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Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa is eyeing a move for Fulham midfielder Harrison Reed in this summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

Despite Euro 2020 beginning tonight, Leeds look as though they have their transfer priorities all sorted, with a new central midfielder on the agenda for this summer.

Reports in recent days and weeks have linked them with a move for Cagliari dynamo Nahitan Nandez, and now the Daily Mail have thrown a new name into the equation.

They claim that the Whites tracked Fulham’s Reed last season with a view to a summer swoop, and with the Cottagers’ relegation from the Premier League, Leeds see the midfielder as an ‘excellent addition’.

Bielsa will love him

A regular presence for Scott Parker’s side last season, the £9m-rated Reed made 31 appearances in the Premier League, often starting at the base of midfield alongside Andre Zambo Anguissa. The tough-tackling 26-year-old was a shining light for the Cottagers despite their relegation, providing a superb shield to the back four.

As per Sofascore, Reed won four duels per game in the top-flight, as well as making an impressive two tackles and 1.6 interceptions per match while also winning back possession 0.6 times.

To put that into context, Chelsea star and recent Champions League winner N’Golo Kante averaged 3.7 duels won and made 2.6 tackles and two interceptions per game. He also won back possession just as often as Reed at 0.6 times per match.

It’s no surprise that the 26-year-old’s former boss Tony Mowbray has waxed lyrical about the kind of engine Reed possesses, and also the kind of attitude he has – all shades of Chelsea’s midfield dynamo.

The Blackburn manager said: “

Immense! He’s been fantastic playing in a wide position, working like a trojan, running forward, blocking off the wide play, helping his full-back, in to out, in to out, and yet playing centre-mid today, it shows you where his true position really is on the pitch.

“He’s a fantastic player, but beyond his playing ability, his personality fits in amazingly well with our group.”

Reed himself has modestly said: “I need to improve on influencing the game higher up. The work, the tackles, the interceptions, they give the team a foundation to go on and be competitive but I also want to have that side where I influence the game higher up the pitch with assists, creating chances and goals.”

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That relentless energy, hard work and tigerish attitude makes him a perfect fit as someone to slot into the engine room at Elland Road given Bielsa’s intense demands, and exactly why the Leeds manager must be buzzing at seeing his club target Reed this summer.

Meanwhile, Marcelo Bielsa will surely be buzzing with this latest Leeds update…

Sheffield United’s hopes of appointing Slavisa Jokanovic this summer appear to have taken a blow after West Brom joined the race for the former Fulham manager.

It has been widely reported in recent weeks that the Serbian is the favourite to take over at Bramall Lane this summer, and given his impressive record in the Championship, it looks as if it would be an excellent appointment for the Blades.

However, journalist Alan Nixon has suggested (via The 72) that Jokanovic is now on West Brom’s shortlist for a new manager, following the news that Sam Allardyce would be leaving his role at The Hawthorns after their relegation to the Championship.

Both West Brom and Sheffield United were relegated from the top flight this season and the Baggies have also been linked with a move for Chris Wilder, who has been out of a job since leaving Bramall Lane back in March.

If they decide to go all-out for Jokanovic, who is currently in charge of Qatari side Al-Gharafa SC, then it looks as if it will be a straight race between the two clubs this summer, which could be a huge blow to the Blades’ chances of appointing him.

There is no telling which side Jokanovic would prefer out of the two, as the Baggies finished just three points clear of Sheffield United this season, yet both will be attractive propositions for a manager looking to get another promotion to the top flight on his CV.

The Serbian first earned promotion with Watford in 2014/15 before leaving his role at Vicarage Road, later returning to English football with Fulham, where he would help the Cottagers to play-off success in the 2017/18 season.

This achievement earned him the praise of former Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy, who praised him for the “remarkable” job he did at Craven Cottage.

Therefore, it is easy to see why both Sheffield United and West Brom would be keen on the 52-year-old this summer as they both seek an immediate return to the Premier League, and therefore Blades owner Prince Abdullah bin Mosa’ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud must act quickly if he wants to ensure that Jokanovic is plying his trade at Bramall Lane next season.

In other news… Sheffield United suffer huge blow in race for “top talent”, Blades fans will be gutted

Matheus Pereira is likely to be sold this summer by West Brom as the Brazillian made it very clear that he can certainly cut it in the Premier League, and former Premier League defender Steve Howey believes that he could be a good alternative for West Ham if they fail to land Jesse Lingard.

David Moyes has made it very clear that Lingard will be his number one priority signing this summer but after the England international impressed in the second half of the season, the Hammers are unlikely to be the only potential suitor.

