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Jesse Marsch has revealed that he “pleaded” with Leeds to keep Marcelo Bielsa, before eventually steering the Whites towards relegation.

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Inherited the reins at Elland Road in February 2022Lasted less than a year in English footballHas lifted the lid on challenges that he facedWHAT HAPPENED?

The American coach was taken to Elland Road in February 2022, with a change in the dugout made as popular Argentine tactician Bielsa was ushered through the exits. He had returned Leeds to the Premier League, but his high-press and high-energy approach could not be maintained and reins were eventually handed to Marsch.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT MARSCH SAID

Marsch has told the podcast: “When I went to Leeds, my analysts told me that within three years the club had an 84% chance of being relegated – the club knew that too. The Brightons and the Brentfords of the world are very unique, just look at Leicester. I knew when I went there that I was going into the lions’ den. I went because I liked the people at the club, and I believed that we had symmetry in the ways we thought about the game. I felt like Leeds was a club with a big heart, but I knew it was going to be a massive challenge. I didn’t even want to take the job at first. When they called me, I pleaded with them to keep Marcelo Bielsa. They just got to the point where they felt that they had to make a change.”

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Marsch was able to steer Leeds clear of danger in 2022, but was moved on himself after less than a year at the helm as the Whites lurched towards relegation out of the Premier League in 2023. The 50-year-old added on the challenges that he faced in West Yorkshire: “In a sense I did and didn’t understand the scale of the Leeds United job. Unless you’re in the middle of it, it’s impossible to understand what the club really is. I had coached players that played for Leeds, I had followed the history of the club and I had been to Elland Road, and when you’re tasked with the responsibility of leading the club you know it isn’t a small responsibility. I wasn’t afraid, I was excited by the opportunity. When I arrived, I had to go through customs and they were looking at my passport, they saw who I was and the person checking my passport looked up at me and said, ‘you’re here to save us’. I insisted that it wasn’t just a one-man job and that we all had to work together. It was almost like a test and if I didn’t answer correctly, they wouldn’t let me in. I actually told that story to the team when I arrived. Normally when you watch players on television, they look like strong men in the right physical environment, but when you meet them in person you see that they’re still kids and young men at heart – Leeds was the opposite. When I arrived the players looked gaunt, tired and defeated. They looked like a group that was going to need a lot of help for them to be what I wanted them to be. The first feeling I had when I first met them was that it was going to be a much more difficult task than I had imagined.”

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MARSCH?

Marsch has remained out of management since severing ties with Leeds. He was mooted as a contender for the USMNT job at one stage, before Gregg Berhalter was reappointed there, and has been linked with a number of other posts in England despite claiming just 11 wins from his 37-game tenure at Elland Road.

Thilanga Sumathipala, Sri Lanka Cricket’s president, has vowed to support Pakistan in their bid to host top-flight cricket on a regular basis. He was speaking at a media conference in Lahore, during Sri Lanka’s short visit for the third T20I.”Since we have experienced more than 30 years of war, we know what isolation means,” Sumathipala said. “We have gone through more than 30 years of war in Sri Lanka, but Pakistan has never cancelled a single game of cricket which we agreed to play against each other in Sri Lanka.”There are various [types of] people. We appeal to them to keep children, women, religious places and sports aside. Leave us alone, let us play our game of cricket in peace and harmony. We want to enjoy the game of cricket and give everyone opportunities and a chance to share our happiness in the game.”Since the attack on the Sri Lankan team nearly nine years ago, Pakistan have been trying to convince the world to visit, but had not managed to convince teams to tour until 2015, when Zimbabwe visited for a short series.But the first real sign of cricket returning on a more regular basis was taken earlier this year when a number of international cricketers featured in the final of the Pakistan Super League. Then, in September, Pakistan hosted a World XI, coached by Andy Flower and captained by Faf du Plessis, for a three-match series. Sri Lanka’s short trip is the latest step in the PCB’s efforts to convince international sides to tour the country.”Good or bad, Pakistan cricket and the government of Pakistan have stood by Sri Lanka,” Sumathipala said. “This is not a matter of just government. As you all understand, since the last incident was against Sri Lanka, the sentiments were quite different. We thought we should take the initiative and support Pakistan cricket.”If Pakistan is weak in cricket, Asian cricket will be weaker and that will make world cricket weaker and weaker. Your strength is our strength and it’s our responsibility to look after each other. We strongly believe in that.”The one-off match in Lahore was played under extraordinary security arrangements, with thousands of armed policemen deployed between the stadium and team hotel. The arrangements were similar to the security protocol followed for a presidential visit.”The arrangements made for the team and spectators are very much satisfactory,” Sumathipala said. “You deserve regular good cricket being played in your country. It is such a wonderful country that has produced so many talented cricketers. We don’t want anyone to fear and leave Pakistan away from international cricket. We encourage Asian regions to play more games in Lahore and in other [Pakistan] cities if possible one day.”As far as SLC is concerned, we are happy and privileged to be here to support Pakistan cricket. We believe in, especially in the Asian region, Pakistan is a very important, pivotal partner, a brother that we can’t allow to be left alone.”

