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Despite their reluctance to splurge on the January transfer market, Leeds will undoubtedly be looking to the summer to strengthen their ranks. They are currently struggling with injuries to their defence and options in attack are very limited.

On top of making it a priority to secure Jack Harrison on a permanent deal, the Whites must also bring in reinforcements to counter their ongoing injury woes. They have been linked to 20-year-old rising star Mikkel Damsgaard, but other clubs are also on his scent.

Tottenham Hotspur are amongst those watching the youngster’s progress according to the Daily Star. Southampton and West Ham are also amongst the clubs looking to strike a deal with Damsgaard, despite the face he hasn’t long signed for current club Sampdoria.

Should Leeds sign Damsgaard?

The hot prospect joined the Italians last summer and has since tallied two goals and four assists in Serie A this season, according to Transfermarkt. It is thought that Damsgaard’s price tag has already soared from the £5.2m Sampdoria paid for him to a hefty £15m.

His performances have attracted a lot of attention, with current manager Claudio Ranieri tipping him and teammate Kristoffer Askildsen for a “big future”.

Should Andrea Radrizzani and Victory Orta decide to pursue a move, they could be recruiting a fine protege for club icon Mateusz Klich.

The Poland international has been a stalwart in the Leeds engine room since he joined the club in 2017. The 30-year-old has 19 goals and 19 assists to his name for the Whites and boasts versatility that has helped Marcelo Bielsa out of some tough spots – he’s played in five different positions under the Argentine.

Comparing the two players, a lot of their statistics are similar. According to WhoScored, the pair have a similar goal and assist return for this season and whilst Klich leads the way in terms of key passes and shots taken per game, Damsgaard averages more successful dribbles and is fouled more often.

With ten years between them, Klich could pose as the perfect mentor to Damsgaard, who is just as versatile as the Polish veteran. Whilst the 20-year-old Denmark international isn’t a midfielder by trade, he is comfortable being played in the heart of the engine room. He dominates the left-wing and can also be deployed as a striker.

The versatility he could offer to Leeds could be a huge coup for Orta, who will be eyeing up his next big deal. Landing a potential heir to Klich would tick all the right boxes.

In other news, Gaetano Berardi injury news may not be the boost many believe it is…

In an exclusive interview with Football FanCast, former Premier League striker Dean Windass has tipped West Ham to sign Jesse Lingard on a permanent basis this summer.

Having fallen down the pecking order under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United, the England international made the switch to the London Stadium on loan in January to enhance his opportunities.

£75,000-a-week man Lingard hadn’t played a single minute of Premier League football for United this season, but has enjoyed an impressive revival since signing for to the Hammers.

He scored a brace on his debut at Aston Villa before netting the crucial second in the win over London rivals Tottenham last month, which has seen West Ham emerge as genuine top-four contenders.

Lingard’s contract at Old Trafford expires next summer, which could lead to him being available to West Ham at a cut-price.

And Windass believes that it’s a deal that he thinks will happen once the window reopens.

He exclusively told Football FanCast:

“He’s hit the ground running. I think Lingard will sign for West Ham. His days at Manchester United are numbered.”

Windass might be right here. Whilst Lingard is a United Academy graduate, he’s approaching a stage in his career where he must be playing regularly.

And if he isn’t part of Solsjkaer’s plans moving forward, then a permanent move to West Ham would be a positive deal for all parties.

Not to mention that West Ham are on course to finish in Europe, which could therefore improve Lingard’s chances of getting an England recall.

Dutch giants PSV are lining up another American addition to their ranks, with Miles Robinson wanted in Eindhoven as he prepares to leave MLS.

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• Defender about to hit free agency
• Ready to explore options in Europe
• International team-mates in Eindhoven

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United States international will see his contract at Atlanta United expire on December 31, allowing him to drop into the free agent pool. The 26-year-old defender is expected to explore options outside of his homeland when mulling over his next move.

