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Leeds United could be set to make a move to fill their managerial vacancy, with a key name having emerged…

What's the latest on Carlos Corberan to Leeds United?

That's according to Phil Hay, who, writing for The Athletic, offered an update on the 49ers' search for their new head coach.

Whilst Brendan Rodgers has since been ruled out of the running, with the Celtic job seemingly a far more preferable role, Carlos Corberan remains an option despite the Spaniard having signed a new contract at West Bromwich Albion in February.

Final interviews are planned with the man who has occupied a spot in the Elland Road dugout before, and the new owners will hope to have come to a conclusion as soon as possible.

Would Carlos Corberan fix Leeds United?

The one big issue that Jesse Marsch faced, alongside Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce who followed him, was at the back.

No matter how free-flowing their attack may have been, Marcelo Bielsa had seemingly irreparably shifted the mindset of the club in that defending was a second thought. Whilst this worked wonders during that first term back in the Premier League as they finished ninth, it quickly grew stagnant as injuries seeped in and a lack of top-flight quality became ever apparent.

The Argentine's dismissal became a foregone conclusion, and his American successor underwent similar issues without the attacking finesse or legendary status his predecessor commanded in west Yorkshire.

Across 37 games in charge, he would lose 16 and ship 60 goals. In the most recent campaign, of which he was sacked midway through, Leeds conceded a mammoth 78 times, the most in the entire division.

Meanwhile in the second tier, having taken over from a struggling Steve Bruce, Corberan caught the eye by propelling the Baggies from a relegation battle into the playoff picture, having shored up their defence and made them a true threat on the counter.

Having only overseen 33 games, the 40-year-old has conceded just 37 goals and has subsequently picked up a points-per-match average of 1.70 with his pleasing 4-2-3-1 system. To think that he has already proven himself in the Championship too, his appointment makes more and more sense.

This is without mentioning his work at Huddersfield Town, where against all the odds he nearly led the Terriers back to the top-flight, felled at the final playoff hurdle by Nottingham Forest.

It is no surprise to see Corberan so widely lauded, with former Leeds player Romario Vieira even claiming: "He's a great guy and so talented. When he told us how he wanted us to play, we thought he was crazy. Then it clicked and we were like, 'This guy's a genius.'"

With Marsch failing to make the defence solid enough for safety, perhaps appointing this experienced young coach could fix this key issue to allow them not just to escape the second division, but thrive in the Premier League too.

Everton are in the market for prolific attacking players this summer after struggling to score consistently in the Premier League this season and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Everton's interest in Moussa Dembele?

According to The Mirror [June 7th 2023 13:14 pm], the Toffees are one of the clubs interested in signing the out-of-contract Lyon striker Moussa Dembele this summer.

The report comes as Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano revealed that Dembele has parted ways with the Ligue One club:

"Official: Moussa Dembélé leaves OL as free agent, confirmed. He’s set for new chapter this summer as many clubs are keen on signing him."

Would Moussa Dembele be a good signing for Everton?

There is no doubt that bolstering the forward line will be the highest priority at Goodison Park this summer and breaking the cycle of signing a centre-forward who can't offer important goal contributions throughout the campaign will be massively important for Sean Dyche.

Nobody in the entire Premier League scored fewer goals (34) than the Toffees this season, with Neal Maupay, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Ellis Simms evidently failing to consistently perform when needed most, which ultimately led to a final-day relegation stand-off where they were spared relegation to the Championship by two points.

As a result, the signing of Dembele would be a great opportunity to add some experience to the forward line without running into further financial troubles during their efforts to improve the squad and would be a much better option than reported transfer target Wout Weghorst, who scored just twice in 31 games in all competitions while on loan at Manchester United.

Indeed, the 6-foot machine hasn't had his best season with three goals and one assist, but the 26-year-old has had limited game time over his 28 appearances in all competitions, averaging just 37 minutes per game.

