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Romano Shares Arsenal Transfer Shock

Arsenal have "entered the race" to sign Brentford's highly rated goalkeeper David Raya, with the Spaniard now preferring a move to "Arsenal over Bayern", per transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

Are Arsenal signing David Raya this summer?

The Gunners have had an outstanding transfer window so far this summer. The club have dramatically improved the quality of their starting eleven with the signings of Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice – breaking the transfer record for a British player along the way.

Alongside these brilliant signings, Mikel Arteta has secured the long-term futures of several first-team stars, such as Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Aaron Ramsdale.

That said, the former Bournemouth man's future may be a little less clear with the recent news that the north Londoners have joined the race to land the much-sought-after Raya.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

According to The Guardian, Arsenal are set to make an offer for the 27-year-old after Bayern Munich's loan offer was rejected, with the idea being that he would compete for the number one spot with current shot-stopper Ramsdale.

The Premier League runners-up have already spoken to the player and are now his preferred destination over the Bundesliga champions, per transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

He explained the situation on his YouTube channel, saying:

"Arsenal have entered the race. Arsenal had contacts with the camp of David Raya, and they are considering making a bid very soon; there is still no-bid, but they could beat very soon for David Raya.

"Yes, to create competition with Aaron Ramsdale. Of course, Ramsdale is the first goalkeeper, but in case they bring in Raya, this could be a possibility to create competition between the two goalkeepers. Something to add from what I'm hearing, David Raya prefers Arsenal over Bayern for many reasons, but he would love to join Arsenal.

"It's important to say that already some discussions took place discussing about the contract and this kind of things, so Arsenal already discussed some details on the player side, [and] now [it] depends on the clubs."

How good is David Raya?

One of the constants in Brentford's meteoric rise from the Championship over the last four seasons has been that of Raya. Since moving to West London in the 2019/20 season, he has started at least 24 league games, starting all 38 last year.

Across those four years with the Bees, he has never achieved a season rating lower than 6.66, reaching a seriously impressive 6.97 last campaign, per WhoScored.

His underlying numbers are just as impressive as well, with FBref, which compares players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, placing the Spaniard in the top 6% for touches, the top 7% for crosses stopped, the top 8% for save percentage, and the top 15% for launch percentage and average length of goal kicks, all per 90.

david-raya-brentford-arsenal-transfer-gossip-arteta-edu-jurrien-timber

His ability with the ball at his feet clearly left an impact on Steven Drench, who worked with him at the Blackburn Rovers academy, as he waxed lyrical about him, saying:

"His distribution is a major plus point, and being at Brentford with the style of football they play, he suits them. But he could go into any team in the top leagues in Europe and fit in quite well with the confidence he has on the ball.

"He's like an extra outfield player."

It'll be interesting to see how Ramsdale reacts to the competition should the Gunners complete the signing, but adding Raya to your team can only be a good thing.

Aston Villa: Monchi Could Land Masterclass In £80m Transfer Swoop

Aston Villa could delight fans with another marquee signing, with a new update emerging regarding their pursuit of Joao Felix.

Unai Emery and Monchi have already smashed the club’s transfer record fee in signing Moussa Diaby in a deal amounting to £51.9m, as well as welcoming Pau Torres and free agent Youri Tielemans to the Midlands.

With the countdown to the new Premier League season almost up, there could still be significant moves made by the Villans, if latest reports are to be believed.

What’s the latest on Joao Felix to Aston Villa?

As reported by Football Insider in June, Villa were claimed to have been ‘offered’ the chance to sign Atletico Madrid sensation, Felix.

While talk regarding the forward’s future in relation to the Midlands club went quiet, a new update has emerged via journalist Ryan Taylor when speaking to GIVEMESPORT.

Taylor advised that Villa are “well-placed” in being the potential new owners of the Portuguese dynamo, who is yet to find a new club following his exile from Madrid.

A previous report from the Evening Standard claimed that the 23-year-old could be available for a price in the region of £80m, despite Atletico wanting a speculated £124m for their talent.

