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Manchester United made it two wins from two at the start of their pre-season preparations with a 1-0 win over Ligue 1 side, Lyon on Wednesday afternoon, with the game's solitary goal coming courtesy of a fine, volleyed effort from forgotten man, Donny van de Beek.

The former Ajax midfielder hadn't featured for the Red Devils since sustaining a season-ending injury at home to AFC Bournemouth back in January, with that setback having epitomised what has been a wretched time of it at Old Trafford for the 26-year-old.

How much did Van de Beek cost Man United?

It is fair to say that the Premier League giants have not seen a return on their initial £40m investment in the Netherlands international, with the playmaker having scored just twice and registered only two assists in 60 competitive appearances over the last three years.

The once-promising gem – who previously netted 41 goals and registered 34 assists in 175 games in all competitions during his time in Amsterdam – has largely become something of a spare part in Manchester, in truth, while he has been unable to impress when he has featured, with journalist Samuel Luckhurst stating earlier this season that playing the Dutchman simply "doesn't work".

Those woes have ensured that it is looking likely that the £120k-per-week dud will be moving on to pastures new this summer, with the player himself having even admitted following the midweek win that an exit could be a "possibility".

If Ten Hag is to move on the attacking midfielder ahead of next season, then acquiring a potential replacement who can provide cover and competition for Bruno Fernandes may be in order, hence why looking to Utrecht's Taylor Booth could be a dream solution.

What are the latest Man United transfer rumours?

As reported by ESPN at the end of last month, United were said to have enquired about the prospect of signing Booth amid their stalled pursuit of Mason Mount, with previous reports having indicated that Ten Hag is a 'known admirer' of the American maestro.

The one-time Bayern Munich asset would represent an attractive option as he is potentially set to be available on the cheap this summer, with reports in Germany indicating that the 22-year-old – who can also operate out wide – has an asking price of just €12m (£10m).

Who is Taylor Booth?

With Van de Beek's shortcomings laid bare by his lack of attacking output, Booth, by contrast, has been far more impressive in the Eredivisie of late, contributing six goal involvements in just 28 appearances in all competitions last term.

As per journalist Joseph Lowery, the emerging gem simply "has the sauce", as he is "skillful, creative, quick, intense, and versatile" – a string of traits that would likely be appealing to those back at Old Trafford.

The youngster's attacking quality is particularly obvious due to the fact that he ranks in the top 2% among his fellow midfielders in the Men's next eight competitions for progressive carries (at an average of 3.25 per 90), while Van de Beek, by contrast, is far less elegant in possession having averaged just 0.48 in that regard during the 2021/22 campaign.

Booth also appears to have a greater knack for being able to beat his man as he has averaged 1.45 successful take-ons per 90 – ranking in the top 10% in that regard – while the current United flop averaged just 0.65 during that 2021/22 season, in which he spent time on loan at Everton.

That striking contrast between the pair would suggest that the Utrecht ace – who has been likened to long-time United target, Frenkie de Jong – could prove to be a perfect addition to help oust Van de Beek from the squad, with the latter man simply in need of a fresh start elsewhere in order to get his floundering career back on track.

The message to Tottenham Hotspur from Bayern Munich is still the same: they "will return" and they "will try again" as they believe that Harry Kane "really wants to make this move", per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Is Harry Kane leaving Tottenham Hotspur this summer?

It's been an excellent start to the summer window for new Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou. The club improved the quality of the first team with the savvy acquisition of James Maddison for just £40m and highly rated Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario for £17m, as well as bolstered other areas of their squad.

Israel international Manor Solomon may have arrived on a free, but he demonstrated for all to see last season at Fulham that he was more than capable of having an impact in the Premier League; even if he isn't a regular starter for the Australian, he should be a valuable player to have.

However, this good start to the summer could all be undone if the unthinkable happens – the club sell talismanic striker and all-time leading goalscorer Kane.

