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Florian Grillitsch is a target for Leeds United.

What’s the word?

That’s according to transfer insider Dean Jones, writing in a recent column for GIVEMESPORT.

He claims that the Hoffenheim star, who can play in defence and midfield, is the perfect profile for what manager Jesse Marsch is looking for in terms of mentality and style.

However, there have been suggestions that he is only being viewed as a replacement for Kalvin Phillips, but Jones believes that may not be the case.

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Imagine him and Kalvin Phillips

Just imagine the two together in the Premier League next term.

It’s no secret that the Whites had one of the worst defensive records in the division last season, so they could well do with more reinforcements and another body in front of the backline wouldn’t go amiss, especially after the arrival of Brenden Aaronson, who has the ability to drive them forward in attack.

Phillips could well stay after the club sealed top-flight survival on the final day with victory over Brentford, and he’ll need someone next to him to control games. That may not be Adam Forshaw, given the fact he has suffered further injury problems, or Mateusz Klich, who has struggled for consistency.

Grillitsch could be the answer.

Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann believes that the Austrian one of the more underrated players outside of Germany’s top clubs.

“In my opinion, Flo Grillitsch is one of the best six in the Bundesliga who is already a little under the radar. At least you rarely read anything about him,” he claimed.

“He still has a few construction sites, he knows that, I’ve told him that often enough. But he is an extraordinary footballer and has an incredible ability to determine the rhythm of the game.”

The 6 foot 2 powerhouse averaged 2.1 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game in the German top flight last season, also managing a passing accuracy of 89.4%, all whilst switching between central defensive and central midfield roles, via WhoScored.

Valued at £14.4m by Transfermarkt, the Austria international could be a low-cost solution to Marsch’s midfield woes. Not just that, he’d offer superb versatility to play a variety of key positions.

The 26-year-old must be viewed as Phillips’ partner, rather than his replacement, this summer.

AND in other news, Fabrizo Romano drops Eddie Nketiah update…

An update has emerged regarding Rangers youngster Josh McPake and his future at Ibrox ahead of the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Journalist Jacque Talbot has revealed that the winger is being eyed up by a number of teams south of the border after a loan spell in the fourth tier of English football.

The reporter tweeted: “Understand Rangers youngster Josh McPake is the subject of interest from several League Two sides. Carlisle United and Hartlepool United are keen on the attacker, who’s just finished his loan spell at Tranmere Rovers.”

Ross Wilson will be delighted

Rangers’ sporting director Ross Wilson will be left delighted by this claim, as it suggests that he will be able to cash in on the attacker in the coming months.

The youngster has spent the last two seasons on loan in League Two but failed to show that he has the potential to come back and make an impact in the first-team at Rangers.

In the 2020/21 campaign, he scored four goals and failed to provide a single assist in 23 outings for Harrogate Town. He also lost 56% of his duels as he struggled to deal with the physicality of the game, although that was to be expected as it was the then-teenager’s first experience of regular senior football.

However, he did not use that season to improve, as he left a lot to be desired again in 2021/22. In 14 League Two appearances for Tranmere, he managed one goal and zero assists whilst losing 62% of his individual battles.

These statistics indicate that McPake regressed after a year of experience in the English fourth tier, and this is a worry in relation to his future at Ibrox. He has not shown that he is on the right path in his development and there is little to suggest that he is a player who Gio van Bronckhorst will want to call upon any time soon.

Therefore, now is the right time – whilst his stock is seemingly high amongst League Two clubs – to cash in on him whilst the Gers still can.

At the age of 20, clubs may want to take a punt on him in case he is able to improve over time, but his statistics in his career so far are less than encouraging with respect to the chances of him making the first-team in Glasgow.

Wilson will now be delighted to learn of the interest in McPake’s services, as he can rake in a fee for the underperforming youngster and use the money to bring in another young prospect or invest it in another area of the club.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Lundstram: Wilson must land Rangers deal for “fabulous” £28k-p/w maestro…

Phil Hay has revealed that Leeds United are now targeting the signing of attacking midfielder Sonny Perkins this summer.

What’s the talk?

In a recent article for The Athletic, the Leeds United correspondent revealed that Victor Orta is continuing to pursue a number of up and coming talents in the summer transfer market, with the Spaniard having now turned his attention to West Ham United’s Sonny Perkins.

Hay goes on to state that, with the Whites’ sporting director having spent steadily on youth prospects in recent seasons, it looks as if the 43-year-old will continue in this fashion in the coming months, with the 18-year-old starlet being one of Leeds’ primary targets to strengthen their U23 squad ahead of the new season.

“The next Declan Rice”

Considering just how exciting a prospect Perkins looks to be, it is easy to understand why Orta would be keen on a move for the England U18 international this summer.