Pereira certainly earned his stripes this season after making the step up into the Premier League seamlessly. The attacker finished the season as the Baggies’ top scorer with 11 goals, which put him ahead of players such as Timo Werner, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Raheem Sterling.

West Ham fans will be desperate for the club to pay Manchester United whatever they’re demanding for Lingard to keep him at the London Stadium, however Howey believes that Pereira could be a good alternative if he are unable to do a deal, telling Football FanCast exclusively:

“Yeah, I think he would cost a lot less than Jesse Lingard and would want a lot less in wages, so he’s certainly an option for them.”

Lingard was a driving force behind the Hammers being able to qualify for the Europa League this season as he netted a very impressive nine goals and registered five assists despite not starting a single league game until February.

If West Ham are going to compete at the right end of the table again next season as well as in Europe, Moyes will know that he must improve not just his starting lineup but also his entire squad so they can cope with the added fixtures.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Carlton Palmer has opened up on his Sheffield Wednesday exit 27 years ago, revealing his disappointment over how his first spell at the club came to an end.

The former midfielder, who made over 260 Premier League appearances during his career, was at Wednesday between 1989-1994 before leaving to join Leeds United.

Palmer later returned to Wednesday on a brief loan spell after stints at Watford, Coventry City, Nottingham Forest and Southampton.

On his Hillsborough departure back in 1994, the ex-Wednesday player told TT in an exclusive interview:

“Very disappointed, very sad. I had agreed a deal with the chairman Dave Richards and I had sat down, they gave me a fantastic deal, and I signed a five-year contract. And then Trevor [Francis] decided to sell me from the World Cup and said that he’s agreed to an offer from Leeds United and Aston Villa and I must choose where I want to go.

“So I was bitterly disappointed to have to leave. And, at the time, I couldn’t say anything because I was asked to sign a confidentiality clause when I left. You know, it wasn’t my doing.”

After being brought to Leeds by Howard Wilkinson, Palmer went on to make over 100 Premier League appearances across three seasons for the Whites before leaving Elland Road for Southampton in 1997.

Since retiring from playing football, Palmer, who also won 18 England caps during his time as a player, has gone on to earn managerial positions at Mansfield Town and Grantham Town – who he will start working for from the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur return to Premier League action as they welcome Wolverhampton Wanderers to North London this afternoon.

Ryan Mason’s side know a victory would see them rise into sixth place to bolster their slim hopes of making the top four, though they will need to keep picking up results to ensure qualification to the Europa League at the very least.

The visitors have very little to play for, languishing down in 12th place but this encounter has often produced goals and after last weekend’s shocking performance at Leeds, the 29-year-old caretaker may want to tinker his side.

It will be interesting to see what sort of line-up he opts for today, so here’s the XI we reckon he could go with, as well as the latest team and injury news from N17…

We’re predicting there to be as many as three changes right across the pitch as Mason looks to spark a reaction in pursuit of a crucial three points.

Joe Rodon could be in contention to start.

The 23-year-old has been “unfortunate” not to feature under the interim boss and he revealed in the build-up to this encounter that the Welshman has “trained well, done well.”

He could be gifted a start, taking the place of axed Eric Dier, who was at fault for all three goals at Elland Road. And he will partner Toby Alderweireld in the middle, with Sergio Reguilon and Serge Aurier on the wings, in front of skipper Hugo Lloris.

A second change could come in midfield, with Tanguy Ndombele due a start, having been snubbed from the line-up in their last two outings.

The £45m-rated box-to-box maestro would likely replace the underwhelming Giovani Lo Celso to take up a place alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg at the base of the engine room.

There is a tricky decision to make over Dele Alli in an advanced role. The 25-year-old has started back-to-back league games for the first time this season but his lack of game time (377 PL minutes) could raise fitness doubts.

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Despite assisting Spurs’ only goal against Leeds, Mason could look to freshen things up by deploying Lucas Moura in the role instead.

Described as a “nightmare” to train and defend against by his teammate Dier, the £26m-rated Brazilian winger has thrived through the middle, providing two goals and three assists in seven appearances.

The front three should write itself, with Gareth Bale, Heung-min Son and Harry Kane all likely to keep their places.

AND in other news, Gold drops fresh Spurs manager claim over “unbelievable” 48 y/o, fans will be buzzing…

Marcel Brands could give Carlo Ancelotti his own version of Dayot Upamecano by launching a bid for Everton to sign Valenciennes defender Ismael Doukoure.

What’s the word?

