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Leeds United have reportedly held ‘conversations’ over a move for Red Bull Salzburg striker Junior Adamu.

The Lowdown: Leeds interested in Adamu

The Whites have already raided the Austrian giants twice this summer by signing Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen. Leeds may not stop there though, with Sky Sport Austria recently claiming that Adamu is of interest to Jesse Marsch’s side.

Described as ‘ice cold’ and ‘special’ by UEFA-licensed coach Cherno Samba, Adamu has contributed to 14 goals in 44 games for Salzburg, and it looks as if a move to Yorkshire could be on the cards for the 21-year-old.

The Latest: Adamu transfer update

LUFCFANZONE provided an update regarding Leeds’ pursuit for a striker on Friday evening, which they shared on Instagram.

They spoke to a source close to Adamu, who confirmed that there have been ‘conversations’ over a possible move to Elland Road. The source added that ‘nothing is concrete yet – but he is definitely on Leeds’ shortlist’.

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The Verdict: Exciting

Victor Orta, Andrea Radrizzani and Marsch aren’t hanging around when it comes to bolstering Leeds’ squad this summer, with a third signing from Salzburg now on the cards.

Adamu looks like an exciting target, as he is still just 21 years of age and has an excellent record for Austria under-21s, scoring 11 goals in 13 games, so he could fit in perfectly at Elland Road alongside Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt.

LUFCFANZONE have mooted a £12m figure over a potential transfer, so Adamu could be the next exciting forward to leave Salzburg for the Premier League, following in the footsteps of Sadio Mane and Patson Daka.

In other news: ‘In the last few minutes’ – Sky Sports drop live TV news; Leeds now free to secure third summer signing

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on the future of Tottenham Hotspur winger Steven Bergwijn.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that, with the 24-year-old having been heavily linked with a move away from north London this summer, Fabio Paratici will be demanding a figure in the region of €30m (£26m) in order for him to sanction the sale of the Netherlands international.

The transfer insider went on to state that Ajax are currently working on a deal with Tottenham but are yet to come to an agreement, while a number of other clubs are also believed to be keeping a very close eye on the situation of the winger ahead of a potential move of their own in the coming weeks.

In his tweet, Romano said: “Tottenham want around €30m to let Steven Bergwijn leave this summer. Ajax are working on it with an official proposal, still waiting to reach an agreement with Spurs. There are many clubs interested in Bergwijn – but Ajax are on it since January.”

Supporters will be buzzing

While it undeniable that Bergwijn is an incredibly talented player, considering just how little Antonio Conte has utilised the former PSV Eindhoven starlet since his arrival at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last November, Romano’s claim that Spurs could receive as a much as £26m from the forward’s sale this summer is sure to have left supporters buzzing.

Indeed, of the 20 Premier League games in which the £16.2m-rated talent featured under the management of the 52-year-old, the 24-year-old was handed a start just once – playing a total of 275 minutes of league football for the Italian.

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Despite this lack of game time, the £73k-per-week winger still managed to catch the eye, scoring three goals over his aforementioned 20 league appearances for Conte – an average of one every 92 minutes – as well as bagging a further goal and assist over his three outings in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

However, with the joint Premier League Golden Boot winner, Son Heung-min, ahead of him in the manager’s left-wing pecking order, unfortunately for Bergwijn, his route to regular first-team minutes was very much blocked by the South Korean sensation – something that looks unlikely to change heading into 2022/23.

As such, it would appear that a parting of the ways this summer would best suit the player and the club, with the flying Dutchman undoubtedly looking forward to the prospect of becoming an important player for his new side, while Fabio Paratici will certainly welcome an additional £26m to his budget in the transfer market.

AND in other news: Conte could land the next Alba as Spurs now eye £15m “monster” who can “run all night”

Fabrizio Romano has just shared a major transfer boost for manager David Moyes as news emerges on one of his key West Ham United summer targets.

The Lowdown: West Ham plans emerge…

As reported by reliable outlets, the east Londoners have already got plans in place for the looming window as club owners GSB and head of recruitment Rob Newman seemingly aim to back Moyes.

According to The Evening Standard, after West Ham failed to seal a place in the Premier League’s top six last season, it is believed that Moyes has a striker, central midfielder and left-back top of his priorities.

They’ve also been tipped to make Paris-Saint Germain loanee Alphonse Areola’s move a permanent one as veteran mainstay keeper Lukasz Fabianski enters the twilight phase of his career.