A Kane transfer saga isn't anything new. It was only two years ago when Manchester City seemed desperate to sign the England captain, but with three years left on his deal at that point, a move away from N17 was never going to happen for anything less than a world-record fee. This time, it's different.

With just 12 months left on his £200,000-a-week deal, Daniel Levy and co have to decide whether they will cash in on him this summer or risk losing him for free next year.

It's not the Citizens who are after his signature this year, though, it's German behemoths Bayern Munich – and the Bavarians have been persistent so far.

The Bundesliga champions have already had two offers rejected by the north London side, with the second being worth a reported €80m (£69m) and are now preparing a third to further test Levy's resolve.

Part of the reason Thomas Tuchel's side have been so persistent where others haven't is their belief that Kane himself "really wants the move" and that Spurs will eventually give in, according to Romano.

He explained the situation on his YouTube channel, saying:

"The messages coming from the German club are still the same: they want to bid again for Harry Kane. So Bayern will return, Bayern will bid again, Bayern will try again with Daniel Levy. This is the intention of Bayern.

"At the moment, Tottenham have no communication from Harry Kane of the player deciding anything. They know that he's speaking to Bayern, this is very clear. And Bayern – especially [on] Thomas Tuchel's side – they feel that Harry Kane really wants to make this move, but now it's about the clubs.

"Bayern will return for Harry Kane."

How good was Harry Kane last season?

It's easy to understand why FC Hollywood are so hell-bent on securing the 29-year-old's signature this summer, as despite having a good year every year for nearly a decade, last season was something else entirely.

In his 38 top-flight games, the Walthamstow-born "monster" scored 30 Premier League goals and provided three assists for his teammates, averaging a match rating of 7.51, per WhoScored.

He clearly impressed former manager Antonio Conte who, despite ultimately failing in north London, waxed lyrical about the striker earlier this year, saying: "We are talking about a world-class striker.

"He is going to beat every record with the goals. In the difficult moments, you know Harry is on the pitch, ready to fight, ready to help teammates, ready to sort situations with goals and assists."

Whatever happens with this transfer, you can be sure that it won't be resolved anytime soon, and there will likely be a few more twists and turns along the way.

Manchester United are set to 'accelerate' their efforts to sign Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund this summer due to rival interest from Paris Saint-Germain, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Is Rasmus Hojlund joining Manchester United?

According to transfer expert Romano in his column for The Guardian, Manchester United have submitted a verbal offer worth €60 million (£51.4 million) to try and entice Hojlund to Old Trafford this window.

The report states that Paris Saint-Germain are also keen on Hojlund; however, they are yet to agree personal terms with the 20-year-old. Atalanta want to hold out for a fee in the region of £70 million to recognise his potential despite his lack of elite-level experience as a young star.

Last term, Hojlund registered 17 goals and six assists from 42 appearances in all competitions combined across his spells at Sturm Graz and Atalanta, as per Transfermarkt.

David Ornstein of The Athletic has revealed that Paris Saint-Germain have also submitted a bid for Hojlund, though would be willing to walk away from negotiations if they are rebuffed in their attempts to land Hojlund, stating on Twitter X and also crediting journalist Loic Tanzi: "PSG make offer to Atalanta for Rasmus Hojlund. Bid for 20yo worth €50m. PSG think Atalanta valuation unrealistic + ready to walk away if bid not accepted. Positive talks on personal terms. Man Utd pursuit ongoing @TheAthleticFC after @Tanziloic."

In a separate Guardian article, it is believed that Manchester United may also cool their interest in Hojlund if Atalanta insist on demanding a fee of more that £60 million for Denmark international Hojlund.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Romano has laid out some further information involving Hojlund and indicated that Manchester United could be set to 'accelerate' their advances to land Hojlund due to rival competition for his signature.

Romano stated: "Manchester United want to accelerate this week, because they know that Paris Saint-Germain are speaking to the players' camp and so it's kind of a dangerous situation when a club like PSG is also around for the same player.