Manchester United will host Wolves on Monday 14th August as the two teams kick off their respective Premier League seasons. It's the first Monday Night Football of the season – and is a game rich with history.

This fixture should certainly be an interesting one, too. United will go into it hoping to improve on their third-placed finish last season and with an improved team. Wolves, who secured a mid-table finish, will want to make strides in their first full season under Julen Lopetegui.

So how have things gone in the past? Football FanCast takes a trip down memory lane to find everything you need to know about this fixture.

Man United vs Wolves: Who has the better head-to-head record?

These two teams first clashed in 1892, so there's a lot of history here. 111 games of it, in fact, across four different competitions. They've met at the top two tiers of the English pyramid, as well as the FA Cup and EFL Cup.

It's United who boast the best overall record, though, with 54 wins in those 11 games. Wolves aren't too far behind, having triumphed on 37 occasions. That leaves 20 times that the spoils have been split.

Man United vs Wolves: What's the top-flight record?

As we say, there's about 130 years of top-flight history here – or at least, that's when the two clubs first met. It means that of their 111 meetings, 92 of them came in England's top flight.

The respective records in this fixture are a little closer than some may have thought. Wolves, after all, have had periods where they were the outright best team in England – and that's shown here.

United still come out on top – being an elite club for 30 years will do that – winning 43 of the 92 games. Wolves sit ten behind on 33, with 16 draws.

Man United vs Wolves: What's their Premier League record?

There's a tendency these days to boil things down to just the Premier League era, such is the dramatic change in football over the last 30 years. When we look at this fixture in those terms, you see just how far things have swung in that time.

United and Wolves have met 18 times in the Premier League since the Old Gold's first appearance in 2003/04, with the former winning 11 and the latter just four. Only three of those games ended in a draw. This has been a very happy fixture for the Red Devils, then.

Man United vs Wolves: Who has the better cup record?

These two teams first met in a cup competition back in 1948, with Wolves winning an FA Cup semi-final replay against United. The Manchester side have fought back to boast the superior cup record since, however.

In total, there have been 13 meetings across the FA Cup and EFL Cup. United have won seven of those, with the majority coming away from home, interestingly enough. Wolves have won a further three, while another three went to FA Cup replays.

Man United vs Wolves: Who has the record at Old Trafford?

This upcoming fixture will be at Old Trafford, of course, so perhaps that record counts for a little more historically.

54 of the 111 games have been in Manchester, and United, as you could have guessed, dominate the results. They've won 35 of the 54, losing just ten. That leaves nine as draws, for those keeping count.

But what about just in the top flight? Well, that's seen 46 fixtures at Old Trafford and United won 29 of them – a far superior record to their away results against Wolves.

Man United vs Wolves: What team has the most goals in this fixture?

Both teams have historically scored well in this fixture. Remember, there have been 111 meetings in their histories so Wolves' tally of 151 is quite fantastic. United do have that beat, though, with 184. That also translates to the league record, unsurprisingly, as United have 154 to Wolves' 127.

As for Old Trafford, United look good there. They have 101 goals to Wolves' 52 when playing at home, which becomes 87 to 46 in the league.

What is Marcus Rashford's record against Wolves?

Who might get the goals this time around, then? Marcus Rashford seems like the most likely player, given he scored 30 in all competitions last season. United rewarded him with a five-year contract – he's their star man going forward.

