Newcastle United are not yet close to signing Monaco centre-back Axel Disasi in the summer transfer window, according to an update from journalist Dean Jones.

Do Newcastle want to sign Axel Disasi?

The Frenchman has emerged as what looks like a primary target for the Magpies this summer, having become such an influential performer for Monaco over an extended period of time.

Eddie Howe will want to boost his defensive options ahead of what could be a busy 2023/24 season, especially with Champions League football returning to St James' Park in 2023/24, ramping up the intensity of matches in the process.

Disasi started 37 out of a possible 38 Ligue 1 matches for Monaco last season, outlining both his consistency and availability for his side, and it saw his reputation as a top-level central defender further increase, having joined his current club from Reims back in 2020.

The 25-year-old has also forced his way into the France setup at international level, winning four caps to date and appearing three times at the 2022 World Cup, starting one match for his country in the tournament.

What's the latest on Axel Disasi to Newcastle?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones claimed that Disasi's potential move to Newcastle isn't as far along as some may think currently, though, with work still to do to get a deal over the line:

"I feel like this deal has got a little bit ahead of itself at the moment. Newcastle deny that anything formal is happening here with Disasi.

"At the moment, I'm told that Newcastle haven’t progressed this deal as far as it’s been reported. But there is an interest, so that part is true."

It feels like there are fresh updates regarding Disasi's future all the time, but this does suggest that there is still plenty of work to do, in order to get a deal over the line this summer.

It would still be something of a surprise if the Monaco man didn't come in at St James' before the Premier League season kicks off next month, given the level of interest in him, but it is also obvious that it may not be plain sailing in the next few weeks.

Should Disasi suddenly not join Newcastle, it is essential that a strong alternative is lined up, with failure to improve the defence something that could be fatal to their top-four hopes and chances of doing well in the Champions League.

While the Magpies excelled at the back last season, only conceding 33 goals in 38 league matches, Fabian Schar is now in his 30s and should arguably become more of a squad player, while more depth is so important, allowing Howe to rotate effectively across four competitions throughout the campaign.

Disasi should remain the No.1 centre-back target for Newcastle, though, being hailed as a "complete & dominant" player by football talent scout Jacek Kulig recently, and holding his own in a France squad that reached the World Cup final in December – a game in which he featured briefly in during extra-time against Argentina, prior to their penalty shootout defeat.

Karn Sharma took his second five-for in as many matches for India Red, who are now through to the final

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Sep-2017
ScorecardGetty ImagesA century from Deepak Hooda, and lower-order fireworks from Jaydev Unadkat and Bharghav Bhatt, ensured India Blue took first-innings points from a drawn match against India Red in Kanpur. Hooda’s 174-ball 133 was the seventh hundred of his first-class career.India Red, who took one point from this game to add to the six they picked up by beating India Green, are through to the final. India Blue and India Green will meet in the last of the round-robin matches, which begins on Tuesday.A rain-hit third day, on which only 4.4 overs had been possible, had diminished any chance of a decisive result, but the question of which team would get three points remained to be resolved when Saturday dawned. Responding to India Red’s 383, India Blue were 151 behind with seven wickets in hand, with Hanuma Vihari at the crease on 88 and Hooda on 37.Vihari fell soon after reaching his hundred, bowled by Basil Thampi, and Chama Milind had Ishan Kishan caught behind 3.3 overs later to leave India Blue 300 for 5. Hooda needed help from the lower order, and it arrived in the form of Unadkat, who smashed 57 off 53 balls (10×4, 1×6), the pair putting on 96 off 101 balls to take India Blue into the lead.Both fell in the space of five balls, but India Blue weren’t quite done yet, as Bhatt (33 off 26 balls, with four sixes) went after the bowling and stretched their total to an eventual 444. The legspinner Karn Sharma took the last four wickets to finish with figures of 5 for 94 and take his tournament tally to 15 wickets in two matches.There wasn’t a whole lot of time left in the match, and India Red made 133 for 5 in 35 overs in that time, Rishabh Pant top-scoring with a 23-ball 46.