As well as this, Moyes has stepped up talks for Morocco international defender Nayef Aguerd, who has been described as a ‘key’ Moyes target.

The Latest: Romano shares Aguerd boost…

As the Hammers attempt a deal for Rennes’ star centre-half, big name reporter Romano has now shared a very promising update as Aguerd eyes a move to Rush Green.

He explained:

“West Ham are progressing in negotiations with Rennes to sign Nayef Aguerd as new centre-back. Talks ongoing with positive feelings, Aguerd wants the move – up to the clubs.

“West Ham are optimistic but still waiting to complete the agreement.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Described as one of Ligue 1’s best defensive stars over 2021/2022, signing Aguerd for a mooted fee of £13 million could be one of the bargains of this window.

Still just 26-years-old, he has also been called an ‘excellent player’ by members of the French media (Said Amdaa), and his numbers tell the whole story.

The colossal powerhouse made more clearances per 90 than anyone in the Rennes squad, marking himself out as a reliable and assured presence (WhoScored).

It’s clear by his reputation and performances last year he could be a real potential asset for Moyes at West Ham.

In other news: Offer ready: West Ham leap ahead of European giants in race to sign £21m forward! Find out more here.

A big update has emerged on Newcastle United and their pursuit of Moussa Diaby heading into the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to L’Equipe (via Sport Witness), PIF are preparing a bid to bring the Bayer Leverkusen maestro to Tyneside ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The report claims that the 22-year-old has been made a priority target for the Magpies, who are set to battle it out with Tottenham and Arsenal for his signature.

It has previously been claimed that the Bundesliga outfit could demand as much as £75m for the attacker, although it remains to be seen how much the Premier League clubs are willing to offer.

Better than Allan Saint-Maximin

Eddie Howe can land an upgrade on Saint-Maximin by bringing his compatriot to St James’ Park in the coming weeks or months.

Diaby has enjoyed a sublime season in Germany, showcasing his ability to score and create goals from a wide position. He has proven that he can make a big impact in the final third on a consistent basis, something with which the Magpies attacker has struggled during his time at the club.

For all of his exciting dribbling and direct play on the left flank, Saint-Maximin often leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to his end product. In 35 Premier League appearances this season, the attacker produced five goals and five assists from almost 11 expected goals and assists (xG and xA) combined, underperforming on his xG by 0.66.

It was a solid return from the former Nice wizard but hardly exceptional due to his underperformance and lack of consistency throughout the campaign, averaging a goal contribution every 3.5 matches.

Meanwhile, Diaby accumulated roughly 19 xG and xA combined in the Bundesliga and ended the campaign with 13 goals and 12 assists as he overperformed in both statistics. He averaged a goal contribution every 1.28 games for Leverkusen as he delivered in the final third on a consistent basis.

His current team-mate Kerem Demirbay previously hailed the 22-year-old’s qualities, saying: “He’s not only very quick but also a very clever player and you don’t see that very often in the Bundesliga.” 

The French phenomenon’s impressive statistics duly suggest that he would be an upgrade on Saint-Maximin for Newcastle. Diaby has been more clinical in front of goal and created a higher quality of chances for his team-mates, while he is also three years younger than the Magpies maverick, which suggests that he has the potential to improve even further.

Howe will now be hoping that PIF can work their magic and get a deal done for Diaby this summer…

AND in other news, PIF “are interested” in NUFC deal for “cold” £27m tank, he can be Howe’s own Varane…

Liverpool could be without four vital first-team players for the must-win Premier League clash with Wolves, Jurgen Klopp has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Final-day clash for Reds

The Reds welcome Wanderers to Anfield on Sunday afternoon, as the league season reaches its climax in potentially dramatic fashion.

Liverpool know that they must beat Wolves and hope that Manchester City drop points at home to Aston Villa, as Steven Gerrard looks to do them an enormous favour.

There are some injury problems heading into the game, however, so it is hard to guess what the Reds’ team will look like.

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The Latest: Four players could miss out

Taking to Twitter, journalist Neil Jones shared Klopp’s comments ahead of the game, with Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Joe Gomez all injury doubts:

“Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool will not take any risks with Salah, Van Dijk, Fabinho, Gomez. ‘My preferred solution would be that they could play this weekend, for rhythm purposes, but if not then we will take it from there.'”

The Verdict: Key decisions for Klopp

Klopp has a big task on his hands on Sunday, with the German having to field a strong starting lineup but also not risk using injured players before the Champions League final.

