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Leeds United are interested in signing exciting Dutch youngster Noa Lang in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Lang move

The 21-year-old caught the eye for Club Brugge last season, moving there on loan from Ajax and scoring 17 goals, in all competitions.

Leeds have been linked before with snapping up the talented Dutchman, with Victor Orta and co clearly seeing him as someone who could bolster Marcelo Bielsa’s attacking options in 2021/22.

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The Latest: Romano provides update

Romano has now given a fresh update on the Whites’ pursuit of Lang, taking to Twitter to confirm that ‘Leeds are interested’ and ‘want to open talks’ with him over a move.

Brugge are keen on offering the forward a new deal – they have the option of signing him permanently – but it remains to be seen if he decides to stay put or not.

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The Verdict: Hugely exciting addition

Lang looks a player of great potential, having already become such a key man at the age of just 21, and he could be an extremely exciting signing for Leeds.

He has been described as a ‘phenomenon’ by Belgian sports journalist Peter Vandenbempt, which speaks volumes about his level of talent.

Lang’s productivity in the final third is sure to appeal to Orta and Bielsa – he enjoyed a total of 23 goal involvements in the Jupiler Pro League alone last season – and this combination of proven quality and youth would represent both a current and a long-term acquisition.

In other news, there has been an update on Leeds’ interest in a potential new left-back this summer. Find out who it is here.

Liverpool transfer target Kylian Mbappe is still considering his future at Paris Saint-Germain with his contract set to expire in the summer.

What’s the latest?

In an interview with French outlet L’Equipe (via The Liverpool Echo) PSG’s sporting director Leonardo said that Mbappe is “in deep reflection” and “hasn’t made a decision” with regards to his future at the club.

His contract expires in June and he is considered one of the brightest talents around so to lose him on a free transfer would be devastating.

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However, what is PSG’s loss could be Liverpool’s gain with the Reds linked to the Frenchman already with Get French Football News suggesting they are now the ‘most likely’ to acquire his services and turn his head.

Therefore, this new development is hopefully a sign when it comes to their chance of signing him.

A great replacement for Salah

He would be a great replacement for Mohamed Salah whose future at Liverpool is still in doubt with the forward yet to put pen to paper on a new contract at Anfield.

The Egyptian has been Liverpool’s standout player this season and is currently the top scorer in the Premier League with 22 goals. Of course, the Reds will hope that he stays and signs a new deal, but if he doesn’t then Mbappe could be the complete solution.

The World Cup winner’s statistics in Ligue 1 this season are insane. He has played 31 games and directly contributed to 37 goals. Yes, it’s undoubtedly not as tough as the top flight in England, but if he could replicate close to that in a Liverpool shirt then they wouldn’t miss Salah at all.

He’s been described as a “baller” by outlet Goal and Mbappe beats Salah in a lot of categories when you compare them both. He wins for the number of goal creating actions per 90 minutes 1 compared to the 29-year olds 0.87.

He also has slightly more combined goals and assists per 90 minutes with 1.25 compared to Salah’s 1.21. You can compare them both to each other all day long, but ultimately they are both incredibly exciting players, and Liverpool supporters will be a lucky fanbase if they get to say that both of them pulled on their club’s shirt.

If this transfer was to happen we think it would require Salah to leave. The Reds would likely need him off their wage budget in order to afford the £144m-rated dazzling Frenchman.

IN other news: Sky Sports: Liverpool will need mega £55m to sign “unstoppable” gem, he’s Salah 2.0…

Rumoured Liverpool transfer target Jadon Sancho has refused to commit his future to Borussia Dortmund, acting as a potential boost to the Reds.

The Lowdown: Sancho continually linked with Reds

The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the most exciting young forwards in Europe in recent years, scoring 48 goals and registering 62 assists in 134 appearances for Dortmund.

Sancho has been linked with a summer move to Liverpool numerous times this season, with Jurgen Klopp thought to view him as a great long-term option in his attack.

The £90m-valued England international’s current deal doesn’t expire until 2023, though, so only a huge fee would prise him away from Dortmund this summer.

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The Latest: Sancho coy over his future

Sancho was on top form on Saturday, scoring twice in his side’s 3-2 win at home to RB Leipzig, keeping their Champions League hopes alive and handing Bayern Munich the Bundesliga title yet again.

Speaking after the game [via Daily Mail], the youngster discussed his future and did not rule out the prospect of a summer exit:

“Will I leave the club? I don’t know about my future.

