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Freddie Woodman has dropped a huge transfer hint regarding his future at Swansea City.

What’s been said?

In an interview published on Swansea City’s official website, the Newcastle United loanee revealed that he had fallen in love with the south Wales club, going on to claim that he is now a Swans fan and would be very much open to a return to the Liberty Stadium either this summer or at some point in the future.

He said: “It’s probably been the best two years of my life playing here. I’ve fallen in love with the place and developed so much. I just wanted to get over the line for the city; I know how much they wanted us in that big league, so I’m absolutely gutted.

“I hope this isn’t the last game I play in a Swansea shirt. The main thing is to sort out my next step; if that’s in a Swansea shirt then brilliant but if it’s not, I have to crack on and that’s football.”

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how impressive the goalkeeper – whom Ryan Dilks dubbed a “fantastic” player – has been over his two-year loan spell at Swansea,  the fact the 24-year-old has suggested he would be open to a move back to the club this summer is likely to have Swans fans buzzing.

In the club’s 2019/20 campaign, Woodman kept 12 clean sheets over 43 his Championship appearances, in addition to making an average of 2.6 saves per game and stopping three out of the five penalties he faced, earning a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.89.

This season, the former England under-21 international kept 20 clean sheets over his 45 Championship fixtures, as well as making an average of 2.2 saves per game and stopping one of the three penalties he faced, seeing the £8.1m-rated man earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as Steve Cooper’s 12th-best performer in the second tier.

As such, securing a permanent deal for the £4,500-per-week shot-stopper this summer would provide the club with a huge boost to their chances of going one step further than they managed this season – winning promotion to the Premier League.

With Woodman appearing to be more than open to the possibility of spending more time at Swansea, perhaps this is a deal we will see Cooper getting over the line in the upcoming transfer window.

In other news: Get it done: Cooper must sanction Swansea swoop for £2.25m-rated dynamo this summer

Goal looks at the players whose deals are due to end, which of them could leave and who might still be at Old Trafford come 2019-20

Since 1995, the Bosman ruling has revolutionised football transfers, giving players the opportunity to break free of clubs at the end of their contracts, and the pre-contract agreement which has since been brought into the game means that from January 1 players with expiring deals can sign with potential new employers six months ahead of a move.

This January, Manchester United find themselves in the kind of position many clubs have been left in since Jean-Marc Bosman successfully petitioned the courts, with as many as 11 of their players holding contracts which are due to expire at the end of the current season.

The one thing they do have going for them is that eight of the 11 involved have club-option extension clauses written into their deals, which allows the Old Trafford hierarchy the freedom to add 12 months to their contracts if they are unwilling to let them go.

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  Matteo Darmian

  The Italian full-back barely gets a look-in at Old Trafford these days and Jose Mourinho admitted in the summer that United were ready to sell if the right offer came in.

  "Matteo wants to leave and I think when a player wants to leave, if the right offer arrives you have to try to be human and let the player follow his instinct, but not at any price," the manager said.

  “And, until now, the offers we got for Matteo are not even close to being accepted."

  The 28-year-old could well move in January if the right bid comes in having not made an appearance since the opening day of the season at a time when Mourinho was stretched due to post-World Cup holidays.

  But if a winter move doesn't materialise, United are almost certain to trigger the one-year option on his contract to ensure he doesn't leave for free in the summer. They are still likely to help Darmian find a move though in order to get some return on their 2015 investment.

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  David de Gea

  Mourinho stunned the United fan base last week by claiming he was not confident that De Gea would sign a new deal with the club.

  "I am not confident but I am not worried," he told in relation to the No.1 extending his contract. "I cannot find the word in English."

  De Gea has played down speculation since then but notably failed to commit. "What matters is the team and all of us being focused on what we need to focus on, which is winning games, rather than contracts or any topics that can be a distraction," said the Spaniard.

  With De Gea's contract due to expire in 2019, United do hold a one-year option. However, if there is no sign of a willingness on the player's part to sign a new deal then the club could be backed into a corner as this season draws to a close.

  Not yet 28 and considered by many to be the best goalkeeper in the world, De Gea is a hugely valuable asset and the prospect of him running his contract down and leaving on a free is one United will not be keen to risk. They could even consider a sale in the summer to get a fee if they are convinced the former Atletico Madrid man has his heart set on leaving.