"But yes, the expectation is for this week to be important. Let's see if they will be able to reach the agreement, but in any case, it's going to be an important week to accelerate or see what happens on the striker situation."

Who else is on Erik Ten Hag's radar at Manchester United and who could leave?

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport via The Daily Mail, Manchester United are closing in on a £22 million swoop for Fiorentina defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat as Erik Ten Hag aims to strengthen his midfield arsenal.

Player sales will also be important for the Red Devils to raise money to invest in the market. West Ham United are believed to have held early discussions with Manchester United over deals for Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay, according to Sky Sports.

Galatasaray vice-president Erden Timur has flown into the United Kingdom to try and trash out a deal to take Brazilian midfielder Fred off the hands of Manchester United, according to The Evening Standard.

Nottingham Forest are closing in on an initial loan deal with an option to buy that would see Dean Henderson return to the City Ground, as per Sky Sports Transfer Centre.

Burnley are ready to make a €20m (£17m) move for Feyenoord defender Quilindschy Hartman, with Vincent Kompany personally driving the move, but it may be a difficult deal to complete according to a recent report.

What's the latest Burnley transfer news?

Kompany is clearly still keen to bring in additional options in defence, and former Leicester City defender Jonny Evans has recently emerged as a potential signing, following the Northern Irishman's short stint at Manchester United.

Transfer insider Dean Jones has also confirmed the Clarets are keen on signing Ian Maatsen, after his loan spell at Turf Moor last season, however they may face competition for his signature:

"There is interest obviously from Burnley because he was on loan there last season, but talks a few weeks back between Burnley and Chelsea were honing in around the £20 million mark and Burnley saw that as too high. West Ham are also looking at the player too."

According to a report from 1908.nl (via Sport Witness), Kompany and co are now looking at alternative options to Maatsen, perhaps in light of Chelsea's huge asking price, and they are now ready to pursue a move for Hartman.

Kompany watched the defender in action for Feyenoord last week, and Burnley are now ready to pay more than €20m (£17m) to secure his signature following the manager's recommendation, which may be enough to satisfy the Dutch club.

Feyenoord do not intend on letting the 21-year-old leave on the cheap, and they feel it is impossible to enter talks unless an offer of less than £17m is tabled, however they do not want to let him leave either way.

The Eredivisie side are planning to try and convince the youngster to stay by offering him a contract extension, so it may be difficult for the Clarets to get a deal over the line.

Who is Quilindschy Hartman?

The Netherlands U21 international had a breakthrough year with Feyenoord last season, making 23 Eredivisie appearances, primarily featuring as a left-back, and he could be a like-for-like replacement for Maatsen.

Much like the former Burnley loanee, the Feyenoord ace poses a real threat on the front foot, ranking in the 94th percentile for assists per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, and the 87th percentile for non-penalty goals.

Not only that, the starlet is also very solid defensively, as indicated by the fact he ranks in the 92nd percentile for aerials won, and the 80th percentile for interceptions, placing higher than Maatsen on both metrics.

The Clarets have clearly focussed on bringing in talented up-and-coming players this summer, with the vast majority of their arrivals in the under-25 bracket, and Hartman fits that criteria.

Lauded as a "revelation" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Hartman is still in the very early stages of his career, but his performances in the Eredivisie have been very promising.

That said, the left-back is contracted at De Kuip until 2025, meaning Feyenoord remain in a strong negotiating position, and Burnley should not go any higher than £17m, given that he is still relatively unproven.

Nottingham Forest continue to search for a new goalkeeper, yet a fresh name has emerged that could actually surpass their current top target…

How much would Kasper Schmeichel cost?

Whilst much of the window has seen Steve Cooper linked to Dean Henderson yet again, questions did arise regarding the legitimacy of their desire to re-sign the Manchester United ace.

Therefore, the rumour mill moved on to Arsenal's Matt Turner, who David Ornstein recently suggested has now reached an agreement to make the switch from the Emirates to the City Ground.

