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Leeds United could shock a few people this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones…

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT this week, the Eurosport journalist delivered an intriguing claim about Victor Orta and co’s potential plans to bolster Jesse Marsch’s playing squad.

He said:

“We’ll discover how ambitious Leeds will be.

“I think they’ll put in a few offers that are unexpected, just to test the water, but then I also think that we’ll see Jesse Marsch leaning on players that he’s either worked with in the past or knows a lot about from his career so far so that he can build a team that is adept to play his style of play.”

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Exciting claims

Indeed, these claims are surely going to leave the American head coach absolutely delighted as the club have already secured two familiar names in Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen, both joining from RB. Salzburg for a combined £35m.

The Yorkshire giants could make it a hat-trick by signing another player with ties to the Austrian champions as Liverpool backup Takumi Minamino has been linked with a switch to Elland Road, whilst Bayern Munich outcast Marc Roca is another name heavily mooted.

Both Aaronson and Kristensen add quality to two much-needed positions – attacking midfield, where Leeds had failed to sign a new option for four years and right-back, where an upgrade was due.

Minamino would add a new dimension to Marsch’s attack, something that could be needed if Raphinha does depart the club. The Japan international bagged nine goals in 22 appearances under the American at Salzburg.

Roca would be another piece for the engine room and could be a solid option alongside Kalvin Phillips, who too has been linked with an exit.

Given the fact that the Whites only narrowly avoided relegation to the Championship on the final day of the season, Marsch will surely be buoyed by the club backing him in the transfer window to ensure that it won’t happen again.

It could be an exciting time to be a Leeds fan if Jones’ claims turn out to be true.

AND in other news, Orta given green light to seal “special” £18m Leeds swoop, he’s Marsch’s dream signing…

A huge update has emerged regarding Glasgow Rangers striker Rory Wilson and his future at Ibrox heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

The Scotsman reporter Barry Anderson has claimed that Rangers will only receive £300k for the forward as a move south of the border begins to pick up pace.

He tweeted: “Rory Wilson from Rangers to Aston Villa is progressing. Wilson (16) scored 49 goals at youth level this season for Rangers & Scotland. RFC due a £300,000 development fee. Villa also close to signing Ewan Simpson (15) from Hearts in a £250,000 transfer.”

Supporters will be gutted

Rangers supporters will surely be left gutted by this news, as losing the 16-year-old talent is a big blow to the club’s future.

Wilson’s astounding tally of 49 goals for club and country in the 2021/22 campaign suggests that he has the potential to make it to the Premiership giants’ first-team in the future.

He has showcased immense quality at youth level and Villa now working on a deal to sign him shows that they believe in his scope to develop into a Premier League player. Steven Gerrard will have been aware of the teenager from his time at Ibrox and was clearly impressed by what he saw from the youngster, as the 42-year-old now wants him at Villa Park.

Scotland coach Brian McLaughlin previously heaped praise on Wilson, with the nation’s under-17 boss saying: “Rory is another who can play again in the next campaign. We have been brave enough to go really young at this age group. So Rory is leading the line as a 2006 against big powerful 2005s.

“He is a clever player, his touch is good, his attitude is superb and his finishing.. for a young boy to be able to finish the way he can finish, just clinical and calm in front of goals. He knows he is always going to get a chance because his movement gives him that.”

These comments further illustrate the teenager’s potential and show why losing him will be a big blow for Gio van Bronckhorst, as the Rangers boss will not be able to bring the youngster through to the first-team in the coming years.

Supporters may now have to watch Wilson make the breakthrough at senior level whilst playing for Villa in England, just like they had to do when Billy Gilmour made his debut for Chelsea. They will be gutted with this development and the fact that the club will only reap £300k (£1.2m less than they got for Cedric Itten), so they will not be able to reinvest much back into the team.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Lundstram: Wilson must land Rangers deal for “fabulous” £28k-p/w maestro…

West Ham United are believed to be closing on the permanent signing of Alphonse Areola, following the goalkeeper’s successful loan stint at the club.

What’s the word?

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Hammers are edging ever closer towards extending the Frenchman’s stay at the London Stadium, with the Premier League side set to activate the buy option included in his temporary switch from Paris Saint-Germain.

Writing on Twitter about the 29-year-old’s situation, the respected insider revealed that a deal is in the works: “West Ham are prepared to pay €9m fee for Alphonse Areola. Buy option clause is expected to be triggered as West Ham are planning with Areola as goalkeeper.  New direct contact with his agents will take place this week.”

There had been suggestions that the World Cup winner – who made the move to east London on loan last summer – could prove too expensive to re-sign due to his wage demands, although it appears an agreement may well be able to reach.

