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Leeds United seem to be closing in on their second signing of the summer window, once again set to bolster a key area of weakness…

Is Karl Darlow joining Leeds?

That's according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, who suggests that Daniel Farke is seeking to aid Ethan Ampadu's pursuit to solve their defensive frailties by swooping for Newcastle United's Karl Darlow.

Taking to Twitter, the Italian journalist would suggest that AFC Bournemouth's alternative signing has had a domino effect in Yorkshire. He wrote: "Karl Darlow, now expected to join Leeds United from Newcastle as Bournemouth will go for Andrei Radu."

With just two years left on his £30k-per-week deal on Tyneside, and having seen chances limited since their signing of Nick Pope, now marks the perfect time for the 32-year-old to branch out and stake a claim elsewhere to be number one.

How good is Karl Darlow?

Such a fine injection of experience and athleticism will be a huge coup for the Whites, who have likely been desperate to replace Illan Meslier following his horror show last campaign.

The French shot-stopper posted a 6.65 average rating in the league, as a mainstay for a side that shipped the most goals in the entire division (78). He also made three separate errors that led to goals, as if to exacerbate his failures, via Sofascore.

News suggesting he would depart this summer worried few, and given his replacement already seems tied up, he is likely already long-forgotten.

Whilst play time has been limited for Darlow, a six-month loan spell at Hull City clearly helped put him in the shop window for this summer. Despite only featuring 12 times in the Championship for the Tigers, the ageing ace excelled.

Maintaining a 7.05 average rating, this was largely buoyed by his 2.9 saves per game, at a 71% success rate, via Sofascore. He managed to keep five clean sheets during that period too, conceding just 1.2 goals per game. For comparison, his potential predecessor shipped two goals per game last term in the top flight.

When linked with a switch to Middlesbrough, pundit Carlton Palmer had suggested: "This would be a shrewd bit of business. He spent the second half of the season on loan at Hull where he was outstanding." It now seems it will instead be the Elland Road outfit who are set to enjoy his exploits.

Having also made 52 Premier League appearances, placing this kind of experience behind fellow new signing Ampadu will surely help him take to his new surroundings well.

However, it is young Charlie Cresswell that will likely benefit more than anyone from his presence, finishing off what promises to be a formidable back three.

Standing at 6 foot 3, the 20-year-old titan enjoyed a fine loan spell of his own in the second tier, shining for the promotion-chasing Millwall last season.

Despite failing to attain a playoff spot, his 7.13 average rating in the league outlined a year of maturing for the young defender with the world at his feet. With 1.5 tackles, 3.1 clearances and 1.3 interceptions per game too (via Sofascore), he really did excel at this level and is set to do so again in the coming year.

Blending an experienced head with a youngster set to star for his parent club, such a deal could not only shore up their backline but provide the perfect foundation for Cresswell to build a successful career.

Everton are in the market to improve their attacking threat this summer, and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Everton's interest in Brian Brobbey?

According to Football Insider, Everton have made an approach with interest in signing Ajax forward Brian Brobbey.

As per the report, the Toffees have made the Eredivisie club aware that they are interested in signing Brobbey this summer and are currently weighing up their options before pushing forward with a concrete move for the striker.

It is noted that Sean Dyche is on the hunt for another No 9 to help Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the centre-forward role next season due to the Everton striker's injury struggles.

How good is Brian Brobbey?

There is no doubt that reinforcements are needed in the final third at Goodison Park, with Everton finishing last season as the second-lowest goalscorers in the Premier League.

The departures of Richarlison and Anthony Gordon over the last 12 months have significantly weakened the Toffees' attacking threat, and has left the Everton boss with limited options to work with, let alone any prolific and consistent performers in front of goal.

Indeed, the Merseysiders did acquire the services of Neal Maupay last summer, however, like many of Farhad Moshiri's transfer moves, he has been a complete disappointment, with the forgettable Frenchman only finding the back of the net once across all competitions.

As a result, the signing of Brobbey – once hailed "dangerous" by former Dutch striker Pierre van Hooijdonk – would be a great piece of business for Everton and would provide Dyche with a player who can compete for Calvert-Lewin's spot as well as be a huge upgrade on Maupay.

