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Leeds Eye Move For £13m Serie A "Monster"

Leeds United will be looking for replacements to bolster their squad this summer following the departure of a number of players, and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Leeds' interest in Divock Origi?

According to Football Insider, Leeds have registered their interest in AC Milan striker Divock Origi.

As per the report, the Whites are joined by Premier League clubs Crystal Palace and West Ham United in their interest of Origi, however, Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq have also stepped forward too.

It is noted that the Saudi Pro League club are prepared to offer a huge investment to sign the goalscorer this summer, where his former teammate Jordan Henderson is also set to sign.

How many goals has Origi scored?

Most football fans will be familiar with Origi due to his huge success with Liverpool in the top flight and on the European stage under Jurgen Klopp.

The Belgium international was a contributor in the Merseyside club's dominance, winning a Premier League title and Champions League trophy, as well as an FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, before departing upon the expiration of his contract to Serie A last summer.

Origi – who has a reported €15m (£13m) price tag – became a cult hero and a fan favourite at Anfield for his match-winning goals in important moments for the club, which also led to huge praise from Klopp:

"He’s a positive person. He is talented, he shoots left and right, he is really quick, in the air – he is a monster. He is an interesting package.

"His skillset is a special thing – he can come in and play brilliantly. The biggest game in our history against Barcelona in 2019, he started and he was incredible. In specific moments, Divock is absolutely outstanding."

Over 175 appearances for Liverpool, Origi scored 41 goals and registered 18 assists, with a goal contribution every 117 minutes played – marking a consistent output in front of goal that would be hugely valuable to Daniel Farke's Leeds next season.

With Rodrigo departing this summer, Leeds have lost last season's top goalscorer and will now need to rely on Patrick Bamford and returnee Joe Gelhardt in the centre-forward role – unless, of course, they can seal a deal to snap up Origi's services.

joe-gelhardt-sunderland-leeds-united-news

Whilst Leeds youngster Gelhardt had a good spell on loan with Sunderland last season in the Championship, scoring three goals and delivering three assists over 18 appearances, the 21-year-old has struggled to earn a regular starting spot at Elland Road, with two goals and seven assists over his 41 appearances so far.

As a result, the signing of Origi would be an upgrade on Gelhardt for next season and a major coup for Leeds to add experience, huge quality and a winning mentality into the forward line to give them the best chance of immediately bouncing back to the Premier League.

Having said that, Gelhardt has a bright future at Leeds if he can continue his positive development and apply that to his performances at Elland Road next season, whilst playing with a Champions League-winning striker could help to take his own game to the next level.

Man United Now Close To Securing Major Transfer Move

Manchester United are expected to complete the signing of Andre Onana imminently after agreeing on a final fee with Inter for the goalkeeper, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Are United signing Onana?

A deal that threatened to rumble on deep into the transfer window, it appears that Onana's move to Old Trafford is almost done.

After David de Gea's official departure, the Red Devils had to move quickly for Onana to ensure they had a first-choice goalkeeper ahead of the beginning of the new Premier League season in a little under a month.

With Onana always keen on a move to United, the major hurdle has been agreeing a fee with Inter, who have stood firm on their valuation of the goalkeeper.

However, according to Romano, the two clubs have now agreed on a price of €50m plus €5m in add-ons and are finalising the structure and details of those performance-related bonuses.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano stated: "I told you for days, Thursday is going to be a crucial day for the Andre Onana deal, and it is, it was, a crucial day because in the conversations between Manchester United and Inter was made the final verbal proposal from Man United – €50m (£43m) guaranteed fee plus €5m (£4m) in add-ons.

"Now, Manchester United and Inter are discussing the structure of the add-ons. So, how to activate these add-ons, easy or difficult add-ons, and then the deal will be completed.

"Let's see if it's going to be in the night, let's see if it's going to be Friday, but the deal is really close and considered imminent. Still waiting for the final details of this story but then the 'here we go' is expected soon."

