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Leeds ‘will be monitoring’ winger Alberth Elis ‘closely’, journalist Pete O’Rourke has told GiveMeSport. 

The lowdown

The 26-year-old spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Bordeaux in Ligue 1 from parent club Boavista, with the French outfit having exercised the option to sign him permanently for a fee of £5.4m.

However, his future at the club may be in doubt after Les Girondins were demoted to the third tier of the French pyramid ‘due to their financial situation’. Bordeaux had finished bottom of the top flight and had expected to be playing Ligue 2 football next term, but this has dramatically compounded their misery.

Elis played most of his football on the right flank last season but also featured as a centre-forward on seven occasions.

The latest

O’Rourke has said that Leeds will be waiting for an ‘opportunity’ to pounce and escalate their reported interest in Elis, who has 53 caps for Honduras.

The reporter told GiveMeSport: “I’m sure Leeds will be monitoring his situation closely, and if the opportunity does come, they will be able to offer him that opportunity to move to the Premier League.”

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The verdict

Should Leeds look to capitalise on Bordeaux’s woes and swoop for Elis?

His return of nine goals for a team which propped up the table is impressive in itself, and that’s even before you consider that he only played 1,415 minutes across 20 top-flight appearances. Doing the maths, he found the net every 157 minutes on average.

According to FBRef, Elis is similar in profile to West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen, offering a significant goal threat from out wide. Indeed, according to a translated tweet from journalist Zach Lowy, ‘The Little Panther’ (as he’s nicknamed) simply ‘does not stop scoring’.

With uncertainty continuing to abound over Raphinha’s future at Elland Road, and amid the chaos at Bordeaux, Leeds could do a lot worse than consider a swoop for the Honduran.

In other news, Leeds are also keeping tabs on this Premier League winger

Liverpool are among the clubs interested in signing Juventus defender Matthijs De Ligt, according to a report from Calciomercato. 

The lowdown: Rise to stardom

A product of the famed Ajax academy, he made a big-money move to Juventus in 2019 having flourished in the Dutch youth system and after 117 senior outings for the Eredivisie champions, and he has gone from strength to strength ever since.

Signed for an initial £67.8m (Sky Sports), the towering Dutchman has since made 117 appearances for the Serie A giants and played an integral role in the team which lifted the top-flight title in 2019/20.

Amidst protracted contract renewal discussions, it now appears as though potential suitors are positioning themselves to strike, with the Reds not willing to be left behind…

The latest: Liverpool linked with De Ligt

As per Calciomercato, Liverpool ‘should not be overlooked’ as the 22-year-old attempts to resolve his future, with Chelsea also attentive.

It’s claimed that the 37-cap Netherlands ace – who took the captain’s armband for the national team in the absence of Virgil van Dijk – wants to lower his release clause to €80m (£69m), whilst Juventus are looking to place a €140m (£120m) clause on the head of one of their most prized assets.

The report stated that the Anfield club are ‘considering the idea’ of pairing Van Dijk with the man hailed as ‘world class’ by journalist Jerry Mancini after a standout display against Austria at Euro 2020, during which the Juventus centre-back made three clearances, won three ground duels and completed each of his 40 passes in a 7.40 Sofascore rated performance.

The verdict: Worthwhile headache

Already boasting a well-stocked central defensive department containing Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez, adding De Ligt to the ranks would undoubtedly give Jurgen Klopp a huge selection dilemma.

However, opportunities to sign such prodigious talents don’t present themselves often, and the 6 foot 1 star would be a game-changing capture even with the existing strength in depth at Klopp’s disposal.

De Ligt scored three times in 42 appearances across all competitions last term, earning a 7.07 Sofascore rating whilst winning 4.6 duels and making 3.1 clearances per Serie A match – equalling Liverpool’s top performer and compatriot Van Dijk when it comes to clearances per game.

Possessing a wide range of impressive attributes, along with outstanding leadership qualities for a player still so young, De Ligt has the ability to thrive under Klopp’s methods and slot into the first team immediately as well as potentially being viewed as the long-term successor to Van Dijk.

Therefore, signing the powerful Dutch defender should be considered more than just a luxury for Julian Ward and FSG, particularly should the out-of-favour Gomez decide to seek more regular first-team football elsewhere this summer.

In other news… a Premier League club has reportedly made an approach for one of Liverpool’s defenders

Former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has been reacting to news on reported Newcastle United transfer target Hugo Ekitike.

The Lowdown: Ekitike injured

The 19-year-old was unfortunately forced off after just five minutes of the France under-20s’ match against their Mexico counterparts on Thursday evening.

As per Sky Sports, the St James’ Park club have held positive talks with the striker’s representatives over a potential move to Tyneside this summer.

The Latest: Kenny reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny has now given his reaction to the news, claiming that Ekitike’s latest injury will be ‘concerning’ for Newcastle.

