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Leeds United are ‘confident’ of signing exciting Birmingham City youngster Amari Miller this summer, according to a fresh report.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Miller move

Marcelo Bielsa will be working on transfer business currently, as he looks to take his side up another level next season.

One player who has been linked with a move to Elland Road is Miller, who has caught the eye for Birmingham, being hailed as ‘fearless’ by Lee Bowyer.

The 18-year-old midfielder has made five appearances for the Championship side and a bright future is expected for him.

The Latest: Fresh update emerges

According to Football Insider, Leeds believe a deal can be completed for Miller on July 1st, with all parties pulling in the same direction.

That would mean the youngster is signed in time to be available for the start of pre-season.

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The Verdict: One for the future

It is vital that Leeds plans for the future, ensuring this glorious period in the club’s recent history continues, rather than fizzles out all of a sudden.

Miller is someone who would be viewed as a hugely exciting long-term prospect, in that respect, slowly growing into a first-team regular and developing under Bielsa.

Given his reputation at Birmingham – their fans were fuming when the Leeds links first popped up – signing him could be considered a major coup.

In other news, Marcelo Bielsa is reportedly willing to spend big on one player this summer. Find out who it is here. 

Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Celtic midfielder David Turnbull.

And, as to be expected, the news regarding the Hoops star had plenty of Villa fans talking online.

According to The Scottish Sun, Villa are lining up a £7m offer for the 21-year-old, who recently won the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award.

The report claims that Villa have watched the attacking midfielder on numerous occasions this season, and they clearly like what they see in the Scot.

Turnbull made the move to Celtic Park from Motherwell in a £2.7m deal last summer. He was a shining light in a difficult season for the Scottish giants, scoring nine times and registering eight assists in 35 appearances.

Dean Smith has received glowing reports on Turnbull, with Villa looking to bolster their creative ranks with Ross Barkley returning to Chelsea and Jack Grealish linked with a Villa Park exit.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared the news on the club’s interest in Turnbull on Twitter late on Thursday evening.

This is what these Villa supporters had to say to the links, with one describing it as ‘sensational’.

“unbelievable baller”Credit: @AVFCNoah_”I believe that squad depth should come from replacing your starters. Not a fan of this move.”Credit: @DOUGLASLUlZ”please no”Credit: @AVFCHarry_”This would be a sensational deal, shame about the source”Credit: @avfc4_alex”Yeah this summer looking another stinky one”Credit: @M10Packed”Why? What’s the point?”Credit: @_kjs1874

In other news: European club enquire over a deal for Villa ace, find out more here. 

Writing on Twitter, club insider ExWHUemployee has dropped a fresh West Ham United transfer claim involving Barcelona defender Junior Firpo.

The Lowdown: West Ham and Firpo…

ExWHUemployee first lifted the lid on Firpo back in January, claiming he was then an option to take on loan for the second half of 2020/2021 (Patreon).

Links to the left-back have since re-emerged, with Mundo Deportivo claiming last month that the Hammers were eyeing him alongside Italian contingent Inter Milan, AC Milan, Roma and Napoli.

More recently, Sport even dropped a big claim that West Ham are already working to finalise an agreement after extensive talks.

The Latest: ExWHUemployee drops Firpo claim

While he doesn’t go that far, believing that West Ham aren’t in advanced discussions, the insider has still gone on to back that the club are ‘definitely’ interested in his signature.

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“There is definitely interest but I don’t think it’s that advanced,” he explained on Twitter when asked about the Sport rumour.

Firpo hasn’t exactly set the world alight since his move from Real Betis to Barcelona.

Indeed, over the past two seasons, the defender has made just 24 La Liga appearances – starting just three league games over the entirety of 2020/2021 (WhoScored).

The Verdict: Solid back up…

Described as a player with lots of potential and quality by former teammate Marc Barta (Marca), Firpo could be a solid back-up for the Hammers if they are seeking defensive additions.

He could also come as an alternative option for Arthur Masuaku on the left hand side, especially considering Firpo can play both at full-back and further forward on the wing.

ExWHUemployee’s claim that West Ham are ‘definitely’ interested comes as a teasing one, but for now, the club may be better placed prioritising a permanent deal for Jesse Lingard and a new striker.

In other news: West Ham insider drops enticing Lingard update, find out more here.

Everton will allow Theo Walcott to leave when his contract expires at the end of the season.

That’s according to a report from Football Insider on Tuesday.

The lowdown

Southampton brought Walcott back to St Mary’s on loan at the end of the summer transfer window and it’s been a fairly successful spell at St Mary’s.

Walcott has made 20 appearances in red and white, scoring two goals and providing three assists (via Transfermarkt)

According to The Athletic’s Dan Sheldon, the club have been ‘blown away’ by the professionalism he’s displayed.

He’s been reporting to the training ground on days off, staying late and offering advice to young players.

Saints skipper James Ward-Prowse hailed him as a ‘great addition’ and said he was an ‘inspiring’ figure for the academy players.

The latest

Football Insider’s report states that Ancelotti has given the green light for Walcott, who’s made 47 England appearances, to leave permanently this time.