This will come as a relief to United supporters who may have been fearing the deal would eventually break down due to issues over finances, with Inter having rejected several previous bids.

Erik ten Hag will be pleased to have acquired a goalkeeper who can better carry out orders with the ball at his feet – one of Onana's great strengths. The shot-stopper worked with the Dutch coach during his time at Ajax and will be excited about a reunion.

Onana was a significant part of the Inter team that won the Coppa Italia last season and made the Champions League final. The 27-year-old made 41 appearances in all competitions, conceding just 36 goals and keeping 19 clean sheets.

Following this latest transfer update, however, Sky Sports Italy journalist Matteo Barzaghi​​​​​​​ has claimed the player is “happy” to be linking up with Ten Hag at Old Trafford, the player is also “sad’ to be leaving.

He said on Friday via FCInter1908: “Today, all eyes are on Andre. He got here at 9:20 am. The fans are, of course, asking him to stay.

“He’s certainly happy to have the chance to join United, where he will also be in for a pay raise. But he’s also a little sad because he’s been feeling very happy in Milano.

“He’s won two trophies here, reached the Champions League final, and he has a great rapport with everyone, the club, the players, the city.”

Barzaghi added: “He also hopes to return here in the distant future, who knows what’ll happen.”

Who are United signing?

With Onana set to join new signing Mason Mount at Old Trafford shortly, the Red Devils will need to focus their attentions on the other parts of the squad that need reinvigorating.

Ten Hag is still desperate to sign a new centre-forward this summer with Anthony Martial the only number nine the club possess at present, with Marcus Rashford more comfortable on the left-hand side.

Plenty of reports have been circulating around United's striker search, most prominent of which have been links with Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund. It is reported that Man United have already submitted a players plus cash deal which has been swiftly rejected by La Dea who value the player at a staggering £85.5m.

United may have to turn elsewhere and have been linked with Victor Osimhen, Dusan Vlahovic and Randal Kolo Muani, all of which would likely command a similarly high fee.

Newcastle Hold Discussions Over Deal For 13-Goal EFL Star

Newcastle United are moving forward in their pursuit of Harvey Barnes, with 90Min reporting that the Toon are now in talks with Leicester over a potential deal for the winger.

How many goals has Harvey Barnes scored for Leicester?

The Foxes forward was on top form for his club during the Premier League last season, bagging 13 goals for his side in just 32 starts. He also bagged an assist along the way – and it meant that he had the second most goal contributions in the squad. He massively outperformed his xG rate when he needed to (he was only predicted to score 8.9 based on the quality of his chances) and his goal contribution rate of 0.46 per 90 was also the second-best in the team for those who started 25 games or more.

The 2022/23 season therefore marked his best in terms of league goals. Prior to that campaign, he had never hit a double-digit tally. When Leicester needed him to produce the goods then in order to fight against the drop, the 25-year-old stepped up to the plate, and while it wasn't enough to keep them afloat in the top flight, it has now led to interest in keeping him in the top flight away from the Foxes.

Are Newcastle United signing Harvey Barnes?

Newcastle have been heavily linked with a transfer deal for Barnes, whilst Aston Villa have also reportedly been in the running to try and snap him up this summer. It is the Toon though who appear to be the frontrunners, with a recent report suggesting that they had already been in contact over a potential deal.

Now, according to a report from 90Min, Newcastle have further advanced their pursuit of the player. That's because they are now in formal discussions with Leicester over a switch for the forward, who will be a replacement for Allan Saint-Maximin. It adds that West Ham are in negotiations as well, but the Toon have indeed moved onto the discussion stage for Barnes and it means that a deal is progressing in the right direction.

The once-capped England international has regularly been on the receiving end of praise from those in the game – journalist Josh Bunting stated last year that Barnes was "excellent" and his goal tall showcases that, while Brendan Rodgers once said the 25 year-old is "incredible" and can "score in every game".