The £14m-rated Netherlands native is an incredible attacking presence, as he ranks in the top 5% of his positional peers across the competitions at a similar level for non-penalty goals, touches and progressive passes received, whilst he featured in the top 15% for shots on goal and pass completion, as per FBref.

When comparing the Ajax gem's output to Maupay's last season, Brobbey comfortably outperformed his Everton counterpart in a number of key attributes, including goal contributions (16 v 1), rate of shots on target (47% v 40.6%), shots on goal per 90 (3.50 v 2.58), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.29 v 1.45) and goal-creating actions per 90 (0.22 v 0.08).

It was reported by Football Insider last month that Maupay was attracting interest from Italy and France, which led to Everton opening talks with a number of Serie A and Ligue 1 clubs over a potential exit.

The sale of the former Brighton & Hove Albion striker would be massively advantageous to the Toffees in their pursuit to boost funds amidst Financial Fair Play concerns, which would, in turn, help them to provide an attractive financial package to secure the signing of Brobbey.

With that being said, a move for Brobbey is definitely one to watch for Everton, as he would boost goal contributions and make significant improvements in the final third to help the team compete more comfortably in the Premier League next season should he replicate his Eredivisie form in the English top flight.

Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams could potentially stay put at the club beyond this summer, according to a promising update from journalist Ben Jacobs.

Could Tyler Adams leave Leeds?

The 24-year-old was one of the few positives to take from last season at Elland Road, following the Whites' disappointing relegation from the Premier League. He arrived from RB Salzburg as an exciting signing and he made an immediate impression, adding bite and quality to Leeds' midfield.

Adams started 24 league games in total, averaging 3.7 tackles per game, and he also appeared four times for the USA at the 2022 World Cup, completing 90.2% of his passes at the tournament.

An injury to the American towards the end of the season came at a terrible time – his last appearance came at home to Brighton back in March – and it was no surprise to see the Whites' form suffer badly without him around, and they were consigned to the Championship in the process.

Unsurprisingly, various exit rumours have emerged when it comes to Adams' future, with Aston Villa one of the clubs thought to be eyeing a summer move for him, but an encouraging update has now emerged regarding his situation at Leeds.

Could Leeds keep hold of Tyler Adams?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs claimed that Adams is one of the players who could yet remain at Elland Road this summer, even though there is clear interest in him:

"Compared to others, Tyler Adams was definitely more open to the Leeds project and the challenge of trying to get them back into the Premier League first time. But there is, of course, interest and uncertainty over his future. I think that Leeds are fighting to retain him. He is recovering from injury as well, which is probably why it's been a bit more of a delayed clarity over his future."

The idea of Adams staying put at Leeds next season is arguably bigger than any new signings that comes in, considering he has been hailed as "exceptionally bright" by England legend Gary Lineker in the recent past.

His vast influence was highlighted by how much he was missed during the back-end of last season, and it could certainly be argued that the Whites could have remained in the Premier League if he has avoided injury completely.

In truth, it would be hard to begrudge Adams a move away from Leeds this summer, should he feel he is too good to be playing Championship football, but if he stayed, it would immediately enhance his legend with the Whites, making him even more of a popular figure among the fanbase.

Daniel Farke will certainly be desperate for him to stay put, no doubt being aware of what a force he could be in the Championship next season, and if that did happen, the Whites would surely be one of the front-runners in the automatic promotion race.

There is still so much more to come from Adams in his career, so to lose him this early in his time at Leeds would be a crushing blow, but one that has admittedly been down to their own shortcomings as a team.

Jurgen Klopp is giving his Liverpool midfield a much needed rejig ahead of a crucial season which will see them fail to take part in the Champions League for the first time since 2016/2017.

The likes of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita have all left the Anfield side, while the German has signed Alexis Mac Aillster and Dominik Szoboszlai, not only lowering the average age of his midfield, but also adding some extra fluidity and there will surely be one or two more to join throughout the transfer window.