How good is Joao Felix?

Once lauded as “generational” by coach and analyst Aldo Sainati, it’s hard to believe that the former Chelsea loanee is just 23 when studying his career accolades.

With a recorded 238 career appearances and 107 goal contributions under his belt representing Benfica, Atletico Madrid and most recently, the Blues, the versatile forward is one of the most exciting talents in world football.

At just 19, Atletico saw the vision enough to spend £113m on acquiring his talents, after he showcased his ability to the world during the 2018/19 Liga Portugal campaign for Benfica.

That year, the teenager registered a mammoth 24 goal contributions in 26 league appearances for his boyhood club, scoring 15 times and recording nine assists in an astonishing breakthrough season.

joao-felix-premier-league-man-united-transfers

While not many could’ve predicted his path to lead where he is currently, it could now be time for the dynamic forward to take a step back from the leading clubs in Europe in order to rediscover his form and value after a trialling year.

For Villa, the direction provided by Emery could be the perfect stomping ground for Felix to exploit his true ability once more with a shot at redemption in the Premier League.

Signing the Portugal international would be a marquee move for Monchi, and one that could provide Villa fans with the essence of a former reliable and exciting forward who once graced Villa Park.

Club legend Gabriel Agbonlahor made 146 goal contributions during his time in claret and blue, and is recognised as one the club’s greatest forward’s in the Premier League era.

Noted as being ‘equally effective’ in a range of positions in the front line by writer Steven Meredith via Bleacher Report, the aura of the Englishman could be encapsulated by the energy and desire identifiable in Felix’s game.

Villa would be missing a trick if they weren’t to go full force for the 23-year-old, who could be a fundamental figure in Emery’s hopes to unearth a new level of performance and quality in the Midlands.

Man City Agree Terms With "Amazing" 21 y/o

Manchester City have reportedly agreed on personal terms with Rennes attacker Jeremy Doku, and one journalist has shared how much a deal could cost Etihad officials.

Are Man City signing Jeremy Doku?

The treble winners and new Super Cup champions could be on course for a busy final few weeks in the window, with attacking additions appearing to be on the to-do list for the Sky Blues.

Mateo Kovacic and Josko Gvardiol are the two senior signings made so far this summer, with the Croatia internationals arriving from Chelsea and RB Leipzig.

Pep Guardiola will be without star man Kevin de Bruyne after he sustained a hamstring injury in the opening day win at Burnley, whereas City are yet to replace Riyad Mahrez who made the move to Saudi Arabia earlier in the window.

West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta has been heavily linked with a move to the Etihad and could well be viewed as the top attacking midfield target, whereas Doku has also been rumoured to be of interest to City.

Recent reports have suggested that the Citizens were working on a move for the Belgian attacker, and it looks as if they have made progress over a deal.

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, City and Doku have agreed terms on a five-year deal ahead of a proposed transfer. Those in Manchester will make an offer to Rennes son, with the French side wanting at least €55m (£47m).

“Jeremy Doku AGREED on 5 years deal on personal terms with Man City! The Belgian winger already spoke to Pep Guardiola. First written official offer to be submitted at Stade Rennais this week. The French club ask minimum 55M€.

“West Ham United also on the race & currently in talks with SRFC officials wants to hijack the Cityzens with a bigger offer but… Jeremy Doku ONLY wants MCFC! Wait & See.”

Belgium forward Jeremy Doku.

How good is Jeremy Doku?

Doku is primarily a right-winger who can also turn out on the left when required and has been with Rennes since 2020 after leaving Anderlecht.

A 14-cap Belgium international, the 21-year-old has turned out on 91 occasions for his current employers, scoring 12 times and registering 10 assists. He appears to have impressed over the last 12 months, which has resulted in his Transfermarkt valuation rocketing to a career-high €28m.

