the Nigerian to be the creative force in his midfield.

The 24-year-old also failed to complete a single long ball or cross in his 77 minutes on the pitch, so it was no surprise to see him axed in favour of Scott Wright as Rangers chased a winning goal.

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Although he may well have been tired following the Europa League game in midweek, there is no denying that this performance was far from Aribo’s usual standard, and with their rivals there for the taking, Gerrard may well be fuming that one of his chief creators failed to really turn up.

And, in other news… Wilson can sign Rangers’ ideal Defoe with swoop for £6.3m-rated beast

Southampton have reportedly been scouting Bristol City midfielder Han-Noah Massengo in recent weeks, and if the 19-year-old were to make the move to St Mary’s, it could be bad news for Saints youngster Alexandre Jankewitz.

According to the Bristol Post, Southampton scouts have been in attendance at Ashton Gate in recent weeks in order to watch a number of Nigel Pearson’s too players, with Massengo also seemingly attracting interest from the likes of Brighton, Norwich City and Bournemouth.

The 19-year-old Frenchman has been a regular in the Robins’ side since joining from AS Monaco in 2019 in what was a serious statement of intent from the Championship side, who made the teenager the second-most expensive signing in their history.

Since then, the midfielder has gone on to make 51 appearances for the club, in which he has failed to contribute a single goal or assist.

Despite having experience in the Champions League with Monaco, you could argue that his time with Bristol City hasn’t really worked out so far, as he averaged a disappointing 6.44 WhoScored average match rating for his performances last season, a figure which has dropped to 6.27 this term.

However, the £3.6m-rated Frenchman is still young and could perhaps unlock his potential with a move to a Premier League club such as Southampton, where he could learn from the likes of James Ward-Prowse and Oriol Romeu whilst challenging for a spot in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s first team. Therefore, Martin Semmens should definitely consider bringing him in this summer if they can negotiate a reasonable price with the Robins.

If he were to make the move to the south coast, you might worry that it could impact the future of fellow 19-year-old midfielder Alexandre Jankewitz, who has already voiced his frustrations about a lack of playing time under the Austrian manager by handing in a transfer request in January.

The Swiss under-21 international undoubtedly has potential but seemingly isn’t in Hasenhuttl’s good books after his horror tackle on his full Premier League debut, which saw him sent off after two minutes in the 9-0 defeat against Manchester United. Nearly two months on, that remains his most recent senior appearance.

Therefore, Jankewitz is perhaps already eyeing a move away and might not appreciate Southampton signing another youngster to compete for playing time in his position, so that could be the catalyst for him seeking a permanent exit from the Saints this summer.

In other news… Ralph can amend key Southampton issue next season with swoop for £10.8m-rated “great talent”

Aston Villa must get rid of Keinan Davis this summer amid Ashley Preece’s update on his future at the club.

What’s the story?

The 23-year-old has barely featured for Dean Smith’s side this season, playing just 80 minutes of Premier League football spread out over eight appearances.

Now, The Birmingham Mail’s Preece has raised questions about Davis’ future at Villa Park, and insisted that he needs to be playing week-in and week-out, wherever that might be.

In a conversation with The Birmingham Mail, he said: “They will look to improve the attack and a lot of players could have uncertain futures. What next for the likes of Keinan Davis?

“He doesn’t seem to be getting the starts we want to see him in and hasn’t had that much chance to impress. Perhaps he will seek a loan move? He needs first team football and he needs to be playing every week and we just haven’t seen that.”

Get rid

Reports back in the January transfer window suggested that the likes of Bristol City, Stoke and Swansea were all eyeing up a move for Davis, but a deal failed to materialise before the end of the deadline.

Speaking just last month, former Villa man Gabby Agbonlahor questioned whether Davis is needed at the club, saying: “Keinan Davis has been available and not been brought on. You look it and think ‘he’s not coming on when there are no other strikers on the bench, when Wesley comes back is he even going to make the bench? Is he going to be needed?'”

With a paltry record of just five goals in a whopping 78 games for the club, Davis just isn’t at the required level to be offering Smith a genuine option in the Premier League.

As Agbonlahor says, it’s been quite telling that Smith has been reluctant to throw the 23-year-old on even if Villa have needed a goal. While Preece suggests a potential loan move away, the club would surely be better off just calling time on his career at the club and selling him permanently this summer.

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Villa must surely get rid of the £45k-a-week man, who’s simply been rinsing Nassef Sawiris dry by not playing.

Meanwhile, Villa could strike gold by signing this Championship sensation…

Noel Whelan has claimed that Roberto Martinez would ‘be a fool’ to take the manager’s job at Newcastle United if Steve Bruce were to leave.

This comes after it was reported that the former Everton, Swansea City and Wigan Athletic manager is the leading contender to replace the Geordie if he were to exit St James’ Park.

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan has urged Martinez not to take the job in the northeast if it were offered to him. The former Leeds man said:

“He’d be a fool to leave Belgium to go to Newcastle.

“With the current owner, no money to spend – he’s a manager, not a magician. If you’re going to leave a setup like Belgium, you’re going to need reassurances that you’re going to have a lot of money to spend.

“He’s not going to get that from Mike Ashley, he’s just not. Why would you leave something so successful right now? With the players he has at his disposal, why would you go into a club that is in turmoil?

“They’re in turmoil with the players, the manager and with the board.

“The fans must be so frustrated by what is going on here because they’re teetering on the edge. There’s no way he’s taking that job if it’s in the Championship.” 

Martinez would be a good appointment by Newcastle

If Bruce were to leave the Tyneside club, then they should look no further than trying to appoint Martinez, providing that they can avoid being relegated from the Premier League.

The 47-year-old has a lot of previous experience managing in the English top flight, famously guiding Wigan to an unlikely win against Manchester City in the 2013 FA Cup final. He has also guided Belgium to number one in the FIFA World Rankings, and he would certainly be a high-profile appointment by the Magpies.

However, there would likely be a question mark over whether the Spaniard would be interested in taking the job, especially if Newcastle were to find themselves relegated at the end of the season.

In other news, find out which former fan favourite is on NUFC’s radar!

Frank McAvennie has exclusively told Football FanCast that he’s “gutted” that Scott Brown isn’t going to receive a proper send off from the Celtic faithful.

Brown, one of the most successful players in the history of Scottish football, recently confirmed that he’ll be ending his stay in Paradise following more than 14 years of service after deciding against penning a new one-year deal.

The Celtic captain has opted to move north of Glasgow and join Aberdeen as a player-coach at the end of the campaign.

Brown, a no-nonsense midfielder, won 22 trophies at Celtic Park, including 10 Scottish Premiership titles following more than 600 games in the famous green and white, leaving him seventh on their all-time record appearance list.

But with fans not allowed in grounds until next season, Brown won’t get the chance to say goodbye to the Celtic faithful, meaning the next time he plays in front of a packed Celtic Park could be in the red of Aberdeen.

McAvennie told Football FanCast that he would have loved Brown to stay for another season:

“I’m disappointed. He’s the last of a dying breed, he doesn’t mind shouting at people and loves a tackle.

“I’m gutted, because the fans aren’t getting a chance to say goodbye to him. And it’ll be fun because he’ll come back to Celtic Park, the fans will go mad, Scott Brown they’ll all be singing, and he’ll go through someone in midfield and the mood will change, but that’s Scott.

“I would have loved him to stay.”