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Yet another one of Daniel Farke's stars could be leaving Elland Road this summer amid "big" interest in their talents from elsewhere, it has emerged.

Leeds braced for fire sale

Following the news that Leeds United would be playing Championship football again next season, there has been a queue forming at the Elland Road exit door if the rumour mill is to be believed. There is concern that Leeds may have to have something akin to a fire sale in a bid to raise money, with the club still owing £73.5m in outstanding transfer fees this summer alone.

Phil Hay "surprised" if Leeds don't move for "outstanding" star this summer

He could still arrive at Elland Road despite their Championship status.

By
Ben Browning

May 30, 2024

According to reports, they could be forced to raise over £100m from player sales before they can even turn their attentions to potential additions that aren't loan signings or free agents.

Most likely to leave is Crysencio Summerville, with the Championship player of the year attracting attention from across the Premier League and Europe, while talented teenager Archie Gray is another who has caught the attention of heavyweights.

Loanees Marc Roca, Jack Harrison, Max Wober, Diego Llorente, Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen are all also expected to be deemed surplus to requirements when they return from their spells away this summer, though in the case of Harrison and Roca there are options to let them leave on loan once more this summer.

Now, a new name has been thrown into the fray, with "big" interest in his services ahead of the new season.

Leeds forward in demand

That comes in the shape of Georginio Rutter, who has thrived in England's second tier this season after flattering to deceive in the Premier League. Signed for a massive £45m back in January 2023, the Hoffenheim man was earmarked as one for the future, to the point that he managed just a single Premier League start as Leeds were relegated.

In the Championship though, it has been a different story. Under Daniel Farke, he has started the last 47 Championship games (including play-offs), missing the opening day of the season and being sent on as a substitute in the second game of the campaign.

In that time, he has managed to find the net on seven occasions, but has provided a massive 17 assists for teammates as he helped Leeds back into the playoffs.

After one particularly impressive performance against Hull City in April, BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope dubbed him "immense" and praised his work rate in particular.

"He was immense.

"I think he took three players out of the game just with a switch of the hips – Shakira style. Before the game Neil Redfearn specifically said it will be so important what Georginio Rutter does without the ball.

"From minute one defensively he was in at right-back helping Sam Byram out, helping Joe Rodon out. I thought he was incredible."

Now though, he could be shown the exit door, with Football Insider claiming that the Frenchman has received "big" interest since the play-off heartbreak.

Should the financial issues be sorted with other sales, there will be little need for the Whites to agree to let Rutter leave, with the youngster still having four years left to run on his £3.5m a year deal at Elland Road.

Despite the attacker being still just 22-years-old, there is little chance that Leeds will recoup anything near the £45m shalled out to sign him should they be forced into a sale, but should his departure mean that they could hold onto the likes of Archie Gray, they may deem it a loss worth taking.

Howard Webb believes VAR should have overturned Bruno Fernandes' red card for Manchester United against Tottenham.

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• VAR audio of Fernandes red released
• Three-match ban later overturned
• Man Utd beaten 3-0 by Spurs

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Fernandes was shown a straight red card after flinging a boot out towards Tottenham's James Maddison in last month's clash at Old Trafford, catching the England midfielder on the shin. The challenge was deemed serious foul play by referee Chris Kavanagh and the VAR Peter Bankes, who didn't step in to change the on-pitch decision.

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  Manchester United were successful in their appeal of Fernandes' red card and the three-match ban that he was set to face. The controversial incident, which came while the Red Devils trailed Spurs 1-0 in their eventual 3-0 defeat, was the main talking point on the most recent Match Officials Mic'd Up, in which PGMOL chief Howard Webb joined Michael Owen to dissect the Portuguese's sending off and the decision-making of Kavanagh and Bankes. Webb, a former Premier League referee, believes the VAR should have sent Kavanagh to the monitor to reverse his decision.

• WHAT THE VAR SAID

  An assistant referee reacted first, saying: "That's awful mate, that's a red card for me. Red card, 100 per cent."

  Bankes then says: "It's a high foot. It's not studs. It's shin height. Does he rake down? It's a deliberate ace. He's made no attempt to play the ball."

