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Leeds United have reportedly agreed terms with young goalkeeper Darryl Ombang, as he edges closer to a summer move to Elland Road.

The Lowdown: Summer business expected

Marcelo Bielsa could be a busy man in the transfer market in the coming months, looking to add further quality to his Whites squad.

While Leeds’ ninth-place finish back in the Premier League was a superb effort last season, they now have to kick on and find players who will take the team up another gear.

Chairman Andrea Radrizzani is expected to be aggressive in the market, according to the Transfer Window Podcast (via Leeds Live).

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The Latest: Ombang deal edges closer

According to Football Insider, Ombang is on the verge of signing a three-and-a-half year deal with the Whites, joining from Bradford City.

A recruitment source claims terms been agreed with the 16-year-old, who has been tipped to be a future No.1 for England, such is his potential.

Ombang is expected to become a Leeds player next month, having opted to move to Elland Road over Reading.

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The Verdict: One for the future

While the teenager clearly wouldn’t represent an immediate first-team option, he looks a hugely exciting prospect for the future.

Ombang could even be viewed as a long-term replacement for Illan Meslier between the sticks, with Leeds likely to find it hard to keep hold of the Frenchman long-term if his incredible rise continues.

It is refreshing to see Bielsa seemingly planning for the future, rather than only looking at the short-term picture, and perhaps tells us a little about how long the Argentine plans to stick around.

In other news, Leeds are believed to be interested in signing a central midfielder this summer. Find out who it is here.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Pau Torres to north London in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Spanish publication La Razon (via Sport Witness), who claim that, despite the Villarreal centre-back having rejected a move to Spurs last summer, Fabio Paratici will once again launch an offensive for the 25-year-old at the end of the current campaign.

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The report goes on to state that, now the Spain international has fulfilled his dream of playing in the Champions League with his boyhood club, Unai Emery will agree to part with Torres in the summer transfer window – as long as an offer of around €60m (£50m) is submitted.

Paratici’s next De Ligt

Considering how impressive Torres has been for Villarreal this season, in addition to it being reported that Tottenham will prioritise the signing of a left-sided centre-back this summer, it is easy to see why Antonio Conte and Paratici would be interested in a move for the Spaniard ahead of 2022/23.

Indeed, over his 28 LaLiga appearances in the current campaign, the £58m-rated centre-back has been imperious in the heart of Emery’s defence, helping his side keep ten clean sheets, as well as making an average of 0.6 interceptions, 0.9 tackles, 3.3 clearances and winning 4.1 duels – at a success rate of 65% – per game.

The £126k-per-week defender has also impressed in an attacking and creative capacity, scoring four goals and creating three big chances for his teammates, in addition to completing 55.2 passes, 4.5 long balls, 3.8 chipped passes, 0.9 dribbles and taking 0.7 shots per fixture.

These returns have seen the player who journalist Simon Collings dubbed “classy” and Javi Calleja labelled an “extraordinary talent” average a fantastic SofaScore match rating of 7.09, ranking him as Villarreal’s third-best player in the Spanish top flight.

The 25-year-old has been equally as impressive over his ten Champions League outings this season, helping his side keep three clean sheets, scoring one goal and creating two big chances, with these metrics seeing the left-footer average a SofaScore match rating of 7.08 – with the centre-back playing a crucial role in the Yellow Submarine’s run to the semi-finals of the competition.

As such, it is clear for all to see that Torres would make an exceptional addition to Conte’s current defensive options at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, leading us to believe Paratici must do all he can to get a deal over the line for the Spaniard this summer – especially if he is available for a figure of around £50m.

And, with the managing director having been the man behind Juventus’ €75m (£67.8m) capture of Matthijs de Ligt back in 2019, Torres could very well prove to be the Italian’s next seismic centre-back signing.

AND in other news: “Tottenham could consider…”: Romano drops huge transfer claim, Conte would love him

Former Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez has exclusively told Football FanCast that he isn’t surprised Rangers midfielder Steven Davis was offered fresh terms at Ibrox.