Dembele has had a fantastic career so far playing at several clubs in Europe beyond his five-year spell in Ligue 1 – scoring 70 goals and registering 19 assists over 172 appearances – with stints at Fulham and Celtic where he earned high praise from former boss Brendan Rodgers following a clash with Sparta Prague in the Europa League:

"Moussa was everything with his power and pace. His opponent at centre-back was strong but Moussa is so powerful with ability, touch and work rate."

Not only is the Frenchman younger than the 30-year-old, Weghorst, but the £52k-per-week man is also far more impressive at using his stature to knock opponents off the ball and win the ball high to win possession in dangerous areas of the pitch – ranking in the top 24% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for aerial duels won, whilst the Man United loanee ranks in just the bottom 36% for that same metric.

With that being said, if Dembele can get back to his goal-scoring ways with consistent first-team football at Goodison Park it would be a major coup for Everton and could be the key component in competing more comfortably in the Premier League next season.

Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante would "love to stay" at Stamford Bridge beyond the summer transfer window but is about to receive a huge £86m salary offer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

When is Kante out of contract at Chelsea?

The Frenchman has been an incredible servant for the Blues, arriving back in 2016 and going on to make 269 appearances so far, as well as win the Champions League and Premier League once apiece.

Kante suffered a frustrating 2022/23 season for Chelsea, with injuries constantly curtailing his progress, ultimately limiting him to just six starts in the league and only seven appearances in the competition in total.

Worryingly, the 32-year-old's current contract expires at the end of this month, so the Blues are really running out of time to agree an extension with him. A move away has been mooted, but the hope is that an agreement is reached in the next few weeks.

Does a new deal for Kante look likely?

Taking to Twitter, Romano gave an update on Kante's situation, admitting that a new deal isn't close to being agreed, but that he wants to remain at the club:

"N’Golo Kante situation remains open as he’d love to stay at Chelsea but talks are not advancing to final stages after being close to full agreement in March.

"Understand Al Ittihad and Al Nassr are the two Saudi clubs who are ready to tempt Kante for new experience."

Romano later revealed however that Saudi emissaries have flown to London to offer the player a package worth "€100m (£86m) inclusive of the image rights & commercial deals".

Kante's future simply has to be sorted in a positive manner before the month reaches its conclusion, considering he still has so much to offer as a footballer. Granted, his injury issues have been problematic and he is now in his 30s, but he is a physical machine who can still cover ground at will, when fit. That is highlighted by an average of 2.3 tackles per game across his aforementioned seven Premier League appearances this season.

Kante has been hailed as "world-class" by former Chelsea teammate Cesc Fabregas in the recent past, so to suddenly lose him this month would be a massive blow, considering he still has some years left in him at the top level. He would have to accept that a long-term extension is not called for, of course, and the fact that he seems so desperate to stay is perhaps the only positive amidst the huge bid from the Saudi clubs.

The 53-cap France international can still be the perfect foil for younger midfielders like Enzo Fernandez next season, as well as hopefully some new signings, not necessarily starting every game but being managed carefully by Mauricio Pochettino.

David Moyes has enjoyed a tremendous campaign at West Ham this season, as a seventh-place finish in the Premier League and a run to the Europa League semi-finals gave the Hammers faithful some wonderful memories.

There is no doubt that Moyes wants similar success next season, and with new challenges on the horizon, a major one is quickly zooming into focus, navigating the summer transfer window.

There are areas of the squadwhich  urgently need improvement, and whilst the West Ham attacking options on the surface appear good, with Jarrod Bowen (18 goals in 2021/22), Said Benrahma (11) and Michail Antonio (13) all contributing heavily, the latter remains the club’s only senior striker.

Their striking woes might soon be solved, though, following an update from a target with whom Moyes has been linked recently. According to French outlet Foot Mercato, West Ham are looking to bring in Clermont striker Mohamed Bayo to London this summer in a deal worth a potential €10m (£8.4m).