  The assistant VAR then acknowledges Fernandes' slip but adds the Portugal star makes an another movement that leads to the contract with Maddison. "There is a slip but then there's an action which makes contact with the shin," he says.

  The VAR finally confirms the decision to stick with the on-pitch call

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• WHAT HOWARD WEBB SAID

  "It was [a mistake]. We hear on the audio that the assistant said it was a red card offence and the referee takes that advice," Webb said. "The contact is high but Fernandes slips first. It's not an attempt on the ball but from the assistants' view it looks like studs go in – but it's a slight error. There's no driving the foot into the opponent, it's more of a tripping action. VAR should have sent the referee to the screen."

Even though Erik ten Hag led Manchester United to FA Cup success, his status as manager is still unknown.

The former Ajax manager wasn’t exactly phased when questioned about his future, as he believes there’s no reason for Sir Jim Ratcliffe to move him on.

However, the Red Devils will naturally be preparing ahead in the event that Ten Hag does depart, with a decision reportedly set to be made in the next week.

That said, one option for the Red Devils could actually be a downgrade for INEOS and Co.

Man Utd’s search for a new manager

According to journalist Christian Falk, Man United have put Thomas Frank on their list of Ten Hag successors.

The journalist took to X to state that contact has been made between the Manchester club and the Danish manager.

Frank is currently the manager of Brentford, and he has other potential destinations in the pipeline, which suggests he could be on the move this summer.

One of those is Chelsea, who have had meetings with the Bees boss, but their move for the 50-year-old is now unlikely with Enzo Maresca likely to take charge.

Why Man Utd must avoid hiring Frank

Having earned promotion and cemented Brentford as a Premier League club on a small budget, Frank is widely respected as a manager, with pundit Troy Deeney even calling him “outstanding.”

To support just how fantastic of a job he’s done at the Bees, last season they were just two points off achieving European football, finishing in ninth place.

However, without Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo for most of the season, his side – which tends to operate in a 4-3-3 – and style of play have suffered, as they ultimately finished 16th.

This is eight places below where United finished under Ten Hag, but as you can see, the overall statistics prove that he would be a downgrade on the Dutch manager, even despite the Red Devils' torrid campaign.

As displayed above, there isn’t a statistic in the table that suggests that Ratcliffe should ditch Ten Hag and appoint Frank, even if the Red Devils have been completely underwhelming.

Hiring Frank comes with plenty of risks, given that he’s a manager who’s not accustomed to the amount of criticism that he’d receive if he were the boss at Old Trafford.

It’s one of the most scrutinised jobs in world football, where quality, attacking football, and trophies simply have to be delivered each year.

Although the football under Ten Hag this season has been poor, there’s no debating that he knows how to win trophies, a feat that Frank has yet to prove. The only success he has tasted yet as a manager is winning promotion from the Championship.

The current United boss has continuously mentioned that he’s undertaking a project, so to rip up his hard work and start again for Frank, who’s inexperienced at the top of the game, has plenty of risks attached.

In no way whatsoever is Frank a poor manager; in fact, he’s done a simply sublime job, but is he really the man to take United to the next level? Arguably not.

Man Utd in talks to sign "magic" star who could be their answer to Foden

The Man Utd target has 16 goal contributions in just 14 starts.

By
Tom Lever

May 26, 2024

The Football Association are awaiting the outcome of Manchester City 115-charge trial before deciding whether to pursue him for the England role.

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• Guardiola linked to England job
• FA believe they could tempt him
• Nothing decided until Man City trial concludes

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Since Gareth Southgate's resignation as the Three Lions boss after Euro 2024, Guardiola has been one of the main names linked to the vacant position. But according to the Daily Mail, the FA will not make any formal approach for the Manchester City boss until their court case – where 115 charges have been brought against them – has concluded.

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  Guardiola has hinted over the last 12 months that his time in Manchester could be coming to an end. The successful manager has completed almost everything possible in club management and said he could see himself managing an international team as his next challenge. His words may have played a part in the FA appointing Lee Carsley as interim boss for the time being.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Guardiola is looking to lead Manchester City to their fifth consecutive Premier League title. The 53-year-old has won 38 major honours in total during his time as a manager, including the Champions League, La Liga and Bundesliga.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GUARDIOLA?