The 36-year-old, who’s played a key role in the Gers’ Scottish Premiership triumph this term, recently signed a new one-year contract and is currently enjoying an impressive second spell at the club.

Despite being the second oldest player in the Rangers squad, Davis has been a regular under Steven Gerrard, and turned in another excellent Old Firm derby performance against Celtic on Sunday – his 47th appearance of the campaign.

His deal with the Scottish champions was set to expire in the summer, but the extension handed to him by Ross Wilson means he’ll remain at Ibrox until 2022.

And Sanchez, who gave the midfielder his debut on the international stage, told Football FanCast that despite turning 37 in January, Davis is more than good enough to still compete at this level.

He said: “He’s your eight out of 10 professional. He looks after himself, he sees the big picture, he understands how to extend his career.

“He’s proved at Southampton, Rangers and with Northern Ireland what a great player he is, he set a record number of caps of any home player. He’s avoided injury most of his career. He’s consistently good, and he’s a good pro, an excellent pro – one that all managers want in the team.

“Certainly, in Scotland, he can cope with that level, so it doesn’t surprise me that Steven Gerrard gave him another new contract. He gives you everything that a modern professional should do.”

Dean Jones has revealed some big Transfer Deadline Day news involving Newcastle United.

The Lowdown: Busy day

It has certainly been a busy day at St James’ Park so far, with both Dan Burn and Matt Targett currently undergoing medicals ahead of moves from Brighton and Aston Villa respectively.

Hugo Ekitike also looked like he was on his way to the northeast, but that deal now looks to be off as things stand.

One other name who has popped up fairly recently is Jesse Lingard, and that would potentially make three new arrivals on Tyneside today.

The Latest: Five deals?!

As per journalist and transfer insider Jones, Newcastle are ‘pushing’ to sign as many as five players today, although he did not confirm who they were.

The reporter tweeted: “Newcastle pushing for 5 players on deadline day should be fun!”

The Verdict: More than expected?

Assuming that Burn and Targett pass their medicals, that would be two new arrivals on deadline day, and Lingard could potentially be a third.

There could still be a dramatic twist with Ekitike in the final few hours, but that still only makes four players. Who the fifth one could be is anyone’s guess, with links to the likes of Yannick Carrasco today as well.

Nonetheless, if Newcastle can bring in five fresh faces before the 11pm deadline, it would certainly be a big statement in terms of increasing their chances of staying in the Premier League.

In other news, find out what Keith Downie has said about NUFC’s pursuit of Jesse Lingard

Matheus Pereira’s move to Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal was a shock, says West Brom journalist Luke Hatfield.

Last season, Pereira really shone in the Premier League. In 33 appearances, the Brazilian attacker managed to come up with 17 goal contributions in a side that went on to get relegated.

It sparked plenty of summer interest, particularly from Premier League clubs, with the Daily Express claiming at one point that West Ham, Leicester City and RB Leipzig all wanted to sign the player.

In the end, though, the King Fahd International Stadium turned out to be Pereira’s destination in a development that left Hatfield surprised.

“It was surprising,” the Express & Star journalist told FFC. “I think the interest wasn’t, but the likelihood of an actual deal going through was. It was a shock.

“I think what probably pushed it through was the player’s statement. He came out after comments from Valerien Ismael saying he wasn’t committed and then he issued a statement which was a very strange one saying that he was committed to the club but still wanted to leave.”

Indeed, it is probably fair to say things did not exactly end on a good note. Still, West Brom fans will surely be grateful to Pereira for his contribution.

He, of course, helped the Baggies win promotion to the Premier League back in the 2019/20 season and did everything in his power to keep them there.

Manchester City’s hopes of signing Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur this summer appear to have been handed a huge boost after he confirmed he wanted to leave the north London club this summer, with the Citizens reportedly now the favourites to sign him.