Supporters will love it

It may seem bizarre that supporters would get excited over the signing of a player that made just one league appearance during the 2021/22 campaign, although it is hard to argue with his undeniable quality in between the sticks – something he more than proved in the club’s run to the Europa League semi-finals.

The one-time Fulham loanee featured in 11 of the Irons’ 12 games in the competition – only missing the group stage opener against Dinamo Zagreb – playing a crucial role in helping to continue the remarkable European adventure under David Moyes.

He conceded just eight goals in that continental voyage – a rate of just 0.7 goals per game – keeping five clean sheets and averaging an impressive 2.8 saves per 90, with only six members of the West Ham squad having enjoyed a better average match rating than his 7.08.

Such form had seemingly warranted increased involvement domestically, although that chance will likely – and deservedly – come should his permanent deal be confirmed, particularly with current number one Lukasz Fabianski having only recently turned 37, heightening the need for a longer-term replacement.

Pundit Alan Hutton has suggested that the three-cap international can battle his veteran teammate for a starting berth next term, with supporters inclined to agree, particularly if the experienced Pole endures a tricky run of form in the early stages of the campaign, or suffers injury.

Even if the former Arsenal man retains his place as the first-choice stopper, it is vital to have an able understudy such as Areola in reserve, while the 6 foot 5 colossus is also likely to enjoy another extended run out in next season’s Europa Conference League.

Whether supporters think he should start or be a strong back up, it will simply be good news all around if the deal can be struck.

IN other news, “Another target…”: Ex drops big WHU summer transfer claim that supporters will love

According to the BBC, there has been a significant West Ham United transfer update involving long-time transfer target Jesse Lingard.

The Lowdown: Moyes attempts permanent move…

Ever since the Manchester United ace thrived during a loan spell at the London Stadium in the first f ew months of 2021, Irons manager David Moyes has been attempting to re-sign the player on a permanent deal.

The Englishman has been at the centre of West Ham transfer attempts both in January and last summer, but those failed to result in Lingard signing for the Hammers indefinitely.

However, as the 29-year-old’s contract at Old Trafford nears its end, Moyes and GSB have the opportunity to finally seal his capture for zero transfer cost on a Premier League Bosman deal.

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The Latest: BBC share Lingard update…

According to Simon Stone for the BBC, the West Ham manager is indeed back in for Lingard once more, with the east Londoners already making a pre-summer move in the form of an enquiry.

Stone added that Moyes has a personal long-standing interest in his former attacker, who is set to leave Manchester as a free agent next month.

The Verdict: Seal a move…

Signing Lingard for no transfer fee really is a no-brainer for Moyes and West Ham, who will be looking to build upon their remarkable rise over the last two seasons.

Having already excelled under Moyes, all while knowing the club from his first temporary spell, the Red Devils outcast could find a real home at Rush Green, and we believe that Lingard should give first priority to an Irons reunion.

Pundits like Paul Robinson, who was speaking to Football Insider on the possible transfer, have claimed that Lingard would be a ‘massive signing’ for West Ham, and we’re inclined to agree, especially considering that he can now join for free at the end of June.

In other news: Club chief flies to London as West Ham now eye ‘incredible’ £30m striker…find out more here

Aston Villa are back in action for the final time this season as they travel to Manchester City in what could be a dramatic end to the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.

Villa’s previous outing on Thursday night saw them draw 1-1 against relegation-battling Burnley.

Having given away the penalty which put the visitors ahead, Emi Buendia then made up for his error by scoring the equaliser for Steven Gerrard’s side in their final game at Villa Park this season.

Now that the Villans have a rather tough challenge ahead of them this weekend to try and get a result against a City team aiming to secure their fourth league title in five years, the Midlands club will need to be at their best to have any chance of getting all three points.

On the chalkboard

One figure in Gerrard’s squad who didn’t start against Burnley but we feel should be in the team to take on Pep Guardiola’s side is Philippe Coutinho.

Since arriving in the Midlands from Barcelona in January, initially on loan before recently making the transfer permanent, the Brazilian has been a big attacking threat for the Villans.

With 18 Premier League appearances under his belt for Villa, the 29-year-old has scored four goals and provided three assists.

To further highlight how much of an attacking nuisance the former Liverpool star has been for opponents, he has the highest average for shots per league game (2.3) of anyone in Villa’s squad.

In addition, only Ollie Watkins (31) and Danny Ings (16) have racked up more shots on target for Gerrard’s team in the Premier League than the Brazil international.

Taking this into account, it’s safe to say that Coutinho – who has been dubbed “world-class” by his manager – has the ability to cause City and their defence a lot of problems on Sunday.