In terms of outgoings, Klopp may move another few players on in order to lower his wage bill while raising funds for other purchases and Thiago Alcantara could potentially be a surprise departure.

According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Galatasaray vice-president Erden Timur has reportedly met with Thiago to discuss a potential move to the club this summer and with the 32-year-old nearer the end of his career rather than the start, it could prove to be an excellent opportunity for the Reds to raise some funds.

He started just 22 times across all competitions last term due to some injury issues and Klopp will be looking at bringing in someone considerably younger, with Atletico Madrid star Marcos Llorente being linked with a move, he could be the perfect heir for the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich gem.

Could Marcos Llorente replace Thiago?

A move could cost the club around £51m, and aged 28, he looks set to be entering his prime years, allowing him to shine at the Merseyside club for a few seasons at least.

Llorente and Thiago both typically operate at the heart of the midfield, yet the Madrid star is more forward-thinking, ranking in the top 3% across Europe’s big five leagues for progressive carries per 90 (3.43) and in the top 5% for touches in the opposition penalty area per 90 (3.15) whereas Thiago made only 0.92 progressive carries per 90 and took just 0.58 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90, clearly suggesting Llorente would give Klopp a much more dangerous threat from midfield than the 32-year-old.

The midfielder ranked third in the Atletico squad for big chances created and fourth for key passes per game while even displaying his defensive nous by making 1.5 tackles per game, enough to rank him seventh out of the whole team and although Thiago made more tackles per game (2.4), what Llorente offers going forward is of potentially greater importance to Klopp.

Presenter Phil Kitromilides lauded him for being “athletic” while talent scout Jacek Kulig stated just a couple of years ago that “Marcos Llorente has become an incredible footballer” and it looks as though he has gone from strength to strength in the last couple of seasons.

Replacing Thiago with the 18-cap Spanish international appears to be a no-brainer. Not only is he four years younger, but he also offers a greater threat going forward and with injuries derailing Thaigo’s 2022/23 season, it could be time to move him on for a fee which would allow the Reds to pursue a midfielder in the shape of Llorente.

Rangers are "closing in" on the signing of Cremonese striker Cyriel Dessers, having reached an agreement on the "final fee", according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Which striker are Rangers signing?

The Gers have expressed an interest in Feyenoord striker Danilo, however, they had an opening bid of £3.5m immediately rejected by the Dutch side earlier this week, as it was way below their valuation.

In fact, there have been reports that Feyenoord could demand as much as £17m for the Brazilian, as they are currently under no pressure to cash-in, meaning the Light Blues could turn their attention to other targets.

Michael Beale has been pushing to sign Dessers for quite some time, having sanctioned a seven-figure bid at the beginning of June, and the manager is now inching closer to completing a deal for the 28-year-old.

Taking to Twitter, Romano has now claimed that Rangers and Cremonese have reached an agreement regarding the "final fee" for the £19k-per-week forward, with the documents to finalise the move currently being drafted.

The Gers are "closing in" on a deal for the Cremonese striker, with an agreement now "imminent", indicating that the deal could be done in the next few days.

"Understand Rangers are closing in on deal for Cyriel Dessers. Agreement now imminent with Cremonese for Nigerian striker — here we go soon. Clubs have agreed on final fee and all documents are being drafted."

Who is Cyriel Dessers?

The Nigerian forward has regularly been finding the back of the net in some of Europe's major leagues for quite some time now, firing home 20 goals in all competitions for Feyenoord during the 2021-22 campaign, before completing a switch to the Serie A.

During his time with Cremonese, the Belgium-born attacker has not been quite as prolific, registering seven goals in all competitions last term, however, he has been playing in a poor side, who ended up finishing second-bottom in the Serie A.

Hailed as "phenomenal" by members of the media, the former Feyenoord man's previous exploits indicate he could be a fantastic acquisition for Rangers, having amassed 140 goal contributions in 212 games at centre-forward throughout his career so far.

There are aspects of the Nigeria international's game that could improve, considering he has averaged just 0.06 assists per 90 over the past year, and 0.91 aerials won, placing him in the 23rd and 21st percentile respectively.