The striker has now spoken about his future with Footballogue, saying: “I had a season in National, I scored, I did a season in Ligue 2, it went well.

“We have stayed in Ligue 1 this season. The logical next step is to move towards a new challenge.

“I don’t want to run for the money, I want a project where in the game I feel important.”

This news will be encouraging for Moyes, and he could well be in pole position to bring in the Clermet marksman.

West Ham urgently need another centre-forward in order to take the burden off of Antonio, and a prospective £8.4m deal for the 23-year-old would represent excellent value for money.

This season, Bayo scored 14 times and grabbed five assists in 32 Ligue 1 matches, an impressive tally. He is still raw, but his incredible speed and physical prowess ought to stand him in good stead in the Premier League.

Moyes should act quickly, as otherwise he could face an intense battle for the Guinean’s signature.

AND in other news, West Ham eyeing deal for “exceptional” £35k-p/w monster, he’s the perfect Noble heir

Journalist Ryan Taylor believes Aston Villa will sign Rangers star Calvin Bassey this summer because he’s ‘highly rated’ by Villa chiefs, GiveMeSport report.

The Lowdown: Closing in?

Bassey, who Owen Hargreaves labelled as ‘astonishing’ for his display in the Europa League final, appears to be next on Villa’s transfer radar.

NSWE have already signed Philippe Coutinho and Boubacar Kamara on permanent deals while also reaching an agreement with Sevilla for centre-back Diego Carlos.

Reports over recent days have suggested that Villa chiefs are now closing in on a move for Bassey, and Taylor has had his say on a possible transfer after Sky Sports called the youngster a ‘key’ target for Gerrard.

The Latest: Villa love Bassey, ‘deal will happen’

Talking to GMS, Taylor said that Bassey is extremely well thought of by those at Villa Park and believes a ‘deal will happen’.

Taylor did add that Carlos’ arrival could possibly change things, however, he described a move for Bassey as a ‘no-brainer’.

“Bassey is clearly highly rated by Villa. I think that deal will happen; I can see it happening. Obviously, [Diego] Carlos coming in might change the picture, but it’s clear Villa rate him highly, and for me, it’s just a no-brainer.

“The way he played in the Europa League, he looks like a player that’s just naturally ready to step up and perform.”

The Verdict: Smart…

Bassey appears to be ready for the next step in his career after starring on the European stage and is entering the final two years of his Ibrox contract. Rangers could see this summer as the right time to maximise the defender’s value, should he wish to leave.

You’d expect that agreeing on a fee with the Scottish giants could be the only potential obstacle. Villa already know Bassey’s agency well as they represent Jacob Ramsey, who recently penned a new Villa contract, so it wouldn’t come as a shock if the Nigerian was the club’s fourth major signing.

In other news: Villa may now move for another Rangers star after Bassey; Gerrard loves him – transfer insider. 

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United and their pursuit of Sven Botman heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to the Daily Mail, the Magpies remain keen on a deal for the centre-back ahead of the 2022/23 campaign after failing to land him in January.

The report claims that Italian giants AC Milan, who recently lifted the Serie A title, are also keen on the defender, and it remains to be seen who will win the race for his signature.

It is stated that the Dutch defender is keen on a switch to the Premier League and that may be a factor in his decision, with Tottenham and Manchester United also keeping tabs on his situation.

Supporters would love it

Newcastle supporters would surely love to see the club securing a deal for Botman, and Eddie Howe can get St James’ Park rocking by bringing the 22-year-old to Tyneside this summer.

Botman’s agent Francesco Miniero previously dubbed him a “golden boy”, and it is easy to see why when you look into his statistics for Lille in France.

In Ligue 1, he averaged SofaScore ratings of 7.08 and 7.10 in his first two seasons respectively. The team kept 28 clean sheets in that time as he delivered consistently excellent displays on the pitch, as shown by his average ratings over the course of two years.

