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An update has emerged on Leeds’ pursuit of Celtic defender Leo Hjelde, regarding the player’s thoughts on a potential move.

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, Leeds United have offered a contract to Celtic central defender Leo Hjelde, with his deal at the Scottish giants expiring next summer.

The report claims that he is interested in signing for the Yorkshire-based club, who believe he has huge potential to become a Premier League star in the future.

Bielsa will be buzzing

Bielsa will be buzzing with this news as it appears as though a transfer for Hjelde could be on the cards. The player wants to make it happen and Leeds are seemingly serious about completing a deal, given that they have already proposed a contract to him. Whether it happens this summer or not is a moot point as he is out of contract next year, which means that the Whites could bide their time and snap him up for a compensation fee.

Either way, Leeds would be bringing in a player with real potential to bolster the academy ranks. He would not be an addition with the first-team in mind immediately, allowing Bielsa to take his time with the defender and work with him on the training pitch with no expectations in the short-term. The centre-back only turns 18 next month and still has his entire career ahead of him, which Bielsa could love as he has the chance to help him fulfill his potential.

Earlier this year, Ross County boss John Hughes called him the next Virgil van Dijk and revealed that Leeds wanted him in January before the loan move to his club. He said:

“Leo is going to be the next Van Dijk – trust me on that.

“The quality he has shown, the physical challenge, playing real men’s football and standing up to it – it’s been a wonderful experience for Leo.

“Before he came, Leeds United were after him. I think he had to sign an extension to his contract for the loan to go through.”

Hjelde has already experienced first-team football at a decent standard. He played 11 games on loan under Hughes at Ross County in the Scottish Premiership, averaging a dismal WhoScored rating of 6.47. His performance levels at the age of 17 at senior level are nothing to read into, though, and it is more important that he gets the experience under his belt.

Therefore, if Leeds can get him in the current window then a loan move to a local Football League club where he could play regular first-team football whilst still being able to train with Bielsa two or three times a week could be the perfect scenario. This would allow him to get the first-team experience to develop his game whilst also still being able to learn from the Argentine head coach on the training pitch.

AND in other news, Leeds land boost in pursuit of “fantastic” wing wizard, he’d be an upgrade on Harrison…

Celtic appear to be closing in on signing Sunderland striker Charlie Wyke, according to The Northern Echo.

The Lowdown: Wyke a man in demand

Wyke, who scored 30 goals in 53 appearances last season, is out of contract at the Stadium of Light in a matter of weeks.

A number of clubs are keeping tabs on his situation as a result, including Cardiff City, Nottingham Forest and Millwall, who have all held talks with the 28-year-old.

However, it seems as if the Hoops are at the front of the queue for the striker who former Black Cats boss Phil Parkinson called ‘excellent’ last year.

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The Latest: Celtic hoping to make progress

According to The Northern Echo, Celtic are increasingly confident of persuading Wyke to turn his back on Sunderland and snub offers elsewhere to move to Scotland.

The Hoops held talks earlier in the summer and are now hoping to make progress on a cut-price deal with a formal offer.

The Verdict: McKay and Postecoglou close to first signing

It seems as if new CEO Dominic McKay and boss Ange Postecoglou are closing in on their first signing at Parkhead, which is huge.

Celtic appear to be in need of attacking reinforcements ahead of the 2021/22 campaign, especially with star man Odsonne Edouard looking likely to move to Leicester City.

Leigh Griffiths’ future also seems undecided, and should the pair depart, Albian Ajeti would be the club’s only recognised striker.

Bringing Wyke in for nothing could be a shrewd move going off his goalscoring form over the past 12 months, and it looks as if a deal now has legs. A first Postecoglou signing could soon be on the way.

In other news: McAvennie reacts as Hoops eye move for 150-goal forward, find out more here. 

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have been reacting to an update regarding defender Nathan Ferguson on social media.

According to the Daily Mail, the 20-year-old tore his achilles in training just days after Eberechi Eze suffered the same injury.

Ferguson, who is yet to play for Palace after signing from West Brom last summer, was thought to be approaching full fitness.

He’s suffered a number of setbacks during his time at Selhurst Park but was thought to be under consideration by Roy Hodgson to face Liverpool on the weekend.

However, Ferguson, who can play anywhere across the backline, is now likely to be out for a number of months, with the report claiming he is hoping to be back before the end of the year.