All in all, though, Rangers should be excited by the imminent arrival of Dessers, as his goal-scoring record has been very impressive for a number of years, and there is every indication he could be a success in the Scottish Premiership.

Talks between Arsenal and Ajax over the transfer of Jurrien Timber are at an "advanced stage" as the player himself "wants the move", claims Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam.

Arsenal transfer news – What's the latest on Jurrien Timber

The Gunners were agonisingly close to ending their almost two-decade title drought last season, but a lack of squad depth, especially in defensive areas, cost them in the end.

It looks like Mikel Arteta and the board don't want that happening again, so they have greenlit a summer of massive spending for the Premier League runners-up.

So far, the north London club have spent £65m to secure the signature of Kai Havertz from cross-city rivals Chelsea and look to be very close to finalising a £105m deal for West Ham United captain Declan Rice.

The next player on Edu's list looks to be Ajax defender Timber, with the club edging closer to an agreement with the Dutch giants over an estimated fee of £40m.

The player is also said to be extremely keen on the move, and that desire to be a part of the project is an important factor for Arteta, per Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam.

He explained the situation on Sky Sports (via Football Daily), saying:

"Talks are continuing between Arsenal and Ajax with regards to the defender Jurrien Timber. They're described as being at an advanced stage at the moment as well, the final valuation and structure still being discussed between the player and, of course, Arsenal.

"He wants the move which is key for Mikel Arteta, and once again Mikel Arteta getting his three key transfer targets very early in the window, so some significant business in that respect."

How Good is Jurrien Timber?

The 22-year-old has excelled for the Dutch giants since he debuted for the senior side in 2020, making 121 appearances, 15 of which were in the UEFA Champions League.

During his three full seasons for the Amsterdam club, he has never achieved a lower average rating for a season than 6.89 and even managed to hit a genuinely impressive rating of 7.40 in the 2021/22 season, per WhoScored.

One of the 5 foot 10 dynamo's best traits is his ability to play multiple roles across the backline. During his time with Ajax, he has been utilised as both a right-back and a centre-back, which could make him the dream player for a team like Arsenal.

Over the last year, Arteta has implemented a style that sees Ben White play as a right-back but then come back into the middle of the pitch when the team is in possession, playing as a de facto third centre-back.

Adding Timber would provide some much-needed competition in that role and allow either himself or White to fill in at centre-back if needed, potentially avoiding another William Saliba situation next year.

If people needed any more convincing of the Utrecht-born gem's quality, just listen to Virgil Van Dijk, who said:

"I wasn't nearly as far along as he is now [at the same age], I have nothing but praise for him. He is a great player and a true professional. He has so much potential."

Should Edu and Co get this deal over the line, Arsenal could well be in for another year of challenging Manchester City for the Premier League title.

Leeds United are interested in signing Liverpool defender Nat Phillips this summer, with the Yorkshire outfit eyeing fresh faces to carry them back to the Premier League.

What's the latest on Nat Phillips to Leeds?

The Athletic's ever-reliable Phil Hay has brought a fresh update for Leeds supporters after revealing that the Elland Road side are considering a move for the 26-year-old, who has been a peripheral figure on Merseyside for the past several seasons.

Jurgen Klopp's outfit's £10m valuation might prove to be a stumbling block in negotiations considering Phillips has played such scant football, but if the price can be whittled down the Whites could unearth the perfect option as clinching promotion takes centre stage.

Contracted to Anfield until 2025, Phillips would be a valuable addition, having produced a string of stoic displays with the Reds before and impressing during his fleeting loan spell with Bournemouth in the 21/22 campaign.

Should Leeds sign Nat Phillips?

Since joining rising through Liverpool's youth ranks and making his debut against Everton in the FA Cup in 19/20, a 1-0 victory, Phillips has only made 29 appearances for the Anfield outfit and played just five times across the 22/23 term.

However, during Liverpool's time of need in 20/21, with a torrent of injuries resulting in a deterioration that left the likes of Phillips and Rhys Williams as central defensive partners at Anfield, the calibre of his skill set was on full show.