And his record against Wolves is pretty decent. The forward has come up against them seven times, which is a fairly small number given only four of those meetings have been league clashes.

Indeed, Rashford has missed three Premier League fixtures with Wolves because of injuries, while he missed both encounters in the 2018/19 season.

Rashford has three goals across his seven games against Wolves, with two of them coming in the Premier League. The other was an FA Cup strike in 2019.

What is Man United's record win vs Wolves?

United's record win wasn't technically by Manchester United. It came in the very first meeting between the two teams, back in 1892.

They were Newton Heath back then, and demolished Wolves 10-1 at home (to Wolves' credit, they did manage to win the reverse fixture 2-0). This actually remains United's biggest-ever win in the league.

As for a more recent result, their record Premier League win came in 2011/12 as United won 5-0 at Wolves. The best they've ever managed at home was a 4-1 win that same season.

What is Wolves' record win vs Man United?

Wolves thrashed United 7-0 in 1932 for what remains their biggest-ever win against the Red Devils. It came with both sides competing in the second tier of English football.

In the Premier League, their record home win against United is 2-1 and their record win at Old Trafford is 1-0 – that came in early 2022. So if Wolves do manage to win this one, don't expect a thrilling scoreline.

Man United vs Wolves: What are the recent results?

United took the spoils in both games last season, winning 1-0 at Wolves before seeing them off 2-0 at Old Trafford. It was a much more stable season for the club and the scores reflect that. We can't say the same for the season prior.

Both games finished 1-0 to the away sides in 2021/22. That was Wolves' first win against United since 2019 and their first at Old Trafford since 1980. A historic win, then.

That brought to an end a period of dominance from United, who had avoided defeat to Wolves in seven attempts. They'd won both games in 2020/21, after all, with 1-0 and 2-1 results.

The 2019/20 season saw the teams face off four times, with them not only playing in the FA Cup for the second consecutive season, but the fixture also going to a replay. United did win that replay 1-0, but the other three fixtures finished in draws.

And the 2018/19 season, which saw Wolves return to the Premier League for the first time in six years, was a good one for the Midlands club. They drew their first fixture with United before beating them at home in both the league and the FA Cup.

Man United vs Wolves: Classic meetings

2nd April 2019: Wolves 2-1 Man United (Premier League) – The two clubs made something of a habit of playing against each other during this time, with the Old Gold getting the better of United just weeks prior in the FA Cup.

The Red Devils' following trip to Molineux was just as fruitless despite an absorbing tie that saw them take the lead through Scott McTominay, before a dogged Wolves comeback saw Nuno Espirito Santo's side battle back for victory.

5th February 2011: Wolves 2-1 Man United (Premier League) – Another comeback in the Black Country saw bottom-placed Wolves overcome Sir Alex Ferguson's unbeaten United side, who were top of the table heading into the clash.

And it looked as though they'd extend their lead at the top when Nani gave the visitors the lead after just three minutes, before goals from George Elokobi and Kevin Doyle turned the match – and the table – on its head as Wolves charged towards safety.

When is Man United vs Wolves?

Man United will host Wolves on Monday, August 14th at 8pm UK time. It'll be the first Monday Night Football of the Premier League season – and a big one for both sides.

United hope to build on their improvements last season and have made several important moves in the transfer market. David de Gea is out in goal, with André Onana joining from Inter. Mason Mount will feature in midfield, too, having arrived from Chelsea.

Wolves have made moves, too, but the most notable may be their outgoings. Ruben Neves, for so long the lynchpin of their midfield, has left for Saudi Arabia, while Raul Jimenez – albeit perhaps past his best – is now a Fulham player.

The main arrivals at Molineux have been loans officially turning permanent, including Boubacar Traore and Matheus Cunha – they'll hope the Brazilian can fix their goalscoring issues after really struggling last time out.

Both teams are looking forward, then – especially with this being Wolves' first full season under Lopetegui. A win could generate serious early momentum for either side in what's sure to be an exciting Premier League season.

Endrick is gearing up to join Real Madrid from Palmeiras in 2024, but his father has revealed just how close he came to signing for Chelsea instead.

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Endrick to join Real after 18th birthdayWas at centre of tug-of-war in 2022Came mightily close to joining ChelseaWHAT HAPPENED?

