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According to transfer reports, Leeds remain interested in signing Sampdoria defender Omar Colley this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that the 1.91m-tall (6 foot 3) defender is of interest to Marcelo Bielsa’s side ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window, and it now appears that a deal is very much there to be done.

According to ClubDoria46 (via Sport Witness), Sampdoria’s owner Massimo Ferrero is looking for a price between €10m and €15m (£8.6m-£12.9m) in order to sell him.

The report added that, along with Leeds, fellow Premier League sides Fulham and West Ham are also interested in signing the centre-back.

Bielsa will be relieved

Amid an impressive return to the Premier League this season, one of the big problems Bielsa has faced at Elland Road has been Leeds’ difficulty in dealing with set pieces – their tally of 15 conceded is the highest by far of any team in the division.

In signing Colley, Victor Orta would go a long way to addressing that problem, giving the Whites a centre-back who is an absolute monster in the air. This season has seen him win 2.9 aerial duels per game, which would rank him second among Bielsa’s current squad, with only club captain Liam Cooper averaging more with 3.9 per match.

In addition, as per Whoscored, his average of 2.6 interceptions per game would rank him first among all of Leeds’ players, while his 4.2 clearances per match also sees him comfortably above any of Bielsa’s current squad.

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Colley appears to have that ‘safety-first’ mentality which might just give the Leeds manager a completely different option to what he currently has at his disposal.

Rather than having his strengths being able to play out from the back, Colley excels more so within the width of his own penalty area. Just having a player like the Sampdoria ace who relishes the ‘dirty’ side of the game might just help Leeds shore things up more firmly.

Meanwhile, Leeds are facing a transfer battle to sign this midfielder…

The Athletic’s Crystal Palace journalist Matt Woosnam has recently provided some details about Jean-Philippe Mateta’s situation at the club.

Mateta had joined Palace on a loan deal in the January transfer window and his term at the club ends after 18 months, when the Eagles have the option to sign him. However, the striker has not featured regularly for Roy Hodgson’s men in recent weeks.

Woosnam provides Mateta update

The Athletic recently opened up a Q&A session for Palace fans ahead of their game against Everton. One fan asked Woosnam about Mateta and his lack of involvement in the Palace first-team under Hodgson.

The 23-year-old didn’t start against the Toffees on Monday either, but Woosnam revealed that the striker is a long-term signing for Palace even though Mateta was aware of a plan to use him this season. The journalist compared him to Michy Batshuayi, saying that his hold-up play isn’t great and he doesn’t fit into Hodgson’s plan and tactics at the moment.

Here’s what the journalist said in full: “He is on an 18-month loan, he was aware that the plan was to use him here and there in this season and then see how he does going forward. It’s a longer-term signing who can contribute now but is there for the future. Based on his performances to date and also what can be gleaned from the data and observations from previous clubs, he is someone who needs service and the ball to come to him, he doesn’t hold it up well. To some extent there are similarities with Batshuayi.

“But he doesn’t particularly suit Hodgson’s system or style at the moment.”

Despite limited game-time, Mateta has already scored once for Palace, finding the back of the net against Brighton back in February (Transfermarkt).

Mateta signing could work out in the long-term

Before arriving at Palace, the £13.5m-rated Mateta had impressed for Mainz this season. He played 15 Bundesliga games for them, scoring seven times and getting one assist for the club. He also got three goals in two DFB Pokal games for Die Nullfünfer (as per Transfermarkt).

It shows that he is certainly an able goalscorer and, while he might not fit Hodgson’s system, the manager’s contract at Palace runs out in the summer. Palace could well have a new man in charge from next season onwards, and perhaps that could help Mateta to flourish at Selhurst Park.

In other news, many Palace fans have been reacting to a news about Eddie Howe – read more here.

Fans of Sunderland have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which the club confirmed that the Black Cats winger, Jack Diamond, has signed a new deal with the club. One supporter called the news ‘huge’.

So far this season, Diamond has been in decent form over his 18 League One appearances for Lee Johnson’s side, with the 21-year-old scoring one goal and registering two assists, as well as averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.75.

With the winger’s current contract expiring at the end of the season, the Black Cats confirmed in a statement on their club website on Wednesday that Diamond has penned a new deal that will keep the academy product at the Stadium of Light until the summer of 2024.

And, after the club relayed this news on Twitter, fans of Sunderland flocked to have their say on the matter, with many appearing delighted at the prospect of Diamond remaining at their club for the foreseeable future.

So, what exactly did these Sunderland fans have to say in reaction to the news regarding Jack Diamond?

“More good news.”

@SAFCGeorge6

“Love to see that. Great work.”

@Jamestweddell

“At last!!!”

@itsmarcroberts

“Brilliant news.”

@Noodle86stu

“Huge.”

@JamieSAFC_

“It just gets better.”