He has also got the eye of Kylian Mbappe, who said back in 2021:

"Recently, I was speaking with my father about a player who impressed me because of his speed qualities, that is (Jeremy) Doku, at Rennes. In 5 years as a professional, I have never seen someone from a standing start demonstrate so much power.”

In the past 365 days, as per FBref, Doku has been compared to De Bruyne and has ranked in the top 1% for goals, successful take-ons, shot-creating actions, touches, progressive passes compared to midfielders, showing that he could be a shrewd addition in the final third.

Lauded as "simply amazing" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Doku may well only get better with age, and with City possibly set to miss out on Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise to Chelsea, they may see it as crucial that they secure the services of Doku, making this one to watch over the coming days.

Arsenal Eye Move For "Electric" 5 ft 9 Ace To Rival Havertz

Last season, Arsenal commendably pushed Manchester City in the Premier League title race, but Pep Guardiola’s experienced squad eventually overpowered the Gunners.

Ultimately, a lack of squad depth contributed to their loss of form at the crucial latter stages of the campaign.

However, Mikel Arteta is set to formulate another title bid, with Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber, and Kai Havertz having been added to the team. The club is also on the verge of completing a deal for Brentford goalkeeper David Raya as Arsenal prepare to play Champions League football for the first time since 2017.

The North Londoners still have room to be active in the transfer market, with Mohammed Kudus linked to the Emirates Stadium.

What’s the latest on Mohammed Kudus to Arsenal?

According to the Daily Star, Arteta is still keen to bolster his midfield options, with Kudus on the shortlist.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

Last week, Brighton had reached an agreement in principle with Ajax to sign the 23-year-old for a fee in the region of €40m (£34.5m), which would be a club-record purchase, surpassing the £30m that was paid for Joao Pedro.

The article had stated that Kudus was ‘close’ to agreeing personal terms with the Seagulls, with Roberto De Zerbi viewing the playmaker as a ‘key target.’

Nevertheless, it remains to be seen how the Ghanaian will react if the high-flying Gunners initiate formal contact. His repertoire and adaptability would make him an esteemed addition to any side.

Would Mohammed Kudus be a good signing for Arsenal?

The 5 foot 9 livewire has been at Ajax since 2020, but last term he emphatically rose to European prominence in what was a stirring breakout season.

Described as “electric” by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, Kudus recorded 25 goal involvements in 42 appearances. His rank within the best 3% outside of Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for non-penalty goals per 90, non-penalty xG per 90, and successful take-ons per 90 demonstrate that he is ready to elevate his career by moving to a competitive division.

Arguably his most attractive trait is his impressive versatility – as per The Athletic in their series of profiling 50 exciting players under the age of 25 – the attacker has accumulated 2,272 minutes since the start of the 2021/22 season, playing 22% of the time as a striker, 40% as a right-winger and 35% in midfield roles.

This type of player closely mirrors what Kai Havertz also supposedly offers Arsenal. The German moved to North London earlier in the window, after spending three seasons at Chelsea.

With the Blues, the German was most often deployed as a centre-forward, and despite netting the winning goal in the 2021 Champions League final, he failed to produce any notable or long-lasting consistency.

But, Arteta views the former Bayer Leverkusen prodigy as an advanced eight, who can drift into attacking phases of play from a deeper position with more freedom, instead of being rigidly cemented as a focal point.

Nevertheless, Havertz began the recent Community Shield match as the striker, which shows that Arteta will also consider fielding him up top if needs be.

Kai Havertz Arsenal

Interestingly, the possible arrival of Kudus would also afford the Spanish coach this kind of luxury.

Therefore, the 24-cap international would be a tremendously exciting signing that could trump Havertz’s influence and proposed role.

Everton Could Partner DCL With £16k-p/w "Rocket"

Everton manager Sean Dyche is still on the lookout for more reinforcements before the transfer window shuts, particularly to bolster his attacking options.

The goal-shy Toffees failed to score in their opening Premier League tie of the 2023/24 season, going down to Fulham 1-0, despite registering 19 shots in total.

