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It looks as if Leeds United are set to endure something of a player exodus over the coming weeks, with the Yorkshire set to see a number of first-team assets move on elsewhere ahead of a return to life in the Championship.

Speculation is rife that Wilfried Gnonto could be on his way – amid notable interest from Aston Villa – while Robin Koch is in line for a loan move to Bundesliga side, Eintracht Frankfurt.

The 6 foot 4 centre-back may not be the only Leeds figure to seal a temporary switch to Germany this summer, however, with The Athletic reporting that Brenden Aaronson is set to join Union Berlin for the 2023/24 campaign.

That relatively swift, impending departure follows what was a rather disappointing debut season at Elland Road for the promising playmaker, with the 22-year-old scoring just once and providing only three assists in 36 Premier League games, having joined on a £27.4m deal from Red Bull Salzburg last summer.

As writer Zach Lowy stated, both Aaronson and ex-Salzburg teammate Rasmus Kristensen "failed to make the step up from the Austrian Bundesliga to the Premier League", with his average match rating of 6.51, as per Sofascore, having reportedly been the lowest in the entire division.

With a quick exit now on the cards, new boss Daniel Farke could look to acquire a much-needed upgrade on the American with the signing of Bayern Munich starlet, Malik Tillman, with Leeds Live suggesting that the 46-year-old could use his friendship with Thomas Tuchel in order to seal a move for the exciting 21-year-old.

As per the piece, it would be no surprise if Farke was to be 'keeping close tabs' on the German-born, United States international, with the young midfielder having blossomed on loan at Rangers last season, ensuring he could represent a dream replacement for Aaronson in that number ten berth.

How much will Malik Tillman cost?

The four-cap dynamo has been valued at around £10m by the Bundesliga giants following his breakout season in Glasgow, having proven himself to be a "phenomenal" talent, according to ex-Gers teammate, John Lundstram.

Unlike Aaronson's attacking woes, Tillman enjoyed a far more fruitful campaign in front of goal after contributing 12 goals and five assists in 43 games in all competitions, including registering 14 goals and assists in just 28 Scottish Premiership games.

Lauded as a "great player" with an "infectious" attitude by pundit Alex McLeish, the 6 foot 2 maestro certainly made his presence felt at Ibrox, having been named the SPFA Young Player of the Year last term.

The fleet-footed gem emerged as a real creative force in Michael Beale's side despite only contributing four assists in the league, having impressively created 12 big chances – seven more than Aaronson racked up in the Premier League.

A further benefit of Tillman's acquisition would also be his impressive work off the ball as the Nuremberg native also averaged two tackles per game in 2022/23, with the current Leeds man, by contrast, averaging just 1.3 per game in that regard.

Such a stark difference in fortunes between the two international colleagues would suggest that Farke can happily allow Aaronson to depart this summer, in the knowledge that he could potentially be able to snap up a suitable and exciting upgrade in that playmaking berth.

Manchester United are now targeting Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow, who could be brought in alongside Andre Onana, according to reports from the Netherlands.

Which goalkeeper are Man United signing?

Man United goalkeeper David de Gea officially became a free agent on Friday following the expiration of his contract, and it is now looking increasingly likely that the Spaniard will not return to Old Trafford for the upcoming campaign.

As such, Erik ten Hag is tasked with bringing in a suitable replacement, and Onana is at the top of the list, as the manager retains a good relationship with the Inter shot-stopper from their time working together at Ajax.

The Cameroonian is viewed as a huge upgrade on De Gea due to his distribution and reading of the game, however, he will not come cheap, as it is believed it will take offers in excess of £50m for Inter to consider a sale this summer.

Not only is Onana emerging as a key target, but Dutch outlet 1908 reports the Red Devils hold a concrete interest in signing Bijllow, who could arrive at Old Trafford in addition to the Inter 'keeper (via Sport Witness).

The report explains that United are looking to replace De Gea, though Feyenoord are apparently not interested in allowing the £6k-per-week goalkeeper to leave and are pushing for him to sign a new contract.

Voetbal International reports the player himself would love to make the switch to Old Trafford, but at the moment, it appears as though Feyenoord will stand in his way.

Who is Justin Bijlow?

The Rotterdam-born goalkeeper has played for Feyenoord throughout his entire career, and he has impressed enough to be called up for The Netherlands on several occasions, amassing a total of eight caps for his national side.

Hailed as "brilliant" by members of the media, the 25-year-old has recorded a very impressive average clean sheet percentage over the past year, placing in the 92nd percentile compared to his positional peers playing at a similar level.

