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Leeds United could be facing a nightmare over another one of their homegrown stars, as transfer reports emerge over interest in Archie Gray.

What’s the story?

The 16-year-old is of course the great nephew of Leeds icon Eddie Gray, and the son of Andy Gray who has also featured for the Whites, and made the headlines earlier this season when he made the bench for the first-team’s clash against Arsenal back in December.

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Now, The Daily Record claim that “Gray is a name that is already attracting interest south of the border with the teenage sensation’s exploits at Elland Road earning him a reputation as hot property.”

The future of Leeds United

The teenager’s performances have already caught the eye of Marsch himself, who after watching him in a 3-0 win over Manchester United for the U23s, said: “I thought it was a really good performance. I know there’s massive anticipation for Archie to be a big, talented player. I think that he’s intelligent – he can read the game really well, he can run all day, he’s good on the ball.

“He’s got a lot of really good qualities to be a strong player in the middle of the field. Archie has an incredible bloodline, he’s a big talent here, a homegrown talent.

“From getting to know him as a personality I think he’s excited to be on the pitch every day. He loves football, he loves training. He has a lot of really strong qualities as a person that will help him develop rather quickly.”

At just 16, Gray is unlikely to make much of an impact on this Leeds team in the next year or so, but is certainly making the kind of impression behind-the-scenes that suggests he will have a big part to play in the future.

Leeds fans are already watching with bated breath about Kalvin Phillips’ long-term future heading into the summer, with reports that arch-rivals Manchester United are interested in signing him.

Both Phillips and Gray and represent the heart and soul of this Leeds team for both the here and now, and for what’s to come.

Losing either of them would be a bitter pill to swallow, and it’s exactly why Victor Orta and co must do everything in their power to stop the two leaving anytime soon.

AND in other news – Leeds could strike gold with £42m teenage sensation, he follows Raphinha on Instagram

Manchester United host West Ham United in the third round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday evening, and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has some big selection calls to make.

The Norwegian tactician has seen his side pick up 13 points from a possible 15 while on Premier League duties in the opening weeks of the new season, but a defeat to Young Boys in Europe has undermined their promising start.

Nevertheless, there’s been plenty of positives for the Red Devils too. Cristiano Ronaldo has bagged four goals in three games since returning to the club, summer signing Raphael Varane has made a very promising start to life in Manchester, and David de Gea has been rolling back the years in goal.

But arguably the most surprising aspect of United’s success is how Jesse Lingard has carried his outstanding form into 2021/22.

The 28-year-old massively struggled to produce positive displays for the Red Devils following the 2018 World Cup and scored just one top-flight goal in the entirety of 2019/20.

After failing to make a league appearance in the first half of last season, Lingard joined West Ham on loan last January and resurrected his career in emphatic fashion, bagging nine goals and providing five assists in just 16 appearances for the capital club.

There was much talk of Lingard leaving his boyhood club on a permanent basis over the summer after he entered the final year of his current contract, but Solskjaer decided to keep hold of the versatile forward, and now he’s being rewarded for doing just that.

In just 45 minutes of Premier League action, the England international has got on the scoresheet on two occasions, securing all three points for United against the Hammers with a stunning last-minute strike over the weekend.

And now the time has come for Lingard to be thrown in from the off, allowing him an opportunity to showcase his true ability in front of a packed Old Trafford.

With Marcus Rashford still injured, Edinson Cavani not yet at full fitness, Jadon Sancho still acclimatising to his new surroundings and Anthony Martial struggling for form, Lingard could be the main attacking threat in midweek for the 20-time English champions.

The £19.8m-rated wizard was labelled “outstanding” after firing the Hammers to sixth place last term, but now he must show he’s worthy of a place in Manchester United’s starting lineup against the east London outfit; Solskjaer just needs to give him the chance to do just that.

And, in other news…Murtough must seal MUFC move for “phenomenal” £49.5m-rated maestro, Ole would love him 

Arsenal are interested in signing Barcelona starlet Ilaix Moriba in this summer transfer window, but are now likely to face competition from Premier League rivals Spurs.

What’s the story?

Mikel Arteta’s side have endured a nightmare start to the season, tasting back-to-back defeats and scoring a grand total of zero goals thus far.

With the transfer window winding down, the Gunners will no doubt be desperate to make some late moves in the market, and according to recent reports from 90min, they are one of several clubs interested in luring Moriba away from Camp Nou.

