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Leeds United have instigated discussions to sign highly-rated West Hm United youngster Sonny Perkins, according to Fabrizio Romano. 

The lowdown: Rising talent

Signed by West Ham from the Leyton Orient academy system in 2019, Perkins has shone for the youth sides in London, scoring 19 goals and providing five assists in 53 outings.

That impressive form earned the young centre-forward first-team recognition under David Moyes last term, initially featuring in two Europa League contests before being handed a Premier League bow in Leeds’ 3-2 victory at The London Stadium in January.

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Now, having failed to reach an agreement over a new deal in East London, the Whites could be about to swoop in…

The latest: Romano makes claim

Taking to Twitter, renowned transfer specialist Romano has claimed Leeds and Aston Villa have opened up a dialogue with the ‘promising’ 18-year-old.

He said: “Leeds and Aston Villa have opened talks to sign promising forward Sonny Perkins. Perkins has made 3 appearances for West Ham. Both clubs want to sign him.”

Elsewhere, a report from The Guardian has said that Tottenham are also interested in the England youth international.

The verdict: Budding prospects

Although the senior development of the likes of Sam Greenwood, Joe Gelhardt and Charlie Cresswell was somewhat fast-tracked last season due to an overwhelming amount of injuries decimating the Elland Road ranks, all three prodigious young talents shone in their own right.

Two years older than Perkins, Gelhardt and the Hammers starlet have enjoyed similar paths until now with the Liverpool-born Leeds ace scoring three times in six England Under 18 outings, whilst the current West Ham man has two strikes in six appearances at the same level.

Last season, the teenager scored 12 times and provided one assist in 21 Premier League 2 displays, highlighting a readiness to take a potentially seamless next step in a promising career.

Seemingly not afraid to give youth a chance, adding Perkins – who was described as an ‘exciting player’ by Premier League stalwart Mark Noble – to Jesse Marsch’s options would make an abundance of sense, especially for what is likely to be a relatively low financial outlay.

In other news: Leeds now want to sign ‘outstanding’ La Liga gem, read more here

A huge update has emerged on a group purchasing 39% of Sunderland this summer…

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports presenter and journalist Tom White has revealed that The Fans Together are closing in on purchasing a stake in the Black Cats.

The Athletic had revealed that the group were in discussions with Stewart Donald and Charlie Methven to take their stake in the club and White has now backed up those claims.

He Tweeted: ‘“The Fans Together” are moving closer to owning 39% of SAFC.

‘The group believe in fan ownership. Fans will be given the chance to buy in. TFT already have a stake in Greek club FC EPISKOPI. TFT were attracted to SAFC by the large fan base and the fact there is no debt.’

White added: “Bob Robinson is leading the project. Robinson was previously involved at Bradford Park Avenue, where he led a fan run initiative to resurrect the club. No comment from the EFL (they would never comment on an ongoing takeover or investment).”

Supporters will be excited

The Black Cats supporters will be excited by this news for multiple reasons.

Firstly, they will be pleased that the deal is ‘moving closer’ at the start of the summer. This suggests that an agreement can be reached well in advance of the 2022/23 campaign getting underway.

Fans will not want uncertainty hanging over the club as they head into their first Championship season since 2017/18 and having this 39% sale dragging over into August and September surely suits no one involved.

By getting it done and dusted as early as possible, Sunderland can move forward with everyone pulling in the same direction as they attempt to achieve survival in the second tier under Alex Neil.

Secondly, supporters will be excited by the prospect of being able to buy in and own a percentage of the club. This pledge from TFT shows – if their name is not enough – that they care about the fans.

The group are seemingly passionate about the fanbase and this suggests that they will work hard to have a healthy relationship with them. This will leave the Black Cats faithful excited for the future with TFT at the Stadium of Light and the notion that they will feel valued at the club moving forward.

AND in other news, Forget Stewart: SAFC deal for gem who’s “loved by the fans” would get SOL rocking…

Manchester City will be heading into next season without their veteran midfielder Fernandinho for the first time since his arrival in 2013.

As the oldest player in Pep Guardiola’s squad, the Brazilian’s departure should bring the average age of City’s squad down somewhat.