  For now, Guardiola's focus will be on City and their aspirations for the 2024-25 season. Next up is a trip to Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League on Tuesday.

After parting ways with Gary Rowett after an unsuccessful interim period in charge, Birmingham City have reportedly added a fresh face to their managerial shortlist in case Tony Mowbray does not take the reigns next season.

Birmingham manager news

Birmingham's season ultimately ended in Championship relegation in what represents a disaster considering where they found themselves earlier in the campaign. Under John Eustace, they were on course to compete for a place in the play-offs, but opted to hire Wayne Rooney nonetheless in a decision they quickly regretted.

Then turning to Mowbray after Rooney's disaster, the former Sunderland boss was forced to make way for Rowett, so the Blues find themselves back at square one.

Left in search of a new manager, Birmingham have already been linked with the likes of former boss Steve Bruce, who has more than enough experience to guide them back to the Championship at the first time of asking. But now it seems as though the club are aiming for a younger candidate.

Report: Birmingham hierarchy have changed their mind about Rowett’s future

A twist has emerged from what club chiefs were initially hoping for.

By
Henry Jackson

May 3, 2024

According to Wayne Veysey of Football Insider, Birmingham have shortlisted Liam Rosenior for their managerial role following his shock departure from Hull City. Rosenior was nominated for the Championship's Manager of Season award but, ultimately, his failure to secure a place in the play-offs led to Hull's decision to sack him much to the surprise of many.

The 39-year-old would have to get off to a quick start at St Andrew's to avoid any Rooney comparisons, however, especially after claiming to have learned from the Manchester United legend during their time in the Derby County dugout together.

Rosenior told Derby's official website: “Wayne is intelligent with people. He cares about them as well and he has been able to show that side to him in such a difficult time.

"He doesn’t change when he’s doing a press conference, when he is doing a team talk or when he is addressing the staff in terms of a tough moment when the club went into administration. I have learnt so much from Wayne in terms of how he has dealt with the pressure of the situation we are in.”

Birmingham must act swiftly to land "superb" Rosenior

The surprise over Hull's decision to part ways with Rosenior paints the picture of the job he was doing for the Tigers, which very nearly led them into the Championship's top six. Sacked nonetheless, Birmingham can now take full advantage to land the type of young manager they believed they were getting when Rooney arrived.

It was during his time at Hull that Rosenior earned plenty of praise, including from former player and Arsenal legend Ray Parlour, who heaped praise on the former full back: "Liam Rosenior is doing a superb job at Hull.

"I actually think he is underrated as a coach – he is certainly getting the best out of the players. You could see last season the players believed in him, but this season they have shown more consistency and quality, and they are now right in the mix to get a play-off spot at the end of this season."

Christian Pulisic needed little time to make his mark on the Champions League as the American scored just minutes into Tuesday's clash with Liverpool.

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• Pulisic scores just four minutes in
• Milan open Champions League vs Liverpool
• American in great form for club and country

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  U.S. international Christian Pulisic was named to Milan's starting XI for the Champions League opener at San Siro, and he needed just four minutes to give the lead. Pulisic broke through on the right-hand side and slotted a shot past Alisson, who could do nothing to stop the U.S. men's national team star's effort.

  The goal gave Milan a 1-0 lead, kickstarting the club's European campaign in the first match of this new Champions League format.

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  The goal is a big one for Pulisic, who is in fine goalscoring form to start the season. The goal is his third for Milan this season following finishes against Parma and Venezia, while he also has two assists so far, too. Pulisic also recently scored for the USMNT in a 1-1 draw with New Zealand during the international break.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR PULISIC AND MILAN?

  Following Tuesday's Champions League clash, Milan will have little time to breathe before facing eternal rivals Inter in Serie A this weekend.

Mikel Arteta has signed a new contract at Arsenal that will see him become one of the highest-paid managers in the Premier League.

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• Arteta has signed a three-year contract extension
• Will keep him at Emirates Stadium until 2027
• Will receive a major hike in wages

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Arteta has committed to staying at Arsenal until at least 2027, with a three-year extension having been agreed. His previous contract was set to expire at the end of this season and the news regarding a new contract puts all speculation that he might leave to rest.