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  Ander Herrera

  The Spanish midfielder has seen his game-time reduced by a great degree over the last 18 months to the point where his only Premier League start so far this season came as an emergency centre-back in the 3-0 loss to Tottenham.

  Having already seen the club pick up his one-year option last season, Herrera's commitment to the club could well end this summer although Jose Mourinho is keen for him and Juan Mata to stay at Old Trafford.

  "Juan and Ander, even if they are not playing a lot and not starting matches, by the personality point of view and character point of view, by what they represent in the modern society and in football, they are almost unique pieces that I also don't want to lose," said the manager when asked whether he wants to keep the Spanish pair.

  His character has won him countless fans since he arrived at United in 2014, but the 29-year-old may consider making a move to gain increased game time elsewhere if he believes his next contract to be his last during his peak playing years.

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  Phil Jones

  Like most United contracts, Phil Jones' deal includes a club option to tie him down to Old Trafford until the summer of 2020 and the Red Devils are highly likely to activate the extra year if only to command a fee for the centre-back next summer.

  With competition for places at the heart of defence being fierce and Jose Mourinho having publicly discussed the need for more quality in his position, Jones has slipped down the pecking order and is likely to fall further down the ranks as United go forward.

  As a result, the club could listen to offers in the summer once they have triggered their option, giving them the opportunity to cash in on the England defender before they are left facing the prospect of gaining no fee for him in 2020.

Southampton will be looking to make it three home wins on the bounce when they take on Leeds United at St Mary’s on Tuesday evening, with Saints fans returning to their home ground after restrictions were eased earlier this week.

Freed from the pressure of potential relegation, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side have picked up impressive 3-1 wins against Crystal Palace and Fulham in the last week, but they will be in for a tough game later against Marcelo Bielsa’s in-form Leeds side.

The Yorkshire club thrashed Burnley 4-0 at Turf Moor last time out and have lost just one of their last nine Premier League games.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Hasenhuttl to line up against Leeds, with three changes from the side which started against Fulham on Saturday…

Alex McCarthy keeps his place in goal after a solid return performance against Fulham.

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There is one change in defence, as after recovering from his ankle injury, it seems likely that Jan Bednarek will resume his partnership with Jannik Vestergaard at centre-back.

There are two changes in midfield as, after some less than impressive recent displays, Nathan Redmond and Takumi Minamino – the latter once dubbed a “machine” by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp – drop to the bench.

Nathan Tella replaces Redmond on the left, whilst Stuart Armstrong moves out to the right-hand side after featuring in the middle alongside James Ward-Prowse in recent weeks, which allows Oriol Romeu to make his return from injury in central midfield.

Despite a slight injury concern, it has been confirmed that Danny Ings is good to start, and he is likely to partner the in-form Che Adams up front.

In other news… Hasenhuttl must unleash Southampton’s “biggest talent” against Leeds, he’s destined for the top

With the quarter-final line-up now set, Goal breaks down which teams look most likely to contest the final on July 11

The Euro 2020 quarter-finals are on the way, but who will lift the trophy at Wembley Stadium on July 11? 

Goal ranks all eight remaining contenders ahead of Friday and Saturday's games, from least likely to lift the trophy to tournament favourites…

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  8Switzerland | Last time: 15th

  Switzerland may have dumped tournament favourites France out during the last 16, but their path towards the final and potentially winning the whole competition still looks ridiculously daunting.

  They must face free-scoring Spain in the quarter-finals without their inspirational captain Granit Xhaka, who is suspended, and even if they see off La Roja, they will then need to beat either Belgium or Italy to reach the final.

  Nothing can be ruled out over the final week of Euro 2020 but, right now, Vladimir Petkovic's side are huge underdogs.

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  7Ukraine | Last time: 13th

  Arguably the weakest team left in the competition, Ukraine will have to pick themselves up and dust themselves off after what was a bruising, 120-minute-long victory over Sweden in the last 16.

  They now face the prospect of having to break down England in the quarter-finals, and though a potential semi-final against either Denmark or Czech Republic looks easier on paper, they are undoubtedly the team with the least talent left on their side of the draw.

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  6Czech Republic | Last time: 12th

  There is no doubt that Czech Republic are a growing force in European football, and their victory over Netherlands in the last 16 confirmed what many have been saying about their increasing strength heading into the tournament.

  A quarter-final meeting with Denmark would have delighted them heading into the tournament, and with Patrik Schick looking like Cristiano Ronaldo's main challenger for the Golden Boot, they will fancy their chances of progressing once more.

