Leeds mustn’t pay £40m for Ben White

Ben White has arguably been Leeds’ Player of the Season.

The defender has started every single game for the Whites, and his impact at centre-back can’t be understated as the Whites have conceded the fewest goals of any team in the Championship.

His impressive performances have led to one pundit saying he’s just as good as England regular John Stones, and if you’ve watched him play this season it’s been impossible to not be left in awe of him.

Understandably, reports have circulated that United are interested in signing the 22-year-old on a permanent deal, but Alan Nixon has now revealed just how much they would have to pay to land him.

What’s the story then?

Nixon is often one of the key sources for transfer news at this time of year, and understandably, questions have been asked about White.

Watch Leeds United Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below

One social media user asked the journalist how much he thinks White is worth, and rather than answering that query, he went one better and revealed how much Brighton want for his services.

Not worth it

White has been fantastic this season, but he only has one Championship season under his belt, and on top of that he’s never played a single minute in the top-flight.

£40m could land you a tried and tested player at that level, and while it may be worth the risk to spend £40m on White for a club that has spare cash just lying around, Leeds can’t afford to risk that amount on an unproven player even with the windfall that comes with being promoted.

Technically they probably could afford it, newly-promoted sides have spent over £100m after coming up in recent years, but Leeds have quite a thin squad as it is with £16m already spent on Helder Costa, and spending that much on White will hinder their chances of bolstering other areas of the squad that need improving.

Unfortunately, signing the 22-year-old permanently doesn’t look like a good idea at that price.

Rangers fans react to Sheyi Ojo’s exit announcement

After signing on a season-long loan from Liverpool last summer, Sheyi Ojo has played a prominent role in Steven Gerrard’s first-team squad this season, making 36 appearances across all competitions.

But the 22-year-old struggled to force himself into the starting eleven on a regular basis, playing the full 90 minutes for the Gers just four times in the Scottish Premiership.

Stuck in lockdown? Our mega footy quiz will cure any boredom…

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

Ojo still managed five goals and seven assists however, with Steven Gerrard declaring himself delighted after a particularly impressive cameo against St Mirren earlier this year.

However, the attacker has now taken to social media to announce his farewell to the club’s fans, and after seeing his Twitter post, Rangers supporters voiced their reaction to the news.

One Rangers fan felt that the club never got to see the best of him because of Gerrard’s tactics not suiting his style of play.

As loan signings go, Ojo certainly showed the kinds of flashes of brilliance that convinced Gerrard to bring him to Ibrox in the first place.

At 22, time is certainly running out for him to make his mark on the first-team back at Liverpool, so a return to Rangers in the future may not be too far-fetched.

Sheffield Wednesday: Fans slam Owls as several players were not properly paid last month

Several Sheffield Wednesday players were not paid in full last month. 

According to BBC Look North, as per Rob Staton, some players who are under contract are still waiting for their wages, which includes salary and loyalty bonuses.

The BBC have contacted the club for a response.

Garry Monk, who took charge of the Owls back in September, was forced to deny claims that players’ wages were delayed in November.

According to the Examiner Live, a national newspaper claimed the first team received £17,000, which caused a dispute, although this was settled a few days later.

This is not the first time Dejphon Chansiri has been in hot water this season. The owner has spent millions of pounds in improving the Middlewood Road training ground, but Monk’s side still languish in 13th place in the Championship table, nine points away from the playoff places.

Unsurprisingly, many Owls fans slammed the club’s “stupid” issues, with one supporter exclaiming “what a farce,” and another lamenting the fact the team are on a “slippery slope” in reference to their patchy run of form.

Scroll through some of the scathing reactions so far…

Could this season get any worse, Owls fans? Let us know in the comments section!

Liverpool’s furlough decision slammed by Tony Cascarino

Speaking on talkSPORT, Tony Cascarino has slammed Liverpool’s decision to furlough the club’s non-playing staff.

What did he say?

The Premier League leaders announced that they would be seeking government help to help support the costs of their wage bill – a decision that was roundly criticised by those including Anfield legend Jamie Carragher.

And now, Cascarino has weighed in on the matter by admitting that he has been left “upset” by the Reds, and that their decision was “bordering on lunacy”.