The prodigious striker will officially sign with Los Blancos in the summer once he turns 18, per FIFA regulations, but he could easily have been on his way to west London. Endrick and his family even visited the Blues' Cobham training ground in 2022 and had begun to envision their lives in England, even down to their church, but a deal was scuppered by Palmeiras' lofty £51 million ($64m) valuation of the then-16-year-old. Real Madrid then pounced, agreeing to sign him for that fee in December 2022 to see off competition from Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.

AdvertisementWHAT ENDRICK'S FATHER SAID

Speaking to , Endrick's father, Douglas, revealed his son could so easily have been destined for Stamford Bridge instead.

"I have to admit I do not like the cold but my wife and Endrick do," he said. "Endrick really likes playing in the rain. So we received an invitation from Chelsea, from the owner, and we went there to see the club and the country. We watched Chelsea play Arsenal and we got to see the coach, the facilities, Jorginho, Cesar Azpilicueta and Thiago Silva.

"They explained everything to us. They introduced us to the person who would help us settle in. She showed us the house we would live in, the school Endrick would go to, the church we would attend. Everything was right with us and Chelsea.

"I can’t say 100% because I hadn’t signed, but the deal was agreed. I had already got it into my head that I would live in London with all that cold weather. But then at night, my son’s manager phoned and said that the Chelsea owner had backed out of the deal because the price they would have to pay for Endrick would inflate the market. It was €60m (£51m/$64m) for a 16-year-old boy who would only arrive in the country almost two years later."

Endrick himself, added: "I was very close. My parents really liked London and everyone speaks very highly of it."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Chelsea may now be ruing their decision, with Endrick going on to fire his side to the Brasilerao title earlier this month as he hit double figures in Serie A, and earning a senior Brazil call-up despite his tender years – beginning to demonstrate his full potential as he prepares to move to Madrid in the summer.

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WHAT NEXT FOR ENDRICK?

Endrick will be enjoying some well-earned rest having played a key role in Palmeiras' title win. However, with domestic football resuming in April in Brazil, the teenager faces the strange scenario of starting a new season with Palmeiras before leaving for Madrid – and another pre-season there – once his contract begins.

Manchester United have 'primed' Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund to be their next arrival at Old Trafford once a deal for Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana is closed, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Is Rasmus Hojlund joining Manchester United?

Laurie Whitwell, who is a journalist for The Athletic, has given an update on the state of play surrounding Manchester United's latest bid for Hojlund being rejected, stating on Twitter: "MUFC proposed players in part-exchange during talks on Rasmus Hojlund. But Atalanta only want cash. United view £85m fee as excessive. Simultaneous pursuits for Hojlund + Andre Onana but fine balance on costs. Key negotiations on Onana taking place."

Last term, the Danish international shot to prominence at Serie A side Atalanta and has fired in ten goals and laid on four assists in 34 appearances for the club in all competitions since joining from Sturm Graz, as per Transfermarkt.

Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed on Twitter as well that Hojlund is the Red Devils' top target this window to strengthen their forward line, adding: "Told Rasmus Højlund remains on top of Manchester United list as new striker. Personal terms, never an issue as he’s very keen on the move."

Atalanta are keen on taking Mason Greenwood on loan from Manchester United, though it is unclear whether there has been any talks of him being involved in a swap deal despite football director John Murtough holding talks with the Italian side over the controversial figure moving to the Bergamo-based outfit, as per talkSPORT.

The Red Devils have made progress in their move for Inter Milan goalkeeper Onana, who is said to have agreed personal terms over a move to Old Trafford, according to Football Insider.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Jones has said that Hojlund is now being 'primed' as the next potential incoming at Manchester United.

Jones stated: "In terms of Hojlund himself, this is the next transfer that has been primed by Man United, as the Onana one looks to go ahead.

"I think they are buoyed by the fact that Hojlund really does seem set on signing for them now.

"So I think everybody's hopeful that this one can come together. It's not far enough along that you can guarantee that that's the case at this point, but of course, with pre-season now about to get underway, you've only really got a couple of weeks to get your squad in place, and United’s forward options for the new season aren't going to be that deep.

"If they can find a scenario whereby Mason Greenwood goes to Italy, with Hojlund coming to the Premier League, it would be ideal.”

