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Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick is eyeing up a move for Leeds United hero Kalvin Phillips, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Phillips’ future unsure

The 25-year-old has become a modern-day Whites great, helping the club return to the Premier League and becoming a vital player for England, too.

Phillips’ performances have caught the attention of some of the country’s biggest clubs, however, and Leeds could find it tough to keep hold of him.

The Englishman’s current Whites deal expires in the summer of 2024, with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City linked with moves in recent times.

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The Latest: Man Utd keen on move

According to ESPN sources, Rangnick sees Phillips as one of three ideal midfield options to come in next summer, as United look to return to the top of English football.

Also mentioned in the report are Amadou Haidara and Jude Bellingham, who are both impressing at RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund, respectively.

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The Verdict: Surely not joining them?

Many Leeds fans may understand Phillips deciding to move on at the end of the season, considering his potential interest in testing himself at Champions League level and potential to win major trophies.

That being said, the thought of him copying Alan Smith and moving to United is a grim one for Whites supporters, given the rivalry that exists between the two clubs.

Moving to Old Trafford could tarnish Phillips’ reputation, which would be a huge shame after 226 appearances and so many influential displays, so seeing him move elsewhere would be preferable if he does decide to leave.

In other news, a key update has emerged regarding Leeds’ January spending. Read more here.

Crystal Palace still want to sign Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah this month, according to journalist Tom Barclay, who was talking to GiveMeSport.

The Lowdown: Ramsey links

Palace are yet to bolster their squad this month but could be set for a busy final few days of the January window going off recent reports. According to Italian news outlet TuttoJuve, the Eagles are getting ‘closer and closer’ to signing Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

Patrick Vieira is attempting to ‘convince’ the Welshman over a move to Selhurst Park, with the 31-year-old set to leave Turin before the end of the month. However, it’s not only Ramsey who Vieira wants at Selhurst Park before Monday’s deadline, with Nketiah also on the radar.

The Latest: Barclay’s claim

Barclay was talking to GiveMeSport regarding Palace and the 22-year-old Gunners forward. He revealed that the Eagles are still interested in the £45,000-a-week striker and would like to bring him to the club ‘now’.

Barclay stated: “They are interested. They tried to sign him in the summer and they would like to have him and they’d like to sign him now if possible.

“He’s obviously out of contract at the end of the season. I was told it was a difficult deal to do, Arteta’s gone on record saying he wants him to stay, he’d like him to sign a new contract apparently.”

The Verdict: Unlikely?

Reports prior to the New Year suggested that Palace would cut short Jean-Philippe Mateta’s loan spell to make way for a new striker As we know, that hasn’t happened, and with just days remaining in the transfer window, it seems as if a move for Nketiah won’t materialise.

That’s because Mikel Arteta has previously ruled out a January exit for the striker, so perhaps Palace should be looking at a summer swoop, when Nketiah could be a free agent.

A cut-price move could still be a shrewd one, though, as the forward is only 22 years of age and has 75 appearances for the Gunners under his belt, scoring once every 102 minutes in the current campaign.

In other news: ‘We’re big time’ – Many Palace fans erupt as ‘class’ transfer news emerges

Noel Whelan is worried after news emerged that Glasgow Rangers have been offered the chance to join a British Super League, with the Gers possibly hosting massive matches at Ibrox on a regular basis if it goes ahead.

Whelan worried by Rangers claim

The last week has been dominated by the failed European Super League. In the aftermath of that fiasco, it has been reported by The Sun that the Gers and Celtic will be offered the chance to join another huge shake-up in the form of a British Super League.

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan has expressed his concern at this update. He said:

“They have to be really careful here because Rangers and Celtic bring in a lot of money for the other clubs in Scotland.

“If they leave to join a British Super League, they are doing the same thing to Scottish football that the ‘big six’ tried to do to English football.

“You have to integrate every team, it would have to be all teams in Scotland and become a fully British league. That way everybody can benefit.

“If Rangers and Celtic bailout that does not make them any better than Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester United. They have got to be very careful.”

Not anytime soon

The idea of Rangers joining a league with the top clubs in England has been discussed for years. Given the dominance of the Old Firm in Scotland, some can argue the lack of competition is not good for either side, or indeed any team north of the border, and both clubs would be better off competing against teams more on their level.