The pair were hailed as "absolutely insane" by Klopp and Phillips was particularly impressive, recording an average Sofascore rating of 7.19 across his 15 top-flight starts during the 20/21 year, completing 82% of his passes, winning 66% of his aerial duels, averaging 4.8 clearances per game and keeping seven clean sheets.

Described as a "monster in the air" by his manager, the £65k-per-week colossus also spent the latter half of the 21/22 campaign on loan with Bournemouth, successfully aiding the south coast club in their pursuit of promotion from the second tier.

Playing 17 times and tasting defeat just twice, the 6 foot 3 ace earned an average rating of 7.04, completing 82% of his passes, winning 69% of his aerial duels and averaging 4.1 clearances per game.

Such numbers are impressive due to the fact that no player at Leeds made more clearances last season or had a higher average match rating, as per Sofascore.

While his ball-playing skills as certainly not first-rate, they do look to be a cut above Whites centre-half Robin Koch, who has been branded "horrific" for his dismal displays this term by Youtuber Conor McGilligan.

Despite this, the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have registered an interest, as per 90min, in the Germany international and the 49ers Enterprises must cash in swiftly.

Koch did average 4.1 clearances per game in the Premier League this term, also winning 62% of his aerial duels and completing 77% of his passes, but given that he ranks among the bottom 9% of positional peers for pass completion, as per FBref, he is clearly flawed and must be cashed in on.

As such, Phillips could well represent a dream replacement, bringing with him a similar skill set, a demonstrated fortitude and a burning desire to finally cement a starting berth with regularity.

Leeds United remain on the search for a new manager after the club decided to part ways with Sam Allardyce following their relegation from the Premier League.

The Telegraph recently reported that former Norwich City head coach Daniel Farke is on their shortlist to replace the former England boss. The German chief left Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach at the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

He is a proven Championship winner who could come in and provide the Whites with the lift they need to secure an automatic promotion straight back to the top-flight.

Farke won the second tier in both 2018/19 and 2020/21 and amassed a staggering 57 wins and 191 points combined to help the Canaries back to the big time, with the second one coming off the back of a relegation from the Premier League in 2019/20.

Would Daniel Farke be a success at Leeds?

The 46-year-old head coach could be a success at Elland Road as the club currently have a player who could be his next version of Norwich legend Teemu Pukki in Georginio Rutter.

During Farke's two title-winning campaigns with the Yellows, the Finland international plundered an eye-catching 55 goals and 14 assists in 84 appearances.

The experienced centre-forward led the promotion charge for the German chief with his astonishing ability in front of goal, which was aided by the 33-year-old's intelligent movement to run off the shoulder of defenders and race onto through balls.

Rutter, who failed to score in 11 Premier League matches for Leeds, has not showcased the same prolific form in England as of yet but the 21-year-old has the potential to be Farke's next Pukki.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig previously hailed the "powerful" French striker's "great" movement of the ball and his "blistering pace", whilst he described the former Rennes starlet as "clinical" in front of goal.

The £36m club-record signing has previously displayed his quality at the top end of the pitch. During the 2021/22 campaign, Rutter scored eight goals from seven expected goals (xG) for Hoffenheim, which shows that the exciting youngster outperformed the level of chances that were being sent his way.

Therefore, Farke could unearth the £70k-per-week dynamo's full potential at Leeds as the promising centre-forward has a similar style of play to Pukki – as they both use their excellent movement and speed to generate openings in front of goal – and the head coach has proven himself capable of designing a system to get the best out of that type of striker.

This means that Leeds could end up with their own version of the prolific Championship marksman by appointing the former Norwich boss to help Rutter find his feet on the pitch.

Sunderland enjoyed an impressive return to life in the Championship in the 2022/23 campaign as they battled early disruption to reach the play-offs.

Alex Neil quit the Stadium of Light to join Stoke City in the first month of the season and Tony Mowbray came in to lead the Black Cats to sixth before losing to Luton Town, who went on earn promotion to the Premier League.

The head coach and Kristjaan Speakman now have the summer transfer window to bolster the squad again with the aim of going all the way and moving up to the top-flight at the end of 2023/24.

