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Leeds United remain interested in Lewis O’Brien ahead of the summer transfer window…

What’s the word?

That’s according to TEAMtalk, who claim that the Whites could complete unfinished business with the Huddersfield Town vice-skipper, who is believed to have a £12m release clause.

It’s thought that Leeds are ready to swoop after chasing the 23-year-old midfielder throughout last summer, with links also continuing during the winter.

However, it could be dependent on whether the Terriers can win promotion via the Championship playoffs, having impressed all season under Marcelo Bielsa’s former assistant Carlos Corberan, and he believes that the midfielder is “very special.”

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Championship preparation?

The Yorkshire giants are sitting in a precarious spot in the Premier League right now – with two games to go, they are tied on points with Burnley in 17th, but they occupy one of the three relegation berths due to an inferior goal difference to the Clarets.

It’ll surely be one of those two teams who go down with Watford and Norwich City and after recent results, it’s very much looking likely to be Leeds, who were beaten 3-0 by Chelsea in midweek.

This could be a sign that director of football Victor Orta and co are already taking an eye on next season possibly being in the Championship, and there won’t be many better signings than O’Brien for that level.

His leadership qualities as vice-captain behind Jonathan Hogg is something that United have lacked, particularly in the heart of the pitch, whilst he is a calming influence who likes to get up the pitch, making a pivot alongside Kalvin Phillips – should he stay – an intriguing prospect.

After six goal contributions from 42 league games last season, the Colchester-born dynamo has managed to provide another three goals and three assists from central midfield this campaign, taking the armband on eight occasions, via Transfermarkt.

As per FBRef, he’s also an industrious presence in the engine room after he averaged 1.38 tackles won and 2.23 fouls drawn per 90.

“He has got the lot,” once claimed YorkshireLive reporter Dom Howson. “Easy to see why Leeds like him. Would fit seamlessly into their midfield.”

Indeed, O’Brien may not be ready for a shot at the big time just yet but he could certainly take up a starring role in a side like Leeds, should they face relegation.

Their interest hints towards them preparing for next season and whilst it would be truly getting to go down, players like O’Brien are certainly the right profile if they are to seal an instant – or at least quick – return.

AND in other news, Phil Hay drops Jack Harrison injury update…

Leeds United’s fate has come down to the final day of the Premier League season.

The Yorkshire giants have to better Burnley’s result today to remain a top-flight outfit and that’s no easy task as they head to west London to face Brentford, whilst the Clarets face Newcastle United at Turf Moor.

Jesse Marsch’s side have stuttered in recent outings, picking up only two points from a possible 15, though the American has been boosted by the potential return of last season’s leading talisman, Patrick Bamford.

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As relayed by The Athletic’s Phil Hay, the England striker is expected to be involved in some form this afternoon. And whilst his presence will certainly bolster their fortunes in the final third, where they have struggled all season, he will not fix their defensive issues.

Indeed, the Whites have one of the worst backlines in the division, having leaked a whopping 78 goals from 37 outings. Only rock-bottom Norwich City (79) have conceded more.

Their opposition today have been in fine form, losing only one of their last five matches, and with the likes of Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Eriksen available, they could do Leeds plenty of damage.

As such, Marsch will need to make a bold call with his defence. It could be wise to bring Pascal Struijk back into the fold as the versatile colossus can play in the middle, on the left or in defensive midfield.

Once described as a “monster” by journalist Daniel Fraiz-Martinez, the Belgian-born defender has proven to be one of Leeds’ more busy and solid options, having averaged 2.2 tackles per game, a feat that neither Liam Cooper nor Diego Llorente can match.

Whilst a further average of 1.2 interceptions and a squad-best passing accuracy of 85.1%, via WhoScored, only further builds his claims to start in Norfolk today.

If anything, the 6 foot 3 titan should be rewarded for his injury-time equaliser last weekend, another fine reason why he should be in the starting lineup as he also provides threat from set-pieces – at both ends of the pitch.

“He’s going to become a supreme centre-back,” once suggested LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross.

“It’s all about Raphinha, it’s all about Joe Gelhardt. But Pascal is the future. And the longer he stays under the radar, the better, because he’s got the lot, to be honest.”