Hilariously obscure Premier League players – Can you name them all?

World Class score: 95% | Expert score: 80% | Veteran score: 65% | Intermediate score: 45% | Amateur score: 30% | Try Again: 5%

He said: “As a Liverpool fan, I’m upset because the club wasn’t built on this. I mentioned it with Spurs, and I feel exactly the same way about Liverpool. They can keep this going, they can easily continue paying their staff, they don’t need to go to the government yet. It is not a desperate situation.

“I find it really frustrating that a club of that stature has even attempted to do this. The numbers don’t add up. To me, this is wrong. I find their decision – and how quick it was – as bordering on lunacy.”

Embarrassing

Following on from Tottenham’s controversial decision, and the backlash that surrounded that, it’s incredibly surprising to see Liverpool reach the same conclusion.

They could have learned from the north London side’s mistake, instead they are now the latest targets of some widespread criticism. Having enjoyed such a stellar season on the football pitch, and fans no doubt looking forward to seeing their side finally crowned champions of England after such a long wait, a lot of that goodwill and excitement has been quickly tarnished.

The Reds’ reputation will continue to take a battering until they realise the error of their ways.

Meanwhile, Liverpool fans react to links with this Ligue 1 ace.

Liverpool will be stretched to the limit after Milner red card

In light of the news last week that Liverpool would be without right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold for the next few weeks, The Reds were thrown into a mini crisis. 

The 20-year-old is a mainstay in Jürgen Klopp’s team, and with Nathaniel Clyne unable to be recalled from his loan spell at Bournemouth, the question was to who would slot in as a fullback at Anfield last Saturday against Crystal Palace. James Milner stood up and filled in on the right, however, it was not without its controversy as the 33-year-old picked up a red card in the closing minutes of the game.

[brid autoplay=”true” video=”367027″ player=”13308″ title=”Liverpool”]

That now means that Milner misses Liverpool’s next game against Leicester at Anfield, and Klopp again has a job on his hands trying to figure out who occupies the right-back position. One of the main candidates is Fabinho, who deputised as a centre-back in the absence of Dejan Lovren, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip. The Brazilian has some experience of playing as a fullback, but the trouble is that it leaves the central midfield looking severely sparse, as neither Fabinho or Milner would be present.

There is no denying that this is a major setback in Liverpool’s title challenge. Although they sit at the summit of the Premier League table, rivals Man City are haring behind them, and Klopp will know that his side cannot afford any slip-ups in order to secure their maiden Premier League title. Milner’s red card only increases the pressure on Liverpool as they head into a tricky period.

Will Luka Modric join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami? Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti addresses MLS transfer speculation

Carlo Ancelotti claims to have been offered no indication that Luka Modric is looking to leave Real Madrid and link up with Lionel Messi in MLS.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Croatian star seeing limited game timeMay be released as a free agent in JanuaryArgentine icon would like him in FloridaWHAT HAPPENED?

There has been plenty of speculation to suggest that the Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder is exploring his options after seeing limited game time with the Blancos in 2023-24. He is only under contract until next summer, meaning that an early exit could be negotiated in January.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Messi – who has seven Ballons d'Or to his name – is said to be keen on seeing Modric become the latest marquee addition at Inter Miami. The Florida-based outfit, who are co-owned by former 'Galactico' David Beckham, have already drafted in ex-Barcelona stars Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.

WHAT THEY SAID

There may be the option for Modric to be targeted as a free agent at the start of 2024, but Ancelotti insists the 38-year-old Croatian playmaker is not pushing for a move. The Blancos boss has said when responding to the transfer rumours: “I don’t think he's raising it (leaving in January). We think he’s very important and he knows it too. He doesn’t have that thought and we’re happy with him.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Modric moved to Madrid from Premier League side Tottenham in 2012 and has taken in 496 appearances for the Liga giants – helping them to three domestic titles and five Champions League crowns, while also being named the best player on the planet in 2018.

