Leeds United are ready to sign Southampton forward Che Adams this summer, should the Saints suffer relegation, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: 49ers takeover

It looks likely that the 49ers Enterprises will be in control at Elland Road from the summer, with Phil Hay recently saying there’s a ‘very strong chance’ that the 49ers will be in charge from July, regardless of what division Leeds find themselves in.

There is an agreement in place with Andrea Radrizzani over a deal, with Reports suggesting that the 49ers ‘expect to be in control in Yorkshire for 10-15 years once they seal a full takeover.

And the board already appear to be looking at potential signings for the summer, with Adams still thought to be of interest.

The Latest: Transfer update

FI reporter Pete O’Rourke shared an update regarding Leeds and Adams on Monday afternoon.

He said that the Whites are plotting a summer move for the Scotland international and are ready to sign him “in a heartbeat” if the Saints are relegated to the Championship. Those at Elland Road are still “big admirers” of Adams after failing to sign him in recent transfer windows.

The Verdict: One to watch…

Adams, who Ralph Hasenhuttl has hailed for having a ‘fantastic’ attitude, appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €22m Transfermarkt valuation.

The 26-year-old has contributed to seven Premier League goals this season, with the Whites struggling in the final third since domestic action resumed after the World Cup.

Leeds have netted just seven times in 11 top-flight games, so bringing in someone like Adams could be a smart move. He’s actually scored three goals in eight games against Leeds and could be just what is required in Yorkshire, making this one to watch.

NFL star Kelvin Beachum Jr of the Arizona Cardinals has hailed Tottenham after they announced a partnership with Formula One.

The Lowdown: Spurs seal Formula 1 agreement…

On Tuesday, the Lilywhites confirmed a 15-year deal with the mega-money racing league which adds to their state-of-the-art new ground’s current trend of welcoming many other sports outside of football.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium plays host to Boxing and the NFL with F1 now included in the list.

Spurs say the deal will create career opportunities and bring a new motorsport experience to London, alongside building the world’s first in-stadium electric karting facility and London’s longest indoor track.

The track will apparently be constructed beneath Spurs’ south stand and is described as a soon-to-be ‘one of a kind’ experience.

The Latest: NFL star praises Spurs deal…

Taking to Twitter, NFL star Beachum Jr has praised the club for their initiative partnership – explaining:

“As if Spurs weren’t reason enough to visit the new stadium!! @F1 and @SpursOfficial is the partnership I never knew I needed.”

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The Verdict: Interesting…

Amid the protests surrounding ENIC and chairman Daniel Levy, this is certainly an interesting move, especially considering the rumoured takeover talk also.

Tottenham supporters who have voiced frustrations over on-pitch investment may be taken aback by this news that more funds are going into off-field resources.

However, from an economical standpoint, Levy has found yet another avenue for Spurs to benefit from their incredible new stadium and one which may bring in a stream of new revenue.

As Tottenham seek to rebuild their profits after nearly two regrettable years in COVID wilderness, this off-field move could be hugely lucrative in the long-run.

Declan Rice has come in for some criticism from pundits of late but he was arguably the player of the match on Sunday as West Ham drew 1-1 with Aston Villa.

How did Declan Rice perform against Villa?

David Moyes’ side would earn a point against the Villans at the London Stadium to take them outside the relegation spots on goal difference, but they perhaps could and should have scored more.

While the attackers struggled to produce the goods once again, Rice produced the sort of performance that had seen him valued at a mammoth £150m by Moyes last summer.

As per Sofascore, the England international would earn an impressive 7.7/10 rating for his display, which was the best of any player on the pitch other than the two goalscorers, Said Benrahma and Ollie Watkins.

The former, in particular, has enjoyed a fine season in claret and blue, scoring seven goals and supplying five assists in a campaign where very few have been a beacon of hope for the Hammers.

It’s perhaps easy to suggest that he has been the standout man compared to Rice, but the midfielder hit back at his doubters over the weekend.

During the 90 minutes, the 24-year-old would enjoy 63 touches of the ball, completing 41/47 passes with an impressive success rate of 87%.

Rice also played two key passes and created a big chance for the Irons, while he also won 70% of his duels in what was a superb all-round display.

However, it was the defensive side of the game in which the former Chelsea man best excelled, as he contributed a remarkable seven tackles, two interceptions and one clearance at the London Stadium.

Considering he has averaged just 2.2 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game in the top flight so far this season, it is clear just how impressive he was on Sunday afternoon.

The impressive midfielder, who was lauded for his “incredible potential” by former Hammers star Jose Fonte in 2021, has faced criticism from Roy Keane recently for his role in West Ham’s poor season.

