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Graham Smyth has dropped a teasing Leeds United transfer update that will surely excite fans.

What’s the story?

Writing initially on Twitter, Smyth said: “As the excitement over Junior Firpo dies down, it’ll all go a bit quiet for Leeds United in the summer transfer market for a little while. But Victor Orta is still very busy.”

Then, in a piece for The Yorkshire Evening Post, the journalist added: “Leeds, as they have been ever since the window opened, are tight lipped on their top target. They managed, somehow, to keep their interest in Firpo under the radar until they were suitably advanced in negotiations to be confident of getting their man, and they’ll hope to do the same for the next first-team signing.

“Although Orta has spoken with the player in question, things are not at such an advanced stage as to be considered imminent and things may go quiet for a period. As The YEP has reported previously, the signing of a winger may go even later into the window.”

Leeds fans will be excited

While as Smyth says, things may quieten down in terms of any public news, Leeds are still very much busy, with Orta working away behind the scenes to try and wrap up deals behind closed doors.

The swiftness of their move to sign Firpo from Barcelona is a really encouraging sign that the Whites have got their priorities in order, and are steering away from the public eye and distractions that come along with it.

Getting things done behind the scenes allows Orta and co to operate at their best, and away from media scrutiny. What’s also exciting is the fact that Leeds have spoken to their top target, and have thus put down the building blocks for a potential deal later down the line.

And, the news that a new winger could also be coming through the doors at Elland Road “later into the window” also suggests Leeds are recognising the need to strengthen Marcelo Bielsa’s first-team squad ahead of the new Premier League season, and not just settling for squad or academy players.

Given how quickly they signed Firpo, Leeds fans will no doubt be excited at the prospect of the club acting fast again in the transfer market and getting one or two more high-profile deals done.

Meanwhile, Leeds are closing in on a major agreement…

Danilho Doekhi has hinted that he would seriously consider a move to Glasgow Rangers if the Gers were strongly interested in signing him.

The Lowdown: Gers eye Doekhi

The Light Blues have been heavily linked with a move for the Dutch centre-back (Glasgow Live), who currently plays for Vitesse Arnhem in the Eredivisie.

However, the 55-time Scottish champions have not yet made a concrete move for the defender.

The Latest: Doekhi discusses future

Speaking to De Gelderlander (via The Daily Record), the 23-year-old revealed that he would be interested in a move to Ibrox.

When asked about the Rangers speculation, he said: “I can’t do anything with it now. All my business runs through my manager, but if something is serious, I will seriously think about it.”

The Verdict: Come-and-get-me plea

This feels like a come-and-get-me plea of sorts. Of course, £2.7m-valued Doekhi (Transfermarkt) cannot fully say that he wants to join Rangers – he must keep things cordial with his current club for now – but his admission that he would be interested in a move to Ibrox has given the Gers hope.

It is now up to Ross Wilson and co to offer a deal which suits both the player and Vitesse. Doekhi missed just two league matches last term (Transfermarkt), so he is very much an important member of his team’s squad. If the Gers were to sign him, Gerrard would be hoping he could hold down a similarly consistent presence in the Scottish champions’ first XI.

In other news, many Rangers fans were livid over this picture from Wembley.

Speaking to Football Insider, Sky Sports pundit Danny Mills has had his say amid reports Nuno Espirito Santo now wants to sign Jesse Lingard for Tottenham Hotspur.

The Lowdown: Lingard links emerge…

News has emerged recently of Tottenham’s new boss eyeing the 28-year-old after he enjoyed a impressive stint on loan at West Ham United last season.

Football Insider claimed that Nuno personally wants the Englishman as one of two Manchester United stars in a £100 million cash-plus-players deal for Spurs superstar Harry Kane.

Indeed, a Lilywhites source has apparently told FI that Spurs’ new manager has asked for Lingard as one of two Red Devils’ first teamers if a deal is to be struck.

The Latest: Mills reacts as Nuno eyes Lingard for Spurs…

Speaking to Football Insider, Mills has waxed lyrical over the attacking midfield player – calling him ‘sensational’ and a ‘fabulous player’.

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However, the only question on the pundit’s lips is how he could fit into Nuno’s system at Spurs – especially considering the talent in those forward positions with Son Heung-min, Tanguy Ndombele and Lucas Moura.

“You’ve got [Tanguy] Ndombele, [Heung-min] Son, Lucas Moura and [Steven] Bergwin all in those forward positions. They’re quite heavily loaded in those positions already,” Mills explained to FI.

“Do they really need another play in that position? I guess it depends on how Nuno wants to play and how he would fit into that system.

“He’s a fabulous player, we know that. What he showed last season at West Ham was sensational. It doesn’t surprise me that teams are entering the race for him.

“It’s just about what team is best for him and what system is best for him.”