Arsenal women player ratings vs Bristol City: Katie McCabe rescues Gunners as Alessia Russo shows flashes of quality and Vivianne Miedema makes ACL return

The Ireland star netted twice as Jonas Eidevall's side struggled against their newly-promoted opponents on Sunday evening

Not many gave Bristol City a chance as Arsenal came to town on Sunday night and within seven minutes Katie McCabe showed why some believed the encounter was a mismatch, with a world-class strike from range flying into the top corner and setting the Gunners on their way to what would be a 2-1 win over their newly-promoted hosts.

Jonas Eidevall's side have endured a tough start to the campaign, with elimination in the qualifying rounds of the Women's Champions League followed up by defeat to Liverpool on the opening weekend of the new Women's Super League season. But back-to-back wins, with their victory in Bristol coming after a dramatic triumph over Aston Villa, has got them back on track.

It was far from smooth sailing for Arsenal on Sunday, as the Robins drew level less than 10 minutes after going behind thanks to a wonderful header from Rachel Furness, but McCabe would eventually put the Gunners ahead again just before the hour and they looked more comfortable from there on – eventually securing all three points without really getting out of second gear.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Ashton Gate…

Goalkeeper & Defence

Manuela Zinsberger (6/10):

Barely had a thing to do except pick the ball out of her net.

Noelle Maritz (6/10):

Struggled to get involved on the attack in the first half despite getting forward. Improved in the second, with a nice touch to set up Mead for a great chance a particular highlight.

Lotte Wubben-Moy (5/10):

Looked shaky in some moments, including when booked for bringing down Thestrup on the counter in the first half.

Laia Codina (5/10):

Looked confident in possession but allowed Furness a free run at a cross for Bristol's equaliser.

Steph Catley (7/10):

Set pieces caused Bristol some problems, including the corner that led to Arsenal's second goal. Defended well, too.

AdvertisementGettyMidfield

Kim Little (6/10):

Was busy off the ball to create options for her team-mates and moved the ball well but couldn't carve out many magical moments against a stubborn defence.

Lia Walti (6/10):

Some classy touches in and around the final third. Wasn't at her sharpest all round, though.

Victoria Pelova (6/10):

Battled hard, winning her fair share of tackles and headers, while also looking to get Arsenal on the front foot whenever she could.

GettyAttack

Katie McCabe (8/10):

Broke the deadlock with an incredible strike and then put Arsenal back into the lead with a great finish just before the hour.

Alessia Russo (7/10):

Some nice touches allowed her to link-up well with team-mates and create a couple of chances.

Caitlin Foord (7/10):

Hit the post in the opening minutes after a great run. Was direct and positive, constantly looking to make things happen with her tricky footwork.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettySubs & Manager

Beth Mead (6/10):

Came on with just less than 25 minutes to go and almost scored immediately when she headed a McCabe cross wide. Got into good positions in the final third.

Frida Maanum (6/10):

Introduced at the same time as Mead, she was positive in possession and linked up well with others.

Vivianne Miedema (N/A):

Made her long-awaited return from an ACL injury in the closing minutes.

Jonas Eidevall (5/10):

It was a familiar story for Eidevall's team on Sunday, as they once again lacked the cutting edge to break down a resolute defence. Arsenal continue to look shaky in the heart of defence regardless of who is playing there, too. The win was the most important thing in Bristol but there are a few things for the coach to iron out.

How England can build a winning camp at the 2023 Women’s World Cup

England are readying themselves for a shot at Women’s World Cup glory in 2023, but how do they build a winning camp in Australia and New Zealand?

Sarina Wiegman has pieced together a star-studded squad that will go in search of global glory Down Under, with there plenty of European Championship-winning experience at her disposal. Injuries have struck at the worst possible time for some, but an ambitious group blends youthful exuberance with battle-hardened experience.

The Lionesses are, however, a long way from home and will need to keep their camp happy in order to sustain a challenge for the ultimate prize. So what is it like to form part of a major tournament and what are the key ingredients to success? GOAL put those questions to England legend Rachel Yankey…

GettyOn the road

Yankey, with 129 England caps to her name, has experience of World Cup camps on the other side of the world and – speaking in association with – told GOAL of what the class of 2023 can expect: “I saw their training sessions and they have got about 300 people watching, so I don’t think there will be a problem with support! The language is obviously not a problem, there is no barrier there. We went out to the China World Cup and it was all very, very different, but a fantastic experience.