  They might be unfancied ahead of their clash in Baku, but the Czechs cannot be ruled out.

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  5Denmark | Last time: 9th

  Whether you believe in the power of momentum or not, there is no question that this Denmark side is riding some sort of wave as they continue to lift themselves following the trauma of their opening game of the tournament.

  The swatting aside of Wales was arguably the most complete performance of the last 16, and they now find themselves in a position where they are favourites to reach the semi-finals.

  In terms of quality, they are lacking compared to the four teams above them in these rankings, but there is no doubting their character and togetherness, and that could still carry them all the way to the final.

The Gunners new boys were in brilliant form against Everton while stars from Manchester United & Liverpool also make the grade

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  Wayne Hennessey | Crystal Palace

  The Welsh goalkeeper made seven saves for Palace in their 1-1 draw against Newcastle United.

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  Antonio Valencia | Manchester United

  Valencia recovered possession five times and made two interceptions in his team's win over Huddersfield Town.

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  Laurent Koscielny | Arsenal

  As well as finding the net, the France international made nine clearances in Arsenal's 5-1 win over Everton; the most of any player for the Gunners.

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  Marcos Rojo | Manchester United

  Rojo completed 94% of his passes against Huddersfield, with 36 of his 88 passes coming in the opposition half.

Former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell believes Alex Moreno would be a great replacement for Ezgjan Alioski at Leeds United.

The Lowdown: Alioski replacement required

Alioski is expected to move on at the end of the season, having reportedly agreed to join Turkish giants Galatasaray. That will leave Leeds needing to sign a new left-back in the summer transfer window, with a host of names linked with the Whites in recent months.

One of those is Real Betis defender Moreno, who has made 21 appearances in La Liga this season, chipping in with two assists to date.

The Latest: Campbell rates Moreno highly

Campbell believes the 27-year-old could be the ideal man to come in for Alioski as he outlined to Football Insider why the Real Betis left-back could be the perfect fit for Leeds:

“Moreno, he’s a good player. He’s naturally a left footer and he likes to gets up and down that wing as often as possible. He has that attacking ability that Leeds will be after.

“I think he would be a great signing for Leeds. I really like him.”

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The Verdict: Could Leeds do better?

Moreno is an experienced figure who could fill the Alioski-shaped void at Elland Road, but it could be argued that there are better options to be found.

The Spaniard’s shortage of assists suggests a lack of attacking thrust – Marcelo Bielsa would surely want a forward-thinking full-back in the mould of Alioski – with an average of just 0.7 key passes per game in the league this season.

In comparison, Nicolas Tagliafico, another Leeds target, has averaged 1.1 key passes per match for Ajax in the Eredivisie, also getting one goal and three assists.

Moreno seems to be a solid transfer target, but Tagliafico appears the more experienced, superior choice if the Whites want to go up another gear in the Premier League next season.

In other news, a former Leeds player can’t understand Marcelo Bielsa’s treatment of one player this season. Read more here.

Glasgow Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has revealed James Tavernier has an outside chance of being fit for the Gers’ Scottish Cup fourth round clash next weekend.

Gerrard provides Tavernier update

Club captain Tavernier has not played since February 18th after picking up an injury during the Gers’ Europa League tie with Royal Antwerp (Transfermarkt).

However, speaking prior to Rangers’ clash with Hibernian this weekend, Gerrard revealed the right-back may well be available to face Celtic in the cup. He said (via The Glasgow Times):

“I’d say he’s got an outside chance, James, of being involved against Celtic. He is still outside in a one-v-one capacity with the physio but he is progressing pretty well.”

Big boost

This is no doubt a big boost for all involved at Ibrox. While a number of players have stood out this campaign, £7.2m-valued Tavernier (Transfermarkt) has arguably been Gerrard’s best performer. Going forward, he has been their most dangerous threat, scoring 17 goals and providing 15 assists, while he has been part of a defence that has conceded just 10 times in the Premiership this campaign (BBC).

In Tavernier’s absence, the Gers would have an able deputy in Nathan Patterson. The 19-year-old already has two goals for the 55-time Scottish champions and has repaid his manager’s faith in him. Tavernier, though, is a step above – if he were to be available, the Gers’ chances of progression to the quarter-finals would be far greater.

In other news, Rangers fans are livid at this journalist’s comments.

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Young Boys winger Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu this summer as Marcelo Bielsa eyes up reinforcements for his squad.

