Leeds Admirer "Talented" 40 y/o Manager

Leeds United are reportedly admirers of West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan and could make a move for the Spaniard this summer.

What’s the latest Leeds manager news?

The Whites are in for an extremely busy summer following their relegation from the Premier League, with a number of issues to be resolved in Yorkshire.

One of those is who will be in charge of the team next season, with Sam Allardyce the fourth and final manager to take charge of Leeds during the 2022/23 season. He was unable to keep Leeds in the top flight in his four games as interim head coach, and an off-field manager update has since emerged.

MOT Leeds News relayed an update from The Daily Mail in the last 48 hours, where Ian Ladyman and David Coverdale covered plenty of Whites-related topics.

One of which was on a manager, suggesting that Allardyce wants to remain in charge. However, the club are already considering other options, with Corberan named as a potential option.

They claim that the former Leeds assistant has admirers at Elland Road, adding that his new contract at The Hawthorns does include a release clause. Another name mentioned was former Chelsea manager Graham Potter, and when it came to a takeover, it was added that the 49ers expect to make a takeover proposal in the next fortnight.

West Bromwich Albion managerCarlosCorberan

Has Corberan been linked with Leeds before?

Leeds have been linked with a number of managers over the last 12 months, including Corberan, who held roles as the U21 coach at Thorp Arch and then as assistant to Marcelo Bielsa.

The Whites were after the 40-year-old after parting ways with Jesse Marsch, however, he reportedly turned down a return to Elland Road and instead signed a new Baggies deal.

He has implemented a Bielsa-style of play as a manager and has now taken charge of 125 games in the Championship, including the playoffs, winning 52 of those. Corberan helped take West Brom away from danger after arriving back in October but failed to guide the club to a top-six finish in the final weeks of the window.

Those still at Leeds from Bielsa’s tenure will know all about Corberan, and with a total reset seemingly required over the coming months, the “very talented” coach, as dubbed by Bielsa, could be the man to oversee things on the pitch, potentially making this one to keep an eye on.

Aston Villa Could Sell £100k-A-Week Attacker

Aston Villa winger Leon Bailey could leave the club during the summer transfer window, according to an update from journalist Dean Jones.

Has Bailey had a good season for Villa?

The Villans' fortunes have turned around so much this season, with things looking bleak earlier in the campaign when Steven Gerrard was in charge. Since Unai Emery has come in as manager, however, they have been transformed, with results and performances going up a significant gear.

So many individuals have improved under the Spaniard as the season has gone on and Bailey is one of them, because a more consistent and dangerous presence in Villa's attack. The £100,000-a-week attacker has scored and assisted four times apiece in the Premier League in 2022/23, with his most recent assist coming in the 2-1 win over Tottenham earlier this month.

The 25-year-old's current deal at Villa Park expires in the summer of 2025, however, and while there is still a couple of years left on it, there is the possibility that the club decides to potentially accept an offer for him at the end of the season.

Could Bailey leave Villa this summer?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones claimed that Bailey is someone who could possibly depart once the summer window opens:

"I think there will be a market for him. He's the type of player that will always attract a certain level of club. I would be surprised if he was at Villa next season, even if he was to have a banging last game of the season."

This is a tricky one for Villa, with Bailey's displays much improved in recent months and his age meaning he could improve further in the coming years. That being said, he does arguably feel like someone who could both be improved and who Villa could receive good money for, so it is a key decision to make in the coming months.

The key ultimately depends on whether Emery sees the 19-cap and three-goal Jamaica international as an important figure moving forward, or if he believes there are stronger options out there.

Granted, he has got better after some questionable form in the past, but a more prolific wide man could help take Villa to that next level this season – someone who can deliver more relentless numbers than eight Premier League goal contributions in 32 appearances.

If Bailey stays, it is unlikely that many supporters will be complaining, but equally, there would be logic in letting him go, helping boost Villa's summer transfer kitty in the process.

Celtic must land Connor Barron transfer

Celtic have signed a lot of players from abroad over recent years either on loan or permanent deals.