“What the players will have to manage is the travelling, after games and the distance that they will have to travel, but the structure – they have got so many backroom staff, so many people with the knowledge of how to recover and the best equipment. I think they are in a really good place. If you look at the squad, they have got such a mixture of younger players and experienced players, so I think there will be a freshness to the squad. The things that in the past would have been a worry, I don’t think they are any more.”

AdvertisementGettyLively bunch

While talent will get the eventual winners of any competition over the line, character is also required in abundance. Yankey admits that England will need big personalities to deliver on and off the pitch in order for a first World Cup crown to be captured in 2023. She added: “I have always said that the biggest thing about tournament football is that the team that will ultimately go on and win the tournament is the team that gets it right on the days that you aren’t playing, the rest days or training. The team that can have the best spirit, because match days take care of themselves.

“The XI that are playing are happy, you have to make sure that the subs are happy and the players that are not involved – the player that doesn’t kick a ball. Beth England in the Euros didn’t kick a ball, but after every game she was running on that pitch celebrating with everybody and you would never have known. It is players like that you need around your squad because if one person gets a down day or an off day and it leads to another and another, then you have a problem in your squad.

“You really need to make sure that everybody understands their role, their responsibility within the squad and their value. These are really important things and they are nothing about kicking a ball! If you get that right, then when they go onto the pitch that’s the easy part because that’s what you have been practising your whole life to do. You have to make sure that you give everything that you’ve got and then the manager makes subs and you take your chances when you get them.

“The hard thing is making sure that the team stays together, the team stays happy, jolly. Yes, you take Ellen White out and look at her goals, but also her personality. People like Jill Scott, some of the best players to be around. I know Jill is out at the tournament doing the Lionesses Live – which is clever, taking a player like that because they are in and around the squad, the players know you and like you and it’s something different to break up the atmosphere of being in that bubble and forgetting that there is real life happening outside of your World Cup walls. They will have to manage that and get that right, but they know that. Sarina Wiegman knows that and I’m sure that is something that has been worked on in previous squads and is why the Netherlands and England have won tournaments.”

GettyStep up!

England will be without their Euros and Finalissima-winning captain, Leah Williamson, for the World Cup finals – with the Arsenal star nursing knee ligament damage. Yankey is, however, confident that the Lionesses have enough leaders in their group to cope with the armband being passed on. She said when asked if others can step up: “Yeah, I think so. In the Euros, yes, Leah wore the armband, but I definitely think that Millie Bright, Lucy Bronze, they would have taken leading roles within that team. Alex Greenwood, these are players that have so much fight within them and are so liked by the squad, they are listened to by the squad. It would surprise me if they weren’t big leaders and characters in there.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyOverlooked

England had the opportunity to draft a former skipper back into their plans – one that could also have filled in for Williamson at centre-half – but decided against handing a recall to Lionesses legend Steph Houghton. Pressed on whether that decision came as a surprise, Yankey – who once played alongside the long-serving Manchester City star – said: “Yeah, to be honest. When you get injuries in terms of Leah and then you look at some of the defenders and the inexperience of some of those that have been picked and the experience that Steph has, it was a bit of a surprise to me. But I’m not the manager, I don’t know what she sees and how she wants to build and mould the team.

“Those things are important. I’m sure there were valid reasons in terms of why Steph wasn’t picked. But if Steph was in that squad, I would have no doubts that she would have done a fantastic job and would have been able to play 90 minutes game after game. I know her mentality, her professionalism, she keeps herself fit and sharp. She finished the season really well for Manchester City, so it’s a shame with her qualities of leading and being a force in the team to push players on, but I’ve missed out before in previous tournaments and it’s the manager’s choice – you can’t do anything about that.”

Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and the 21 best players in European club football for 2022-23 – ranked

There have been plenty of top performers from all around the continent over the course of the past season – but who ranks above all others?

Which players have had the biggest impact in Europe this season? Has it been Vinicius Jr and his 40 goal contributions in all competitions? Has it been Kylian Mbappe, a winger who has dragged PSG to the Ligue 1 title? Or does Ronald Araujo deserve recognition for anchoring Barcelona's European-best defence?

