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After a protracted search to find a new permanent head coach, Leeds United have moved to end the recent uncertainty by snapping up former Norwich City and Borussia Monchengladbach boss, Daniel Farke.

The 46-year-old – who has been appointed on a four-year deal – has been tasked with trying to take the Elland Road outfit back into the top flight, having previously enjoyed two promotions from the Championship during his prior stint with the Canaries.

If the German tactician is to repeat that feat in his new surroundings, however, one key area that he will need to improve is the club's dour defensive record, with the Whites having shipped 79 and 78 league goals in each of the last two seasons, respectively.

Such a grim return has not been helped by the woes of first-choice goalkeeper, Illan Meslier, with the 6 foot 6 Frenchman having arguably been "a massive liability" for his side last term, as per journalist David Kent.

As Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher stated during that dismal 2022/23 campaign, the 23-year-old arguably looks like a "kid in goal" due to his slender frame, as he simply offers "no presence" in the sticks.

The former Lorient man notably made three errors leading to goals in the Premier League last season as a sign of his shortcomings, with only Tottenham Hotspur's Hugo Lloris making more mistakes in the division (four).

The £30k-per-week man's costly blunders ultimately saw him axed from the starting lineup for the final four games of the season following Sam Allardyce's interim appointment, with one-time Everton man Joel Robles having been given the nod instead.

As per The Athletic's Phil Hay, the expectation is that Meslier will be moved on this summer if an acceptable offer is received by the club, with Farke seemingly needing to ensure that he does all he can to finally rid Leeds of their problematic stopper.

Who could replace Meslier at Leeds?

With the aforementioned Robles having left the Yorkshire side following the expiry of his contract last month, Farke is currently short on options with regard to who can replace the France U21 international ahead of next season.

That being said, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Leeds are said to be "battling it out" with AFC Bournemouth for the signing of Newcastle United's, Karl Darlow, with a bid for the 32-year-old potentially in the offing.

The 6 foot 3 Englishman – who has two years left to run on his existing deal at St James' Park – notably enjoyed a strong spell on loan at Hull City in the second half of last season, having arguably been "outstanding" for the Tigers, according to pundit Carlton Palmer.

As Palmer also stated – when discussing Middlesborough's interest in Darlow – the one-time Nottingham Forest man could represent a "shrewd piece of business", particularly as he is valued at just €800k (£700k), according to Football Transfers.

With recent reports suggesting that Meslier could command a fee of around £30m if he is to be sold, Farke could then utilise those funds elsewhere to strengthen his squad, while snapping up the Magpies man for a possible bargain fee.

While Darlow's impact on Tyneside has been sporadic of late – having made just 100 appearances for the club over the last nine years – his form on loan at Hull should represent a strong gauge of his quality, as he kept five clean sheets from just 12 outings – the same as Meslier achieved from 34 appearances last season.

As such, if Farke is looking to move the latter man on, then snapping up the £30k-per-week titan could be just the solution for those at Elland Road.

Leeds United are expected to unveil Daniel Farke as their new manager “in the next 24 hours”, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

Where is Daniel Farke now?

The German’s first role in the dugout was at SV Lippstadt back in 2009 and since then, he’s gone on to take charge of Borussia Dortmund’s B side, Norwich City, Krasnodar and most recently Borussia Monchengladbach. He left the Bundesliga club last month though, meaning that he’s now a free agent, as per Transfermarkt.

Following Sam Allardyce’s sacking, Sky Sports reported that the 46-year-old was one of the candidates being interviewed for the vacancy at Elland Road alongside Patrick Vieira, but the Frenchman has since been announced as the new boss of Strasbourg in Ligue 1.

The Daily Mail soon after claimed that the Canaries’ former coach had emerged as the leading contender and was viewed as the favourite among the hierarchy after impressing during his face-to-face meeting, and it wasn’t long before negotiations got underway.

Football Insider stated that the Whites had entered advanced talks to recruit the experienced figure but were waiting for the 49ers Enterprises takeover to be completed before announcing his appointment, though if the following update is to be believed, it sounds like they don’t want to hang about any longer than is deemed necessary.

Are Leeds appointing Farke?

Taking to Twitter on Monday evening, Hay revealed that Leeds are likely to announce Farke’s arrival imminently with him having already made the journey to LS11. He wrote:

“Leeds United set to confirm appointment of Daniel Farke as head coach in the next 24 hours. Terms agreed, allowing him to fly in this evening. Due to be finalised even if takeover isn’t sealed first, with training set to start Wednesday.”

