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Leeds United could be set to hand Daniel Farke a new man to spearhead his reign, who bears a striking resemblance to an old star of his…

Who is Yussef Poulsen?

The latest on that proposed move came early last week, as it was reported that the Whites were interested in a swoop for RB Leipzig's Yussuf Poulsen.

Standing at 6 foot 4, the hulking striker has endured a largely profligate career but boasts a stunning work rate that could make him an asset to a new-look side.

Having kickstarted his tenure in his homeland, the 29-year-old moved to Germany in 2013 and has never looked back. He has been a mainstay throughout the Red Bull revolution of the club, starting when they were in the third tier and progressing up into the Bundesliga.

He could now be set to finally depart, moving to Elland Road to help earn another promotion. The speedster has just one year left on his £66k-per-week deal.

Farke will likely notice the physical similarities the lanky front-man shares with Alexander Isak, who the German boss managed briefly during his time with Borussia Dortmund's reserve team.

How many goals did Alexander Isak score last season?

Both of these men have come a long way since their paths last crossed, as the coach has since led Norwich City to two Championship promotions, whilst the Sweden international has become Newcastle United's record purchase, joining from Real Sociedad.

Last year marked his first in English football, with the gangly forward acclimatising to its physicality well. He would notch 10 goals in just 22 Premier League appearances, impressing through what was an injury-hit campaign.

Although he likely is a far more technically-superior asset, given he has also starred from the wing, Poulsen has also shown a similar turn of pace to rival this dynamism, clocking a 21.2 mph top speed in the Bundesliga just five years ago. That has since dropped to a still-strong 18.95 mph.

However, his 23-year-old counterpart showcases that youthful exuberance well, given how the 6 foot 4 Magpies ace ranks against other strikers across Europe. He sits in the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90, whilst also being in the top 5% for blocks made per 90, via FBref.

It is such solid defensive work rate that truly brings the two even closer together, with the RB Leipzig man having been lauded by teammate Willi Orban for such a tireless attitude: "With or without the ball he's a machine. And he does an incredible amount of work for us."

Boasting 68 caps for his country too, the experience he would bring to Yorkshire would be phenomenal.

Not to mention that he does know where the back of the net is, although he might not find it with as much regularity as he would like.

Just last season saw him score just four goals in all competitions, and the year before a further six in the Bundesliga alone. However, it is his mere physicality that would prove to be a huge asset, especially in a league as physically demanding as the Championship.

Although their time together was short-lived, Farke could still seek to reimagine his relationship with Isak by signing Poulsen this summer.

Aston Villa are reportedly closing in on AC Milan playmaker Charles De Ketelaere, as Unai Emery seeks more activity in the transfer window.

The Spaniard assisted in delivering Monchi his first signing at Villa Park, with Pau Torres announced this week as the latest recruit.

In an impressive swoop, the Villans secured the centre-back for £31.5m, making a statement of their ambition ahead of the 2023/34 campaign, with the spending not expected to stop there.

Could Aston Villa sign Charles De Ketelaere?

As reported on Thursday by Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Villa have made an opening offer for the 22-year-old, believed to be in the region of €25m (£21m).

The report states that Milan are asking for a €30m (£26m) starting point for the midfielder, with the Belgian only signing for the club last summer from Club Brugge for €35m (£30m).

La Gazzetta dello Sport added that they don’t expect Villa to ‘hesitate’ in raising the offer should Milan counter the opening price.

How good is Charles De Ketelaere?

Signed by the Rossoneri with high expectations, the 22-year-old has failed to warm to his surroundings in Milan, contributing just one assist in 40 total appearances for the club.

After signing Christian Pulisic from Chelsea, it could be the end of the road for the Belgian already in Italy, after a short and difficult journey.

All is not lost for the Brugge-born star, with Villa knocking on his door comes a potentially favoured opportunity to shine in the Premier League.

Despite undergoing a trialling campaign in Serie A, the youngster possesses a host of talent that could fit Emery’s system at Villa Park, highlighted by his rise to stardom at his boyhood club.

In his final season in Belgium, De Ketelaere contributed to 28 goals in 49 total appearances, scoring 18 and assisting 10 acting as a versatile forward with the capabilities to play in a host of roles, via Transfermarkt.

Featuring primarily as a centre-forward for Brugge, the 22-year-old took up a slightly deeper role for Milan, in which he was deployed as an attacking midfielder set up just behind the striker.

For Villa, the Belgian’s versatility could provide an array of options for Emery, as well as acting as a potential upgrade to some already at the club.