“I am very happy here in Dortmund at the moment. I love the club, the fans and the team. They gave me my first professional start.”

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The Verdict: Snap him up, Reds

Liverpool should do all they can to secure a move for Sancho this summer, although financial restraints may not make that possible following a tough 12 months around the world for football clubs.

Klopp needs to make sure that Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino are adequately replaced once their time at Anfield is up – they are all now close to 30 – and the prolific Dortmund star would seem to be a perfect addition.

He is capable of thriving on either flank, cutting inside and hitting the byline, and his game should only become more perfected as he matures with age, becoming even more devastating in the final third.

In other news, one Liverpool forward is being tipped to leave the club this summer. Find out who it is here.

Frank Lampard has made the best first impression he possibly could at Goodison Park on Saturday leading his Everton side out in a convincing 4-1 win, in the team’s highest-scoring victory of the season so far.

If we take one thing away from Lampard’s approach to setting up his first Everton side, it’s the higher pressing 3-4-3 formation and overwhelmingly offensive play that made the difference in the players, and with that being said, it would be no surprise if the ex-Chelsea boss will want to further strengthen that strategy by adding players in the summer who understand his philosophy.

One player who has been linked to a move to the Toffees in the coming months is Armando Broja, with the Chelsea loanee becoming a hot prospect thanks to his performances for Southampton this season, scoring five top-flight goals.

However, Lampard could have the upper hand on any other club looking to sign the £8.1m-rated star who was hailed “dangerous” by current manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, thanks to their relationship at Chelsea.

Ironically, the 43-year-old Toffees manager gave Broja his senior debut in the Premier League in 2020 against Everton, and with the advantage of working together before, the former midfielder’s appointment has now potentially strengthened the Toffees’ chances of securing his signature in the summer.

Transfer insider, Dean Jones, has also weighed in on the potential move for Broja to work with the midfielder turned manager again, telling GIVEMESPORT:

“Broja, there’s no way Lampard doesn’t come into that conversation straight away. He knows him, think he gave him his debut. If he was genuinely available, Lampard would look in his direction.”

Imagine him & Alli

Despite Everton already having a strong attacking force with the likes of Richarlison, Demarai Gray and Dominic Calvert-Lewin having a huge presence in the team, the potential signing of Broja could be something explored if the club did decide to cash in on Calvert-Lewin this summer, as the 29-year-old forward has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal for months.

Lampard wasted no time strengthening the creative attributes of the team by signing Dele Alli on Deadline Day, and will surely be hoping to find the perfect match to work with the attacking midfielder in the long term, and Broja could be the answer.

The Saints loanee also offers much more than just goal involvement, with the 6 foot 2 beast using every inch of his stature to impose himself on defenders, winning 47 aerial duels in the opponents half which is the seventh highest in the Premier League this season according to One Versus One.

His height and hunger for goals make him not only the perfect partner for Alli to serve up chances for, but also the perfect young replacement for 6 foot 1 forward, Calvert-Lewin, should he move on in the summer.

In other news: Yerry Mina proves Lampard wrong with outstanding performance

West Ham United are one of several clubs eyeing a raid for Josh Hawkes this summer…

What’s the word?

That’s according to TEAMtalk, who claimed that the Irons are among the clubs ready to swoop for the Sunderland gem, with the likes of Crystal Palace, Leeds United and Newcastle United also keen.

The 22-year-old midfielder was signed on a free transfer from Hartlepool and has played a crucial role for the Black Cats’ under-23 side in their run to the Premier League 2 Division 2 play-offs.

Hawkes rejected a move to Sporting Braga last summer, although Lee Johnson is yet to involve him in the first team picture.

Bowen 2.0

The Hammers have often had success when dipping into the lower leagues, most recently seeing their £22m gamble on Jarrod Bowen pay dividends this season as the young winger has featured regularly on their way to securing a Europa League berth. He provided eight goals and five assists in 38 appearances this term, as per Tranfermarkt.

For the young Black Cats this season, Hawkes has proven to be a reliable threat, registering 14 goals and seven assists, including important strikes against some well-respected academies in West Brom, Aston Villa and Reading.

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This form has led to plenty of glowing endorsements in recent times, with popular Sunderland fansite Roker Report dubbing him a “revelation” with a “pretty ridiculous goal record for a midfielder”.