One of the oldest members remaining in the squad is Riyad Mahrez, who has made 189 appearances for the Citizens across all competitions. In that time, the 31-year-old has found the net 63 times and delivered 46 assists along the way, also winning several domestic trophies.

With the winger’s current contract at City set to expire in the summer of 2023, the club could well be looking at potential long-term replacements for the Algerian.

One man with whom City have been linked recently and who could fit this particular bill is Arsenal attacker Bukayo Saka.

A product of the Gunners’ youth system, the player made 52 appearances across their under-18 and under-23 teams before making his senior debut in November 2018. In 131 senior appearances for the north London club, the 20-year-old has scored 23 goals and provided 29 assists in the process.

This shows that he certainly knows how to be an attacking threat from the right wing, just as Mahrez has been for City.

To further highlight the English youngster’s talent, only Trent Alexander-Arnold (150) and Bruno Fernandes (145) racked up more shot-creating actions in the league this season than Saka (142).

In terms of his shooting, only four other players in the Premier League had more attempts at goal than the £58.5m-rated Arsenal winger, who had 95 shots in total, highlighting how much of a nuisance he can be for opposition defenders and goalkeepers.

His overall performances in the league this term earned the England international an impressive season rating of 7.06/10 from WhoScored, making him the highest-rated player at Arsenal.

Labelled a “delightful” player by Gary Lineker on Twitter, Saka certainly seems to have the ability to be a useful attacking figure in City’s team.

If Guardiola feels the need to add a potential long-term replacement for Mahrez either this summer or in the near future, the Arsenal starlet should definitely be in his thinking.

In other news: Pep can land his own Ronaldo as City eye move for “spectacular” £45m-rated “diamond”

West Ham United are reportedly edging ever closer to announcing the signing of Rennes defender Nayef Aguerd, according to respected source ExWHUemployee.

What’s the word?

Speaking on the West Ham Way podcast, the club insider has revealed that the deal to bring the centre-back to the London Stadium is nearing completion, with the Morocco international believed to have gone as far as to pose for photos with a Hammers shirt.

While the transfer guru stated that the deal is not yet totally done, he believes that the 26-year-old is all but certain to be at the club next season (quotes via West Ham Zone): “I’ve spoken to a couple of people in the club who have all confirmed it [Aguerd signing].

“There were even photos taken of him with the shirt, so unless things have dramatically changed and this doesn’t happen, because I don’t believe it’s a done deal, but I would be surprised if he doesn’t sign. It may be even announced on the day that the kits are launched, whenever that is.”

This follows a report last week that outlined that the east Londoners were ‘holding talks’ regarding a permanent switch, while the Telegraph’s latest update suggested that the club are ‘increasingly confident’ of securing the £13m move.

Supporters buzzing

That news will no doubt be music to the ears of Irons’ supporters, with David Moyes’ side having been in desperate need of new additions to help bolster the backline, with injuries hampering their progress in 2022 as the Scotsman was at times forced to name a makeshift backline.

That included having to start full-back, Aaron Cresswell, in the heart of the defence on occasion, while throughout the campaign the club had been far too reliant on the defensive pair of Craig Dawson and Kurt Zouma, following Angelo Ogbonna’s lengthy stint out with a serious knee injury.

With Frenchman Issa Diop also heavily linked with an exit after falling out of favour in recent seasons, the need for new recruits has heightened even further, with the aforementioned Aguerd set to provide real quality and at a relative bargain price to boot.

The most recent campaign saw the £10.8m-rated gem help the Ligue outfit to a fourth-place finish, having averaged four clearances, 0.9 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per game in his 31 league starts, keeping an impressive 13 clean sheets in that time and winning 62% of his total duels.

Not just a sound defensive presence, the £8.9k-per-week ace also has the quality in possession to make him a real force to be reckoned with in the Premier League, ranking in the top 10% for attempted passes and in the top 16% for pass completion among those in his position across Europe’s five big leagues.

Such impressive form has seen him compared to Liverpool’s influential rock, Virgil van Dijk, with the pair sharing a number of statistical and stylistic similarities, as per FBref.

That comparison alone will no doubt have caught the attention of Hammers’ supporters, although the former Dijon man has also been the subject of praise for his displays in France, having been dubbed a “cerebral person” by ex-Rennes boss Julien Stephen for his footballing intelligence.