The Whites held Manchester United to a goalless draw at Elland Road on Sunday in what was another impressive Premier League result. Bielsa’s men had already taken four points of Manchester City and Liverpool in their two previous matches and are now ninth in the table.

Leeds’ current success doesn’t mean the squad isn’t in need of strengthening this summer, though, with a host of names being linked with moves to Elland Road.

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Leeds eye up Ngamaleu move

According to TEAMtalk, the Whites are eyeing up a move for Ngamaleu, with the 26-year-old capped 14 times by Cameroon and scoring twice for his country.

Brighton, Everton, Leicester City and Rangers are all seen as possible suitors as well, suggesting that there will be a frenetic battle for his signature this summer.

Transfer Tavern take

Bielsa could be looking to improve in the wide positions in the next transfer window, with Raphinha arguably the only top-class winger at the club despite the likes of Jack Harrison and Helder Costa possessing talent.

Ngamaleu could potentially be the ideal player to strengthen the left wing, and his average of 2.3 dribbles per game in the Europa League this season is vastly superior to Harrison’s tally of 1.1 per match in the English top flight, with the 24-year-old playing on the same side where the Young Boys winger is regularly deployed.

The Cameroonian is capable of playing on either flank, which could appeal to Bielsa, but he is more renowned for playing on the left, meaning he and Raphinha could be the first-choice wide options if he manages to oust Harrison from the regular starting XI.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly expecting one player to leave the club this summer. Find out who it is here.

Jannik Vestergaard has enjoyed an excellent season with Southampton and the centre-back continued his impressive form with Denmark at the weekend, as they defeated Moldova 8-0 in a World Cup qualifying game.

The former Borussia Monchengladbach man has been one of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s top performers in the Premier League so far this season, with his 7.09 average rating in the Premier League only second to James Ward-Prowse in the Southampton squad.

As a result of his performances, Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a move for the 28-year-old recently, and Jose Mourinho may well have had his eye on the defender as he impressed for Denmark at the weekend.

As per SofaScore, Vestergaard would earn an impressive 7.6/10 rating for his display in what proved to be a comfortable win for Kasper Hjulmand’s side.

During the game, the colossal centre-back would have 113 touches of the ball and would complete 101/105 of his passes during the game, resulting in an excellent 96% pass accuracy.

This emphasises that, although he is renowned for his ability in the air, Vestergaard is an excellent passer of the ball and is capable of big switches of play, as eight of his 11 long balls would find a teammate against Moldova.

Although you can argue that the standard of opposition made things easy for the Danish defender, his average pass accuracy rate of 83.9% in the Premier League rates him third of any Saints player who has made more than five top-flight appearances.

The 28-year-old was also his usual imperious self in defence against Moldova, as he won all four of his duels during the game, whilst he also contributed three tackles, one interception and one clearance during the 90 minutes.

Despite his lack of pace, Vestergaard also wasn’t dribbled past once, which demonstrates his excellent defensive ability and shows how he has improved his game during his time at Southampton, especially this season.

Therefore, should Spurs, or any other side, make an official bid for Vestergaard in the summer, they should be wary that if he continues to produce displays similar to this one for both club and country, then his current value of £16.2 million will soon be on the up.

And, in other news… Shades of Schneiderlin: Southampton could repeat transfer masterclass with 19 y/o gem

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Steve Howey, who made 150 appearances for Newcastle United, believes even Steve Bruce would have thought he was about to be sacked after the Brighton defeat.

Newcastle suffered a 3-0 defeat against their relegation rivals last week and many players thought Bruce was about to be sacked that night or in the coming day, however, the next day Lee Charnley and Mike Ashley gave Bruce their full backing.

The Magpies registered just three shots as well as completing just 393 passes, compared to Brighton’s 751, and they were just one place and point better off than Newcastle.

Speaking on what Bruce must have been thinking after the game and what was more concerning than the result itself, Howey told FFC:

“Football is all about results. So even he would have thought he could be in trouble here unless he’s had prior conversations with the owner.

“I think every fan thought Bruce would be in trouble and as I’ve said, it wasn’t just necessarily the defeat that was the issue.

“I think it was the all-around performance and the lack anything really to try and turn it around.”

Newcastle find themselves still sitting outside of the bottom three which has been down to Fulham’s ability to capitalise since reducing the gap to three or less.

The Magpies have nine games left, with their final two games against Sheffield United and Fulham, two teams they failed to beat earlier this season.