@Jensonnn17

“Mint move.”

@AlanBsafc

“YESSSSS.”

@leon88752755

In other news: loads of Sunderland fans were ecstatic after the club confirmed this ‘absolutely magnificent’ news – find out more here!

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Bull, who made 561 appearances for Wolves during his career, has claimed that Fulham and Scott Parker’s survival bubble may have burst already.

A few weeks ago Fulham were 10 points behind Newcastle United, however, they are now just two points and one place behind the Magpies thanks to positive results against the likes of Sheffield United, Liverpool and Everton.

Fulham have been beaten by more than one goal just once in their last nine games, which was a 3-0 defeat against Manchester City. During those nine games, they have only tasted defeat three times against Man City, Tottenham and Leeds.

Speaking on why Parker’s side may have peaked too early in the relegation battle and how two wins may be enough to stay up, Bull told FFC:

“I think Scott Parker’s bubble has burst a little bit a moment. I think they were riding on a bit of wave earlier but you aren’t going to win every single game of the season.

“Steve Bruce has been on a bit of a helter-skelter at the moment, sometimes winning, drawing and losing but the results haven’t been going for him recently.

“To win two or three games in the Premier League is a lot so I think like Aguero’s title-winning goal for City, it’ll be like that down the bottom this season.”

Steve Bruce will be hopeful of welcoming back Allan Saint-Maximin and Callum Wilson to the starting line up against Tottenham on Sunday.

On the final day of the season, Fulham welcome the Magpies to Craven Cottage in what could be a winner takes all game.

After securing an impressive win against Spurs last weekend, Leeds United return to Premier League action when they take on Burnley on Saturday afternoon.

Goals from Stuart Dallas, Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo were enough to seal a 3-1 win against the north Londoners and Marcelo Bielsa will be hoping to make it back-to-back wins when his side make the journey to Turf Moor.

With the season winding down, the manager may feel that these last couple of games present him with the perfect opportunity to take a look at some of the club’s best young talent.

While the Leeds boss will be keen to see some of his returning first team stalwarts back in the starting line-up, there may be a chance for one or two academy boys to make their mark.

With that in mind, here is a look at how Leeds might line up when they make the trip to Turf Moor to take on Burnley.

In goal, Illan Meslier will once again keep his place, and while club captain Liam Cooper could be back from injury and suspension respectively, Bielsa may feel that the likes of Pascal Struijk and Diego Llorente deserve to keep their places.

With Gjanni Alioski’s long-term future at Elland Road not yet resolved, and all indications pointing to him leaving the club in the summer, Bielsa may feel that now is the time to look ahead.

Niall Huggins was a part of the successful under-23 side which clinched the Premier League 2 Division 2 title, and the 20-year-old left-back will be hoping to make his full Premier League debut against Burnley – he made a cameo appearance off the bench against Arsenal earlier this year.

Elsewhere, Kalvin Phillips, Rodrigo and Raphinha all came off the bench last week to continue their progress from injury, and they should all now be ready to make a start – that could see both Mateusz Klich and Tyler Roberts dropped to the bench.

Bielsa also confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Joe Gelhardt is out injured, so any hopes of him making an appearance in the first team in the Premier League this season are pretty much over.

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With the young striker ruled out, Patrick Bamford will once again lead the line, hoping to pick up where he left off last week after his goal against Spurs.

Predicted XI: Meslier; Ayling, Llorente, Struijk, Huggins; Phillips, Raphinha, Dallas, Rodrigo, Harrison; Bamford.

Meanwhile, Leeds source drops exciting update on club’s transfer plans…

Napoli have sacked manager Walter Mazzarri just three months after his return, with Francesco Calzona taking over until summer.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Mazzarri sacked by Napoli
• Calzona appointed interim successor
• President explains reasoning

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis explained that the decision to let Mazzarri go, having only re-hired the 62-year-old in November, was motivated by the team winning just four of his 12 Serie A games in charge and tumbling to ninth in the table.

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• WHAT DE LAURENTIIS SAID

  De Laurentiis told of Sky Sport Italia: "Walter Mazzarri is a friend of the De Laurentiis family and of Napoli. It is a painful farewell because he was extremely available in a moment of difficulty, but we must also consider that something more must be given to the Napoli fans. Now let's try with Calzona who has worked with [Maurizio] Sarri and [Luciano] Spalletti and knows 80% of the players. Let's give him help without putting obstacles in his way because we know that it will be difficult to prepare for a match against Barcelona who are always Barcelona. Tomorrow morning at 8:30am, Calzona will be here with his staff, then we will go to Castel Volturno where I will introduce him to the boys. [Marek] Hamsik was very intrigued to work for the team he loves and which has given him so much satisfaction."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Calzona was previously on the Napoli backroom team under both Luciano Spalletti (2021-2022) and Maurizio Sarri (2015-2018) and will combine being interim head coach with his existing role in charge of Slovakia's national team.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR NAPOLI?