Given his international experience and impressive performances at club level, it is unclear whether the Dutchman would be happy playing second fiddle to Onana, who would surely be first-choice if he costs over £50m.

If he is willing to accept a more limited role, Bijlow could be a fantastic addition to Ten Hag's squad, who could even be capable of pushing for a starting spot.

Yannick Carrasco has spoken out against his Belgium teammate Thibaut Courtois following the goalkeeper's fallout with national team coach Domenico Tedesco.

What has happened between Thibaut Courtois and the Belgium manager?

Earlier this week, Tedesco announced that the Real Madrid keeper had left the national team set-up, after confronting him and revealing he felt he'd been disrespected when Romelu Lukaku was appointed captain in Kevin De Bruyne's absence.

Speaking to BBC Sport, he said:

"Together we decided that Romelu would be captain against Austria and Thibaut tomorrow against Estonia.

"That was OK for everyone but after the match [Courtois] suddenly wanted to talk to me and said he was going home because he was disappointed and felt offended."

Courtois took to Instagram to hit back at the claims, revealing he'd left due to an injury and no other reason and was "surprised" to hear the comments from his manager, noting: "I am deeply disappointed with this, but I want to make it clear that the coach's assessments do not fit with reality."

While it's currently unclear what actually went down between the two, and the real reasons for the former Chelsea goalkeeper's departure from the national team this week, Carrasco has spoken out publicly about the situation, and it's pretty clear where his opinion lies right now.

What did Yannick Carrasco say about Thibaut Courtois?

The Atletico Madrid man spoke after Belgium's 3-0 win against Estonia, and revealed how he felt about the entire situation and his disappointment in Courtois.

Speaking to Manuel Jous, the 29-year-old said:

"We more or less understood what happened. We had a meeting with the coach who was clear with us. We, the old ones, have not yet had the opportunity to speak with Thibaut. But we were disappointed with his reaction."

Carrasco revealed he thought that as a leader, Courtois had a responsibility to set an example for the younger members of the squad and didn't feel as though he'd done that with his reaction, adding:

"In the end, he is a manager of the team, he is one of the three captains. An armband is just a detail. You have to show that you are a leader and a captain with your personality. He chose to leave. He was embarrassed or not, we don't know. But one of the reasons for his departure was also the armband."

The comments revealed the winger doesn't believe Courtois left the Belgium team due to an injury, and in fact, went home as a result of Lukaku being handed the captain's armband.

After over 100 international caps, it remains to be seen what long-term implications this will have on the goalkeeper's future with the national team and whether his relationship with Tedesco is fractured beyond repair.

Leicester City star James Maddison is “likelier” to join Tottenham Hotspur than Premier League rivals this summer, according to journalist Miguel Delaney of The Independent.

Who will Tottenham sign?

Ange Postecoglou’s arrival from treble-winning Celtic marks the dawn of a new era and attacking football’s return to N17, coming after the more pragmatic eras of Jose Mourinho, Nuno Espirito Santo and Antonio Conte before him.

The domestic transfer window is officially open for business and it is now the task of chairman Daniel Levy to scour the market for much-needed Spurs upgrades.

A major rebuild is on the cards at Tottenham, with Hugo Lloris, Ivan Perisic, Davinson Sanchez, Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier, Ben Davies, Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon and Harry Winks facing uncertain futures (The Telegraph).

There have been suggestions that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg could be facing the axe as well, meanwhile major doubts surround 2022 summer signing Richarlison.

Of the players who could come in, Postecoglou apparently wants a new centre-back, a goalkeeper to replace Hugo Lloris, forward additions and Leicester star Maddison.

Going back to the latter player, reliable reporter Delaney of The Independent has shared an update, with Spurs battling Newcastle for the 26-year-old’s signing.

However, despite Eddie Howe enjoying the luxury of Champions League qualification for next season, Maddison is actually “likelier to go to Spurs”.

It is stressed in his report, though, that neither side are that close to agreeing a fee for the midfielder – with Enzo Maresca’s side demanding almost double £45 million.

How many goals has James Maddison scored for Leicester?

Maddison, during his time at the King Power, has racked up an impressive 55 goals and 41 assists in all competitions.

Last season, the former Norwich City star totalled 10 goals and nine assists in the league alone – standing out as Leicester’s best-performing player by average match rating (WhoScored).

Journalist Rob Blanchette also hailed Maddison for his “sensational” form last year he got the England nod over Man United winger Jadon Sancho.

“James Maddison is an easy pick ahead of Sancho,” said Blanchette on Twitter.

“His form for Leicester has been sensational, while Jadon has declined.”