Indeed, the £720k-rated talent highly impressed for both West Ham’s U18 and U23 sides this season, scoring four goals and providing one assist over his four U18 Premier League appearances, as well as bagging ten goals and registering one assist over 20 outings in the Premier League 2.

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These returns saw the teenager earn regular call ups to David Moyes’ first-team squad, with the midfielder – who can also operate up top – making three senior appearances for the Hammers in 2021/22 – two in the Europa League and one in the Premier League.

Furthermore, the hopes of those in the know at West Ham are extremely high for Perkins, with ExWHUemployee even suggesting in October of last year that the youngster could go on to become the club’s next Declan Rice.

Regarding the future of the 18-year-old, the Irons insider said: “One player to pay attention to is a West Ham youngster called Sonny Perkins. This is someone I’ve spoken about on the podcast before as a talent, and he’s really beginning to stand out now at academy level, really getting rave reviews.

“Obviously, he’s performing on the international stage as well for his age, and he is one to keep an eye on. From what I’ve heard in the academy circles, he could be the next Declan Rice. So just keep your eye out for his progression within the next few years.”

As such, should Orta go on to get a deal over the line for the Hammers starlet this summer, it would very much appear to be yet another fantastic piece of business by the Leeds sporting director – with Perkins undoubtedly possessing the ability to make a real mark on the Whites first-team in not too distant future.

AND in other news: Journo reveals Leeds are “planning talks” with “unbelievable” talent, Marsch must act

Tottenham Hotspur have seen an offer for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford rejected.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Alex Turk, with the Daily Express journalist revealing in a post on Twitter that Fabio Paratici has now seen a bid for the 24-year-old winger rebuffed, with the England international believed to be in favour of remaining at Old Trafford in order to play under Erik ten Hag next season.

In his tweet, Turk said: “United have rejected an audacious Tottenham approach for Marcus Rashford. 24-year-old star wants to stay and play a part in Ten Hag’s revolution. Entering final year of current deal. Talks over a new contract expected this summer.”

Supporters will be buzzing

While it is undeniable that Rashford is a player who boasts a considerable amount of potential, considering just how poor the forward was for United last season, in addition to Spurs being linked to a number of incredibly exciting players on the left-wing this summer, the news that Paratici has seen a bid rejected for the 24-year-old is sure to have left the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful buzzing.

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Indeed, over his 25 Premier League appearances – only 13 of which came as starts – in 2021/22, the £63m-rated winger was in incredibly poor form, scoring four goals, registering two assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of just 0.9 shots, making 0.4 key passes and completing 0.9 dribbles.

These returns saw the £200k-per-week forward average an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.56, ranking him as United’s third-worst performer in the top flight of English football.

As such, when taking into account Rashford’s shocking returns last time out, in addition to the fact that the 46-time capped international is earning an extremely hefty weekly wage, it would very much appear as if Spurs have dodged something of a bullet by missing out on the 24-year-old’s signing this summer.

AND in other news: Paratici now given green light for “special” £170k-p/w Spurs signing, he’s Bastoni 2.0

Manchester United look set to lose another promising player this summer, with Dean Henderson reportedly set to join newly-promoted Nottingham Forest on a loan deal with an option to buy.

What’s the word?

Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano posted on Twitter: “Nottingham Forest have opened talks with Manchester United to sign Dean Henderson on loan with option to buy [around £20m]. Negotiations ongoing – Nottingham Forest want Henderson and it’s now a possibility also considered by the player. Talks on.”

Steve Cooper’s side are in need of a new goalkeeper after last season’s first-choice Brice Samba made it clear that he wants to leave, and Forest have acted quickly to move for Henderson.

The Englishman had limited first-team opportunities at United last season due to the form of David de Gea, so it is no surprise to see him linked with a move away from Old Trafford, although you would have hoped that Erik ten Hag would have been able to assess him before the club sanctioned any departure.

United supporters will be fuming

Although De Gea was impressive at times last season, United fans will still perhaps have been hoping that Henderson would have been the long-term heir to the 31-year-old Spaniard, especially after he came through the academy at United.

The 25-year-old has made just 29 senior appearances for the Red Devils during his time at the club, but he won a lot of plaudits after impressive loan spells with Shrewsbury Town and Sheffield United. Indeed, the shot-stopper was a key part of the Blades’ Championship promotion in 2019 and subsequent season in the Premier League, starting all but two league matches across those two campaigns.

Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge was full of praise for Henderson during his loan spell at Bramall Lane, saying: “He’s insane. I’ve never been with such a good goalkeeper. One thing in matches, he is almost a defence alone at times, and you feel so secure with him.

“But people have to see him at training. It’s crazy. He saves balls from one yard. Sometimes I am completely speechless by how good he is. It’s like having two goalkeepers in goal with him. He’s awesome.