Despite that, Eurosport remains insistent that the Midlands outfit remain in concrete talks to instead sign Kasper Schmeichel, returning the Danish shot-stopper to the Premier League just one year after he traded Leicester City for OGC Nice.

Despite his age, Football Transfers value the 36-year-old at an admirable €10m (£9m). He still has two years left on his contract with the French club.

How good is Kasper Schmeichel?

Despite leaving England, the ageing ace has not seen his powers wane as he departed the best league in the world. In fact, France has played host to one of his finest years in recent memory, showcasing that he is still as sharp as ever, and able to offer something back in the place where he spent the bulk of his career.

Whilst his time in England is best known for his 11-year spell with the Foxes, it is worth noting just how instantly influential he has been for Les Aiglons before going over his stunning career.

Just last season saw him maintain a 7.01 average rating in Ligue 1, the highest top-flight league rating of his career funnily enough. This was a figure buoyed largely by the 11 clean sheets he kept, as the Denmark international mustered three saves per game at a 75% success rate, via Sofascore.

Throughout his fine career, he has also been widely lauded for his ability with his feet, and his recent 75% pass accuracy serves to support this.

There is no doubt that he could come in and instantly improve Cooper's side, both in terms of leadership and experience as well as quality. Schmeichel featured 479 times for Forest's east Midlands rivals, and helped them win arguably the most unlikely Premier League title of all time, alongside a subsequent FA Cup. It was no surprise to see him branded "a proper Leicester City legend" by journalist Saddick Adams, which is a claim that could be under threat should he make such a switch.

It could even be argued that he would represent a finer option than Turner, despite the USA international boasting seven years of youth on his potential alternative.

The 29-year-old has found himself as a consistent backup for Aaron Ramsdale over the last year, struggling to displace the England international. As such, he made just seven appearances across the campaign, with his only experience coming in his homeland. He did shine there though, posting a 7.04 average rating of his own during the 2022 MLS term.

However, that was with just five clean sheets, conceding 37 goals in just 29 games, while Gunners legend Martin Keown suggested that he "can't really trust" the American, following the Europa League, last-16 first leg draw with Sporting CP.

Meanwhile, Schmeichel would bring far more know-how for the division, along with a talent level more than capable of surpassing Turner. He marks the smarter option across the board and could end up being sensational competition for the Gunners' backup keeper.

Arsenal may have spent big already this summer, but reports seem to suggest they are far from finished in bolstering a squad which will have intentions of battling for the Premier League title once again…

Is Michael Olise leaving Crystal Palace?

Having already secured three key additions in the form of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber, the rumour mill has since shifted to suggest that, whilst Mikel Arteta and Edu boast plenty more targets, they will first have to sell before they can buy again.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

However, one name they must surely target if they are to begin such a mass exodus is Michael Olise, who is reportedly available for just £35m due to a release clause that looms over the Crystal Palace wide man.

Despite the report first emerging in April, there is every reason to believe that this deal could become a reality should the Gunners speed up some departures in time for the end of a hectic transfer period.

How good is Michael Olise?

The quality of the 21-year-old gem in question is remarkable given he is still in the early stages of what promises to be a stunning career.

Having moved to Selhurst Park from Reading, he made the step up from Championship to Premier League football with the same ease that he glides past defenders on a weekly basis.

Creative and classy, more recently the France U21 international has started to add tangible statistics to his aesthetically-pleasing play style that could have been criticised for a lack of productivity.

His debut campaign in the top-flight saw him post an admirable 12 goal contributions across all competitions, which he equalled with ease most recently by recording 11 assists in the league alone in the 2022/23 campaign.

Clearly enamoured with his talents, journalist Mohammad Butt simply wrote: "MICHAEL OLISE IS A WIZARD!"

