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Leeds United’s forgotten man, Laurens De Bock, appears to have already played his last game at Elland Road as a key update emerges on his future.

What’s the story?

Writing initially on Twitter, Leeds Live’s Beren Cross said: “Laurens De Bock’s time at Leeds United is virtually over with another loan spell taking him to the end of his contract. Played plenty last term. #lufc”

And then, in a piece for Leeds Live, he wrote: “The left-back has 12 months remaining on the contract he signed in January 2018, but has always looked surplus to requirements under Marcelo Bielsa.

“This new loan deal will take De Bock to the end of his Elland Road deal and while it does not secure a transfer fee, it eases the wages United would have paid had he stayed put.”

Radrizzani will be relieved

Earning a reported £15k-a-week, De Bock isn’t one of Leeds’ highest-earners, but the fact he’ll be coming off the books once again this season, and then for good next summer, is sure to have Andrea Radrizzani relieved.

The Leeds owner won’t want anyone simply picking up a pay-cheque for sitting on the sidelines or not being a part of Marcelo Bielsa’s plans, and De Bock firmly falls in that category.

The 28-year-old has played just seven times in total for Leeds since joining the club from Club Brugge on a long-term contract back in January 2018.

Since then, he has been shipped out on loan, with his latest stint coming back in his native Belgium, where he played 31 times in the Jupiler Pro League for Zulte Waregem.

While Leeds may be a Premier League club now, and will get all the financial benefits and rewards because of it, Radrizzani will still want to continue to run a tight ship.

And sending De Bock out on loan and getting rid of his wages for the year, and then allowing him to walk away once his contract expires next summer, will keep the books in order.

It’s exactly why the Leeds owner will be relieved at the latest news on De Bock.

Meanwhile, Graham Smyth has dropped an exciting Leeds United transfer update…

RB Salzburg striker Patson Daka has turned down the advances of West Ham United, according to Football Insider.

The lowdown

Daka was prolific for the Austrian champions last season, scoring 27 goals in 28 league appearances. On average, he netted every 72 minutes.

The Zambian international is valued at £19.8million by Transfermarkt and has three years remaining on his contract.

The report states that West Ham are among the clubs to have registered their interest in signing the 22-year-old.

The latest

Daka’s camp has communicated the player’s intention to move to a higher-level club.

As well as West Ham, who have qualified for next season’s Europa League, he has rejected Ligue 1 outfit Monaco.

The Irons are in the market for a striker who can offer ‘cover and competition’ for Michail Antonio.

‘Many other’ Premier League teams are hopeful of landing Daka, with a recruitment source revealing the Hammers’ failed interest.

The verdict

This is a blow for West Ham, who would have hoped that European qualification would have boosted their pulling power.

However, Daka may not quite as good as his league record suggests. He failed to score in the Champions League group stages or the Europa League Round of 32 this season, for instance, so perhaps is benefitting from player in a much inferior domestic league.

While suitors will be hoping that he can emulate Erling Haaland in thriving after leaving Austria, he could just as easily struggle like former team-mates Takumi Minamino and Hee-chan Hwang, who failed to score a league goal for RB Leipzig in 2020/21.

In other news, West Ham fans reacted to this development in their pursuit of a centre-back. 

West Ham’s chances of signing Jesse Lingard on a permanent basis appear to be decreasing by the week…

What’s the word?

The ever-reliable ExWHUemployee revealed a gutting update over the situation during the latest episode of ‘The West Ham Way’ podcast, where he said:

“I think I would maybe say, [a] 30% [chance] he will come to West Ham. It is my opinion and I’m not ruling anything out.

“I would have said a lot higher a couple of weeks ago, 85/90%.

“It’s just based upon a conversation I had the other day with someone that would know him well and it indicated to me that he was more keen to get back to Manchester United and establish himself there than to move and be good at West Ham. But I guess time will tell.”

Chances decreasing

This is just another setback in the Irons’ bid to bring the 28-year-old back to the London Stadium this summer following a very successful half-season loan spell.

