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It would not be a surprise to see a mass exodus from Elland Road this summer should Leeds United suffer relegation back to the Championship.

The Yorkshire outfit sit 19th in the Premier League heading into the final-day clash with Tottenham Hotspur, where only a win combined with Everton and Leicester City dropping points will be enough to keep Leeds up.

A rebuild will be necessary in the second tier if Leeds are to mount a promotion challenge and that means getting rid of players that haven't shown enough at Elland Road, as well as selling those that clearly don't want to be at the club.

One man who arguably falls into both of those categories is Junior Firpo, as the former Barcelona man has struggled for consistent form throughout his two years at Leeds.

Should Leeds get rid of Firpo this summer?

The Dominican-born defender joined from the Nou Camp outfit in the summer of 2021, with Marcelo Bielsa looking to bolster a squad that had earned a top-half finish in their first season back in the top flight.

However, he would endure a difficult debut season at Elland Road, making 24 appearances in the top flight and averaging a shocking 6.49 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Speaking in an interview with GiveMeSport last summer, the Mirror's David Anderson lamented the 26-year-old's performances in a Leeds shirt.

He said: "All he seems to do is get booked all the time. I think he's up to 10 yellow cards or something. You don't expect that from a player coming from Barcelona; you expect a bit of class, a bit of maturity, a bit of leadership, and he's provided none of that, really.

"I think he's been a big let-down. You're looking around that changing room thinking, 'Who's going to step up and do it for us now?' And you'd be looking at someone like him, but he's just not. In fact, if anything, he's been more of a liability for Leeds."

That trend has sadly continued this season as he has mustered just 18 Premier League appearances with a woeful 6.42 average rating from WhoScored, with one red card and five yellows to his name, which suggests that his erratic defending has cost Leeds on a number of occasions.

Most recently, the £60k-per-week man gave away a penalty against Newcastle United for an inexplicable handball before receiving his marching orders late on, so surely Sam Allardyce won't be trusting him to start again for this weekend's crunch match against Spurs.

Unfortunately for Leeds, Firpo still has two years to run on his contract at Elland Road but was linked with a return to Real Betis in January, so there is certainly scope for him to leave in the summer, especially if Leeds follow up on their interest in free agent Ryan Manning.

Whatever happens this weekend, there will certainly be a number of Leeds fans who will be hoping that his nightmare against Newcastle was the last time Firpo will ever wear the shirt.

Old footage of Ange Postecoglou has emerged online amid links to the Tottenham Hotspur job and it looks as though he could be the right man to motivate their underperforming squad.

What’s the latest on Spurs and Ange Postecoglou?

At last, a dreadful season has come to an end as Spurs finish eighth in the Premier League, without a head coach or a director of football with both Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici departing months ago.

Since then, a number of new names have been touted to become the club’s next boss but so far Daniel Levy has been unable or unwilling to pull the trigger and appoint a new manager.

However, at the moment it does look as though Celtic boss Postecoglou is the current favourite. Indeed, Sky Sports News have recently claimed that he is “emerging as the preferred candidate for the vacant Tottenham job”.

If he does arrive in North London, he’ll have a tough time getting the best out of the squad who were accused by Conte of being “selfish” shortly before he was sacked.

Indeed, after conceding two late goals to draw with Southampton, he told The Guardian: “I think it’s better to go into the problem, we are not a team.

“We are 11 players that go into the pitch. I see selfish players, players that don’t want to help each other and don’t put their heart [into it]. This season compared to last, now we are worse in this aspect. When you are not a team you cannot improve.”

Well, if Postecoglou is appointed, he’ll still be dealing with most of those players but it seems as though he might be the sort of manager who knows how to get his message across.

Indeed, in footage which recently emerged on Twitter, the 57-year-old can be seen tearing into the Australian national team after they conceded a soft goal.

He screamed: “That’s just careless. And not only that, stop it there for a second. There’s one, two, three [players]. We cannot f**king concede a goal there.”

He then proceeds to punch the wall behind the projected image, shouting: “There’s f**king got to be a reaction there. Someone! F**cks sake!”

