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Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa is eyeing a fresh move for Spain and Wolves star Adama Traore this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports back in December suggested that the Whites were interested in signing the Premier League winger, but a deal failed to materialise in the January transfer window.

Now, Eurosport claim that Leeds are “continuing to show interest” in Traore, and that “they are trying to determine exactly how much it will take to sign him. Past indications from Wolves have put the player in the £80m bracket but Leeds would look to pay about half that amount.”

Could light up Elland Road

Part of the Spain squad currently at EURO 2020, Traore has been a real thorn for opposing defences in the Premier League for a number of years now, with former Leeds man Paddy Kenny raving about him earlier this year.

He said: “He’s got pace and power. He might not be as effective this season as he was last year but maybe he can freshen up, go to a new club and be a top signing. He’s an absolute handful. You wouldn’t want to be coming up against him every week, especially if you get in a foot race against him.”

Hailed as “unplayable” by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp following an impressive display against the Reds back in January 2020, Traore also received praise from Graeme Souness, with the Sky Sports pundit saying: “He is now not only a winger anymore, he keeps the ball, holds the ball and sets up goals, obviously. That makes it so difficult, each ball you lose is 100 per cent a counter-attack and half a goal.”

As per WhoScored, his average of 4.1 dribbles per game in the Premier League this season ranks him as the most prolific dribbler in the top flight, while he also ranks in the top three for drawing the most fouls per game at 2.3.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/leeds-united-marcelo-bielsa-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-elland-road-rodrigo-de-paul” title=”Read the latest Leeds transfer rumours and news!”]

Having an electric player like the £27m-rated Traore could be a real game-changer for Bielsa in giving his Leeds side another potent attacking option to go along with the likes of Raphinha and Jack Harrison out wide.

He could be the kind of signing to light up Elland Road.

Meanwhile, Leeds have been handed an exciting boost…

Watford have been handed a boost to their chances of bringing Osaze Urhoghide to Vicarage Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football League World, who claim that it appears increasingly unlikely that the Sheffield Wednesday centre-back will sign a new deal with the Owls, with his current contract at Hillsborough due to expire next month.

The Hornets have been credited with an interest in the 20-year-old defender, as Xisco Munoz’s looks to build a side capable of remaining in the Premier League come next summer.

Giaretta will be buzzing

While Sheffield Wednesday endured something of a season to forget this term, Urhoghide’s breakthrough into Darren Moore’s side was undoubtedly one of the brighter aspects of the club’s campaign.

Over his 16 Championship appearances, Urhoghide turned in a number of admirable displays for the Owls, helping his side to keep three clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.6 interceptions, 1.8 tackles and 2.7 clearances per game, earning a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.63.

While these may not be overly groundbreaking metrics, when taking into account the fact that the 20-year-old was playing for a side fighting at the wrong end of the Championship table, as well as not having a great deal of first-team football under his belt, they would appear to indicate that the £270k-rated man has a great deal of potential in the game.

Indeed, Moore has claimed that he believes Urhoghide is an “immense” player within his team, while the general feeling around the club is that the youngster is one of their brightest and most promising players.

As such, the news that the 20-year-old looks set to become available on a free transfer in the coming weeks is sure to leave Cristiano Giaretta buzzing, as the addition of the centre-back would appear to bode very well for the future of the Watford defence, as well as providing the club with greater depth over what is likely to be a challenging Premier League campaign next season.

In other news: Watford gain transfer boost over “tireless” £31k-p/w beast that’ll have fans buzzing

Derby County are interested in a move to bring Ronan Curtis to Pride Park this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Derbyshire Live, who claim that Wayne Rooney’s side, along with Cardiff City, Reading and Blackburn Rovers, are considering a move for the Portsmouth winger ahead of the summer transfer window.

However, it is also claimed that Danny Cowley has no intention of allowing the £3.7k-per-week forward to leave Fratton Park any time soon, as Curtis remains an important part of his plans for Pompey moving forward.

Rooney must move

Considering just how impressive Curtis was for Portsmouth this season, it is unsurprising to learn that Cowley is desperate to keep hold of the 26-year-old at Porstmouth this summer, as well as why a number of Championship sides are keeping tabs on the winger.