The longer-term concern will be whether he can translate that form to the English top-flight, although at present the West Ham faithful simply have good reason to be getting excited.

IN other news, “Another target…”: Ex drops big WHU summer transfer claim that supporters will love

Aston Villa are reportedly eyeing a deal for Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips, having already confirmed the arrival of young Frenchman Boubacar Kamara.

What’s the word?

After announcing his departure from Marseille late last week, the 22-year-old has since agreed to join Steven Gerrard’s side on a five-year deal this summer, following the expiry of his existing deal.

That free transfer coup could well be followed by another midfield addition in the upcoming window in the form of Phillips, however, with the Telegraph reporting on Sunday that the England international is a ‘leading target’ for the Midlands outfit.

Had the 26-year-old’s current side suffered relegation on the final day the player could have reportedly been available for as little as £30m owing to a release clause in his contract, although after a dramatic win away at Brentford at the weekend to secure their survival, Jesse Marsch’s side are likely to demand closer to £60m.

Perfect Partners

Having already snapped up Kamara – the club’s second summer arrival after making Philippe Coutinho’s move permanent – a move for the Yorkshireman in the coming months could help Gerrard form an immense midfield pairing that would be the envy of the sides above them.

Dubbed “unreal” by former teammate Lewis Cook, Phillips has blossomed for club and country in recent seasons, notably starring under Gareth Southgate last summer as the Three Lions surged to the Euro 2020 final, featuring in all seven games in the competition.

A key cog in Southgate’s side, the £45m-rated gem had formed a standout partnership with West Ham United talisman Declan Rice in that tournament, with managerial legend Fabio Capello lavishing the duo with praise for their commanding displays in front of the back four.

Although replicating that pair at Villa Park appears improbable – with Rice set to fetch roughly £150m if he is to depart the London Stadium – in Kamara the club have identified a man who can perform a similar role, having been an all-action midfield presence during his time at the Stade Velodrome.

In 34 Ligue 1 outings this term, the £46k-per-week star averaged 1.4 interceptions, 1.2 clearances and two tackles per 90, while also recording an impressive 91% pass completion rate.

That record is remarkably similar to that of the aforementioned Hammers star, with the 23-year-old recording a 92% pass accuracy rate, as well as averaging 1.8 interceptions, 1.4 clearances and 2.2 tackles per game, with the Englishman narrowly coming out on top.

That does prove, however, that Villa’s new signing has the capabilities to be not only a success in the Premier League, but also a suitable partner to potential target Phillips, with supporters likely to be praying that a deal can get done for the 19-cap monster.

Dubbed “exceptional” by pundit Danny Higginbotham, the £38k-per-week man has performed remarkably compared to those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues, ranking in the top 1% for pressures made and in the top 3% for blocks and tackles made.

Much like in the Phillips-Rice axis, it can be Kamara offering the silky, ball-playing qualities in the centre of the park, while the current Leeds man provides the intense and tireless energy that has become his trademark both at international level and at Elland Road.

Gerrard could well have the perfect partnership on his hands, he just needs NSWE to back him sufficiently to make it happen.

AND in other news: “Villa would…”: Gregg Evans drops huge transfer claim, supporters will be buzzing

Transfer insider Dean Jones has been discussing the prospect of ongoing problems at Manchester United ahead of the arrival of Erik ten Hag. 

The lowdown: Carrington bust-up

This comes following a report from the Manchester Evening News confirming that there had been a clash during training last week.

You can see with the paddy power promo code what effect all this upheaval is having on the Bookies thoughts for the Reds, for next season.  Not what the new manager would want to come in to find is it really?

The two players involved haven’t been named and the in-fighting symbolises wider issues faced at Old Trafford during the 2021/22 campaign as the club faces another season without silverware and without the prospect of elite European football at Old Trafford next term.

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Having appointed Ten Hag from Ajax, United will be hoping this summer can spell somewhat of a new dawn as the Red Devils attempt to return to the glory days.

The latest: Jones on ongoing ‘issues’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones shed some light on the grievances, which he says ought to have to been ironed out before the 52-year-old takes over from Ralf Rangnick.