What further emphasises his ever-improving skillset is his work rate, which perhaps goes under the radar given the lackadaisical and often uninterested demeanour he poses when on the field. The winger actually works deceptively hard, and when compared to others in his role across Europe ranks in the top 17% for tackles per 90, the top 14% for interceptions per 90, and the top 10% for blocks per 90, via FBref.

Given the success earned by snagging Leandro Trossard at a cut-price fee from Brighton and Hove Albion, perhaps Arteta could replicate that feat by perusing just down the M23 to secure another coup from their rival.

After all, the Belgian has fast become a fan favourite since his £27m move in January, having posted eight goal contributions in his first 11 games at the club, and recently scoring the late equaliser that sent the Community Shield to penalties, which they would go on to win.

His boss was particularly effusive in his praise for the trickster: "Seriously, we knew about his quality and what he could bring to the team. We are really pleased with him, he can play on the right, he can play on the left, he can play as an attacking midfielder, as a nine, a false nine. He’s really contributing to the team and he really takes a lot of responsibility in games to make things happen and we love that."

The hope will be that Olise can have a similarly transformative effect, helping push them that step closer towards toppling Manchester City with yet another high-quality asset to boost the squad.

Burnley have reportedly made a breakthrough and reached an agreement to make their 11th signing of the summer transfer window.

What’s the latest Burnley transfer news?

Vincent Kompany is currently preparing for the Premier League opener against treble winners Manchester City at Turf Moor. However, the Clarets are working hard behind the scenes in the transfer market, with a total of 10 new players already secured with weeks remaining of the window.

Zeki Amdouni, James Trafford, Jordan Beyer, Dara O'Shea, Michael Obafemi, Luca Koleosho, Sander Berge, Nathan Redmond, Lawrence Vigouroux and Jacob Bruun Larsen have all arrived, with Berge the latest addition from rivals Sheffield United.

A move for the Norway midfielder was confirmed on Wednesday evening, with Berge saying:

“I have heard a lot of good things about the Club and seeing the success from outside last season, there’s a great project building here. It’s a great environment full of young talented players from all around the world, so I just think it’s the perfect fit for me.

“The club has high ambitions, making several signings and it all just fits into what I’m looking for.”

Shortly after a move for Berge was confirmed, there were reports of Burnley closing in on another signing in Aston Villa’s Aaron Ramsey.

Reliable reporter David Ornstein took to X to reveal that a verbal agreement has been reached in a deal worth around £14m plus add-ons, with Villa also including a buyback clause.

“Burnley reach verbal agreement with Aston Villa for Aaron Ramsey. Working to finalise deal £14m + add-ons + buyback. Personal terms in place, medical being scheduled.”

Who is Aaron Ramsey?

Ramsey is just 20 years of age and is primarily an attacking midfielder who can also turn out in a deeper central midfield role if needed.

An England youth international, the player has progressed the Villa Park academy and his older brother, Jacob, has become a regular in the first team.

Ramsey has been sent out on three different loan moves during his career so far, the first of which came with League One side Cheltenham Town. He made 15 appearances for Cheltenham and spent the previous campaign in the Championship with both Norwich City and Middlesbrough.

In total, Ramsey scored eight times in 29 second-tier appearances last season and came in for praise from former Canaries boss Dean Smith, who said:

“I thought AJ [Ramsey] was excellent in the ten position today. Some of his movement and his flicks and his vision was excellent.

"He understands the game, he’s a clever footballer, especially today, you could see that in the first half."

It looks as if his next move will be a permanent one to Turf Moor, and should he go on to develop under Kompany, Burnley may view a transfer as a shrewd piece of business, although Villa will have the option to bring the player back to the Midlands in the future.

Everton still need to sign an established centre-forward this month despite making several moves throughout the summer transfer window, with the 2023/24 Premier League opener illuminating the issue.

Sean Dyche's side lost 1-0 at Goodison Park to Fulham despite taking 19 shots to the Cottager's nine, having finished last season's Premier League edition as the second-lowest goalscorers.

