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David Norris reckons that keeping hold of Kalvin Phillips is Leeds’ number one priority in the transfer market this summer.

The Yorkshire-born midfielder is currently performing right at the top of his matches for England at the Euro’s – starting all six games on route to Sunday’s final for Gareth Southgate’s men.

But whilst Phillips’ form has been crucial for England, his excellent performances has led to interest from some top European clubs, with Juventus being one of them.

His form shouldn’t come as a great surprise, though, with the 25-year-old having taken to the Premier League like a duck to water and receiving his first call-up by Southgate before he had even featured in the top-flight.

Phillips is still tied down to a long-term deal at Elland Road, and has openly expressed his love for the club, which would make any potential move away from Leeds highly unlikely at this time.

When asked whether keeping Phillips at the club is Leeds’ most important piece of business, Norris exclusively told Football FanCast:

“I think so, yes. Once Bielsa signs his contract, this will follow it closely, especially with what he’s done and especially how pivotal he was for Leeds.

“This will be massive if they get through this summer and he’s still a Leeds player.”

Leeds United transfer target Harry Wilson could form a superb partnership with Raphinha, having already wowed Marcelo Bielsa with his displays before.

What’s the story?

Reports in the summer of 2020 had claimed that Bielsa’s side were keen on bringing the Wales international to Elland Road, but a deal failed to materialise before the end of the deadline.

The Athletic’s Phil Hay in fact had also suggested that Wilson is “very highly rated by Leeds (and Victor Orta especially) for a while and he’s always on the list of possibles. With Wilson, it would depend on price and what Liverpool intend to do with him. One to watch, possibly.”

Now, Mercado Ingles have revealed that the Whites are in negotiations with Liverpool over a deal for the 24-year-old, and could finally bring him to the club this summer.

He stunned Bielsa

Dubbed as an “exceptional talent” by Bielsa himself after Leeds’ 4-1 triumph over Derby in which Wilson played for the Rams, it was no surprise why the Whites boss was left wowed by his performance.

As per Sofascore, he finished with a 7.0 match rating, which was by far the highest of any Derby player, as he looked to single-handedly drag his side into the game.

The £60k-a-week earning ace provided the joint-highest number of key passes of any player on the pitch for either side with three, while he also completed one out of his two dribbles and earned one free-kick too.

It was no surprise then that reports last summer suggested that “Marcelo Bielsa is a big admirer of the versatile attacker, who he regards as extremely talented and with the potential to develop into a real star.”

Given Leeds already have an outstanding winger in Raphinha who gets people off their seats, bringing Wilson into the fold could give Jack Harrison some real competition on the opposite flank as they jockey to see who partners the Brazilian.

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But with the Welshman’s superb free-kick ability and technique – Jurgen Klopp even said his “shooting is world-class” – Leeds could have a fascinating combination of dribbling and skill with both Raphinha and Wilson in tandem.

Meanwhile, Leeds United are in talks with this Premier League star…

Derby County forward Jack Marriott is reportedly in talks with Hull City over a summer move, having been deemed surplus to requirements at Pride Park.

The Lowdown: Marriott out of favour

The Rams survived relegation to League One last season, staying up on the final day after a dramatic 3-3 draw at home to Sheffield Wednesday.

Marriott could play no part in that game, due to him being on loan at Hillsborough from the Rams, making 12 league appearances there in 2020/21.

It appears as though Wayne Rooney sees no future for the 26-year-old with Derby and a summer exit looks on the cards, with his current deal expiring at the end of this month.

The Latest: Hull could sign attacker

According to the Hull Daily Mail, Marriott is in talks with Hull over a move, following the Tigers’ title-winning promotion back to the Championship last season.

Gavin Whyte and Dan Crowley have both left the club, so manager Grant McCann is thought to be keen on attacking reinforcements, with Marriott seen as a strong option.

The Verdict: Right time to move on

Marriott has had his moments for Derby, scoring 17 goals in 86 appearances, but now is the right time for him to enjoy a fresh challenge.

It is pointless Rooney giving a new deal to someone he doesn’t consider part of his plans, instead focusing on those he sees as key figures moving forward.

Marriott still has plenty to offer another Championship team – Frank Lampard once claimed he had a ‘big future’ in the game – so a move elsewhere should benefit all parties.

In other news, an update has been provided on the future of one Derby attacker. Find out who it is here. 

Many Everton fans have been reacting to a transfer update on Robin Olsen as Tuttomercatoweb have reported that he could stay at Goodison Park.

As per the news outlet, AS Roma director Tiago Pinto is trying to renew the loan deal of the Sweden international to the Merseyside club, with him currently set to return back to the Serie A team.

Olsen looked assured enough in between the posts for Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the 2020/21 term, keeping three clean sheets in 11 games in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

However, with both Jordan Pickford and Joao Virginia still with the Toffees, one may question whether they actually need Olsen back.