“He’s so confident. He knows he is good and he exploits that too. He is exceptional.”

At 25, Henderson is still very young for a goalkeeper, while Berge’s comments would suggest that he has a lot of potential. Therefore, United supporters will surely be gutted to hear this update from Romano; and if the ‘keeper proves himself to be a bargain signing for Forest next season, then this feels like another transfer that those at Old Trafford will come to regret.

In other news… United now ready to pay £35m to sign Premier League flop, he’s even worse than Matic

Arsenal are believed to be back in the hunt for Juventus midfielder, Arthur Melo, having been linked with Brazilian back in January.

What’s the word?

As per journalist Claudio Raimondi (via Tutto Juve), the Gunners could well be set to reignite their interest in the 25-year-old this summer, having attempted to bring the €40m (£34m) player to the Premier League during the winter window only for the deal to fall through.

Speaking about the 22-cap international’s future – and that of club teammate Aaron Ramsey – Raimondi stated: “Juve are interested in Fabian Ruiz, but before starting a real negotiation, they must resolve the Ramsey-Arthur situations.

“For the Welshman, who is of interest to the Turkish team coached by Pirlo, they will move towards the termination of his contract with severance pay, while for the Brazilian midfielder, something is moving on the Arsenal side.”

The playmaker joined the Serie A side on a reported £66m deal back in 2020 from Catalan giants Barcelona, with fellow midfielder Miralem Pjanic moving in the other direction.

Arteta’s own Xavi

While that move has failed to work out for either party, with Arthur having fallen down the pecking order in Italy and with Pjanic spending last season on loan at Besiktas, that should not overshadow what would be a major coup for Mikel Arteta and co, were they to bring the former to the club this summer.

Despite starting just 11 league games last term, the £16.2m-rated gem is still a supremely gifted player in possession, notably ranking in the top 4% for pass completion and the top 7% for attempted passes among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

The man to keep things ticking in the centre of the park, the £125k-per-week unsurprisingly drew comparisons to current Blaugrana coach Xavi Hernandez during his spell at the Nou Camp, with former teammate Lionel Messi stating upon his arrival:

“Those who came are very good. Arthur, I didn’t know that much about but he seems similar to Xavi. He’s very safe and trustworthy. He has the La Masia style. Playing short passes, without losing the ball, and he grasped it quickly, the dynamic of the team.”

Such a glowing assessment from arguably one of the greatest players of all time illustrates just what a talent the Juve man is, while the likeness to the aforementioned Xavi will also set pulses racing back in north London, with the Spaniard having enjoyed a lengthy career at the elite level.

A product of the famed La Masia academy, he went on to rack up 766 appearances in all competitions for the La Liga outfit, scoring 85 goals and providing 185 assists in that time, while also claiming a plethora of major honours, including four Champions League triumphs.

On the international front, the now veteran star was part of the remarkable La Roja side that came out on top in three successive major tournaments between 2008 and 2012, having arguably won all there is to win in both forms of the game.

Arteta and co will know that such talents and such success is rare, although the Gunners boss will no doubt be keen to bring in a Xavi-esque talent like Arthur who can dictate the tempo in the centre of the park, having himself been a product of that much-celebrated Barcelona youth system.

AND in other news, Arsenal now plotting record-breaking bid for £100m gem, he’d be a “superstar” signing

West Ham United are leading the race to sign Juventus full-back Luca Pellegrini, according to a report from Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness).

The lowdown: Rise to stardom

Formerly a member of AS Roma’s youth system, Pellegrini made a £19.8m switch to Juventus in 2019 and has spent time on loan at Cagliari and Genoa in his fledgling career.

The 23-year-old has only made 21 appearances for the Bianconeri’s senior team, and as such, a move away could be on the horizon in the not-too-distant future.

Set to return to Juve for pre-season following his most recent spell away from Turin, Pellegrini is already being touted with a Premier League move next…

The latest: West Ham keen on Pellegrini

As per Corriere dello Sport, transcribed by Sport Witness, the one-cap Italy international is being ‘followed by West Ham’ this summer.

It’s claimed that the east Londoners and newly-promoted Fulham have shown an interest in acquiring the left-back’s services, but it is the Hammers who are currently ‘in pole’ for the capture.

Whilst this report makes no mention of a potential transfer fee, it has previously been mooted that the man hailed as a ‘really good talent’ by journalist Arjun Pradeep could cost in the region of €10m-€12m (£8m-£10m).

The verdict: Shrewd move

At the suggested asking price, signing a player of Pellegrini’s calibre as an understudy to Aaron Cresswell initially would be a sensational piece of business from the London Stadium hierarchy.

Capable of playing as a conventional full-back and in more advanced positions, the Italian certainly shares a similar lust for getting forward as the Irons stalwart and would therefore act as a ready-made replacement for the 32-year-old when the time comes for the latter to depart the scene.