Arnaut Danjuma, Youssef Chermiti and Jack Harrison have all been signed to bolster the attacking ranks, but it would be a move of great prudence to land a proven and consistent goalscorer.

As such, perhaps it's now the perfect time to act on rumours of interest in Udinese talisman Beto, and ensure that the coming months provide for fruitful fortunes for the Merseyside outfit.

Is Beto joining Everton?

According to Il Messaggero Veneto (via Sport Witness), the Toffees are 'back in the mix' after failing to sign Portuguese striker Beto in January.

Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…

It is believed that Everton have offered the Serie A side a loan deal for the 25-year-old with a buy option of €26m (£22m), though with divisional rivals Nottingham Forest also mulling over a move, Dyche will need to act swiftly.

How good is Beto?

Once praised for his imposing and energetic presence in the offensive third by journalist Sam Tighe, who said he has an uncanny ability to "spook defenders", Beto would bring a new element to the Everton attack.

Beto has reached double digits across each of his past four league campaigns, plundering 22 goals in Serie A across the past two seasons.

Indeed, last term, Beto scored ten goals in Serie A despite starting just 23 times, while he opened his account this term with a goal and assist apiece in the Coppa Italia.

He is also a dogged contributor to the defensive side of the game, ranking among the top 25% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues for interceptions and the top 11% for clearances per 90, as per FBref, while also utilising his physicality to beat his man – ranking among the top 17% for successful take-ons per 90.

It is this robust skill set that has left the statistics-led site drawing comparisons to Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who has captured the awe of English football over the past several years following a tremendous 31-goal campaign in 2020/21 as the Bees soared into the top-flight before posting 12-goal and 20-goal tallies across his two years in the English top-flight.

Toney was suspended from all football-related activity by the FA in May after breaching betting rules, with his ban running until January.

The one-cap England international, like his Portuguese counterpart, does not shirk away from his defensive duties and ranks among the top 13% of positional peers for interceptions, the top 16% for clearances and the top 20% for aerials won per 90.

Heralded for his "quality" and intelligence by journalist Josh Bunting, Beto has demonstrated his worth as a steady goalscorer and, given the all-encompassing approach to his game and his natural ability to find the back of the net, he may well emulate Toney's impact and finally provide Everton with an exciting attacking outlet.

It's been a tumultuous, roller-coaster of a summer transfer window for Liverpool, who saw the imperative midfield rebuild hindered by Saudi Arabian interest in Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, who have both completed transfers away from Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp has provided the Merseyside outfit with two exciting creative signings in Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, while the signing of Wataru Endo for £16m could prove to be an astute piece of business after missing out on Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia to Chelsea.

There is still a sense that another face would be welcomed with outstretched arms by Klopp and co, and with a whirlwind of names circulating on the transfer front, Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips appears to be a possible candidate.

What's the latest on Kalvin Phillips to Liverpool?

That's according to talkSPORT, who have revealed that the 27-year-old midfielder is on the Reds' radar as Klopp looks to complete his transfer activity this month.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

Phillips signed for City from Leeds United for £45m last summer but has failed to break into the starting squad, and previous reports this year have touted him at £35m following earlier interest from Liverpool.

How good is Kalvin Phillips?

Liverpool supporters might be concerned over Phillips' injury record, with the England international having missed 18 matches last term after missing 16 the year prior, with Leeds, but he was an absolute "machine" – as claimed by reporter Jordan Campbell – when the Whites emphatically returned to the Premier League in 2020 and secured a ninth-placed finish.

There might also be worries that Citizen boss Pep Guardiola would not boost a direct rival like Liverpool, but fears may well be allayed when recalling the sales of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko to Arsenal last summer.

And while Phillips has been on the periphery at the Etihad Stadium, playing just 21 times and starting only four matches across all competitions, he was tremendous for Leeds in the 2020/21 season.