With this in mind, could they be a step closer to securing a long-term target in the coming days? This could indeed be the case, especially with the player submitting a transfer request at his current club.

Will Everton make more signings?

The Goodison Park side have been tracking Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto throughout the summer, and there has been a recent update on his future by journalist David Ornstein.

He said: “Wilfried Gnonto submits written transfer request in attempt to secure Leeds United exit. Multiple Everton bids for 19yo rejected; most recent £25m including bonuses + sell-on. EFC ready to table improved offer. LUFC insist not for sale.”

Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…

Dyche clearly doesn’t want the youngster to slip from his grasp, and with the player now handing in a transfer request, Leeds may have no option but to accept Everton’s next bid in order to secure a solid fee for him.

The £16k-per-week gem only joined Leeds last summer from FC Zurich, and if Everton get their way, he could be on the move yet again.

What could Wilfried Gnonto offer Everton?

The 19-year-old certainly burst onto the scene at Leeds last season, becoming one of their few bright sparks in a campaign that ended in relegation.

He ranked fifth for goals and assists (six) across the Leeds squad, while also finishing in the top five for big chances created, key passes and successful dribbles per game, showcasing his attacking talents on the left wing.

The teenage “pocket rocket” – as dubbed by pundit Tam McManus last season – registered four assists during 24 Premier League ties, while creating three big chances and averaging one key pass per game, suggesting he could form a solid duo with Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The striker has endured an injury-hit previous two years, missing a total of 46 games in the process. However, when he is fit and firing, the Englishman is arguably their biggest attacking threat.

Despite just seven goals in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns combined, Calvert-Lewin scored 16 goals across just 33 league matches in 2020/21, demonstrating just how important he was to the team.

Having a player like Gnonto on the left wing could give the striker plenty of incentive to get back to his best. The Italy international will only get better as time goes on, and his ability to create opportunities for his teammates and take on defenders will be vital for Everton.

The Toffees scored just 34 Premier League goals last term – fewer than the three relegated teams and the second-lowest total in the division.

Dyche will be hoping to secure a move for Gnonto in the next week or so in order to boost his faltering attack, and combined with a fit Calvert-Lewin, the duo could cause plenty of chaos for opposition defenders during the 2023/24 season.

Arsenal Interested In New Defender

Arsenal are thought to be interested in a move for Galatasaray defender Victor Nelsson, however, one journalist has stated he isn’t the only option for the Gunners.

Are Arsenal signing any more players?

Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar have been busy when it comes to new arrivals this summer, with Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and David Raya all brought to north London.

The club have spent around £200m on new players but have brought in just £29m through player sales, something which those at the Emirates are looking to increase in the final days of the window.

According to The Daily Mail, Arsenal are looking to raise around £100m by moving players on, one of which appears to be forward Folarin Balogun. Another who has been linked with an exit and could still well depart is centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes, and if the Brazilian departs, a move for another defender could be on the cards due to the serious injury suffered by Timber on the opening weekend.

This is where Nelsson comes in, with journalist Rudy Galetti taking to X on Thursday to share what he knows about the defender’s future. The reporter claimed that Nelsson is one of four targets for the Gunners at the back, with the player having a €25m (£21m) release clause in his deal.

“After injury of Timber, Arsenal are looking for a new centre-back. In the AFC's list there are 4 options: one of them is Victor Nelsson. The Galatasaray player has a release clause of €25m.”

Another defender who has recently been linked with the Gunners is Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, whereas Torino’s Perr Schuurs has also been rumoured to be a target.

Soccer Football – Europa League – Round of 16 First Leg – FC Barcelona v Galatasaray – Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain – March 10, 2022 Galatasaray’s Victor Nelsson during the match REUTERS/Albert Gea

Who is Victor Nelsson?

Nelsson is 24 years of age and is primarily a centre-back who can also turn out as a holding midfielder when needed. The Denmark international appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €18m Transfermarkt valuation and began his career in his native country.