That acclaim echoed the thoughts of The Northern Echo reporter Nick Loughlin, who also lauded him as a revelation and provided further comments from Jeff Stelling during his time at Hartlepool.

“I’m sat next to Higgy [Craig Hignett] in the director’s box and Josh Hawkes is on the bench and I’ve said ‘for God’s sake we need Josh Hawkes on the pitch, a free spirit who can create’. Higgy has put him straight in and look at the difference.”

It remains to be seen how much Sunderland would command for a player who has only once tasted first team football for them, but if David Sullivan and co can secure the 22-year-old’s signature, it could well be another gamble which pays dividends – a masterclass from GSB again.

The 1.8m (6 foot) dynamo could be a bargain addition at West Ham this summer.

AND in other news, GSB must secure West Ham swoop for “hardworking” 34-goal beast who’s perfect for Moyes…

Former Glasgow Rangers manager Alex McLeish has suggested Glen Kamara could leave the Gers this summer for the Premier League.

The Lowdown: Kamara linked with exit

After playing an important role in Rangers’ Premiership title win last term, Kamara has attracted plenty of interest from south of the border.

Watford (The Daily Mail), Arsenal and Leeds United (TEAMtalk) have all been linked with the midfielder, who started all three games for Finland at Euro 2020 (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: McLeish fears the worst

Speaking to Ibrox News, McLeish believes the £5.4m-valued 25-year-old (Transfermarkt) could leave the 55-time Scottish champions this summer. When asked whether the prospect of the Premier League would be too much to turn down for Kamara, he said:

“100%.

“It would surprise me if he did get offered the chance to go to one of those clubs and he turned it down.

“Listen, we hope that he would. I’m sure he has a massive attachment to Rangers, he knows what they have done for him, but life is short.

“A lot of players won’t waste the opportunity to leave and go to a bigger league, and the Premier League is bigger.”

The Verdict: Difficult

There is no doubt it will be difficult for Ross Wilson and co to hold on to Kamara this summer, which they will surely want to do. Yes, they can offer the potential carrot of Champions League football, but they must get through two rounds to make the group stages – there is no guarantee they will be able to do that.

After the last year or so, Kamara’s stock has grown massively, and that is only going to continue to do so after his Euro 2020 involvement.

Unfortunately, the Gers must prepare for the worse and plan ahead for beyond Kamara’s seemingly inevitable departure, whenever exactly that will be.

In other news, this Rangers man speaks about his Ibrox desperation.

Liverpool could have made a mistake in letting Georginio Wijnaldum run down his contract and leave the club, according to former Premier League striker Marcus Bent.

Wijnaldum’s five-year spell with Liverpool has come to an end and the central midfielder has joined French giants Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent.

The ex-Newcastle United man played a key role as Jurgen Klopp’s side returned to their glory days, with Wijnaldum claiming the Premier League, Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup titles during his time at Anfield.

However, Wijnaldum has moved onto pastures new and linked up with former Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino as PSG will look to reclaim the Ligue One title after being beaten to the crown by Lille last term.

Wijnaldum, who scored three goals at Euro 2020 before the Netherlands crashed out at the hands of the Czech Republic at the last 16 stage, opted for a move to France after a move to Barcelona failed to materialise.

It came after the 30-year-old turned down a new Anfield deal earlier this year and although former Everton frontman Bent is confident Klopp has enough options to make up for the loss of Wijnaldum, he feels Liverpool could have done more to keep him at the club.

Bent exclusively told Football FanCast: “Everyone makes mistakes and players deciding to leave could have been down to a number of reasons. It could come down to where you’re living, your nationality, if you can speak the language or if you and your family feel at home. It’s not just about on the pitch, but off the pitch.

“He’s gone to PSG and he could have a whirl of a time. You could see the confidence within his play at Euro 2020. You could see it in his passing, he has a shot on him and can score a goal.

“Will Liverpool be bowing their heads in disgrace that they let him go? I’m not sure they will. Liverpool have an abundance of talent in their squad. Although they’ve let him go, I’m sure they will make up for that somewhere else.”

Crystal Palace officially unveiled their brand-new Academy project on Thursday.

And, as to be expected, a number of supporters were quick to react to footage shared by the Eagles on social media.

Palace spent £20m on redeveloping the club’s Academy base, with former youth player and England boss Gareth Southgate officially declaring the site open.

Along with Southgate, manager Patrick Vieira and former bosses Roy Hodgson, Alan Pardew and Ian Holloway were also in attendance.