One player that could be threatened by the rumoured interest in De Ketelaere is Emi Buendia, who has struggled since arriving at Villa Park from Norwich City.

In 78 appearances in claret and blue, the Argentine has scored just nine goals, suggesting that a new arrival that can cover similar positions could knock him off his perch in the Midlands.

Based on their respective 2022/23 campaigns, the numbers make for worrying reading for Buendia, with the Belgian outperforming him on a number of attributes critical to a player of their nature.

As per FBref comparisons, the 22-year-old averaged better on the ball, recording an average of 3.63 progressive carries and 2.90 successful take-ons per 90 for Milan.

Buendia averaged slightly less in both areas, averaging 2.24 progressive carries and 1.01 successful take-ons per 90 for Villa last term.

The Villans’ target was hailed as a “special player'' during his time at Brugge by scout Jacek Kulig, with the keen talent identifier noting his ‘playmaking skills’ and ‘creative’ spark to be his strengths.

Such claims are supported by his average of 1.61 key passes per 90 during a reasonably dull individual campaign, with Buendia averaging 1.53 per 90 at Villa Park, via FBref.

Emery could equip an eager young talent to his side, in a move that could trigger competition in his attacking ranks.

It has been a summer of change for Glasgow Rangers as they have altered their playing squad with a host of exits and arrivals over the last couple of months.

The Light Blues allowed a number of players to depart Ibrox upon the expiry of their contracts as Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, Allan McGregor, Scott Arfield, and Filip Helander were among those to leave for nothing last month.

Michael Beale has wasted no time in bringing new signings in to make up for those departures, with Kieran Dowell, Abdallah Sima, Jack Butland, Dujon Sterling, and Sam Lammers all coming through the door, while Cyriel Dessers is reportedly set to join them as the sixth fresh recruit.

However, Ryan Kent is one star who may not have been replaced yet. The English wizard spent the majority of his time at Ibrox playing as a left winger and Rangers haven't brought in a player who excels in that area of the pitch. Indeed, Sima has only played six matches there in his career.

Who could replace Ryan Kent at Rangers?

Beale could finally replace the former Liverpool attacker by completing a swoop for reported transfer target Bright Osayi-Samuel, who is said to be eyeing a move away from Fenerbahce ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Nigeria international, who is valued at €10m (£8.6m) by the Turkish giants, has often been deployed at right-back for his current club but he has played on the left flank 49 times and on the wing in general on 200 occasions.

This suggests that he has the potential to come in as another wide option for the head coach, which could make him the eventual heir to Kent's position in the team.

Osayi-Samuel, who ex-boss Mark Warburton claimed "terrifies defenders", caught the eye as an attacker during his time with Queens Park Rangers in England.

In the 2019/20 campaign, the four-cap ace scored five goals to go along with eight assists in 34 Championship starts, whilst he also created nine 'big chances' for his teammates.

This shows that the quality is there for him to be an excellent option in the final third for Rangers if Beale can convert him back to being a winger at Ibrox, with his statistics indicating that he can replicate the success Kent had in Glasgow.

The 26-year-old, who is now coincidentally at Fenerbahce with Osayi-Samuel, scored three goals and assisted eight in 28 Scottish Premiership clashes last term, whilst the talented magician also created nine 'big chances'.

No Rangers attacker or midfielder managed as many assists for the club during the 2022/23 campaign, which suggests that Kent was Beale's top creator in those positions. Such a fact means replacing him is a crucial task in the coming weeks.

Osayi-Samuel's performances for QPR during his time on the flanks show that the potential is there for him to be an outstanding creative threat. Therefore, he could well be the perfect asset to replace the outgoing Kent before the transfer deadline slams shut.

Tottenham Hotspur have no plans to sell Harry Kane in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Alasdair Gold.

Is Kane leaving Tottenham?

It wouldn't be the summer transfer window without the usual stories linking Kane with a move away from Tottenham.

This summer has already seen links with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, with the saga only likely to rumble on in the coming weeks and possibly months.

Despite Spurs' floundering Premier League performances last season, Kane still managed 30 goals in 38 games – a tally that would normally win you the Golden Boot in an Erling Haaland-less season.

It is understandable, therefore, why his stock is so high in spite of his advancing age.

Kane is still yet to win a trophy in his professional career and the general feeling among fans is that he is quietly desperate to leave Spurs in the hunt for some silverware.

But, according to Alasdair Gold, Tottenham have absolutely no plans to sell the forward, despite growing interest from Bayern in recent days.

"I was talking to the club today and people within the club," said Gold. "And the feeling still, most importantly within the club, is that it is not in the plans to sell Harry Kane."