However, The Daily Mail have now claimed that Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham are also contemplating a move for the 18-year-old this summer.

Fans will be buzzing

Oscar Hernandez, who worked as a coach with Barcelona’s youth academy from 2007 until 2017, has raved about the kind of dynamism that Moriba brings to the table.

He said: “He has a quality that other No. 6s at Barca don’t have, though—he’s box-to-box. He’s very good in front of goal. He can pick up the ball and burst forward with it. He can create play. He’s good in the air. He’s very multifaceted. Apart from the fact that defensively he’s very aggressive. He’s a complete player.

“He is one of those players with characteristics to be on the first team. No doubt. He has extraordinary capacities, but let’s see.”

Denis Silva Puig, who coached Moriba on Barcelona’s Juvenil A team, has also raved about the teenager’s supreme footballing brain.

He said: “He’s physically very strong, but he’s also a very intelligent player. Most people don’t appreciate this. Here he’s called the ‘(Paul) Pogba of Barca’ because he’s like a young Pogba, but also he is very, very intelligent—and that is his big potential. He is a top player, no doubt.”

Given his age and ability, and the fact he comes from Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy – much like former Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas – Moriba seems like the perfect signing to go with the Gunners’ recent recruitment of signing young players with high potential.

It’s exactly why news of the Gunners’ interest in the £22.5m-rated star is sure to have Arsenal fans buzzing. Arteta must simply beat Spurs to the signing of Moriba this summer.

It could well be the making of yet another Fabregas at the Emirates Stadium.

Meanwhile, this Arsenal star was shocking against Chelsea…

Carlton Palmer has offered his thoughts on whether or not Southampton should sign Armando Broja permanently.

What’s the talk?

Ex-Southampton midfielder Carlton Palmer has claimed that the club would be interested in signing Armando Broja from Chelsea on a permanent deal for the right price.

The forward is currently on loan from the Blues and Palmer believes that he could be the next Virgil van Dijk if they sign him permanently, as he could be worth more in the future.

He told Football FanCast:

“Listen, you’re going to try your best.

“I mean, obviously Southampton will be interested in taking him. He’s one of those if you get him at the right money, he will probably go on again and you get money for him again. You know, like they did with Van Dijk.”

Ralph would be buzzing

Southampton chief Martin Semmens must sanction a permanent deal for Broja ahead of either the January window or next summer upon the end of his loan stay at St. Mary’s as Hasenhuttl would be buzzing to keep him.

As Palmer explained, he could be a player the Saints are able to sign and then develop before selling on for big money down the line to keep their business model going.

Southampton signed Can Dijk from Celtic for £14.13m in 2015 and went on to sell him for a club-record £76.19m to Liverpool in January 2018, which is the reference Palmer made. If Semmens is able to reach an agreement with Chelsea to sign Broja permanently for a fee within that £10-15m region then it could be a shrewd piece of business by the club.

At this moment in time, the 20-year-old has not proved that he can consistently perform at the top level. He has two goals in eight caps for Albania and scored 11 goals in 34 games for Vitesse last term, but he is yet to produce a goal or assist in the Premier League.

This is why Chelsea could still be convinced to part ways with him for the right price, as he is still potential rather than the finished product at this moment in time. However, this is where a permanent move to Southampton could be great as it would give Hasenhuttl the chance to develop the player over the course of a number of seasons, rather than a 12-month loan.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed Broja as ‘dangerous’ earlier this summer and he caught the eye in Southampton’s League Cup win over Newport County, scoring twice. This highlights some of the potential that he has and why Hasenhuttl would be delighted to have the opportunity to work with him beyond the end of this season.

Semmens must work hard to seal a reasonable deal for the Albanian beast.

AND in other news, 85% duels won: Rarely-seen Saints beast must have caught Ralph’s eye in EFL Trophy…

Speaking to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur insider John Wenham has lifted the lid on a collapsed stadium deal which saw chairman Daniel Levy squander ‘millions’.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing financial boosters…

Following the easing of coronavirus restrictions and life slowly getting back to normality, Tottenham have seen numerous prestigious events being hosted at their brand new state of the art ground.

The NFL, for example, as well as the recent heavyweight boxing bout between Anthony Joshua and Oleksandr Usyk, will have grossed the club millions of pounds worth of off-field revenue.