The former Manchester United man said: “He’s got to focus on doing well for West Ham this season. I don’t think he’s been that great this season. He’s not really kicked on for all the talk about him and all the PR coming out of west ham about him… I think he needs to do a lot more.

“He doesn’t score enough goals and he doesn’t get enough assists.”

While Rice wasn’t able to contribute a goal today, the big chance he created suggests he was unfortunate not to register an assist, while he also looked back to his best from a defensive point of view.

More performances like his one on Sunday will surely be vital for the Hammers in their ongoing battle against relegation this season.

Leeds United have been slammed by Gabriel Agbonlahor following their recent victory on the weekend at home to fellow strugglers Southampton.

Are Leeds out of the relegation zone?

It really was three huge points on Saturday at Elland Road for the Yorkshire side who were able to pull themselves out of the bottom three.

The points were won on Javi Gracia’s first game in charge of Leeds which not only saw them pick up the points but put Southampton into more trouble.

Leeds have now been able to pull four points clear of the Saints who sit rock bottom of the Premier League table despite winning their prior outing against Chelsea.

But despite the win, TalkSport’s Agbonlahor has issued his concerns for the Whites after feeling they showed very little to provide optimism in the win, as well as hitting out at Bamford:

“Honestly, mate, it was painful. Leeds, for me, massive result you know getting a result today [Saturday] but I wouldn’t get carried away if I was Leeds because that was painful to watch today.

“Bamford couldn’t move. I don’t understand why they’re still starting him. Leeds and Southampton, for me, are still bang in trouble.”

Will Leeds be relegated this season?

One thing which is certain is the win on the weekend has not pulled the Whites out of danger just yet with just a one-point gap now opened on Everton.

However, they may see their next game against Chelsea as the perfect opportunity to open up a further gap on their relegation rivals with both Everton and Bournemouth facing Arsenal in their next games.

But consistency has not been their strength this season on the back of the five victories they have earned this season.

On only one occasion in the Premier League this season have the Whites been able to follow up a victory with another three points in their next game.

And although Agbonlahor was clearly not blown away by the performance from Leeds on the weekend, they did hold over 60% possession and record more shots on goal than Southampton (via SofaScore).

It’s fair to say that Bamford didn’t have the best of games as he struggled to get involved, having just 27 touches in 86 minutes, as well as losing eight duels and giving three fouls away.

It does have to be questioned whether Leeds fans will even be concerned with their club playing attractive football when they are in the position they are currently.

We are sure fans would happily take three points on a more regular basis if it means they have to settle for an uglier brand of football.

Liverpool have made contact to bring Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot to the Premier League, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Rabiot wants PL move

Football Insider claim that Jurgen Klopp is looking to bolster his ranks with at least two central signings in the summer as a result of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all being likely to leave Anfield.

The French international’s contract at the Allianz is set to expire at the end of the season and it’s likely that he will be available as a free agent having not yet signed an extension.

The 27-year-old has previously admitted that he would be keen to one day make the move to the English top flight and it sounds like he’s not short of potential suitors.

The Latest: Liverpool make contact

According to 90min, Liverpool, Tottenham and Manchester United have all ‘asked’ to be ‘kept abreast’ of any negotiations by Rabiot’s camp ahead of the upcoming window.

Juventus, however, haven’t given up on retaining the midfielder’s services, with their manager Massimiliano Allegri a ‘huge fan’ of his player’s attributes.

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The Verdict: Perfect for Klopp?

Rabiot is a complete midfielder who is strong in both the defensive and offensive aspects of his game, so he would be the perfect reinforcement for Liverpool.

Standing at 6 foot 2, the maestro would be able to add a different dimension to the centre with his height, as he’s currently averaging 1.5 aerial wins and 1.8 tackles per league game (WhoScored).

The Saint-Maurice native is also a threat in the final third having scored seven goals and provided two assists across all competitions this season (Transfermarkt).

Rabiot has been dubbed a ‘monster’ by journalist Robin Bairner with his collective attributes making him the ideal candidate to put pen to paper on Merseyside.

Newcastle United are in talks with Bruno Guimaraes over a potential new deal and are confident of getting it tied up before the end of the campaign.

How long does Guimaraes have on his contract?

The Brazilian has only been playing his football on Tyneside for just over one year now so his current deal is still fairly fresh with a further three years still remaining.

However, he has had a huge impact at St. James’ Park and recently picked up the North East Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year award.

And as a result of his influence on Eddie Howe’s side, it seems as if the club are looking to reward him with a bumper deal which would see him become the club’s highest earner.

Speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast, insider Graeme Bailey has suggested these conversations are ongoing and the club are growing in confidence of getting the deal completed soon:

“Newcastle are in talks with him. They’re quite confident on this one. By the end of the season, he’ll be their highest-paid player – just rewards for his progress as well.