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  Moreover, reported that prior to this new deal, Arteta was earning £9 million ($12m) per year, but the new contract is expected to elevate him to a salary closer to the £20m-a-year range ($26m), bringing him within striking distance of what Pep Guardiola earns at Manchester City. Arteta will undoubtedly become Arsenal's highest-paid manager in their history, a clear indication of the increasing authority and trust placed in him by the club’s hierarchy.

• WHAT ARTETA SAID

  After signing the deal, Arteta said: "I feel extremely proud, very excited and am looking forward to what is coming next. I’m proud to be where I am and have the relationships that I have with everyone at the club.

  “I feel extremely lucky to work every single day with good people and the ambition we have here. I feel very inspired, I feel challenged, I feel supported and I want to do much more than what we’ve already done together.

  “Together with the players and everyone at the club, we are looking forward to the coming years, with our supporters, who have emotionally transformed the club and the team. Our supporters have transformed individuals and we are different now. You can tell that we are different and for me, that is down to them. We look forward to continuing the journey together.”

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• WHAT JOSH KROENKE & EDU SAID

  Co-chairman Josh Kroenke was equally excited about the new deal and said: "We’re delighted to have extended Mikel’s contract. Mikel is a dynamic and passionate manager, who is relentless in the pursuit of excellence. He has a deep understanding of Arsenal’s values, and since joining us as Head Coach in December 2019, he has taken the team to another level in an Arsenal way.

  “There is a great collective team spirit at the club, and with the strong relationships we hold between us and belief in what we do, we look forward with excitement and confidence, as we continue our aim – to win together.”

  Edu added: “We are really happy that Mikel has signed a new long-term contract. It’s a very positive and proud moment for everyone at the club and an important part of what we’re all working towards.

  “Mikel has shown his qualities since the very first day he joined us, not only as a football manager, but as a person with wonderful values. We have a strong belief in what we are doing and what we want to achieve together. Mikel’s new contract gives us stability and clear direction as we aim for new heights.”

A shock update has emerged regarding one of Manchester United's star players, with no guarantee that he will definitely stay put this summer.

Man Utd transfer & exit news

The Red Devils want to sign players all over the pitch in the summer transfer window, with former midfield target Frenkie de Jong again reportedly being eyed up. With the past-his-best Casemiro widely expected to leave once the campaign reaches its conclusion, the Dutchman is seen as a great option to come in as a younger upgrade.

Centre-back also has to be seen as an area of focus, and United appear to be looking at candidates to be Lisandro Martinez's long-term partner at the heart of the defence. Premier League pair Jarrad Branthwaite and Marc Guehi both jump out as strong targets for Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the summer, with the duo potentially battling each other for a place in England's Euro 2024 squad.

Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma is seen as another possible option for United, although whether he comes in for Marcus Rashford remains to be seen, with only a huge bid for their current star likely to be accepted, should he want a new challenge.

It is a summer that could see a host of Red Devils players leave, as Ratcliffe flexes his muscles, with Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood among those who reportedly have no future at the club.

Shock Man Utd transfer update

According to a report from The Telegraph [via a report from Spain], Bruno Fernandes isn't on Ratcliffe list of untouchable players at Manchester United this summer.

The only three individuals named as players who unequivocally won't be sold at the end of the season are Rasmund Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, all of whom are seen as youngsters with big futures at Old Trafford.

It certainly comes as a shock that Bruno isn't on the untouchable list, considering he has clearly been United's best and most consistent player since arriving at the club back in 2020. Admittedly, the £240,000-a-week Portuguese does turn 30 years of age later this year, so Ratcliffe may not see him as a significant part of the long-term picture, but he still has so much to offer, especially as he is so rarely injured, starting 33 Premier League matches this season.

Fernandes deserves to join Hojlund, Garnacho and Mainoo on the list, considering he has racked up a tally of 143 goal contributions (79 goals and 64 assists) in 230 appearances for United, while Old Trafford legend Paul Scholes has sung his praises: "I think his vision is brilliant. He’s not afraid to lose the ball, we all say at United, you have to be prepared to take risks, he’s prepared to do that, and we all know the ability he’s got."