Liverpool now faces a frenetic scramble to reconfigure its midfield.

Jordan Henderson and Fabinho have both departed Anfield due to mouthwatering offers from Saudi Arabia, leaving Jurgen Klopp without definitive central midfield options.

The Merseyside outfit are yet to conclude a deal for Southampton’s Romeo Lavia after their third bid of £45m was rejected.

Alongside the former Manchester City youth prospect, they are also eyeing alternatives, with Fluminese’s Andre considered to be a viable option.

What’s the latest on Andre to Liverpool?

According to reputable journalist Neil Jones, Liverpool have initiated contact with the midfielder, ahead of a proposed summer transfer.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

Speaking exclusively to The Redmen TV, Jones revealed that the six-time European Championships are eyeing a summer swoop for the 22-year-old:

“That’s true that Liverpool have made contact with him. A 22-year-old deep-lying midfielder, Brazilian international. Fee from a Brazilian club – you’d be talking less than £30m. There’s a lot to nod at.

“He’s a very combative player, really good bite about him. Got a good ceiling in terms of as a defensive midfielder, or an all-action central midfielder.

“ESPN Brazil are reporting that they don’t want to sell him until they’re either out of or have won the Copa Libertadores. One to keep an eye on.

“If you were to say that the two of them [André and Lavia] were coming in… you’re talking £70-odd million for those two. I think you’d come away and think that Liverpool have had a good go at overhauling the midfield. If it was one or the other, you would still think that we’re probably one short.”

Would Andre be a good signing for Liverpool?

The 5 foot 9 prodigy has been at Fluminese since 2020 and has gone on to make 145 appearances for the club.

As Klopp searches for a deep-lying defensive-minded pivot, Andre has appeared in this role on 101 occasions.

Moreover, talent scout Jacek Kulig feels he is a multi-functional asset, highlighting his on-the-ball competence and athleticism as two of his most attractive qualities:

“He’s a player that I really love. A roaming playmaker, a position that I really like.

“He’s much more than a defensive midfielder. He’s very mobile. He loves to have the ball at his feet, he orchestrates the play not only with his passing but also with his ball carries.

“His progressive carries are really impressive, he’s combative, and his work-rate is really, really high.”

Under Klopp’s meticulous management, Andre can be an extremely exciting prospect and this idea of a ‘roaming playmaker’ that can also perform defensively is reminiscent of Nuri Sahin’s glittering form under the veteran German coach.

Klopp and Sahin began working with each other in 2008 at Borussia Dortmund. In three years, the Turk made 88 league appearances, winning the Bundesliga title in 2010/11, and was named the division’s player of the year.

That season, the retired 52-cap international averaged the most key passes per game (3.5), second-most tackles per game (3.7), third-most interceptions per game (2.3), and had the fourth-highest goal contribution tally (14) in the squad.

Similarly, this term in the Brasileiro Serie A, Andre has managed 94% pass accuracy, completed 71% of his dribbles, and won 62% of his duels. This proves he also has the potential to shine in the physical and technical areas of the game.

Andre still remains in the infancy of his career and would have to dramatically elevate his output levels, but the foundations are undoubtedly there.

Given Kulig’s comments and how Sahin gloriously excelled in an all-round central midfield role, Klopp could repeat a dazzling old trick, this time at Liverpool.

Manchester United are allegedly preparing an €80m offer to sign Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.

Are Man United signing another midfielder?

The Red Devils and Erik ten Hag have been productive so far this summer in the transfer market, securing the services of Mason Mount and Andre Onana from Chelsea and Inter Milan in separate big-money deals.

The club also look set to splash the cash again on Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund, with a transfer worth a total of £72m being finalised and potentially announced on Saturday.

Read The Latest Man United Transfer News HERE…

Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that United’s focus will be on signing another new midfielder after Hojlund, and one player who has been heavily linked is Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat.