The £13.5m-rated man-mountain could be the one to guide Leeds towards safety and whilst Bamford’s return is encouraging, there’s no way of knowing just how much game time he can manage after playing only 100 competitive minutes since early December.

Struijk’s presence in the backline should, at least, help Leeds defensively and if they are keeping the Bees out, then they’ll only need to score to boost their bid to stay in the big time.

He simply must start in Marsch’s backline today.

AND in other news, Marsch must axe Leeds’ £55k-p/w “schoolboy” today, he’s a big “liability” to the team…

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has shared some ‘good’ news for supporters ahead of their blockbuster final day clash with Aston Villa.

The Lowdown: Super Sunday…

It’s been 10 years to the month since Sergio Aguero scored that iconic 93:20 title-winning goal, clinching City their first Premier League crown in unrivalled fashion.

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Today, quite fittingly, the Sky Blues could win it on the final day yet again, a decade on from one of the finest moments in the club’s history.

City face off against Steven Gerrard’s side in the hope of beating rivals Liverpool to domestic glory, with just one point separating Guardiola and Reds boss Jurgen Klopp. A win would guarantee retaining the title, but anything else and the Eastlands side will be relying on a big favour from Wolves.

The English champions have had to cope without key defensive figureheads during their final run of games, with the likes of Ruben Dias, John Stones and Kyle Walker all having been sidelined through injury.

However, in a refreshing potential boost, Guardiola has now shared a significant update on the latter duo as City gear up for their most important clash of 2021/22..

The Latest: Pep shares ‘good’ news…

Indeed, in some ‘good’ news, City’s head coach confirmed that both Walker and Stones made ‘partial training’ having ‘recovered’ from their injuries, praising the club’s ‘incredible’ medical staff.

Guardiola also hinted that the duo could now be involved against Villa at the Etihad Stadium in what could be a huge uplift.

He stated (via Simon Bajkowski): “We have incredible doctors and physios and they recovered. They made partial training and we will see tomorrow but it is good for us to have them back”

The Verdict: Massive…The England internationals returning could be massive given their importance, particularly Walker.City’s right-back has been a sore miss, particularly with the absence of his pacey recovery runs, and the 31-year-old’s return could help to nullify Villa’s real threat on the break posed by the likes of Emi Buendia, Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings.Stones also comes as a solid and reliable alternative to Fernandinho and/or Nathan Ake in the centre of defence besides Aymeric Laporte, backed by his phenomenal campaign next to Dias last year and his brilliant performances when called upon this season.Given all that is riding on this final day battle for the Sky Blues, Guardiola’s latest update comes as a much-needed bit of good news.In other news: Man City officials travel to club as Pep and Txiki agree on perfect signing, find out more here

Former Glasgow Rangers manager Alex McLeish has claimed that Joe Aribo could now leave Ibrox this summer.

The Lowdown: Mass exodus?

Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team could be looking at a mass exodus this summer, given the number of players running down their contract.

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The likes of Ryan Kent and Calvin Bassey have also been linked with moves to the Premier League, which could spell trouble for the Dutch coach in terms of trying to keep his squad together.

The Latest: Aribo claim

Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish, who also contributes for Sky Sports, has claimed that ‘it’s a worry’ for the Gers when the English top flight come calling for their key players, and believes that Aribo could be another one that could be tempted by the switch:

“It’s a worry, isn’t it?

“The lure of the Premier League is very real. The main example of that is Steven Gerrard leaving Rangers to go to Aston Villa.

“It’s the strongest and richest league in the world.

“These Premier League clubs are like birds of prey circling. If they can’t land their targets in the Spanish or Italian leagues, they know there are always bargains to be had in Scotland.

“Rangers are one of the biggest clubs in the world. However, the ambition of most players means they will almost always choose to move to England.

“Aribo will be no different.”

The Verdict: Tricky position

The Teddy Bears will certainly find themselves in a tricky position if big offers start to come in from the Premier League.

Aribo himself has been linked with a move to Crystal Palace, among other clubs in the division, and the Light Blues will not want to let everyone go in one window.