The Verdict: Good call?

In terms of attacking midfield talent, there were few in the Premier League who could match Lingard’s electric end to 2020/2021.

As per WhoScored, the Manchester United ace bagged nine goals and four assists in 16 English top flight starts under Irons boss David Moyes on loan – all while averaging an impressive 2.6 shots per 90.

For context, only Kane managed more in a Tottenham shirt (3.9), but we believe landing Lingard as part of a £100m-plus-makeweights deal to sell their talisman could come as a bit of a gamble.

He enjoyed a fine end to last season and re-established himself as a player to watch, yet Lingard is approaching the latter phase of his career and could reportedly command a £100,000-per-week salary to leave Old Trafford (The Daily Mail).

Tottenham arguably have bigger priorities this summer like the acquisition of a world class centre-half.

In other news: Spurs chiefs perform Harry Kane U-turn as behind-scenes developments emerge, find out more here.

Crystal Palace are interested in a move to bring in Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher on loan for the 2021/22 season, according to the Daily Mail.

The Lowdown: Crystal Palace set for busy summer ahead of 2021/22

Facing an enormous rebuild following the departure of 22 first team players at the end of last season, new Eagles manager Patrick Vieira will be desperate to acquire the numbers necessary to bolster his squad.

Starting this process, the south Londoners have moved to bring in Michael Olise, Remi Matthews and Jacob Montes in recent days [Transfermarkt].

Now looking to strengthen in central areas, Palace look set to pursue 21-year-old Gallagher following recent reports.

The Latest: Palace in for Gallagher as potential loan switch gathers pace

Chelsea are set to let Gallagher leave on loan for the campaign, but they see his long-term future at Stamford Bridge.

Crystal Palace are said to be happy to bring in the Epsom-born midfielder, although Newcastle United are also keen on his services [Daily Mail].

The Verdict: Gallagher would be an astute signing

Bringing in England under-21 international Gallagher would be an astute piece of business by the Selhurst Park hierarchy.

He made 32 appearances on loan at West Bromwich Albion last season, registering four goal contributions with two goals and two assists [Transfermarkt]. Furthermore, his ability to win midfield battles and compete in the middle of the park resulted in Gallagher making 185 ball recoveries across the year [Premier League].

Recording 2.3 defensive dribbles per match also within this timeframe, this was the highest rate within the West Brom squad [WhoScored].

Once labelled as having ‘so much quality’ by former Baggies manager Slaven Bilic [Express and Star], Gallagher is an exciting prospect who could thrive at Selhurst Park should a prospective move occur.

Crystal Palace should be doing all they can to capture the prodigious 21-year-old ahead of the new season, especially if it means not having to make the financial commitment of a permanent move.

In other news, Crystal Palace are interested in this La Liga ace.

Leeds United are now said to be interested in former Chelsea starlet Jeremie Boga as they look to strengthen Marcelo Bielsa’s forward options.

What’s the story?

The Whites have only made two significant first-team signings this summer, bringing in Junior Firpo from Barcelona and finally securing Jack Harrison on a permanent deal from Manchester City.

Now, The Daily Mail claim that the Yorkshire club have shown an interest in signing Sassuolo forward Boga, who was previously on the books at Stamford Bridge.

The report adds that Serie A side Atalanta have made an offer for the Ivory Coast international, while Leeds’ fellow Premier League teams Everton and Crystal Palace are also said to be keen.

Bye-bye Helder Costa

Amid an impressive season for the club as a whole, one man who really struggled to live up to expectations, was Helder Costa.

The Portugal international just didn’t seem to find his feet at Premier League level, managing just three goals in 22 games in the competition.

That has seen reports now linking him with a move away, with claims that the Whites are ready to cash in on the winger in order to raise some funds for a new signing.

And, after reports emerged of his potential departure, Gabby Agbolahor said: “Costa did not do enough to stay at Leeds. They definitely need another winger. Costa’s had his chance and he’ll be definitely moved on.”

Well, in Boga, they could get that Costa replacement.

Speaking about him before, former Chelsea coach Michael Beale said: “The most unique talent and I’m talking in a window of being 13/14 and he just beat the other team possibly on his own is a young boy called Jeremie Boga.

“He just beat teams on his own, such a lovely boy. I thought wow, this boy is a supreme talent. he can stop and go and over three or four yards, he can just drift past you.”

As per WhoScored, last season saw Boga triple the number of dribbles the Portuguese made per game, while he also averaged more shots and made the exact amount of key passes too – an indication of the kind of directness and fearlessness with which the Sassuolo man plays.

Given that not only can he play on the left, but also on the right too, the Ivorian would add greater strength in depth and quality to the wide options that Bielsa has, and further push Costa down the pecking order.

The £18m-rated Boga’s arrival would surely spell the end for Costa at Elland Road.