Pep Guardiola’s side had been heavily linked with the England captain ahead of the summer transfer window but it seemed that they would have to pay an enormous fee to prise him away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, especially considering Daniel Levy’s reputation as a difficult negotiator when it comes to transfer dealings.

However, the 27-year-old has now made it clear that he wants to leave Spurs after a disappointing season which has seen them fail to qualify for the Champions League, suffer an embarrassing exit to Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League, lose a Carabao Cup final and sack manager Jose Mourinho.

The striker spoke about potentially speaking to Levy regarding his potential departure recently, saying: “I think there is definitely a conversation to be had. It’s a moment where I have to reflect and have a conversation with the chairman.”

Therefore, it seems clear that he wants to depart the north London club this summer, and City could be the beneficiaries, with reports also suggesting that the Etihad Stadium is his preferred destination.

Despite Spurs’ disappointing season, Kane has arguably been the best player in the Premier League, scoring 22 goals and assisting 13 in 34 games. That has helped him average a superb 7.76 rating from WhoScored, the best of any player in the top flight, whilst he has 10 goals in other competitions, taking his club tally to the season to 32.

The “special” frontman, as hailed by Mourinho, certainly won’t come cheap regardless of his desire to leave, but it seems clear that Guardiola will want to add a striker to his squad this summer when Sergio Aguero departs, and who better than a player who has hit more than 15 goals in the Premier League in each of the past seven seasons.

Therefore, City sporting director Txiki Begiristain should ensure that Kane joins Guardiola’s side this summer, as he could be a phenomenal addition at the Etihad.

In other news… Pep handed huge boost with “exceptional” beast, City fans will be buzzing

Paul Stewart reckons that Tottenham youngster Japhet Tanganga could be good enough should he cut out the mistakes.

The 22-year-old was given his first-team opportunity by Jose Mourinho in January 2020, but his progress has been stalled by several different injuries over the last two seasons.

Tanganga has missed 24 matches with back, shoulder and muscle problems, which has stopped him from getting a long run in the team.

But with Serge Aurier and Matt Doherty both unable to nail down that starting place at right-back, he did make six Premier League appearances from February onwards, all coming in two-game spurts.

Tanganga turned out seven further times in the Europe League and the domestic cups and will be hoping to remain fit and impress the new manager Nuno Espirito Santo in pre-season, especially with his ability to play in more than one different position.

But Stewart exclusively told Football FanCast that the defender must eradiate his lapses in concentration:

“Tanganga is another one, he could be a good player but has too many mistakes – too many errors that lead to goals.”

Celtic captain Callum McGregor has hailed Anton McElhone’s impact at Parkhead, Celts Are Here report.

The Lowdown: McElhone’s arrival

Postecoglou highlighted the need for a Head of Sport Science addition in Glasgow and brought in McElhone back in September.

The former Morton caretaker, who prefers a 4-2-3-1 system, has previously worked as a fitness coach at Tottenham and with MLS side New England Revolution.

Celtic have never officially confirmed McElhone’s arrival, so some might not even know he was at Parkhead, however, Postecoglou’s first backroom staff signing appears to be settling in nicely.

The Latest: McGregor’s comments

McGregor, who has been a regular this season, was quizzed on McElhone’s impact in a press conference on Tuesday, relayed by Celts Are Here.

This is what he had to say in reply, with the Hoops regular labelling the head of sports science as ‘a great personality’.

“It was a position that we were looking for throughout the summer in terms of trying to recruit the best type of people that we could get in the building with good knowledge.

“Anton’s certainly got that. He’s been at Spurs – worked in America – and he’s come in and been a great personality. He’s just helping the good work that’s been done as well.

“There are a lot of good guys in the building that are desperate to do well and get the boys fit and hungry on the pitch.

“Anton’s certainly come in and helped on top of that with the ideas that he’s brought from Tottenham and America.”

The Verdict: Good signs

McGregor has clearly been impressed by what McElhone has brought to Lennoxtown, and results have also been on the up in recent weeks.