As we have seen over the last few days, though, football is not just about money and greed. Rangers fans are proud of their heritage and, while there will be some who would be interested in such a proposal, many will most likely want to stay true to their roots. Whelan was also correct in suggesting the Old Firm’s departure would be bad news for Scottish football – many sides rely on the two Glasgow sides to help bring money into the game and even depend heavily on their fixtures with the big guns for gate money.

In other news, Rangers fans love this Morelos update.

West Ham United insider Claret & Hugh have shared a promising transfer update out of Rush Green involving Leeds United and Premier League star Raphinha.

The Lowdown: Hammers make move…

Hammers boss David Moyes, according to reports, was heavily interested in signing the Brazilian playmaker over winter.

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West Ham apparently made a move for Raphinha in January but to no avail with the South American coming as yet another marquee target GSB couldn’t bring in for the club.

Their bad luck in the last transfer window has even lead to doubts surrounding head of recruitment Rob Newman, according to Claret & Hugh again, with the Irons chief now facing a pivotal summer window.

As Newman aims to take his next set of opportunities to land key targets, C&H have shared an update on Raphinha and West Ham’s interest.

The Latest: Newman could launch ‘cut-price’ move…

According to their information, West Ham, and by extension their transfer chief Newman, are keeping a ‘close eye’ on Leeds’ situation in case they’re relegated.

The club insider goes on to say that the Whites’ drop down to the Championship could allow West Ham to ‘launch cut-price moves’ for Raphinha and another target in Kalvin Phillips.

C&H add that ‘deals will surely be there to be done’ if Jesse Marsch’s side go down.

The Verdict: Promising update…

Signing a player of Raphinha’s calibre for a bargain fee would be pretty special, especially given his serious links to La Liga giants and footballing heavyweights Barcelona.

The 25-year-old has been a revelation at Elland Road and one of their most pivotal figures, with ex-top flight goalkeeper and pundit Paddy Kenny claiming he has been ‘unbelievable’.

Raphinha’s sensational numbers back his obvious quality with the Whites superstar averaging more shots at goal, key passes and successful take-ons per 90 than anyone in Marsch’s squad this season (WhoScored).

If Leeds do indeed drop a division, we believe West Ham shouldn’t hesitate in making a bargain move for the attacker.

In other news: As of now: ExWHUemployee shares West Ham player update after agreement reached…find out more here.

Southampton’s Premier League form may have fallen off a cliff in recent months but the Saints are still going in the FA Cup and have a great chance of reaching the last four as they face Championship side Bournemouth in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

In order to give his side the best chance of success at the Vitality Stadium, Ralph Hasenhuttl should consider unleashing Mohammed Salisu at the weekend.

After a difficult first few months with Southampton, the centre-back finally made his debut for the club in the 2-0 win against Wolves in the last round and he has gone on to make a further five appearances for the Saints since then. However, he was left out of the line-up against Brighton last weekend.

The 21-year-old also showed his versatility in the recent 5-2 defeat against Manchester City, with Hasenhuttl selecting him at left-back and Ryan Bertrand moving to right-back as a result.

The former Chelsea man has been Saints’ first choice at left-back for the whole season despite a poor run of recent form, with his 6.42 average rating comfortably the worst of Southampton’s regulars in defence.

Therefore, it is perhaps time that he was dropped, with Salisu the natural replacement for the Englishman at left-back, especially after youngster Jake Vokins was sent on loan to Sunderland in January.

Earlier in the season, Jannik Vestergaard dubbed the former Real Valladolid man a “big talent” despite his lack of appearances, and his debut at Wolves certainly showed what he is capable of, as he earned an impressive 7.02 WhoScored rating for his performance, helping Hasenhuttl’s side to a rare clean sheet.

Bournemouth’s main threat on Saturday will arguably come down the wings, with both Junior Stanislas and Arnaut Danjuma having impressed for the Cherries this season. Hasenhuttl should arguably select his two most in-form full-backs to deal with them, and that should see Salisu start ahead of Bertrand on the left.

Playing the young centre-back out wide also allows Southampton to shift into a back three with Walker-Peters pushing forward on the right, so having a natural centre-back in that position could well prove to be a game-changer for Hasenhuttl, not just against Bournemouth but maybe for the rest of the season.

And, in other news… Forget Ings: Saints should hand new deal to £13.5m-rated beast who Ralph loves

Arsenal have edged one step closer to signing Ben White…

What’s the word?

According to The Athletic’s ever-reliable David Ornstein, the Gunners are on the verge of reaching an agreement with Brighton for the England centre-back following talks over a potential deal.