However, the Hoops have also taken players away from their fellow Scottish clubs such as Greg Taylor and Scott Bain among others.

Another fairly recent recruit that didn’t travel too far to get to Parkhead is David Turnbull.

Signed from Motherwell back in August 2020 in a deal worth £3.25m, 14 months after a previous move for the player collapsed, the midfielder has since made 77 appearances for the club across all competitions.

The 22-year-old has shown in those appearances why the Bhoys were so keen to add him to their ranks as he has found the net 19 times and delivered 16 assists.

This shows just how successful and beneficial it can be for the club to sign some of Scotland’s young talents and embed them into their side.

Now that the latest season has ended with Ange Postecoglou guiding his side to the SPFL title, it seems as though the Hoops have the chance to secure what could be their next version of Turnbull as a young starlet making a name for himself in the top division.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Celtic have been watching Aberdeen youngster Connor Barron throughout the season at club and international level.

As a product of Aberdeen’s youth system, the 19-year-old has made 15 senior appearances for the club, eight of which came during the final weeks of the season.

In those appearances, the teenager managed to make 15 interceptions, 15 successful tackles and 15 shots at goal in addition to delivering 59 crosses, highlighting how much of a capable midfield figure he is on and off the ball.

Back in February, Barry Robson said that Barron “has a heart the size of a lion’s,” as well as describing him as an “aggressive” player on the pitch who “reads the game well” and “will go into any challenge.”

Thus, if Celtic are looking to continue their track record of signing talented young players from their fellow top-flight compatriots this summer, then securing a deal for the Aberdeen prodigy should be at the top of their to-do list before the season kicks off again.

In other news: Celtic can replicate Starfelt masterclass as Ange eyes “versatile” £900k-rated brute

Sunderland must sign Dion Sanderson

Sunderland ended their four-year spell in the third tier of English football as they won in the final of the League One play-offs last month.

The Black Cats will now be competing in the Championship next season after Alex Neil guided the team to a 2-0 win over Wycombe at Wembley.

Elliot Embleton and Ross Stewart scored the goals in the final after the club beat Sheffield Wednesday over two legs in the semi-finals.

Neil and Kristjaan Speakman will now be plotting deals to improve the squad with a view to being competitive in the second tier next term.

They have already been linked with a number of players and one gem who has been touted with a return to the Stadium of Light is central defender Dion Sanderson.

Sunderland are reportedly interested in signing him from Wolves, on a temporary or permanent basis, after his loan spell in the 2020/21 campaign.

Imagine him & Bailey Wright

Journalist Josh Bunting has claimed that he would be a “perfect” signing for Neil’s style of play. He is a defender who is comfortable in possession and this means that he can build up the play for the Scot from the back.

During his time with the Black Cats, the centre-back completed 83% of his passes, 93% in his own half, and completed 75% of his dribbles as he stepped out from the backline to start attacks.

Neil can pair him with Wright to form a solid defence in the Championship as their respective qualities can complement each other. Whilst the current Wolves man has the technical ability to be a ball progressor from centre-back, the Australian enforcer is a strong defender who can get stuck in.

In the 2021/22 campaign, the ex-Bristol City gem won an impressive 65% of his duels and made 3.2 clearances per game as he showcased his strength and positioning.

That is not to say that Sanderson is not a good defender, though, as he caught the eye for the club in the past. Josh Bunting dubbed the centre-back “absolutely superb” and his statistics for Sunderland in League One back that up. In 26 third-tier outings, Sanderson averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 6.92 whilst playing for Lee Johnson.

The 22-year-old made 1.9 tackles and interceptions per game as he won 61% of his duels, showing that he – like Wright – has the quality to defend his own goal.

Now, imagine both of them lining up in Neil’s defence next season…

This is a deal the Scottish boss must get done in the coming weeks, whether that is on a permanent basis or on loan from the Premier League side.

AND in other news, Speakman plotting Sunderland swoop for “massive” 6 ft 3 colossus, Neil would love him…

Aston Villa: Gerrard wants Glen Kamara

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard could reportedly be eyeing a reunion with Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What’s the word?