Thus, they need to be demanding high transfer fees for all of these stars, and only sell if the price is right.

Nonetheless, they will be hoping that their hands will not be tied by the players themselves, in case they try and force their way out of the club.

In other news, find out which ‘magnificent’ leader could now join Gers here!

Journalist Xavi Jorquera Márquez of Cadena SER has made a major Tottenham Hotspur exit claim involving midfielder Giovani Lo Celso as Villarreal eye a permanent deal.

The Lowdown: Emery eyes permanent deal…

The Argentina international was a revelation for Villarreal and manager Unai Emery after joining them on a temporary spell in January for the second half of 2021/2022, prompting their interest in snapping up Lo Celso permanently.

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Fabrizio Romano backs that the La Liga side wish to seal a deal for Lo Celso who appears to no longer be in manager Antonio Conte’s plans, coming as he eyes a major overhaul at N17.

The Premier League side, as per a major update from Márquez, have agreed a deal ‘in principle’ to sell Lo Celso.

The Latest: Marquez makes major claim…

According to the reporter, taking to Twitter, the permanent deal ‘will close’ for around €15-18 million (£13m-£15m) plus bonuses.

What’s more, Villarreal have apparently decided on the date of his signing announcement – if all ‘goes well’.

Marquez explained:

“The last fringes of the signing of Lo Celso for Villarreal are closing,

“In principle, the deal will close at 15-18 million (approx) plus bonus.

“Tottenham initially asked for 24, Villarreal has already decided on the date of the announcement, if all goes well.“

The Verdict: Big claim…

Fabio Paratici, tasked with backing Conte in the market, will also have to find a way to balance Tottenham’s books with outgoings – even despite their major £15om equity increase.

News of Lo Celso’s close departure will go some way to doing this, but the disappointment for supporters will be losing the South American for such a meagre fee – especially given Spurs have allegedly handed a Villarreal a big discount.

In other news: ‘Not only Perisic’ – Tottenham push for ‘genius’ signing as after Conte call ‘in recent days’…find out more here.

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s interest in Nottingham Forest winger Brennan Johnson heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Daily Mail reporter Craig Hope has revealed that the Magpies sent scouts to watch the forward in action against Huddersfield in the Championship play-off final last weekend.

He tweeted: “Diaby has been on Newcastle radar since January & is again on shortlist of wide targets (Brennan Johnson also watched, including at Wembley on Sunday). Schick staying & Hlozek arriving at Leverkusen might see movement on Diaby.”

It has been reported that the 21-year-old is valued at £20m but it remains to be seen whether or not that is still the case following Forest’s promotion to the Premier League.

Ryan Fraser upgrade

Dan Ashworth must now work hard to get a deal done for Johnson, as he would be a big upgrade on Scottish winger Ryan Fraser.

The Welshman’s former boss Michael Appleton once dubbed him “exciting”, and that is what he can be as a replacement for Fraser on the wing at Newcastle.

The former Lincoln manager went on to say about Johnson: “When you’re the opposition manager in League One or the Championship, hopefully soon the Premier League, he’s someone you’d take note of because he’ll always be one of the two or three teams that you’ll be aware of and be wary of.

“His development and the way it’s happened for him over the last couple of years suggests to me that he’s only going to end up going in one direction and that’s the Premier League.”

In the 2021/22 Championship, Johnson produced an astonishing 16 goals and 10 assists as he created a whopping 15 ‘big chances’ and averaged a SofaScore rating of 7.10. The 21-year-old phenomenon has shown that he can regularly deliver at the top end of the pitch in the second tier, and at his young age, he may have the potential to make the step up to the top flight.

Meanwhile, Fraser managed just two goals and three assists in 27 Premier League outings for the Magpies this term. He failed to contribute in the final third on a consistent basis and this is why Johnson – if he can adapt to the top-flight – could be an exciting upgrade on him in the wide areas if Newcastle sign the Welsh youngster.

Whilst the Scotland international could still be a useful option for Eddie Howe to call upon off the bench, the Nottingham Forest dynamo’s statistics suggest that he has the scope to make a much larger impact on results with his ability to score and create goals.