It’s thought that the Seagulls want a guaranteed £50m and that the north London outfit are offering an initial £45m with the rest coming in add-ons.

There are yet to be any offers from other bidders and, with negotiations continuing, it seems that Arsenal are now in pole position to clinch the 23-year-old this summer.

Major coup

This latest development will surely leave the Emirates Stadium faithful absolutely buzzing as it signals their intent heading into the 2021/22 campaign.

Mikel Arteta’s side agonisingly missed out on qualification to any of UEFA’s three competitions for the first time since 1996 so they need to spark a reaction, and that can be done by bolstering the Spaniard’s backline.

He has lost David Luiz, who leaves the club next week following the expiry of his contract, whilst Konstantinos Mavropanos has joined Stuttgart in a £5m deal, so there’s certainly a spot or two available now.

White has enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season in the Premier League, where he rated among Graham Potter’s best-performing central defensive options.

Only Lewis Dunk (89.4%) recorded a better passing accuracy than the former Leeds United loan star (83.2%), via WhoScored, whilst an average of 1.4 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and 1.4 aerial duels won per game shows that he’s more than just a ball-playing defender.

Lauded as a “warrior” and a “special talent”, White could slot right in at Arsenal next season, and he’s also a signing that many supporters have been crying out for.

In reaction to this news, much of the Gunners’ fanbase have been sent into a meltdown. As relayed by football.london, one supporter claimed the club was finally “showing ambition”, whilst another urged Edu and co to make a move for James Maddison next.

It may be a small sample size but the general feeling in north London right now is very good. It’s an exciting time to be an Arsenal fan.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Xhaka: Edu could land Arsenal their next Vieira in £49.5m-rated “huge talent”…

Charlton Athletic return to League One action this afternoon, looking to build on their quest for promotion with a win over fellow challengers, Doncaster Rovers.

Nigel Adkins’ side make the trip to Yorkshire for the early kickoff and he has plenty to ponder in terms of team selection following a 2-2 draw with AFC Wimbledon last time out.

The Addicks currently sit outside the playoff zone, two points adrift in tenth place, though a victory could rocket them as high as fifth going into the 3pm kickoffs.

So, here is our predicted XI, as well as the latest team and injury news from south-east London.

Adkins could make as many as three changes from the Dons draw, one of which will be enforced.

11-goal striker Conor Washington had to be taken off just five minutes into that match with a hamstring injury, and the recently-appointed Addicks boss revealed in his pre-game press conference that he would not make the trip to the Keepmoat.

“Conor is not going to be available for selection,” Adkins said to LondonNewsOnline. “We’ll miss the Easter programme but he is responding as well as he can. It will be a big miss.”

So, top goalscorer Chuks Aneke is in line for a recall alongside Jayden Stockley in the attack.

Another change could happen in defence, and at left-back, with Ben Purrington getting an opportunity to impress his new boss.

The 24-year-old hasn’t been involved since being withdrawn at half-time against Blackpool six games ago but as he’s under contract next term – unlike Chelsea loanee Ian Maatsen – Adkins will surely want to take a look at his credentials before the summer.

Washington’s replacement before the international break, Diallang Jaiyesimi made an almost instant impact – 15 minutes after coming off the bench, he scored, so he may have earned a place over Albie Morgan on the right flank.

The rest of the line-up should remain much the same, meaning it’s Ben Amos between the sticks behind skipper Jason Pearce, Akin Famewo and Chris Gunter, with Jake Forster-Caskey and Andrew Shinnie continuing in the engine room whilst Liam Millar keeps his place on the left.

AND in other news, Adkins could find his next Lambert in £810k-rated CAFC beast who “can hold up a house”…

Former Scotland and Premier League manager Alex McLeish has talked up the idea of Jack Harrison joining Leeds United on a permanent deal this summer, claiming a deal may even be done already behind the scenes.

The Lowdown: Key figure for Leeds

The 24-year-old is coming to the end of a three-year loan spell at Elland Road, with newly-crowned Premier League champions Manchester City still his official employers.

Harrison has shone at times for Leeds, scoring 18 goals in 127 appearances and playing his part in a glorious period under Marcelo Bielsa.

With the forward’s loan spell coming to an end, the Whites now need to make a decision over his future, with an option to sign him for £10million this summer expected to be taken, via Phil Hay.

