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Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa could find his next Patrick Bamford in Sassuolo star Jeremie Boga.

What’s the story?

Now, The Daily Mail claim that Bielsa’s side have shown an interest in signing the Ivory Coast international, who was previously on the books at Chelsea in his earlier years.

The report adds that Serie A side Atalanta have made an offer for the now 24-year-old, while the likes of Everton and Crystal Palace are also said to be keen as they bid to lure him to the Premier League this summer.

Leeds’ new Bamford

Came through the Chelsea youth system, but didn’t get a real chance with the first-team? Sound familiar? Bamford of course toiled away at Stamford Bridge without really breaking through, and in the end, it was Leeds, and Bielsa in particular, who turned him into the fine Premier League striker that he is now.

The £18m-rated Boga has followed a similar path to the striker, spending time his in west London with the U23s or having to make do with loans elsewhere – in fact, the the forward played 60 times for Chelsea’s various youth sides, and made one senior outing that only lasted 18 minutes.

Since his permanent move to Serie A side Sassuolo however, the Ivorian has begun to show signs of his promise, and Bielsa will back himself to work his magic just like he did with Bamford.

The natural ability is there after all, with his former coach at Chelsea, Michael Beale, saying: “The most unique talent and I’m talking in a window of being 13/14 and he just beat the other team possibly on his own is a young boy called Jeremie Boga.

“He just beat teams on his own, such a lovely boy. I thought wow, this boy is a supreme talent. he can stop and go and over three or four yards, he can just drift past you.”

As per Whoscored, Boga averaged an impressive 3.2 dribbles per game in Serie A last season, which is higher than any Leeds player, even Raphinha (1.9).

He also managed 1.2 shots per game (that would rank him just outside the top five among Bielsa’s current squad), while he boasted a whopping 89.4% pass accuracy (the highest of any player that started more than five times for the Whites).

Given his career trajectory, Bielsa may feel that he could be the manager to really unlock Boga’s true potential, much like he has done with Bamford.

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has dropped an exciting Leeds United transfer update…

According to a report in the print edition of Mundo Deportivo, via Sport Witness, West Ham United and Southampton are ‘willing to pay’ for Barcelona defender Junior Firpo, with the La Liga giants seeking a sale.

The Lowdown: Barca in financial turmoil…

Financially, many big clubs across Europe have been devastated by the impact of the global pandemic and the loss of millions in matchday revenue. Barcelona are one of those clubs, with the Catalan side now seeking to offload players and recuperate some much-needed funds for the summer transfer market.

Their business has been predominantly in signing free agents so far, with Barca snapping up Sergio Aguero, Eric Garcia and Memphis Depay without dipping into their transfer budget.

Ahead of a long summer, they are said to want a suitor for out-of-favour defender Firpo.

The Latest: West Ham now ‘willing to pay’ for Firpo…

As per Mundo Deportivo, the Hammers and Southampton are ‘willing to pay’ for a permanent transfer of the 24-year-old as they are marked out as his preferred bidders.

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Clubs from Italy are said to be more interested in a loan deal for the player, with only AC Milan from Serie A considering a permanent deal.

This makes Firpo’s suitors from the Premier League far more appealing to Barcelona in terms of negotiating a deal, with West Ham willing to sign him permanently and pay the desired transfer fee.

The Verdict: Not a priority…

We believe that West Ham’s main priorities for this summer should be a new striker, a new centre-back and a permanent deal for 2020/21 loan star Jesse Lingard. A potentially capable alternative to Arthur Masuaku in the attacking full-back role arguably isn’t as crucial as those three summer objectives.

Going by Firpo’s appearances over the last few seasons, it could also be unwise investing in his acquisition given a severe lack of game-time for the player over the past two years. Since joining Barcelona from Real Betis in the summer of 2019, he has gone on to start just 14 La Liga games in that time, unable to replicate his previous form from the Benito Villamarín Stadium.

If David Moyes decides to stump up the cash to bring Firpo to east London, it may well be a needless gamble.

In other news: West Ham now considering ‘phenomenal’ 6 ft 2 forward who is expected to leave this summer, find out more here.

Rafa Benitez has barely set foot inside Goodison Park but the incoming Everton manager is already busy on the transfer front.

What’s the word?

The Toffees are yet to flex their financial muscles in the window with no manager at the helm but that doesn’t mean that Marcel Brands and co haven’t been busy behind the scenes.

According to the print version of Portuguese outlet Record (via Sportslens) Newcastle are interested in signing Sporting midfielder Matheus Nunes.