He has managed this at the young age of 22, showing maturity ahead of his years. This suggests that he has a bright future ahead of him, as he has already proven his immense quality at a high level in the early parts of his career.

It has been reported in Italy this year that Milan are closing in on an agreement with Lille for €33m (£28m), so Newcastle must work hard to convince him that a move to Tyneside is the right step for him to take in his career.

His statistics suggest that he has the quality, consistency and potential to be a superb prospective signing for the Magpies, and that is why his arrival would leave St James’ Park rocking with excitement.

The supporters would also love it as it would mean snubbing the Italian champions and a team who’ll in the Champions League next season in order to join Howe, without any European football, at Newcastle. This would be a huge statement of intent from the Magpies, given what they are competing against, and would show the fans that the club now has a huge pull in the market.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Bruno: NUFC can form a deadly duo by signing “outstanding” £34m “rock”…

Tottenham Hotspur, and by extension Fabio Paratici, could be ‘in the mix’ to sign a £51 million star for Antonio Conte this summer, hints Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites officials spotted…

According to a report from 90min, Lilywhites officials were recently sent on a mission as they were tasked with running the rule over certain transfer targets.

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Spurs scouts were allegedly in attendance for both of Villarreal’s clashes with Liverpool in the Champions League semi-finals recently as the Premier League top four chasers eye both defender Pau Torres and winger Arnaut Danjuma.

The latter man has been in fine form under Unai Emery in Spain since joining from Bournemouth last summer as transfer chief Paratici is now linked with a potential swoop.

The Latest: Bridge drops Tottenham hint…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, reporter Bridge of Sky Sports now hints Spurs, and by extension Paratici, could be ‘in the mix’ for Danjuma if he becomes available – despite not hearing anything ‘concrete’ concerning them yet.

He explained:

“I do think he would be [an upgrade on Bergwijn]. He’s a real talent and another level to Bergwijn.

“But I don’t think there’s anything concrete on Tottenham, I’ve not heard anything, but would they be in the mix if he became available? Maybe.”

The Verdict: Hopefully…

Depending on developments, Spurs joining the race for Danjuma comes as an exciting proposition.

Villarreal have apparently slapped a €60 million (£51m) price tag on his head given the ex-Championship forward’s sensational form this season, a valuation which could arguably be worth it.

Branded ‘near enough unplayable’ earlier this season by pundit Owen Hargreaves, Danjuma has racked up the most goals and assists combined under Emery domestically whilst also attempting the most shots at goal per 90 (WhoScored).

His signing would be a major upgrade for Conte in the forward positions and supporters could be hoping their side do indeed enter the mix.

In other news: Conte green-lights Spurs move as he now gives ‘unbelievable signing’ absolute priority, find out more here.

Wolves are the front-runners to sign Sporting CP midfielder Joao Palhinha in the summer transfer window, according to a new report that has emerged this week.

The Lowdown: A Champions League beast

Bruno Lage will be looking to sign a number of new faces at the end of the season, with his side’s Premier League campaign fizzling out a little, perhaps due to a lack of squad depth.

One player who has been continually linked with a move to Molineux is Palhinha, who has matured into one of Sporting’s most reliable and tenacious players in recent years.

The 26-year-old started all six of his side’s Champions League group stage matches this season, averaging an monstrous 3.7 tackles per game in the competition.

To put those incredible numbers into perspective, no Wolves player with three or more appearances is averaging more than 2.7 tackles per game in the Premier League.

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The Latest: Wolves in pole position

It looks as though Wolves’ interest in Palhinha hasn’t gone away, with A Bola [via Sport Witness] claiming that they are the ‘main favourite’ to acquire his signature this summer.

It is stated that ‘everything indicates’ that he will leave Sporting and that a move to the Premier League is on the cards. Jorge Mendes is tipped to work his magic and bring him to Wanderers instead of Tottenham.