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  It could be that he heads to the Netherlands to link up with USMNT colleagues Malik Tillman, Ricardo Pepi and Sergino Dest, with PSV’s director of football Earnie Stewart admitting to readying an approach for Robinson.

• WHAT THEY SAID

  The former U.S. star has told of the speculation suggesting that Robinson could be heading to Europe: “He has been on our list for a while, along with a number of others, so that is correct. There has been contact, but not only with him. I have contact with several players, because that is my job. He can play well with space in his back. I also saw with the United States national team that you don’t just pass him by.”

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  Robinson has been with Atlanta United since 2018. He has earned 27 caps with the USMNT, with seven of those coming in 2023 after missing the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar due to an unfortunate pre-tournament injury.

Lionel Messi and Antonela Roccuzzo are “happy” again in the United States with Inter Miami after enduring “hell” at Paris Saint-Germain.

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• Argentine struggled to settle in France
• Has gone chasing the American dream
• Young family feeling settled in Florida

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Brazil international Neymar has claimed that he endured a nightmare in the French capital alongside his former Barcelona and PSG team-mate. Messi walked away from that situation in the summer of 2023 when becoming a free agent, with the decision taken to go chasing the American dream.

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  He has become a star attraction in the U.S., with his every move being followed closer than ever, but he is feeling settled in Florida alongside his wife and three children. The Sunshine State is considered to be a perfect fit for the Messis, as they embrace a more relaxed way of life in an area of the world with a large Spanish-speaking community.

• WHAT CEA SAID ABOUT MESSI

  Messi has been visiting the Prima Pasta restaurant in Miami for several years – helping to make that outlet famous – and owner Gerry Cea has told of why the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has his smile back: “Leo is always super cool. His family has been coming for the last 12 years. He’s always so relaxed, always smiling. Never a problem. Just a very cool person. It was a release to win the Copa America and the World Cup. Leo had so much pressure inside of him all of these years. And now he’s in Miami. The Messis love summer. I was talking to Antonela, and yes they’re new here, but being close to Argentina and the summer weather in Miami…that’s why they’re happy.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

  Messi helped Argentina to Copa America glory in 2021, bringing his long wait for senior international silverware to a close, and he has gone on to lift the Finalissima trophy and World Cup at Qatar 2022. He inspired a historic Leagues Cup win for Inter Miami within weeks of his arrival in the States – making him the most-decorated player of all-time – and has more honours in his sights for 2024.

Glasgow Rangers fans are far from happy with comments from BBC journalist Chris McLaughlin on Twitter in the build-up to their trophy celebrations on Saturday.

This weekend, the Gers will finally be able to lift the Premiership trophy – the title itself has long since been won. Unfortunately, fans will be unable to be inside Ibrox to take in the trophy ceremony after the clash against Aberdeen, but there is likely to be plenty of supporters celebrating together in Glasgow.

McLaughlin, who is banned from Ibrox after previous negative stories against the Gers (The Daily Record), previously said Rangers are unhappy with other gatherings taking place in the city over the past few days, such as the Solidarity with Palestine protest in Govan Square – Rangers have been forced to implore fans to refrain from meeting up in large groups.

When asked about his comments on Twitter, McLaughlin revealed he had chats and message exchanges with those close to to the story. This attracted plenty of attention from the fans, and they took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about McLaughlin below

“No one at Rangers gives you the time of day, we treat you with the contempt you deserve so you are lying”

Credit: @Sweeney_T_SPB

“Liar.”

Credit: @christywhyte1

“So basically an outright lie then Chris?”

Credit: @pauljpwilson

“That’s about as vague as you can get Chris…..”

Credit: @TommyStark1980

“Just spouting utter nonsense again McLaughlin…. hope you never get the opportunity to darken our door again!”

Credit: @_fadgie_

“No. Chris is just a rangers hater and and negative angle he can put on a rangers story gets him stiff.”