The Latest: Harrison tipped to sign permanently

Speaking to Football Insider, McLeish believes it makes complete sense to do just that, with Harrison worth double that amount now:

“There’ll probably be a deadline on that clause.

“With the season that he’s had, Man City will be possibly thinking when does it expire? Because he’s now looking like a £20million player. In the current climate, £10million is something Leeds could easily do business-wise.

“Therefore, they’ll probably just be waiting for some kind of deadline and then doing it immediately before that. For all we know, talks are really amicable and it’s kind of almost a done deal.

“Three loan years and he’s grown every step of the way with Leeds’ progress. He’s like an integral part of the family now.”

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The Verdict: No-brainer for Leeds

Harrison has become such a key player that it is surely a no-brainer to retain his services, in a decision that would suit Leeds, City and the player himself.

He is the Whites’ joint-second top scorer in the league this season with eight goals, but he has also chipped in with the same number of assists, highlighting his important to a team who need proven end product to make their rip-roaring attacking style effective.

For Leeds to snap up Harrison for just £10million would be a steal, especially as his prime could still be a few years away.

In other news, a Leeds player has officially started talks over a move away from Elland Road. Find out who it is here.

Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce is heading for a major Matty Longstaff transfer mistake as fresh news emerges about his situation at the club.

What’s the story?

According to Football Insider, the 21-year-old will tell the Magpies that he wants to leave St James’ Park this summer, and a Newcastle source has told them that “Longstaff is frustrated at how he has been used by the club this season”.

The report adds that while the midfielder won’t put in an official transfer request, “he will ask United to move aside and let him go if an acceptable offer comes in this summer”.

Fans will be fuming

After putting pen to paper on a new deal last summer, things have just gone downhill for Longstaff, playing just five games in the Premier League all season and not featuring at all since mid-January.

It has raised a few eyebrows, to put it mildly, not least from his Newcastle teammates.

In fact, The Athletic’s Chris Waugh revealed: “Steve Bruce, the head coach, has simply opted to exclude the academy graduate, much to the bemusement of team-mates and the player himself.

“There have been some suggestions that his naivety at Premier League level is part of the reason, yet that does not tally with the decision to field Longstaff against three of the very best sides in the division over the Christmas period.

“This season really needed to be one during which Longstaff was given opportunities. The club, Bruce and the player all recognised that. So, if those chances were not going to arrive on Tyneside, then surely a loan deal would have been in the player’s best interests.”

While things haven’t quite kicked on from that goal against Manchester United, there’s no questioning that fans would be furious at seeing one of the club’s brightest young talents in recent years heading out the door because of a lack of first-team opportunities.

It would be a damning statement on Bruce and his management of the club’s academy talents, and would drive another wedge between himself and the fans.

The Magpies were given a glimpse of this exact potential nightmare last year when Serie A side Udinese came in for him, and they managed to convince him that he could have a real future on Tyneside.

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Instead, they’ve wasted an entire year of his career by failing to keep up their end of the bargain, and Bruce will need to take his fair share of the blame.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are eyeing a move for this powerhouse…

Wayne Rooney’s Derby County side could be handed yet more transfer sanctions by the EFL.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Alan Nixon’s report for The Sun, in which the journalist revealed that Derby could be handed a two-year transfer ban by the EFL – if the Rams do not settle their outstanding transfer debts.

Nixon continued by stating that these reported unpaid transfer fees are now late for a second time, with the governing body giving Mel Morris until the end of September in a final chance for the owner to settle the debts, or else the Championship club could be restricted from signing players until the summer of 2023.

Fans will be fuming

With Rooney already having to operate under strict EFL transfer guidelines this summer, with the 35-year-old having brought in five free agents on restricted wages, the news that the former England captain may now not be able to bring in any further new signings over the next two years is sure to have left fans of the club fuming.

Indeed, while the Rams boss has done an impressive job so far this season considering the testing off-field circumstances – with Derby picking up six points over their opening five fixtures of the Championship campaign, suffering defeat just once – should the club indeed be forbidden from bringing any fresh faces in over the next two seasons, the chances of Rooney’s side remaining in the second tier of English football by the end of the potential transfer ban would appear to be slim to none.

As such, the 35-year-old manager and fans of the club alike will undoubtedly be hoping that Morris can resolve the situation prior to the EFL’s deadline, or else the owner could well be consigning the club to relegation to the third tier come the end of the season.

In other news: £180k-rated Derby County flop who lost possession 22x let Rooney down badly vs Blades