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The Verdict: No.1 Neves replacement?

With Ruben Neves looking increasingly likely to leave Wolves in the summer, it is imperative that Lage brings in a like-for-like replacement – someone who can enjoy a similar level of influence on proceedings in the middle of the park.

Palhinha certainly looks the most likely option, in that respect, possessing his compatriot’s deep-lying ability in midfield, proving to be strong both on and off the ball.

His aforementioned tackling statistics highlight one part of his game but he has also scored three goals and enjoyed an 87.8% pass completion rate in the Primeira Liga this season, showing that he is an all-round package.

In other news, journalist Tim Spiers has dropped a key Wolves exit claim. Read more here.

Everton will travel down south this evening to take on Watford and despite the boost that Watford are already relegated from the Premier League, there has been a huge blow to Frank Lampard’s relegation battle.

What’s the latest?

The Toffees boss took to his pre-match press conference to confirm that Yerry Mina will not be available for selection following a small calf injury and will likely not feature until the last game of the season.

When asked about Mina’s availability Lampard told the press (via Liverpool Echo):

“Yerry’s not, he’s got a small injury in his calf so he won’t be playing in this game.

“We’re probably looking towards the last game Yerry could be in contention for.”

Lampard will be gutted

This will surely be hugely frustrating for the team and Lampard will likely be gutted to lose one of his best centre-backs ahead of the final hurdle of their relegation battle considering they have begun to pick up some momentum and crucial points in the Premier League since Mina’s return.

Everton have picked up seven points in the last three games that the defender has been involved in over their last five games, winning two and drawing one, so his return to the team and involvement has clearly had a hugely positive impact, something Lampard will now have to work without.

In fact, the Colombian has been involved in eight of Everton’s ten wins this season further proving that having him in the team makes a massive difference to the side’s ability to take points from their opponents.

On top of this blow to the backline, the former Chelsea boss is also without Ben Godfrey who is working to recover and get his fitness back on track ahead of the end of the season following a thigh injury, so Lampard will need to lean on Michael Keane and Mason Holgate for the foreseeable.

With that being said, there are now only four games to go for the Toffees and four opportunities for the side to pick up as many points as they can ahead of the end of the season to seal their fate and potentially survive in the Premier League.

AND in other news: Everton now plot bid for “red-hot” £17m sensation, just imagine him and Doucoure

Glasgow Rangers reportedly now face a ‘big fight’ to keep Ryan Kent this summer.

The Lowdown: Europa League hero

Kent was just one of many Europa League heroes for the Teddy Bears as they overcame RB Leipzig 3-1 at Ibrox on Thursday night to book themselves in the final against Frankfurt.

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The winger grabbed the assist for the opening goal of the game by James Tavernier, and also recorded a team-high two key passes, while he won three of his duels, made two tackles and one interception (SofaScore).

The Latest: ‘Big fight’

Taking to Twitter, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has revealed that Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team now face a ‘big fight’ to keep hold of Kent in the summer, as he is ‘attracting interest’ from a number of clubs in the Premier League.

Expanding in his latest piece for 90min, Bailey added that the Light Blues have accepted that they will not be able to match teams in the top flight in terms of contract offers, given that he only has a year left on his current deal.

Bailey’s sources have confirmed that the uncertainty over his contract is now attracting interest, with Leeds United, Everton, Wolves and Fulham named as possible destinations.

The Verdict: Worrying

It is certainly worrying for the supporters to hear of uncertainty over Kent’s long-term future, as they will no doubt find it difficult to pull him away from the attraction of the Premier League.

He has been one of their best performers in both the Europa League and the Scottish Premiership, and at 25 years of age, has not yet reached his full potential.

Nonetheless, if the Gers do decide to sell him, then they need to make sure that they get a sizeable fee in order to help find a suitable replacement.

In other news, find out which ‘absolute legend’ Andrew Dickson hailed against Leipzig here!