Indeed, over his 42 League One appearances for Pompey this term, Curtis scored 10 goals, provided seven assists and created seven big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.2 shots and making 1.5 key passes per game.

These metrics saw the Republic of Ireland international earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.11, ranking him as Cowley’s best performer in the third tier of English football.

The winger was also in fine form for Portsmouth in the domestic cup competitions, scoring a further four goals and registering three assists over six appearances in the EFL Trophy, the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup – taking his total haul of goals to 14 and his assists to 10 in all competitions.

And, considering how lacklustre Rooney’s Derby County side were in front of goal this season, with the Rams managing to find the back of the net on just 36 occasions in the Championship – the lowest amount of any team in the division – the addition of a player with Curtis’ finishing and creative abilities would appear to be essential for Derby this summer, if the 35-year-old wishes to give his side the best possible chance of mounting a push up the second tier table next season.

As such, a move for the Portsmouth winger – whom Cowley dubbed a “fantastic” player – would seem highly advisable for the Rams this summer, as Curtis could well bring with him the attacking spark that Derby so desperately require to get things back on track at Pride Park next season.

In other news: Derby County takeover update emerges that’ll surely have fans buzzing

Many Everton fans have been left to flock to an update from the Goodison Park faithful on Francis Jeffers.

As per the official website of the Merseyside club, Jeffers has left his role as coach of the U23s to take up a new position with Ipswich Town.

He joins the EFL League One side as a first-team coach and will work with their current manager Paul Cook.

The update certainly caused some stir among several Toffees supporters, given Jeffers’ controversial past with them, as he famously rejected a lucrative contract with his boyhood club in the hope to join Arsenal, where he would earn more money (BBC Sport).

Nonetheless, some Blues seem to be more than happy to see the back of him as he continues his coaching journey with the Tractor Boys.

Everton fans on Jeffers update

These EFC fans flocked to the update as it was shared on Twitter to give their thoughts on Jeffers:

“Good!! He shouldn’t have been near the place”

Credit: @andyunz

“Good.”

Credit: @lukeWilko1878

“Made up”

Credit: @gwladysmattEFC

“££££££££££££”

Credit: @johnmcpartlan16

“Jumping ship again”

Credit: @carlofantasico

“Good riddance”

Credit: @TopBalc

In other news, find out what transfer update Toffees have flocked to here!

Sheffield United were boosted by the news recently that Daniel Jebbison has signed a professional deal at Bramall Lane, which should hopefully keep him with the Blades for a while longer.

The 17-year-old signed his first professional deal alongside fellow academy talents Femi Seriki, Andre Brooks, Jordan Amissah and Oliver Arblaster, with Sheffield United suggesting that they have all been tied down to long-term deals.

Jebbison has burst onto the scene at Bramall Lane in recent weeks, as he was handed his senior debut as a substitute in the 1-0 defeat against Crystal Palace before earning a start for the game against Everton at Goodison Park.

The young Englishman scored the only goal of the game as Paul Heckingbottom’s side picked up an impressive win against the Toffees, and the youngster has unsurprisingly started every game since.

It had seemed as if the teenager could well be on the move this summer, with the likes of Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund all reportedly interested.

Blades fans would surely be disappointed to lose such a bright young prospect so early, so will be delighted that he has now signed a long-term deal with the Bramall Lane outfit, one which should hopefully increase the chances of him staying with the club this summer, thus allowing him to make a positive impact in the Championship next season.

There seems no reason why, after a promising few appearances in the Premier League, Jebbison can’t have an impact in the second tier next season and potentially help the Blades challenge for promotion back to the top-flight at the first time of asking.

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards was full of praise for the youngster recently, saying:

“I really like the look of him. He just gets in the right areas, and they needed that with all the negativity that’s gone on at the club.

“You want to bounce back straight away, and you want to go to the end of the season with positivity.

“They’re playing for pride, and he’s the shining light.”

Therefore, Blades fans will be buzzing that one of the few positives from a disappointing season has committed his long-term future to the club, as he looks to have a very bright future at Bramall Lane.