  Napoli are just two days away from hosting Barcelona at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie. Trailing Serie A leaders Inter by 27 points, retaining their domestic title is out of the question, while the club are already out of this season's Coppa Italia and lost the Supercoppa Italiana final to Inter last month. That makes Europe their only hope to finish 2023/24 with a trophy.

Former Premier League midfielder Lee Hendrie has told The Transfer Tavern in an exclusive interview that he would be surprised if Gareth Southgate quit England for Tottenham.

After sacking Jose Mourinho, Tottenham are on the lookout for a new manager and some reports have suggested that the England boss could emerge as a candidate for the position.

Southgate has been in charge of the Three Lions since 2016 and has done a great job in the Wembley dugout.

He has led England to semi-finals in both the World Cup and UEFA Nations League, helping his country to climb to fourth in the world rankings.

Given that success and how settled he looks in the England role, Hendrie cannot see Southgate leaving the Three Lions for Tottenham this summer.

On his former team-mate at Aston Villa, Hendrie told TT:

“I’d be very surprised if he did [leave England for Spurs]. I feel he’s quite comfortable there. People have liked what he’s done, people have liked how he’s changed the style, people have liked what he’s achieved, really.

“I don’t think he’ll be moving anywhere.”

Southgate is not the only national team manager Tottenham could target. According to The Guardian, the north London club are also admirers of Belgium boss Roberto Martinez.

Marcel Brands must seal a summer swoop for Everton to sign Daryl Dike despite Emile Heskey questioning whether the Barnsley striker is currently Premier League standard.

The Toffees have been linked with a potential move for the 20-year-old at the end of the season by Eurosport and TEAMtalk, having begun to track the Orlando City loanee following his remarkable start to life in the Championship.

Since moving to Oakwell on Deadline Day of the winter market, Dike has scored eight goals in 14 second-tier fixtures, including braces against Wycombe Wanderers and Luton Town to help the Tykes mount a promotion challenge.

His immediate impact in the Championship is thought to have impressed Everton’s scouts sufficiently to keep further tabs on his progress, and they have even shown the most interest in his situation despite admiration from Manchester United and Chelsea.

Leeds United, West Ham, Newcastle and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also among the growing list of potential suitors but could face paying as much as $20m (£14.5m), while Barnsley are claimed to have a £17m option to buy.

Heskey, who scored 111 goals in 516 career Premier League games, has become a big fan of Dike but has reservations over the 20-year-old being ready for the step up to the top flight just yet.

“[Dike] is a strong, powerful lad who knows where the back of the net is, who understands his strengths and ability and runs with it,” the 62-cap England international told HITC.

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“When you’re talking about a powerful, powerful player, with the ability to hold the ball up as the lone striker, there will be so many clubs who need and want that.

“The higher you get up the leagues, it becomes tougher. Defenders become cuter, goalkeepers become better, everyone becomes fitter, stronger, wiser. So, you’ve got to become better.”

Heskey’s hesitancy to back Dike making a successful step up to the Premier League after just six months of Championship action could prove worrisome for some of his potential suitors, but Everton’s Director of Football Brands must still push through with the Merseyside club’s interest.

The Toffees are bound to be in the market for a new centre-forward in the off-season with Galatasaray and Fenerbahce target Joshua King expected to be released, while Carlo Ancelotti continues to fuel speculation of Moise Kean sealing a permanent exit.

Cenk Tosun also faces an uncertain future at Goodison Park, although Everton may struggle to sell the Turkey international after he ruptured his patella tendon while representing loan club Besiktas earlier this month.

Neither Tosun nor King have been able to rival Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison for minutes at centre-forward under Ancelotti this season, as well, while the Brazilian can struggle to lead the line without having Calvert-Lewin beside him.

Dike can relieve some of that pressure in being a powerful target man who is able to hold the ball up, as Heskey has said, while proving adept at finding the net to already become Barnsley’s second-best scorer in the Championship this season.

His eight goals have come from just 12 shots on target, a much superior conversion rate to Richarlison (six goals from 25 on-target efforts) and Calvert-Lewin (14 goals from 36 on-target attempts) in the Premier League this season.

Dike has also been dubbed a “relentless competitor” by George Gelnovatch, his former University head coach at Virginia Cavs, under whom he developed before being drafted by Orland City in 2020.

The step-up from college football to Major League Soccer was not an issue for Dike with eight goals in 17 games, and neither is life in the Championship.

To doubt the youngster making a similar leap to perform in the Premier League would be questionable, and that’s why Everton must take a punt on the twice-capped USA international this summer.

AND in other news, a rarely-seen Everton outcast is wanted in a £10.5m summer transfer…

Pep Guardiola's side have had the upper hand over the Red Devils in recent clashes. But why is Sunday's derby being played at an unorthodox time?