Indeed, the Manchester United outcast emerged as a star man under David Moyes, scoring nine goals and providing five assists. His form saw him graded as West Ham’s second-best player (7.22), as per WhoScored ratings, whilst no player averaged more shots per game (2.6) and he wasn’t far behind for dribbles (1.1) and key passes (1.1) per match either.

The Scotsman reiterated his desire to keep hold of Lingard following their final-day win over Southampton, three points which sealed their place in the Europa League next term.

“I hope Jesse’s here, we’d like to keep him, he’s done an exceptional job for us but there’s no guarantees, he’s not our player,” Moyes told reporters, via the Evening Standard. “But I hope Jesse realises we’ve been good for him as well, and that he joined a club on the up.”

Lingard has struggled for regular game time in recent seasons, something that the Hammers have been able to give him, almost leading to a spot in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad, so it seems baffling to stay at Old Trafford to sit behind the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Donny van de Beek.

This latest claim will also be devastating for much of the East London faithful, many of whom appear to have been just as eager to see the £20m-rated dynamo back at the club.

Lingard’s reported desire to stay at United will certainly not go down well at West Ham.

AND in other news, Moyes risks West Ham disaster over shocking Lingard alternative who was a “liability” in 2020/21…

Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce could sign a new Allan Saint-Maximin in Independiente starlet Alan Velasco.

What’s the story?

According to Football Insider, the Mapgies are credited with interest in the 18-year-old, but it’s fellow Premier League side Brighton who are looking to steal a march in the race to sign him this summer.

The report claims that Graham Potter’s side are preparing a new offer for the versatile winger after having their £6m bid rejected.

Newcastle’s new Saint-Maximin

After watching Saint-Maximin turn into a real fans’ favourite at St James’ Park thanks to his incredible skills and flashiness, the Magpies could find a younger version of the Frenchman in Velasco.

As per The Monaco Tribune, in the 2019/20 season, “his 5.90 dribbles per game, 3.71 fouls suffered pg, 3.2 touches inside the box pg, 2.7 progressive runs pg, 1.77 accurate crosses pg and 1.52 shot assists pg highlight his class”.

Those stats are very much reminiscent of Saint-Maximin, especially the dribbles and fouls drawn per game – the Frenchman has made a mockery of many a Premier League defender, and gets scythed down for his troubles when they get beaten or let their frustrations get the better of them (as per WhoScored, he averaged 3.8 dribbles and was fouled 1.8 times per match in the Premier League last season).

Former manager Fernando Beron’s praise of Velasco shows just how alike the two are on the pitch. He said: “He is bold. In one on one he dribbles without problems and that marks his personality. If he grows, I have no doubt that the club has a diamond in the rough. He is a humble, educated kid. I see him with his head screwed on. He doesn’t show arrogance at all and always wants to learn.”

Argentinian journalist, Seba Ongarelli, who follows Independiente, said: “He is highly-rated in Argentina. He is nicknamed ‘La Joya’, which is the jewel because of his potential. Independiente is one of the biggest clubs in Argentina and he is wearing the number 10 shirt. He is so fast and skilled with the ball. He has already proved that he is a good player.”

Velasco himself has said: “In recent times, I have been learning to pass the ball more and to assist. Now, I want to work to improve my dead-ball execution. I can play in all three attacking positions: left, right or off a central striker. I am a fast player, and I always look to win my battles.”

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/newcastle-united-steve-bruce-premier-league-magpies-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-st-james-park-mike-ashley-takeover-pif” title=”Read the latest Newcastle transfer rumours and news!”]

The £10.8m-rated gem seems like he has the world at his feet, just like Saint-Maximin appears to have the inner confidence to take people on at will and always looking to make things happen.

At just 18, he has all the time in the world to develop into a real superstar at St James’ Park if he comes to Tyneside.

Meanwhile, Steve Bruce could land Joe Willock’s dream midfield partner in this Premier League starlet…

A major update has emerged on Boavista forward Alberth Elis, regarding Southampton’s interest in his signature this summer.

What’s the talk?