According to La Voix des Sports, via Sport Witness, Valenciennes owner Eddy Zdziech is expected to demand a record-setting fee to sell Doukoure at the end of the season.

The 17-year-old centre-half is understood to be a target for a host of Europe’s elite clubs after impressing in Ligue 2 this term, and it is not likely to be long before he is on the move.

Everton are one of the sides credited with an interest in Doukoure, but they could face rival Premier League interest from Leicester City and Arsenal.

Spanish giants Barcelona, Italian powerhouse Juventus and German outfit Borussia Monchengladbach are said to be just a few of the European outfits currently keen too.

Recent reports in France have also claimed that RC Strasbourg have already made an approach to the teenager’s agent to sound out his interest in a move to the Meinau Stadium.

But any side wishing to land Doukoure’s services this off-season faces having to pay Les Atheniens more than the €5m (£4.5m) that MLS franchise LA Galaxy recently paid for Kevin Cabral.

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The winger’s move to the United States set a new club record for the departure of a player from the Stade du Hainaut, but that record is expected to be short-lived with Doukoure thought to be worth between €6m-€8m (£5-7m).

Should Everton sign Valenciennes’ Doukoure?

Everton would no doubt be purchasing Doukoure with a view to the 5 ft 11 defender being a player for their future, though that should not stop Brands from spending a modest sum on the Valenciennes product.

Olivier Guegan only awarded Doukoure his Les Atheniens debut in October but the teenager has already established a key role for himself at the Stade du Hainaut and has now started 10 of his 17 appearances across all competitions.

Doukoure’s efforts in Ligue 2 and for the French side’s academy ranks have also drawn comparisons with Upamecano – who Bayern Munich have paid £37m to sign from RB Leipzig this summer – for his precocious talents and positional awareness.

Upamecano was one of Europe’s most highly sought-after players before his move was announced, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United linked as well as Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

Doukoure has also been attracting widespread interest, firstly given his age, but also because he is considered to be solid in duels and boasts good technique on the ball.

If Everton miss out on signing Doukoure this summer for between £5-7m, they may have to face a similar hike in valuation in a few years’ time to what Bayern have for Doucoure, who RB Leipzig acquired for €10m (£8.5m) in 2017 after just half a season with RB Salzburg.

AND in other news, Everton have been tipped to sign a £25m star once dubbed “a freak of a talent”…

Leeds have been told they may hold a significant advantage in the race to sign Manchester City star Sergio Aguero this summer.

What’s the story?

The Argentina international recently confirmed that he will be leaving the Etihad Stadium once his contract expires in the summer; and speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Premier League player Carlton Palmer has suggested that Leeds’ location, as well as their ability to offer first team football, could give them an edge.

He said: “I was thinking about this today; it could be a possibility because Sergio wouldn’t have to move – obviously he lives in Manchester. I think at Sergio’s age, he wouldn’t want to go anywhere and be a bit-part.

“So, you know, when they’re talking about top clubs like Chelsea and whatever, if he’s not guaranteed of playing every week, which I think he’s going to fall into that category now with his injuries and with his age, Leeds could be a good shout. The problem that would be, I would assume, would be his salary.”

Incredible signing for Bielsa

With reports claiming that Aguero is set to demand a £200,000-per-week wage from his next club (Gazzetta dello Sport, via AS), that would certainly be a huge sum of money to fork out for a player who’s set to turn 33 this summer.

However, given everything he has achieved in the game and the world-class striker that he is (when fit of course), it would give Leeds and Bielsa a true star to gravitate towards.

The £22.5m-rated Argentine is a Premier League icon with 181 goals to his name in the competition, and Pep Guardiola was quick to hail City’s talisman. He said: “Aguero has conquered England. His numbers speak for themselves. Aguero is an extraordinary person, and we still have a month and a half to win more things and help him to score goals.”

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If Andrea Radrizzani wants to send a message to Bielsa that he means business, then opening up the chequebook and breaking the wage structure for a marquee player like Aguero would certainly do the trick.

Meanwhile, Leeds could finally wave goodbye to this liability…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Newcastle midfielder Keith Gillespie has backed Harry Kane to break his former teammate Alan Shearer’s Premier League goalscoring record.

Kane’s penalty in Tottenham’s victory over Aston Villa on Sunday took his tally in England’s top-flight to 160 goals, which is exactly 100 behind the ex-England striker, leaving him ninth on the all-time list.

The Spurs man has averaged around 23 Premier League goals a season since breaking into the first-team under Mauricio Pochettino back in 2014, which means, providing he remains injury-free and continues at his current rate, he would overtake Shearer in four seasons.