The Hoops are unbeaten in six domestic games, winning their last four, and hopefully, things will only get better under Postecoglou and McElhone in the background.

There seems to be a feel-good factor at Celtic Park at this moment in time, which may have a lot to do with the work the likes of McElhone and others are putting in.

In other news: Nicholson may be close to Celtic signing with electric speed and the player has now spoken. 

Liverpool are reportedly still undecided as to whether to make a move for PSV Eindhoven forward Donyell Malen.

What’s the story?

The 22-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to Anfield in recent weeks as Jurgen Klopp aims to strengthen his forward line, although German giants Borussia Dortmund appeared to have won the race for his signature.

However, according to the ECHO, Malen is still admired by the Liverpool recruitment team, and they could still place a bid for the highly-rated striker this summer.

Any move will have to be made quickly, though, with Dutch outlet Eindhovens Dagblad (via Sport Witness) reporting Dortmund want to sign Malen as Jadon Sancho’s replacement.

The report states that BVB’s official offer for the Dutch international is expected imminently as they look to replace the Manchester United-bound winger.

Michael Edwards must swoop

After being released by Arsenal without ever making a first-team appearance for the north London outfit, Malen has rebuilt his career at Eindhoven.

Big things were expected of the pacey forward during his time in England, with his agent Mino Raiola stating: “I think he can be a revelation,” as his client continued to impress for the capital clubs Under-18’s side.

Things didn’t work out at Arsenal, though, but back in his homeland, Malen has cultivated a reputation as one of Europe’s most promising young forwards following a string of impressive performances for PSV.

In 116 appearances for the Eredivisie heavyweights, the youngster has bagged 55 goals and provided a further 24 assists, catching the eye of some of the continent’s top clubs.

With Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino both enduring hugely underwhelming seasons for Liverpool last time out, Klopp is expected to bolster his attacking options ahead of the upcoming campaign.

And in the £27m-rated Malen, the Anfield outfit may have found the perfect candidate. Renowned for his pace, dribbling, finishing ability and eye for a pass, the PSV ace appears to be the ideal fit for Klopp’s gegenpressing system.

Indeed, he has also been described as a “very quick” and “explosive” forward by talkSPORT’s European football expert Andy Brassell. Both phrases could be coined to describe the German’s current options on both flanks.

The sales of Marko Grujic and Taiwo Awoniyi, respectively, have given director of football Michael Edwards some funds to play with in the transfer market, and he’d be wise to use them on the prolific Malen.

And, in other news…Liverpool could be set for huge boost after Anfield news emerges, fans will be excited 

Loads of Everton fans have been left to applaud a view shared by Simon Jordan about the Goodison Park faithful.

Speaking on talkSPORT, he claimed that it is ‘difficult’ to say that The Toffees are a well-run club, and he even went as far as to say that they are ‘all over the place’ and ‘struggling’.

This comes after the Merseyside outfit spent a mere £1.8m in total on players in the summer transfer window, and while finances have been difficult due to the impact of the global pandemic, perhaps they have had to cover for poor spending in past windows, notably in the 2019/20 season where they spent over £100m and ended up finishing in 12th place in the Premier League table.

In fact, they have not finished higher than 7th since the 2013/14 term (Transfermarkt), suggesting that the work happening off of the pitch has not been translating to sucess on the field of play.

Everton fans on Jordan’s view

These Toffees supporters applauded Jordan’s view as it was shared on Twitter:

“Absolutely spot on. Moshiri trusted “experts” in football to get the transfers right. There was no strategy, it was like Brewster’s millions at time. There needs to be a new strategy and a competent board appointed”

Credit: @Everton77871432

“He talks a lot of sense”

Credit: @SteveSm27154296

“You and me both pal! It’s being ran terribly! Top to bottom!”

Credit: @ABlue90

“The fans have known for years”Credit: @emyr85″Couldn’t hit the nail on the head any more accurately!”Credit: @N9GJR”Horrible but true”Credit: @abbot551In other news, find out what confirmed news has Blues fuming here!