The Morocco international, who worked under Ten Hag at FC Utrecht, has remained coy when asked about his future recently, saying:

“I don’t know if I’m leaving… maybe I can stay here at Fiorentina. I don’t know, I could remain.”

However, reports this week have claimed that a move to Man United is advancing, with the player’s representatives in Manchester to discuss a deal. Fiorentina want around £30m for the 26-year-old, but it appears as if the club also have their eyes on Tchouameni.

The Faithful MUFC relayed an update from Spanish outlet Sport in the last 48 hours regarding Tchouameni and a potential move to Old Trafford.

It is claimed that Ten Hag has personally asked United officials to sign the midfielder over the coming weeks, with those in Manchester now preparing an offer ‘very similar’ to the one Real Madrid paid one year ago – a guaranteed fee of €80m (£69m).

Who is Aurelien Tchouameni?

Tchouameni is primarily a defensive midfielder who can also play slightly further forward in a central midfield role if needed. The 23-year-old, sponsored by Nike, came through the academy at Bordeaux before joining AS Monaco in 2020.

He spent two years and made 95 appearances for Monaco before signing for Real Madrid, where he has gone on to turn out on 50 occasions. The France international is valued at €85m by Transfermarkt and is under contract until 2028.

He has caught the eye at the Bernabeu since making the move, with United legend Rio Ferdinand saying Tchouameni is a “superb talent” who can produce “moments out of nowhere”.

“Listen, Tchouameni is a young kid, he’s going to make mistakes but he’s a superb talent, he produces moments out of nowhere, incredible player.

“Replacing Pogba in a France XI is not an easy task, but so far, Tchouameni has been superb. Tchouameni showed why he plays for Real Madrid. He has the patience, talent, control, he has everything you need.”

He is on a deal worth €240,000-a-week in Spain, though, so alongside a big fee, you’d expect United would need to offer the player a huge salary if they are to stand a chance of securing his services.

It could well be one to keep an eye on, but with the finances involved, you could argue that a move for Amrabat is more realistic, as the club’s spending will go over £150m after Hojlund signs on the dotted line.

يتابع نادي برشلونة الإسباني، خيفتشا كفاراتسخيليا لاعب نابولي، عن كثب، ويبحث إمكانية ضمه في السوق الصيفي.

وارتبط كفاراتسخيليا بالرحيل عن نابولي إلى الدوري الإسباني، رغم وجود محادثات لتجديد عقده مع الفريق.

وبحسب صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية، قد ينظر نابولي في مسألة رحيل كفاراتسخيليا إلى برشلونة، ويستغل الأمر لعقد صفقة تبادلية.

تبلغ قيمة كفاراتسخيليا 80 مليون يورو، ولديه عقد حتى يونيو 2027 ولذلك نابولي له اليد العليا في التفاوض.

وأشار التقرير إلى أن فيرمين لوبيز وفيران توريس محل اهتمام لنابولي، لكن كلاهما سيرفض برشلونة رحيلهما.

اقرأ أيضًا | ماركا توضح مصير جواو فيليكس مع برشلونة

ويتابع التقرير موضحًا أنه في الوضع الحالي، يستمع برشلونة إلى العروض المقدمة لأي لاعب تقريبًا في الفريق.

ويفكر كفاراتسخيليا في الرحيل عن نابولي نظرًا لغياب فريقه عن المراكز المؤهلة للتواجد في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وسجل الجورجي 10 أهداف وصنع تسع تمريرات حاسمة هذا الموسم، خلال مشاركته في مباريات نابولي.

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be showing a strong interest in Rosario Central star, Alejo Veliz, with the Lilywhites seemingly casting a wide net in their bid to find a replacement for Harry Kane.

How much would Alejo Veliz cost?

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the north London outfit have already made an approach to sign the 19-year-old striker, with negotiations said to be underway regarding the prospect of bringing the young Argentine to N17.

Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider revealed: "Tottenham have approached Rosario Central for 2003 born talented striker Alejo Véliz. Talks are ongoing. There’s no agreement in place between all parties but negotiations are concrete, as @CLMerlo reported.