Writing in his GIVEMESPORT club guide, the trusted insider hinted that a move to Villa Park could well be on the cards for the Finland international, with a deal ‘possibly’ in the works for a player who worked under the Englishman at Ibrox.

The Midlands side only recently secured the signing of another Kamara – Marseille’s young Frenchman, Boubacar – although it would seem another midfield addition could be in the pipeline, with Jones insisting that he can ‘not totally rule out’ a further acquisition to slot in alongside the recent arrival.

Although Brighton’s Yves Bissouma has been mentioned as one possible incoming, Gerrard’s relationship with the Gers man could well work in his favour, with the Liverpool legend having helped sign the 42-cap gem for just £50k from Dundee back in 2019.

Gerrard’s monster

After a slightly underwhelming end to the 2021-22 campaign, with Villa finishing in just 14th place, the club have already acted quickly to try and improve upon that position, adding three summer signings already despite the transfer window having not yet officially opened.

That speedy business has potentially allowed some breathing room for Gerrard and co to plot their next steps carefully, with the arrival of Kamara from Glasgow potentially a wise move to try and replicate the manager’s success north of the border, prior to his return to the Premier League back in November.

Not just used to the 41-year-old’s style of play, the £30k-per-week maestro is also a player that the Villa boss is clearly fond of, having previously dubbed him a “monster” for his instant impact at the Scottish Premiership outfit.

Also dubbed a “huge talent” by journalist Graeme Bailey, the 26-year-old has gone from strength to strength for his current side, the £5.4m-rated ace notably starting in the Europa League final defeat to Eintracht Frankfurt.

The midfielder had helped fire Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men to that stunning showpiece affair, scoring in the second-leg semi-final victory over RB Leipzig as the Scottish side pulled off yet another shock in the competition.

The all-action star seemingly has the quality to affect the game at both ends of the pitch, netting three times and registering three assists in his 31 league outings in the 2021/22 campaign, while also averaging a solid 0.7 interceptions and one tackle per game, as well as enjoying an impressive 91% pass accuracy rate.

With a shortage of options in central midfield at present at Villa Park, particularly with Morgan Sanson potentially set to depart, the arrival of the all-round ace would no doubt provide adequate cover and increase competition for places, with his former boss in need of his monster-like presence to ruffle a few feathers.

It just remains to be seen if NSWE will back their man even further…

IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior

Rangers set to lose Mark Waller

A behind-the-scenes Rangers development has emerged regarding one of the Ibrox club’s key staff members… 

What’s the talk?

The Telegraph’s John Percy has revealed that the club’s doctor is set to leave the Light Blues to move south of the border.

He tweeted: “Bit of #lcfc transfer news (sort of): Leicester are appointing #Rangers doctor Mark Waller to a similar position after agreeing compensation. Dr Waller has previously worked with the Eng u21s, Liverpool & Villa, and his appointment is regarded as a huge coup ahead of next season.”

Gio van Bronckhorst will be frustrated

Percy’s claim that the move is a ‘huge coup’ for Leicester suggests that losing him is a big blow for the Gers, and head coach Gio van Bronckhorst will therefore be left frustrated with this development.

Waller’s CV proves how highly he is rated within the game, as he has held positions with two Premier League clubs, Rangers and England’s under-21s. The Foxes have now swooped to snap him up and the Light Blues will duly be left scrambling for a doctor to take his place ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

This will be particularly frustrating for Van Bronckhorst as he has a couple of significant players currently out with injury. Whilst the club have other medical staff at the training ground, Waller is clearly held in high regard, and his expertise may have been helpful in helping them get back to fitness as quickly as possible.

Ianis Hagi and Alfredo Morelos are both working their way back from their respective blows and hopefully the loss of the Gers doctor will not impact their recovery.

Having them available will be huge for Van Bronckhorst as they are both proven performers in the Scottish top flight. In the last two Premiership seasons, Morelos produced 24 goals and 12 assists for the Gers, showing that he can both score and set up goals on a regular basis.