More than 220 players will benefit from the facilities, which includes six full-size pitches, an outdoor 3G pitch, a show pitch with a 500-seater stand and a full-size covered indoor 3G training pitch.

Palace fans react

Palace posted a video on their official Twitter page, with a drone flying through the building to give supporters a detailed look at the facilities.

This is what these Palace fans had to say in reply, with many impressed and one labelling it as ‘incredible’.

“Wow. This is MY Palace, this is OUR Palace. What a place to go and live, work and play”

Credit: @JustMattWatts

“Yh this is nuts”

Credit: @palacealfie

“Looks incredible”

Credit: @palacedann

“My god, as if we have this. Amazing!!”

Credit: @CpfcWill

“This is absolutely unreal, can’t believe this is palace now. On a different note but will this mean no more Soho offices?”

Credit: @TalkCPFC

“Wow just wow”

Credit: @L4MZ1

“We are massive”

Credit: @machutuck

In other news: ‘What’s that?’ – Many CPFC fans go wild as injury update emerges. 

Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce could sign a major upgrade on Jonjo Shelvey in AS Roma midfielder Amadou Diawara.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that the Magpies are closing in on a swoop for Arsenal starlet Joe Willock, but it seems that Bruce isn’t finished strengthening his midfield this summer.

According to Italian publication Corriere Dello Sport (via Sport Witness), the Tyneside club have their eye on Diawara, with Roma potentially open to letting him leave as they look to bring in a new central midfielder of their own.

The report adds that fellow Premier League club Wolves are also said to be interested in signing the 24-year-old this summer.

Upgrade on Shelvey

Since his arrival at St James’ Park, it’s fair to say that Newcastle fans haven’t been overly impressed with Shelvey’s performances at the club, and many were particularly critical of him during a Premier League game against Leicester towards the back end of last season.

He managed more yellow cards (seven) than goals and assists (four) in the Premier League, while his passing accuracy was down at a shocking 76.4% – to put that into context, even Jeff Hendrick did better (80.1%).

Diawara, on the other hand, is someone who provides a superb range of passing (he completed just shy of 90% of his passes in the Serie A last season) and also has the defensive tenacity to cover the ground expertly and make challenges – he has averaged an impressive 1.5 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game over his career, which are both significantly better than Shelvey (1.2 and 0.9 respectively).

The Guinea international also gets dribbled past less often per game and is someone who prefers to keep his passes on the deck, rather than the long-range passes that Shelvey likes to try – he played just 1.2 long balls per game last season compared to Shelvey’s whopping 5.8.

Fabrizio Tazzioli, Diawara’s former coach at Napoli, has waxed lyrical about him, saying: “I saw the guy in training and thought that he is a phenomenon. He is not as strong physically, but better with his feet and has the same presence on the pitch.”

The £17m-rated powerhouse looks clearly better than Shelvey in all the key departments, and with Sean Longstaff’s future at St James’ Park uncertain given his interest from Everton, he could arrive as someone who kills two birds with one stone – an upgrade on Shelvey, and a replacement for Longstaff.

The Magpies must ruthlessly sell Longstaff this summer, with a recent fan poll done on Football FanCast showing that 70% of people thought he should be sold in this summer transfer window (442 votes to 185).

Signing Diawara would give them the perfect chance to do just that.

Meanwhile, Newcastle must ruthlessly sell this ace…

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer cannot see his old side getting relegated this season.

It has not been the best of starts to the campaign for Marcelo Bielsa’s men, who have taken just two points from their first four games.

They have struggled at the back, conceding five goals to Manchester United in a 5-1 defeat and three to Liverpool in their recent 3-0 loss over the weekend.

It is still early days, though, while Manchester United and Liverpool are capable of scoring multiple goals against anyone. Considering that and how weak some of the other teams in the Premier League are, Palmer is backing Leeds to avoid relegation this term.

“Bielsa plays one way. That’s the only way he knows how to play,” the ex-Leeds star told FFC. “You know, I think this is a very important season for Leeds United.

“The one thing they don’t want to do is be playing catch up, but I certainly don’t see Leeds getting relegated. I think there are three worse teams than Leeds in that league, but I do feel that it’s going to be a tougher season for them.”

Next up for Leeds is Newcastle United, who have also had their struggles in this early part of the campaign. The Magpies are currently in the relegation zone with one point, so Bielsa may feel that this could be a good opportunity to really get the ball rolling.