Palace fans react

@cpfc_xtra shared the news on Ferguson on Monday lunchtime on Twitter. This is what these Palace supporters had to say in reply, with one describing it as ‘heartbreaking’.

“Honestly what is going on … This rebuild had become a total catastrophe”Credit: @BenRich27″I swear Palace must have been cursed…this is getting ridiculous now!”Credit: @JMac00027″This is worse than Eze. Poor Ferguson. Will probably never play again. Absolutely heartbreaking for the lad. God whoever our new manager is they absolutely have to hit the ground running. No pressure!!”Credit: @audreysprayer”What the hell is going on at the training ground ???”Credit: @BenIAgbaimoni”Are we doing WWE style training ?”Credit: @CalumCPFC”Just need Zaha to leave now and I think we can confidently say we’re finishing 20th.”Credit: @JA9baller

In other news: Many CPFC fans unimpressed with what Wilfried Zaha has had to say, find out more here. 

Following a season of struggles in front of goal for most at Liverpool except for Mohamed Salah, there has been talk of Jurgen Klopp looking to bulk up his front line and former Wigan Athletic manager Paul Jewell does not believe that you can say Patrick Bamford isn’t good enough.

After an outstanding season with Leeds United, Bamford has seen his name linked with a summer switch to Liverpool but with Marcelo Bielsa expected to remain at Elland Road, Bamford leaving appears unlikely.

The 27-year old finished the Premier League season with 17 goals in 37 starts and that was enough to see him finish as the second-highest English scoring player, only behind golden boot winner Harry Kane.

The former Chelsea striker was doubted by pundits before the start of the season which means that you can’t say he wouldn’t be good enough for Liverpool – that’s according to Jewell who spoke exclusively to The Transfer Tavern:

“Every time people have questioned Bamford he’s answered them this season and the manager has shown great faith in him because I know lots of Leeds fans questioned Bamford before the start of the season.

“He’s been terrific but whether or not he’s good enough to play for Liverpool, who knows? I’m not going to sit here and say that he isn’t good enough for Liverpool, but what I will say is that he’s had a terrific season for Leeds United and hats off to him.”

Despite finishing the season with 17 goals, it is still just the first time that Bamford has proved his worth in the Premier League as he has had several unsuccessful loan spells at Norwich City, Crystal Palace and Burnley.

Klopp may feel like he needs to add some more firepower to his ranks in case someone picks up an injury or hits a bad patch of form, which is exactly what happened this season as Diogo Jota was injured for large spells and Firmino managed nine goals in 48 games.

Former Premier League manager Lawrie Sanchez believes that Tottenham have lost their identity in recent seasons.

It wasn’t long ago that the north London outfit were top four regulars under Mauricio Pochettino and challenging for the biggest honours.

Spurs might have always fallen short under the Argentine, but they qualified for the Champions League in four consecutive years, were regularly competing for domestic trophies and famously reached the European Cup final in 2019.

But since Pochettino was sacked and replaced by Jose Mourinho in November 2019, they have lost ground on the sides around them and have failed to challenge for the top four in the previous two campaigns, whilst their painful wait for silverware now stands at 13 years.

Tottenham recently announced the arrival of new sporting director Fabio Paratici, who looks set to team up with Paulo Fonseca, and Sanchez exclusively told Football FanCast that the former could play a major part in the club moving forward:

“They’re not sure whether they want to give kids a chance or be in the top four? Top four is all they want; it doesn’t matter how they get there.

“So, a new sporting director will have to lay down the culture of the club. What are we? What are we looking for and take a longer-term view of season to season and this managerial merry-go-round which doesn’t add to any stability either?”

Speaking to Sky Sports (via Football Daily), David Ornstein of the Athletic has shared a potential ‘glimmer of hope’ for Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane as he allegedly seeks an exit from north London this summer. 

The Lowdown: Kane exit saga dominates the media

Since Sky Sports lifted the lid on Kane’s reiterated desire to leave Tottenham, there have been no shortage of reports linking clubs to the forward.

Indeed, Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea are the Premier League sides watching him closely, meanwhile one unnamed club abroad is said to be ‘extremely interested’ and have even ‘been in touch’ (Sky Sports via Football Daily).

Judging by it’s start, it seems as if the Kane saga looks set to be with us all summer long.

The Latest: Ornstein shares ‘glimmer of hope’ for Kane

While there are sides eyeing a move and Kane allegedly wants to quit, all the cards are held by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.

