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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.

Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could still be set for a potential exit from Villa Park this summer despite their impressive 2022/23 campaign.

How long is left on Emi Martinez's contract?

Unai Emery's arrival at Aston Villa proved nothing short of a masterstroke from the Villa owners last year as they were able to secure a spot in Europe ahead of next season.

Indeed, their seventh-placed finish means Emery's men will play in the qualifying stages for the Europa Conference League over the summer.

There has been a lot of speculation surrounding the transfer window at Villa Park with the owners expected to provide the Spanish manager sufficient backing over the coming months.

However, as Villa prepare for a busy summer of arrivals, it seems they may also be set to lose some of their first-team regulars.

Reports have circulated in recent months over a potential exit for their Argentine shot-stopper with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur said to be interested in his services.

The north London side were pipped to the European spots by Villa which has left them with an easier schedule for the new campaign as they can focus solely on their domestic fixtures.

But this perhaps provides an interesting situation surrounding the former Arsenal goalkeeper and his future – with four years still remaining on his deal – as Fabrizio Romano suggests he could still depart over the coming months:

"I think that is a possibility in terms of goalkeepers' domino. We know there will be a goalkeepers' domino."

"Let's see what happens at Tottenham. Let's see what happens at Villarreal. Let's see what happens also with some other English clubs, including Chelsea, but for Emi Martinez there could be some possibility."

How old is Emi Martinez?

The £120k-per-week Argentine goalkeeper has had a season to remember having won the World Cup earlier in the campaign and then helped to secure a spot in Europe for Villa.

With this in mind, it could be a surprise to some to hear that he could still be open to a potential move away from Villa Park this summer.

Since the arrival of Emery in the earlier stages of the season, Martinez has been able to keep nine clean sheets in the 22 appearances under the Spaniard (via Transfermarkt).

Considering Villa were battling at the bottom end of the table before Emery's arrival, their stunning turnaround shows just how impressive their transformation has been.

If a club inside the top four were to come in and offer Martinez a move, then it would be understandable if he was to leave.

However, when it is the likes of Spurs who are being linked with a potential move for the 30-year-old, this may only create confusion among the Villa fanbase.

On the back of the two sides' respective campaigns, they do seem to be two clubs going in completely opposite directions.

Arsenal’s bid to secure a top-four berth took a real dent on Thursday evening, as Mikel Arteta’s side succumbed to a brutal 3-0 North London Derby defeat following an error-strewn display at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Heading into the mammoth midweek encounter, the Gunners knew that a win would secure a much-coveted return to Champions League football for the first time since 2017, although a frantic first half saw Harry Kane net twice – including once from the spot – before partner-in-crime Heung-min Son added a third just after the interval to rub further salt in the wounds and fire the hosts back into contention for fourth spot.

That dismal outing for the away side was in part caused by a headline-grabbing display – for all the wrong reasons – from centre-back Rob Holding, with the Englishman seeing red inside 33 mins following two rash and needless bookable offences, while fellow defender Cedric Soares was also culpable for his clumsy foul that led to the home side’s early spot-kick.

However, one man who was also far from at his best on the night was in-form striker Eddie Nketiah, the 22-year-old failing to build on his recent brace against Leeds United after putting in a frankly anonymous display in attack.

While inhibited by his teammate’s early dismissal, which largely left the youngster chasing shadows in the forward line, the £9m-rated man did little to impress regardless, notably producing an almost laughable dive in the opening exchanges in an attempt to win a penalty, while he also failed to track the run of compatriot Kane at the back post as Antonio Conte’s men grabbed a second.

The statistics also make for grim reading for the out-of-contract man, as he made just 19 touches in his 73-minute outing – fewer than his own ‘keeper, Aaron Ramsdale (42) – while he also made just eight passes in the match, losing possession on seven occasions.

Having also won just two of his nine total duels and failed to complete any of his three attempted dribbles, the academy graduate unsurprisingly received just a 6.3 match rating, as per SofaScore – the joint-third worst in the visitors’ starting outfield players.

He also received just a 5/10 match rating from the Independent’s Jack Rathborn in his post-match player ratings, writing of the £17k-per-week star’s display that: “Appeared to dive in the first minute, carved out an opening before the break and forced Lloris into a smart stop. Kept working hard despite being isolated.”

As pointed out above, the former England U21 international continued to try and put himself about even with Spurs having a man advantage, although that being said there was a stark difference in quality between the opposing centre-forwards with that man Kane looking razor-sharp, as ever, for the Lilywhites, while the younger man floundered.

In truth, it must be remembered that despite his recent strong form, Nketiah has still actually only made six Premier League starts this season, with it yet to be shown that he is a figure to be relied upon on a consistent basis.