If the United captain was suddenly sold this summer, it would be an almighty surprise, and supporters will surely expect him to be leading the team out at the start of next season.

Lionesses star Keira Walsh is keen on a return to England but it's unclear if Arsenal or Chelsea could strike a deal with Barcelona this summer.

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• Walsh into final year of Barcelona contract
• Lionesses star wants WSL return
• Arsenal and Chelsea could offer that

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Walsh is into the final year of the contract that she signed at Barcelona in the summer of 2022, when the club made her the most expensive player in women's football history at the time. As a result, there has been speculation around her future throughout this summer and that is only continuing as Friday's transfer deadline for the Women's Super League approaches.

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  The England star has been superb for Barcelona since joining the club, helping them to win another Champions League title earlier this year. She is a crucial player in midfield and so to sell her at any point would leave the Catalans light in the middle of the park, but especially now, with so little time to find a replacement for her before the transfer window closes.

• WHAT THE REPORT SAID

  As such, Barca do not want to let Walsh go, despite knowing that the player will not renew her expiring contract in the next 12 months. That's according to , with journalist Emma Sanders providing an update on the Lionesses star on Thursday.

  "Keira Walsh has a year remaining on her contract at Barcelona and has already informed the club she does not intend to extend because she is keen to return home for personal reasons," the report says. "That means Barca will either lose her on a free in 12 months' time or they could cash in on her this summer with several clubs interested.

  "Arsenal have a longstanding interest, while Chelsea are in the market for a midfielder and would have the funds. The problem is that Barcelona do not want to sell. They are not prepared to name a price – though there's a general consensus that it would have to be a world-record fee should they consider any offer. We're at a bit of a stand-off, basically."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Further complicating any push for a transfer from Arsenal and Chelsea is the fact that Barcelona have a league fixture against Real Sociedad on Friday night, just a few hours before the WSL transfer deadline passes.

Arsenal are "ready to move" for a £160,000-per-week star this summer if they get the impression he's willing to join, with Man City boss Pep Guardiola having also branded him a "complete" player.

Arsenal looking to strengthen three key areas in next transfer window

The Gunners are looking to bolster three key areas in Mikel Arteta's squad this summer.

Arsenal "set sights on signing" £65m star who wants to join Man United

He’ll be heavily courted this summer.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 24, 2024

Indeed, it is believed sporting director Edu has set his sights on a new striker, centre-midfielder and winger. Arsenal are currently lacking that prolific 20-plus goals-per-season number nine, with just Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah standing out as their only senor options there, with makeshift option Kai Havertz luckily managing to impress in the role on numerous occasions.

In midfield, uncertainty surrounds the futures of both Thomas Partey and Jorginho, potentially motivating the Gunners hierarchy to consider bringing in another quality option to partner club-record signing Declan Rice in the middle of the park.

"It's no great secret that Arsenal want to sign a striker this summer. When the window opens it will be the priority, along with a midfielder and potentially another wide attacker," said reliable journalist Charles Watts recently.

"It will be interesting to see whether they move for Victor Osimhen. He, like Toney, is a player they like and I know that his representatives have visited Arsenal's training ground for talks with Edu. Those talks took place in the summer when Arsenal eventually signed Gabriel Jesus. Jesus was always the priority that year, but Osimhen was definitely a player they viewed as a serious alternative.

"That interest will remain, but the Nigerian could prove to be too costly an option in a summer given Arsenal want to spread their budget around as they look to take the squad to the next level."

For the midfield, Arsenal have been long-term admirers of Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz, but he may be hard to prise away from Unai Emery's side if they qualify for the Champions League. However, it is believed another top-flight star in Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes is attracting their interest as well.

Arsenal ready to move for Guimaraes this summer

The £160,000-per-week ace is a star for Eddie Howe's side, and it is believed Arsenal are big admirers of him.

The Boot Room now report that Arsenal are ready to make a move for Guimaraes this summer if they get the impression he's open to it, with his contract thought to include a £100 million release clause. The Brazilian, interestingly, has attracted huge praise from City boss Guardiola this season.

"An exceptional holding midfielder; aggressive, with the ball has the pause, on set-pieces he's aggressive," said Guardiola on Guimaraes just last month.

"A real, real complete holding midfielder since playing in Lyon."