Leeds United’s hopes of securing the signing of Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino have been shattered, following a recent update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What’s the word?

The transfer guru revealed on Twitter that the Japan international is set to secure a move to Ligue 1 outfit As Monaco this summer, despite having been heavily linked with a switch to Elland Road in recent months.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-more” title=”Read the latest Leeds news, transfer rumours and more!”]

He stated:

“Takumi Minamino deal, completed. He’s joining AS Monaco, permanent move from Liverpool now confirmed by Philippe Clement: ‘We’re really happy, he was our priority.’

“Liverpool will receive €15m plus €3m in add-ons.”

The 27-year-old – who joined the Reds on a £7.25m deal back in January 2020 – had previously worked under Jesse Marsch at Red Bull Salzburg, albeit with that connection seemingly not proving enough to get a deal over the line.

Supporters gutted

That news will come as a real blow to those of a Leeds persuasion, with supporters having no doubt been hopeful that Marsch would be able to tempt his former asset into staying in the Premier League, following what’s been a mixed spell on Merseyside.

While the £10.8m-rated gem has failed to gain a regular role in Jurgen Klopp’s side – making just five league starts under the German in total over the past two-and-a-half years – Minamino had proved vital in the Reds’ recent domestic cup double, notably netting seven goals in just eight games in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, combined.

Equally, even with his lack of top-flight action, the £72k-per-week gem still managed to net three league goals in just 11 appearances last term, showcasing that he can be a real asset if handed the chance to be a first-team regular.

Marsch, in particular, is fully aware of the 42-cap gem’s talents, with the versatile speedster having scored nine goals and provided 11 assists in just 22 appearances under the American coach during their spell in Austria, notably providing five goal contributions in just six games under the 48-year-old in the Champions League.

Although that may have been a brief relationship, the former RB Leipzig boss would undoubtedly have been keen to rekindle it in Yorkshire, with the club seemingly in need of new attacking additions amid rampant speculation regarding the future of talisman, Raphinha.

While another former Salzburg man in Brenden Aaronson has also arrived through the door, the youthful playmaker is yet to taste Premier League football, hence the need to bolster the forward line with a player such as Minamino, who has experience of the English game.

Alas, sporting director Victor Orta and co will now have to prioritise alternative targets, with supporters left gutted that the 5 foot 9 menace won’t be trading Liverpool for Leeds this summer.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano now reveals “crucial” transfer development, it’s great news for Leeds

Leeds United have been handed a huge boost in their bid to bring Cody Gakpo to Elland Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, Voetbal International journalist Marco Timmer revealed that, despite the PSV Eindhoven winger having previously held talks with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City regarding a summer move, the 23-year-old is now becoming increasingly open to the idea of a move to Leeds – with Victor Orta said to be in talks with the player’s representatives.

Timmer goes on to state that the Eredivisie side are demanding a figure of around €40m (£35m) in order to part with the Netherlands international – who is now said to be considering taking a similar route to that of Georginio Wijnaldum in order to secure a move to one of Europe’s elite clubs further down the line.

In his tweet, the journalist said: “The management of Cody Gakpo speaks with Leeds United as it has previously spoken with, among others, Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal. PSV want about €40m for Gakpo. He now also sees a route a la Wijnaldum via the foreign sub-top to the top.”

Massive coup

Considering the sheer level of interest in Gakpo’s services this summer, in addition to the fact that the 23-year-old very much looks to be one of the most exciting prospects in European football, should Orta manage to convince the Dutchman of a move to Elland Road in the coming weeks, it would undoubtedly represent a massive coup for the Spanish sporting director.

Indeed, over his 27 Eredivisie appearances in 2021/22, the £27m-rated forward was one of the stories of the season, scoring 12 goals, providing 13 assists and creating 11 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 3.0 shots, making 2.6 key passes and completing 2.9 dribbles per game.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more-2″ title=”Read the latest Leeds news, transfer rumours and more!”]

These metrics saw the £7.4k-per-week talent average a simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.51, not only ranking him as Roger Schmidt’s best performer in the division but also as the fourth-best player in the league as a whole.

The winger who Pain in the Arsenal dubbed a “supreme talent” also caught the eye over his four Europa League fixtures, bagging two goals and creating two big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 3.0 shots, making 2.8 key passes and completing 4.0 dribbles per outing – with his average SofaScore match rating of 7.47 ranking him as the fourth-best player to feature in the competition.

Further still, Gakpo also played a key role in PSV’s run to the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League, scoring three goals, registering one assist and creating one big chance over his five appearances in the tournament – with his average SofaScore match rating of 7.42 ranking him as the joint 10th-best player in the competition.

