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Leeds United's embarrassing 6-1 defeat at the hands of Liverpool at Elland Road ensured that the Yorkshire outfit have now conceded more goals than any other side in the Premier League.

Javi Gracia's men seem to be free-falling back towards the relegation places after back-to-back heavy home defeats, with fingers naturally pointed at the Leeds defence following the concession of 11 goals in just two outings at home.

Jamie Carragher labelled the back four as "really, really poor" following the thrashing by Liverpool and suggested that many weren't good enough to be regular starters in the Premier League.

Therefore, Gracia will perhaps be wishing that he could call on some of the Leeds defenders of old for the upcoming seven games, which will define which league the Whites find themselves in next season.

One man who could arguably have prevented this defensive mess, and perhaps still could, is 2016 signing, Pontus Jansson.

Could Jansson have saved Leeds now?

The Swedish defender joined Leeds initially on loan from Torino in the summer of 2016, joining Garry Monk's side for the upcoming Championship campaign.

He made an immediate impression with the Yorkshire outfit and a deal was struck to make his deal permanent in February 2017, ahead of his contract expiry at the Serie A side that summer.

The former Malmo man would go on to establish himself as a fan favourite at Elland Road, making 120 appearances in all competitions, in which he contributed nine goals and four assists before his exit in 2019.

The 6 foot 5 defender was also a regular under Marcelo Bielsa as Leeds narrowly missed out on automatic promotion in the 2018/19 campaign, in a side which conceded just 50 goals in the Championship, the second-fewest in the division, which immediately suggests that he could have improved Leeds' current backline.

Jansson would controversially move to Leeds' promotion rivals Brentford in the summer of 2019 and has been a regular with the Bees in both the second tier and the Premier League, making 115 appearances in all competitions for Thomas Frank's side.

Upon his signing for the west London outfit, Frank said: “Pontus is a top defender who brings immense professionalism, a great attitude, experience, defensive robustness, leadership qualities, and threat from set-pieces to our side."

While Leeds shipped 79 goals in the top flight last season, Brentford conceded just 56, which again suggests that he is a superior option than the likes of Liam Cooper, Robin Koch and Pascal Struijk, who have all been culpable in Gracia's side this season.

The skipper can't even get in the squad this term, suggesting his days are now behind him after previously establishing a bullish partnership with the Swede under Bielsa.

Although he is returning to Malmo this summer to finish his career with his boyhood club, Leeds fans will perhaps be wishing they still had the powerful centre-back at their disposal, as his no-nonsense defending in the Championship proved far more effective than Gracia's current set up in the Premier League.

Chelsea are "monitoring" the progress of Middlesbrough youngster Finley Cartright ahead of a potential move, according to journalist renowned Fabrizio Romano.

Has Chelsea's recent business worked?

The Blues have spent big in recent transfer windows, bringing in the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk and Enzo Fernandez, among various other signings. So far, their expensive business during Todd Boehly's reign hasn't paid off, however, with the west Londoners languishing in 11th place in the Premier League, following their 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton on Saturday afternoon.

It has been a bitterly disappointing season, with both Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter sacked as manager, and only an unlikely Champions League triumph now left to play for, which is a grim position to be in so early in the campaign.

While big-money and big-name signings will always excite supporters, it is also vital that Chelsea plan for the future, too, looking to bring in the top British talent from the academy and lower tiers. It looks as though they are aiming to do just that, following a new update.

Will Chelsea sign Cartright?

Taking to Twitter, Romano claimed that the Blues are interested in acquiring Cartright's signature in the near future, as they continue to track his progress:

"Understand Chelsea are now monitoring Middlesbrough young midfielder Finley Cartwright, talent born in 2006. He’s one of many prospects in the list to improve the academy and bring in new talents."

Cartright certainly looks like an exciting prospect, with the 16-year-old already an England international at Under-16 level, highlighting his prestige in the youth ranks. The midfielder is someone who could blossom at Chelsea's highly thought-of academy, learning from some top coaches and potentially breaking into the first team further down the line.

The likes of Reece James, Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher are proof that young players are given the opportunity at Stamford Bridge if they are good enough, so the Middlesbrough teenager could use the trio as inspiration, should the Blues end up acquiring his signature.

There is also the option of staying at 'Boro, of course, should he feel that more regular chances at first-team minutes is a better pathway for him, but the all-round high standards that would be afforded to him at Cobham means a move south would arguably be better for his growth.

It is refreshing to see Boehly possibly looking at bringing in top youth players as an important part of his reign, ensuring Chelsea build for the future and not just the present.

Journalist Lee Ryder has claimed that there could be a few Newcastle United absentees at the City Ground this weekend.

The Lowdown: Howe will be hoping for positive injury news

Newcastle will be hoping that they can make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League for the first time in 2023 when they travel to Nottingham Forest in the first kick-off of the weekend – although they could be walking wounded.