The centre-back came through the academy at FC Nordsjaelland and made 98 senior appearances for the club before joining FC Copenhagen, where he would go on to feature on 87 occasions.

Read The Latest Arsenal Transfer News HERE…

He then moved to Galatasaray in 2021 and has turned out 86 times for his current employers, seemingly catching the eye in England following links to Tottenham and Nottingham Forest earlier this summer.

Described as a “Danish lion” and a “great athlete” in the media, Nelsson could prove to be a shrewd signing for a relatively respectable £21m fee late in the window, should things fall into place.

Arsenal currently has William Saliba, Jakub Kiwior, Rob Holding, Gabriel and the injured Timber as centre-back options, whereas right-backs Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu can also feature in central roles, so you could argue that the Gunners are fairly well stocked even if Gabriel departs.

However, Arteta may well want to bolster his ranks even further, so a move for Nelsson could be one to keep an eye on in the final days of the window.

Newcastle transfer news: Update on January move for Kalvin Phillips

Newcastle United are considering a loan move for Manchester City star Kalvin Phillips in January, and a fresh report has revealed his stance on a switch to St. James' Park.

How much is Kalvin Phillips paid a week?

At Man City, Phillips currently pockets £150k-per-week, which he isn’t really earning – since making his big-money move last summer from Leeds United, he’s failed to make any kind of positive impression on Pep Guardiola.

In the Premier League last season, the defensive midfielder was handed just two starts, showing how low down in the pecking order he is, so even though his contract isn’t set to expire for another five years, he’ll know that the only way he’ll receive more regular game time is by sealing a move elsewhere.

The Irish Independent reported in July that the Magpies were plotting loan moves for both the 27-year-old and Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, though it was claimed by the same outlet that the former is the one that chiefs were most keeping a close eye on.

Football Transfers later backed this up by revealing that Eddie Howe is a "big, big fan" of the England international, and despite a deal failing to materialise before the deadline on September 1st, it sounds like the boss could be tempted to take a second bite of the cherry in the new year.

Are Newcastle signing Kalvin Phillips?

According to INews, Phillips is facing an "increasingly uncertain" future at Man City, but despite attracting interest from Newcastle and Premier League rivals Everton over the summer, he had a "determination" to stay and fight for his place under Guardiola.

Gareth Southgate still named him as part of his squad for England's upcoming fixtures against Ukraine and Scotland, but if he continues to be out of the picture upon his return to club action, he is "likely to push for a loan" in January.

The Three Lions star will have "no shortage of takers", especially from the northeast, so this could be one to watch over the next few months.

Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

How much has Kalvin Phillips played for Man City?

Since arriving at the Etihad Stadium, Phillips has only made 22 appearances for Man City, but having been dubbed a “Rolls Royce” by members of the media, he has so much to offer, so the minutes he’s getting under his belt could hugely increase should he join Newcastle.

The Leeds-born talent recorded a 92.6% pass success rate last season which was higher than any of Howe’s players achieved, highlighting his calmness and composure on the ball, but he’s also capable of getting involved in the final third having posted 28 contributions (14 goals and the same number of assists) since the start of his career.

Phillips, who has secured two wins when facing off against the Magpies, also shares the same agent, CAA Stellar, as Nick Pope, Javier Manquillo and Elliot Anderson, so this existing connection that his representative has to the club could give them a small advantage should they decide to pursue a deal in January.

Wolves and O’Neil want to sign "creative" free agent midfielder

Wolverhampton Wanderers are looking to secure the services of an in-demand free agent, according to reports.

Who did Wolves sign this summer?

It has been an eventful few months both on and off the pitch at Molineux this summer, with the main talking point prior to the new season being Julen Lopetegui’s departure.

Gary O’Neil was the manager brought in to replace the Spaniard, and so far during the current Premier League campaign, Wolves have picked up just three points from a possible 12. The club did make a number of signings before the September 1 deadline, though, with fees shared by Transfermarkt.