Who else could join Manchester United?

Manchester United are active in the market as Erik Ten Hag seeks to build a squad capable of reaching new heights this campaign and new addition Mason Mount has already given a taster to his new support by featuring in a 2-0 friendly victory over Leeds United in Oslo earlier this week, as per The Guardian.

A Bola via METRO report that Porto striker Mehdi Taremi is admired by Ten Hag as Manchester United continue to track the Iran international.

In a surprising turn of events, Manchester United are mooted to have made tentative contact with former Chelsea forward Joao Felix over the possibility of him coming to the North West from Atletico Madrid, as cited by ABC via The Daily Express.

Come the next few weeks, we will find out more about where Manchester United's priorities on the transfer front lie as the start of the season begins to draw closer.

Tom Westley’s 108 not out, and an equally fine innings of 77 from Nick Browne, took Essex to an emphatic eight-wicket victory against Surrey at Guildford which takes them to the top of the Specsavers County Championship Division One table

ECB Reporters Network12-Jun-2017
ScorecardTom Westley’s 108 not out, and an equally fine innings of 77 from Nick Browne, took Essex to an emphatic eight-wicket victory against Surrey at Guildford which takes them to the top of the Specsavers County Championship Division One table.Needing 253, from a minimum of 83 overs, after they had bowled Surrey out a second time for 288 earlier in the day, Essex reached 253 for 2 little more than half-an-hour after tea and always looked totally in control despite a wearing last-day pitch.Westley was joined in an unbroken third-wicket partnership of 105 in 27 overs by Dan Lawrence, who finished unbeaten on 32. Essex took 24 points from their third win of the season, with Surrey having to settle for seven.Since gaining promotion last year, Essex have surprised the rest of the first division with their early-season success – but this was a comprehensive win against a team who themselves led Division One until the last round of matches and was achieved despite seamer Matt Quinn suffering a back spasm on day one which has prevented him from bowling since.Essex began their chase well, with a half-century stand posted by Browne and Alastair Cook. But Cook was out on the stroke of lunch for 31 when, having just driven Ravi Rampaul to the cover boundary, he was drawn into another off drive and edged to Scott Borthwick at second slip.Browne was eventually caught at slip from one which turned and bounced, playing back to Gareth Batty’s offspin, but not before he and Westley had added a further 95 for the second wicket. The tall left-hander had faced just 96 balls, hitting 13 fours, and in the latter half of his innings he produced some quality strokes – including an effortless straight drive for four to greet Stuart Meaker’s introduction into the attack and then a dismissive short-armed pull to the boundary off Ravi Rampaul.Batty’s offspin did not trouble the Essex batsmen in the same way that former South Africa Test offspinner Simon Harmer had made Surrey battle for runs in his second-innings return of 4 for 83 from 39 overs.Westley moved to 97 with three successive fours off Scott Borthwick’s legspin, and then completed three figures with a pull for four off Meaker. His hundred came from 162 balls and, overall, he faced 168 balls, hitting 17 fours.In the morning Ben Foakes finished unbeaten on 65, from 149 balls, as Surrey added just 35 runs to their overnight 253 for 7 before the innings ended in a rush of poor shots and crazy running.Meaker drove a half-volley from left arm paceman Neil Wagner to extra cover to go for 14, and two balls later Rampaul clipped the same bowler to backward square leg.Foakes was then left stranded when he drove Wagner down the ground, looking for two, but Lawrence moved quickly to his right at long off to field and return to the bowler and there was never any chance of a second run. Footitt, however, turning blind, set off for the second even though Foakes had clearly decided against it, and Wagner lobbed the ball down the pitch for keeper James Foster to whip off the bails with Footitt helpless in mid-pitch.

Manchester United are in the midst of a potential takeover at Old Trafford and the 'fixation' on a preferred bidder being announced by the Glazer family during the process is 'unhelpful' to the process, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest ownership news involving Manchester United?

According to The Daily Mail, Manchester United may not enter new ownership before the start of the 2023/24 campaign as the Glazer family haven't identified their preferred bidder to take control at Old Trafford.

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and the Nine Two Foundation alongside Sir Jim Ratcliffe's petrochemicals are still competing for different variations of control; however, the deadlock will not affect Erik ten Hag's £120 million summer transfer budget.