The former top-flight goalkeeper said: “It’s not a good thing, this injury and he isn’t going to be their number one striker.

“Do you move on? He has a few injuries. If he was their number one target you would probably still do the deal.

“But he’s not, is he? He is going to be a player for the future. It depends on how much Newcastle want him to be honest.

“It has to be concerning though, that same injury popping up again. You have to take notice of that but if they really want him it won’t stop Newcastle.”

The Verdict: Worrying

Of course Ekitike’s latest injury is worrying news, as it could potentially jeopardise any potential deal to bring him to the Magpies.

He suffered a similar injury last season which kept him out for 10 matches for Reims, and there may be fears at St James’ Park that the 19-year-old is now starting to become injury-prone.

Nonetheless, if he is their number one striker priority, Eddie Howe and co should be looking to sign him anyway, regardless of this latest setback.

Thought to be the ‘next Mbappe’ by some in France, the teenager certainly seems to have a bright future ahead of him; and having broken onto the scene with 11 goals and four assists in French football last term (Transfermarkt), Newcastle will want to get their hands on him before anyone else does.

In other news, find out what Luke Edwards has now been ‘told’ about this Newcastle transfer target

Pod On The Tyne host Taylor Payne has been left buzzing as Sven Botman could now sign for Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Closing in

Writing in his latest piece for The Daily Telegraph, reliable journalist Luke Edwards has revealed that the St. James’ Park outfit are now ‘closing in’ on a deal to sign Botman.

Sources have indicated that they are close to a breakthrough for the central defender, after holding talks with Lille following their failed swoop in January.

The Latest: Payne buzzing

Taking to Twitter, Payne, who hosts The Athletic’s regular Magpies show, was left buzzing after hearing that the North East club are close to signing Botman:

“Massive signing if we can get this done. One of the best young defenders in Europe.”

The Verdict: Big coup

Signing Botman would certainly be a big coup for the Tynesiders, especially considering the fact that Serie A champions AC Milan are also in contention for his signature.

Of course, the Italian outfit can offer him UEFA Champions League football, so getting one over on them will feel huge for the Magpies in terms of their lure for top players.

Botman was Lille’s third-best performing player in Ligue 1 last season, and averaged more clearances and passes per game than any of his teammates (WhoScored), showing that he is equally as comfortable at playing out from the back as he is at getting stuck in to challenges.

Nonetheless, the six-foot-five colossus could end up forming a truly frightening partnership with the six-foot-six Dan Burn.

In other news, find out what Craig Hope is now ‘hearing’ from NUFC here!

Pundit Paul Robinson has made a transfer claim involving Aston Villa and soon to be free agent James Tarkowski, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: Free transfer shopping

Villa have already explored the free agent market by signing Boubacar Kamara from Marseille. The French midfielder will officially become a Villa player from July 1 and Steven Gerrard also has his eyes on a move for former Liverpool teammate Luis Suarez following his release from Atletico Madrid.

Tarkowski could be another to head to the Midlands for nothing, with Sky Sports claiming last month that Villa were in talks with the Burnley defender.

The Latest: Robinson’s comments

Robinson, who contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to FI regarding Tarkowski. He labelled the centre-back as a ‘very good player’, adding that ‘he’d be a good fit’ at a club like Aston Villa.

“Tarky is a very good player.

“He is not a top-four defender.

“You could put him in a Liverpool side alongside Virgil van Dijk but he would be best suited as a ball playing centre-half at a Newcastle, an Everton, an Aston Villa. There’s talk of Newcastle.

“He will be a great acquisition for somebody on a free.

“He has been clever running his contract down. It has worked out well for him. He will get the move that he wants.

“I think he’d be a good fit at Newcastle, Everton, Aston Villa or West Ham.”

The Verdict: Things can change…

Tarkowski has yet to pen terms with another side, although Gregg Evans has described a move to Villa Park as unlikely.

That could well change once again, though, so until the experienced centre-back secures his next move, a transfer to the Midlands shouldn’t be ruled out entirely.

Reports even suggested that Gerrard was desperate for the club to get a move over the line, believing there isn’t a better deal to be struck all summer, so it may well be one to watch closely.

In other news: Sky Sports man now drops ‘crazy’ Suarez to AVFC claim after what he’s heard from Villa Park. 

Leeds United have been dealt a setback in their pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Sun, who claim that Southampton are now leading the race to sign the Wolverhampton Wanderers attacking midfielder – who is also reported to be a target of Victor Orta – this summer.

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The report goes on to state that Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side are willing to offer a figure in the region of £20m in order to land the England U21 international, while it is claimed that Wolves could be tempted into a big-money sale of the forward – despite recent reports suggesting that Bruno Lage has offered Gibbs-White a new contract at Molineux.