“Real Madrid have been looking but he’s very settled there at the moment, so I don’t really see an issue with that one.”

Do Real Madrid want to sign Bruno Guimaraes?

The 24-year-old’s impact at Newcastle has certainly caught the attention of some of the biggest names in the game with Pep Guardiola recently hailing the midfielder following their recent clash in Manchester:

‘He told me that I was a good player. This makes me happy, because, for me, he’s the best manager that I’ve seen. That’s it, that’s this conversation, not more,’ Guimaraes said over the weekend.

However, there have also been reports suggesting the La Liga giants, Real Madrid, have become interested in the midfielder and could potentially see him as an option in the future.

But Bailey did allude to the midfielder being happy and settled on Tyneside and that was backed up on Sunday when he spoke about his desire to stay at Newcastle after picking up the writers’ award:

‘I think about staying here for a long time. When I signed, I thought I would like to put my name in the club’s story. I think I’m doing it, but, of course, to get my name there, I need to win a title.’

The 24-year-old has returned three goals and three assists in the Premier League this season, however, it is Newcastle’s record without him which is the biggest testament to his importance (via Transfermarkt).

The Toon had only lost two league games all season before the weekend and they both came when Guimaraes was missing from the side.

Although he was involved in the defeat on the weekend, the Magpies were also unable to win any of their last three league games with Guimaraes sidelined through suspension.

Not only would a new deal reward his efforts since arriving at Newcastle but it could also put off any potential interested clubs ahead of the summer.

Crystal Palace could look at a move for Al-Ittihad manager Nuno Espirito Santo, according to The Daily Express’ Ryan Taylor.

The Lowdown: Vieira sacked

The Eagles officially parted ways with Patrick Vieira on Friday morning after a run of 11 games without a win in 2023. Wednesday’s Premier League defeat to rivals Brighton & Hove Albion proved to be Vieira’s final game in charge, with Steve Parish and co now on the hunt for his long-term replacement.

Palace have a trip to league leaders Arsenal to prepare for on Sunday afternoon, with backroom staff members Osian Roberts, Kristian Wilson and Said Aigoun also leaving the club.

The Latest: Nuno claim

Taylor shared a story for The Daily Express shortly after Vieira was sacked on Friday morning. He looked at five possible options to come in at Selhurst Park, one of which being Nuno. Taylor said:

‘Nuno was previously on the verge of being appointed Palace boss in June 2021 before a deal collapsed at the eleventh hour.

“The former Wolves manager is now working in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad but there is a sense he would be open to returning to the Premier League where he has a point to prove after being sacked by Tottenham in 2021 just months into his tenure.

“The Portuguese coach is renowned for playing a back-three, a system that was so effective as he guided Wolves to the quarter-finals of the Europa League in 2019/20. Nuno’s contract in the Middle East is thought to contain a release clause though meaning Palace would have to reach for the chequebook if they were to agree terms with the 49-year-old.”

The Verdict: Good option?

Nuno has enjoyed a successful stint in Saudi Arabia so far, winning 11 of his last 12 games in charge of Al-Ittihad. He also has proven Premier League experience and was hailed by Gary Lineker for his “fabulous job” with Wolves, where he took them from the Championship to the Europa League.

The 49-year-old also likes to play a 4-2-3-1 system and has wins over high-flying Premier League managers like Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp on his CV. His record against Palace also stands at four wins from eight games, and you’d expect he would arrive in London full of confidence, should a move go through.

Therefore, he could prove to be a shrewd target by Palace chiefs, who you expect will want Vieira’s replacement brought in relatively quickly to work with the squad during the international break ahead of the run-in.

Leeds United defender Junior Firpo is being tracked by multiple clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports in the last 24 hours.

The Lowdown: Price tag named

The Whites left-back first made the move to the Premier League from Barcelona in July 2021 but has had a mixed start to life at Elland Road, having failed to find a consistent run of form.

However, the arrival of Javi Gracia may have been exactly what the Dominican-born star needed having started the last five top-flight games, becoming the boss’ favoured choice over Pascal Struijk.

Despite the Yorkshire outfit’s starlet fighting his way back into the side, Inter Live have claimed that he’s keen to join a team who are competing in a European competition, with the club willing to sanction his sale for just £9m should they get relegated, a hefty loss on the £13m he cost the club.

If that is the case, it doesn’t sound like he will be short of potential suitors…

The Latest: Firpo set to leave?

According to Football Insider, Firpo is ‘wanted’ by several unnamed clubs in Spain as they weigh up whether to make an approach later in the summer.