And, in other news… Winckel heading for huge mistake with “very good” SUFC academy gem

According to a report by Italian news outlet Tuttosport, via Sport Witness, Tottenham Hotspur and chairman Daniel Levy are ‘constantly monitoring’ Andrea Belotti and his situation at Torino – coming amid the striker’s seemingly never-ending contract saga.

Levy eyeing Belotti swoop for Spurs

Belotti has been at the centre of disputes over a new deal in Turin for a while now, as Sport Witness relay, and the Serie A side could be forced to sell him this summer given his current contract expires in 2022.

As per Tuttosport, there is a long list of clubs vying for the services of Belotti including Spurs – with Levy ‘constantly’ keeping tabs on the player.

Many top European sides, as a result, could compete with the Lilywhites for his signature – including the likes of Napoli, Roma, Fiorentina, Inter Milan, Lyon and ‘especially’ AC Milan.

The latter side, it is explained, have attracted Belotti’s ‘affection’ – which could put Milan in pole position.

Regardless, Tottenham allegedly continue to keep tabs as Levy ponders strengthening the squad this summer.

Transfer Tavern take

This update doesn’t mention his price tag with Transfermarkt rating him at around £36 million as an estimate, but even that value could be too steep for Spurs in this financial climate marred by coronavirus.

There is no doubting the Italy international’s pedigree at the very top level, having amassed 32 caps for his nation whilst scoring 28 Serie A goals over the last two seasons (WhoScored).

As well as this, he only just trails behind Lilywhites superstar Harry Kane for shots averaged per 90 – with the Englishman managing 3.9 domestically compared to Belotti’s 3.2.

He has also received no shortage of plaudits, including former boss Moreno Longo, who dubbed him ‘extraordinary’ last year (Football Italia).

Among his admirers at Tottenham is second choice shot stopper Joe Hart, with the 33-year-old once calling him ‘special’ during their time together at Torino (Gazzetta dello Sport via Gianluca Di Marzio).

Signing the forward as an alternative to Kane would be a dream for Spurs, but in this climate, Levy will have to pull out all the stops to get an affordable deal.

In other news: Tottenham have made a fresh transfer enquiry, find out more here.

The Athletic’s Wolves correspondent, Tim Spiers, has set out Wolves’ stance on the proposed European Super League.

Owners Fosun are apparently ‘steadfast’ in their opposition to the plans to create a new elite European competition with 15 guaranteed qualifiers.

Spiers writes that Fosun ‘respect the traditions’ of English football and were keen to use Tuesday’s meeting of the 14 excluded clubs to ‘voice their disappointment’.

He adds that even if Wolves were invited to join such a competition, they would refuse.

The Super League’s threat to Wolves

Fosun harbour ambitions of establishing the Midlands outfit as a Champions League outfit, and so their vision would be in disarray if the plans were to come to fruition.

The value of the club would suffer significantly from the diminished spectacle of a Premier League without the big six, who could be banned.

Three months ago, Nuno told the press that the establishment of such a competition was his ‘biggest fear’.

Wolves fans sceptical about Fosun’s Super League stance

“They care about the traditions? They’re eroding the identity of the club by filling it with Mendes clients. They would jump at an invite.”

Credit: @SanghaArjan

“Highly doubt they would have said that if they were initially offered a place.”

Credit: @xGJHP

“Haha they’re gonna say that now though ain’t they lmao”

Credit: @PlayA4231

“Tim, even you know they would’ve jumped at the chance if invited. They are an investment vehicle whose primary objective is to generate shareholder value.”

Credit: @Paul_U_Bears

“I bet they’d be in like a shot.”

Credit: @DickieGorton

“Official statement or it means nothing”

Credit: @james_wwfc_

“I’ll believe it when they come out with a statement; until then, they’re in support of it as far as I’m concerned.”

Credit: @Beeowolf79

In other news, an Englishman currently playing for a Midlands rival could be on his way to Wolves.

Some Liverpool fans have been reacting to an update on Kylian Mbappe’s future, with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly growing frustrated with him.

Mbappe is arguably the most exciting young player in the world at the moment, with Erling Haaland probably his biggest rival, in that respect.

The PSG superstar has been sensational for the Ligue 1 giants, scoring 120 goals in just 160 appearances, highlighting his pedigree in the final third.