Imagine him & Aaronson

With Victor Orta having already sealed the extremely exciting signing of Brenden Aaronson this summer, the prospect of the Spaniard pairing the USA international with Gibbs-White in Jesse Marsch’s midfield will certainly be a mouthwatering one for the Elland Road faithful.

Indeed, over his 37 Championship appearances on loan at Sheffield United this season, the £9.9m-rated forward undoubtedly proved he is ready for top-flight football next term, scoring 12 goals, registering ten assists and creating 16 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.5 shots, making 1.6 key passes and completing 1.4 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £1.5k-per-week talent who Pete Smith dubbed “dangerous” and Chris Basham claimed “glides past players” average a quite extraordinary WhoScore match rating of 7.14, not only ranking him as Paul Heckingbottom’s best performer in the league but also as the joint fifth-best player in the division as a whole.

As such, while it would appear as if Orta will face a tough battle in order to get a deal over the line for Gibbs-White this summer, the struggle would very much look to be worth it, as the 22-year-old would undoubtedly make an excellent addition to the former Red Bull Salzburg starlet in the Whites attack next season.

And, if he is available for a figure in the region of £20m, the England youth international would also represent something of a bargain, leading us to believe that Orta must do everything in his power to land the Wolves starlet in the coming months.

AND in other news: Jesse Marsch could unearth Rice 2.0 with 8-figure Leeds bid for “sensational” target

According to journalist David McDonnell of The Daily Mirror, an interesting Manchester City transfer update has come to light involving Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

The Lowdown: Guardiola eyes Fernandinho heir…

After a near-decade long stay in the Premier League, Sky Blues must wave goodbye to veteran and faithful club servant Fernandinho who has been a pivotal figure both on and off the field since signing from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013.

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The Brazilian has made a brilliant 382 appearances for City in all competitions, featuring over four Premier League title-winning campaigns and winning 13 trophies in total (Transfermarkt).

Fernandinho has put pen to paper on one-year contract extensions twice over the last two years, but as already confirmed, this 2021/2022 season will be his last in blue.

Pep Guardiola, as a result, is currently on the lookout for his replacement with links having emerged to the likes of Frenkie de Jong of Barcelona and even Man United outcast Paul Pogba.

The Latest: City join Phillips hunt…

Now, as per McDonnell of The Mirror, the Sky Blues are now in contention to sign Leeds star Phillips in their hunt for a new midfielder.

Etihad Stadium officials have even been sent to run the rule over Jesse Marsch’s star on numerous occasions with both Guardiola and sporting director Txiki Begiristain agreeing Phillips could be the ‘ideal’ signing for them.

The Verdict: Make the move?

Having been linked with West Ham star Declan Rice this summer, with that interest since dying down due to his enormous price tag, City could find a similar tough-tackling ace in Phillips for a much lesser fee.

The England international is apparently rated at around £50 million, a far more attainable bid than the £100m for Rice, with the 26-year-old also having what it takes to slot in Guardiola’s system.

According to WhoScored, Phillips has averaged more tackles per 90 (2.7) than any City player in the top flight this season – potentially backing how he could add more steel in a rotation with Rodri.

In other news: Man City ‘ready to pursue’ agreement for ‘sensational’ new target who ripped United to shreds, find out more here.

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be set to play his final game for the club this weekend, according to a report from Football Insider. 

The lowdown: Wanted man

The 25-year-old looks certain to be a sought after commodity in the upcoming transfer window amidst reported interest from West Ham and Newcastle United.

Despite scoring the goal that secured the Toffee’s top-flight status next season, the 2021/22 campaign has been a wholly forgettable one for Calvert-Lewin, having missed 16 games with a fractured toe prior to thigh issues that also kept the frontman sidelined for a prolonged spell.

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Now as the Blues prepare for their final Premier League outing of the term against Arsenal, the powerful centre-forward could be hoping to impress his next club…

The latest: Summer move inevitable

As per a Football Insider recruitment source, Calvert Lewin is believed to be ‘eager for a new challenge’ this summer.

It’s also claimed the 11-cap England man is ‘likely’ to leave Everton and it’s Arsenal and Newcastle who ‘lead the race’ as things stand.

Valued at £37.8million and under contract until 2025 (Transfermarkt), the Goodison Park hierarchy will no doubt hold out for hefty bids in order to sanction the departure of the man billed as a ‘complete striker’ by ex-Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti.

The verdict: Decision to be made

Following the high of Thursday night’s comeback victory, the reality of resolving the uncertain futures of Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison will soon be at the forefront of manager Frank Lampard and Director of Football Kevin Thelwell’s minds.

This season, the Englishman scored five times and provided one assist in 17 appearances across all competitions, way short of the 26 direct goal contributions from 2020/21.

However, since arriving on Merseyside, Lampard has looked to employ an ‘exciting’ three-pronged attack when possible with a central figurehead, a role Calvert-Lewin’s target man attributes would be ideally suited to occupying if the star is willing to work under the new manager beyond this injury-hit campaign.