However, Everton are also in the race to sign the 22-year-old and are now expected to sign him.

A deal could be worth as much as €20m (£17m) with Everton closing in on their first acquisition of the Benitez era.

Big upgrade

If you focus on Nunes’ statistics then it doesn’t exactly paint a very vibrant picture.

The young midfielder contributed to five goals in the top-flight of Portugal as Sporting won the league but he appeared from the bench on 19 occasions.

As a result, he made 0.6 tackles and 0.4 interceptions per game, while registering just 0.5 shots and 0.2 key passes a match.

Those numbers put him well below other midfielders already at Goodison Park with Abdoulaye Dourcoure, Tom Davies, Andre Gomes and Allan more productive in the final third.

Meanwhile, only Davies registered attacking statistics below Nunes.

However, his game is about a lot more than that. What the Sporting gem brings to the table is relentless energy, jaw-dropping speed and the ability to carry the ball forward.

Last term, Nunes managed 1.2 dribbles per game despite his limited minutes on the field, a tally that was bettered by just four other players in the Everton squad.

A glowing review from close friend and former teammate Goncalo Santos reveals what he’d add to the side.

“It’s unbelievable when he has the ball at his feet. Nobody can catch him; it’s impossible because he’s too fast,” Santos told the Liverpool Echo.

He added: “Matheus is a box-to-box player. He’s not so strong like midfielders in the Premier League but he’s very fast. He’s very good with the ball because he is a Brazilian boy.”

But what player at Everton is he similar to? Santos continued: “If you compare him, he is similar to Doucoure; he is physical, he runs so much but Matheus has more quality with the ball. He makes better decisions, has better passing, better control and he understands when he needs to slow the game down.”

Despite the initial statistics proving otherwise, this suggests that the Brazilian could actually be an upgrade for Benitez next term.

Everton aren’t the quickest of teams from a central area so Nunes could get the team up the pitch in a swifter fashion, enabling them to be more devastating and clinical on the counter-attack.

AND in other news, Benitez can make an instant impact at Everton by signing “exceptional” 33-goal monster…

Chelsea star Ross Barkley will not revive his career at West Ham, warns former Premier League midfielder Carlton Palmer.

Barkley spent the 2020/21 season on loan at Aston Villa, but it does not look like he will be staying at the Midlands club after falling out of favour in the second half of the campaign.

The £96,000-a-week attacking midfielder is now being linked with a move to the London Stadium, with the MailOnline reporting that West Ham have an interest.

With David Moyes knowing the player well from their time at Everton together, the Hammers boss may feel he can get the best out of Barkley.

However, Palmer has his concerns, especially when it comes to Barkley’s injury record, comparing him to an ex-West Ham player who struggled to stay fit during his time in east London.

“Everybody keeps saying everywhere he goes, ‘Can he revive his career, can he revive his career?’ Ross doesn’t play enough football games,” Palmer told FFC.

“He’s a quality football player, quality football player. He just has too many injuries, similar to Jack Wilshere – quality football player, just too many injuries.”

A hamstring injury saw Barkley miss quite a few games in the season that has just gone, while a foot problem the campaign prior also resulted in him missing a lot of action, so it is easy to understand Palmer’s concerns.

Alan Hutton reckons that only a ‘massive’ bid could prize Kalvin Phillips away from Leeds United, as reported by Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Leeds United prepare for 2021/22

As Marco Bielsa’s men gear up for 2021/22, fans up and down the country will be intrigued to see how the Argentinian goes about improving on their impressive display last season.

Acquiring a few new faces would certainly not go amiss, but keeping hold of their prize assets will also be of particular importance to Bielsa, given most of this squad is the same as the one he arrived to in the Championship.

Hutton has echoed this sentiment regarding Phillips in particular in his latest interview with Football Insider.

The Latest: Only a ‘massive’ fee would lure Phillips away

Speaking about Phillips’ qualities amid potential interest in him this summer, the former Tottenham Hotspur man stated:

“There’ll be loads of teams watching him.

“There’s obviously people looking at him thinking: ‘Right, we’ve got a young midfielder, broken into the England team, absolutely outstanding.’

“But the figure? Try put a figure on his head. I couldn’t. The fee could be massive. I just think he’s an absolutely fantastic player.

“You could see when you watch Leeds, he had a couple niggly injuries throughout the season. When he wasn’t playing, they weren’t the same team.” [Football Insider].