Credit: @mancalledczar

In other news, Rangers eye this Ligue 1 star.

A number of Derby County supporters have been left happy with the news that a planned takeover of the club has now officially been called off.

The Rams ensured they remained in the Championship for another season last weekend, following a breathless final day – providing they survive a possible points deduction.

Wayne Rooney’s side may only have managed to draw 3-3 at home to Sheffield Wednesday, but Rotherham’s failure to win away to Cardiff City meant Derby stayed up.

It was a huge relief for everyone associated with the club, with hope that they can now push onto bigger and better things with Rooney at the helm.

Talk surrounding a takeover taking place at Pride Park has not been met with resounding positivity however, but that news has now taken a twist.

According to BBC Sport, Spanish businessman Erik Alonso’s proposed takeover of Derby has fallen through, with his company, No Limit Sports Limited, failing to complete a deal.

Derby fans flock to failed takeover

These Derby fans have been providing their thoughts on the matter on Twitter, with much happiness in the air.

“Some good news for once”

Credit: @iancf

“Happy Friday!”

Credit: @Nuwtfly

“Finally good news. Time to move on let the yanks buy the club and move on from the mess that has been the last 2 years”

Credit: @stefdcfc89

“This is great to see, it’s time to bring someone in who can bring stability to the club and put us back on an even footing, without the drama and the false promises. Let’s hope something can be tied up quickly and move forward “

Credit: @Rik_JP1884

“Get innnn”

Credit: @AdamDCFC1884

“It’s official!”

Credit: @DerbyStatistics

In other news, some Derby fans have been lauding one player after the Rams stayed in the Championship. Find out who it is here.

Daniel Pinder, the editor-in-chief of Get German Football News, has exclusively told Football FanCast that Taiwo Awoniyi would be a good signing for Rangers should Alfredo Morelos leave this summer.

The Gers, along with Glasgow rivals Celtic, were both linked to signing the 23-year-old striker back in January, with Premier League clubs also interested.

Awoniyi is currently on loan in the Bundesliga with Union Berlin, but whilst the Nigerian has produced some impressive numbers, his spell in Germany has been overshadowed by a muscle injury which has seen him miss the previous 10 league matches.

Despite his troubled campaign, the young striker managed five goals and three assists in 20 appearances this season, one of which came in their victory over Borussia Dortmund before Christmas.

And Pinder believes that his goal record in Germany would give him every chance of being able to replicate that record in the Scottish Premiership in place of Morelos.

But it would be big boots to fill, with the Colombian striker scoring close to 100 times in four seasons for Rangers, which culminated in their title-winning triumph.

He told Football FanCast:

“If you look at his form for Union Berlin pre-injury, he is a player that could potentially get 15-20 goals in Scotland.

“I think for Rangers for example, playing alongside Kent and Hagi, potentially as a Morelos replacement if he leaves, it would be a decent signing for them.”

According to Alasdair Gold, Tottenham are interested in appointing Erik ten Hag as their new manager.

Spurs eye Ten Hag

Following the sacking of Jose Mourinho, it had been suggested that Julian Nagelsmann was heavily on Spurs’ radar (Daily Mail). However, he has now been confirmed as the new Bayern Munich manager.

In a Q&A for football.london, Gold revealed THAT Ten Hag is one of a number of managers on the north London outfit’s shortlist.

Fantastic option

With the likes of Bayern (Sky via bulinews.com) and Barcelona (Sport) being previously linked with the Dutchman, it is perhaps a surprise that he is still at Ajax. He has done a marvellous job in Amsterdam – he is closing in on his second Eredivisie title at the Johan Cruyff Arena, has averaged 2.32 points per game during his time at the club (Transfermarkt) and also took them to the Champions League semi-finals in the 2018/19 season.

He also has a reputation of developing younger players, with the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Frenkie de Jong flourishing under his tutelage. Quite frankly, there are few better coaches in Europe that Daniel Levy could target, and he certainly seems attainable.