Nonetheless, the news on the 31-year-old goalkeeper has certainly caused a debate among the Blues faithful over whether they should bring him in on another loan for next season.

Everton fans on Olsen transfer update

These EFC supporters seemed split over loaning in Olsen again as the transfer update was shared on Twitter:

“No brainer though I would like him here permanently tbh”

Credit: @samcooper24896

“Sounds perfect all round”

Credit: @GoodisonAlex

“Can’t believe there are actually people saying no. Was solid for us and clearly boosted Pickford’s play from January on.”

Credit: @QuinWelch

“If we can get Romero then no.”

Credit: @bigbadge2

“Utd away nah lad”

Credit: @GaryRob06780384

“Not for me. Remember when Pickford was out and Olsen came in, 3 games in we couldn’t wait to get Pickford back.”

Credit: @daveyc99

In other news, find out what transfer update has left Toffees buzzing here!

Leicester City have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare.

What’s the story?

The Foxes proposed deal for the 22-year-old powerhouse could be completed earlier than expected after France’s Under-21’s were surprisingly knocked out of the Euro’s by the Netherlands.

A Myron Boadu double saw off Sylvain Ripoll’s side in the quarter-final stage despite several star names such as Dayot Upemecano, Ibrahima Konate and Houssem Aouar making the France starting XI.

Rodgers will be delighted

Previous reports have revealed that an £18 million fee has been agreed between Lille and the FA Cup holders for Soumare, although contract details were expected to be completed after this summer’s tournament.

With France boasting an embarrassment of riches, they were expected to go all the way in the U21 Euros, delaying the youngster’s arrival at the King Power Stadium, but that will no longer be an issue.

The news will have delighted Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, who is keen to strengthen his squad ahead of another top-four push in 2021/22 and now, if the signing can be completed in the near future, he should be able teo spend more time with Soumare in pre-season, which will obviously be hugely adventageous.

Just a single point separated the Midlands outfit and fourth-placed Chelsea in the recently concluded campaign, meaning Rodgers’ men missed out on a Champions League qualification spot by the narrowest of margins.

It’s the second consecutive season that that’s happened to the 2016 Premier League champions and a host of potential summer additions have been muted as their Northern Irish manager’s aims to break into the top-flight’s upper echelons at the third time of asking.

The addition of Soumare could have a potentially dramatic effect upon Leicester’s chances of doing just that, with the box-to-box midfielder continuously impressing throughout his 112 appearances for Les Dogues.

Marc Ingla, Lille’s former CEO, described him as “a powerful and technical player who can evolve to several positions in the field” upon his arrival at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy four years ago, and he’s had no trouble living up to those expectations.

The Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate made 32 league appearances as Christophe Galtier’s side ended the capital club’s three-year dominance of French football, and Rodgers will be hoping Soumare can contribute to another giant-killing next season.

And, in other news…Rudkin must seal Foxes swoop for “outstanding” £22.5m-rated beast, Rodgers needs him

Leeds must avoid making an unforgivable mistake amid reported transfer interest in Patrick Bamford.

What’s the story?

The striker has been a revelation for Marcelo Bielsa’s side in the Premier League this season, netting 15 goals and providing another eight assists in the division.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed that, while Leeds extended Bamford’s contract at Elland Road by an extra year – his deal now expires in the summer of 2023 – he is already attracting admiring glances from elsewhere.

Ornstein claims that “Bamford’s progress has not gone unnoticed, with several clubs, including Liverpool, believed to admire the forward.”

Bielsa would be fuming

Given his incredible importance to this Leeds side – he tops the charts for both goals and assists at Elland Road this season – there’s no questioning that Bielsa would be absolutely fuming if Andrea Radrizzani and co decided to make the call of cashing in on him.

While his stock is high, and the Whites would be expected to command a hefty fee for him – especially with the contract extension update – Bamford has developed into the kind of all-round striker that Bielsa loves.

Even Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said: “What a player, Bamford! I can remember people saying, ‘Leeds need a proper goalscorer, Bamford is not good enough’, stuff like this. I’m so happy that he could prove them all wrong.

“He’s an exceptional player. The work rate is outstanding and he still plays the football he plays and scores goals. That’s rare.”

As omeone who works selflessly for the cause and buys into the pressing game, can both plunder goals and set up his teammates, the 27-year-old would be very difficult to replace if Leeds made the decision to sell him to Liverpool or anyone else.

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It’s exactly why Radrizzani must avoid making an unforgivable howler this summer by keeping Bamford regardless of the potential windfall from selling him.

Meanwhile, Bielsa could light up Elland Road with this £26m-rated magician who’s “something special”…

Steve Bull has exclusively told Football FanCast that the highly rated Morgan Gibbs-White could become a key player for Wolves moving forward.

The 21-year-old spent the first half of this season on loan at Swansea, but a fractured foot restricted the midfielder to just five appearances in the Championship.