Meanwhile, Leeds United have reignited their interest in this star…

An update has emerged on Lausanne defender Moritz Jenz, regarding Celtic’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to the Scottish Sun, Celtic are interested in signing the centre-back as Ange Postecoglou attempts to bolster his defensive options ahead of next season.

The report claims that Brighton are also preparing a £20m bid for Hoops forward Odsonne Edouard, which could free up funds for the Australian to make improvements to his team.

Fans would love it

Celtic must seal a deal for Jenz this summer to bolster their ranks as he could be a solid addition to Ange Postecoglou’s squad. The 6ft 2 gem impressed in the Swiss league and could be ready to make the move over to Scotland to come in and help the Hoops challenge Rangers for the title next term.

Last season, Jenz averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 6.95 for Lausanne. SofaScore rating him the same (71) for defending quality and higher (63-58) than Kristoffer Ajer for tactical intelligence. The recently departed Norweigan has left a gaping hole at the back for the Hoops and it is one that Jenz could now come in and fill, with these statistics suggesting that he could be of a similar level. Although, it is impossible to gauge the difference in quality between the leagues and whether or not he would be able to adapt to Scottish football.

One impressive statistic that Jenz ended the 2020/21 campaign with was that he only made one direct error leading to a goal in 30 matches. This shows that he is not prone to making blunders at the back and could, therefore, come in as a reliable and solid defender for fans to enjoy watching. It would not be ideal to bring in a centre-back who is used to regularly giving up easy shots on goal, as that would make them a liability in the back four and frustrate supporters.

He also has plenty of room for development. At the age of 22, he is still in the infancy of his professional career and he could be a player who is able to improve over the course of his time at the club, rather than arriving as the finished article. This is why fans would love to him arrive at the club and Celtic must swoop for the defender this summer and add him to their squad for the short and the long term.

AND in other news, Frimpong 2.0: Celtic lodge bid for “instrumental” £3m beast, Ange would love him…

Manchester City fans are delighted after it was revealed that their friendly against Barcelona, originally scheduled for late August, has been postponed after there were fears the Camp Nou would not be able to host supporters.

The Citizens’ preparations for the new campaign are well underway. After last season’s Premier League and League Cup success, they will be confident of more silverware this time around, but their 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the Champions League final means they still have work to do.

Bizarrely, they were set to play Barcelona in Spain in a friendly after the season had already kicked off. However, Juan Carlos Unzué to TV3 (via Reshad Rahman) has revealed the clash has been postponed as there are fears the Camp Nou would not be able to host fans.

The news was shared on Twitter by @City_Xtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the City supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the news below

“Geddin”

Credit: @mr_carlitos

“yesssssss”

Credit: @mcfc_kai

“Yessss!!!”

Credit: @ScottCarsonSZN

“Good”

Credit: @GidzOG

“Good..silly time for a friendly”

Credit: @AdamAlshammari

“Yeees that actually soo good, it was in the worst period”

Credit: @MCFCDavid027

In other news, Man City fans were delighted with this transfer update.

Derby County have been dealt a major blow in their bid to keep Jason Knight at Pride Park this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Irish Examiner, who claim that both Newcastle United and Burnley are keeping a very close eye on the situation of the Derby midfielder ahead of a potential move before the closure of the summer transfer window.

The report continues by stating that further interest in the 20-year-old has been registered from clubs outside of the UK, while it is also claimed that, as a result of the Rams’ financial difficulties, Wayne Rooney’s side may reluctantly end up cashing in on the Republic of Ireland international.

Grave error

While it is indeed true that Derby appear to be in rather desperate need of an injection of cash this summer, considering the fact that Rooney has just nine fit outfield players ahead of the Rams’ opening Championship fixture of the season against Huddersfield Town on Saturday, it could easily be argued that sanctioning the sale of one of their most talented assets would be a mistake.

Indeed, despite his tender age, the 20-year-old was a mainstay in the Derby team last season, featuring in 43 of the club’s 46 Championship matches.

Over these fixtures, the £5.4m-rated midfielder scored two goals, as well as making an average of 0.9 interceptions, 1.5 tackles, 0.6 clearances and winning an impressive six duels per game.

These returns saw the man Rooney dubbed a “first-class” player earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.70, something that would have undoubtedly been higher if it were not for Derby’s incredibly poor league form last term.

As such, although the Rams look set to be without the services of Knight for the foreseeable future, as the midfielder was injured by his own manager during a collision in training, it would nevertheless appear to be a grave mistake for the 35-year-old to sanction his sale this summer, as the youngster could well prove to be the difference between survival and relegation in the Championship next season.

In other news: Nixon drops 10-word Derby County transfer claim that will be music to the ears of fans

A number of Liverpool supporters have reacted negatively to Fabinho’s claim that a Gini Wijnaldum replacement doesn’t need to arrive this summer.