A club source has indicated that they won’t look to extend his deal and Everton are looking to replenish their ranks with a signing of a ‘top-class’ right-winger.

The verdict

Southampton want to sign Walcott permanently, and the 32-year-old seems perfectly at home on the South Coast – the extra effort he is putting in around the training ground is surely reflective of a player who sees his long-term future there.

It’s no surprise, then, that Everton won’t look to stand in his way.

The Toffees shelled out more than £20million to bring him in from Arsenal and, in truth, haven’t had much return on their investment.

In other news, this Premier League veteran has been tipped to succeed at Everton if he makes the move.

Following Sunderland’s demise in the play-off semi-finals on Saturday, Lee Johnson will now be turning his attention to building a team capable of going on to secure promotion from League One next season.

With a large number of the Black Cats’ first team playing squad being out of contract this summer – including the likes of Lee Burge, Luke O’Nien, Conor McLaughlin, Denver Hume, Callum McFadzean, Max Power, Grant Leadbitter, Chris Maguire, Aiden McGeady and Charlie Wyke – Johnson and Kristjaan Speakman appear to have a busy transfer window ahead of them in rebuilding the Sunderland squad.

However, one player who it would seem essential for the pair to bring back to the Stadium of Light prior to next season is not mentioned above – Rangers loanee Jordan Jones.

Having joined Sunderland on a temporary deal back in January, the 26-year-old winger impressed over his 20 League One appearances for Johnson’s side, scoring three goals, registering four assists and creating two big chances for his teammates.

Furthermore, Jones also took an average of 1.6 shots and made 1.9 key passes per game, with these metrics culminating in a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.08 – ranking him as the club’s fifth-best performer in the third tier.

With it being reported back in February that Jones would be keen on a switch to England permanently this summer, as well as Rangers thought to be willing to discuss a deal regarding the winger for a fee of around £600,000, the door would very much appear to be wide open for Johnson to make a move for the Northern Ireland international.

However, whether or not Sunderland’s failure to secure promotion to the Championship has an impact on Jones’ decision over a return to the Stadium of Light remains unclear at present, but this should not stop the Black Cats doing all they can to secure the services of one of their stand out players this season – one whom Kris Boyd claimed is a “nightmare” for defenders to play against.

In other news: Kyril Louis-Dreyfus could be on the verge of making his biggest Sunderland mistake yet – opinion

Paddy Kenny believes next season will be Steven Gerrard’s last at Glasgow Rangers and has told the Ibrox outfit to “get on with it”.

Kenny tips Gerrard departure

Gerrard, who helped the Gers win their first major trophy in 10 years this term as they lifted the Premiership title, has been linked with a move to Liverpool to replace Jurgen Klopp (The Mirror).

Speaking to Football Insider, Kenny believes that next season will be the 40-year-old’s last with the 55-time Scottish champions, and he has urged the Gers to accept it if he leaves. He said:

“I think Gerrard will go straight to Liverpool anyway. They aren’t doing as well this year as they did last.

“If Liverpool struggle again next year, it will probably be his last year.

“If Gerrard carries on doing as well as he has been doing at Rangers, it could happen.

“You’d like to think he and everyone at the club would just get on with it, to be honest.”

Perhaps

This has been a fantastic campaign for Rangers, and it has only enhanced Gerrard’s reputation as a manager. With four games left in the Premiership, the Gers remain unbeaten (BBC), while they reached the Europa League round of 16 for a second successive year before losing to Slavia Prague.

Gerrard, who currently earns about £48,000 a week at Ibrox (Daily Express), is likely to move to England at some point. Having spent the majority of his playing career at Anfield, he has a strong affinity with Liverpool, so a move there would make perfect sense.

With participation in the Champions League potentially to come next season, though, a move away from Rangers is surely some way off. He still has unfinished business in Glasgow.

In other news, many Rangers fans were delighted with this man’s goal.

Leeds United star Raphinha is still injured ahead of this weekend’s clash with Manchester United, if boxer Ebanie Bridges is to be believed.

The 24-year-old Raphinha has been an exceptional signing for the Whites, shining in the Premier League this season, bagging six goals and assists apiece.

He has been one of the standout players for Leeds in 2020/21, playing a key role in them playing such attractive, high-energy football under Marcelo Bielsa.

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Unfortunately, Raphinha hasn’t played since limping off late on the win away to Manchester City, missing Monday’s 1-1 draw at home to Liverpool.

Boxer claims Raphinha is still injured

According to Bridges on Twitter, who took a trip to the club on Thursday, the Brazilian wasn’t able to meet her, due to his current absence:

Should Bridges’ comments be true – there is no reason why she shouldn’t be believed – it means Raphinha is surely a doubt for Sunday’s visit of United, and Phil Hay has since confirmedÂfrom Marcelo Bielsa’s press conference that the winger is not yet in full training.

Transfer Tavern take

The forward is a hugely influential player – he has been described as ‘amazing’ by Andy Hinchcliffe and his 12 goal involvements as a young player on his first go at the Premier League back that up. So, potentially not having his services to call upon against Manchester United acts as a major blow.