He added: "So, I know we're looking at what, the last two days they've [Spurs] spent about £57m [Guglielmo Vicario & James Maddison], and obviously more to come as well."

"And that will lead some people to think it's a bit like Gareth Bale, 2013. Are they spending money that they're, you know, accounting for already that will come in? But I keep getting told that it's not the plan to sell Harry Kane."

This will come as good news to Tottenham supporters who will be desperate to hold onto their talisman for as long as humanly possible. God only knows where the Lilywhites would have ended up without his goals in recent seasons.

James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario will also be relieved to hear Gold's news, having both arrived at the club in recent days, with the idea of joining a Spurs side without Harry Kane certainly a less attractive prospect.

What's the latest on Kane to Bayern?

Bayern reportedly submitted their first bid for Kane several days ago; a deal which proposed a £60m fee, excluding potential add-ons. Spurs understandably rejected Thomas Tuchel's attempt to lure Kane to Bavaria.

However, Bayern are expected to bid again for the English marksman, with Kane himself keen on a move to the Bundesliga champions.

It will be up to Spurs whether they are willing to entertain offers for their star man, but, given Kane turns 30 in July, Tottenham may be tempted to cash in on the centre-forward while they still have time.

Leeds United are "willing to listen to offers" for goalkeeper Illan Meslier this summer, according to a fresh update regarding his future.

Is Meslier likely to leave Leeds?

The Frenchman has been an impressive servant for the Whites since joining from Lorient in 2020 – he previously spent a season on loan at the club – emerging as an exciting young 'keeper with a bright future ahead of him.

Meslier was unable to prevent Leeds from going down to the Championship last month, however, and his form left a lot to be desired during a key point in the campaign. The £30,000-a-week Frenchman has a deal at Elland Road that runs until the summer of 2026, but it seems increasingly likely that he will move on the pastures new before the new season gets underway.

A fresh update certainly suggests that that is the case, with Meslier seemingly closer than ever to heading out of the Leeds exit door this summer, with the club under new owners in the 49ers Enterprises.

What's the latest on Meslier future?

According to Football Insider, the Whites are "willing to listen to offers" for Meslier in the coming weeks, with the 23-year-old told by those at Elland Road that he is "free to leave", should his valuation be met.

The report goes on to add that "Leeds had previously hoped to secure a £40million-plus fee for Meslier, but his poor form in the final months of the 2022/23 season means that a bid of £30million could now seal a deal."

In truth, it would be a big surprise if Meslier was still a Leeds player come the opening game of the season at home to Cardiff City in August, with a move away now looking on the cards.

Ideally, the Whites would keep hold of him, given his long-term potential – Jack Harrison has hailed him as "talented" and "fantastic" – but it is understandable why he wouldn't want to be playing Championship football next season, with Leeds also looking to bring in some funds.

For that reason, Leeds should cash in on Meslier, with his current contract situation putting them in a strong bargaining position, allowing what should be a hefty amount of money to go toward new signings.

While the Frenchman's form was undoubtedly poor at times in 2022/23, it will still be a blow to lose one of the most gifted young players at the club, but the hope appears to be that the sale can end up benefiting the Whites in the long term.

Arsenal are preparing a fresh bid to sign West Ham United star Declan Rice and will continue talks, according to reliable journalist Simon Collings.

Who will join Arsenal this summer?

The Gunners have been actively pursuing a deal for the Hammers captain over these last few weeks with Rice standing out as a top target.

Arsenal, according to reliable media sources like Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth, have already had multiple bids rejected for the 24-year-old and one was a club record.

However, despite this, it is believed Mikel Arteta's side are "serious" about capturing Rice this summer and remain confident they can strike an agreement with West Ham.

Alongside Rice, it is reported they have reached a deal to sign Chelsea star Kai Havertz, with some reports also claiming that Ajax defender Jurrien Timber may not be far behind him.

Southampton's Romeo Lavia is also at the centre of transfer talks and Arsenal are apparently close to agreeing personal terms with the 19-year-old, whilst talks with his club are "progressing".

Going back to Rice, the former Chelsea academy player will be subject to more intense interest from Arsenal, with Collings of The Evening Standard sharing an update.

As per his information, the Gunners are preparing an improved and fresh bid for Rice, after having their second offer of £75 plus £15m add-ons rejected.

Arsenal will apparently continue talks with West Ham as they seek to agree a move, despite the player currently being on holiday after international duty. Personal terms aren't expected to be an issue, either.

What's been said about Declan Rice?

The Three Lions ace was David Moyes' standout performer last term, averaging more interceptions per 90 than any other West Ham player (WhoScored).