Leeds have faced Farke as an opposition manager on several occasions previously and will know full well what he is capable of consisdering he has won twice with his visiting team, and looking at his track record, he’s got everything that is required of a manager to succeed in the Championship.

The Steinhausen native, whose preferred formation is a 4-2-3-1, has taken charge of 138 games in the second tier, out of which he’s won 71, drawn 38 and lost just 29, averaging 1.82 points per match and taking 251 from a possible 414, via Transfermarkt.

During his time at Norwich, this excellent and more importantly consistent form saw the incoming boss rewarded for his efforts having twice guided them to promotion to the Premier League, so he knows exactly what it takes to compete and achieve at the highest level.

Finally, Farke being a free agent and without a club means that the board won’t have to pay any compensation to acquire his services which is an additional bonus given his calibre, not to mention that West Bromwich Albion’s Carlos Corberan’s £2m release clause is what put them off making a swoop for him, so all in all, this really does seem like a match made in heaven.

Celtic were rocked by the departure of manager Ange Postecoglou earlier this month as the 57-year-old coach joined Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

However, they reacted quickly and appointed Brendan Rodgers as his successor, with the Northern Irish tactician returning to Parkhead for a second spell in Scotland.

The 50-year-old boss won seven trophies in less than three years during his first stint in the dugout at Paradise and enjoyed a largely excellent time with Leicester City in England after moving on from the Hoops.

He won the Community Shield and the FA Cup with the Foxes and worked with some terrific players at the King Power; including the likes of Jamie Vardy, James Maddison, Harvey Barnes.

Rodgers could now uncover his next version of the latter at Celtic after the Daily Record recently reported that the club are scouting Gwangju winger Ji-sung Eom.

What is Ji-sung Eom's style of play?

The 21-year-old dynamo has the quality to be a regular goal threat from out wide, without being much of an exceptional creator for others.

During the 2022 campaign, Eom averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.13 – higher than Kyogo Furuhashi and Liel Abada managed for Celtic in 2022/23 – across 28 K League 2 outings and contributed with nine goals and one assists as a left winger – a strike every 3.1 matches on average.

Barnes, meanwhile, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.67 across 34 Premier League games for Leicester and chipped in with 13 goals and one assist for Rodgers, followed by Dean Smith, which works out as a goal every 2.6 clashes on average.

Both players struggled to be regular contributors for their teammates as Barnes (0.6) and Eom (0.7) failed to create at least one chance per match, which would not place either of them in the top ten creators for the Hoops last term.

Meanwhile, Jota was the only Celtic winger with a better strike rate than the South Korean U22 international's return in 2022 as the Portuguese wizard scored once every three Scottish Premiership appearances on average (11 in 33).

Eom, who was once described as "underrated" by scout Ali Can Kutlu, could come in as one of the most dangerous attackers, in terms of the goal threat that the young ace could provide, in the squad next term.

The exciting hotshot, who would arrive with room to grow and develop at the age of 21, could be Rodgers' own version of Barnes by lining up on the left flank as a goalscoring winger to complement the likes of Jota and Kyogo Furuhashi in the final third.

Liverpool are among the suitors for one of Europe's most prodigious talents in Fenerbahce star Arda Guler, who has blitzed into prominence after a remarkable breakout campaign in his homeland.

What's the latest on Arda Guler to Liverpool?

That's according to a report from TEAMtalk that underscores the Yellow Canaries' desire to retain the services of their starlet for at least one more year, tieing him down to a new deal that will allow a more lucrative future sale.

Guler has a €17.5m (£15m) release clause in his contract, which is an attractive element to consider given that Liverpool are looking to complete astute deals on the market, having already tied up Alexis Mac Allister for a bargain £35m.

Jurgen Klopp's Reds are joined by Arsenal, Bayern, Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain in their interest in the fleet-footed phenom.

How good is Arda Guler?

Hailed as a "magician with a wand of a left foot" by one European scout, Guler is one of the most exciting players on the scene right now, boasting a wealth of skills that tantalise a career at the very forefront of the game over the next footballing era.

Despite his youthful age and inexperience, he produced displays of exceptional quality in the Turkish Super Lig this year, earning a stunning average Sofascore rating of 7.48 after starting just 11 matches, scoring four goals, supplying three assists, completing 85% of his passes and averaging two key passes per game from the offensive right flank.

Given the "serious talent" – as he has been described by Duncan Castles – possesses an innate cutting edge and tendency to drift inwards and wreak havoc from the box, he could be viewed as the dream heir to Mohamed Salah's pre-eminent role at Anfield, with the Egyptian sensation registering 265 direct goal contributions from 305 appearances since signing from Roma for £34m in 2017.