If any of those in question are not 100 per cent fit, they should be left on the substitutes’ bench, possibly only coming if the situation is desperate and Liverpool need a goal, or if City are not winning.

Salah will no doubt be desperate to play as he looks to win the Golden Boot, but it would be criminal to start him, see him get injured and then miss out on another Champions League final against Real Madrid.

In other news, one player is edging closer to a Liverpool exit. Find out who it is here.

Leeds United winger Jack Harrison, who has been linked with a move to Tottenham, is open to the idea of leaving Elland Road this summer, according to The Telegraph.

The Lowdown: Spurs rumours

Harrison netted a late winner against Brentford on the final day, his 10th goal of the season, to guarantee Leeds’ Premier League status.

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The 25-year-old has been a regular over the last four seasons, making 166 appearances for the club. He eventually made his move from Manchester City permanent last summer, however, he has already been linked with a move away.

Tottenham view Harrison as a player who can turn out as a wing-back under Antonio Conte after a recommendation from Andrea Pirlo, who played with the Leeds man at New York City.

The Latest: Exit update

The Telegraph shared a story on Monday morning regarding the Whites after they survived in the Premier League.

They claimed that the club still have a task on their hands to keep hold of both Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha, adding that Harrison is also ‘open to the idea’ of an exit, labelling it as ‘one to watch’.

The Verdict: Decision needed

Harrison has proven to be an extremely reliable member of a mostly successful Leeds squad in recent years, contributing to 50 goals. He’s been a regular under Jesse Marsch and scored four times in the run-in which eventually helped the club secure safety.

However, it looks as if Leeds chiefs will now have a big decision to make as Harrison enters the final two years of his contract.

If he wants to leave, then perhaps now is the time Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers should maximise his value and cash in with Spurs seemingly keen.

As The Telegraph mention, it looks like it could be one to keep an eye on in what could be an extremely busy summer in regards to incomings and outgoings.

In other news: ‘Listen…’ – Sky Sports man reacts as Leeds and Marsch now linked with ‘exceptional’ PL forward. 

Sunderland have joined the race to sign Hull City’s James Scott ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

What’s the word?

That is according to reports via Portsmouth.co.uk, who state that Sunderland, amongst the likes of Derby, Portsmouth, Accrington and Hibernian are all keen to secure his signature.

As per the report, the Hull man may get a chance to prove himself to boss Shota Arveladze, who reportedly wants to see the player in action before deciding the next chapter of his career.

Imagine him and Stewart

21-year-old Scott, who has scored 15 goals in his career so far, has endured a somewhat difficult start to his career as a professional.

After scoring £1.5m.

Having registered six returns in the form of terrific” by former Mackems boss, Jack Ross.

His first 16 appearances for the Edinburgh outfit saw zero returns for the club, but in the final few games, he has demonstrated his ability, having managed hat-trick against St. Johnstone in the final game of the campaign.

It means he has scored four goals in five fixtures in the Scottish Premiership Relegation Round and has given clubs like Sunderland the inclination to look towards the Scotsman, who could form a formidable partnership with fellow countryman Ross Stewart.

Despite his incredible haul of 59 chances, with nine of these classed as big chances this campaign.

Scott, who was described as “perfectly placed” for his second goal against St. Johnstone, has been operating in a Hibernian side that have drummed up just 33 big chances this term, whilst Sunderland have managed to create almost double that with a tally of 64.

It goes without saying, a two-man Scottish partnership between Stewart and Scott could make for an unstoppable duo who could bolster the Black Cats, offensively speaking.

Scott’s finish to this season bodes well for his start to the next.

In other news: Neil can save Sunderland millions by unleashing 19y/o who can “make something happen”

Derby County are set to be faced with a fresh threat ahead of the start of the 2022/23 season as the Rams could receive a three-point deduction heading into the new campaign, according to The Sun journalist Alan Nixon.

The Lowdown: Takeover update

The Rams entered administration back in September last year amid ongoing financial problems at the club, and despite a valiant effort after multiple deductions, Wayne Rooney’s side were relegated to League One.

Chris Kirchner was named as the preferred bidder for Derby in April, but even though most of the key areas of the takeover had already been arranged, a new roadblock appeared as it was reported that the American businessman was reluctant to proceed if unable to strike up a deal with Mel Morris for Pride Park.

However, Kirchner’s exclusivity period has now been extended by Quantuma after expiring last weekend, hopefully providing more time for negotiations to be agreed.