He also marked himself out as their best-performing star by average match rating, with former England and West Ham defender Matthew Upon praising his real maturity at such a young age.

"He has worked really hard at his game, physically and technically," said Upson.

"Players don't usually come into their own in that position until their late 20s. For someone of Declan's age, the level he is playing at now is exceptional."

Newcastle United hold a summer interest in the AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali as they look to bolster Eddie Howe's squad.

How old is Sandro Tonali?

The Toon now have Champions League football to plan for this summer and it seems as if PIF are keen to make the most of their European status.

Indeed, the Magpies have already been linked with a potentially sensational deal for the Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella.

However, reports since the story broke have casted some doubt over a potential deal for the Italian with his asking price believed to be well above the reported £50m offered.

But it seems as if Dan Ashworth may have turned his attention to the other side of Milan with another midfielder who plays his football at the San Siro.

It is now believed the Toon hold a strong interest in Tonali this summer with a new midfielder seemingly on the radar for Howe.

There have also been links to the likes of Scott McTominay ahead of the summer transfer window, however, it seems as if Newcastle are looking to some of Europe's biggest names.

And speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the Tyneside club are keen on bringing the 23-year-old Italian to St. James' Park:

"What we can say guys is, is that it's a reality. Newcastle like Sandro Tonali, Newcastle have Sandro Tonali in their list."

"To convince Sandro Tonali is going to be absolutely difficult, same as it was for Nicolo Barella. So this is the situation, let's see how the conversation will go. But for sure, this is a situation around Newcastle and Tonali. Interest, yes. Intention to bid too but the reality is that the player's side is absolutely crucial for Barella and for Tonali."

How much does Sandro Tonali earn?

The Italian has only just turned 23 years old but has become one of Milan's most-used players at the San Siro having made 30 starts in Serie A alone last season (via Transfermarkt).

On top of that, the Italian midfielder made 12 starts in their Champions League campaign as Milan made their way to the semi-finals.

Despite being still so young, Tonali has already racked up 130 appearances for Milan in total which only indicates how important he has become to this side.

And this may not bode well for the Toon if they are looking to land Tonali this summer for a reasonable fee given he still has four years remaining on his current deal at the San Siro.

Reports have suggested the Toon are looking to lodge a bid worth in the region of £50m, however, as Romano has claimed, that will be nowhere near enough.

And with that in mind, it will be intriguing to see how much it could potentially take to see the £76k-per-week midfielder prised away from the San Siro.

Manchester United appear to be stepping up their interest in Atalanta sensation, Rasmus Hojlund, according to the latest reports.

What's the latest on Hojlund to Man United?

As per one Italian journalist, writing on Twitter: "#ManchesterUnited will present a first offer of 60 million, today is the first choice. #Atalanta's request will be higher, but the negotiation can get underway."

While it is not stated whether that potential fee is in pounds or euros, Football Transfers have previously suggested that the Serie A side are likely to demand in the region of £60m if they are to part ways with the 20-year-old this summer.

The Red Devils are seemingly looking for suitable striking alternatives to that of England skipper, Harry Kane, amid reports that the Old Trafford outfit are unlikely to make a bid for the 29-year-old due to Tottenham Hotspur's unwillingness to sell.

Would Hojlund be a good signing for Man United?

On the face of it, the signing of a player who scored just nine league goals last season may not appear particularly exciting, although all the signs point to Hojlund simply being a "monster in the making", according to talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Also lauded as "remarkable" by current boss Gian Piero Gasperini – who has likened the Denmark international to fellow Scandinavian striker, Erling Haaland – the former Sturm Graz ace could be the man to lead the line for Erik ten Hag's side over the next decade or so.

The explosive marksman – who has been lauded as "scary quick" by journalist Sacha Pisani – could well be able to form a devastating attacking partnership with fellow youngster, Alejandro Garnacho at the Theatre of Dreams in the long-term, with the teenage Argentine having enjoyed a stellar breakout campaign last season.

Having scored seven goals during United's FA Youth Cup triumph in the 2021/22 campaign – including bagging twice in the final – the 18-year-old has since gone on to make his presence felt in the first-team, racking up ten goals and assists in all competitions.

Lauded as a "game changer" by Manchester Evening News correspondent, Samuel Luckhurst, Garnacho's rapid rise was notably laid bare following his standout cameo in the FA Cup showpiece defeat to rivals Manchester City, having made a 'real impact off the bench', in the words of the Evening Standard's Dom Smith.

Much like Hojlund, the winger's youth would suggest that he still has a way to go to truly reach his full potential, although again – like the Atalanta marksman – the early signs are so very exciting and promising for those at United.