The 30-year-old has departed the Reds for Paris Saint-Germain, bringing an end to five wonderful years at Anfield. The Dutchman won the Champions League and Premier League in that time, arguably proving to be one of the most consistent players throughout given that he rarely missed a game.

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The exit of Wijnaldum has the potential to leave a gaping void in Liverpool’s midfield, with no replacement arriving yet this summer.

Despite many wanting a new signing to come in, Fabinho has suggested that Jurgen Klopp’s side can still fight on all fronts without him.

While the Brazilian will miss his former teammate, he believes there is still enough quality to compete with big-spending rivals such as Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United, saying:

“I think the midfield is the part of the team where we have more players – we have Hendo, me, Thiago, Curtis, Millie, Naby Keita, a lot of players who can play in this position.

“I’m not worried about it (Wijnaldum leaving). Of course, we will miss Gini for the person he is as well, but we have the quality in this group to replace him.

“This Liverpool squad has already won the Premier League, the Champions League, some important trophies. We have already shown what we are capable of.

“We don’t pay attention to the other teams. City are the Premier League champions and Chelsea the Champions League champions, and the English teams are always strong and will always fight for trophies. This year won’t be different.

“We will be strong and they will be strong as well. Hopefully we will be a bit stronger.

“We don’t pay too much attention to the other teams, we just focus on us and working hard to be in the best way as possible.”

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Liverpool fans unhappy with Fabinho

Given the club’s lack of transfer activity this summer, Fabinho’s comments haven’t gone down too well with these Liverpool fans on Twitter.

“Sounds like we’re happy with our success and we will mention it every summer as an excuse, pathetic”

Credit: @UpTheRedmen1

“Deluded then Fabinho! Lol”

Credit: @92xLfc

“Love you but you focus on the pitch and leave transfers to Edwards”

Credit: @Kethamz

“Absolutely watch us surrender the FA Cup and others because of our lack of strength and signings again.”

Credit: @kopitanpagula11

“Optimism at its worst!!!”

Credit: @LeeJeffers6

“Who even went to ask of his opinion?”

Credit: @3ric20

In other news, some Liverpool fans have erupted over an image of one Reds player. Find out who it is here.

An update has emerged about Sheffield Wednesday target Sam Cosgrove, regarding his thinking heading into the final weeks of the window.

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun’s Alan Nixon, via Examiner Live, Sheffield Wednesday transfer target Sam Cosgrove is ‘yet to decide’ on his future with three weeks left of the transfer window to go.

Examiner Live provide their own line on the story, stating that Cosgrove is a player who the Owls are targeting. Fellow League One side Wycombe are also chasing a deal for the Birmingham hitman.

Decision time

With the clock ticking down and clubs beginning to finalise all of their transfer business with the season getting underway, we are entering crunch time when it comes to decisions on moves. If a player is indecisive and still contemplating whether or not they want to join the Owls, Darren Moore may have to make a big call and exit the race to pursue another player in order to not risk leaving his business too late.

This means that Cosgrove is going to need to make a decision about his future sooner rather than later. The report stating that he is ‘yet to decide’ is rather ominous for Wednesday, as it shows that he is not fully convinced that a switch to the League One club – or to Wycombe – is the best next step for him.

Owls supporters should now be anxious about what he is doing to do, with the club unable to do anything on that front until he makes up his mind. They cannot pull the trigger on a deal with Birmingham unless the player is on board.

Cosgrove could be an excellent addition to the Wednesday squad if they are able to get it over the line. He is a young forward who has experience of scoring goals regularly in Scotland, but he has not been able to find his feet in England as of yet.

Earlier this year, Birmingham boss Lee Bowyer said that the 24-year-old is improving and that he could be their first-choice striker in a year’s time if he can continue developing. He told Birmingham Live:

“Sam is a player that is young and learning the game, I would say. I see him as a replacement for Jutkiewicz, as in a like-for-like player and he is learning.

“He is improving, even in the time I have been here I have seen him improve every day. His movement is getting better, his hold-up play is getting better, his finishing is getting better so he is improving.

“Maybe in a year’s time or maybe next season step in, step up and then take over from Jukey? Then he be the No. 1 and Jukey come off the bench? I don’t know. I don’t know what the thinking was.”

This shows that he is on the right track and if he can start hitting the numbers he was managing in the Scottish Premiership then Owls fans would love him.

Between the 2018/19 and 2019/20 campaigns, Cosgrove scored a whopping 44 goals in all competitions – averaging at 22 a season.

If he can score 22 goals in League One for Wednesday then that would be a terrific addition, but it is now down to him to figure out what he wants to do.

And in other news, the The Owls keen on securing this other signing this summer…