There has been an update regarding Manchester United's reported interest in Napoli defender, Kim Min-jae…

What's the latest on Kim Min-jae to Man United?

According to journalist Santi Aouna, the 26-year-old is believed to be a standout target for Erik ten Hag this summer, albeit with the Red Devils seemingly making little headway in their bid to sign the South Korean centre-back.

Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider stated: "Kim Min-jae remains Manchester United's top priority. However, negotiations with the player have made little progress in recent weeks.

"Newcastle pass the second these last weeks. PSG & Chelsea have also an eye on him."

As per 90min, the former Fenerbahce ace is believed to have a release clause in his existing deal worth in the region of €45m (£38m), albeit with that option only set to be active in the first two weeks of the window.

What is Kim Min-Jae's style of play?

While hailed as arguably the "best centre-back in the world right now" by Napoli's departing boss, Luciano Spalletti, it is perhaps uncertain as to whether Kim would be able to replicate his recent heroics in the Premier League, particularly amid his apparent statistical and stylistic similarity to current Chelsea flop, Kalidou Koulibaly, according to FBref.

The latter man was snapped up from the Serie A outfit by Blues owner Todd Boehly on a £33m deal last summer after previously starring in Naples, having been described as "remarkable" and an "extraordinary leader" by the aforementioned Spalletti.

Since the move to Stamford Bridge, however, the Senegalese colossus simply "hasn’t been the formidable defender that he was when he was at Napoli", according to pundit ESPN pundit Stewart Robson, having also been described as looking "nervy" by ex-Arsenal man, Ian Wright.

While somewhat impacted by injury, the 31-year-old has seemingly proven something of a disaster as far as Boehly is concerned, with recent reports suggesting that the American could already be looking to cash in on the struggling asset.

To think then that United could be landing Koulibaly 2.0 with the signing of Kim is then likely to be of concern to Ten Hag, with the Dutchman no doubt wanting to avoid a repeat of Chelsea's dismal error.

The likeness between the two defenders is shown by the fact that both attempt to play out from the back, with Kim averaging 80.35 attempted passes per 90 across the last 365 days, as well as 4.81 progressive passes per 90, while the Blues dud has a similar record after averaging 69.59 and 4.07 for the same two metrics, respectively.

In a defensive sense, the pair are also alike as the latter man racked up 45 tackles and 30 blocks in the league in the 2022/23 campaign, while the one-time Beijing Guoan man recorded only just ahead with 55 tackles and 36 blocks.

As such, the likeness between the duo may have alarm bells ringing back at Old Trafford, with United needing to be careful that they don't follow in Boehly's footsteps.

Nottingham Forest are ready to turn their attention to the transfer window, as Steve Cooper prepares for a busy summer in charge.

The reds will aim to make improvements over the break to ensure they can cement their stay in the Premier League for another season, after confirming their safety in the penultimate fixture.

Latest news links a Serie A ace with a potential move to the City Ground this summer.

What’s the latest on Carlos Augusto to Nottingham Forest?

As reported by Fabrizio Romano earlier this week, Monza left-back Carlos Alonso has emerged as a potential target for Forest.

"Nottingham Forest also appreciate the Brazilian LB but Inter are now ahead," the Italian transfer guru revealed in an update on Twitter.

With one year remaining on his contract, Monza risk losing the 24-year-old next summer for free, sparking news that they could cash in on his talents this window to gain profit, with Inter leading the race.

What could Carlos Augusto offer to Nottingham Forest?

Once hailed as “impressive” by journalist Josh Bunting, the Brazilian has impressed in Serie A this campaign for his contributions to Monza’s attack.

The left-back found the net six times this season, as well as assisting five goals for his teammates in a joyous term for the Italian club following their promotion from Serie B last summer.

Despite having contact with Inter Milan, the 24-year-old could be a perfect fit for Forest if a deal can become more concrete between the two parties.

Ranking in the top 5% of full-backs in Europe in terms of non-penalty goals, averaging 0.18 per 90 via FBref, to cement the abstract element the defender can bring to his game.

It’s a playing style lauded by managers in the Premier League to have full-backs capable of being attacking savvy, making Augusto a suitable fit for the Reds.

When comparing the left-back to current Forest defender Harry Toffolo, his form this season indicates that the Brazilian could be Cooper’s answer to a significant upgrade on the Englishman to boost the overall quality of his side.

Putting his attacking quality aside, the £12k-per-week target averages 2.13 tackles per 90 to the 27-year-old’s 1.63 per 90, as well as winning a total of 56% of his duels in Serie A this campaign to the Forest man's 50%.

While his goal contributions are glaringly impressive, his general activity on the ball proves that he would be a more influential figure to Cooper’s plans than his current options.