The hope will be that if Ten Hag is to get his man this summer, the former Ajax boss can build his side around both Hojlund and Garnacho over the coming years…

Chelsea "really appreciate" Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia ahead of a possible summer move for him, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Is Lavia set to leave Southampton?

The 19-year-old had a tough season in terms of the team he is playing for, with Saints finishing bottom of the Premier League and heading back down to the Championship.

Lavia stood out as unquestionably one of Southampton's most impressive players, however, producing consistently impressive performances in the middle of the park. Despite his tenders years, he performed with real maturity, sitting in front of the defence and averaging 2.1 tackles per game.

The £25,000-a-week Belgian's displays haven't gone unnoticed in recent months, with many of the country's biggest clubs eyeing a summer move for him. Chelsea are one of those who have constantly been linked with snapping him up, but the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United are also believed to be in the conversation among others.

Now, a fresh update has emerged regarding Lavia's future, as the Blues' interest in him refuses to go away.

Are Chelsea keen on move for Lavia?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Romano said that Chelsea still rate Lavia highly ahead of a potential summer move, although there has been no real progress regarding a transfer of late:

"We know Chelsea really appreciate the player because of the director of Joe Shields. We will see where they go from that. But at the moment, this is not something advanced or imminent."

Lavia, who has been described as having a "supreme ability to pass" and has been hailed as a "monster", could be such a great long-term signing for Chelsea, potentially be viewed as the natural heir to N'Golo Kante, especially if the Frenchman's leaves when his contract expires this summer. The Southampton starlet's quality is summed up by the fact that Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has described him as "incredible", having left the Etihad to join Saints last summer.

At 19, Lavia's ceiling looks enormous, considering he is already proving himself as a key stater in the Premier League, and he is someone who could be Enzo Fernandez's midfield partner at Stamford Bridge for many years to come, making up for the disappointment of Sporting CP's Manuel Ugarte looking set to join Paris Saint-Germain instead of the Blues.

Whether Lavia picks Chelsea remains to be seen, though, with no European football certainly working against them, but it is encouraging to hear that they still rate him highly and haven't ruled out the idea of making a move for him.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane is open to a potential move away from north London this summer but he and his camp are not agitating for a move.

Who wants to sign Harry Kane?

The 29-year-old striker is now coming into the final year of his deal with his boyhood club and speculation as to whether he will see that final season out remains rife.

Indeed, the England captain has finished his campaign for the Lilywhites having shone in what was a seriously underwhelming term for the club.

Kane was able to net a whopping 30 goals in the Premier League which was just six off the league's top scorer Erling Haaland who was playing Pep Guardiola's extraordinary Manchester City side.

And having impressed once again in a Spurs shirt, Kane is believed to have attracted the interest from Manchester United and Real Madrid.

This comes two years after the England captain was believed to be pushing for a move away from north London amid the interest from City.

However, speaking on the Five YouTube channel, David Ornstein has claimed this is not the case this summer with the striker's camp very much in contact with the chairman Daniel Levy:

"As far as I know, he is open to all opportunities, including Real Madrid, I'm not aware that he would not play outside the Premier League like some have suggested."

"Harry Kane, his family, they love Spurs, they're Tottenham supporters, it would do them no greater pleasure than to succeed, win trophies, compete in the Champions League with Tottenham, that is their ideal scenario.

"But we're not living in an ideal world. And that's why they are open to everything. I don't sense they're agitating, like some perceive them to be in the summer of 2021. I think there is communication on this occasion with Daniel Levy, which there wasn't at that time. And so I think things are very calm."

Will Kane sign a new deal?

There are contrasting reports over the interest coming from Madrid now with some claims from Spain suggesting Los Blancos could be willing to wait until next summer to make their move for Kylian Mbappe.

If this is the case then it could possibly halve Kane's options this summer to just United as Erik ten Hag looks to solve their issues up top.

However, it is believed Levy would be willing to allow Kane to run his contract down next season rather than allowing him to leave this summer for the Red Devils.

Given United are said to be so desperate to address their issues at striker this summer, missing out on Kane could potentially see them find an alternative long-term option.

If this were to be the case, then it could put some serious question marks as to where Kane could actually move.

And there is certainly potential for this to work in Tottenham's favour if Kane's options are to fade away as it could leave the £200k-per-week striker open to signing a new deal in north London.

As Ornstein suggests, it appears the striker would be open to staying at Spurs this summer and there is no burning desire to force a move, currently.

So if his options are to fade over the coming months, it could possibly leave Spurs his most attractive offer.