His shouts are so loud they actually echo around the room and there’s little doubt he got his message across to the players.

He was in charge of the Socceroos between 2013 and 2017 and helped lead them to a World Cup as well as winning the Asian Cup, so it seems as though his methods work. While he’s also had plenty of success with Celtic, winning the Scottish League Cup and the SPFL title in each of his two seasons with the club so far.

Plenty of fans seemed hyped about the idea of him laying into the Tottenham squad too. Here are some of the best reactions on Twitter.

Chelsea are reportedly leading the race to sign an extremely in-demand player this summer, as the Blues look to strengthen under Mauricio Pochettino.

The former Tottenham Hotspur manager will officially take charge at Stamford Bridge on July 1st, as the club hope to turn their fortunes around after an abysmal Premier League season.

Pochettino must improve the painful year the Blues have endured, making improvements all over the pitch, something he is reportedly on course to do.

What’s the latest on Manuel Ugarte to Chelsea?

As reported by FootballInsider earlier this week, Chelsea are set to ‘finalise’ a deal for Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte.

The report states that the 22-year-old is ‘keen’ on the move, and is ‘excited’ by the project that Pochettino could bring to the club.

The youngster has a £52m release clause in place in Portugal, with the Blues set to agree on a deal for the ace who has been a topic of interest for an array of clubs.

How could Pochettino use Manuel Ugarte at Chelsea?

Pochettino has lots to improve ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, however, the experienced manager can enforce a host of stability at the club by making crucial signings this window.

As well as Ugarte, the west Londoners have been strongly linked to Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, who could be the missing piece to the puzzle in Chelsea’s midfield as the Argentinian aims to fire the Blues back where they belong.

When looking at squads that have graced Stamford Bridge over the years, not many stand as dominant as Jose Mourinho’s back-to-back Premier League-winning sides of 2005/06 and 2006/07 seasons.

The midfield trio of Claude Makelele, Frank Lampard and Michael Essien at the time was pivotal to the club’s success, with the perfect balance of strength and finesse in the engine room.

Once hailed as being “Europe’s best midfield” at the time by The Guardian’s Jon Brodkin, the dominance of the trio could be replicated by Pochettino in the prospect of signing both Ugarte and Caicedo and placing them alongside Enzo Fernandez.

The three players, similar to the legendary Chelsea trio, all maintain stellar passing rates, with Enzo ranking in the top 2% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for number of attempted passes per 90 with a monstrous 79.77, via FBref.

The Brighton machine is a superb reader of the game, as shown through his average of 1.61 interceptions per 90, as well as winning an average of 58% of his total duels with 5.9 per game, all while maintaining a pass completion rate of 88.5%.

As for Ugarte, the 22-year-old “monster” – as described by journalist Dave Hendrick – could be the Makelele of the three in sitting deep, making a gargantuan 4.63 tackles per 90 while maintaining a pass completion rate of 91.6, also per FBref.

It’s clear to see why the youngster is in demand this summer, and Pochettino could right a lot of wrongs in building a midfield around the rising star, potentially providing the Bridge with shades of Mourinho’s magnificent trio.

Renowned football commentator Clive Tyldesley has decided to step down from TalkSport as he doesn’t feel comfortable helping advertise gambling live on air.

Why did Clive Tyldesley leave TalkSport?

The 68-year-old has one of the most recognisable voices in English sport and has talked fans through many big occasions for decades now.

However, it seems you won’t be hearing his superb commentary on one major radio station in the foreseeable future.

As per the Mirror, Tyldesley has opted to leave TalkSport as he doesn’t want to be used as a way of advertising to supporters from bookmakers.

Indeed, the article said: “Whilst not looking to preach to others, [he] felt uncomfortable at being expected to promote gambling companies and odds during live commentaries.”

In a Tweet later on, Tyldesley confirmed the news and further explained his decision, writing: “I’m not going to change anything alone but I just feel more comfortable not doing this now. Thank you to TalkSport for the opportunities and the friendships.”