Player

Club signed from

Fee

Matheus Cunha

Atletico Madrid

€50m

Jean-Ricner Bellegarde

Strasbourg

€15m

Santiago Bueno

Girona

€12m

Boubacar Traore

FC Metz

€11m

Enso Gonzalez

Libertad

€6m

Matt Doherty

Atletico Madrid

Free transfer

Tom King

Northampton Town

Free transfer

Tommy Doyle

Manchester City

Loan transfer

There were also a number of high-profile departures, with Wolves bringing in just under £150m as a result of Matheus Nunes, Ruben Neves, Nathan Collins, Conor Coady, Raul Jimenez and Ryan Giles all sealing permanent exits.

A healthy profit was therefore made by the Old Gold, but with the transfer market shutting, the only way Wolves can bolster O’Neil’s squad even further before January is through the free agent market, and it appears as if the club are exploring one option.

What’s the latest Wolves transfer news?

According to TEAMtalk, Wolves are one of a number of Premier League clubs looking to sign free agent Xeka. The Portuguese midfielder has interest from Crystal Palace, Everton and Sheffield United, while Championship sides West Brom and Southampton have made contact with the player’s agent.

Xeka also has the option to remain in France after leaving Rennes last month, with teams in Italy, Spain and Turkey also keen.

The 28-year-old looks like he could be a shrewd addition for any of the interested sides. Firstly, Xeka has played as a central, holding, left and attacking midfielder throughout his career, as well as featuring as a centre-back, so would offer plenty of versatility.

Secondly, Xeka is currently valued at €6m by Transfermarkt and has plenty of top-flight experience in France, mainly for Lille, where journalist Josh Bunting labelled him as a "very creative" player. He was a regular for Lille, making 144 appearances before turning out just nine times for Rennes last season.

Despite his lack of game time over the last 12 months, he has still shown his quality when on the pitch. As per FBref, Xeka has ranked highly compared to his positional peers for pass completion, blocks and aerial duels won, showing his ability both on and off the ball.

The player also previously admitted that he tries to base his game on Real Madrid's Toni Kroos.

“But since I’ve been a pro, the one who inspires me the most in my position is Toni Kroos. When I watch his games, I try to analyse his movements, his positioning, the way he touches the ball, how he makes his passes. He is a (role) model.”

O'Neil currently has the likes of Mario Lemina, Traore, Joao Gomes, Bellegarde, Doyle and Bruno Jordao as midfield options, so if he wants another experienced player to rival those name, Xeka could be a smart signing, and by the looks of things, a transfer could be one to keep an eye on.

Leeds: Daniel Farke now eyeing cost-effective left-back solution

Leeds United could now find a cost-effective solution to their left-back issue despite the transfer window being closed at Elland Road, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest news involving Leeds United?

News Leeds United signing Ethan Ampadu has made a significant impact at Elland Road since arriving from Chelsea in the summer and has been voted Socios Player of the Month.

Speaking to the Whites' official website, the Wales international expressed his delight at winning the award and how he has started life in Yorkshire, stating: "It was never my aim to come here and win awards, it was more to settle in and see how I could help the team. I really appreciate the fans for all of their support and hopefully by them voting for me, it shows I'm going someway to repaying them for that support and I hope to do even more. Everyone here, the staff, players and all the fans, have made it really easy for me to settle in, so it's been an easy and smooth transition and I've really enjoyed it."

Leeds United have taken just five points from their opening six matches in the Sky Bet Championship so far and face a tough test away to adversaries Millwall on Sunday at The Den.

Former player Paul Robinson has indicated that their encounter against Millwall is a game that Daniel Farke needs to win, stating to MOT Leeds News: “But, it’s always difficult – a game at 12 o’clock on a Sunday after the international break, it’s not an ideal time, but it’s a game that Leeds will need to win. Farke’s job is not in question yet. I mean, yes, they’ve had an indifferent start to the season, but there are reasons as to why: injuries, him coming in late, etcetera, et cetera. If they’re still in 15th in the next international break then there’ll be questions asked. That’s just the nature of the beast, unfortunately.”