He said: “If there were issues, then they should have been sorted out before now, and probably not in this manner. I know some United fans were like: ‘finally, some passion in this team’, but it probably just means that there are rifts there. That’s just another issue for ten Hag to fix.”

The verdict: Clean slate

In this instance, it truly is apt that a change is as good as a rest for United as the European superpower attempts to arrest an alarming slide away from the top table.

Albeit Ten Hag certainly appears to have his work cut out in order to address the long list of problems at the club, with as many as 12 players expected to leave there is certainly potential for the Dutchman to install a whole new culture from the outset.

After adding a third Eredivisie title to his already impressive CV, Ten Hag’s success in management coupled with a penchant for developing young prospects certainly fits in with the previously successful mantra under Sir Alex Ferguson and should see the Dutchman given time in the role once the current problems in the Red Devils camp can be resolved.

In other news: Ten Hag loves him: Man Utd now ‘pressing’ to sign transfer listed Italian after agent meeting. 

Photo by Unsplash

Sky Sports have shared comments from Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch on winger Jack Harrison after he went off injured against Chelsea.

The Lowdown: Another night to forget

The Whites fell to a third successive defeat on Wednesday evening in what was another evening to forget at Elland Road.

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Marsch’s side conceded after just four minutes, had another man sent off in Dan James and failed to lay a glove on Thomas Tuchel’s side throughout.

Leeds also lost Harrison in the first half through injury, and it looks as if he could be another senior player to watch on from the sidelines for the final two games of the campaign.

The Latest: Harrison ‘update’

Sky Sports shared Marsch’s post-match interview with Marsch on live TV, relaying his comments on Twitter shortly after.

They asked the Leeds manager for an ‘update’ on Harrison, where he admitted he hoped it wasn’t too bad, however, Marsch added that the winger suffered a ‘contusion’ which ‘limited him from moving’.

Reliable reporter Phil Hay stated that Harrison will have a scan on the problem on Thursday morning.

The Verdict: Bad to worse

Leeds are running out of time and players in their bid to avoid the drop. Stuart Dallas, Luke Ayling, Adam Forshaw, Crysencio Summerville, Tyler Roberts and James are all out for the season through either injury or suspension.

So, should Harrison join that long list of absentees for the final two games, Marsch would be down to the bare bones out wide, with Raphinha also suffering an injury scare on Wednesday evening and was withdrawn late on as a precaution.

It looks as if the Whites need a miracle to avoid relegation, but hopefully, Harrison’s leg issue won’t be too serious and he can still play a part on the pitch against Brighton and Brentford.

In other news: Leeds working on cheap deal for ‘outstanding’ 24 y/o; may replace ‘horrible’ flop. 

An early Rangers team news hint has emerged ahead of the Glasgow giants’ participation in the UEFA Europa League final…

What’s the latest?

The Daily Record have relayed an Instagram story from the centre-forward that shows two custom shinpads with “Sevilla final 2022” and “Kemar Roofe” in text along with a picture of the striker with his family.

He posted the teaser on Saturday as he continues to fight to be available for the showpiece in Seville on Wednesday night.

Gio van Bronckhorst recently provided an update on his situation, saying: “He’s not training with the team at the moment. For him, he’s doing everything.

“I really admire his desire to be ready for the game on Wednesday. We’re pushing hard, but it’s one of those injuries where it’s a close call.

“Hopefully he can make some positive steps in the coming days.”

Supporters will be excited

Ibrox supporters will be excited by this teaser from the Jamaica international as it hints that Roofe is expecting to be fit for the game.

Although it is merely guesswork at this point, it seems unlikely that the forward would post that picture on his story if he was set to miss out on the squad and watch on from the sidelines. Van Bronckhorst confirmed that he is still in with a chance of making the match and this post suggests that the player is confident that he will be putting those shinpads into action against Frankfurt.

Fans will be delighted by the prospect of him being available as his return would be a huge boost to the team heading into the massive clash in Seville.

Roofe was hitting his stride before this injury disrupted his season as he scored four goals and provided two assists in his last six outings for Rangers in all competitions. One of those strikes ended up being the winner in the quarter-final of the Europa League against Braga – as he tapped home in extra time to make it 3-2 to the Gers on aggregate.