On top of that, Mbappe is already a World Cup winner at the age of just 22 – he won it when he was only 19 – having clinched glory with France in 2018.

The forward has been linked with a move to Liverpool endless times in recent months, with the Reds reportedly seeing him as a long-term replacement for the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

According to Le Parisien, PSG are becoming irritated by Mbappe’s failure to sign a new deal with the club, with his current contract expiring in 2022, which could lead to his price dropping.

It suggests Liverpool may be boosted in their attempts to sign the France international, should they table an offer of somewhere in the region of £127m.

Liverpool fans excited by Mbappe update

These Liverpool fans provided their thoughts on the situation on Twitter.

“So Edwards is getting him for 20m, a new pair of shoes and on top some nice sweets. Go for it”

Credit: @nickcki2

“What a price”

Credit: @sisenor_9

“Nasser Al-Khelaifi doesn’t want any smoke with Edwards that’s why mbappe price is going down”

Credit: @parkthebus8989

“Ok now this actually looks more possible to do now that I have seen the fee”

Credit: @Ozan2splashy

“It. Is. Time”

Credit: @SeventySixRole

“Ordinarily I’d agree about not paying so much so near to the end of a contract but in his case it’s a must. Someone will pay it and they’ll be justified in doing so. He’s that good and the chance to sign him soon needs to be taken!”

Credit: @simonmorris79

“Cheap for him go and get him and use Haaland as a decoy to land Mbappe behind the scenes!”

Credit: @SteveKOPLilly

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to a report linking the Reds with a former Premier League ‘big six’ player. Read more about it here.

Airdrie manager Ian Murray has suggested that Glasgow Rangers should let Nathan Patterson join Hibernian or Hearts for free.

Murray makes Patterson claim

This season has been Patterson’s breakout campaign at Ibrox, even despite receiving a six-game ban for breaking lockdown regulations (Sky Sports). He has made 12 appearances in all competitions for the Gers first team, scoring twice (Transfermarkt), and has shown himself to be an able deputy to first-choice right-back James Tavernier.

However, speaking to BBC Scotland (via Edinburgh Live), Murray suggested that the Gers should let him leave for free. The Airdrie boss said:

“We’re not talking for Rangers here, but if Rangers want to improve young players so much, and their fans and everybody wants to improve Scottish football, why don’t they go give Patterson to Hibs?“Give him to Hearts, St Mirren and don’t ask for any money.“If you want to progress the player and get him games, there you go.“But they won’t and I understand why.”

OutrageousIt is hard to decide whether Murray is actually being serious with these comments. From his point of view, the only argument he could be making is that the Gers allow him to leave so he can play more regularly, but why would they do so for free? Even a loan deal would require another club to at least contribute to his wages.Steven Gerrard’s staunch defence of the 19-year-old after he broke lockdown rules (Daily Record) shows that he is a big fan of the teenager. As such, why would he let him depart for free, especially now that he has proven capable of stepping up to the first team? Perhaps Murray should take a little more time to think before sharing such bewildering opinions.In other news, many Rangers fans were delighted with this man’s performance against Hibernian.

Glasgow Rangers may be out of the Europa League, but their performances in Europe this term has done wonders for Scotland’s coefficient.

Rangers’ silver lining

The Gers were knocked out in the Europa League round of 16 on Thursday after they lost 3-1 to Slavia Prague on aggregate.

While they are no longer in the competition, Scotland are now up to 11th in the coefficient standings and are set to stay there (ESPN, Dale Johnson) – that means the winners of the Scottish Premiership next term are all but guaranteed to have an automatic place in the Champions League from the 21/22 season.

Financially beneficial

This will no doubt be beneficial for the Gers. For a start, if they can win the Premiership again next season, they will avoid the numerous rounds of qualification they have had to go through in recent seasons in European competition, and would therefore be able to enjoy a longer pre-season.

Not only that, though, they could receive a financial boost as a result. All teams in the group stage of Europe’s premier club competition this year picked up at least €15.25m (£13.1m, football-coefficient.eu), and that is without even getting into the money they will receive from from television deals – that sum is only likely to increase in the future.

In other news, Rangers are interested in this 18-goal striker.