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Danny Ings will not start at Manchester United, warns former Southampton midfielder Carlton Palmer.

Ings is currently being linked with a move to Old Trafford, with The Telegraph reporting earlier this month that the Red Devils are looking to bolster their forward options and have identified the 28-year-old as a target.

Southampton risk losing Ings on a free transfer next summer, with his contract set to expire then, which could force them into a sale now.

With the same outlet having also previously reported on the striker’s desire to play in the Champions League, the above is something Ings could end up pushing for. Palmer, however, is not convinced that a move to Manchester United would be good for him.

“I don’t think he starts at Man United,” the ex-Southampton player exclusively told FFC. “He doesn’t start at Man United. He may start at Spurs if [Harry] Kane goes.

“But I worry about Danny. For me, he misses a lot of football games through injuries. He scores goals and, you know, that’s a fact.

“But the type of money that he’s going to want, you need to be more convinced that he’s going to be on the football pitch a lot longer than what he is.”

Indeed, in terms of getting regular minutes, Tottenham, should they lose Kane, would probably be a much better avenue for Ings.

Having finished the season as their top scorer once again, though, Southampton will still be hoping that they can keep hold of the England international.

Sheffield United are interested in a deal to bring Tom Cairney to Bramall Lane this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who confirmed on a recent episode of Touchline Talk that Slavisa Jokanovic is indeed keen on making a move for the Fulham midfielder this summer, as earlier reports by TEAMtalk had claimed.

TEAMtalk reported that Jokanovic is desperate for a reunion with his former player at Sheffield United this summer, with the Cottagers believed to be demanding a fee in the region of £10m in order for a deal to be discussed.

Fans will be buzzing

Considering just how influential Cairney has been for Fulham in the past few seasons, the news that Sheffield United are definitely interested in a move for the 30-year-old this summer is likely to leave Blades fans buzzing.

Indeed, in Jokanovic’s promotion-winning 2017/18 campaign with Fulham, Cairney was arguably the Serbian manager’s most important player, with the midfielder scoring five goals, registering five assists and creating four big chances over his 34 Championship appearances, as well as averaging a whopping 93.5 touches and 1.9 key passes per game.

These returns saw the £8.1m-rated man earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.35, ranking him as the club’s joint second-best performer in the league that season.

Cairney also impressed for the Cottagers in the Premier League last term despite missing a large chunk of the season due to injury, scoring one goal, providing one assist and creating one big chance over his 10 league appearances, earning an average SofaScore match rating of 7.28 – ranking him as the club’s best player in the top flight.

As such, with Jokanovic facing the challenge of securing an immediate return to the Premier League with Sheffield United next season, the addition of the £27,000-per-week midfielder dubbed “outstanding” by Scott Parker would appear to significantly boost the Blades’ chances going on to achieve this feat.

It would seem highly advisable for United to do all they to get a deal for Cairney over the line this summer, as the 30-year-old has the ability to play a huge part in the club’s push for promotion next year.

In other news: Jokanovic must sanction £10m Sheffield United summer swoop for in-demand “weapon”

La Liga pundit Kevin Campbell has issued a glowing verdict regarding Leeds United’s pursuit of Huesca defender Javi Galán, as reported by Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Galan only behind Messi in 2020/21 completed dribbles

As Leeds United step up their summer recruitment drive, they have earmarked the 26-year-old left-back as an ideal addition, amidst the news that positional counterparts Ezgjan Alioski and Barry Douglas are set to depart Elland Road [Leeds Live].

Ever-present for La Liga minnows SD Huesca in 2020/21, the Spaniard made 37 appearances for his current employers, registering a solitary goal and two assists [Transfermarkt].

Astonishingly, Galán has completed more dribbles per game in La Liga than every player bar Lionel Messi; averaging 3.3 successful take-ons per outing this campaign [WhoScored].

In comparison, Raphinha, Leeds’ top dribbler, only managed around 1.9 dribbles per match this season [WhoScored]. Given how tidy the Brazilian is with the ball at his feet, that says an awful lot about Galán’s incredible skill.

The Latest: Campbell quick to endorse potential move

Quoted to cost the Whites just £3.5 million due to a release clause in Galán’s contract, Campbell was quick to support the prospect of the left-sider coming to ply his trade in the Premier League. In an interview with Football Insider, he stated:

“For that price, he is an absolute bargain.