Liverpool fell by the wayside this term but it mattered not to the £350k-per-week forward's individual success, posting 30 goals and 16 assists from 50 appearances – with a return to fluidity when football resumes, there is no telling how destructive Salah's displays might be.

Technically a winger but reaping the fruits of his labour through his remarkable ability to cut inside, Salah ranks among the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 13% for assists and the top 1% for touches in the attacking box per 90, as per FBref, heralded as "lightning" by Reds historian Carl Clemente.

With Guler boasting a similar skill set and with Andrea Pirlo saying there is "no limit to his potential", securing his services as Salah's understudy before nurturing him to a starring role in the Merseyside giants' system could be the perfect way to ensure the club remain in contention for the biggest honours on offer for a lasting period.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg could be allowed to leave the club by Ange Postecoglou this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg?

According to SPORT BILD journalist Christian Falk, Tottenham midfielder Hojbjerg has emerged as a target for his former club Bayern Munich this summer, as the journalist said on Twitter: "True. FC Bayern discussed a Transfer of Pierre Emile Hojbjerg."

As per Football London, Hojbjerg is keeping his cards close to his chest regarding his future and spoke before his native Denmark's EURO 2024 qualifying match against Slovenia on Monday, stating:

"What's lucky is that we plan an international match tomorrow (Monday)," he said.

"So my focus is there. What comes next is fortunately not in my hands. "What I can focus on is what needs to be done tomorrow. I have spoken about before about my time in Munich, but right now I have nothing to say about it."

talkSPORT understand that Tottenham would be willing to listen to offers for the £100k-a-week ace this off-season as he is not guaranteed a starting berth under Postecoglou next term.

Hojbjerg has two years left on his present terms in north London and may well be set for a new challenge following three years at the Lilywhites.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones has signalled that he thinks Hojbjerg will leave Tottenham this summer and he also has his doubts over the future of Eric Dier, who could also move on this summer.

Jones said: "In terms of Dier and Højbjerg, I don't know about Dier. I don't know enough about that, but Højbjerg, for sure, seems like his future is in doubt. And I think it's probably unlikely that he stays at Tottenham."

Should Tottenham Hotspur let go of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg?

All things considered, Hojbjerg is an experienced operator in the engine room, though he may be moved on this summer as Postecoglou looks to stamp his authority on his squad in the transfer market.

Leicester City midfielder James Maddison is being heavily courted by Tottenham this window, potentially indicating that a changing of the guard in the middle of the park may be a key part of Postecoglou's plans in north London.

In 2022/23, Hojbjerg made 44 appearances in all competitions during the campaign, registering five goals and seven assists in total, as per Transfermarkt.

The 27-year-old was also a comfortable presence in possession across the season and maintained a pass success rate of 88.6% in the Premier League, according to WhoScored.

In the next few weeks, Hojbjerg's future at Tottenham will become clearer; nevertheless, it does feel like now may be the right time for both parties to go their separate ways ahead of 2023/24.

Manchester United are confident that they can agree personal terms with Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount as Erik Ten Hag endeavours to bring the England international to Old Trafford.

What's the latest transfer news involving Mason Mount?

According to Sky Sports, Chelsea have rejected an offer of £40 million from Manchester United for Mount as a gap in valuation still continues to linger between the two clubs.

The report states that Manchester United know the limit of what they would be willing to pay internally; however, they are also prepared to abandon negotiations if they are quoted a price above their valuation of the £80k-a-week ace.

As per The Evening Standard, the Red Devils are set to return with an improved offer for Mount at some point, though Chelsea are holding out for a fee in the region of £70 million.

Due to his contract expiring in 2024, Chelsea would be willing to let Mount go to avoid losing him on a free transfer following months of deadlock in negotiations over fresh terms between player and club.

talkSPORT claimed earlier this month that Mount had agreed personal terms with Manchester United; nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether the proposed move will be affected by a difference of opinion in value between the two clubs.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Romano has detailed that Mount is very keen to move to Manchester United this summer.

Romano said: "Man United want the player. Man United are convinced that the agreement with the player is something that'll be easy to reach because Mount wants this Manchester United move, so it's on the clubs now."

Will Manchester United be able to land Mason Mount?

Chelsea seem pretty insistent on recouping a significant fee for their academy product. However, they will also be aware of the reticence prospective suitors may have with regard to bidding over the odds for a player like Mount that only has one year left on his deal.