Having scored five goals in seven previous appearances against the Manchester club, the 29-year-old also has the chance to cause them nightmares once again and potentially stop them from lifting the Premier League title.

In terms of who could drop out of the team to make way for Coutinho this afternoon, Carney Chukwuemeka failed to make an impact against Burnley the other night, so he seems likely to be the one to make way for the much more experienced and deadly Brazilian.

In other news – “Villa would…”: Gregg Evans drops huge transfer claim, supporters will be buzzing

Aston Villa are set to add to their squad this summer, with Steven Gerrard looking as though he will get an opportunity to make his mark at Villa Park.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Birmingham Mail which claim that the 41-year-old has dropped his biggest transfer hint yet.

As per the report, it looks as though Gerrard is set to sign multiple players, and it could involve a free agent or two in the mix.

The Villa boss is also keen to get his business done as early as possible, saying: “I want them in yesterday. The quicker you get them in, the quicker you can get them settled. In an ideal world you want all your business done for when you come back for the first day of pre-season but that is unrealistic because people go away and do different things.”

The report mentions the likes of Luis Suarez, James Tarkowski, Divock Origi, Jesse Lingard, Conor Goldson, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah as free agents that Gerrard could bring in.

Gerrard means business

If his latest comments are anything to go by, Gerrard means business this summer. His reputation as both a player and a manager can be put to good use, with Villa now able to be resourceful in their business.

All of the aforementioned players could leave a positive impact for Gerrard, with the likes of Suarez surely making the mouths of the Villa faithful water amidst the prospect of another link-up with recent permanent signing Coutinho after their mutual stints at both Liverpool and Barcelona.

The 41-year-old’s ideology of getting players in as quickly as possible is yet another positive that fans can take from his approach as a manager, with him looking to bed players in as early as possible to have them ready for the start of the new season.

Whilst it has been a tough start to his managerial career in the Premier League, he clearly has a plan and he should get the opportunity this summer to bolster a squad who will be looking to challenge for the European spots in what will be Gerrard’s first full season in charge of Villa.

In other news: “Gerrard wants“: John Percy drops big Villa transfer claim, supporters will be buzzing

Leeds United winger Raphinha has now agreed on personal terms with Barcelona ahead of a summer move, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Final home appearance?

The Whites travel to Brentford on Sunday for the final game of the season, with relegation back to the Championship still a major possibility for Jesse Marsch’s side.

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Leeds managed to take a point in their last home game of the campaign against Brighton which took them out of the bottom three for the time being, with Burnley set to travel to Aston Villa on Thursday night.

Raphinha played the entirety against the Seagulls and came back out to an empty Elland Road following the final whistle, sitting on the turf, with some believing that was his final home appearance for the club.

The Latest: Terms agreed

Goal Brazil provided an update regarding Raphinha and Barcelona on Tuesday. They claimed that the winger has now agreed on personal terms ahead of a move to the Nou Camp which will see his current salary doubled through to 2027.

The Catalan giants will be able to sign the 25-year-old for €25m if Leeds are relegated and are yet to put an official offer on the table, as reports have recently suggested.

The Verdict: Sunday huge

Raphinha has made it clear to Leeds chiefs that he wants to depart this summer, so a transfer to the Nou Camp seems to be a matter of when and not if, following Laurens De Bock as the second man out of the door after the left-back signed a one-year deal with Zulte Waregem.

However, if the Whites manage to remain in the Premier League, they’d hold the cards when it comes to a deal. You’d expect that the attacker would go for much more than €25m if Leeds avoid the drop, another reason why Sunday’s trip to Brentford is absolutely huge both in the short and long term.

In other news: Radz and Orta have had enough of Leeds ‘liability’; now set to be released from Elland Road. 

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen ahead of the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Calcio Mercato reporter Daniele Longo has revealed that the Magpies are set to swoop for the Nigerian centre-forward.

He Tweeted: “Il #Newcastle pronto a fare una offerta al Napoli per Osimhen.”

This roughly translates to “The Newcastle ready to make an offer to Napoli for Osimhen.”

It has been reported that the Italian club will be looking for a fee in the region of €100m (£85m) but it remains to be seen how much the Toon are willing to offer.

Eddie Howe would love him

The Magpies head coach would love the attacker at Newcastle next season as he has proven his quality throughout the season with Napoli and has the potential to get better.

In the Serie A this season, he has scored 13 goals in 22 starts for the Italian side and averaged a sublime SofaScore rating of 7.18. He has been a consistent performer, and goalscorer, in the division as he has been able to deliver the goods on a regular basis, earning plenty of plaudits along the way.