"Decision to be made in few days."

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

While Romano did not state the kind of fee that would be needed for chairman Daniel Levy to be able to prise the teenager from his homeland, separate reports have indicated that the 6 foot 1 ace could have a price tag of around $15m (£12m).

The transfer guru also went on to reveal that personal terms have been agreed with Veliz, albeit with Rosario hoping to keep the player at the club on loan for the foreseeable future.

Who is Alejo Veliz?

With the aforementioned Kane seemingly on his way to Bundesliga giants, Bayern Munich, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou will have to find a way to try and ease the loss of the England skipper, with the 30-year-old having been a shining light last season after netting 30 Premier League goals.

While unlikely to be an immediate, direct replacement for the long-serving talisman due to his relative youth, Veliz could well emerge as a real superstar in the years to come, having been hailed as the "complete forward" by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

The Argentina U20 international boasts a solid record thus far of 19 goals in 62 appearances in all competitions for his current side, although he has particularly come alive in 2023, having netted 11 times in just 23 league appearances in the current campaign.

A figure noted for his "finishing" and "instinct" by Kulig, Veliz may well be hoping to replicate the impact that his compatriot, Sergio Aguero enjoyed in English football, with the now-retired ace having established himself as a truly lethal and clinical presence during his time at Manchester City.

While at just 5 foot 8 Aguero offered less of a physical presence in attack than his fellow Argentine, the 35-year-old was also a real machine in front of goal in his pomp, having scored 184 league goals in his ten-year stint at the Etihad – a record that places him fourth on the all-time list in the competition.

Despite having joined City from La Liga side Atletico Madrid in 2011, the Buenos Aires native did also begin his career in his homeland, like Veliz, having enjoyed a similar record after scoring 23 goals in 56 outings for Independiente.

Such was his later success for the Cityzens, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand dubbed the prolific poacher as the "hardest" opponent of his career, having notably praised the one-time Barcelona man for his "fantastic movement".

That trait appears to be shared by young Veliz with Kulig having also noted the marksman's "movement" as one of his key strengths, ensuring he could emulate Aguero by proving a real handful for Premier League defenders over the coming years.

With Levy currently facing the prospect of losing Kane before the September deadline, to be able to acquire an Aguero-esque figure to help fill the void could be a dream scenario.

Preity Zinta takes over from previous owner Brimstone, an investment corporation that pulled out of their deal last month

Firdose Moonda08-Sep-2017

Preity Zinta, the Bollywood actor and co-owner of Kings XI Punjab, has taken over the Stellenbosch franchise in South Africa’s T20 Global League, bringing the number of IPL owners in the tournament to three. Cape Town Knight Riders are owned by Shah Rukh Khan, who also owns Kolkata Knight Riders, while the Jo’burg Giants were bought by the GMR group, which owns Delhi Daredevils.Stellenbosch was the only franchise that did not have a private owner after South African investment corporation Brimstone pulled out of the deal last month. The Stellenbosch franchise had been taken over by Cricket South Africa before being acquired by Zinta. The T20 Global League has only one locally-owned team now, in Pretoria, bought by Osman Osman, who owns events company Blu Blood.The lack of local interest in the league was cited as a concern by CSA CEO Haroon Lorgat, when he addressed Brimstone’s withdrawal. “It is a fact that we have struggled to convince South Africans to become owners in the Global League,” Lorgat said.Brimstone’s reasons for withdrawal hinted at general uncertainty over the profitability of ownership in the T20 Global League. “We found it quite difficult to get to actual numbers because it’s the first year of the tournament and we knew we were going to have to use some modelling as to what to expect going forward,” Mushtaq Brey, Brimstone’s CEO said. “When we did all the numbers, we decided not to go ahead with the investment.”So far, the T20 Global League has cost CSA millions. In their latest annual report, CSA tabled a loss of 3.3 million Rand (US$ 257,294) having only generated a revenue of R 1 million (US$ 93,561) and incurred expenses of R 4.5 million (US$ 350,555).Expenses on the T20 Global League so far included the costs of the launch, which was held on June 19 in London for which several guests were flown in business class from South Africa, and stadium upgrades around the country.Lorgat had informed owners to expect it to take time to see returns on their investment but that did not deter foreign interest, especially from India. The Benoni and Durban franchises are owned by corporations, who also have interest in the Pakistan Super League, while the Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein teams are owned by businessmen from the UAE and Hong Kong respectively.With the tournament – scheduled to start on November 3 – less than two months away, all eight squads are finalised. The Stellenbosch franchise will be coached by Stephen Fleming, with Eric Simons as assistant coach, and Faf du Plessis as the marquee player. Lasith Malinga and Alex Hales are the big international names, with several home-grown players from the Paarl area such as Henry Davids and Justin Ontong in the squad. None of the players from Kings XI Punjab are in the Stellenbosch side but du Plessis had been in touch with some national team-mates who have worked with Zinta before.”I’m very excited to see that Preity Zinta has come on board,” du Plessis said. “I have heard from my team-mates that she is very good to work with, so I’m looking forward to working with her and seeing how she impacts our team space. She is also very passionate about the sport and I am sure local fans will have an awesome time at Boland Park.”The Paarl stadium, situated 63 kilometres away from Cape Town, will benefit from CSA’s financial upgrades, which should improve facilities, including stands and floodlights. Like the other seven venues, it will host seven league matches in the T20 Global League, with the final scheduled for Johannesburg on December 16.