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However, Ornstein, speaking to Sky (via Football Daily), has shared a ‘glimmer of hope’ for Kane when it comes to him potentially sealing an exit.

“If he’s going to win major trophies, he’s going to have to leave Tottenham,” explained the journalist.

“But, he’s under contract until 2024, so it’s going to be incredibly difficult – it seems like he’ll keep positioning himself, he’ll keep making some public statements here and there.

“One thing I do think is that’s really upsetting the Tottenham hierarchy.

“They’re not happy with his conduct at all, and perhaps that presents a tiny chink of light, a glimmer of hope if Harry Kane is going to move away.”

The Verdict: Won’t be enough…

As Ornstein went on to explain, Levy will not drop his asking price for anybody, meaning a move away for Kane in 2021 looks far more unlikely than possible.

It is even claimed that Spurs could demand an eye-watering £200 million for the Englishman and any club would surely be priced out of a move (Eurosport).

Even City, who are touted as favourites, would have to more than triple their club-record transfer to sign Kane if around £200m is what Spurs are demanding.

Given Borussia Dortmund sensation Erling Haaland will be available for just €75 million (£64.5 million) in June 2022 thanks to a release clause (CBS Sports), the Sky Blues could feasibly bide their time and sign the Norwegian over Kane next year.

This would deal a hammer blow to the 27-year-old’s hopes of leaving Spurs, with the only other likely option remaining arguably Paris-Saint Germain and a reunion with Mauricio Pochettino.

As Levy holds all the aces, Kane could be set for a big battle behind the scenes.

In other news: Spurs could now be offered this £250,000-per-week star who Carrick called ‘unplayable’, find out more here.

According to a report by West Ham United insiders Claret & Hugh, the Irons have been talking to Brentford ace Ivan Toney’s representatives over a possible summer move – with yet another striker seriously on the radar it would seem.

West Ham insiders shares Toney news

This comes as links to Chelsea forward Tammy Abraham continue to heat up with ExWHUemployee recently revealing that he is top of the Hammers’ list of preferred forwards (Patreon).

However, bringing fresh information, C&H explain that West Ham United have now contacted the representatives of Championship high-flyer Toney as an alternative option.

The 25-year-old forward has a contract with the Bees until 2025 and could demand a considerable transfer fee, valued at around £35 million according to a recent update by Football League World.

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Regardless, West Ham are allegedly in the fray alongside a host of Premier League clubs including Everton, Leeds, Wolves and Palace.

Transfer Tavern take

He has been on fire for the promotion-chasing side this season and could be a huge signing if GSB manage to do a deal this summer.

Indeed, Toney has netted an extraordinary 29 goals and 10 assists in 42 Championship starts for Brentford and, at just 25, could prove a real snip for £35m.

You could argue he rivals Abraham in terms of top striking targets and has been heralded by figures in the media as ‘unplayable’ for his form over 2020/2021 (David Cartlidge, ESPN).

We therefore believe that he should be prioritised just as much as Abraham with manager David Moyes seeking to acquire a much-needed striker this summer.

In other news: West Ham fans flock to this transfer news, find out more here.

Speaking to Football Insider, a Tottenham Hotspur source has lifted the lid on a development involving Fulham boss Scott Parker – with chairman Daniel Levy making a ‘behind the scenes’ move to assess his interest in the vacancy.

The Lowdown: Parker emerging as lead Spurs candidate?

Reports first emerged of the 40-year-old manager being linked to Tottenham as far back as last month, with reliable Lilywhites correspondent Alasdair Gold telling supporters he would merely be considered for the role in future (football.london).

However, news has intensified recently over Parker being a direct replacement for previous boss Jose Mourinho and Football Insider even said just last week that he is emerging as a lead contender.

He has been previously touted as an outside candidate from the Premier League alongside Brighton and Hove Albion boss Graham Potter (The Daily Mail) despite the likelihood he is about to be relegated with Fulham.

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The Latest: Lilywhites source lifts lid on Parker development

Now, a source close to the club has told Football Insider that Levy has made a ‘behind the scenes’ move to assess Parker’s interest in the Spurs vacancy and they have ultimately ‘put feelers out’.

Indeed, the former midfielder’s cause is also apparently being ‘championed’ by Levy and it is believed the Spurs chairman thinks ‘the world’ of Parker.