Meanwhile, Hagi scored nine goals and set up 13 in that time as he made vital contributions from a variety of midfield positions. The versatile Romanian has the quality to create chances for his team-mates whilst chipping in with goals himself, providing Morelos with attacking support so that the Colombian does not carry the goalscoring burden on his own.

These statistics illustrate how much of an impact both of them can have in the Premiership, and that is why Van Bronckhorst will be frustrated if any staff changes behind the scenes affect their respective recoveries.

AND in other news, “I was told”: Insider drops exciting Rangers transfer update, it’s a big boost for Van Bronckhorst…

Wolves again linked with Palhinha move

Wolves have again made progress in their attempts to sign Joao Palhinha this summer, with a fresh transfer rumour revealing Bruno Lage has green lit the deal.

The Lowdown: Endless Palhinha links

No player has been linked with a move to Molineux more often than Palhinha in recent weeks, with the Sporting CP midfielder endlessly on Wanderers’ radar.

The 26-year-old has shone in the middle of the park this season but it seems likely that he will look for a fresh challenge during the summer transfer window given the amount of suitors from top European leagues, namely Tottenham and Wolves.

Wolves have certainly been at the front of the queue regarding a move and a new update suggests nothing has changed, in that respect.

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The Latest: Fresh rumour emerges

According to Correio da Manha [via Sport Witness], Wolves’ move for Palhinha has been given ‘the approval’ from Lage, who sees him as a perfect replacement for Ruben Neves, whose likely exit is also mentioned in the report.

Any move is ‘pending to the offer’ from Wanderers, with Sporting demanding €30million (£25.4m) for their player’s services.

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The Verdict: Move feels likely

With each passing week, the more it feels as though Palhinha will end up being a Wolves player next season, given the relentlessness of their pursuit.

There has been rumoured interest from others, including an ever-improving Spurs side, which is a worry, but the Portuguese connection at Molineux could sway his thinking.

While Palhinha is known for his class on the ball – he had an 87.8% pass completion rate in the Primeira Liga this season – his average of three tackles per game is greater than any Wolves player, showing what an impressive all-round footballer he is.

In other news, one Wolves hero has been linked with a summer exit. Find out who it is here.

Celtic close to permanent Jota transfer

Celtic will be looking to replicate this season’s Premiership success once the 2022/23 campaign gets underway at the end of July.

In addition, Ange Postecoglou will undoubtedly want to see his team win the domestic cups and go as far in Europe as they can.

Before the new season kicks off, the Bhoys will have the chance to improve their squad during the upcoming summer transfer window to put themselves in the best shape for domestic and European success.

As things stand, it seems as though the Parkhead club have one transfer in their sights which would surely have the Celtic fans jumping for joy.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from A Bola (via Sport Witness) Celtic’s on-loan winger Jota is likely to sign a permanent deal with the Hoops in the coming weeks.

During his season on loan in Scotland from Portuguese club Benfica, the winger made 40 appearances for the Hoops across all competitions, scoring 13 goals and delivering 14 assists in the process.

With 10 of those goals and 11 of those assists coming in his 29 league appearances, it’s safe to say that he played a big part in Celtic’s title-winning campaign.

To further highlight his attacking talent, only Liel Abada (81) at Parkhead ended the season with more shots than the 23-year-old (76).

His overall performances earned him a season rating of 7.53/10, making him the second-highest rated player currently in Celtic’s squad behind David Turnbull according to WhoScored.

Labelled a “striker’s dream” by BBC Scotland pundit Marvin Bartley, Jota has shown how much of a dangerous attacking threat he can be for the Hoops and why it would be such a great deal for them to sign him on a permanent basis.

Having also had his performances for the Hoops described as “unbelievable” by Postecoglou, it’s safe to say that the 56-year-old would be over the moon to have the winger in his squad for the foreseeable future.

If Celtic can announce a permanent transfer for the £18.5k-per-week star as their first completed deal for the summer, this will surely get Hoops supporters buzzing and put the club in a good place to move on to other deals that they may want to get done.