He was indeed one of the shining lights in a torrid campaign for Leicester. When compared with other players in his position across the big five European leagues, Barnes ranked in the 94th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90, also sitting in the top half of wingers for shots, progressive carries and aerial duels, painting the picture of an all-action player who will get stuck in for Eddie Howe and create dangerous opportunities.

With Saint-Maximin linked with a departure this summer and the Magpies set for additional fixtures with their return to European football, adding a player with the pace, directness, durability and end product of Barnes could make all the difference when the games come thick and fast.

Everton Plotting Move For "Unplayable" Talent At Goodison

Everton are in desperate need of reinforcements to their attacking threat this summer and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target that could finally replace Richarlison.

What's the latest on Everton's interest in Crysencio Summerville?

According to iNews' Northern correspondent Mark Douglas, Everton remain keen on signing Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville.

As per an article written for the publication, Douglas claims that the Toffees are interested in both Summerville and his teammate Wilfried Gnonto this summer due to growing interest in Demarai Gray, which could further weaken their forward line.

The journalist adds further that whilst Summerville is a target worth chasing, Gnonto is unlikely to be allowed to leave his recently relegated club as Leeds plot to compete well in the Championship next season.

Would Summerville be a good signing for Everton?

Sean Dyche's top priority this summer will be to add quality to the forward line after a struggle in the Premier League relegation battle last season that was mainly caused by the lack of goal contributions from the team.

Only Wolverhampton Wanderers (31) scored fewer goals than the Merseysiders (34) over the 38-game campaign, which ultimately led to them hanging on by a thread to their top-flight status for another season.

As a result, the signing of Summerville – who could cost £10m – would be a valuable asset to Dyche next season and could significantly improve the presence in front of goal if he can continue to develop and polish his skills at Goodison Park.

It is no secret that Everton have been down on their luck when it comes to the final third with both Richarlison and Anthony Gordon making an exit in the last 12 months, whilst Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been in and out of the team with constant long-term injury issues.

Now the former Burnley boss can rectify the issue by taking full advantage of the summer transfer window to bring in attacking-minded players who can make a genuine impact and be trusted to deliver when needed.

Summerville could well be the perfect replacement for Richarlison judging by his dazzling quality.

That said, he was only handed 12 Premier League starts last season but offered four goals, two assists and two big chances created despite only averaging 51 minutes per game, demonstrating a keen eye for goal.

summerville-leeds-premier-league-everton-transfers

The 21-year-old ace – dubbed "unplayable" by journalist Beren Cross – ranked third for successful dribbles per 90 and was the fourth-highest scoring player in the Leeds squad which is impressive considering his limited game-time at Elland Road, as per WhoScored.

Not only that, Summerville actually outperformed his positional peer and former Toffees talisman Richarlison with his offensive output last season.

The Brazilian only tallied up one league goal, fewer dribbles per 90 (0.4) and the same amount of key passes per 90 (0.6).

With that being said, Dyche could unearth Everton's next Richarlison if they can secure a deal for the talented Leeds youngster this summer and could provide the team with a strong threat to compete comfortably against their Premier League opponents next season.

Fabrizio Romano: Liverpool Transfer Update On Dominik Szoboszlai

Liverpool are believed to have triggered Dominik Szoboszlai's €70m (£60.1m) release clause at RB Leipzig, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Is Szoboszlai off to Liverpool?

Reds supporters found themselves in an exciting position on Friday, as various reports suggested a deal to sign the 22-year-old was edging closer all the time.

Having seemingly been battling with fellow Premier League side Newcastle United for Szoboszlai's services, it soon became apparent that there was only going to be one winner in the deal.

The Leipzig star is arguably one of the most exciting young players in the Bundesliga, and Jurgen Klopp has seemingly picked him out as a standout option for Liverpool this summer, as their much-needed midfield rebuild continues.