A tussle with Luke Shaw has the potential to be fascinating viewing, but if Raphinha is out, it makes the left-back’s job easier, with all due respect to whoever takes the Leeds star’s place.

That being said, the Whites still held their own against Liverpool without their brilliant winger, so they should still be confident heading into Sunday’s game.

In other news, Marcelo Bielsa’s worries about one Leeds player have been revealed – find out who the individual in question is here.

Speaking to the press before Tottenham Hotspur take on Newcastle United in the Premier League this afternoon (via football.london), Lilywhites manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed that defender Ben Davies will miss the encounter through injury alongside Matt Doherty. 

Mourinho confirms Ben Davies absence

Davies, who was withdrawn from the Wales squad by assistant manager Robert Page, suffered a ‘significant’ blow whilst on international duty – and Mourinho has confirmed he won’t play a part today at St. James’ Park.

The 27-year-old, who the Lilywhites boss recently described as ‘amazing’ to the official Spurs app when he was given the captain’s armband against Wolfsberger in the Europa League (via the Boot Room), will miss Newcastle alongside fellow defender Doherty.

It is not all bad news, however, with Mourinho revealing that both Heung-min Son and Sergio Reguilon are ready to take part against the Magpies.

Transfer Tavern take

Tottenham will be looking to continue their Premier League form overall amid growing pressure on the Spurs boss, with the Lilywhites having won four out of their last five matches domestically.

However, dismal results in the north London derby and Europa League make this clash against Newcastle one of many must-win encounters as Spurs look to salvage a strong end to the season.

In other news: BT Sport pundit left stunned by this Dele Alli development, find out more here.

It isn’t often that a seemingly bargain transfer turns into an absolute disaster for the buying club.

However, that’s exactly what has transpired with Leicester City’s signing of Eldin Jakupovic from Hull City.

The Swiss stopper joined the Foxes in a reported £2m deal at the beginning of the 2017-18 campaign in what looked a shrewd move at the time.

He was fresh off the back of an impressive personal campaign despite the Tigers suffering relegation from the Premier League.

Playing 17 out of the last 18 league games, he kept four clean sheets, two of those coming in impressive results against Arsenal and Manchester United.

Jakupovic looked like the perfect man to provide competition for undisputed No. 1 Kasper Schmeichel.

He made four appearances in his debut campaign at the King Power Stadium, conceding six goals and collecting two clean sheets. However, he has not been seen since.

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Leicester elected to bring in Danny Ward from Liverpool the following summer, with Jakupovic now restricted to appearances for the Foxes’ U23 side.

His pay of £23k per week means that the East-Midlanders have spent a grand total of £6.7m keeping him at the club for the past four years.

Whilst that is not the most considerable amount in the world, it takes on a more shocking complexion when noting that figure averages out at approximately £1.7m per appearance.

Now at the age of 36, rated at just £360k and also out of contract at the conclusion of the current campaign, it seems next to impossible that Leicester will recoup any of the money that they have spent on Jakupovic.

It goes without saying then that his signing, whilst seemingly a bargain at the time, has slowly but surely morphed into a costly disaster for Jon Rudkin.

AND in more news, find out which Leicester star has handed Rodgers a boost ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup semi-final…

According to a report by Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett, England boss Gareth Southgate is considering a first England call up for West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone – with Jordan Pickford’s withdrawal meaning he has a ‘great chance’. 

Johnstone, who hasn’t yet been capped at international level, making only England youth appearances to date, has a good chance of earning his first call up to the senior squad as Dorsett shares this news.

The 27-year-old has been previously overlooked by Southgate, who has preferred the likes of Pickford, Nick Pope and Dean Henderson in previous squads.

Now, ahead of the official Three Lions roster announcement for the March internationals tomorrow at 2pm, Dorsett understands that Johnstone is firmly in contention.

Flocking to this ‘great news’ for Johnstone, especially after he’s started 28 Premier League games for West Brom this season, it’s little wonder why these supporters are excited for him to finally be in with an England shot.

Find all of their best verdicts from social media down below.

West Brom fans flock to Sky claim on Johnstone

“YESSSSS Do it Gareth!”

Credit: @JoshhhWBA

“OH MY WORD ITS HAPPENING”

Credit: @ftbl_joey

“Great news for Sam, probably not great news for WBA if we get relegated. Surely he’ll want Premier League football….

But hey ho, it’s okay because many of our delusional fans don’t rate him!”

Credit: @NeilStevensWoo1

“Fully deserves a call up. Been incredible in games this season”

Credit: @ian_wba79

“Forget everything bad I’ve ever said about Southgate”

Credit: @liamjackjones

“Fully deserved for me, Sam’s come on leaps and bounds over the last two seasons and has got to be in the top 3 English keepers.

Pick him Gareth!”

Credit: @AndyMoz18

“SAMMY SAMMY SAMMY SAMMY SAMMY SAMMY SAMMY SAMMY SAMMY SAMMY GET THAT PASSPORT READY MY GOAT”

Credit: @danwba_

“About time !”

Credit: @Stevotop

In other news: West Brom fans slammed these Allardyce comments, find out more here.