He has shown that he can be a match-winner for the club, in Europe and domestically, and van Bronckhorst will be keen to have his goalscoring talents to call upon on Wednesday.

Therefore, supporters will be excited by the teaser from Roofe and will be hoping that it means that he will be kitting up for a major European final next week.

AND in other news, GvB already heading for huge summer disaster at Rangers, Ross Wilson will be livid…

French commentator Gregoire Margotton has provided a key update regarding Liverpool’s interest in Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.

The Lowdown: Liverpool want Tchouameni

The Reds will be looking to make reinforcements in the summer transfer window, as Jurgen Klopp aims to make his squad even more formidable and rival Manchester City’s own moves in the market – namely Erling Haaland.

Tchouameni is a player who has been linked with a move to Anfield endless times in recent weeks, following some eye-catching displays for Monaco.

The 22-year-old is considered one of the most exciting young midfielders in world football, averaging 2.3 aerial duel wins per game in Ligue 1 this season, as well as enjoying an 87% pass completion rate – he even scored both goals from defensive midfield in a 2-1 win against Lille last week.

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The Latest: Deal close

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Margotton, who is a well-respected TV host in France for major broadcasters like TF1 and Canal+, gave an update on the situation, suggesting he has heard the deal is very close.

“I hear the immense talent on the left could move into the legendary house on the right shortly. Joy. Congratulations. Happiness.”

The tweet included photographs of Tchouameni on the left and Anfield on the right.

The Verdict: No.1 summer target?

With each passing day, the more it looks as though Liverpool are putting all of their midfield eggs in the Tchouameni basket this summer, seeing him as their number one target.

The Reds could certainly do with injecting some more youth into their midfield, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Fabinho, Thiago, Jordan Henderson and James Milner all aged 28 or older.

Tchouameni is a player with unbelievable potential, possessing all the attributes to become one of the best in the world in his position – he has been labelled as ‘extraordinary’ by France teammate Paul Pogba – and Liverpool signing him would feel like another significant piece of business.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano has dropped a key Liverpool transfer update. Read more here.

Gio van Bronckhorst secured a place in his second final as manager of Rangers as his side won 3-1 at Ibrox on Thursday night.

The Gers were 1-0 down on aggregate heading into the second leg of their Europa League semi-final in Glasgow but they produced a magical night in front of their home supporters as they put in a brilliant display under the lights.

James Tavernier and Glen Kamara both scored well-worked goals in the first half to put the Light Blues 2-1 up in the tie.

Alarm bells may have been ringing inside Ibrox as Christopher Nkunku levelled the tie with a sublime volleyed finish past Allan McGregor but they were soon silenced by the explosion of noise when John Lundstram made it 3-2 to the Gers on aggregate.

The midfielder reacted first to a loose ball inside the box and placed the ball into an empty net with his weak foot to send the stadium into raptures.

It was a special night for the Gers and a number of heroes on the pitch put in terrific performances to help them on their way. However, one player who failed to step up to the standard set by his team-mates was left-back Borna Barisic, as he put in a disappointing display.

The Croatia international was described as “spooked” against Celtic on Sunday by ex-Rangers midfielder Derek Ferguson and that criticism could have been used again last night. The 29-year-old’s play was lacking in quality and consistency as he struggled at the back, with the occasion potentially causing him to lose his cool.

On the ball, he was erratic and unreliable. As per SofaScore, he only completed 44% of his attempted passes and lost possession 14 times. He was successful with two of his five crosses and had a 0% success rate with his five long passes, which shows that he was unable to find his range during the match as he consistently gave the ball back to the opposition.

Out of possession, he was also rather weak. As per SofaScore, he lost four of his six duels and did not make any blocks or interceptions. He did make two tackles but was also dribbled past once as he failed to assert his dominance on the Leipzig forwards, although he did make one fine challenge on the edge of the box in the first half to stop a promising run.

Overall though, the Croatian almost cost Van Bronckhorst the tie as he put in a disappointing performance at both ends of the pitch. The 29-year-old liability was constantly giving the ball back to the visitors and was far from good enough in his individual battles, with his team-mates bailing him out in the end.

AND in other news, Forget Lundstram: Rangers’ £5.4m-rated “absolute baller” got Ibrox “rocking” last night…