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, West Ham and Southampton have both entered the race to land Boavista winger Alberth Elis this summer. The report claims that West Ham and Southampton are both in talks with the Liga Nos outfit over a potential deal for the forward.

Boavista are said to be open to a sale for Elis and as such, a departure for the 25-year-old this summer is looking increasingly likely. The Portuguese side value Elis at around €10m and it remains to be seen how much Southampton are willing to pay for his services.

When Elis was linked with a move to Celtic in 2020, Honduras defender Emilio Izaguirre hailed his “strong” compatriot. Izaguirre lauded his ability on the ball and admitted that he is very good friends with the winger. He told the Glasgow Times:

“Alberth is a very good friend of mine and I spoke with him about Celtic.

“He’s a very good, fast player. He’s very fast and strong and he’s good in the air. He’s played a lot of football and is good on the ball.”

Ralph needs him

Southampton CEO Martin Semmens needs to get this deal over the line to bolster Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad ahead of next season.

The Saints struggled to find consistent performers in the wide attacking midfield roles in the 2020/21 campaign and Elis could help bolster Hasenhuttl’s options in that area of the pitch. He is a natural wide man and could provide the Austrian boss with another goal threat to supplement the likes of Che Adams and Danny Ings.

Stuart Armstrong’s tally of four was the highest number of assists any wide man managed for Southampton, with his fifth assist coming as a central midfielder. In terms of goals, Armstrong was top again with three strikes whilst playing out on the right.

Nathan Redmond, Takumi Minamino, Theo Walcott and Moussa Djenepo all failed to produce consistently when deployed in the attacking midfield positions in Hasenhuttl’s squad.

Elis provided Boavista with 14 goals and assists in Liga Nos. He found the back of the net eight times and set up his teammates for six goals, which is more than any Southampton wide man managed in either of those categories in the season just gone.

Therefore, Hasenhuttl needs Elis to improve his squad next season, as he could provide the goals and assists from midfield that Southampton have been desperately lacking, so Semmens needs to complete a deal for him as soon as possible.

AND in other news, Semmens must act swiftly with “outstanding” £65k-p/w beast, Saints fans would love it…

Manchester United duo Anthony Martial and Dan James are set to return to the first team squad for this evening’s fixture against Fulham, providing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with a huge boost ahead of the Europa League final.

What’s the latest?

Martial has been sidelined with a hip injury and a ruptured knee ligament since early March, missing United’s last 13 games in all competitions, while James has been absent since the second leg against Roma with an injury issue.

After the 25-year-old France international incurred his injury setback on international duty, Solskjaer revealed his fears that Martial may be out for the remainder of the season, but it seems as though the forward has recovered ahead of schedule.

In a recent press conference (via Manchester Evening News), the Red Devils boss provided a fresh update on the attacking duo ahead of tonight’s clash with the already-relegated Cottagers, disclosing how they are expected to play some part at Old Trafford.

“I’m hoping to get Anthony (Martial) and Dan (James) back involved in this game which is a very good boost for us. Maybe they can even start against Wolves, and then maybe if they’re sensational? It’s hard to leave players out if they really perform at their highest level,” said Solskjaer.

A significant boost

While Martial has not enjoyed his most fruitful campaign in a United shirt, the former Monaco man has still managed to record some respectable numbers throughout 2020/21

The Frenchman has bagged seven goals and provided nine assists in 36 appearances for the 20-time English champions and could play a significant role as they attempt to end the club’s longest trophy drought in more than 30 years.

Although James has struggled at times since making the step up from Swansea two seasons ago, the Wales international has enjoyed some of his best displays for the Red Devils in the Europa League, as his 6.99 WhoScored rating illustrates. His performance in the 4-0 win over Real Sociedad in February, when he scored one goal and set up another, showcased what he is capable of producing when at his best.

Therefore, the duo’s return to action tonight should provide a significant boost to Solskjaer’s attacking options ahead of the showpiece event against Villarreal, and the Norwegian must be buzzing to see Martial and James form part of his matchday squad once again.