Szoboszlai's release clause at his current club has been a talking point, with it expiring on June 30th, but a key update suggests that the Reds have got there in time.

dominik-szoboszlai-premier-league-liverpool-transfers

What's the latest on Szoboszlai to Liverpool?

Taking to Twitter on Friday evening, Romano dropped an exciting update regarding Liverpool's pursuit of the Hungarian, saying his release clause has been met by the Reds:

"BREAKING: Dominik Szoboszlai to Liverpool, here we go! Understand RB Leipzig are now informed that Liverpool have triggered the release clause. €70m deal done, to be signed soon. Personal terms agreed, Szobo’s ready for medical tests soon. Huge signing for £LFC."

This is fantastic business by Liverpool, not only lying on the verge of signing a fabulous young prospect, but also acting quickly enough to trigger the release clause and snap him up for a cheaper amount.

The 32-cap and seven-goal Hungary international could be a wonderful addition to the Reds' team next season and beyond, combining creativity, endless product and pressing ability in attacking midfield areas. He has been hailed as the "future icon of Hungarian football" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who also described him as "special" at one point last season.

Liverpool suddenly having Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister to call upon in the No.8 roles in midfield has the potential to transform the Reds in the middle of the park, not only providing more of a spark in the final third, but allowing the likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to be more effective with extra legs around them. At 22, the Leipzig ace is primed to come in and become a star at Anfield, acting as a poster boy for his next era under Klopp on Merseyside.

Liverpool: Romano Drops Update As FSG Chase "Incredible" £50m star

Liverpool will need to fork out more than £50m if they are to sign Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Which midfielders are Liverpool signing?

It is no secret that Jurgen Klopp is looking to bolster his midfield options this summer, having already completed the signing of Alexis Mac Allister for around £35m, and the manager has started to run the rule over other potential targets.

The Reds are leading the race for Real Madrid's Federico Valverde, and they are reportedly preparing a bid in the region of €90m (£77m), while a €55m (£47m) offer for Aurelien Tchouameni has been given the green light by Klopp.

Barella has also emerged as a target for Liverpool, having held a long-term interest in the midfielder, however a new update from Romano indicates that a deal may be difficult to orchestrate.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, the transfer expert said: "The reported fee of £50 million for Barella is not going to be enough for any club to sign him. Inter want way more than this and it is not going to be an easy negotiation in any case. For Liverpool, he is appreciated yes, but they are not sure yet that this is the kind of player they need. Let's see in the next days or weeks.”

Should Liverpool sign Nicolo Barella?

It is clear to see why the Reds have expressed an interest in the Italy international, as he performed very well for Inter last season, particularly in an attacking sense, registering nine goals and six assists in all competitions.

The 26-year-old is impressive at driving the ball forward, ranking in the 89th percentile for progressive carries per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, while he places in the 88th for shot-creating actions, showcasing his creativity.

Hailed as "incredible" by members of the media, the former Cagliari man was a vital player for Inter last season, averaging 1.6 key passes per game, the third-highest figure in the squad, and an average of 1.4 tackles indicates he is willing to pitch in defensively

Romano does not rule out Liverpool moving for Barella at some point during the transfer window, however it is disappointing news that it does not appear to be on the cards for the time being, as he has the ability to slot right into the midfield three.

Leeds To Interview "Fantastic" Three-Trophy Boss This Week

Leeds United are set to interview Daniel Farke for their managerial vacancy this week, according to reports.

What's the latest Leeds manager news?

Following Sam Allardyce’s sacking at the start of June after failing to keep his side in the Premier League, 49ers Enterprises have now embarked on a mission to find a suitable long-term appointment to try and get them back up to the top-flight at the first time of asking.

West Bromwich Albion’s Carlos Corberan is clearly one who has been admired by Elland Road chiefs for a long time having previously shown an interest in him after the departure of Jesse Marsch, but it’s believed that a move for him at this stage is ruled out as a result of the hierarchy wanting a candidate that has experience at the highest level.