In other news – Signed for £4.5m, now worth 70% less: Celtic had a huge howler on £9k-p/w “disaster”

Man City: Report shares major Matheus Nunes transfer update

Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manhã has now shared a major Manchester City transfer update involving Sporting Lisbon star Matheus Nunes.

The Lowdown: Exciting week at Eastlands…

This time last week, Blues were still coming to terms with City’s dramatic Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Real Madrid.

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Fast forward to now and Pep Guardiola’s side have responded in irresistible fashion, swatting aside Newcastle United and Wolves with 10 goals in two games as they take huge strikes towards retaining their domestic crown.

Off field, the Sky Blues confirmed an agreement to sign Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund in the summer – putting an end to their long search for Sergio Aguero’s heir.

Conveniently, all of this falls around the 10-year anniversary of Aguero’s iconic 93:20 title-winning goal which clinched City their first ever Premier League crown in the most incredible of ways – a moment which will live long in the hearts of supporters everywhere.

As Etihad Stadium officials look toward the 2022 summer transfer window, after sealing a deal for Haaland, it appears a major update has now come to light on their pursuit of Sporting midfielder and target Nunes.

The Latest: City ready to ‘advance’…

According to newspaper Correio da Manhã (via Sport Witness), City are now waiting to ‘advance’ with €40 million (£34m) for the exciting 23-year-old.

It is believed they are waiting until the end of the Liga Bwin season before coming to the table with Guardiola’s side currently favourites and having ‘preference’ in a potential deal for Nunes.

Correio say that Nunes may well play his last game for Sporting against Santa Clara later this evening, coming as City’s boss is ‘already convinced’ by the player who’s turned his head.

The Verdict: Get it done…

As City search for a new midfield signing after Haaland, there are few candidates who could seamlessly slot into Guardiola’s side as brilliantly as Nunes.

According to WhoScored, the gem completes more dribbles per 90 (2.5) than any of his teammates and may well come as an expert ball-carrier who can help to transition Guardiola’s side from defence to attack.

Goncalo Santos, an ex-teammate of Nunes, backs just how good he is on the ball – calling him an ‘unbelievable’ dribbler who’s ‘impossible’ to catch (via Liverpool Echo).

For just £34m, he would truly be a snip.

In other news: Pep dealt behind-scenes Man City blow after major development this week! Find out more here.

Newcastle eye Arsenal striker Nketiah

Newcastle United are reportedly ‘chasing’ Eddie Nketiah ahead of a potential move in the summer.

The Lowdown: On form

The 22-year-old is a man on form, having scored four goals in his last five Premier League games, earning a starting place for Arsenal ahead of club captain Alex Lacazette in the process (Transfermarkt).

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He is out of contract at the Emirates Stadium in the summer and can therefore leave as a free agent once the season ends.

The Latest: Newcastle ‘chasing’

Taking to Twitter, transfer expert Toby Cudworth – who contributes to the Talking Transfers podcast – has revealed that Newcastle are now among a number of clubs in the top flight who are ‘chasing’ Nketiah this summer, as it is ‘increasingly unlikely’ that the striker will stay in north London.

The 90min reporter outlined: “It’s increasingly unlikely Eddie Nketiah will stay at Arsenal – #WHUFC, #NUFC, #EFC and #CPFC all chasing. Liverpool and Chelsea also monitoring situation – 22 y/o could provide attractive squad depth option.”

The Verdict: No-brainer

To get a player of Nketiah’s quality and potential on a free transfer is surely a no-brainer for the Tyneside club.

Hailed as a player who has an ‘incredible work-rate’, ‘pace’ and a ‘smell for goals’ by his manager Mikel Arteta (Sportskeeda), the striker would offer a great squad option for Eddie Howe, given that Callum Wilson has suffered from injuries this season.

He is just 22 years of age, and given that he is English as well, he should provide a nice sell-on value should it not work out at St James’ Park.

Given his current form, though, there is no reason why Nketiah would not be a success at the Magpies next term if he swaps north London for the northeast of England.

In other news, find out who is now expected to sign for NUFC here!

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