That injury saw Gibbs-White go back to Wolves in January, and he’s been involved in almost every matchday following his return.

But the England Under-21 star has struggled for opportunities in the Wolves first-team, with most of his minutes coming in the FA Cup.

However, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s men now safe, the Wolves boss has been giving several youngsters a regular taste of senior action.

And therefore, Gibbs-White was handed just his second league start of the season for Wolves against Brighton on Sunday and repaid his faith by scoring a late winner – his first ever Premier League goal.

Bull told Football FanCast that he’s come back from south Wales a different player following some previous difficulties:

“He’s had to learn a lot over the last few years. I think he was a bit of a naughty boy; he was doing some silly things out of the club.

“He went out on loan and has come back a determined young man. Nuno has put faith in him, and told him ‘keep training hard and go out there and do it’.

“I watched him against Brighton, and he looked as though he’s settled down. He’s come back a different player, with a determination and with a smile on his face. Will he fit in the plans next year? I think he will. He’s still he’s got a lot to learn, but I think he could be a big part of this club going forward.”

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, Marlon Harewood, who scored 45 goals for Nottingham Forest, believes their current boss Chris Hughton is quite underrated as a manager.

Hughton was an assistant manager at both Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United for several years before he got his first crack at managing, when Mike Ashley appointed him as manager for their season in the Championship.

During that campaign the Magpies won the Championship title with 103 points, only losing four games all season, none of which came at home, and managing to score 90 times in 46 league games.

Speaking on whether or not Hughton is an underrated manager and how he’s never really got close to the bigger jobs, Harewood told FFC:

“Yeah, I would say he is because obviously, all the clubs that he’s managed have mainly been Championship clubs and he’s not really been given a job at a big club, apart from Newcastle which is a massive club.

“It’s quite strange that he’s not managed one of the bigger teams that you might think he could get a little sniff at.”

Hughton is currently in his fifth managerial job having previously been manager of Newcastle, Birmingham City, Norwich City and Brighton, he got two of those sides promoted and guided Birmingham into the group stages of the Europa League.

At Nottingham Forest, Hughton currently has three former players he worked with at Brighton in Anthony Knockaert, Glenn Murray and Gaetan Bong.

Leeds United look set to enjoy an exciting summer transfer window as news emerges from Thorp Arch about Marcelo Bielsa’s plans.

What’s the story?

The Whites have enjoyed a fine first season back in the Premier League and recently picked up some outstanding results against some of the league’s big boys, including a win over champions-elect Manchester City.

Football Insider have now claimed that a Leeds source has told them that “director of football Victor Orta is compiling a shortlist of midfield anchormen targets with the pedigree to provide cover and competition for (Kalvin) Phillips”.

The report added that the holding midfield role “has been identified as a key position for squad improvement by manager Marcelo Bielsa”.

Bielsa will be buzzing

Make no mistake about it, when Kalvin Phillips hasn’t been involved, Leeds have just looked a completely different team, and understandably so given his importance. In the ten games in which he hasn’t taken to the field in all competitions, the Whites have lost eight times, with their only victories coming against Southampton and Aston Villa earlier on in the season.

Bielsa doesn’t have a real like-for-like replacement for the England international, and it was a damning indicator that Robin Koch filled the holding midfield role against Brighton at the weekend despite being a centre-back by trade.

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It’s exactly why the Leeds manager will be buzzing that Orta is already getting things underway in terms of signing a new holding midfielder to help provide some competition for Phillips and also offer much-needed depth in that position.

Meanwhile, this Leeds transfer target delivered a masterclass at the weekend…

According to reports from Spain, Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a major blow to their hopes of landing Lucas Vazquez this summer, with Bayern Munich now leading the race for the winger.

Despite having impressed over his 22 La Liga appearances for Real Madrid this season – with the 29-year-old averaging a SofaScore match rating of 7.24, as well as Zinedine Zidane claiming that the winger is a “reliable” part of his team – Vazquez’s contract at the Santiago Bernabeu runs out this summer, and the player has rejected a new offer from the club, so everything appears to point towards the winger’s departure at the end of the season.

As a result, Sport (via Sport Witness) claimed that Tottenham are keen on a move for the £58,000-per-week Spain international this summer, with Mourinho’s side said to be willing to offer the player an improvement on his current salary with Los Blancos, in addition to a hefty signing-on fee.

However, the report continues by suggesting that Spurs have now fallen behind Bayern Munich in the race for Vazquez, as the Bundesliga side are ready to propose the winger a four-year deal.

Transfer Tavern Take

The news of Bayern’s interest in Vazquez will undoubtedly come as a huge blow to Mourinho and his side, as the prospect of battling the reigning German and European champions for the winger – with Spurs currently being unable to even guarantee the winger Champions League football if he were to join them – would appear to be a very hard sell indeed.

In other news: the asking price of this £24k p/w Tottenham target has been revealed; Mourinho is being backed to seal a summer deal – find out more here!