As per FBref, the Monza gem averages 50.18 attempted passes per 90 with Toffolo averaging considerably less with 37.05 per 90, highlighting the Forest target’s desire to make a difference on the ball.

With Inter reportedly in the lead to capture the Brazilian’s signature, only time will tell if Forest can turn the tide, however, there is no denying that the 24-year-old would be a significant upgrade in the club’s squad.

Arsenal have emerged as potential candidates to sign a Premier League star this summer, as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his side in the transfer window.

The Gunners fell just five points short of Manchester City in the race for the title, however, the north Londoners could challenge once more next season should they add more star quality to their squad.

The latest link could do just that, in a player with unquestionable ability and experience in playing in the English top-tier.

What’s the latest on Kai Havertz to Arsenal?

As reported by journalist Alex Goldberg via AFC Stuff, Chelsea ace Kai Havertz could be on Arsenal’s radar this summer.

Goldberg suggested that the German is the Gunners’ ‘next target’ and that the club "really want him", adding that despite such factors, nothing has been formally proposed.

As per The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg, Chelsea are ‘likely’ to see Havertz exit this summer with the Blues expected to demand a fee in the region of £75m.

What could Kai Havertz offer to Arsenal?

Hailed as “incredibly talented” by former Chelsea boss Graham Potter, the 23-year-old forward has accomplished heights that many his age could only dream of in his illustrious career so far.

The Champions League winner has been one of Stamford Bridge’s shining lights since signing from Bayer Leverkusen in 2020, making 47 goal contributions in a total of 139 appearances in blue as per Transfermarkt.

This season has been tough for the club, however, the German has maintained his ability to impose his talent on the league, scoring seven goals and assisting one in a forgettable campaign for the west Londoners – via Sofascore.

Dubbed as “world-class” by Bundesliga legend Matthias Sammer, there’s little to deny the youngster's talents, and particularly what he could bring to Arsenal.

While the Gunners aren’t particularly desperate for a goalscorer, having scored the second-highest number of goals this season in the Premier League, Arteta could bolster his attacking options by signing the forward.

Gabriel Jesus has led the line for Arsenal for the majority of the season, although hasn’t been as prolific as some may have hoped, scoring 11 goals this campaign.

The Brazilian gifts Arteta’s side with attributes incomparable to others in his position, however, he could benefit from having a strike partner or potentially some competition to boost his performance.

Coincidentally, he is likened to the 26-year-old as per FBref, and Havertz could become a strong force in Arsenal’s silky attack, with his numbers displaying clear similarities between the two.

As per FBref, the 23-year-old averages 3.27 progressive passes per 90 to Jesus' 2.76, as well as getting himself into advanced positions as shown through the 8.27 progressive passes he receives per 90.

Although the Brazilian is more of an out-and-out striker, he prides himself on bringing others into play, something Havertz is well known for too.

The £150k-per-week ace could be a weapon at the Emirates for his ball-playing capabilities, attributable to his versatility in playing as both a forward and creative midfielder in his career.

Still being at the start of his career would allow Arteta to mould the talent into producing his best in Arsenal’s fluid front line, showing glimpses that he could follow in Jesus’ footsteps in the sense of integrating himself quickly into the Gunners’ playing style.

Everton have survived their desperate relegation battle and will remain in the Premier League next season after a disastrous campaign, but Frank Lampard and his team can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

It wasn’t a comfortable game for the Toffees by no means, but the manager will be proud of the resilience his team showed in the second half of the game to come back from 2-0 down against Crystal Palace to score three in the final 45 minutes at Goodison Park.

Despite being at home Everton had less possession (43%), fewer big chances and completed over 100 less accurate passes than Patrick Vieira’s side yesterday evening, but even without domination of the ball, the team took their chances when they needed to.

In the first half, the Toffees struggled to impose themselves on their visitors and started massively on the back foot which ultimately cost them when Jean-Philippe Mateta found the back of the net in the 21st minute but the first goal wasn’t enough to wake the home team up as they conceded a second 15 minutes later when Jordan Ayew scored to double Palace’s lead.

Lampard quickly realised that he needed to make some ruthless changes to his team if he was going to have any chance of securing safety ahead of the final game of the season, swapping out an uninspiring Andre Gomes for Dele Alli and that one change may have been the catalyst in changing Everton’s fate on Merseyside.

Michael Keane and Richarlison brought their team back into the game with goals in the second half, but it was Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s killer goal in the 85th minute that made every Blues supporter’s dreams come true, with a goal that has now saved Everton in their penultimate game of the campaign.