Manchester United should sell Scott McTominay to West Ham United this summer according to Mark Goldbridge

The Scottish international has been at United his whole career but could depart this summer.

What position does Scott McTominay play?

The 26-year-old is a very versatile player with plenty of experience, having made over 200 career appearances across central defence, central midfield and even centre forward for both club and country.

Last season was a difficult one for the midfielder, as following the arrivals of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, McTominay made just 10 starts in the Premier League, with his remaining 14 appearances coming off the bench, When factoring in the recent signing of Mason Mount as well as the rumoured interest in the Morocco international Sofyan Amrabat, game time will be even harder to come by for the midfielder.

McTominay has impressed every manager he has worked under, with Jose Mourinho stating back in 2018:

"But at the same time I felt we needed quality on the ball, building from the back, and Scott McTominay has that quality. Everything that left his foot was correct. He’s a special character, a special personality that a team in a negative moment needs, do my other players have that mentality? Not all of them. Everybody is a different person. Scott McTominay is a kid with a special character, very humble, aggressive in a positive way, brave, he’s a special kid."

Reports have stated that Erik ten Hag is willing to let the player depart Old Trafford this summer should a club pay the £40m asking price set, with West Ham United reportedly eying up the player as a potential Declan Rice replacement following his £105m move to Arsenal. Hammers boss David Moyes is reportedly a big fan of the midfielder, however, the Irons aren't willing as of yet to reach the Red Devils asking price

Speaking on The United Stand YouTube channel, Goldbridge stated that he doesn't want United to play hardball over a McTominay transfer as the club wouldn't see that amount of money for McTominay again:

"If West Ham are interested and they want him for £30m, find a middle ground. I don’t mind us saying £40m but we’re going to come down to £32m but don’t say we’re going to reject £35m or £30m because you want £40m.

"As I said before, McTominay hasn’t had a good game in about a year, he’s not an established first team player, he’s worth about £30m and if we don’t take the money for him now you’ll never get that money again so that’s why United need to be negotiating a deal."

Who will replace McTominay at Manchester United?

There are two real options to replace the Scot next season.

One is already at the club in Kobbie Mainoo. The 18-year-old has risen through United's youth setup and really made his mark on the club's current pre-season tour, with an assist against Arsenal in the sides 2-0 win last week the culmination after two solid performances against Lyon and Leeds. Legendary Man United player Bryan Robson was quick to praise the midfielder after his display against the Gunners, saying:

"I was really impressed, against a team like Arsenal. He’s not a kid who comes into the team as a central midfield player who just goes chasing about trying to impress the manager and all that. He just played, used his football intelligence, and he can have a good career. That’s not me trying to put pressure on the kid.”