In other news, this Spurs hero has thrown his hat into the ring for the vacant position.

Many Aston Villa fans have been discussing Jack Grealish’s latest tweet, which has elicited a glowing response on the social media platform.

The 25-year-old recently relayed a tweet from the official club account after Aston Villa had posted a video involving actor David Bradley, who was talking about the club and it’s rise and fall through the years. The title of the video was – “They say you don’t choose Aston Villa, it chooses you.”

Bradley was talking about the beauty of fans and how so many Villa fans are connected to the club. The video included footage of the Villans’ greatest moments over the decades.

Grealish shared his admiration for the video, retweeting it with the added comment of: “What a video man ❤️💙 the way I can’t wait to have fans back!! @bradders_david you legend! 🙌🏻”

This came after the European Super League was announced amidst widespread vehement outcry. Even during Leeds’ Premier League against Liverpool, the Whites’ players wore training jerseys in protests of the ESL, while protests were held outside Elland Road (BBC Sport).

Liverpool are among the six English clubs to have signed up to the Super League, while Gary Neville launched a scathing attack on the concept of the ESL.

Grealish’s tweet drew the attention of many Aston Villa fans, who loved the response from the 25-year-old, whose local status and love for the club has often been apparent.

What did Aston Villa fans make of Grealish’s tweet?

“100% accurate, I know cause it hit me when I was 5 years old and now I’m 49 and still as strong as ever.”

Credit: @Simon1874Villa

“Who needs a Super League when we’ve got Super Jack!”

Credit: @Gareth32Gareth

“Love you forever and always.”

Credit: @LawsAVFC

“We are, without any shadow of a doubt, a truly great club… if not the greatest in the country.”

Credit: @skippyjackson

“You’re never leaving are you hahahahaha love you.”

Credit: @AVFCOlly_

“Goosebumps, passion, pride, yes we are Aston Villa!”

Credit: @TonyV1lla
In other news, “The last thing you want to see” – Exclusive: Lee Hendrie reacts as big Aston Villa blow emerges

Plenty of Crystal Palace fans have been reacting to Roy Hodgson’s comments on defenders Mamadou Sakho and James Tomkins on social media. 

Hodgson was talking to the media ahead of the Eagles’ trip to Leicester City on Monday and had some ‘good news’ to share.

As posted by the club’s official Twitter page, Hodgson said:

“We’ve got a lot of players back which is good news. Mamadou Sakho – even James Tomkins is out there training. So in fact, this is as big a group as we’ve had training for a long time.”

Sakho has missed the majority of the season through injury, with the 31-year-old, who is out of contract at Selhurst Park this summer, making just three Premier League starts.

Tomkins, meanwhile, has also been absent for large parts of the campaign. He’s made just four Premier League appearances from the off this season and hasn’t been in a matchday squad since January.

Palace fans react

As to be expected, the return of Sakho and Tomkins had plenty of Palace fans talking on social media, with fans hoping to end the season on a strong note after it looked like it was going to just peter out following the heavy defeats to Tottenham and Chelsea.

This is what some had to say in reply to the club’s Thursday afternoon post, with some hoping to see the pair alongside each other before the end of the current campaign.

“I’m not used to so much good news in one thread! Oh my”

Credit: @ljbrameld

“My CBs”

Credit: @danofthesouth_

“YEEEEEES”

Credit: @TalkCPFC

“Are you serious? These players are draining the club. Experienced and overpaid now so get rid of them and reward players that want to play for the club, no meal tickets allowed. We need huge change in the summer or will pay the ultimate consequences…. “

Credit: @mark_welling

“Need one last game of Tomkins and Sakho if they’re going this season”

Credit: @androsisnotbald

“One last dance”

Credit: @amancpfc

In other news: Many CPFC fans buzz over club’s interest in £48k-p/w ace, find out more here.