But Kane has spent time on the sidelines with various ankle and thigh problems in recent campaigns, and Gillespie thinks that injuries are the only thing that is going to prevent the Tottenham striker from climbing to the top of charts.

He told Football FanCast:

“There’s no doubt Harry Kane is a fantastic player, he scores all types of goals. Like Shearer, you get a few extra when you take penalties, so that always helps. I think he could do it – five years, 20 goals a season. I think it all depends on injuries as well, because he’s had a few and missed a chunk of games.

“But if there’s a Premier League game and if Harry Kane is fit, he plays, that is just a given, because he’s so important to Tottenham, so he could do it. If there is one person that is going to break it, it’s someone like Harry Kane.

“If there is someone that is going to break it, it’s someone like Harry Kane. There’s a very good chance that he could.”

Despite his recent ankle problem, Kane is looking fitter and better than ever before.

If the Tottenham man remains in the Premier League for the bulk of the rest of his career, it’s difficult to see a situation where he doesn’t leapfrog Shearer.

Steven Gerrard has received a huge boost at Rangers this week after it was revealed that James Tavernier has committed his future to Ibrox by signing a new two-year deal.

It was reported recently by the Daily Record that Rangers were confident that the captain would commit to a new deal at Ibrox, with both Gerrard and Ross Wilson extremely keen to keep the 29-year-old at the club. That has proven true, as it was announced by the club on Tuesday that he had signed the contract, which is due to keep him at the club until 2024.

The former Newcastle United defender, who reportedly earns £13,500 per week at Rangers, has been in phenomenal form so far this season, contributing 11 goals and nine assists in just 29 Premiership appearances, resulting in a superb 7.76 WhoScored average rating – which comfortably ranks him as the best performer in the Scottish top flight so far this season.

The likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Everton were linked with a move for the right-back earlier in the campaign, and with his previous contract set to expire at the end of next season, there were perhaps concerns that the Englishman could have departed for a relatively low fee in the near future.

However, Tavernier was clearly keen to stay at Ibrox after the title success this season, having undoubtedly enjoyed the best spell of his career in Scotland.

Since joining from Wigan in 2015, the defender has made 284 appearances for the Light Blues, contributing an impressive 63 goals and 89 assists, so it is no surprise that he is keen to stay and perhaps finish his career at Ibrox.

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Gerrard has already seen Allan McGregor and Steven Davis sign new deals with the club recently, but ensuring that his captain is here next season is arguably the biggest piece of business Rangers will do this summer, as he is a pivotal part of the Ibrox squad.

Earlier this season, the former Liverpool captain was full of praise for Tavernier, saying: “I think he is really close to being at his best.

“Tav is a huge player. He doesn’t get the credit he deserves I don’t think from our own supporters or the credit he deserves from outside.”

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Therefore, it seems clear that Gerrard loves having Tavernier as the captain of his side, and it is undoubtedly a huge boost for Rangers ahead of next season that the 29-year-old has signed a new deal.

In other news… Forget Assombalonga: Wilson should seal Rangers swoop for “phenomenal” beast this summer

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Marlon Harewood urged his former club West Ham to go all out for Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham in the summer, believing he would complement Michail Antonio in attack nicely.

Following the appointment of Thomas Tuchel as Chelsea manager, Abraham has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge. The 23-year-old has not been included in any of his side’s last three fixtures, including the recent 2-0 win over Everton, putting his future in west London in doubt.

And, according to The Telegraph, West Ham are just one club who are said to be interested in £36m-rated Abraham should he become available at the end of the season.

For Harewood, who knows all about leading the line for the Hammers, bringing the England international to the London Stadium is a no-brainer. Speaking exclusively to FFC on the subject, the former West Ham striker said:

“That’s where West Ham should be looking, and I think Moysie [David Moyes] is that sort of person that he will be looking for a striker of that calibre, young, he’s ready to go, he’s been in the Premier League quite a while now. 

“I think he needs a chance, just like [Jesse] Lingard coming from Manchester United obviously not playing coming into the club, got a lot to show, and Tammy is one of them, got a lot to show [too] and would complement Antonio very well.”

Despite barely featuring of late, Abraham is still Chelsea’s top goalscorer in all competitions this season, managing to find the back of the net on 12 occasions.

This comes after a campaign where he was also the team’s most prolific player having scored 18 times last term. Bearing all of that in mind, Abraham could, indeed, end up being a good alternative or partner to Antonio at the London Stadium.