The strength in depth at the club could allow the youngster to be developed slowly and given the correct opportunities to develop whilst working day in day out with some of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

The club could also find a solution in the transfer market. Fiorentina midfielder Amrabat is reportedly keen on making the switch to Old Trafford with the club interested in the 26-year-old who had an impressive campaign for both club and country last season. The player was vital to Fiorentina as they made it to both a Coppa Italia final and the Conference League final, whilst he was named in the World Cup Team of the Tournament as Morocco became the first African side to make the semi-finals of the World Cup in history.

It is reported that Amrabat will cost around £21.4m and that the club have beaten out competition from clubs around Europe and in Saudi Arabia for the player's signature.

Leeds United kick off their 2023/24 Championship campaign this weekend. It’s a big one, naturally, as they look for an immediate return to the Premier League.

Getting off to a good start will be paramount, then, and plenty of eyes will be on the Whites as they face off against Cardiff City at Elland Road on Sunday 6th August.

The fixture marks their first in the Championship since the summer of 2020, when the pandemic-delayed campaign came to a close with Leeds crowning their achievement of promotion with a dominant 4-0 thrashing of Charlton Athletic.

A lot has changed since then, not least this summer alone, with an exodus taking place at Elland Road seeing the likes of Rodrigo, Weston McKennie and Tyler Roberts depart.

Meanwhile, others such as Robin Koch, Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen are among those to leave on loan.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

It is also a first competitive match for new manager Daniel Farke, who replaces Sam Allardyce in the Leeds dugout after he failed to rescue the West Yorkshire outfit from the drop, with Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia victims of the chop.

It has been all-change behind the scenes, with new owners on board following Victor Orta’s exit and 49ers Enterprises officially taking over from Andrea Radrizzani.

They have also welcomed Ethan Ampadu and Karl Darlow to the side with their first dips into the transfer market.

Farke will be aiming to emulate the likes of Marcelo Bielsa and Howard Wilkinson by escaping the second tier – and he may look to some of Leeds’ previous opening-match exploits for inspiration ahead of kick-off against the Bluebirds.

With that in mind, Football FanCast has taken a look back at the last 20 years to pick out the best of Leeds’ opening-day games.

7

Leeds 1-0 Derby – 2004/05

Leeds started life outside of the Premier League in 2004 in positive fashion, with their Championship curtain-raiser providing a slender victory over then-promotion rivals Derby County.

Unfortunately for Kevin Blackwell’s Whites, it was a disappointing campaign that saw them finish mid-table, as a new-look team – seven players made their debuts – came to terms with playing the second tier.

Neil Sullivan, Michael Duberry and Lucas Radebe were some of the few first-team survivors to take part that day, as Leeds entered a campaign outside of the top flight for the first time since winning the Second Division in 1990 under Wilkinson.

While Derby would go on to make the play-offs, Frazer Richardson’s curling winner gave what turned out to be false hope to the Elland Road faithful, with the Whites’ 14th-place finish their lowest since ending in the same position of the Football League pyramid in 1986.

6

Leeds 3-1 Stoke – 2018/19

The West Yorkshire club entered a new era in August 2018 as Marcelo Bielsa began his reign at Elland Road.

A shock replacement for Paul Heckingbottom, the Argentinian’s debut saw Leeds – out of the Premier League for 14 years at the time – kickstart their latest efforts to escape the Championship with a big three points.

Stoke had been relegated from the Premier League the previous year and therefore entered the following campaign as one of the favourites to go up.

However, Gary Rowett’s side became the first victims of Bielsaball as goals from Mateusz Klich, Pablo Hernandez and Liam Cooper sealed a perfect start for the new boss.

Benik Afobe’s penalty threatened a comeback from the Potters which never materialised, as both sides went on to have differing seasons.