AND in other news, “I’m told…”: Journalist drops “exciting” NUFC transfer claim that supporters will love…

Journalist Jacque Talbot has delivered an update regarding West Ham United and their pursuit of Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard.

The lowdown: Loan sensation

The attacking midfielder enjoyed a successful period on loan at the London Stadium in 2021 before returning to Manchester in the hope of earning regular football at his boyhood club.

However, following a run of nine goals and five assists in east London, form whch saw the 29-year-old recalled to the international fold, the versatile attacker barely featured upon returning to Old Trafford.

Now set to become a free agent after a forgettable ending to the 2021/22 campaign for him and the Red Devils, West Ham have been linked with a reunion, and one journalist has suggested that it is a distinct possibility.

The latest: Talbot on Lingard

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Talbot claimed that the two parties still have some negotiating to do in terms of Lingard’s salary but didn’t rule out the move.

He said: “I think they probably have to meet in the middle somewhere with regard to the wage and how it’s done. He can’t have the same wages he was on at Man United.

“I think he’s a very capable attacking midfielder. There are some legs to it obviously, and I think he’d do well for them.”

The verdict: No-brainer

Given Lingard’s track record under David Moyes at West Ham, this has to be regarded as an attractive proposition for all parties concerned, as the Irons attempt to strengthen their squad and the 32-cap England international looks to revive a stuttering career once again.

Still holding a perceived market value of £18m (Transfermarkt) despite a lacklustre season in which he scored just twice in 22 appearances, his quality, experience and ability to operate in numerous positions would make the 29-year-old a shrewd acquisition for the Hammers.

Should this move come to fruition, the absence of any transfer fee means that GSB should be willing to offer more in wages to the player who was hailed by journalist Simon Peach for his ‘absolutely outstanding’ form during his previous time in east London.

In other news: West Ham ‘in talks’ to sign ‘amazing’ forward for Moyes…find out more here

With a good 2021/22 campaign behind them, it is going to be another big summer for Liverpool and manager Jurgen Klopp in the transfer window if they are looking to better this year’s exploits.

Having almost run Pep Guardiola’s expensively assembled Manchester City right down to the line, Liverpool lost out by a single point owing to the events in the final ten minutes of both sides’ final game of the season – despite at one point trailing them by 14 points – the joy at lifting both domestic Cups earlier in the season (the EFL Cup and the FA Cup) was eventually tempered by that disappointment, added to losing out on the Champions League Final to Real Madrid.

It could also shape up to be a disappointing summer when it comes to outgoing’s. Some fans are already preparing themselves for Mohamed Salah’s exit when his current contract expires next summer, but the Egyptian ace has already committed to staying for at least the final year of his deal, however, Senegal star Sadio Mane has seemingly been angling for a move to German Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and former Liverpool striker David Mellor was recently chatting to BookiesBonuses.com about what might happen this summer.

Liverpool have already rejected two offers from the side, the last coming on Wednesday and reported to be in the region of £30 million, but speculation suggests they are holding out for around £42.5 million and that would certainly explain the up tick in transfer rumour mill reports linking us with an interest in young Uruguayan international striker Darwin Nunez.

The 22-year-old Benfica talent is apparently valued at around the £85 million mark and the signing would undoubtedly be a coup for Klopp, particularly if Liverpool’s future does see Mane head out this window, followed quickly by Salah in 12 months time.

Mellor certainly feels his arrival at Anfield would be a tantalising prospect and a good statement to make given all the out going talk at the moment.

“What a player! I watched him in the Champions League for Benfica and I was thinking, ‘Wow!’ He’s only young – what is he, 22? He’s an international already with Uruguay. I watched him, and I was thinking he’s an absolute handful. He’s got the lot in terms of the movement, the finishing, and the pace as well. He is an exciting young talent, and there’s no doubt about it – he is going to be in big demand this summer, so whoever is his most likely option – I think there is a big player and a big future there for him. I was impressed with what I saw. If Liverpool are in for him, then Liverpool are an appealing option for any top young player at the moment, and he would certainly be one of those.”