Does football have a problem with gambling?

There certainly is an argument to potentially examine the current relationship football has with gambling. After all, Ivan Toney will now face a lengthy eight-month ban from football after his guilty plea to breaching betting rules 232 times.

Of course, the player deserves to be punished, but he obviously has a problem and this no doubt isn’t helped by how frequently gambling is promoted within football.

Barry Glendenning summed it up perfectly in his article for The Guardian, writing: “Toney plays for a football club that is owned by a man who made his money out of gambling, while wearing a shirt emblazoned with the logo of a betting firm, on pitches surrounded by advertising hoardings exhorting those who see them to bet on football.

“He made his name in a league sponsored by another gambling firm and his goals are broadcast on TV and radio stations who pocket millions from unscrupulous firms whose raison d’etre, despite their bland assurances to the contrary, is to relieve often vulnerable punters of as much of their income as possible.”

With this being the current state of play in England, it’s an honourable stance from Tyldesley to step away from his duties at TalkSport by way of making a stand. He will also now do some work with Big Step – a charity trying to end all gambling and bookmaker advertising in football.

Perhaps more decisions such as that from others within the sport could help address some of the issues the beautiful game has with betting right now.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly ready to flex their pull in the transfer window, with a Championship whizz linked to Molineux.

Following news of Julen Lopetegui committing his future to the club, the Old Gold can have clarity on their objectives this summer with a clear horizon on the manager’s status and the club’s budget amidst Financial Fair Play (FFP) concerns.

The latest player linked to the Midlands could provide a significant spark to the Spaniard’s midfield.

What’s the latest on Alex Scott to Wolves?

As reported by the Daily Mail in April, Wolves have shown interest in Bristol City midfielder Alex Scott.

The rumours regarding the Englishman’s potential move to Molineux have re-emerged this week, with journalist Ben Jacobs advising fans to “keep an eye on Wolves” alongside Tottenham, who are also looking at the star.

Jacobs reports that Bristol City want a fee in the region of £25m for the 19-year-old – a price that may prove too costly for the Midlands side unless a lower fee can be compromised.

What could Alex Scott bring to Wolves?

Lauded as an “unbelievable talent” by treble-winning manager Pep Guardiola, the teenager’s movements will certainly be something to monitor this summer.

The central midfielder played a pivotal role in Bristol City’s season in the Championship, making 42 appearances and contributing to five goals by registering four assists and scoring one himself, via Sofascore.

Contributing in the final third is a bonus to the attributes that the Guernsey-born gem possesses, highlighting what he could bring to Wolves.

Amid the departure of Joao Moutinho and the saga surrounding Ruben Neves’ future, Lopetegui could land himself a bright spark in Scott, who flexes skill in the defensive and offensive areas of midfield.

Transitioning from the stability that the Portuguese duo handed Wolves is something for Lopetegui to be more excited than daunted about, with a youthful spark in the middle of the park becoming an option going forward.

22-year-old January signing Joao Gomes has impressed since arriving in the Midlands and could form a partnership for years to come with Scott, with the two holding similar values in their gameplay.

As per Sofascore, the Brazilian averages a monstrous 2.6 tackles per game in the Premier League as well as winning 58% of his total duels, with an average of 5.5 per game with numbers that showcase his defensive flair.

Scott recorded similar numbers in the same areas, albeit in the Championship, winning 50% of his total duels with an average of 6.3 per game, as well as making 1.8 tackles per game on average, via Sofascore.

While his defensive numbers are slightly lower than the 22-year-old, the teenager could provide a stronger approach to progressive play than the Wolves ace in ways that convey they may become a perfect pair.

As per FBref, Scott has averaged 3.43 progressive passes per 90 over the past year, with Gomes averaging 2.62 in the same area, allowing the Englishman to establish himself as the ‘roamer’ in a potential pivot.

As told by his four assists and four big chances created this campaign in the second tier, the teenager could flourish in Lopetegui’s midfield renovations if he is able to make the step up to the top flight.