The Latest: Derby facing new threat

In a new report published on Nixon’s personal Patreon page after that update (via Football League World), it’s claimed that a new three-point deduction will come into action if the administrators fail to pay the player’s wages for the month of May, a term that would be triggered after being issued two years ago following Morris not paying the playing staff.

In addition, if it’s revealed that the County squad are not paid on time in June either, then there’s a possibility that the club could be dealt an extra three-point deduction on top of the original one.

The source states that the only way in which the club could avoid these punishments altogether is if all of the players and staff decided to defer their wages on a voluntary basis until there is a sufficient sum of money in the bank.

The Verdict: A never-ending saga

Fans of the Rams will have no doubt have been praying the constant points deductions was all over now that the Championship season has come to an end, but it looks like that’s far from the case.

There were rumours circulating back in February that Derby had informed the EFL that they were close to completely running out of money, so it wouldn’t come as any surprise to see Quantuma fail to cough up the amount required to prevent this further sanction.

If Kirchner still has strong intentions to complete a deal for the takeover of the club, hopefully this is something that can be finalised over the coming days to kickstart the new chapter of Rooney’s Rams before the opening day of the new season.

Liverpool have been dealt a major blow regarding their pursuit of RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku.

What’s the word?

According to L’Equipe [via Liverpool Echo], not even a bid of £85m for the Frenchman would be enough to take him off the Bundesliga club’s hands this summer.

Liverpool aren’t the only club linked with the 24-year-old either, with the likes of Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid all looking to sign him.

Jurgen Klopp might be priced out

Klopp is steering Liverpool to potentially their greatest-ever season, with an unprecedented quadruple bid getting closer to realisation every week. He already seems to be planning for the future too, with several of his players on the wrong side of 30, and replacements could well be signed sooner rather than later in order to bed in quickly.

However, the manager may need to look elsewhere for attacking options after the news regarding Nkunku, with the asking price for him approaching ridiculous levels.

At first glance, the Frenchman would make an excellent signing, having scored 32 goals and grabbed a further 20 assists from 49 matches this season.

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These are truly phenomenal figures, especially when you consider that he isn’t an out-and-out centre-forward but can play in a variety of positions, which include attacking midfield and featuring as a second striker.

The 24-year-old is one of Europe’s finest talents at the minute and former Leipzig manager Jesse Marsch described him as a player “who has no weaknesses”; and judging by Nkunku’s performances this season, it’s hard to argue against that notion.

Liverpool might just have to make do with moving towards other targets unless they feel that a fee of close to £100m is justifiable for the French predator.

Given FSG’s reputation for frugality at Anfield, it seems highly unlikely that such an amount will be spent on one player, so the news of Leipzig’s lofty asking price could leave Kopites gutted that their hopes of signing the prolific 24-year-old appear very slim.

AND in other news, Liverpool plotting mega offer for “dangerous” £19.8m-rated gem, he’s Klopp’s new Firmino

Barcelona are reportedly ‘very close’ over a summer move for Leeds United winger Raphinha.

The Lowdown: Deco at the Nou Camp

Raphinha has been heavily linked with a move to the Catalan giants this year, with reports suggesting earlier this month that Deco, the 25-year-old’s agent, flew out to the Nou Camp. He was looking to progress personal terms, with a contract until 2027 mooted at the time.

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The Brazilian, labelled as ‘unbelievable’ by Paul Merson, has remained a regular under Jesse Marsch, scoring his tenth goal of the season against Watford earlier this month.

The Latest: Spanish update

Sports Witness relayed an update from Spanish outlet Sport on Tuesday regarding Raphinha and Barcelona. They claimed that the La Liga giants now have an agreement in place with the winger, and a transfer is ‘very close’.

However, the report adds that striking terms with the Whites will be more difficult, with Barcelona possibly hoping Leeds go down to make a deal easier.

The Verdict: Next few weeks key

Marsch’s side aren’t safe yet on 34 points with five games remaining, so there’s a chance a return to the Championship could be on the cards.

Should that happen, Barcelona will be able to activate a €25m relegation release clause in the summer, something which would be a disaster for everyone at Elland Road.

There will be no clause if Raphinha helps Leeds stay in the top flight, though, making the next few weeks extremely important both on and off the pitch – stay up, and Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani can demand a huge fee for the wing wizard.

In other news: Radz and 49ers will now reward Marsch if he keeps Leeds up by moving for 29-goal forward.