In 2022/23, Mount made 35 appearances for the Blues across all competitions, registering three goals and six assists, as per Transfermarkt.

As per The Athletic, Liverpool did hold an interest in trying to sign Mount this summer earlier this year, though his excessive price tag put them off and they will now instead focus on alternative targets.

The Sun claim that Leicester City star James Maddison has been earmarked as a 'second option' if Mount proves to be unattainable this off-season, making it anyone's guess as to whether Manchester United will be able to land Mount this summer.

Arsenal have made an "official offer" of £12 million for defender Sacha Boey after meeting with Galatasaray vice-president Erden Timur in London, according to reports out of Turkey.

Who could Arsenal sign this summer?

Despite missing out on a first league title in nearly 20 years to Man City, last season was one of real promise for Arsenal, who challenged for much of the 2022/2023 campaign.

Injuries to the likes of William Saliba, a key player in the run-in, arguably scuppered Mikel Arteta's hopes of ending Arsenal's long wait for a domestic crown – but the looming summer transfer window hands them a real opportunity.

Sporting director Edu, speaking back in April, already confirmed that plans are well underway to strengthen Arsenal's ranks in an attempt to keep pace with England's elite.

"Our planning has already been done," said the Brazilian to ESPN (via 90min)"It has already reached the owners. Now, we're taking things step by step. We're focused on how we will finish the season, but we've put in the planning and I'm very excited."

As well as central midfield signings, with the Gunners targeting West Ham's Declan Rice, Arteta also apparently wants new full-backs in his squad.

Real Valladolid's Ivan Fresneda and Boey have been linked to joining Arsenal, and a report by Hurriyet (via Sport Witness) has some news on the latter man.

According to their information, Arsenal and Galatasary vice-president Timur held a meeting in London recently where they discussed Boey's potential move.

After these talks, it is believed the north Londoners made an "official offer", which amounts to around £12 million. However, £17 million is their asking price, and Arsenal are expected to increase their bid for Boey as a result.

As of yet, it is unclear what Arteta's side could be willing to pay for him, but they could apparently offer out more cash.

Who is Sacha Boey?

The 22-year-old has been a key player for Galatasary and ranked as one of their best-performing players per 90 last season in the Turkish top flight.

Boey, who averaged Galatasary's joint-highest rate of tackles and second-most interceptions per 90 over 22/23, has also been seriously endorced by former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna.

“Galatasaray’s Sacha Boey is a player I really like," said Sagna.“I think he will fit perfectly into Arsenal. As a right-back too, I have to say I think he’s great. I’m sure many clubs have Sacha Boey in mind.“There is a contract to sign.”

Former Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny has been left excited by a potentially ‘perfect’ signing for David Moyes at West Ham United.

The Lowdown: West Ham set for busy summer…

The signing of a striker is just one wish for Moyes as he reportedly eyes three major additions.

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West Ham also have their sights on a central defender and midfielder but priority should arguably be given to a new centre-forward, especially since they’re too overly-reliant on Michail Antonio in that position.

Some promising reports have emerged in recent days, particularly surrounding Arsenal striker and soon-to-be free agent Eddie Nketiah.

The Daily Mail claim West Ham are in pole position and seen as favourites to sign the 22-year-old on a Bosman deal, prompting Kenny to give his excited verdict.

The Latest: Kenny reacts…

The 43-year-old, excited by this development, has told Football Insider this would be a ‘perfect’ signing for Moyes and ‘brilliant piece of business’.

He explained:

“West Ham have needed a backup striker since January.

“I think it has cost them in the end because Antonio has dried up and his fitness is always in question anyway.

“If they have the opportunity to sign Nketiah on a free, well, he’s already in London. I imagine they are favourites.

“West Ham is a massive club as well, with a massive fan base. Any player would be lucky to go there.

“For me, it’s a great signing and it would be a brilliant piece of business if he comes on a free.

“I think he’s perfect for what they are looking for.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

The Englishman arguably fits Moyes’ idea of a top striker – young, hungry, homegrown and can find the net.

He’s been in fine recent form, scoring four goals in his last five top flight games under Mikel Arteta, and pundit Noel Whelan has also claimed in the past that he would be a ‘fantastic signing’ for West Ham – even likening Nketiah to Jermain Defoe (Football Insider).

As this many ex-professionals urge the Irons to do a deal, we believe this summer is better time as any given the forward’s pending exit.

In other news: West Ham ‘monster’ set to leave as golden opportunity emerges for summer transfer, find out more here.