However, in a revelation, insider Wenham has claimed that Spurs could have been earning more over lockdown as he lifts the lid on collapsed stadium sponsorship discussions just before COVID.

The Latest: Wenham makes stadium deal claim…

As per the club insider and Spurs source, speaking to FI, the Lilywhites and Levy were actually in talks with HSBC over the stadium’s naming rights but a deal ‘fell through’.

“I know Tottenham were previously in discussions with HSBC, that fell through for whatever reason,” he explained.

“That was right before the pandemic. In hindsight, would Tottenham have taken that deal? Who wouldn’t?

“We could have been earning millions for two years even while the stadium was shut.”

The Verdict: Big blow…

Given Tottenham and Levy announced a £63.9 million loss during the pandemic last year, it’s safe to say a naming rights deal would have assisted the club in a major way financially.

Spurs ended up having to borrow £175 million through the bank of England in what was a turbulent time off-field for the club.

After the HSBC blunder, Tottenham will be hoping to secure the right naming rights deal as soon as possible.

In other news: Spurs already have offered pencilled in to sign ‘world class’ player who Hoddle called outstanding, find out more here.

Leeds United outcast Ian Poveda is set to leave Elland Road in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh update which has emerged on Tuesday morning.

The Lowdown: Poveda unwanted at Leeds

The 21-year-old has become almost surplus to requirements under Marcelo Bielsa, not making a single Premier League start last season.

While Leeds have gone up several gears, Poveda appears to have been left behind, with just one league assist coming his way in the last two years.

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The Latest: Summer exit on the cards

According to Football Insider, Poveda looks set for a ‘late-window exit’ from Leeds, having been demoted from the first-team by Bielsa at Thorp Arch.

A Thorp Arch source has told the outlet that the Whites will listen to offers for the youngster in the remaining weeks of the transfer window, with both loan and permanent moves mooted.

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The Verdict: Time to move on

Poveda is a talented young player with potential, but he has got stuck at Leeds and it is hard to see a future for him given how limited his playing time has been.

The Englishman is comfortably behind the likes of Raphinha, Jack Harrison and Patrick Bamford in the attacking pecking order and there is still time for another addition to come in, too.

Poveda will benefit from earning playing time elsewhere and Leeds will no doubt be keen to sell him permanently, in order to generate more funds for transfers.

In other news, Marcelo Bielsa has explained a key selection decision against Manchester United. Read more here.

Many Wolves fans have been left flocking to some transfer news that has emerged on Willy Boly.

As per The Daily Mail, the Midlands club are now willing to listen to offers for the central defender in the January transfer window, as he has reportedly falling down the pecking order under Bruno Lage.

He has been left on the bench on injuries, and with the likes of Conor Coady and Romain Saiss to call upon, it may be time for him to leave.

However, he has been a great servant at Molineux, being a mainstay in the Championship-winning campaign and then in the Premier League, and so some WWFC supporters are understandably reluctant to let him go.

Wolves fans on Boly transfer news

These Wanderers flocked to the transfer news as it was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that it would be ‘extremely sad’:

“Seen it all now”

Credit: @xReecexx

“NOOOOOOOOO”

Credit: @BekiWolves1877

“Don’t”

Credit: @Millennewell

“Made a massive difference for us when he arrived, I’d be sad to see him go”

Credit: @Wolfy1223754986

“Pain”

Credit: @wwfc_adam

“Would be an extremely sad way for an important player for Wolves over the last few years to leave.”

Credit: @David_gill14

In other news, find out what potential swap deal has Wanderers buzzing here!

Manchester United are thought to be closing in on the appointment of Erik ten Hag as their new manager.

The hierarchy at Old Trafford had hired Ralf Rangnick but his interim tenure will come to a conclusion at the end of the season.

What’s the word?

The vacancy at Man United appeared to be a straight shootout between ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino with the former now winning the race according to reports.

An announcement could be made within the next week according to various sources, and now Fabrizio Romano has dropped an exciting update on the Dutchman’s plans for the Premier League side if and when he takes over.

Revealing on Twitter on Friday morning, the journalist said: “Erik ten Hag has asked Man United to be 100% involved on present and future transfers strategy: new signings, outgoings, new contracts. MUFC Ten Hag considers this as “key point” to rebuild Man United – new signings have to be totally perfect for his idea and club project.”