This is mainly because Eddie Howe admitted during his press conference that there were a few knocks and niggles after his side were part of a very physical game against Wolves last Sunday, which could be a cause for concern.

The Magpies aren’t the only side with injury woes, though, as opponents Forest are set to be without Brennan Johnson for the big clash, which will be a huge boost for Newcastle given the form he’s been in as of late.

The Latest: Newcastle players may face late fitness tests

After sitting in on Howe’s pre-match press conference, Ryder revealed on his YouTube channel that the Toon boss hinted at some potential absentees on Friday evening due to several small injuries.

He said: “Really, for Newcastle now going into this crucial period, they’re going to need everyone. Eddie Howe said today the majority of the squad should be available for Forest.

“So that is a little hint that there could be a couple of absentees. He did say that a couple of players haven’t trained this week, so we’ll have to wait and see exactly what squad turns up at the City Ground.”

The Verdict: Managing fitness and injuries will be key for Newcastle

With just 13 games left to play in the Premier League, we have certainly entered into the business end of the season, so keeping everyone fit to play in these crucial games will be very important for Newcastle’s chances of finishing in the top four.

It would be a huge shame for Newcastle and Howe if they were to miss out on European football altogether – which is possible given the form of Brighton and Brentford – so Howe’s side will need their top players fully fit to fight off some stiff competition.

Howe has had to deal with several major injury blows to his team this season, with the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin, Callum Wilson, Alexander Isak, Joe Willock and Fabian Schar all missing games so far, and they can ill afford to miss many more given how often they’ve featured this term.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte is believed to be grateful for the way in which the north London club have handed his off-field issues this season.

Will Conte leave at the end of the season?

It has been quite a turbulent campaign for the Lilywhites, who have certainly endured a lot of low moments in recent weeks, yet find themselves in a strong position to end the season with Champions League football.

However, it seems as if they could well go into the 2023/24 campaign with a new manager at the helm with strong suggestions Conte could be set to move on.

The issues for the Italian have not only been on the pitch with the 53-year-old experiencing a number of problems off the field as well.

And speaking on his YouTube channel, journalist Alasdair Gold has claimed those close to Conte have suggested the Spurs boss is massively appreciative of the way the club have handled his struggles:

"From what I understand from people around him, he's very appreciative of how they've been with him this season, with obviously Gian Piero [Ventrone] dying and Sinisa Mihajlovic as well, Gianluca Vialli, of course, his home situation with his family, and obviously, his health problems in the last six weeks as well.

"And I think there's a real gratitude, I think, an appreciation for how I guess they've been with him."

What has gone wrong for Spurs this season?

It is important to remember Tottenham could still end the campaign on a high by securing themselves a spot in the Champions League for next season.

However, it does feel like the north Londoners have missed some big opportunities to end their trophy drought this season through their dismal displays across the Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Champions League.

Exit in the round of the Carabao Cup to Nottingham Forest could have been put behind them had Spurs not been dumped out of the FA Cup by Sheffield United last month.

And in Conte's return to the dugout following his rehabilitation period in Italy, the Lilywhites crashed out of Europe with a whimper in an embarrassing performance against AC Milan.

Conte may be grateful for the way the club have handled the deaths to close friends and the illness he has suffered through the campaign, however, some Spurs fans may not appreciate the Italian's comments in recent press conferences.

The Spurs boss has suggested getting top four for Spurs is like winning the Premier League and claimed how big of an achievement it would be to do so.

Yet in five of the last seven seasons, Spurs have qualified for the elite European competition.

Perhaps, the Italian should have taken the cup competitions more seriously than he did, and maybe he could have been the one to end Spurs' trophy drought and even put to bed his dreadful personal record in the Champions League.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could leave the club if the right offer arrives this summer, transfer expert Dean Jones has claimed.

The Lowdown: Rare low point for Martinez

The 30-year-old has barely put a foot wrong in his career in recent times, proving to be one of Argentina’s star men at the 2022 World Cup and being the penalty shootout hero against both the Netherlands and France.

For Villa, Martinez has also been a model of consistency – Matty Cash has hailed him as ‘unbelievable’ – but his last-gasp own goal against former club Arsenal on Saturday was an undoubted low point for him, followed up by the decision to leave his goal gaping for another Gunners goal.

The Argentine has been linked with a move away from Villa Park recently and it is a rumour that is refusing to go away, with Unai Emery ripping into his last-minute antics on Saturday.

The Latest: Goalkeeper could leave Villa

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones claimed that Martinez could well depart Villa in the summer is another club offers a sufficient amount of money for his services:

“To be honest, I think if the offer is big enough, it’s probably plausible. There’s been talk of him leaving before.”