ESPN detail that several minority investment firms are also waiting to hear whether they have been successful in their bid to plough financial capital into the Premier League giants.

As per The Guardian, Manchester United staff are fearful for their job security due to the uncertainty surrounding the club's impending takeover due to a lack of information about the permutations of a change of hands at Old Trafford.

800-plus staff at the Red Devils are in the dark about their future as the ownership saga drags on at the club and it looks like they may have to wait a while yet to find out the new policies of whoever takes over from the Glazer family.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs has dropped some fresh insight into the state of play at Manchester United regarding their ownership situation.

Jacobs told FFC: "Those running the process are working around the clock now with both groups to try and get both offers in shape, which is highly atypical.

"If the Glazers don't, until they pick a winner, provide a period of exclusivity, then they can obviously have maximum competitive tension. Then, if or when a winner is named, we then wait and see whether there is a short period of exclusivity to effectively go through the process of acquisition, but that would still be different to a preferred bidder in a period of exclusivity."

What now for Manchester United?

Manchester United look like they will be in the grips of a takeover stalemate for a while yet. Despite this, other matters will also need to take priority over the next few months, with recruitment likely to be a key focus at Old Trafford.

Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount is a target for Erik ten Hag and the Dutchman has already seen a bid of around £40 million rejected for the England international, though is expected to return with an improved offer in the region of £50 million, as per The Daily Mail.

The Evening Standard also report that Manchester United are now 'favourites' to sign Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana this summer as rival suitors Chelsea have now dropped out of the race to acquire the Cameroon international.

But without a potential takeover, it will be intriguing to see how their transfer plans may be affected this summer.

The Reds ran out 3-1 winners at Anfield to maintain their unbeaten start to the season as Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota also found the net

Liverpool are up to second in the Premier League table after seeing off West Ham on Sunday in a game that was lit up by a sensational assist by Alexis Mac Allister. The Argentina midfielder chipped the ball over the visitors' defence, allowing Darwin Nunez to volley home and set the Reds on their way to three points midway through the second half.

Jurgen Klopp's side initially took the lead early on through a Mohamed Salah penalty, but were pegged back before the break by a Jarrod Bowen diving header. Nunez missed a huge chance to make it 2-1 early in the second half, but made amends by firing home from Mac Allister's pass just moments later.

Diogo Jota then secured the points with a close-range finish just minutes after coming off the bench, and with Arsenal and Tottenham sharing the spoils in the North London Derby, the Reds are now in second place on their own and just two points behind leaders Manchester City.

GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Anfield…

Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence

Alisson Becker (7/10):

Superb save denied Soucek early on and was solid otherwise.

Joe Gomez (6/10):

Stepped into midfield and showed some nice touches. Sometimes overloaded at the back post but fared OK for the most part.

Joel Matip (5/10):

Still doesn't fully convince. Konate coming back into the line-up can't come soon enough.

Virgil van Dijk (5/10):

Looked a little off the pace. Beaten to the ball for Bowen's equaliser and wasted a good chance in the first half.

Andy Robertson (6/10):

A solid performance at left-back. Dangerous set-piece deliveries.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield

Dominik Szoboszlai (7/10):

Sprayed the ball around superbly from midfield. Continues to impress since his summer arrival.

Alexis Mac Allister (8/10):

A much improved performance capped by his exquisite assist for Nunez's goal.

Curtis Jones (7/10):

Energetic in midfield and played some delightful passes to kickstart moves. Goal ruled out for a tight offside in the first half.

Getty ImagesAttack

Mohamed Salah (7/10):

Won the penalty that he then smashed home. Had some nice moments thereafter.

Darwin Nunez (7/10):

Runs in behind were a constant threat, and though he missed one gilt-edged chance, he made up for it with a fine finish to make it 2-1.

Luis Diaz (7/10):

Gave Coufal nightmares at times down the left. Has to start the majority of games this season.

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Getty ImagesSubs & Manager

Ryan Gravenberch (6/10):

Replaced Jones and kept things ticking on his home debut.

Cody Gakpo (6/10):

On for the final 10 minutes.

Diogo Jota (7/10):

Only on for 10 minutes but grabbed a goal and almost had a second.

Wataru Endo (N/A):

On for the final couple of minutes.