Farke was most recently in charge of Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach but was relieved of his duties earlier this month, so he is now a free agent on the market and is looking for his next role in the dugout, and it appears that he’s attracted attention from Elland Road.

Are Leeds appointing Farke?

According to Sky Sports, Leeds are “set to meet” Farke for an interview this week to assess whether he’s the right man to take to the helm. Crystal Palace’s former coach Patrick Vieira is another name that is “under consideration”, whilst Corberan is confirmed to have received “no approach” at this stage.

Borussia Monchengladbach's former manager Daniel Farke.

Leeds will most likely be looking to appoint someone with plenty of experience in the Championship to try and help get them out of there, and with Farke having that and so much more on his CV, including three trophies, he could be just the person that the board need to bring to Yorkshire.

The German coach has an excellent track record in the second-tier, winning 71 and drawing 38 out of 138 games, with this form having twice seen him achieve promotion during his time at Norwich City, so he’ll know exactly what it takes to compete and be successful at this level.

The 46-year-old, who was once hailed “fantastic” by journalist Josh Bunting, also has a history in LS11 having won twice at Elland Road when visiting with his team, so if he can secure victories as an opponent, think about the magic he could work if he was in charge of the home side.

US Open: Rickie Fowler & Jordan Spieth Eye Leeds Investment

US Open star Rickie Fowler has admitted that he could soon own a stake in Leeds United, along with Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, following 49ers Enterprises' recent takeover of the club.

How will the takeover benefit Leeds?

It's all change at Elland Road this summer, with so much going on that supporters barely have any time to breathe. The Whites' relegation from the Premier League has led to the club searching for a new manager, while a sporting director also has to come in, following Victor Orta's exit.

Perhaps the biggest news of the lot is the 49ers' takeover, however, with the deal going through recently and heralding the start of a new era at Leeds.

The hope is that it makes the Whites a more financially powerful force moving forward, and despite heading down into the second tier, they will hopefully still be able to spend big on signings and work on improving other aspects of the club, including redeveloping Elland Road.

It could even be that golfing star and Leeds fan Fowler, who has placed as high as fourth in the world ranking in the past, invests in the club, following a fresh update.

Elland Road

What's the situation with Rickie Fowler?

Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of this week's US Open, Fowler admitted that he could eventually own a stake in Leeds along with Spieth and Thomas, also joking about Whites fan Billy Foster, who caddies for Matt Fitzpatrick:

"Not yet, technically. There is the group that's moving forward with being involved with Leeds. Myself, JT (Justin Thomas) and Jordan (Spieth) potentially will be a part of it.

"He (Foster) didn't know about it from the start. But we told him after knowing he is a huge Leeds United supporter. It's cool to have those opportunities. I know we are looking into it. It will be fun if we get to be a part of it. If not, we will continue to root for Leeds to see if we can help out Billy."

This is exciting to hear from a Leeds perspective, at a time when celebrity owners are all the rage, not least at Wrexham, where Hollywood pair Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have transformed the club, guiding them into League 2.

They have shown the power that having famous owners can have, in terms of marketing the club and giving it a bigger worldwide following, so having Fowler, Spieth and Thomas as part of the Whites could be hugely beneficial off the pitch.

While relegation was clearly bitterly disappointing, things do appear to be heading in the right direction under the 49ers – now it's a case of nailing both the managerial and sporting director appointments.

Rangers In Talks To Sign £6.5m Marksman After Failed Bid

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their attempts to add a new number nine to their squad in the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Cyriel Dessers to Rangers?

According to the Daily Record, the Light Blues remain locked in talks with Cremonese to land centre-forward Cyriel Dessers as Michael Beale eyes a swoop for the ace.

The report claimed that the club tabled a significant seven-figure offer for the striker and the publication has since put out an update on the story that states that the Gers have failed with two substantial bids, with the Ibrox giants remaining in pursuit.