Leeds may have suffered more play-off heartbreak at the end of this one, but this was certainly a sign of what was to come under Bielsa.

5

Leeds 2-1 Brighton – 2013/14

The opening day brings excitement and intrigue anyway – but especially when you’ve got debutants in the side. Luke Murphy, a £1m signing from Crewe Alexandra, got the nod from the start here and he certainly made the most of it against Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Seagulls took the lead as Leandro Ulloa struck on 13 minutes. Leeds responded perfectly, though, and were level within five minutes as Ross McCormack found a leveller.

That set the stage for a dramatic finale as Murphy introduced himself to the Leeds faithful with a 94th-minute winner. The midfielder broke through on goal and showed incredible composure to send the fans into raptures.

The victory would prove to be another false dawn for Leeds as Brian McDermott failed to become the man to take the Whites up, just a couple of seasons after managing to do so with former club Reading.

4

Leeds 2-2 Newcastle – 2003/04

Leeds were surrounded by doubt to kick off the 2003/04 campaign and few knew what the future held. Financial problems were rife at the club, with some of their best players departing for funds.

One of those was Lee Bowyer, who after leaving the club some six months prior, actually made his Newcastle United debut in this game at Elland Road – to a chorus of boos, of course.

The likes of Harry Kewell and Olivier Dacourt had also left since, with there being plenty of changes to the Leeds lineup ahead of what would be their last Premier League campaign for 16 years.

Peter Reid’s side came into this one after dramatically hauling themselves to safety in the previous campaign as their financial troubles started to take hold.

But regardless of that, it was a fantastic game. Alan Shearer put the Magpies in front from the penalty spot, only for Mark Viduka and Alan Smith to have Leeds in front by the hour mark.

Unfortunately, the Premier League’s all-time record goalscorer grabbed a second on 88 minutes to split the points.

The chaotic nature of this one was arguably a warning sign of things to come, as Leeds fans will know all too well.

3

Bolton 2-3 Leeds – 2017/18

Can you really ask for more than a five-goal thriller that sees you kick off the season with an away win? Well, how about if it also includes a local youngster scoring twice from midfield?

21-year-old Kalvin Phillips announced himself here, scoring just his third league goal after seven minutes. Bolton Wanderers found an equaliser on 39 but Phillips struck again before the break – doubling his senior goal tally in one game.

Chris Wood had Leeds 3-1 up on half-time, as a second-half Adam Le Fondre penalty wasn’t enough to stop the points going back to Elland Road. Phillips, though, was the real story here – a sign of what was to come from him.

The same can’t be said for Thomas Christiansen’s Leeds, who faded away after a promising start to the league season. The Whites went unbeaten in their first seven following the dramatic win at Bolton, before proceeding to lose eight of their next 11 clashes.

Amid the failures of Christiansen – and then Paul Heckingbottom to steady the ship – they could perhaps be seen as a blessing given that they led to persuading Bielsa to finally take the West Yorkshiremen forward.

2

Liverpool 4-3 Leeds – 2020/21

It does feel a bit strange to include a defeat on a list of Leeds’ ‘best’ opening day games, but context is important here. Marcelo Bielsa had led Leeds to promotion in style the previous season, playing a high-risk, exciting brand of football.

And no side was better placed to exploit their potentially cavalier approach that worked so well in the lower division than Liverpool. They’d utterly dominated the Premier League the season prior, essentially eliminating any title race by January. Leeds, surely, would need to change.

Bielsa saw things differently and sent his Leeds side out to take the game to Liverpool. Mohamed Salah put the Reds in front, but Leeds found an equaliser through Jack Harrison.

Virgil van Dijk made it 2-1, but again, Leeds equalised as Patrick Bamford found the net. Salah grabbed another before Leeds hit back once more on 66 minutes through Mateusz Klich.

A Salah penalty – sealing his hat-trick – eventually secured a win for Liverpool, but Leeds sent a real message with this one. Even the champions would struggle to contain them – as many other sides did as the Whites finished ninth – and they were absolutely not interested in changing their ways.