The Verdict: Feels highly likely

It does feel increasingly likely that Martinez will leave Villa once the summer transfer window arrives, with the £120,000-a-week star potentially eyeing up a new challenge and Emery clearly not a fan.

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He is arguably now seen as one of Europe’s leading ‘keepers, especially after his performances in Qatar, and a Champions League-playing club will hopefully come in with a bid NSWE will bite their hand off for.

The player himself has admitted he wants to play in Europe’s elite competition, which further adds fuel to the fire, and the fact that Martinez’s current Villa deal doesn’t expire until 2027 does put the Villans in a very strong position to demand a sizeable fee.

With that money, Emery could then further strengthen his squad, bringing in a strong replacement between the sticks but also adding in other key areas, such as signing a new striker.

An update has emerged on Aston Villa and their attempts to strengthen their squad during the previous transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Spanish outlet Marca, Real Madrid central midfielder Dani Ceballos rejected the chance to sign for Unai Emery’s Villans last month.

The report claims that the Spain international turned down offers from Villa and reigning Serie A champions AC Milan in order to remain with his current club, despite his contract expiring at the end of the campaign.

It is stated that the player is not interested in a return to playing in the Premier League, where he worked with Emery at Arsenal, as the gem would like to stay in Spain.

John McGinn upgrade

Being rejected by Ceballos was a big blow for Emery and Johan Lange during the January transfer window as the dynamo could have been a big upgrade on current midfielder John McGinn.

The £53k-per-week Real maestro is a technical wizard who combines quality in possession with hard graft and defensive contributions off the ball.

As per FBref, the 26-year-old ranks in the top 1% for take-ons and progressive passes while also sitting in the top 10% for overall passes and pass competition percentage per 90 over the last 365 days.

This suggests that the former Arsenal loanee has been one of the best central midfielders on the continent for building up play from the middle of the park, by either dribbling past opposition players or taking them out of the game with line-splitting passes to get his team up the pitch.

McGinn, on the other hand, only ranks higher than the top 49% of players in take-ons per 90 and is in the bottom 17% for pass completion percentage, which suggests that the Real Madrid gem would be a significant upgrade on the Scotland international in terms of what he offers in possession.

Along with that, Ceballos, who was once hailed as “ludicrously graceful” by journalist James Benge, ranks in the top 9% of midfielders for blocks and interceptions per 90, which shows that the Spaniard does not shy away from his defensive responsibility.

McGinn, meanwhile, ranks in the top 10% for tackles and interceptions, although he does not crack the top 40% for blocks per 90, numbers that indicate they are both very active defenders for their sides.

Therefore, Ceballos would have been an upgrade on the Villa skipper in midfield due to their similar defensive contributions and the massive gap in quality in what they offer in possession.

Former Liverpool forward Stan Collymore says Tottenham supporters ‘must be pulling their hair out’ over failed Leandro Trossard move.

The Lowdown: Spurs move fails…

Over the January transfer window, reliable reports claimed Spurs were attempting to sign former Brighton star Leandro Trossard before he joined Arsenal.

David Ornstein of The Athletic stated last month that Antonio Conte’s side made a ‘verbal offer’ of around £12 million for the Belgium international which was swiftly rejected.

Spurs’ brief attempt to hijack Arsenal’s move for Trossard ultimately failed, resulting in them missing out on the 28-year-old.

The Latest: Collymore makes Trossard regret claim…

Writing in a column for CaughtOffside, Collymore now claims Spurs supporters ‘must be pulling their hair out’ after not signing Trossard.

Going on to call new signing Pedro Porro an average player, the pundit has also criticised the atmosphere around Spurs right now and believes stability will only return if Mauricio Pochettino is appointed.

The Verdict: Right call?

Trossard was on fire for Brighton under Roberto De Zerbi before he joined the Gunners, undoubtedly.

According to WhoScored, the attacker ranked in their top two for both attempts at goal and key passes made per 90 in the final third – scoring seven goals and two assists to boot.

Spurs have arguably been lacking that creative presence in midfield this season, resulting in them trying to sign Nicolo Zaniolo who has been called a ‘Conte sort of player’ and capable of filling the Christian Eriksen void.

That being said, Arnaut Danjuma starred for Villarreal last season and could also prove to a shrewd Spurs signing for the attacking areas – especially on loan.

Time will tell whether Spurs do indeed regret not signing Trossard and that will largely depend on Danjuma’s contribution.

Sky Sports’ Nubaid Haroon has backed Wilfried Zaha to make a shock U-turn and stay at Crystal Palace live on air.

The Lowdown: Future looks to be away from Selhurst Park

It has been widely reported that Zaha has no interest in signing a new deal at Selhurst Park as the winger looks to make one more big move during his career before it enters its twilight years.