“I have seen him play on numerous occasions and he is a decent player. I think he will do OK in the Premier League, I really do.”

The Verdict: Campbell is spot on

Given Galan’s incredible dribbling statistics, he is clearly a supremely talented player, so it is difficult to disagree with Campbell’s verdict.

Tailor-made for Marcelo Bielsa’s high-octane style of football, Galán’s ability to progress the ball at pace would act as an important outlet for the Yorkshire club if a long pass is not available to trigger a fast break.

Bargains are hard to find in modern day football, so Leeds United should look to seize this opportunity as they attempt to build on their commendable 9th place Premier League season [BBC].

In other news, Carlton Palmer believes Leeds United should target an international star.

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Wolves winger Adama Traore as Jurgen Klopp looks to bolster his attacking options.

What’s the story?

The Midlands outfit are reportedly open to offers on a number of their key players as they look to rebuild the first-team squad following Nuno Espirito Santo’s exit.

And according to 90min.com, Jurgen Klopp’s charges are interested in acquiring Traore’s signature this summer, although they face stern competition from fellow Premier League outfit Leeds United.

Edwards must avoid

Following an £18m move from Middlesbrough to Molineux back in 2018, the Spain international has gone from strength to strength.

An impressive return of six goals and 12 assists in 54 appearances throughout 2019/20 appeared to indicate that Traore had taken another significant step in his development.

However, the 25-year-old struggled to make a similar impact in the recently concluded campaign as Wolves slumped to a disappointing 13th placed finish in the Premier League standings.

Although that can partly be explained by the extended absence of star striker Raul Jimenez, the likes of Traore are to blame following a significant drop-off in form.

The former Barcelona man found the back of the net on just two occasions last season, laying on a further two assists for his teammates.

With Liverpool thought to be in the market for a new forward player over the upcoming transfer window, director of football Michael Edwards must avoid the inconsistent Traore.

He’s proven himself to be a liability on occasions throughout his time in England, incapable of producing consistent displays on a regular basis.

Klopp needs competition and cover for Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino after the usually dependable duo struggled last term, but both men comfortably outperformed Traore even though they were way below their best.

Leeds United winger Raphinha has also been linked with a move to Anfield in recent weeks, and the Brazilian star appears to be a much more suitable candidate for the Reds.

The £27m-rated Traore may be a talented player ready for the next step in his career, but Liverpool would be making a mistake bringing him in over the coming months as they aim to regain their Premier League crown.

And, in other news…Edwards must sanction Liverpool swoop for “spectacular” 18 y/o lauded by Thiago

Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan believes Fulham midfielder Harrison Reed would be an excellent signing at Elland Road this summer.

The Lowdown: Leeds keen on Reed move

Marcelo Bielsa will likely look to make a few new signings in the next few months, ensuring his side continue their current upward trajectory and do not stagnate.

One player who has been linked with a move to Leeds is Reed, who suffered relegation with Fulham last season but performed well for them, featuring in 31 Premier League games.

The Whites are one of a number of clubs believed to be eyeing up the former Southampton man.

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The Latest: Whelan wants transfer to happen

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan is fully behind the idea of Leeds snapping up the 26-year-old, saying there are parallels between him and Kalvin Phillips:

“He’s a player I’ve always admired. Even in his early days, you could see him controlling games.

“He’s very comfortable on the ball, good passing range, tenacious in the tackle when he needs to be. I think it’s the bravery on the ball, you can see that he’s always forward-thinking.

“He has that kind of attitude where you trust that kind of player. He works incredibly hard across that midfield four, protecting the backline as well. I think that would be you know a top signing.

“I think he’s been admired for a while by quite a lot of the Leeds contingent. He’s always been a player that is a standout. He dictates and controls games, very much like Kalvin Phillips does.”

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The Verdict: Quality signing

Reed is an impressive footballer who could fit in perfectly at Leeds, considering the quality he possesses on the ball, coupled with his strong work-rate.

The Englishman enjoyed an 86.2 percent pass completion rate in the league last season, despite playing in a team that eventually went down – Phillips’ average was 84.7 percent, which highlights Reed’s quality.

It would be hard for Fulham to begrudge the midfielder a move away from Craven Cottage this summer, considering he is more than good enough to be playing in the top-flight.

In other news, Leeds have reportedly agreed terms with one player – find out who it is here.

Patrick Bamford and Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi playing together could be a possibility, says former Leeds United midfielder David Norris.