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani will reportedly be happy to welcome Ole Gunnar Solskjaer back to Manchester United if his takeover bid is successful.

What's the latest on Sheikh Jassim's Man United takeover bid?

After months and months of negotiations, the Qatari banker looks as though he could beat Ineos billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe in the race to buy the Premier League club.

Former player Rio Ferdinand even recently filmed himself singing "Hallelujah" in delight after hearing Sheikh Jassim's bid looks to be successful.

However, those claims are yet to be confirmed and so we don't know with any great certainty just yet who the Glazers will be selling to.

Man United fans will have differing opinions on who they want to take over, but a fresh nugget of information could help sway a few in one direction or the other.

Indeed, as per a report in The Mirror, Sheikh Jassim – who is negotiating a period of exclusivity with the Glazers to complete a 100% takeover of United – wants to bring back club legends if he gets the deal done.

It's said that a number of players who used to play under Sir Alex Ferguson are on the prospective owner's "shortlist" and it is highlighted that Solskjaer is among those who could yet return.

Why was Solskjaer sacked at Man United?

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked by Manchester United in 2021 after an embarrassing 4-1 defeat away at Watford having failed to win any trophies during his time in charge.

With that in mind, it remains unclear how happy fans would be to see him back at Old Trafford. Of course, with Erik ten Hag in charge, there's no suggestion that the Norwegian would be offered the chance to come back as head coach any time soon.

Incidentally, while speaking at an event last month, Solskjaer even spoke about the possibility of one day returning to his former club.

He said (via The Mirror): "I’ve got another job in me, if it’s the right chance and exciting enough.

"There are so many clubs, but I’m not going to work just for the sake of working. It has to be something special, a new culture, or a club that really excites me. Or maybe they will want me back at the club [United] in some capacity, who knows?"

If Sheikh Jassim can complete a takeover, this situation with Solskjaer certainly looks like something to keep an eye on over the coming months.

Everton are in desperate need of reinforcements in their attacking threat following a difficult relegation scrap last season and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of a top transfer target.

What's the latest on Everton's interest in Viktor Gyokeres?

According to the Daily Mail, the Toffees could use Ellis Simms as a bargaining chip to get a deal done to sign Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres.

As per the report, the Merseyside outfit remain keen on making Gyokeres their frontman next season, with huge interest in Simms from a number of Championship clubs including the Sky Blues, as well as Ipswich Town and Swansea City.

It's thought that Everton are looking to offer their young goalscorer plus cash to secure the Sweden international's signature this summer, but are facing competition from a whole host of rivals, ranging from Sporting Lisbon to the likes of Brentford, Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United.

Should Everton swap Simms for Gyokeres?

There is no doubt that Sean Dyche will be making it his priority to strengthen the forward line during the summer transfer window after Everton struggled to cause little threat in front of goal last season.

Only Wolves scored fewer goals (31) than the Merseysiders (34) over the 38-game campaign which was a massive contributor to their struggle to maintain their Premier League status and left them teetering on the edge just two points clear of the drop on the final day.

Even the three relegated sides found the net more regularly, which is damning.

As a result, the signing of a prolific and trustworthy striker will be the bare minimum for Everton to secure ahead of next season and if Gyokeres could continue his incredible goal-scoring form with a step up to the top flight it would certainly improve performances.

Coventry's goalscoring machine has a reported £25m price tag and was the second top goalscorer in the Championship last season scoring a whopping 21 goals, as well as registering 10 assists with a goal contribution every 129 minutes over his 48 league appearances, an output that would be highly valued at Goodison Park.

In comparison, his positional peers at Everton did not even come close to his output with Neal Maupay and Ellis Simms only scoring one goal each in the Premier League, whilst Dominic Calvert-Lewin found the back of the net only twice as numerous injuries plagued his ability to get into form.

Gyokeres has earned huge praise for his stand-out performances in the second tier, with Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray even comparing the target man to Erling Haaland:

"He looks a yard more powerful and a yard quicker than everyone else, he’s a really confident boy.

"I don’t want to say he should test himself in the Premier League but who is like him in the Premier League at the moment?