One player the club have been linked with a swoop for ahead of next term is Universidad Católica prospect Alexander Aravena, who could be the dream heir to a current Sunderland ace.

How would Alexander Aravena fit in at Sunderland?

The 20-year-old right winger could come in and eventually replace Patrick Roberts on that side of Mowbray's attacking line-up next season or in the years to come.

In the Primera Division in 2023, the exciting youngster has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.08 and chipped in with seven goals and two assists from out wide in 13 outings. The number 18 has created one chance per game for his teammates and showcased his ability to open up the opposition for his fellow attackers.

His form this year comes after an impressive 2022 in the top-flight of football in Chile.

Aravena averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.98 in the league last term and contributed at the top end of the pitch with 11 goals and three assists in 30 matches as a winger.

These statistics show that the young ace, whose intelligence was once praised as "magnificent" by press officer and scout Salvatore Gandhi, has the quality to be a big goal threat, whilst also being able to provide creativity, as a right winger.

Roberts, meanwhile, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.83 and racked up five goals and seven assists in 42 appearances in the Championship in the season just gone.

This suggests that the Chile international could provide more than him in front of goal if the 20-year-old is able to adjust to English football, based on his return of 18 goals and five assists in his last 43 league games is more impressive than the Englishman's statistics in the second tier.

Aravena's age, however, means that Mowbray would not have to rush him into the starting XI or expect him to hit the ground running on Wearside. Sunderland could take their time with the prolific magician and bed him in slowly as the long-term heir to Roberts' position on the right flank.

Glasgow Rangers manager Michael Beale has made a head start to his transfer business at Ibrox, signing Jack Butland, Dujon Sterling and Kieran Dowell on free transfers, and they have all been tied down before the transfer window even opens.

Unfortunately, the Light Blues don’t have a mass fortune to spend in the transfer market, meaning free transfers will potentially make up the bulk of the incomings and any other business will largely be assisted by the 42-year-old moving on some deadwood in the squad that is surplus to requirements.

The likes of Scott Wright and Jon McLaughlin are likely to be sold, while Antonio Colak, who only joined last summer, could also depart. Another name who should be let go is Kemar Roofe, as the striker could still bring in a decent transfer fee.

He only played six times last season, struggling with a variety of injury issues which kept him out for 35 matches in total, hardly justifying his £26k-per-week wage.

There is no doubting his quality, with the 30-year-old netting 36 times in just 78 appearances, yet, having another season where he barely features will be a waste of precious funds which could be spent elsewhere, especially with the Ibrox side looking for new strikers following the departure of Alfredo Morelos.

Could Rangers sign Nikola Krstovic this summer?

The Gers were linked with Krstovic as far back as February according to Football Insider, with the same outlet claiming the club had scouted the 23-year-old on ‘several occasions’ with a view to signing him this summer, although a reported fee of between £4m-£5m was being demanded by his club, Dunajska Streda.

Beale looks like he is about to agree a deal to sign Sam Lammers from Sampdoria, however, his goal record isn’t nearly as good as the Streda hitman, netting only twice all season compared to the 26 goals the Montenegro international has scored.

He obviously knows how to find the back of the net on a regular basis, having scored a total of 81 club career goals and with five caps for his country too, he has emerged on the international scene, further underlining his capabilities.

A goal every 117 minutes in the Slovakian top flight last term was better than all but one player in the Gers side who played over five Premiership matches, suggesting that he could be a regular scorer under Beale if he maintained his current form.

Journalist Josh Bunting had plenty of praise for the 23-year-old last year, saying: “Nikola Krstović scoring again for DAC 1904, I honestly can see a big enough side take a punt on him sooner rather than later, only 22 but what a talent he is and he’s showing it in Europe this season. He’s aggressive and he’s clinical. Has all the attributes you want in a striker.”

Roofe underwent surgery back in March to sort out his hip injury, however, there is no set timeline on his return to the first team picture and perhaps Beale may be best moving him on in order to launch a move for a player such as Krstovic this summer.