Nunez, of course, is not the only attacker linked with a switch to Klopp’s side. The club have already completed the capture of highly rated Fulham talent Fabio Carvalho, and having looked very bright in his recent England debut, 25-year-old West Ham United attacker Jarrod Bowen in another potential name being linked given his own impressive Premier League goalscoring record, and Mellor believed a big pull for him will have been in seeing what Klopp helped turn Mane into following his own arrival at the club a few years ago.

“The manager improves these players. We talked about Mane – taking him from a top player to a world-class player – Liverpool give these players the platform to do that and it’ll be so appealing for so many players to want to come to Liverpool. Bowen has been outstanding for West Ham – a very important player for West Ham – they’re not going to want to lose him. But it’s a question of who the manager would want through the door because there is no doubt about it – Liverpool are a very appealing option for players in Europe at the moment.”

It is going to be a good few hectic weeks for fans with the window now open, but whatever happens, few will doubt that Liverpool will be looking to improve further this window and go into the next campaign stronger in the search for more success.

Photo by Unsplash

West Brom have been linked with a loan move for Aston Villa striker Cameron Archer recently and the Englishman could be a superb addition to Steve Bruce’s side ahead of next season.

What’s the word?

According to Birmingham Live, Archer is on the Baggies’ list of striker targets this summer as they look to improve on last season’s disappointing Championship campaign, although there is no guarantee that Steven Gerrard will allow the forward to leave Villa Park.

There will be no shortage of suitors for the 20-year-old however, with Preston North End naturally interested in taking him back on loan again after his impressive form last season, while Rangers have also been credited with an interest by Birmingham Live.

Bruce would love him

The report from Birmingham Live suggests that Bruce is keen to add attacking reinforcements this summer to support Daryl Dike and Karlan Grant, with Andy Carroll having departed and Kenneth Zohore having struggled for consistency during his time at the Hawthorns.

Last season saw Archer hit seven goals in 20 appearances for Preston North End, while he has also prospered during the off-season, hitting four goals in his first four appearances for England U21s.

His performances last season earned him the praise of Preston boss Ryan Lowe, who said:

“Cameron has got an abundance of talent. His quality levels are fantastic, he’s bullish, strong, he can roll, he has got that little burst of pace too.”

Other than Grant, West Brom struggled for any real consistent goalscorers last season and if they have aspirations of getting back into the Premier League next season, then a clinical finisher such as Archer could be exactly what Bruce needs.

A move for the £5.4m-rated forward would certainly make geographical sense and if he can continue his recent form into next season, then there seems little to suggest that he wouldn’t be a big success at the Hawthorns.

And, in other news… West Brom can land their next Livermore with swoop for PL gem…

Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas has now shared a promising update out of Tottenham Hotspur involving Premier League star and Everton striker Richarlison.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye new forward…

As widely reported, one of the items next on sporting director Fabio Paratici’s to-do list is the signing of a forward and alternative to superstar Harry Kane in the Spurs attacking areas.

The club have been linked with a host of names, including sensation Darwin Nunez before he joined Liverpool, with it now looking likely they will also miss out on Man City star Gabriel Jesus.

It appears manager Antonio Conte’s list of targets is growing thin but luckily, as per Thomas of Sky, a promising update has come to light involving Toffees mainstay Richarlison.

The Latest: Thomas shares Richarlison update…

According to his sources, Spurs and Paratici are now pushing to sign the Brazil international.

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Indeed, he claims ‘this past week’ Tottenham have ‘stepped up’ their inquiries for Richarlison and Everton are now ‘bracing themselves’ for a bid (Twitter).

He adds this is the same for fellow target Leeds United of Leeds as Paratici spins ‘many plates’.

The Verdict: Get it done…

As per WhoScored, the 25-year-old finished 21/22 as Everton’s statistical best player and most potent attacking threat in the final third.

Richarlison averaged their highest rate of attempts at goal per 90 and also attracted the most fouls with Frank Lampard’s handful striker, on top of all this, raking in more goals and assists than any of his teammates (WhoScored).

Noel Whelan summed it up best by branding the South American one of Goodison Park’s ‘big name’ players and we believe he would be an ideal striker signing for Conte.