As for Arteta’s men in general, they have now handed back hope to their rivals with their lead now cut to just a point with two games left to play, ensuring there is still plenty of work to be done over the remaining week or so.

In other news, Arsenal eye bid for £76.5m-rated “fighter” who “always creates”, he’s better than Saka

Manchester City were involved in one of the biggest Premier League transfers last summer when they shelled out a British record fee of £100m to sign Jack Grealish from Aston Villa.

Now that the next summer transfer window is set to open in the coming weeks, it seems as though the Etihad Stadium club may have already secured another big deal which would surely have lots of City fans bouncing.

What’s the news?

In a recent tweet, journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano shared an update regarding the future of Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland, who has been linked with a move to Manchester in recent weeks.

He said: “Erling Haaland to Manchester City, here we go! Haaland has passed medical tests as new Man City player today, he’s back in Dortmund. It will be OFFICIAL this week.”

In another post, Romano revealed that “despite rumours, Erling Haaland’s salary agreed with Manchester City won’t go beyond the level agreed with Kevin De Bruyne, now worth around £375,000 per week.”

He then added that Haaland “will sign with Man City until June 2027” and will not break their wage structure. 

Prior to joining the German club in January 2020, the striker netted 29 goals in 27 appearances for RB Salzburg. He then brought that same goalscoring prowess to Dortmund, where he has found the net 85 times in 88 appearances.

With 21 goals to his name in 23 Bundesliga games this season, the Norwegian has racked up 72 shots in total, considerably more than any of his current team-mates.

City fans will be delighted

Along with his impressive attacking statistics, the 21-year-old’s overall league performances this season have earned him a rating of 7.59/10 from WhoScored, making him the highest-rated player at Dortmund and the fourth-highest rated player in the Bundesliga.

Taking all this into account, it’s safe to say that plenty of City fans would be over the moon to see the Norway centre-forward in their team for the next few years.

Looking at how proficient the youngster has been at finding the net, he has what it takes to strike fear into many defenders and goalkeepers throughout England, who may not be quite so pleased to see him added to City’s ranks.

In other news: David Ornstein drops big Man City transfer development, supporters will be gutted

Everton boss Frank Lampard has issued a concerning update regarding the fitness of defender Ben Godfrey, ahead of Sunday’s clash with Chelsea…

What’s the word?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the visit of his former club, the 43-year-old revealed that the young centre-back will once again be absent at Goodison Park, with doubts raised as to whether the former Norwich City man will be able to return to action before the end of the season.

Asked about potential injury concerns for the clash with Thomas Tuchel’s side, Lampard confirmed the 24-year-old’s absence and insisted he faces a race against time to feature again this term: “Ben [Godfrey] is out and will be a few weeks out. We would love to get him back towards the end of the season but it will be a close call.”

The £19.8m-rated star missed the 2-0 Merseyside derby defeat at Anfield last weekend after picking up an injury in the warm-up, having only returned to the side in March after a month-long layoff.

Blow to survival hopes

Although the Toffees boss did also confirm that Yerry Mina is now fit again for selection, news that teammate Godfrey could well miss the remainder of the campaign is a bitter pill to swallow for the club’s supporters, particularly as they head into a decisive period in the run-in.

The Merseysiders are currently five points adrift of safety, albeit with two games in hand on fellow strugglers Leeds United and Burnley, with the Turf Moor outfit having enjoyed something of a bounce effect following the sacking of Sean Dyche a few weeks ago.

Three wins and a draw from their last four Premier League games has rejuvenated the Clarets under caretaker boss Mike Jackson, with Everton now facing a real fight to try and stay in contention with just six games left of the season to play.

Perennial yo-yo side Norwich City have, perhaps inevitably, already been confirmed as the season’s first casualty – ensuring a fourth successive relegation from the top-flight – while Roy Hodgson’s Watford side are teetering towards the brink, with a rapid return to the second tier on the horizon.

Lampard’s men could well join those two ill-fated clubs in the Championship next season, with a first relegation since 1951 a very distinct possibility.

The absence then of that man Godfrey – who joined the club on a £20m deal back in October 2020 – will only further harm their hopes of survival, with the 6-foot defender having proved a real asset in recent years, not least for his versatility.

Former boss Carlo Ancelotti was a notable keen admirer of the Englishman, previously insisting that: “He’s powerful, he has a lot of energy, tactically intelligent, really aggressive in the duels and so he can play in different positions and this is really important”.

In a miserable campaign for the club, the £68k-per-week colossus has performed well on a personal level, averaging two tackles and four clearances per game in his 23 league outings, while also winning a solid 64% of his ground duels.

As they approach what appears set to be a real scrap to ensure their top tier status in the coming weeks, not having the two-cap international in tow could prove costly.

In other news, 146 duels lost: Lampard must finally axe £16.2m-rated Everton disaster vs Chelsea…