As per this latest update, the Tottenham chief is a huge admirer of him and believes he has ‘all the attributes’ that make him a lead contender for the Hotspur Way role.

Perhaps most importantly, it would not be a huge financial investment either regarding the compensation fee to Fulham – an aspect which is hindering moves for the likes of Brendan Rodgers.

The Verdict: Levy would be taking a huge gamble

Recently, pundit and former Spurs shot stopper Paul Robinson branded Parker’s possible appointment as a ‘big gamble’ and ‘huge risk’ (Football Insider) – we are inclined to agree.

Having just one full season in the English top flight under his belt, the Cottagers gaffer has been bold in his approach and philosophy in regards to Fulham’s playing style.

It has even drawn praise from Man City boss Pep Guardiola, who called his brand of football courageous (mancity.com), but that doesn’t change the fact his side look very likely to be relegated back down to the Championship.

We believe he could be a very sound candidate in future when he has more experience at the top level.

Matt Holland, who played with Parker at Charlton, knows first hand just how ‘ambitious’ he is (talkSPORT)  – but the Spurs post could be reaching too far this early in his career.

In other news: Spurs make inquiry to sign this powerhouse, find out more here.

A second-half comeback inspired West Ham United to victory as they bolstered their chances of qualifying for Europe by beating West Brom at the Hawthorns.

David Moyes’ side now need just one point in their final match to seal a Europa League berth and their highest league position since 1999.

After Declan Rice missed a penalty in the game’s opening stages, Matheus Pereira soon handed the Baggies the lead but right before the break, the man of the moment – Tomas Soucek – equalised before Angelo Ogbonna and Michail Antonio sealed all three points.

It was simply an outstanding display from the Czech warrior in the heart of the engine room as he dominated the opposition at either end of the pitch.

You can forget about Antonio causing a constant nuisance up top, capping his own performance with an injury-time strike and earning rave reviews from the Evening Standard, as it was Soucek who arguably ran the show on the night.

The 26-year-old beast was graded as the Irons’ best player (8.3), as per SofaScore ratings and it’s easy to see why.

Only one other player for either team managed more than his 70 touches, showing just how big an influence he was in driving the visitors forward, as well as thwarting the home side in their tracks.

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Soucek registered double the number of tackles (six) of the next best on the pitch and also chipped in with five clearances, two blocks and two interceptions, via SofaScore – ‘industrious’ would be an understatement.

And that was on top of winning a match-high 15 duels.

But he also contributed further up the pitch, as alluded to by football.london, the midfielder was “an important part of West Ham’s team in both attack and defence.”

The £36m-rated talisman not only notched his tenth goal of the 2020/21 campaign but he also managed to fire off five of their 21 attempts at goal and made 32 passes.

His performance drew glowing praise from the media, with the Daily Star’s Paul Brown claiming he was “immense again.”

Evidently, Soucek was the star of the show up in the Midlands on Wednesday night.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Rice: GSB could form dream West Ham duo by signing £30m “total animal”…

Former Glasgow Rangers manager Alex McLeish is worried after the latest injury update on midfielder Ryan Jack.

McLeish worried about Jack

Ahead of the Gers’ clash with Hibernian, Steven Gerrard revealed that the £2.7m-valued 29-year-old has seen a specialist to determine how bad his injury is (Glasgow Times).

Speaking to Ibrox News, McLeish has shared his worry. He said:

“It’s never good to be behind in pre-season.

“We’ve all got our different traits and levels of fitness, and he’s been a terrific player. You see the contribution he has made for Rangers for Scotland.

“It’s such a pity. He’s seeing a specialist and that will be for one particular injury, and he will have certain expertise. When you hear those words, you fear the worst.

“He’s in the best hands.”

Continual problems

Injuries have been a persistent problem for Jack ever since he moved to Ibrox from Aberdeen in 2017. So far, the most Premiership games he has managed in a single campaign is 30 – in every other campaign, he has failed to break the 20-match barrier (Transfermarkt).

While he has been an important player when he has managed to get on to the field, it is impossible for Gerrard and the Gers to rely on a player who will likely spend a considerable part of the season on the sidelines. Unfortunately, at his age it is unlikely to be a problem that will be solved, either. The 55-time Scottish champions do at least have plenty of other options in the middle of the park.

In other news, many Rangers fans are delighted by this Old Firm news.