"Who is too fast, too strong and too big, you would suggest Haaland is like that and Gyokeres in this league looks a yard faster and stronger than the players he plays against in the Championship.

"The way he buys himself space to shoot is pretty impressive and Coventry did well to hold onto him, he looks a really talented boy."

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for Everton to offer Simms as part of a deal to sign Gyokeres this summer as the striker could make an immediate impact in the final third to ensure the team can compete comfortably and kill games next season.

Newcastle United are believed to be keen on signing Barcelona attacker Ferran Torres during the summer transfer window, according to a new update.

Has Torres flopped at Barcelona?

The £62,000-a-week Spaniard had an unsuccessful period at Manchester City between 2020 and 2022, struggling to ever nail down a regular starting berth in a star-studded squad, so he joined Barca last summer instead.

Torres' first season at the Camp Nou wasn't a roaring success, however, with the 23-year-old admittedly tasting La Liga glory but only starting 14 of his team's 38 league matches. It has led to speculation surrounding the young attacker's future, with Barca potentially happy for both he and Ansu Fati to leave the club in the summer window.

With Newcastle eyeing up attacking reinforcements ahead of the new Premier League season in August, it looks as though Torres could be a target in the coming months.

Could Newcastle sign Ferran Torres?

According to a report from Spain [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are willing to pay "close to €40m (£34m)" on the former City man, with Barca more than happy to sell for that amount.

An offer hasn't yet been tabled for Torres' services, but it does look as though it could be a move that happens seamlessly if the asking price is met.

It is understandable why some Newcastle fans would have doubts over a move for the 35-cap Spain international, considering he hasn't exactly shone brightly at his last two clubs, but there are also clear positives to the move, with the player scoring a hat-trick at St James' Park back in 2021.

At just 23, Torres is still a maturing footballer with a potentially high ceiling – the fact that he has already scored 15 goals for his country is highly impressive, especially as he isn't necessarily an out-and-out striker, providing versatility across the frontline.

Not only that, but Pep Guardiola hailed him as "fantastic" and "incredible" back in 2021, showing how highly he thought of him at the time, and it could just be that Torres is still waiting to come into his prime years.

He would immediately enhance Newcastle's squad depth, providing stern competition for the likes of Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson in attack, and the fact that he can play out wide is surely something that would appeal to Eddie Howe. The amount mentioned is also far from extortionate in the modern game, too, so if Torres really shone at St James' Park, he could end up being deemed a bargain, potentially joining .

Liverpool have been strongly linked with a move for Khephren Thuram this summer and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the club's progress in getting a deal done.

What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Khephren Thuram?

According to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs, the Merseyside giants could be handed the opportunity to sign the OGC Nice midfielder, despite the French club being keen to hold onto him.

Jacobs revealed on The Football Terrace YouTube channel: "I still think Khephren Thuram is the one to watch now in terms of Liverpool.

"It seems like there is less now in terms of Kone, who is another player who Liverpool have looked at. There are reports Nice wants to keep the player but the feeling is that Nice are going to have to sell some of their assets, so there is an opportunity there for Liverpool."

Will Liverpool sign another midfielder this summer?

The Reds have already secured the signing of World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister this summer in an attempt to add more quality and youth to the centre of the pitch.

A midfield rebuild has been long overdue at Anfield with the former Brighton and Hove Albion star becoming the first permanent midfielder signing since the arrival of Thiago Alcantara from Bayern Munich three years ago.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Naby Keita and James Milner have all been moved on upon the expiry of their contracts this summer and Thuram could be the dream replacement for the latter who will be joining Brighton this summer.

Milner has played a huge part in Liverpool's success over the last half a decade with the 37-year-old playing a number of midfield roles, and his versatility is something that the centre of the pitch has sorely missed as he has reached the latter stages of his career and seen less game time.

Now Klopp can replace that unrivalled work ethic and diversity in skill by landing a deal for Thuram who is renowned for his wide range of capabilities and has no trouble gliding from a deeper role in midfield to break the lines of attack.