La Liga outfits are ‘keeping tabs’ on the 26-year-old and it’s reported that his future is ‘likely’ to depend on whether Leeds are successfully able to avoid the drop at the end of the season.

In saying that, it’s claimed that he ‘could still leave’ even if they were to stay up with left-back having been identified as a position that ‘could need changing’.

The Verdict: Keep hold of him

When Firpo arrived at Leeds two years ago, he was praised by journalist Josh Bunting, who said:

“Junior Firpo is a really good piece of business for Leeds United, another good pick up from Victor Orta, he’s versatile and for Leeds that’s a perfect attribute to have under Marcelo Bielsa’s leadership. He’s aggressive and carries a goal threat from left-back, positioning superb.”

The Whites defender currently ranks in the 96th percentile for most tackles and the 95th percentile for most blocks and interceptions made per game (FBRef) whilst also being a threat in the final third, having posted five goal contributions since joining.

Firpo is a useful option for Gracia to have in the building with his versatility to operate in five various positions, including at centre-back and on the opposite flank, so Leeds need to do everything they can to fend off interest and keep hold of him beyond the summer.

Former Scottish Premiership striker Frank McAvennie claims that Glasgow Rangers do not have the money to sign Malik Tillman this summer.

The Lowdown: Tillman offered

It has been reported that Bayern Munich are happy for Rangers to sign Tillman on a permanent deal once his loan spell ends.

However, they want £6.2m for a permanent sale, which is thought to be ‘prohibitive’ for the Ibrox outfit.

Alfredo Morelos has reportedly signed a pre-contract agreement with Sevilla, meaning that they will not receive a transfer fee for him, while Ryan Kent is also out of contract this summer, and has reportedly been approached by Leeds United.

The Latest: ‘Diabolical’

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie did not hold back when asked about the Gers’ potential summer transfer window, claiming that they will not sign Tillman as he is too expensive, and running both Morelos and Kent’s contracts down is ‘diabolical’:

“Rangers have not got the money to buy Tillman.

“That is not going to happen. Whoever makes these decisions at Rangers should be sacked.

“To let Kent’s and Morelos’ contracts run down is nothing short of diabolical. Why would you want to do that? I was sure they would have been out in January.“

The Verdict: Money wasted

Losing Morelos and potentially Kent on free transfers is certainly money wasted by the Light Blues, and explains why they may not be able to afford Tillman.

Lauded as an ‘epic talent‘ by former Teddy Bears manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst, the loanee has settled in well in Scottish football, with nine goals and five assists in 37 matches in total over all competitions so far this term (Transfermarkt).

Michael Beale’s side simply need to do all that they can to make this deal into a permanent one, and that may lead to having to sell one or two squad players in order to help fund the move.

Celtic are open to offers for forward Liel Abada with an approach already being plotted this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: Abada scouted in January

The Hoops winger only made the move to the Scottish Premiership back in 2021 so isn’t out of contract until 2026, but being Ange Postecoglou’s second top-performing offensive player, has been generating interest.

The Athletic report that Southampton have identified the 21-year-old as an ideal target having sent scouts to watch him in January, with a view to making their move at the end of the season.

Maccabi Petah Tikva president Avi Luzon, the player’s former club, recently admitted that he thinks the Israel international will leave Parkhead at the next available opportunity. He said:

“I believe he will be sold in the summer to the Premier League. There were talks already in the last window, but he didn’t want to be sold.

“They offered him a contract extension and I know he didn’t agree, because he wants to be sold. I don’t know the names of teams, but there are offers and I believe at a probability level of over 90% that he will move to the Premier League in the summer.”

The Latest: Saints plotting approach

According to the Daily Mail (via the Southern Daily Echo), Southampton are ‘ready to pounce’ for Abada following a ‘breakdown’ in talks to extend his stay at Celtic.

The St. Mary’s outfit are claimed to be ‘long-term admirers’ of their target and are ‘likely’ to try their luck ahead of the new term.

It’s stated that a fee of £10m would be ‘enough to tempt’ the Bhoys into sanctioning a sale with the boss having already committed to using transfer funds to invest further into his squad.

The Verdict: Don’t let him go

Abada won the Best Young Player award in the Scottish Premiership in 2022 and considering the positive impact he makes, it’s important that Celtic don’t let him leave in the summer.

The Hoops attacker has posted 15 goal contributions in 29 league outings so far this season and he’s currently averaging 3.55 shots per game, form which has seen him receive three man-of-the-match awards.

The Petah Tikva native is also comfortable playing out wide on both the left and right flanks alongside up front, making him an extremely useful option to have in the building.

Abada has been dubbed a ‘dangerous’ player by journalist Josh Bunting and even the thought of losing him is a huge blow.