He recorded an exceptional average Sofascore rating of 7.21 that year as Leeds secured a ninth-placed finish upon their return to the top-flight, completing 85% of his passes across his 29 outings, also making 1.2 key passes, 2.6 tackles and 1.6 interceptions, furthering the awe around his performances by succeeding in 63% of his dribble attempts.

The "br £150k-per-week ace could emulate James Milner's move from the pastel blue side of Manchester and leap towards the brilliant red of Liverpool, with the 37-year-old enjoying a lucrative and lengthy stay at Anfield before joining Brighton & Hove Albion on a free transfer this summer.

Indeed, Milner made 332 appearances for Liverpool after joining in 2015, gleaning the whole gamut of silverware during Klopp's reign to date, after enjoying a successful spell with Manchester City, where he played 203 matches.

He's been hailed as a "revelation" by Reds legend Terry McDermott for his dynamic, unwavering energy and application for Liverpool, and Phillips could replicate such intensity with his 'machine-like' presence in the centre.

It could prove to be a stroke of genius from Klopp, and while there will be doubters from the Reds side, Phillips has demonstrated his prowess as one of England's finest midfielders when fit and firing, so this could be the fresh start he needs to recalibrate and rekindle his career.

As such, the Merseyside giants must consider a late move for Phillips, one that would see them repeat a successful old trick from the past.

Leeds United continued their underwhelming start to the season last night, as despite fielding a strong side for their match with Salford City, Daniel Farke's side were ruthlessly dumped out of the EFL Cup.

How did Leeds United play vs Salford City?

Despite maintaining their dominance throughout a clash that stretched on for 98 minutes, the Whites relentlessly pushed for two goals having fallen behind inside 35 minutes.

Although Pascal Struijk's neat close-range finish offered hope of a late comeback, they still could not find that winner, with a 1-1 draw ushering in a penalty shootout. This was made all the more frustrating given they had rained down 33 shots, created four big chances and hit the woodwork on three occasions, via Sofascore.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

Both sides showcased some stunning finishes from 12 yards, but in the end, misses from Georginio Rutter and Jamie Shackleton resigned them to defeat in just the second round of the cup.

For all their disappointment, failing to see out a win that they probably should have claimed, the latter of these two unfortunate gems still starred and will have given his manager a true headache as the Championship returns this weekend.

How did Jamie Shackleton play?

Having spent last season on loan at Millwall, the versatile 23-year-old dynamo boasts plenty of experience that suggests he can be a key figure for Farke this season.

He has already made three starts in the new term to suggest this will be the case, with his ability to feature in a number of roles key. Last night saw him start at right-back, but that could be a role he will struggle to maintain given the west Yorkshire outfit have just agreed on a deal to sign Djed Spence on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.

The former Middlesbrough flyer is a dynamic, all-action defender who has been starved of opportunities since his north London switch.

However, during his loan spell at Nottingham Forest during the 2021/22 campaign, his six goal contributions and one key pass per game (via Sofascore) suggest that Elland Road will be treated to a true attacking presence from right-back.

But, with Shackleton's performance against the Ammies, his place in the side will not be a certainty.

The academy graduate played the full game as part of their staunch backline, yet was creatively immaculate despite their inability to find the net.

The youngster enjoyed 98 touches of the ball and maintained a 94% pass accuracy, yet somehow also recorded four key passes and forged a sole big chance, via Sofascore.

It takes a true talent to remain economical in possession, yet still a consistent creative threat.

However, that's not to suggest that he abandoned his defensive duties though, making three tackles and winning seven of the eight duels he competed in at an 88% success rate, via Sofascore.

His excellence was outlined by journalist Beren Cross in his post-match ratings, who offered the following summation after handing the £1m-rated gem an admirable 7/10 rating:

"Got up and down well without ever causing too much of a fuss defensively. Brought a decent level of threat going forward and went past multiple Salford defenders on more than one occasion."

Although Spence is a fine acquisition for Leeds, he will have to perform to the best of his capabilities to push Shackleton out of a position where he shone last night despite the crushing defeat.