As per a recent report from The Athletic, Scottish Premiership outfit Rangers contemplated making a bid for Leeds United ace Jamie Shackleton in the summer; however, no move materialised to try and prize the 23-year-old away from Elland Road in the end.

What has Ben Jacobs said about Leeds United's left-back situation?

Journalist Jacobs has indicated that Farke could be willing to enter the market for a left-back after recent injury problems concerning Junior Firpo.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs stated: "I don't expect Leeds to panic sign and get cover for cover's sake. But it's obvious to anyone who looks at what Leeds have got on paper that they still need to strengthen in that left-back position. So, if a free agent becomes available, they'll move because it's relatively low-risk and cost-effective. But right now, I just don't think there are that many targets that are right for Leeds. There's no point in just adding an extra body for the sake of it if they're not going to benefit the football team. So, the left-back position is Firpo’s and Leeds will just be praying that he stays fit."

Leeds United's Junior Firpo

Firpo looks to be closing in on a return to first-team action in the near future; however, it is unclear if he will be available for selection against Millwall this weekend.

As per Leeds Live, Whites boss Farke has confirmed that both Firpo and Sam Byram, who has deputised at left-back this term, are on the verge of re-entering the first-team fold, stating earlier this month: "I also have to say we've got Junior Firpo, we've got Sam Byram who was outstanding there (at left-back). So I hope both will be back on the other end of the International break at least. "It looks good with the rehab of both of them."

Leeds United fans will be desperate for both to return and will hope their side can climb the Sky Bet Championship table following a frustrating start to 2023/24.

"Wonderful" Leicester City ace linked to Premier League side

Leicester City find themselves looking good for a quickfire Premier League return at the moment, but one key player is being linked with a move there.

Will Leicester be promoted from the Championship?

The Foxes suffered the misery of relegation to the Championship back in May, with their season unravelling completely as performances and results were not even close to being good enough. Now, the feel-good factor appears to be back at the King Power Stadium, with new manager Enzo Maresca making an immediate impression and Leicester in excellent form. They sit second in the table after seven matches, dropping only two points in that time, and it would be a surprise if they weren't one of the frontrunners for automatic promotion come the end of the campaign.

For that to happen, though, Maresca will know that he needs to keep hold of influential players rather than potentially lose them during the January transfer window. A fresh update is worrying in that respect, with one star man being linked with a switch elsewhere.

Which Leicester player is wanted by a Premier League club?

According to talkSPORT, Leicester midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is wanted by Premier League side Fulham in the near future:

"Fulham are admirers of Leicester midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Whether Fulham can tempt Dewsbury-Hall away from the club he joined as an eight-year-old schoolboy is likely to depend on if the Foxes can maintain their push for automatic promotion. Dewsbury-Hall is under contract until 2027 and seen as a key player by Leicester boss Enzo Maresca as he tries to plot an immediate Premier League return."

Dewsbury-Hall is clearly a hugely important figure for Leicester this season, with his quality in midfield undeniable – whether it be his creativity, work rate or end product in the final third. This season, the 25-year-old has already scored twice and registered three assists in the Championship, arguably standing out as one of the best players in the division, and has started six of his side's league matches.

To lose Dewsbury-Hall midway through the season would be a major blow – seeing him leave next summer would also be a setback, even if he has helped Leicester get back into the Premier League by that point – and the Foxes' promotion chances would clearly be hit if it happened.

The lure of going to a team like Fulham could clearly be great for the Englishman, but the hope is that he stays loyal to the club he has been at since he was a boy and continues to help them get back into the top flight at the first time of asking.

Former Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers called Dewsbury-Hall "wonderful" in the past, and he is arguably one of the first names on the teamsheet, so the club must do all they can to retain his services. The fact that he is contracted with the club until the summer of 2027 does at least mean that they can demand big money, but selling him for an expensive amount would still be less preferable than retaining his services.

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