One player who deserves a huge amount of credit for the win tonight is Demarai Gray, who came on the pitch for Anthony Gordon in the 61st minute, a substitution that was worth its weight in gold.

The 25-year-old who was hailed a “game-changer” by former manager Gary Rowett proved just how effective he can be in important moments even with just 13 touches of the ball he made every single one count.

Gray won 100% of his ground duels, was successful in 100% of his dribble attempts, creating one big chance and making one key pass proving that although he didn’t make many touches he was effective in achieving what he was brought onto the pitch to do.

Lampard, the squad and the supporters will be massively relieved and overjoyed to have taken themselves out of the relegation fight ahead of the last day of the season, but now the club must focus on the future and there is some serious work to do to make sure they don’t fall into the same situation again next season.

AND in other news: Everton eye a move for 18 y/o “shining light”, he could be the next Calvert-Lewin

Rangers carried over their European momentum into the Premiership as Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s won 2-0 on Sunday.

The Gers made their way to a major European final on Thursday night with a 3-1 win at Ibrox and the manager took the opportunity to make a number of changes to his team for this domestic clash.

James Sands, Aaron Ramsey, Leon King and Steven Davis were among the players who were given a chance to impress but it was a familiar face on hand to open the scoring as James Tavernier scored from the spot.

Manchester United loanee Amad Diallo then came off the bench in the second half to make sure of the three points, moving the Light Blues back to within six points of their rivals at the top of the table.

Whilst it was an assured, dominant, performance from Rangers against Dundee United, not every player on the pitch gave a good account of themselves. One dud who was a passenger throughout the match was Canadian midfielder Scott Arfield.

The former Burnley man lined up in an advanced role and failed to impress on or off the ball as he struggled to make a positive impact on the game.

Rangers have a Europa League final against Frankfurt coming up and players will be playing for their places ahead of such an important match. With this in mind, Arfield did nothing to strengthen his cause for a start as van Bronckhorst will surely be disappointed with his display.

Out of possession, he offered nothing. Via SofaScore, he did not win a single duel, or even compete in any, during his 65 minutes on the pitch. He also failed to make a clearance, tackle, block or interception, although the Gers did have 73% of the ball and limited what Dundee United could offer.

On the ball, he was far from good enough. As per SofaScore, he had fewer touches (23) than Jon McLaughlin (44) and did not create a single chance or complete a dribble. He also missed a ‘big chance’ – his ninth of the campaign in the Premiership – and only completed 15 passes.

Therefore, he was a passenger throughout the game as he failed to showcase his quality on the ball or his strength off of it. Van Bronckhorst will not be able to trust him to start in a European final if he continues to produce performances like this one.

AND in other news, Rangers played an Ibrox blinder with £22k-pw “cornerstone” who’s like “Graeme Souness”…

Sunderland still have some big games left in their latest League One campaign to try and force their way into the Championship.

However, with the summer transfer window on the horizon, it seems as though a clue has emerged over one potential deal that the Wearside club would be involved in.

What’s the news?

According to journalist Paul Davis, on-loan Sunderland striker Will Grigg has “been offered a deal” to stay with his current club Rotherham United on a permanent basis once his loan spell ends in the summer.

Sunderland signed the striker back in early 2019 from Wigan Athletic in a deal worth £4m.

Two years later, the Northern Irishman joined MK Dons on loan until the end of the 2020/21 season before then joining Rotherham shortly after.

Great news for Sunderland fans

This season has seen the 30-year-old score just two goals in 19 appearances for his current side.

To highlight how disappointing he’s been for the Millers in this campaign, out of the 28 shots he’s had at goal, only nine of them have even been on target.

Additionally, the striker has committed more fouls and been caught offside more times than the number of crosses, interceptions or tackles he’s made.

In terms of his overall performances, WhoScored currently list him as one of Rotherham’s lowest-rated players with a rather underwhelming overall rating of 6.45/10.

With that in mind, it’s rather surprising to hear that the club have reportedly offered him a permanent deal.

With 62 appearances to his name in a Sunderland shirt, the centre-forward only found the net on eight occasions and delivered just three assists.

Taking all of this into account, it’d be safe to assume that plenty of Black Cats supporters would be rather pleased to see Grigg finally leave the club on a permanent basis this summer.

Although, with his contract at the Stadium of Light set to expire at the end of the season, this means that they won’t be picking up any sort of fee for him from Rotherham.

Overall, while it would be good to get his wages off their books, it’s hard to deny that their £4m move for him has been rather unsuccessful.

In other news: “Has a chance”: Sunderland set for big injury boost that’ll leave supporters buzzing