As such, it is clear for all to see just how exciting a prospect the 23-year-old is, leading us to believe that, should Orta indeed manage to get a deal over the line for the flying Dutchman ahead of the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City this summer, it would certainly be one of the most impressive signings of the window.

AND in other news: “It’s done”: Fabrizio Romano drops big transfer update, Leeds supporters surely gutted

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…

A major update has emerged on Rangers and their pursuit of Rabbi Matondo in the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Sport1 reporter Patrick Berger has revealed that the Gers will be finalising a deal to sign the forward imminently.

He Tweeted: “Glasgow Rangers set to sign Rabbi Matondo. The Scottish side agree fee with Schalke (around €3m). The player should fly to Glasgow within the next 24 hrs to complete medicals.”

The attacker will now go through the required tests before putting pen to paper on a contract to join the Light Blues for the 2022/23 campaign and beyond, although an announcement may not be within that timeframe due to the social content that will need to be put together first.

Supporters will be buzzing

This update will surely leave supporters buzzing for multiple reasons.

Firstly, they will be delighted with how quickly Ross Wilson is working in the transfer market after recently securing a deal to sign Antonio Colak.

After a slow start to the summer, Rangers are now on the verge of a second signing in quick succession and fans will be pleased with the progress being made in the window.

Secondly, they will be buzzing with the addition of Matondo as he has the potential to be an excellent player for Gio van Bronckhorst.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola previously hailed the youngster as he said: “They (Schalke) are interested in another young player. I know how good he is, incredibly fast winger, and a young talent. This club is working so good.”

These comments from the Spaniard suggest that he will be an exciting player for the fans to watch as he has the speed to skip past his marker and make things happen in the final third.

As you can see in the graphic above, the Welshman showed signs of promise in Belgium last term. In all competitions, the attacker produced ten goals and two assists on loan at Cercle Brugge from Schalke and these stats offer a glimpse of what he can provide Rangers with.

At the age of 21, he is still in the infancy of his career and is a player who can make an impact in the immediate future whilst also holding the potential to improve and grow in importance and value in the long term.

Fans will, therefore, be buzzing to see him come through the door and will be hoping that there are no last-minute stumbling blocks in the move.

AND in other news, Gvb can find his dream Ramsey replacement in “unplayable” 16 G/A Rangers “talent”…

Every transfer window throws up something of a left-field rumour, with Premier League outfit Aston Villa currently at the centre of the latest, surprise transfer claim, amid reports that the Midlands side are interested in Inter Milan forward, Alexis Sanchez.

According to La Tercera, Villa have been named as one of the clubs who are believed to be keen on signing the 33-year-old, with the Chilean ace set to be allowed to depart the Serie A side this summer despite having a year remaining on his existing deal.

Having already wrapped up four major deals in the current window, manager Steven Gerrard and owners NSWE could be set for their next marquee addition in the form of the former Arsenal man, with the veteran attacker potentially the solution in their quest to add an experienced forward this summer.

Although it may be a bold move to recruit an ageing, £175k-per-week asset, the one-time Barcelona man has seemingly done enough in his career previously to warrant the gamble – particularly if he is to be available on a free transfer.

Much like the recent capture of Philippe Coutinho – who has signed on a permanent deal after a six-month loan stint last term – Sanchez’s arrival could help rejuvenate a once-great figure who has perhaps fallen by the wayside in recent years.

The £3.15m-rated “maverick” – as described by one source – has previously set the Premier League alight during his time at the Emirates Stadium, having joined the club on a £35m deal from Catalonia in the summer of 2014.

Under the guidance of Arsene Wenger, he would go on to score 80 goals and provide 45 assists in 166 games in all competitions for the Gunners, proving a constant menace from his left-wing berth.

Once dubbed a “warrior” by Liam Canning, the 148-cap maestro was able to combine his devastating attacking output with a humble, hard-working approach, emerging as something of a talismanic figure in north London as a result.

With his subsequent move to Manchester United in January 2018 failing to work out – as he scored just five goals and laid on nine assists in 45 games in total – the fleet-footed forward was shipped off to Italy just 18 months later, although has again been reduced to just a bit-part role at the San Siro.

That being said, he has still chipped in with 20 strikes and 23 assists in all competitions for the Serie A side thus far, while he also ranks highly in a string of attacking and defensive metrics, as per FBref, most notably in the top 1% for progressive carries and the top 2% for dribbles completed among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues.

Although his lack of game time is a factor in that favourable comparison, it perhaps illustrates that the diminutive gem can still provide lethal, brief cameos when required.