Boasting impressive dribbling and passing attributes (WhoScored), Pellegrini would need to hone his defensive skills under the tutelage of the evergreen Hammers left-back prior to becoming a regular in David Moyes’ side.

However, at his young age and with Cresswell still an established operator, there is no need for an immediate overhaul at left-back despite West Ham’s prolonged pursuit of a fresh face in that position.

Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson has been reacting to the club’s reported interest in Ben Foster.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Foster

The Whites are looking at bringing in an experienced goalkeeper this summer to provide backup to Illan Meslier and Kristoffer Klaesson. The former will remain first-choice heading into Jesse Marsch’s first full season at Elland Road.

Leeds have reportedly held in-house talks about signing Foster, who will officially become a free agent in a matter of days when his Watford contract expires.

The Latest: Robinson reacts

Robinson, who contributes as a pundit for Sky Sports, was talking to MOT Leeds News regarding Leeds’ goalkeeping situation.

He once again urged the club to land an experienced shot-stopper and said that he has ‘heard’ the links with Foster, saying that it would be an ‘outstanding signing’.

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The former Whites netminder stated:

“I said 18 months ago about Joe Hart and we’ve seen how well he’s done at Celtic. They should have signed someone of that quality.

“Illan Meslier has been excellent and I think he’s the out-and-out number one simply because he’s got no competition.

“Next season, if he gets injured or suspended, they’ve got no quality number two. And if he has a dip in form – which will happen at some point – the manager’s got no choice to stick with him and ride it out because he hasn’t got a good enough number two to put in.

“They have to go for a quality one.

“If you look around the Premier League, the other teams have quality goalkeepers. Everyone carries a top-quality number two who can do the job.

“I heard a link with Ben Foster and I think that would be an outstanding signing if they were able to pull it off.

“He’s somebody with experience who Meslier can learn from.

“But he’s also equally as good to step in and play should Meslier not be able to or wasn’t in form. It’s an area they have to address this window.”

The Verdict: Smart signing?

If Leeds want someone with plenty of experience and knowledge of the Premier League, then Foster is their man. The 39-year-old made 29 league appearances for Watford last season, taking his top-flight tally to 390.

Foster has the record for the most saves of any goalkeeper in Premier League history, so he looks like the ideal backup option who’s available to sign.

It also wouldn’t cost Leeds a penny when it comes to a transfer fee, potentially making this move even more appealing for Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers Enterprises.

An update has emerged on Rangers’ chances of landing one of the strikers on Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s wishlist in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Fabrizio Romano has claimed that a Gers target is now closing in on a move to Italy this week in a potential blow to Ross Wilson’s plans.

He Tweeted: “Erik Botheim joins Salernitana on a permanent deal from Krasnodar, four year contract in place. Medical later this week in Italy.”

Journalist Jonas Advan Giaevar previously reported that the Light Blues were keen on the attacker, Tweeting: “It’s true that Rangers at least have enquired about Erik Botheim. Remains to be seen whether that leads to an offer or not.”

Alfredo Morelos upgrade

Wilson must use this latest update as fuel to launch a renewed swoop for the free agent striker. The move to Italy is not rubber-stamped, yet, and the Gers must now attempt to hijack the deal as he would be a fantastic signing for the club.

He has the potential to be a big upgrade on Alfredo Morelos as he showcased his quality in front of goal last season. Before moving to Russia, and eventually ripping up his contract, the striker caught the eye playing for Bodo/Glimt in Norway. In the 2021 Eliteserien campaign, he scored 15 goals and managed three assists in 30 matches.

In the Europa Conference League, he averaged SofaScore rating of 7.57 as he produced four goals and four assists in six games as he burst onto the European scene, with Football scout Jacek Kulig dubbing him a “complete forward” as a result of his displays.

Botheim scored 19 goals and assisted seven in 36 starts and this means that he averaged a direct goal contribution every 1.38 matches.

Morelos, meanwhile, managed 11 goals and seven assists in 26 Premiership games and four strikes in nine Europa League outings. He averaged a goal contribution every 1.59 matches and missed 16 ‘big chances’ in total across the two competitions – compared to Botheim’s eight.

These statistics suggest that the Norweigan finisher has the potential to offer more than the Colombian at the top end of the pitch. His impressive form domestically and in Europe shows that he is a natural goalscorer, who can also set up his teammates, and that he is not as wasteful in front of goal as the Gers man.

The free agent is also four years younger than Morelos and has plenty of time on his side to grow and improve as a player. Therefore, Rangers can land an upgrade on their current number nine in the here and now and for many years to come by hijacking this deal and bringing in the talented 22-year-old phenomenon.

AND in other news, Gvb plotting Rangers swoop for £1.3k-p/w gem who “rarely misses”, imagine him & Kent…