Former Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo previously showered his international teammate with praise, saying:

“He’s the future, he’s going to do so well in football. I love him, he’s down to earth, he’s hard-working, he has a future and he has the mentality of a winner, that’s what I love about him.

“He has that lion’s heart. I love him, I just want him to keep working hard the way he’s doing, he’s going to break so many records in Europe and Nigeria.”

He was also dubbed a “thoroughbred bomber” by Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti and these comments from his manager and teammate highlight how impressive he has been.

Meanwhile, Callum Wilson is Newcastle’s top scorer in the Premier League with six strikes this term and this illustrates how badly Howe needs a consistent goalscorer to bolster his squad. He would, therefore, love Osimhen as the forward is exactly what he is missing, as proven by his excellent form so far for the Serie A giants this season.

At the age of 23, the Nigerian also has time on his side to continue his development. He can hone his finishing skills and improve his consistency, with the ex-Bournemouth boss potentially getting the chance to play a part in helping him fulfil his potential.

AND in other news, Howe plotting NUFC swoop for £9m-rated “goal machine”, he’s a huge upgrade on Wood…

Pep Guardiola has delivered some early Manchester City team news involving Kyle Walker ahead of their upcoming Champions League semi-final clash against Real Madrid on Wednesday night.

The Lowdown: Injury concerns

The 31-year-old has been out of action for almost a month after sustaining a serious ankle injury in the quarter-finals against Atletico Madrid, and the City manager had even admitted that he was unsure whether his right-back would play again this season.

However, in a surprising update, the 52-year-old shared some positive news and confirmed that Walker has stepped up his rehabilitation; and as a result of the progress made, the right-back could have an outside chance of coming into contention for the game at the Bernabeu.

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The Latest: Walker being monitored

Speaking during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Guardiola revealed that the 65-cap England international would be carefully monitored between now and kick-off.

He told the media: “Kyle trained today and he will travel. Tomorrow we will decide – he is three weeks without training but we are happy he is back. We will decide tomorrow.

“We will see with Kyle tomorrow how he is after treatment tonight and tomorrow. Then we will decide.”

The Verdict: A pivotal player

Whether or not Walker is named in the starting XI against Carlo Ancelotti’s outfit on Wednesday, knowing that he is nearing a return to action will come as a huge boost for Man City.

The £22.5m-rated star has been a regular starter under Guardiola this term and is a pivotal player in this City side, having made 30 appearances in all competitions, providing two assists in that time and averaging a pass success rate of 88.9%, as per WhoScored.

Once hailed as “one of the best” by ex-Watford striker Troy Deeney, the sooner that Walker is available for selection again the better, particularly with City having been short on defensive options in recent matches.

In other news… a Sky Sports pundit has claimed that there is ‘no way’ this Man City star will sign a new deal this summer

Rangers duo Ross Wilson and Gio van Bronckhorst are set for a busy few months of work as they look to shape their squad heading into next season.

The Ibrox giants will be buying and selling players as the Dutch head coach will get his first summer transfer window in charge of the club. It is his first real chance to bend the team to his will as he has more than just one month – as he had in January – to bring in his own gems to improve the side.

Van Bronckhorst bringing in his own recruits will mean that other players will need to be let go and this means that we could see a number of departures from the club in the coming months.

One of the players who could be on their way out of the Glasgow giants this summer is central midfielder Glen Kamara.

FFC recently published an article explaining why this summer may be the perfect time for the club to cash in on the Finland international. Wilson can sell him before his value plummets if he continues to decline next season, after his recent poor form for the Gers – with journalist Andrew Dickson recently dubbing his play against Motherwell as a “shambles”.

However, selling Kamara will leave a vacant spot in the squad for a defensive midfielder, which the club should look to fill before they move the ex-Arsenal man on.

Rangers are reportedly interested in a deal to sign RB Leipzig brute Eric Martel and van Bronckhorst must now secure a deal to sign the German youth international in order to axe his Finnish conundrum in the middle of the park.

This season, he has averaged a score of 7.01 on loan at Austria Wien as he has shown that he can perform consistently at senior level, despite only turning 20 last month. He has made a whopping 5.1 tackles and interceptions per game and won 56% of his individual duels and can bring a steeliness to the Rangers midfield next term.

The £1.8m-rated gem has “huge potential” – according to journalist Pete O’Rourke – and this means that the Gers would be signing a player with the scope to improve as well as someone whose statistics this season suggest he can be an asset to the side in the immediate future.

This is why he must be brought in to Ibrox this summer as he can be a fantastic signing for van Bronckhorst, given his potential and current ability as a defensive midfielder, and come in to allow Kamara to be sold.

AND in other news, Wilson must reignite Rangers swoop for “impressive” 28 G/A flier, GvB needs him…