Great news

Considering the rather bizarre transfer strategy United have had in recent years, this can only be considered a good thing for the club.

The Red Devils had an eye-catching window last summer, bringing in Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane but sadly, the addition of Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t exactly suit the way they play.

It slowed down build-up play and under Rangnick, a man famed for the gegenpress, the great Portuguese’s ageing body has not been able to complement the attacking force to the best of his abilities.

As a result, if ten Hag does walk through the door and is able to bring in players to specifically suit his system, it will make the entire rebuilding process a much smoother one.

It’s felt like the power has been laid with the higher-ups at United for some time now but if the Ajax boss is given the right assurances, it will stand the club in good stead moving forward.

Three potential signings could be Declan Rice, Harry Kane and Kalvin Phillips, with reports in recent days linking them all with a move to Manchester.

Kane would be a sublime acquisition considering his goal record while Rice and Phillips proved to be invaluable for England at last summer’s European Championships, establishing a partnership together that took them to the final.

With Paul Pogba’s contract winding down, finding a player like the West Ham stalwart or the Leeds star will be of utmost importance.

It remains to be seen who ten Hag wants to bring with him but you can bet any new face that does pen terms will have been meticulously considered, something which cannot be said of some deals done at Man United in recent memory.

AND in other news, Man Utd now plot bid to sign £60m “special talent”, he’s miles better than Rashford…

Wolves could reportedly face competition from Serie A giants AC Milan for the signing of Lille and Portugal midfielder Renato Sanches.

The Lowdown: Wolves linked with Sanches move

The Portugal international was linked with a move to Elland Road earlier in the year but a transfer failed to come to fruition.

Instead, Sanches stayed put at reigning Ligue 1 champions Lille, where he has made five Ligue 1 appearances so far this season, starting three times.

The £27million-rated midfielder’s current deal expires in 2023 and it could be that Lille look to receive a fee for him before he can leave for free.

The Latest: New rumour emerges

A fresh update has now emerged regarding Sanches’ future, with Calciomercato confirming Wolves’ interest but also mentioning Milan as potential suitors.

He has been compared (Bundesliga – official) to Netherlands legend Clarence Seedorf in the past, which highlights his potential as an all-action midfield general.

The Verdict: A risk worth taking?

Sanches’ talent is undeniable – he was superb at Euro 2020 for Portugal, for example, completing 91.6% of his passes – but the one main question mark against him is injuries.

The Portuguese has been plagued by fitness issues throughout his career and he was limited to just 14 league starts for Lille in their title-winning season.

Wolves could be wise to take a punt on Sanches, given his ability, but they would do it knowing that there is a risk element behind it.

In other news, some Wolves fans are fuming after a revelation emerged regarding one player. Read more here.

As relayed by The Mirror, an interesting update has come to light involving Tottenham Hotspur target and West Brom keeper Sam Johnstone.

The Lowdown: Spurs enter pole position…

As previously reported, it seems Spurs and manager Antonio Conte are in pole position to sign the Englishman this summer, who is set to leave upon the expiry of his contract.

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Lilywhites correspondent and in-the-know Alasdair Gold recently claimed that they are indeed leading the race for Johnstone as Man United also eye a move.

Meanwhile, Football League World and The Sun have both shared that those within the club feel they’re in pole position to seal the 29-year-old’s Bosman signing for Conte.

Amid these plethora of reports, an interesting update has emerged.

The Latest: Johnstone axed…

As relayed by The Mirror, Baggies boss Steve Bruce has now axed Johnstone from his squad for their remaining fixtures of the Championship campaign.

Indeed, it appears the Three Lions ace has now played his final game at The Hawthorns as Bruce confirms that his keeper has decided to run down his deal.

The Verdict: Certain to move…

As Johnstone is set to leave on a free, we believe he could be a snip for Tottenham as they look for an understudy and possible eventual heir to number one Hugo Lloris.

Lauded as a ‘world class’ shot stopper by Wolves legend Steve Bull, the English second tier star mightily impressed in the top flight last year and comes as a more-than adequate alternative to loanee Spurs number two Pierluigi Gollini.

The latter man looks set to return to parent club Atalanta with Johnstone coming as an arguable upgrade given his quality and homegrown status.

In other news: Tottenham official dispatched as Conte identifies ’emerging superstar’ signing, find out more here.