Their latest article also reveals that the Serie B side are keen to keep hold of their star striker and that it would take a fee of at least £6.5m – the amount they paid to sign him from Genk last year – to tempt them into cashing in on the gem.

Would Cyriel Dessers improve Rangers?

Beale could land a big upgrade on one of his current Light Blues number nines as the 28-year-old could offer far more than Jamaican international, Kemar Roofe.

First and foremost, Dessers has a fitness record that suggests that Rangers would be bringing in a player who is more durable and able to compete over the course of a season. The Nigerian international has only missed 15 matches due to injury since the start of the 2020/21 campaign.

Roofe, on the other hand, has been absent for a staggering 87 games in the same time. The ex-Leeds United forward was out for 35 clashes with a knee injury in 22/23 and has a long, concerning, track record of picking up injuries during his spell at Ibrox.

Rangers centre-forward Kemar Roofe.

This suggests that the 30-year-old is not a player who Beale can rely upon ahead of the 2023/24 campaign as his injury history indicates that the dud is unlikely to be available for many games throughout the year.

Dessers, who scored six goals in 19 Serie A starts this term, could also be an upgrade based on what he is able to offer on the pitch.

The ace plundered 19 goals and three assists in 16 starts in the Eredivisie and Europa Conference League combined for Feyenoord in 21/22, which shows that the experienced marksman has the potential to be a prolific scorer domestically and on the European stage.

Roofe, meanwhile, managed 12 goals and one assist in 13 starts in the Scottish Premiership and Europa League combined for the Gers in 21/22, which is an excellent return but not quite as impressive as the Nigerian international's form in the Netherlands.

Therefore, Dessers, who was hailed as "awkward" to play against by journalist Josh Bunting, could be a big upgrade on the current Rangers striker due to his consistency with his fitness and his ability on the pitch to score and create goals on a regular basis.

64 y/o Handed Bizzare Present Ahead Of Napoli Exit

Napoli ultras have returned the steering wheel from Luciano Spalletti’s stolen Fiat Panda as a parting gift with the manager set to leave after winning Serie A.

Why was Luciano Spalletti’s car stolen?

It’s been a remarkable season for the Italian club as they won their first Scudetto since 1990 – back when Diego Maradona was dazzling defenders for Gli Azzurri.

Napoli’s recent success is quite remarkable when you consider that the manager had his beloved Fiat Panda stolen during protests in 2021. Not long after, the ultra’s then offered him an ultimatum about returning the car if Spalletti would leave.

The manager quipped back: “First of all we have to see in what condition the Panda will be returned in, how many kilometres it has travelled, whether there are Pino Daniele CDs inside.”

Well, both parties have now stuck to their promise as even the CDs have been returned to the 64-year-old Italian who is set to take a sabbatical in the summer and leave.

As shown in footage circulated on Twitter, the Napoli ultras met Spalletti inside the club’s dressing room before handing him a big blue box. He unwraps the present and breaks into a big smile, having had his property returned at last.

Why is Spalletti leaving Napoli?

Spalletti took charge of Napoli in 2021 and has kept up a remarkable rate of 2.10 points per game since then, which helped deliver a first Serie A title in 33 years.

However, after securing the Scudetto, he immediately spoke about how much it had taken out of him, telling the press:

“I no longer have the energy to be up to the standard of what people love so much, so I have to take two steps back and leave.

“I am not someone who changes idea easily and I decided to leave because I feel that I’ve given all I had.”

Despite still having one year on his contract, President Aurelio De Laurentiis was happy to acquiesce to this demand, telling Italian broadcaster Rai (via Evening Standard): “He’s a free man, now it’s right that he continues to do what he wants. I thank him.”

And so now was the perfect moment for the ultras to finally return those stolen items and allow Spalletti to depart on perfect terms.

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