Manchester will come to a standstill when City host United in Sunday's derby and the world will be watching too. Pep Guardiola's side have won three of the last derbies, including last year's all-Manchester FA Cup final, and will be favourites to maintain their recent dominance in the fixture as they are currently 15 points ahead of United in the table.

It is another key match in the Premier League title race for City, who are second in the table, trailing leaders Liverpool by one point and leading third-placed Arsenal by one point. And the Cityzens will be especially keen to win and stay in touch with the Merseysiders as they face them the following week at Anfield.

United's hopes of gate-crashing the top four and returning to the Champions League are fading fast after their surprise 2-1 defeat at home to Fulham and another loss at the Etihad Stadium could deal a near-fatal blow to their chances of catching Aston Villa.

However, the game will be kicking off at unusual time. GOAL explains why…

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  What time does Man City vs Man Utd kick off?

  Date:	March 3, 2024
  Kick-off time:	3:30pm GMT
  Venue:	Etihad Stadium

  The upcoming Manchester derby between Manchester City and Manchester United is scheduled to be played on Sunday March 3.

  It will kick off at the earlier time of 3:30pm in the United Kingdom, which means an early start of 10:30am ET (5:30am PT) for fans based in the United States.

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• Getty
  

  Why does the Manchester derby have an earlier kick off time?

  Premier League matches on a Sunday usually kick off at 2pm or 4:30pm. However, the Manchester derby will be played at the unorthodox time of 3:30pm.

  The decision to kick off one hour earlier than usual follows an agreement between police and broadcasters.

  The favoured slot for Premier League rights-holder Sky Sports is 4:30pm but that is deemed to be too risky a time for a game of such magnitude, when it is felt that there is a greater risk of crowd trouble.

  Therefore, the 3:30pm time slot is a compromise between local authorities and broadcasters, meaning there is less time for trouble to brew between rival supporters.

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  Which TV channel is Man City vs Man Utd on?

  Country	TV channel
  United Kingdom	Sky Sports Premier League
  United States	Peacock
  Argentina	Star+
  Australia	Optus Sport
  Brazil	Star+
  France	Canal+
  Germany	Sky Sport Premier League
  India	Hotstar VIP
  Ireland	Sky Sports Premier League
  Italy	Sky Sport Uno
  Spain	DAZN 1

  Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the Manchester derby on television on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event. It can also be streamed live online using the Sky GO app service.

  In the United States, the game will be available to watch live exclusively on Peacock.

  Watch Man City vs Man Utd on Sky SportsSubscribe nowWatch Man City vs Man Utd on PeacockSubscribe now

  • Live football on UK TV this week
  • Live soccer on U.S. TV this week

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  Have other games been played at 3:30pm?

  The last Manchester derby, at Old Trafford on October 29, 2023 was the first match to be played on a Sunday at 3:30pm.

  United said at the time: "The unusual start time was agreed following consultation between the clubs, the broadcaster and local authorities."

  City ended up easing to a 3-0 victory, with Erling Haaland scoring twice and Phil Foden also netting.

It was a hugely frustrating evening for Leicester on Friday night as they could only draw 1-1 with Southampton despite the Saints being down to ten men for the majority of the clash.

Defender Jannik Vestergaard was sent off early on but the Foxes failed to seize the initiative, even going behind to James Ward-Prowse’s spot-kick before Jonny Evans’ equaliser.

There were certainly a few poor performances throughout Brendan Rodgers’ team during the match, with a surprise name being included on that list in left-back Luke Thomas.

Deployed at wing-back, the 19-year-old’s main responsibility was to provide width and thrust down the Foxes’ left-hand side – an assignment which he failed.

According to WhoScored, the £25,000-per-week defender did not produce a single dribble or key pass. As a matter of fact, he was only one of three outfield players for Leicester not to produce a telling pass for his teammates – the other two being centre-backs Evans and Wesley Fofana.

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Having also not completed a single cross throughout the game, his real lack of attacking threat was clear to see.

Meanwhile, Thomas was also hugely wasteful on the ball. He could only accumulate a 75.6% passing accuracy throughout the game, which was superior only to Kelechi Iheanacho among the Foxes’ starting XI.

Whilst his attacking statistics were underwhelming to say the least, Thomas’ defensive numbers were not all too inspiring either, contributing just two tackles and two clearances, although that was somewhat more understandable considering that the majority of the game was played in Southampton’s half of the pitch.

The Leicester left-back’s evening was eventually brought to an end in the 67th minute as he was replaced by Marc Albrighton.

Brendan Rodgers will certainly be expecting better from the youngster as the Foxes set their sights on Newcastle United next weekend.

AND in more news, find out which midfield star could be the next to sparkle in the Leicester first team…