In other news…Major Manchester United transfer update emerges; fans will surely be buzzing – opinion

Celtic could find life rather difficult in the transfer window this summer.

As well as facing the prospect of losing some of their star players, the Hoops may not have a great deal to spend on bringing in new faces to Parkhead.

On the chalkboard

One area where Celtic should look at strengthening this summer is on the wings.

Mohamed Elyounoussi will be heading back to Southampton after his 17-goal loan spell in Paradise while Ryan Christie hardly set the world alight in a wide area this season. He scored 13 fewer goals than he managed throughout 2019/20, enduring a wretched campaign in the green and white hoops.

With James Forrest missing through injury for the vast majority of the campaign, Celtic lacked genuine width. They played in a narrow fashion and it wasn’t until Karamoko Dembele was unleashed towards the end of the season that John Kennedy was shown what the Bhoys were missing.

The teenager dragged the St Johnstone defence towards him on the flank and was then able to punish them by latching onto David Turnbull’s through ball for his first senior goal.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-celtic-manager-and-transfer-news-ajer-howe-lampard-wilshere-gauld” title=”Read the latest Celtic manager and transfer news!”]

Unfortunately, with the likes of Christie and Elyounoussi often coming inside, it hasn’t given Celtic many opportunities to get in behind defences.

The solution

As well as looking towards Dembele for more of an impact next term, the Hoops should consider signing Hibernian winger Martin Boyle.

The 28-year-old has been linked with a bargain switch to Celtic this season, with a fee of £500,000 being touted. Not only would that fall into Celtic’s meagre summer budget, but he’d be an ideal player for what they need.

Boyle was in inspired form for Hibs during the 2020/21 campaign, enjoying a devastating attacking season playing in a mixture of positions.

The Australia international scored 15 goals in 48 outings, taking his tally at Easter Road to 49 altogether for the Edinburgh club. The 28-year-old was also highly creative, providing 12 assists for his teammates.

Capable of playing on either flank, Boyle is someone who’s made an impression on former Celtic boss Neil Lennon. The forward was a key player at Hibs during Lennon’s time in charge at Easter Road as he featured 109 times under the Northern Irishman, scoring 19 goals and claiming 26 assists.

It was a spell which earned praise from Lennon. Speaking after Boyle’s first few caps for Australia, the former Hibs and Celtic manager said: “It’s fantastic and we’re all really pleased for him. He’s made a huge impression. I got a text from Graham Arnold this morning thanking me and saying they were pleased with his performances.”

That came two years after Lennon commented: “He was bright, strong and energetic and his movement was good. His touch was good and his work rate was fantastic and it gave the whole team a lift.”

With that in mind, Boyle could surely fit into this Celtic team. They are in desperate need of finding an energetic winger, someone who’s willing to track back and work for the team, and the Australian may be the perfect candidate.

AND in other news, Howe would have been an instant hit if Celtic signed 45-goal bully who’s “impossible to beat”…

Former Aston Villa midfielder and Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie has told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that he would not swap Jack Grealish for Paul Pogba.

Speaking on the day of Manchester United’s postponed Premier League clash against Liverpool, Roy Keane claimed that he would swap Pogba for Grealish “tomorrow” if he had the opportunity to.

From a Villa perspective, though, Hendrie has made it clear that the above is not an idea that he would ever entertain.

Grealish had been in stunning form before his injury, picking up six goals and 10 assists in 22 Premier League appearances.

Responding to Keane’s comments on Grealish and £290,000-a-week man Pogba, Hendrie told FFC:

“Even if he was on £50,000-a-week, I wouldn’t choose to have Paul Pogba at Villa.

“He can be unplayable; there’s no doubt about that. [But] I think I’d rather have Grealish over Pogba at Villa, all day long. The two in comparison… Jack, certainly for me.”

If Grealish does decide he wants to try something new, then Manchester United’s rivals Manchester City look like a more likely destination right now.

Multiple reports, including from Football Insider, claim that this year’s Champions League finalists could look to make a serious push for the England international once the transfer window opens in the summer.