Should Lampard and co. be unable to persuade the talismanic ace to stay, Everton must ensure they extract every possible penny from the deal in order to reinvest properly.

In other news, find out which ‘fantastic talent’ the Toffees could now sell this summer here!

Liverpool defender Joe Gomez could be set to depart Anfield this summer after struggling for game time since returning from a serious knee injury.

What’s the story?

Speaking to Football Insider, former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan suggested that a move out of Merseyside for the centre-back is “on the cards” with Aston Villa long term admirers of the 24-year-old.

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It was reported by the Mirror earlier this week that Villa boss Steven Gerrard is keen to bring the Englishman to the West Midlands in order to get his career back on track having failed to bring Gomez to Villa Park in January.

The defender has been limited to just 20 appearances across all competitions this term and now finds the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip and Ibrahima Konate ahead of him in the pecking order.

Liverpool must part ways with Gomez

Although Gomez has been an excellent servant for Liverpool, it seems incredibly unlikely that the 24-year-old will manage to climb up the pecking order and become a regular under Jurgen Klopp once again.

Prior to rupturing his patella tendon on international duty in November 2020, Gomez had been a regular in the Reds’ Premier League title-winning campaign in 2019/20, making 28 league appearances as well as another 15 across other competitions.

However, since returning to the fold, the Englishman has found himself further down the food chain and it appears as though his days at Anfield are now numbered.

The £85k-per-week defender has struggled to impress when handed a rare opportunity in the top-flight this season, losing possession on average once every 4.5 minutes, although game time has been limited.

However, based on his performances prior to his injury, Gomez would be an excellent addition for Villa with Gerrard reportedly keen to upgrade on his current first-choice centre-back pairing of Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa.

In the 2019/20 season, the defender won over half of his duels at 56% whilst also averaging an 88% passing accuracy and providing 1.4 interceptions, 0.8 tackles and 2.1 clearances.

To put that into perspective, Konsa, whose average match rating of 6.73/10 this season has been slightly lower than Mings’ 6.91, has provided a slightly better duel success rate of 64% but has a lower passing accuracy at 86% whilst averaging 0.5 interceptions, 0.9 tackles and 2.9 tackles.

Of course, it also has to be considered that playing in a title winning-team, Gomez’s Liverpool would’ve seen much more of the ball over the course of the season than Villa have this term and therefore the defender wouldn’t have been called upon as regularly to intervene.

Can’t get enough Liverpool football content? Watch Liverpool FC live streams and other videos at StreamFootball.tv.

There is proof that the defender would slot in nicely at Aston Villa if that was to be his next club and Liverpool should allow the 24-year-old to move on with game time set to be limited at Anfield. It’s ruthless given his injuries but he surely has no place in Klopp’s plans for the future.

AND in other news: 107 touches: Liverpool metronome who won 11 duels was Klopp’s unsung hero today

Manchester United look set to miss out on a potential transfer swoop for Ajax winger Antony.

What’s the word?

That is according to a fresh report from The Mirror which claimed that the Brazilian has uploaded a picture of him and his agent Emerson Santos in France to social media, which has fuelled transfer speculation around the 22-year-old.

As per the report, it is believed that Erik ten Hag – having just won the Eredivisie title with the Brazilian – is interested in bringing him to Old Trafford in what looks to be a huge rebuild project for the Red Devils.

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However, it is said that Thursday evening’s photo could hint at Antony playing his football elsewhere, with both him and his agent pictured in what is believed to be Nanterre, a suburb in Paris.

Back in March, it was said that Paris Saint-Germain were leading the race for his signature, so with the starlet pictured in the French capital, it looks as though he is set to engage in talks with the Ligue 1 champions.

Disaster for Ten Hag

The latest report comes as a big blow for United, who would have fancied their chances of signing the €35m-rated (£30m) player due to their new contact in Ten Hag.

The 52-year-old is also bound to be disappointed, having understood exactly what the “supremely skillful” Brazilian’s game is all about, as they recently achieved what was their second Eredivisie title together in Amsterdam.

Despite starting only 64% of Ajax’s matches this season due to two injuries which kept him out for around 10 games, Antony played a big part in helping Ajax to realise their ambitions of winning the Dutch league title once more.

His eight goals and four assists in 23 appearances have reiterated the quality which was on display throughout the season. Also, with the nine-cap Brazil star being a natural left footer, he could have offered United an option they have not had in years, an inverted winger who could operate in the half-space and punish teams with his directness, in the same way that Pep Guardiola utilises Riyad Mahrez for Manchester City.

Ten Hag may not be forced to look elsewhere for that option, if the social media image of Antony and his agent is anything to go by.

In other news: Man United now plot bid for £63m-rated “monster”, imagine him and Ten Hag