1

Bristol City 1-3 Leeds – 2019/20

No, this game wasn’t as dramatic as the Anfield clash, but it came at the start of a historic season. Leeds went to Bristol City with promotion aspirations, having fallen in the Championship play-offs the previous year.

The Robins were no pushovers, either, having clinched 8th that season and harboured play-off ambitions of their own. What followed, then, was a display that firmly placed Leeds as the team to beat in 2019/20.

Pablo Hernandez was at firmly the heart of things, scoring before setting up Patrick Bamford as Leeds looked dominant. Jack Harrison sealed the points before Andreas Weimann’s consolation, as the Whites finally started a successful Championship title tilt.

It was the beginning of a sensational campaign that saw them return to the Premier League after 16 years. Five wins from their first seven set them on their way to the promised land of the top flight – a start good as that this time around will hopefully have a similar result for Daniel Farke and co.

Yorkshire’s first-innings lead of 76 gave them an advantage, but it required a methodical batting performance to establish a position that was far from unassailable at the close

David Hopps at Headingley20-Sep-20171:18

County Championship round-up: Sangakkara troubles Somerset

Warwickshire 219 and 49 for 1 trail Yorkshire 296 (Lyth 62, Bresnan 47, Rankin 3-48) by 28 runs If you must go down, at least go down with dignity. That message might have been imprinted on every aspect of Warwickshire’s bowling display at Headingley. Committed and disciplined, who knows if it will spare them their ninth defeat in a bleak Championship season, but it deserved respect. At such times, a little stubbornness can go a long way.Down on the south coast, the champions Essex were getting giddy, forced to follow-on against Hampshire after they were dismissed for 76, the lowest score in Division One this season before pulling themselves together second time around. It does not take much for performances to dip once the season is as good as over. But while the champions were off colour, the side at the bottom dug deep. End-of-season matches have a habit of being unpredictable.For a Yorkshire side who began the round only a point above the relegation places, no gifts were about to be bestowed. Their first-innings lead of 76 gave them an advantage, but it required a methodical batting performance to establish a position that was looking far from unassailable when Warwickshire reached 49 for 1, 28 behind, with a dodgy weather forecast for the third day.Jeetan Patel, a century-maker on Tuesday, glued Warwickshire together with 35 overs of offspin, going at less than two runs an over on a pitch designed with Yorkshire’s all-seam attack in mind. Chris Wright was also unyielding, adding Alex Lees, who was bowled through the gate as he drove at an inswinger, and Andrew Hodd, who jabbed at one that left him, to the dismissal of West Indian Kraigg Brathwaite the previous evening.Adam Lyth top scored with 62 before he fell pulling at Boyd Rankin. The national selector, James Whitaker, had not stayed on for a second day to watch Gary Ballance, who was beaten by Patel’s turn, pushing defensively, and was caught at the wicket.A year ago at Lord’s, Tim Bresnan had played the most heroic innings of his career as he tried to bat Yorkshire to the title. His unbeaten 142 was unavailing, as Middlesex took the prize, but it won him mountains of praise, Bresnan himself providing the earthiest description in an interview at the end-of-season dinner when he reflected that he had been forced to drag his spade out of his kit bag once more to try to dig Yorkshire out of the shit.This time the waste products were not quite as apparent as he appeared at 179 for 6, his arrival delayed until No. 8 because of a nightwatchman. But there was a blue-collar job to do nonetheless and he struck 47 – nothing better all day than his straight drive against Wright – before he tried to reach fifty with a slog-sweep against Patel and was bowled behind his legs.Matthew Fisher also played a decisive part in Yorkshire’s lead. His Championship return brought five wickets on the opening day, a well-fashioned 37 on the second, a reminder of his all-round ability. There was frustration, though, as he was last out with Yorkshire three runs short of a third batting point, offering a return catch to the bowler off a leading edge. It was a simple catch but, in stretching to take it, Rankin hurt his ankle and was left hopping agitatedly. It should not prove terminal but with Rankin you never can tell.