There have been plenty of standouts across Europe, with talent abound at traditional powers and plucky upstarts. Certainly, the likes of Napoli, Arsenal, and, to an extent, Barcelona, have been buoyed by some top players. The likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Pedri and Victor Osimhen have all been vital for some of the continent's best teams.

So, as the season comes to a close for good, GOAL looks at the 21 best performers from around Europe in 2022-23…

Getty21Kim Min-jae (Napoli)

A lot of the focus this season has been on Napoli's attack, and for good reason: the duo of Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia have been devastating in the final third. But Kim Min-jae has been Napoli's most important player otherwise, and certainly the best value-for-money defender in Europe this year.

The Serie A winners paid Fenerbahce just €18 million (£15.7m/$19.4m) for his services last summer, and he's been worth every penny. Terrific in the air and excellent on the ball, the South Korean has made the loss of Kalidou Koulibaly seem like a positive.

AdvertisementGetty20Pedri (Barcelona)

Barcelona duo Gavi and Pedri are often grouped together as two similar players, but they couldn't be any more different. Gavi is all scrap, while Pedri is the epitome of finesse, and the latter's improvement in central midfield has been crucial for the Blaugrana this year.

Pedri is still a wonderful dribbler and precise passer, but he's also started to become a more consistent attacking threat, with six goals to his name. It's a shame that the Spanish magician missed 12 games with an injury – if he'd been fit all season, Barca could have won La Liga by 20 points.

19Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)

In many ways, Karim Benzema has been a victim of his own success. The French striker was so good last season, that this year was always going to be underwhelming in some sense. In effect, he couldn't really improve on his Ballon d'Or-winning campaign.

That's not for want of trying, though. Benzema has struggled with injuries, but the world-class talent is still very much there. He has bagged 29 goals in 41 games, while turning in a few vintage performances.

He netted a brace against Liverpool in the Champions League, scored a hat-trick against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey semi-final, and scored seven in four games in a stretch in early April. Whether he can be relied on to play a full season anymore remains to be seen, but Benzema can still be a top-quality performer.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty18Nathan Ake (Man City)

Manchester City were never really of the title race, but Ake is one of the reasons they dragged themselves back into it. One of Pep Guardiola's masterstrokes this season was moving Ake into a modified left-back role, effectively using the Dutchman as a third centre-back when City defend.

It shored up a backline that had struggled for a few months, and also gave City a lockdown one-on-one defender against some of the league's best attacking players. Ake was a £40m ($53m) signing nearly three years ago. This year, he has finally shown why City spent big.

Nike and Inter unveil vibrant yellow third kit for the 2022-23 season

We independently choose all products featured on our site. We may earn a commission when you purchase something through the links provided.

The return of yellow

While we're well into the 2022-23 season, Nike has finally released the Inter Milan third kit, and it's worth the wait. For the eleventh time in history, Inter will wear a yellow jersey.

A colour that has been present in Inter's history since its foundation with gold, the distinctive element of the logo designed in 1908, and now also present in the Club's new visual identity.

Nike

The new yellow, a vibrant and bright tone – first introduced in 2021 – makes its debut on the kit as the base colour of the third shirt. Celebrating the city's DNA, on the inside of the collar is the writing Milano, while a blue and black trim frame the yellow of the shirt.

Nike

Upholding the club's strong sense of style – evident in their home and away kits this season – along with its connection to Milan and its community, the third kit blends sport and fashion perfectly.

Inter 2022-23 third kit price & how to buy

The Inter Milan 2022-23 third kit collection is available to buy right now from Nike as well as the official Inter Store. Here's a closer look at some of the items available:

Inter Milan 2022-23 third kit – Men's AuthenticNike£114.95 at Nike

Like other shirts from the Nike Match collection, this one pairs authentic design details with lightweight, quick-drying fabric to help keep the world's biggest football stars cool and comfortable on the pitch.

Advertisement

Inter Milan 2022-23 third kit – Men'sNike£74.95 at Nike

Available in S, M, L, XL and XXL.

Inter Milan 2022-23 third kit – Women'sNike£74.95 at Nike

Available in XS, S, M, L and XL.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Inter Milan 2022-23 third kit – YouthNike£59.95 at Nike

Available in XS, S, M, L and XL.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus