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LEEDS TARGET IVAN TONEY FOR TOP-FLIGHT RETURN

Leeds United are named as a surprise potential suitor for Ivan Toney. The England striker is reportedly considering a Premier League return from Saudi Arabia, with the Whites needing firepower.

Leeds Target Ivan Toney for Top-Flight Return
Leeds Linked With Ivan Toney Ahead Premier League Comeback - Photo Credit: Getty Images

Leeds United may be about to focus on the Saudi Pro League, where an England international is thinking about his future, if they are searching for further firepower.

After spending four seasons at Brentford and getting a call-up with the Three Lions, Ivan Tony decided to move to the Middle East in August 2024. However, a lengthy suspension for breaking betting regulations ruined his final season.

Toney scored 30 goals in 44 games in his debut season, helping his new team win the AFC Champions League Elite for the first time. Al-Ahli paid a reputed £40 million for the 29-year-old, and they received an immediate return.

The muscular striker has scored 11 goals in 15 games in all competitions this season, continuing the trend from the previous one. However, he has now suggested that his future may be elsewhere.

Toney is reportedly considering a return to the Premier League, according to Sky Sports. According to the article, a number of elite clubs have already investigated the possibility of a deal in January.

The Northampton native has been linked to moves to Tottenham and Everton, but Alex Crook, talkSPORT's Chief Football Correspondent, has also mentioned Leeds as a potential suitor.

Crook discussed the subject with Toney on air, saying, "West Ham and Everton are two more teams that desperately need a No. 9. Ivan Toney at Tottenham would be adored by Thomas Frank. Leeds, you also claimed that Ivan Toney would be coveted by half of the Premier League.

This season's home shirt is among the kits and merchandise that Leeds United has knocked 30% off on their official club store.

Toney's choice to join the Saudi Pro League was controversial at the time, and his limited prospects with the England team have partially outweighed his financial gains.

"I arrived here and the training field was wonderful, the stadium was nice, and the quality of the team was also good," he remarked in December 2024, describing his decision to relocate to Al-Ahli. Although everyone has a different perspective on this league, I entered knowing that it still has strong standards.

"I was hoping for a little something different. I can fit in anywhere, even though it is a foreign culture. I am currently outside of the UK, having visited Peterborough and Brentford. I can hardly wait to start this adventure. At this point in my career, I think it is the appropriate decision."

Although Tony only has one cap for the Three Lions this season, a return to the Premier League might help guarantee a spot on the trip over the Atlantic next summer, especially with the World Cup approaching and no reliable strikers to replace talisman Harry Kane.

Leeds, who have only scored 10 goals in 11 Premier League games this season, are in dire need of further firepower. Since relocating to Elland Road, summer acquisition Dominic Calvert-Lewin has only scored one goal.

VAR REVIEW: CHELSEA 2-2 BOURNEMOUTH, ESTêVãO PENALTY DRAMA EXPLAINED! WAS IT A FOUL OR A DIVE

Explaining the VAR: How an 11th-minute penalty check at Stamford Bridge saved a point for Chelsea against a resilient Bournemouth.

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Antoine Semenyo’s clumsy challenge handed Chelsea a vital lifeline

Every week, the Video Assistant Referee stirs up drama in the Premier League. Let's break down how these calls are made and if they're actually right.

This season, we're digging into the big moments to explain the VAR process and the rules of the game.

What went down: Chelsea's Estêvão was moving into the Bournemouth box, with Antoine Semenyo on his tail. Estêvão went down after some contact with Semenyo. The ref, Barrott, waved off Chelsea's penalty shouts, saying there wasn't a foul. He thought both players made contact naturally as they were running, and Estêvão basically tripped himself.

VAR said, "After looking at it, VAR Pawson suggested Barrott take another look at the monitor for a possible penalty because Semenyo might have tripped Estêvão."

VAR's take: Pawson had to figure out if the contact was just part of the play, like the ref thought, or if Semenyo fouled Estêvão. It was clear Estêvão tripped, but the question was how the contact started.

At first glance, it would be hard for Pawson to disagree with the ref because the main TV angle wasn't clear. But after checking out the sideline and behind views, Pawson saw that Semenyo stepped into Estêvão's path, making enough contact with his leg to cause him to trip.

Pawson told Barrott to check the monitor for a possible penalty. Barrott watched the replays, agreed, and gave Chelsea the penalty.

The call: It was a reasonable VAR call based on today's standards. But it's a borderline case.

Barrott seemed unsure of the monitor and needed some convincing from different angles.

A lot of the time, this kind of contact is just from players running normally, and someone goes down. To give a penalty, there really needs to be a clear foul by the defender. You could say that happened here, but it's a pretty low standard for VAR to get involved.

Chelsea 2-2 AFC Bournemouth

Referee: Sam Barrott

VAR: Craig Pawson

What: VAR check for a foul in the box

When: 11th minute

BREAKING: UNAI EMERY REVEALS THE REAL REASON BEHIND HIS COLD ARTETA HANDSHAKE SNUB NOW

Unai Emery explains why he skipped the post-match handshake as Arsenal’s 4-1 win ends Aston Villa’s 11-game streak at the Emirates.

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Emery snubs Arteta's handshake

Unai Emery said he didn't shake Mikel Arteta's hand right after Aston Villa lost at the Emirates Stadium since the Arsenal manager kept him waiting.

This loss stopped Villa's winning streak at 11 games, their first in almost two months.

Villa held their own in the first half, but Arsenal scored early in the second when Gabriel got to the ball before Emi Martinez on a corner.

Martin Zubimendi quickly made it 2-0, and Leandro Trossard scored a third goal a little after an hour had passed.

Soon after entering the pitch, Gabriel Jesus scored, making it 4-0. Ollie Watkins was able to respond by tapping in a goal late in the game after Donyell Malen's nice play.

After the game, Emery waited to shake Arteta's hand, but he went to the locker room since Arteta was still celebrating with his team.

It’s easy to see. I like to do things fast,” Emery said when asked about why he didn’t shake Arteta’s hand.

“I shake hands, then I go to the dressing room with my players and coaches. I was waiting.

“Arteta was busy with his coaches, so I went inside. It’s not a big deal for me.”

About the match, Emery commented, “We played great in the first half, and things were going our way. We had corners and defended well. We didn’t let them get a corner in the first half.

“We felt good, but we let in the first goal in the second half. Onana getting hurt didn’t help since he’s important for set pieces and in the midfield.

“We didn’t quit, and we kept playing hard. We scored one goal and almost scored more. Arsenal is the best team in the league and should win the title.

“I’m not sure which day it is since we’ve played Arsenal twice already, and we still have to play Nottingham. But I’m happy with our goals and how we're trying to attain them.

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