Of course, Zaha has already made a big move but that came a decade ago when he joined Manchester United, where he was only ever afforded two Premier League appearances under David Moyes.

However, he hasn’t let that hold him back, having gone on to become Palace’s all-time top scorer in the Premier League, while he is now also a threat through the middle under Patrick Vieira, netting 21 goals since the Frenchman took over.

The Latest: Zaha into his final six months

Despite being into the final six months of his contract, David Ornstein has reported Zaha won’t leave this month – and that’s prompted Haroon to suggest the winger could now stay with the Eagles.

He said: “If you follow Zaha on his Instagram, on his social media, he very much loves being in South London – that’s his community, that’s where he’s from and that is him.

“So I do wonder if, say, Dortmund come calling, whether he goes, ‘I might get a couple of years at Dortmund, but then I kind of want to stay here as well’.

“If Palace have the money to keep him, I think in the end, he’ll probably end up staying.”

The Verdict: Palace would struggle to replace Zaha

Zaha will certainly go down as a Palace legend for the role he played in getting them to the Premier League with his memorable goals against bitter rivals Brighton in the Championship play-offs and what he has managed to achieve in the division by keeping the club in the top flight since then.

The Ivory Coast international has been Palace’s top scorer for the last two seasons and looks on course to repeat that feat with six goals to his name already, so it’s no surprise that he still wishes to challenge himself at a higher level.

From Palace’s point of view, it will be difficult to find one player that can do what Zaha has done for them over the years, so they could look to sign a few players instead and try to spread the workload across the squad should he depart.

Broadcaster Kevin Hatchard has been full of praise for Leeds United target Georginio Rutter amid the club’s desire to land the youngster.

The Lowdown: Victor Orta looking to back Jesse Marsch

Leeds have already acted very quickly to address a problem area of their squad by handing Jesse Marsch RB Salzburg defender Maximilian Wober, who can play as either a left-back or left-sided centre-back.

The Austria international becomes the fourth player from a Red Bull side to have been recruited during Marsch’s tenure, but Victor Orta isn’t only working his magic there.

Marsch and Orta appear to have identified the young attacker from Hoffenheim as their next transfer priority and that has seen the star dropped from club duties amid strong Premier League interest.

The Latest: Rutter could be signing number two

Hatchard has been speaking live on Sky Sports about how highly he rates Rutter, although did admit he’s still a very raw talent who wouldn’t arrive at Elland Road as the finished article.

He said: “At Hoffenheim, he’s had some games where he’s been unplayable. Defenders think they’ve got him caged by the touchline and he’ll weave through them and make something happen.

“He’s still raw, he’s not the finished article, but I think he would be a great fit for Leeds.”

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The Verdict: Leeds in need of attacking support

While Rodrigo is having a stunning season in front of goal for Leeds with 10 league goals, beyond him, the club’s next top scorer is Crysencio Summerville with four strikes, which makes for very worrying reading for a side that will need results to stay up.

If the Spaniard was to pick up an injury, as he did earlier in the season, Marsch will be forced to turn to players such as Joe Gelhardt and Sonny Perkins – potentially putting ridiculous pressure to put on such young shoulders.

Therefore, if Leeds can sign Rutter, who has a lot of first-team games under his belt despite only being 20 himself, it could be just what Leeds need to push away from the threat of relegation, although as always, when signing someone from another league, it’s a big gamble.

Southampton are now interested in signing Villarreal attacker Nicolas Jackson, according to a new report.

The Lowdown: Jackson’s Premier League interest

As per previous reports, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is keen to reunite with Jackson, who he managed during his stint as Villarreal boss, with the Spaniard instructing the club’s hierarchy to move quickly to sign the attacking-midfielder.

The Daily Mail then reported that Everton, Bournemouth and Newcastle are also interested in the 21-year-old. They claim he has a £27m buy-out clause but he could be available for less than that figure.

The Latest: Southampton join the race

As per Sky Sports News, the Saints are now eyeing the Senegal international, and they confirm there is quite the race taking place as three other clubs are indeed interested.

“One source has told us that Villarreal want at least £20m”, says Sky’s presenter, so it would still be quite a large outlay for Nathan Jones.

The Verdict: A risk?

Even though they currently sit bottom of the Premier League table, crafting opportunities has not been the major issue for Southampton this season, with 25 big chances created placing them in the top half in this area.

As such, it is apparent that Jones needs a new, more clinical striker in the squad, and this may not be possible if they spend north of £20m on Jackson, who is clearly a promising player, with four goal contributions to his name in La Liga this season, but isn’t what they need at present.

Lauded as having ‘bags of potential’ by journalist Ashley Preece, the starlet is one for the future, but he is a versatile forward capable of playing on either wing, up front or as the number ten, rather than a proven clinical number nine.