That may be all Villa are potentially in need of, a player to come on and impact the game in the closing stages, particularly when a figure is needed to create a moment of magic to unlock the door.

Coutinho has already shown early signs that he can do just that, perhaps Sanchez can follow suit.

AND in other news, Lange eyeing Villa move for £30m “goalscoring machine”, he’d be their own Darwin Nunez

Fabrizio Romano has dropped an update on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Jesse Lingard.

What’s the talk?

In a recent post on Twitter, the Italian journalist revealed that, despite a number of reports linking Fabio Paratici with a move for the former Manchester United forward this summer, at present Spurs have not made an offer to the 29-year-old free agent.

In his tweet, Romano said: “No proposal on the table from Spurs to Jesse Lingard, as things stand.”

Supporters will be gutted

While it is true that Lingard had fallen down the pecking order at United prior to his departure from Old Trafford last month – starting just two Premier League matches in 2021/22 – the former England international nevertheless proved that he still has what it takes to be a key player for a top-six team during a loan spell at West Ham United in 2021.

Indeed, over his 16 Premier League appearances for the Hammers in the season before last, the £16.2m-rated talent was in breathtaking form for the Irons. He scored nine goals, provided five assists and created three big chances for his team-mates, along with taking 2.6 shots, making 1.1 key passes and completing 1.1 dribbles per game.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-much-more” title= “Read the latest Spurs news, transfer rumours and more!”]

These returns saw the £75k-per-week attacking midfielder average a remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.19, ranking him as David Moyes’ best player in the top flight in 2020/21 as he played an influential role in the Hammers sealing a sixth-place finish in the league that year, one ahead of Spurs in seventh.

As such, it is clear to see that, when given the opportunity, Lingard still has the ability to be a fantastic weapon in a top-six manager’s attacking arsenal.

Therefore, we believe that Romano’s suggestion that Spurs are yet to make a move for the 29-year-old is sure to have left the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful gutted.

AND in other news – “I heard that..”: Sky Sports reporter drops Spurs transfer update, it would be a huge coup

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham Hotspur are not prioritising a move for Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans this summer.

The Lowdown: Tielemans a wanted man

The Belgian has been linked with a move away from the King Power Stadium for most of the summer, with his contract with the Foxes set to expire in just under 12 months’ time. Tottenham’s Premier League rivals Arsenal said to have been very keen on a deal, until it was revealed that they have since cooled their interest.

It was reported by Football.London that the Lilywhites were planning on hijacking the Gunners’ bid for the 25-year-old, but nothing ended up materialising. After a fresh update, it looks as though Conte’s focus now lies elsewhere.

The Latest: Romano drops Tielemans update

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano revealed that Tottenham will be pursuing their other targets rather than Tielemans in the coming weeks.

The Italian transfer guru said: “I see a lot of stories but at the moment I don’t have any confirmation on Tottenham [the club’s links with Tielemans] and I think they’re focused on signing a right-back and centre-back with [Clément] Lenglet after also signing Richarlison, so it’s not a priority for them.”

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-developments-2/” title=”Tottenham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Conte’s already done plenty

Conte has already secured the signing of Yves Bissouma, so it’s understandable that a move for Leicester’s £49.5m-rated Belgian – who was once dubbed a ‘sublime’ player by sports journalist Josh Bunting – would be highly unlikely.

Having captured a goalkeeper in Forster, a winger in Perisic, a forward in Richarlison and soon-to-be a centre-back in Lenglet, the Spurs manager has already done a great job in splashing the cash in various positions, and this is what he needs to continue doing in order to maximise his squad depth.

The 52-year-old clearly isn’t afraid to go after exactly who he wants as he assembles his new-look squad ahead of the start of the new season, but at this moment in time, it seems that one of those players isn’t Tielemans.

Sunderland managed to find their way back into the Championship at the end of last season following four years of competing in League One.

One figure at the Wearside club that played a big part in their recent campaign was Dan Neil.

With 39 league appearances to his name, prior to the play-offs, only four other Sunderland players racked up more minutes than the midfielder.

Having scored three goals and provided seven assists in the league, the 20-year-old also delivered 27 crosses, made 31 interceptions and won 31 tackles last season.

This highlights just how much of a well-rounded midfielder he is and how capable he is of being an attacking threat and a tough opponent when out of possession.

Now that the Black Cats have a Championship campaign ahead of them, they can use the summer transfer window to make sure their squad is strong enough to compete and avoid getting put back in League One.

In terms of incoming transfers, one figure that the Wearside club have been linked with that could give them a next version of Neil is Southampton midfielder Will Smallbone.

As a product of the South Coast club’s youth system, the 22-year-old has made a total of 116 appearances for the Saints across their senior and youth sides.