The Verdict: Keep at all costs

In 2020/21, the 25-year-old enjoyed an outstanding campaign for the Whites, making 31 appearances whilst he registered four goal contributions; one goal and three assists [Transfermarkt].

Phillips’ desire to make things happen from deep has been a driving force for Bielsa’s men the last year. Averaging around 4.8 long balls per 90 minutes, he has the highest rate of long pass attempts in the entire Leeds United squad [WhoScored].

His impact was really shown when he was out of the side however – in the nine league games Phillips missed, Leeds won just twice.

The Whites support will be desperate to keep the local lad in Yorkshire for many years to come, as will his manager as they move forward into 2021/22.

In other news, Leeds United have been offered the chance to sign an Ivory Coast international.

Writing on Twitter, reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has lifted the lid on another big development at Tottenham Hotspur amid all the talk surrounding Antonio Conte’s possible appointment.

The Lowdown: Spurs shakeup incoming?

All the signs appear to point towards former Chelsea manager Conte taking charge at Tottenham ahead of what could be a very interesting 2021/2022 season.

Much has been made of chairman Daniel Levy’s search for a new boss with plenty of names dropping in and out of the candidacy.

On Wednesday, the Italian emerged as a clear frontrunner with fellow managerial target Mauricio Pochettino now looking likely to stay at Paris-Saint Germain.

Amid the managerial hysteria, Romano has now lifted the lid on another big backroom development.

The Latest: Romano lifts lid on big Spurs development

Taking to Twitter, reliable source of information Romano has shared more news on a possibly big Tottenham shakeup this summer – this time concerning members of the board.

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Indeed, he claims an offer is now on the table for ex-Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici to join the club alongside Conte.

“Tottenham tried to appoint Fabio Paratici as director of football five years ago,” Romano explained on social media.

“#THFC proposal is now on the table again. He’s gonna answer/decide soon.

“Antonio Conte representatives are discussing details with Tottenham board in order to reach an agreement.”

The Verdict: Hitchen in trouble?

Tottenham’s current technical performance director Steve Hitchen’s position could be made unclear by the possible arrival of Paratici, as backed by other reports (Evening Standard).

Spurs have been linked with a new director of football for some time and preferably one with a rich history of fruitful transfer dealings.

Former AS Monaco and Lille sporting chief Luis Campos, famed for his astute business in the transfer market, had been touted with a possible move to Tottenham (Daily Record).

However, it appears Levy now has his eyes on another sporting chief to shake up his backroom.

Describing himself as a man ‘obsessed by knowledge’ in an interview with Sky Sport Italia (via Juventus.com), Paratici was also responsible for bringing Cristiano Ronaldo to Turin.

It’s clear, judging by his credentials, he may be a sound alternative to Hitchen if he agrees to Tottenham’s proposal.

In other news: Spurs now want this ‘amazing’ 103-goal striker, find out more here.

Southampton take on Fulham at St Mary’s on Saturday, with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side looking to build on their 3-1 win against Crystal Palace in midweek to finish the season strongly.

A brace from Danny Ings and a goal from Che Adams secured the three points for the Saints against Roy Hodgson’s side on Tuesday and they have another big chance to earn three points this afternoon as they take on already-relegated Fulham.

Scott Parker’s side’s fate was confirmed when they lost 2-0 against Burnley last time out, securing an immediate return to the Championship following their victory in the playoff final last season.

The fact that Southampton are now safe from relegation suggests that we will see some youngsters given a chance in the final three games, to see if they are capable of making more of an impression next season.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Hasenhuttl to line his side up on Saturday afternoon, with four changes from the team that started against Crystal Palace…

Hasenhutl has already suggested that Alex McCarthy will return for this fixture, despite the “outstanding” Fraser Forster saving a penalty in the win in midweek.

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There is one change in defence, as after picking up an injury in the win against the Eagles, Jan Bednarek misses out, with Mohammed Salisu replacing him at centre-back.

There are two changes in midfield, as Nathan Redmond drops to the bench and is replaced by 20-year-old academy star Will Ferry, who makes his first senior appearance for the Saints, whilst fellow youngster Nathan Tella replaces Takumi Minamino on the right after the Japanese winger’s less than impressive recent displays.

Unsurprisingly, Hasenhuttl will stick with Ings and Adams up front after the two strikers inspired their victory in midweek, and hopefully they can both finish the season strongly and build on their partnership ahead of next season.

And, in other news… Southampton handed huge boost in race for 29-goal “phenomenon”, Semmens must deliver

A number of Liverpool fans have been left hugely excited, following claims that Kylian Mbappe is interested in a move to Anfield this summer.