Bamford was Leeds’ first-choice No.9 last season, featuring in all 38 Premier League games under Marcelo Bielsa.

However, he could have some competition in the new campaign in the form of Batshuayi, with The Telegraph reporting earlier this month that the Whites are interested in signing the £90,000-a-week star.

Norris, though, thinks both forwards playing alongside each other is also a possibility, feeling that Bielsa needs a plan B for the 2020/21 campaign.

“It’d be interesting to see how they would play that, whether it would be one for one or they try to play them [Bamford and Batshuayi] together somehow,” the ex-Leeds player said in an interview with FFC.

“It’s something different because Leeds have had their season now and teams are going to know a lot more about them, so they’re going to be a bit more aware of how to stop them. So they’re going to need a plan B and plan C.”

The above is certainly something for Bielsa to consider. While Leeds suffering from second season syndrome or being found out, similar to what happened to Sheffield United, is not an inevitability, a plan B could still be useful.

Having two goalscorers on the pitch like Bamford and Batshuayi could easily turn a draw into a win. Ultimately, signing the Belgium international does not sound like the worst idea.

Leeds United are in pole position to sign Huesca star Javi Galan this summer as a fresh transfer update emerges on their pursuit of the left-back.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks had suggested that the Whites were eyeing up a move for Stade Brest’s Romain Perraud, before Football Insider revealed that the Yorkshire club were unwilling to meet the asking price set by the French side.

The same outlet then claimed that Marcelo Bielsa had turned his attentions towards Huesca’s Galan, with a Leeds source telling them that “the club have approached Galan’s representatives to discuss his situation this summer.”

And now, Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness) claim that it’s Bielsa’s side who are favourites to land the player, while AS (via Sport Witness) said that the left-back’s future is closer to Leeds than Sevilla’s.

More dribbles than Raphinha

While he may be a full-back, Galan actually outshone Leeds star Raphinha when it came to taking players on last season – the 26-year-old was second only to Barcelona’s Lionel Messi in completed dribbles in La Liga, with the Argentine 113 in total and Galan just behind him with 93.

He managed 3.3 dribbles per game in the Spanish top-flight, with Raphinha way behind on 1.9 – it’s a stat that speaks volumes of the kind of attacking intent and directness that Galan shows when bursting forward from defence.

He was ranked in the 2021 team of the year in the top-flight by Whoscored, while the full-back himself said (as quoted by El Mundo Deportivo): “Seeing you on a table next to Messi always surprises you, but I don’t think about dribbling, but only about helping the team. My game is based on that, on overcoming lines based on dribbling, and that is how I can contribute.”

And, as per La Liga Lowdown: “One of those invaluable full-backs who can cover an entire flank alone, he essentially provides a numerical advantage for his team.

“According to fbref.com, Galán ranks top in tackles won, second for crosses into the penalty area and second for players dribbled past. As football has realised in recent years, it’s hard to negate a full-back arriving at pace. So far Galán himself has proved just that; unstoppable.”

Given that Leeds spent the majority of last season with Gjanni Alioski playing as a converted left-back, the news that they are at the front of the queue to sign one of the best offensive full-backs in Europe last season should surely see fans buzzing.

Meanwhile, Leeds United are eyeing a move for this star…

Ange Postecoglou has spoken an incredibly impressive game since becoming the new Celtic manager.

He is under no illusions as to how tough the job in hand will be but it would appear that incoming CEO Dominic McKay and the Hoops boss have begun their work on the recruitment front.

This is a massive summer for the Bhoys, who could lose Odsonne Edouard and Kristoffer Ajer. The Norwegian is threatening to make Postecoglou’s life difficult in the early weeks of his tenure after the club knocked back bids worth £10m for his services.

Celtic’s bearded coach suggests that transfers could be concluded shortly but one man who should be at the top of their list but may have to wait a few more weeks for a move is Swedish goalkeeper Robin Olsen.

He has been sublime during the ongoing European Championship and was linked with a move to Celtic last summer. Roma now value the Swede at £4m and in the build-up to the Euros, he hinted at using the tournament as a shop window.

If he has been playing for an exit from the Italian club, then it should have paid off. Olsen has been one of the best goalkeepers throughout the group stages, keeping two clean sheets in three games (against Spain and Slovakia).

His shot-stopping has been phenomenal, making a number of top-drawer saves to keep opponents at bay.