At 8pm tonight the Premier League taps into football romanticism, with Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard reunited once more with Liverpool, the club where he achieved legendary status.

However, he will not see it that way, having already lost 1-0 in the reverse fixture in December courtesy of a Mohamed Salah penalty.

This time, if Gerrard is to prevent Jurgen Klopp’s side from acquiring all three points, he will effectively be handing Manchester City the title. Albeit unlikely, a win for Villa tonight would see them overtake Crystal Palace in 10th place.

Injury news

In terms of injury news, Gerrard has confirmed that Jacob Ramsey will not feature against Liverpool, but the 20-year-old has an “outside chance” in securing a return to action against Palace at the weekend.

Meanwhile, Leon Bailey remains sidelined with an ankle injury that he sustained against Norwich City at the end of April.

Speaking on Monday ahead of the match tonight, Gerrard told the media (via Birmingham Mail): “Jacob’s got a chance for the weekend, unfortunately he won’t be involved tomorrow. The squad will be very similar to what it was against Burnley. We haven’t got any fresh injury worries or anyone out of the squad.”

Predicted XI

Will Gerrard make any changes to the team which started in the 3-1 win against Burnley last Saturday? Here is how we at Football Fancast believe Aston Villa will line up in the game against Liverpool.

Our predicted XI sees just one personnel change, with a slight switch in positioning. Calum Chambers, who played as a holding midfielder in the game against Burnley, drops back to form a central defensive partnership with Tyrone Mings, just like he did against Norwich as Gerrard’s side kept a clean sheet.

The £72k-per week Ezri Konsa, who was dubbed “crazy” by BBC pundit Stephen Kelly, misses out; with the £18m-rated Coutinho – hailed as a “magician” by former Reds team-mate Roberto Firmino – coming into a left central midfield role to offer a burst of creativity in a slightly deeper position just behind the front three which featured last time out against Burnley.

Emi Buendia, who scored against Burnley, will function as an attacking midfielder, whilst the partnership of Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings will most likely be deployed, with the pair having scored in back-to-back games.

The likes of Emi Martinez, Matty Cash, Mings, Lucas Digne and John McGinn are likely to keep their places and occupy the same positions as they did last time out.

With the inclusion of Coutinho almost inevitable considering his cameo from the bench last time out, and with no doubt that he will want to face his former club, it seems impossible to omit Buendia, Ings or Watkins after their performances of late. It would also be difficult to ditch the 4-3-1-2 formation which has worked for Gerrard over the last few games.

In other news: Double blow as Villa dealt big setback ahead of Liverpool clash, Gerrard will be gutted

Liverpool kept their title hopes alive with a victory over Aston Villa last night and are on for two more trophies with the FA Cup and Champions League finals secured, however, that hasn’t stopped the club from working to strengthen their team ahead of next season.

What’s the latest?

Journalist Graeme Bailey has reported (via 90min) that sources close to the club have revealed that the Merseyside club are close to securing a deal for Calvin Ramsay.

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According to the report, Leeds United, West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace are all interested in the young Aberdeen defender but 90min are told that Liverpool are leading the race in securing his signature.

This would be the club’s second signing of the summer after the Daily Mail reported that the signing of Fabio Carvalho has been ‘wrapped up’ and an announcement is imminent.

Klopp will be buzzing

There is no doubt that Liverpool have been lucky with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s fitness and injury record over his career so far with only a few slight knocks to the right-back, but with the opportunity to sign a worthy back-up in Ramsay, Jurgen Klopp will surely be buzzing.

Currently, Neco Williams is the only player for position replacement for the Liverpudlian defender but he is reportedly looking likely to complete a permanent move to recently promoted Premier League side Fulham this summer, so again the signing of the 19-year-old would make perfect sense for the club.

According to SofaScore, Ramsay has been solid in his position for Aberdeen over the last 24 appearances in the Scottish Premiership, winning the majority of his duels (51%), making 1.3 clearances as well as 0.8 interceptions and tackles on average per game, scoring one goal and contributing four assists so far.

The 19-year-old has also been the recipient of high praise with the Aberdeen chairman Dave McCormack labelling the youngster in “the elite upper bracket” of players of his kind in an interview.

Ultimately, as we have seen with Luis Diaz and Carvalho this season when it comes to signings Liverpool know how to get what they want and attract players to join the successful Merseyside outfit.

Therefore, we expect that Ramsay will be no different if the club are genuinely interested in making the signing this summer.

AND in other news: FA Cup final blow: Liverpool rocked by “massive problem” that’ll leave Klopp gutted