Fernandinho is reportedly close to signing a new contract with Manchester City, which would be a huge boost for Pep Guardiola given his recent performances.

According to The Telegraph, the veteran midfielder is set to extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium by signing a new deal despite interest from South American and European clubs. The Brazilian was reportedly torn over his next move, with his current deal at City set to expire at the end of the season, but he is now expected to sign a new contract with the Citizens.

Since signing from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013, Fernandinho has gone on to make 347 appearances for Manchester City, contributing 24 goals and 28 assists.

He has been a regular under Guardiola since the Spaniard’s arrival in 2016 and has recently enjoyed an excellent run in the side, which has seen him produce superb displays against Paris Saint-Germain and Everton in particular.

Although City already seem to have his natural successor lined up in Rodri, the Spain international was left out against PSG for the Champions League semi-final second leg. It would not be a surprise to see Fernandinho start ahead of him in the final later this month, which emphasises just how important he is in Guardiola’s side despite being 36 years old.

The experienced midfielder shows no signs of slowing down and it definitely seems a worthwhile decision to extend his stay at the Etihad, even if he doesn’t feature as much next season, as he could still be a huge influence in the dressing room and on the pitch.

Earlier in the season, Guardiola was full of praise for Fernandinho’s influence as captain, saying: “He is an authentic leader and always he is there. I am so satisfied he was chosen as captain and he represents this club magnificently.

“All the good things that happen to him he deserves, all the uncomfortable jobs for the team, he did it.

“Rodri will be the next holding midfielder here and Fernandinho is an incredible example.

“He knows his role perfectly. He knows he can’t play three games a week – Rodri can do it, like Fernandinho before. But always he is ready.”

Therefore, the manager will surely be delighted if Fernandinho commits to a new deal with the club, as he is still a real leader in this City side and has the ability to play a huge part for them next season.

In other news… Guardiola suffers huge blow to prolific Man City target who could’ve replaced Aguero

Many Glasgow Rangers fans do not fully agree with comments from Steven Gerrard on the ban given out to right-back Nathan Patterson.

On Sunday, the Gers progressed to the fourth round of the Scottish Cup after beating Cove Rangers 4-0, and they will now face Celtic in the next round. Patterson started the match and got himself on the scoresheet for the second time in his senior career (Transfermarkt).

Not long ago, it seemed that his time at Rangers could be in real danger after he broke lockdown regulations along with four of his teammates to attend a small house gathering. He has now been handed a six-game ban – something which has not gone down too well with Gerrard (Daily Record).

The manager has suggested that the ban is harsh, citing the 19-year-old’s ability on the pitch as one of the reasons why the SFA should have been more lenient as he said: “”You’re talking about one of the brightest prospects ever, in terms of right-back. This kid’s going to play for Scotland and all of a sudden the SFA want to ban him for that long, I don’t get it but we’ll see what happens moving forward.”

While many Gers supporters fell short of slamming Gerrard, it appears that some didn’t seem to fully agree. These fans took to social media platform Twitter to share their thoughts on the matter.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the comments from Gerrard below

“I completely understand what Gerrard is saying but Patterson should have thought that going partying might damage his career it’s his own fault and if he damages his career I have no sympathy”

Credit: @55Alistair

“Agree to an extent but ability shouldn’t come in to it.”

Credit: @RangersBanter17

“I really, really don’t understand what the club are doing here”

Credit: @phiw09

“I get his point but end of day he broke rules. I’m a Rangers fan, this is about Tav injury must be, they got less than Jones and Edmundson bans”

Credit: @madrugadadave16

“Hardly damaging his career. He’s young and made a mistake. He should use the punishment as a motivation not to overstep the line again. Plus if Tav was fit this wouldn’t be getting mentioned.”

Credit: @GeorgeP27576261

“I’m a lifelong Rangers fan and I don’t care how good he is or what form he is in at the moment, he did wrong as I always got told growing up ‘if you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime’ it was stupid and reckless but just take the bans and move on!”

Credit: @jax1872

In other news, Rangers have been urged to sign this striker.