Jurgen Klopp (7/10):

Showed the benefits of changing his entire team in Europe in midweek, and those who sat out in Poland were well-rested here.

Yorkshire and their rugby league counterparts, Leeds Rhinos, have appealed to Leeds City Council to give the go-ahead to their Headingley development next month, in order for the clubs to benefit from the staging of the World Cup in 2019 and the Rugby League World Cup two years later.The new stand, on the rugby side of the ground, would serve both sports and is seen as essential in raising Headingley to a necessary standard to attract the sort of fixtures that will make the ground financially viable.A positive outcome in a council planning committee meeting on January 12 is deemed essential as Yorkshire press for the same level of political support in Leeds as has been displayed by other major cities in the UK including Cardiff, where backing from the Welsh Assembly has been integral to the ground’s international status, Birmingham and Manchester.Plans to replace the decrepit rugby stand, part of which is now condemned for safety reasons, were baulked when planning officers rejected two linked residential planning applications in the Leeds suburbs of Weetwood and Tingley, on land owned by Leeds Rhinos, which were contributing essential funds to the overall cost of delivering the stadium project.After emergency discussions with council chiefs, that application has now been withdrawn, pending further discussions with both the council and the community. Rhinos representatives did not help themselves when they failed to attend a community meeting after receiving confidential council advice that they would face a hostile reception.Leeds Council’s own calculations are that they need 70,000 new homes in the city by 2028.Both Yorkshire and Leeds Rugby are still hopeful that a solution to the funding requirements of the Headingley scheme can be found.Yorkshire’s chief executive, Mark Arthur, said: “It is essential that a solution is found in order to deliver international cricket to Leeds beyond 2019, and we are working tirelessly with Leeds City Council and Leeds Rhinos to that end.”The new stand is phase two of a six-stage plan known, with characteristic Yorkshire , as the Headingley Masterplan. The stand will incorporate a three-tiered seating area, which will accommodate 5060 seats, enhanced corporate facilities and a new media area.Leeds Rugby’s chief executive Gary Hetherington said: “To deliver the £39m Headingley Carnegie Stadium redevelopment, which everyone wants, we have to find a solution to the funding issue.”

Newcastle United have scheduled talks regarding a new long-term contract for Fabian Schar, according to reports.

Is Fabian Schar leaving Newcastle?

The Magpies centre-back first arrived in the Premier League from Deportivo de La Coruna back in 2018 and has since gone on to make a total of 141 appearances to date, establishing himself as a regular feature in Eddie Howe’s side having made 36 top-flight starts from 38 games last season.

The Switzerland international, however, will be out of contract at the end of next season meaning that the upcoming window could be the northeast outfit’s last chance to cash in, should they not want to extend his stay, nor risk losing him for free, but it sounds like they don’t plan on letting the 31-year-old go anywhere for the foreseeable future.

Are Newcastle giving Schar a new contract?

According to Football Insider, Newcastle, and by extension owners PIF, are “keen to discuss” fresh terms with Schar and plan to open talks over the summer in a bid to tie him down at St. James’ Park. PIF are not only hoping to “protect” the defender’s value, but also “reward” him for his excellent standard of performances under Howe.

The 6 foot 1 titan can begin talks regarding a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs as of January 2024 due to his situation, but the board are no doubt hoping that he will decide to commit his future to the long-term project in the black and white stripes.

Should Newcastle keep or sell Schar?

Newcastle are reportedly confident of agreeing a new long-term contract for Bruno Guimaraes, and having once been hailed a “solid” centre-back by journalist Josh Bunting, Schar is definitely another player that deserves to stay longer.

The Puma-sponsored colossus, who earns £40k-per-week, averaged 3.8 clearances and 3.1 aerial wins per top-flight game last season, via WhoScored, so was a real rock at the heart of the backline, but he can equally be a threat pushing up the pitch.

The Sports360 client, who has the versatility to operate in defensive midfield, ranks in the 99th percentile for three different statistics, including total number of shots, not to mention that he posted four goal contributions (three assists and one goal) last term in the Premier League.

The Magpies will know that Schar isn’t getting any younger, so there’s a chance that he could be offered more of a short-term deal, but regardless of the length of the contract, it’s still fully warranted for the positive impact he has on Howe’s side.