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The 31-year-old has made it through the tournament so far with a save rate of 81.8%, the sixth-best tally in the entire competition. Furthermore, Olsen is the fourth-best ‘keeper at the competition for preventing expected goals at 1.06.

In a comedic take on standout players from the competition, journalist Stephen Drennan labelled Olsen an “outstanding ‘keeper”. Despite his amusing comments, there is certainly an element of truth to that appraisal.

He has proven to be consistent and he’s popped up with some big moments in vital games. He was tremendous in Sweden’s goalless draw with Spain, producing five stops and making two punches.

Celtic haven’t exactly been flooded with quality in a goalkeeping position of late, so his acquisition would be a shrewd one from Postecoglou. Of course, a deal isn’t on the table at the moment, but the Hoops would be foolish if he isn’t still on their radar.

Vasilis Barkas and Scott Bain both made high-profile errors last term as the Glaswegian side shipped 19 goals in the Europa League group stages and then conceded 16 more goals than Rangers in the Premiership. Evidently, they are not particularly stable between the sticks.

Olsen’s form at the Euros is only a small sample of his qualities but he is clearly a man in form and wants a move away. Celtic should definitely consider him.

AND in other news, Celtic eye swoop for “unstoppable” 20-goal gem, he’s an upgrade on Christie…

Liverpool have been handed a boost in their ongoing pursuit to bring Kylian Mbappe to Anfield.

What’s the talk?

That’s arising from a report by French publication RMC Sport (via Sport Witness), who claimed that Paris Saint-Germain are growing increasingly concerned about the possibility of losing the 22-year-old on a free transfer next season.

The report states that the centre-forward currently has no intention of renewing his contract with the  Ligue 1 runners-up, with the player’s dialogue with PSG sporting director Leonardo thought to have broken down.

RMC Sport name both Liverpool and Real Madrid as potential destinations for the France international should he leave the Parc des Princes next summer, although it is claimed that neither would be able to afford a move for Mbappe this year.

Klopp will be buzzing

It goes without saying that Mbappe is one of the most exciting talents in world football, so if the possibility of signing him on a free transfer next summer is indeed accurate, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp will surely be buzzing.

Indeed, having scored a breathtaking 132 goals and provided a whopping 61 assists in just 171 appearances for PSG, the £144m-rated maestro would be a magnificent addition to any team in world football.

Also, with both Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah edging close to their 30s, Klopp will undoubtedly be starting to consider replacements for the Liverpool stars, both of whom have already been linked with potential moves away from Anfield.

If either of the dynamic duo were to leave the club either this summer or next, then a move for the man David Connolly dubbed “unplayable” could well become a priority for Klopp, with not many better options to replace the goals and assists lost from the potential departure of either Salah or Mane than the PSG star.

For now, speculation regarding Mbappe’s future is very much all ifs and buts, although this latest report does appear to give the Reds hope that a deal could be done for the French forward next summer.

In other news: Forget Wijnaldum: Liverpool begin talks over £60m-rated “warrior” who Klopp would love

It’s obvious that one area David Moyes needs to make an addition to this summer is at centre forward, with Michail Antonio the only player who can play through the middle effectively, but Dean Windass claims that Adam Armstrong wouldn’t be good enough.

Armstrong has made a name for himself at Blackburn Rovers after he was released by his boyhood club Newcastle United, and last season was a standout one for him as he finished second top scorer and won the player of the season award.

A whole host of clubs have been credited with an interest in the striker but Moyes has reportedly made him a priority signing this summer despite also being linked with the likes of Ivan Toney and Tammy Abraham.

Moyes has shopped successfully in the Championship before during his time with the Hammers as he brought in Jarrod Bowen and Said Benrahma, who have shown they are good enough for the top-flight, but Armstrong would not be able to replicate that, according to Windass as he spoke exclusively to Transfer Tavern:

“I’m not saying he’s a bad player, but every footballer has a level and I think the Championship is his level.

“He could stay there as he’s a young boy and I’m sure Tony Mowbray won’t want to lose him, and I think everyone has a level but I’ll never say anyone is a bad player.”

If Blackburn were to sell Armstrong to any club, they would likely prefer it to be the Magpies as they have a 40% sell-on clause which would be cancelled if he returned to his boyhood club.

With just one year left on his current contract, Rovers may want to sell their star striker this summer so they can look to reinvest some of the money back into their squad and attempt to push higher up the table next season.