While the Reds have suffered endless woes at centre-back this season, their attacking struggles have also been a huge issue.

Mohamed Salah has been largely blameless, in that respect, continuing to score goals at a rapid rate, but Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino have fallen a long way short of their best, mustering just nine league goals each.

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It could be that Jurgen Klopp wants to bring in a top class attacking player this summer, in order to make competition for places even stronger moving forward, with Diogo Jota also an option.

Paris Saint-Germain superstar Mbappe is a player who has been linked with Liverpool in the past, and according to Le Parisien [via The Anfield Buzz], the Frenchman ‘can see himself’ playing for the Reds, should they qualify for the Champions League.

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Liverpool fans delight at Mbappe latest

It is undoubtedly an exciting update from a Liverpool perspective and these supporters took to Twitter to give their thoughts on the matter.

“Sunday could potentially win us Mbappe. This is bigger than any final”

Credit: @reformuddu21

“Town”

Credit: @KeithLFC6

“Please don’t give me hope”

Credit: @sarib_khalil

“We would walk the league next season with just him signing and Van Dijk being back”

Credit: @SirLeonP

“Someone tell me I’m dreaming”

Credit: @Lone_R_anger

“Mbappe 2021 is back on”

Credit: @NaeemLFC

In other news, some Liverpool supporters were horrified after key news emerged on Thursday. Read more here.

Aston Villa are interested in moving for Metz midfielder Pape Matar Sarr, as reported by the Birmingham Mail.

Enjoying an impressive breakthrough campaign in 2020/21, the defensive midfielder made 22 appearances for Metz scoring three times [Transfermarkt].

His performances have yielded a senior international call-up to his native Senegal at just 18 years of age [One Football], whilst he has previously attracted interest from the likes of Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Monaco [Get French Football News].

Achieving a pass accuracy of 85.3% in Ligue 1, the anchor man holds a knack of being able to rotate the ball efficiently [WhoScored]. Also renowned for his insatiable capacity to win the ball in the challenge, he is rumoured to cost the Villains around €25m to €30m (£21.5m-£25.8m) this summer if he is to make the move to Villa Park [Joris Crolbois, via Sportslens].

Given his prodigious talent, it’s little wonder that loads of Aston Villa fans took to Twitter to voice their excitement over this latest development. One has called on sporting director Johan Lange to make the deal happen, while another fan has dubbed him the “next Vieira” in reference to the combative Arsenal and France legend.

Villa fans react:

Replying to popular Aston Villa fan outlet @villareport, here is what some of the fans had to say on the matter:

“Go on then. Give me the 18 year old star boy to run the prem. give me the next Vieira, that’s absolutely fine”

Credit: @HarryUTV

“The Senegalese Jude Bellingham. I’m convinced. Johan Lange, make it so. UTV.”Credit: @OllieUTV”It’s an 18 year old wonderkid, main position is DM, but can also play CM and AM. Very versatile and bags of talent.”Credit: @JayVtid”DONE DEAL. Saw him in Selfridges earlier today buying a Kappa tracksuit.”Credit: @Mr_B_solihull”If we get him we will have a DM better than Kante, get it done”Credit: @VillaWatch_”Might as well just give us the league now”Credit: @mark_gilfillan9In other news, these Villa fans loved what Emiliano Martinez did.

According to L’Equipe (via Pink Un), Southampton are interested in Metz defender Boubakar Kouyate.

Saints eye Kouyate

It appears that the Saints are already planning ahead and they are said to be interested in the Mai centre-half prior to the summer transfer window.

They are not the only team eyeing him, though, with Norwich City, as well as Champions League-chasing Serie A duo AS Roma and Atalanta also said to be in pursuit. He is rated at £4.5m by Transfermarkt.

Bargain

So far this season, Kouyate has made 22 appearances in Ligue 1 for Metz. They have been one of the best teams in France from a defensive point of view, with only four sides shipping fewer goals than them (Sky Sports). The 24-year-old also has six caps for his country as his stock has risen.

Ralph Hasenhuttl recently said the Saints will be looking to sign players for £10m or less as they cannot afford to go higher – as such, Kouyate could come as a bargain.

It has been a difficult campaign for Southampton – they have conceded 58 goals in the Premier League, nine of which came in one game against Manchester United, meaning they have the second-worst defence in the top flight. The signing of Kouyate could provide the Saints’ backline with a welcome boost.

In other news, many Southampton fans slam these Hasenhuttl comments.