Over 35 Ligue One appearances last season, the Frenchman offered a potent attacking threat with two goals scored, four assists registered and nine big chances created, as well as averaging 1.1 shots on goal, 1.1 key passes and 1.3 successful dribbles per game.

Not only that, Thuram has not sacrificed his consistency in his defensive responsibilities as the Nice star averaged 1.1 interceptions, 3.8 duels won and 1.5 tackles per game, according to SofaScore.

For context, no Liverpool central midfielder provided more goal contributions in the Premier League, whilst only three players in the squad averaged more key passes. Meanwhile, defensively, he managed more tackles per outing than the likes of Andy Robertson, Jordan Henderson, Virgil Van Dijk and Joel Matip, via WhoScored.

Milner, meanwhile, could only average 0.8 tackles and 0.4 interceptions per game with 0.4 key passes to show for his efforts. Thuram, therefore, would represent a colossal upgrade at Anfield.

Possessing a reported €40m (£34m) price tag – he has been attracting a lot of attention and earning high praise over his short career so far, with U23 scout and football journalist Antonio Mango outlining the Frenchman's super capabilities:

"At a staggering 6'4ft, Khéphren's presence can't go unnoticed as he stands out above most players on the field. Khéphren excels in his defensive duties, ball-carrying & retention. Khéphren is big, strong, physical, athletic and brilliant in possession, a true diamond, right?"

With that being said, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will add more depth to the centre of the pitch this summer but Thuram is looking like the one to watch and could be a huge presence in midfield if a deal is done ahead of next season.

Manchester United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, with the Serie A side reportedly willing to sell the player this summer.

Is Sofyan Amrabat signing for Man United?

The Red Devils and Erik ten Hag have already bolstered their midfield ranks ahead of the 2023/24 season by signing Mason Mount from Chelsea.

The England international has been backed by Old Trafford officials with a five-year deal as well as being given the famous number 7 shirt. He may not be the only midfield addition, though, with rumours circling over a swoop for Amrabat.

Sky Sports have reported that Man United are looking at a move for Amrabat, although any transfer would depend on sales. Elsewhere, there has been claims that United and Amrabat have already agreed on personal terms ahead of a potential Old Trafford transfer.

There has now been a further update and one that seems to be a boost for Man United and Ten Hag, with the midfielder now into the final 12 months of his current contract.

The Faithful MUFC relayed an update from Corriere dello Sport in the last 48 hors regarding Amrabat and Man United. The report claims that Fiorentina are prepared to sell the midfielder to the Red Devils and want those at Old Trafford to come forward with an offer in the region of €30m (£25m).

It is believed that Fiorentina are closing in on signing Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand from fellow Serie A side Lecce as a replacement for Amrabat.

Is Sofyan Amrabat good?

Amrabat appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €30m Transfermarkt valuation and caught the eye at last year’s World Cup in Qatar, helping Morocco to the semi-finals.

He was praised by former England manager Fabio Capello as a result, with the Italian comparing him to iconic midfielder Gennaro Gattuso.

"If I have to name one name, besides the well-known Hakim Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi, it would be Amrabat. He is essential for balance and a great runner. I read that he covered more than fourteen kilometres against Spain. I see him as the Gennaro Gattuso of Morocco."

The 26-year-old, hailed as a "monster" in the media, can play as a holding or central midfielder and actually shares the same agency as Man United left-back Luke Shaw.

Amrabat began his career in the Netherlands with FC Utrecht where he made 50 appearances under Ten Hag before moving to Feyenoord and then to Belgium with Club Brugge.

Should he make the move to Manchester over the coming weeks, Amrabat could provide Ten Hag with another high-quality holding or central midfield option, potentially seeing him rival the likes of Casemiro and Mount.

Amrabat’s quality in possession is highlighted by FBref, who have him ranked in the top 10% of midfielders for passes completed, passes into the final third and progressive passes. He also ranks highly when it comes to stopping opposing players in full flow, so he could be another smart signing by United, and by the looks of things, a deal is now there to be done.