In those appearances, the Irishman has found the net 14 times and supplied 15 assists across all competitions.

As well as being a useful figure in terms of scoring and creating goals, Smallbone has also won 17 tackles and made 58 successful pressures, 17 blocks, four interceptions and seven clearances over his 16 Premier League appearances for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

This shows that he has some defensive talent in him as well and why he’d be a potential next version of Neil at the Stadium of Light.

To further highlight what sort of player he is, the Southampton boss had this to say about the £6k-per-week midfielder.

He said: “The whole package is strong, with a lot of potential in my view. He has a lot of things that really help a team, being good on the ball, covering a lot of distance, but also to work against the ball and win balls, this is very important.”

Moving forward, if the opportunity arises to secure a deal for the Saints youngster this summer, Sunderland should do all they can to get him.

AND in other news: Speakman eyeing SAFC swoop to sign “intelligent” £4.5m gem, imagine him & Roberts

Journalist Andy Sixsmith has said that Chelsea youngster Armando Broja would be ‘another superb signing’ for Newcastle United, and that a deal with Thomas Tuchel’s side ‘could move quickly’.

The Lowdown: Broja linked with Newcastle

According to The Northern Echo journalist Scott Wilson, the Magpies are confident of being able to beat West Ham to the signing of the 20-year-old.

The Chelsea manager will soon make an assessment of the former Southampton loanee as he weighs up whether to take the Albania international on the Blues’ upcoming tour of the United States.

According to a report by The Northern Echo, Broja is valued at between £20m and 25m by the Stamford Bridge outfit.

The Latest: Sixsmith’s claim

Sixsmith has been left impressed by the rumours linking Newcastle with a possible move for Broja, given the youngster’s fantastic potential.

Taking to Twitter, the freelance journalist claimed: “This would be another superb signing for #NUFC Broja is Premier League proven, an excellent finisher & provides a different option to Callum Wilson. Chelsea not far off making a decision on him so things could move quickly.”

The Verdict: Great prospective addition

When analysing the striker’s statistics against positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, Broja’s potential shines through to the forefront.

As per FBRef, the 20-year-old ranks in the 86th percentile for aerial duels won, the 82nd percentile for interceptions and the 81st percentile for dribbles completed.

With such a wide range of attributes, it is easy to see why Eddie Howe’s side are so keen on the Chelsea youngster, as he would add a hugely promising option to the Toon’s frontline.

Therefore, if Newcastle manage to secure Broja as their next signing, following the impressive £35m arrival of Sven Botman from Lille, these would be two fantastic additions to enhance the Magpies’ summer transfer activity.

According to an Italian source, Tottenham Hotspur have joined the race to sign Fenerbahce defender Kim Min-Jae this summer.

The Lowdown: Registering an interest

Antonio Conte has already made a rapid start to the transfer window, having secured the signings of Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet and soon-to-be Djed Spence, but the boss is showing no signs of stopping there.

The 25-year-old Kim was the bright spark in what was a disappointing season for the Turkish outfit last season, and the Lilywhites must have been impressed with what they saw, having been credited with an initial interest last month.

In a fresh update, it sounds as though the colossus would be keen on a move to the Premier League…

The Latest: Kim wants to join Spurs

In an article published by Italian outlet Corriere del Mezzogiorno (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed Napoli are ‘showing an interest’ in Kim after identifying him as their ‘main target’, but they are ‘joined’ in the race by Tottenham.

The source reports that the Serie A giants must ‘beat the competition’ from Spurs, Everton and Rennes if they want any chance at signing the man nicknamed the ‘monster’ for his imposing physical style.

It’s stated that the 40-cap international is ‘looking to leave’ Fenerbahce to seek a new challenge and ‘has been hoping’ for his chosen destination to be north London, though Antonio Conte has so far ‘made other choices’ in defence.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-latest-developments-2/” title=”Tottenham latest developments!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Verdict: Son influence?

Japhet Tanganga and Joe Rodon have both been linked with a move away from Tottenham, so it’s understandable that Conte will be wanting a further addition alongside Lenglet to provide himself with some squad depth at the back next season.

The 6 foot 2 Kim, once dubbed ‘the best’ player in Super Lig by former Turkey and Fenerbahce star Ridvan Dilmen, had an outstanding campaign last term, averaging 4.1 clearances, 2.3 interceptions and 1.5 tackles per league game, via WhoScored.

The fact that he is a compatriot of Son Heung-Min having played alongside each other in South Korea’s national team could well be the reason he wants to join, and this could be a huge contributing factor when it comes down to the ace deciding his next move.