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Leeds United will ‘definitely’ target a new striker this summer to provide cover and competition for Patrick Bamford.

That’s according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who was speaking to This Is Futbol.

The lowdown

Bamford enjoyed a fine 2020/21 season upon Leeds’ return to the Premier League, scoring 17 goals, providing eight assists and – crucially – featuring in every single game (via Transfermarkt). However, this season he has been ravaged by injury, limiting him to just seven starts out of a possible 32 in the top flight.

An ankle injury kept Bamford out from the end of September until the start of December, and he then suffered a hamstring problem upon his return against Brentford. Having returned to the fold in March, he was forced off in the win away to Wolves and has missed the team’s subsequent two games (via Transfermarkt).

Amidst these woes, Leeds have often turned to summer signing Dan James – who is predominantly a winger – to lead the line, and the Welshman has only scored four goals.

The latest

Jones has said that Leeds believe they need a more effective centre-forward ‘backup’ for Bamford and have made it a priority ahead of the summer transfer window.

He told This Is Futbol: “Leeds are definitely going to look to sign a new striker. I think irrelevant of whether Bamford is fit or not. We’ve seen that you have to have backup for him.”

The verdict

Bamford’s availability was excellent in 2020/21 but his injury nightmare this season has exposed a hole in Leeds’ squad, so who could they potentially sign to strengthen their centre-forward ranks?

According to a recent report from TEAMtalk, the Whites have entered the race to sign Ben Brereton Diaz from Blackburn Rovers. The £9m-rated Chile international has been prolific for the Lancashire club in the Championship, bagging 20 goals in 34 appearances so far this season.

In addition to his goalscoring, the 22-year-old offers an ‘extraordinary’ work rate, according to his manager Tony Mowbray, so he could potentially be a favourite at Elland Road if he were to join Leeds and carry across that industrious trait.

In other news, Phil Hay has shared an update on this injured Leeds midfielder

Gianluca Di Marzio has dropped an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s reported interest in a move for Lautaro Martinez.

What’s the talk?

In recent comments cited by FcInter1908 (via Sport Witness), the Sky Sports Italia journalist revealed that, following earlier reports suggesting that Antonio Conte has made the Inter Milan centre-forward one of his priority targets in the summer transfer window, there is a very good chance Fabio Paratici does make another move for the 24-year-old at the end of the current campaign.

Speaking about Spurs’ interest in the Argentina international, Di Marzio said: “Who will Tottenham go to if they qualify for the Champions League? Surely Antonio Conte wants another striker.

“We know that, even before he arrived in London, Fabio Paratici had tried to take Lautaro Martinez, but then Inter sold Lukaku and could not sell both.

“I expect a possible Tottenham offensive for him. Then it is true that he has renewed, but it is possible that Tottenham could present themselves again and we’ll see what kind of offer they might present.”

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Spurs supporters will love Di Marzio’s update

With backup and competition for Harry Kane having been something of an issue for Tottenham in recent years, with the club’s last permanent signing of a centre-forward being Fernando Llorente back in August 2017 – who subsequently left Spurs for Napoli just two years later – the suggestion that Paratici could pursue a deal for Martinez this summer is sure to be an update the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium faithful will love.

Indeed, the thought of the £63m-rated Argentine and Kane linking up in a front two in north London is an incredibly exciting one – not to mention being a duo that would somewhat replicate Conte’s devastating attacking two during Inter’s Scudetto-winning campaign under the 52-year-old.

Last season, in the Italian manager’s preferred 3-5-2 formation, Romelu Lukaku and Martinez scored 41 goals and registered 17 assists between them in the league, with Lukaku averaging an incredibly impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.32 and Martinez averaging a 7.17 rating – ranking the duo as Conte’s first and third-best performers in Serie A respectively.

As such, it is clear for all to see that the prospect of Kane – who himself has scored 12 goals, provided six assists and averaged a SofaScore match rating of 7.29 in the Premier League this season – taking the place of Lukaku in this tandem will be a thought that terrifies defenders up and down the country.

And, with it being reported that Inter will be willing to listen to offers beginning at €70m (£59m) for the €125k-per-week (£105k-per-week) striker this summer, a deal for Martinez is one that Daniel Levy could very much afford to sanction.

AND in other news: Conte can finally axe “horrendous” liability as Spurs plot talks for £17m “revelation”

West Ham United look destined to sign Maxi Gomez this month one way or another but, with Celta Vigo struggling at the foot of La Liga, the conclusion of the mooted deal is far from straightforward. 

Reports in recent days have depicted Gomez to West Ham as something of a formality, but with less than 48 hours remaining until the deadline passes time is running out for the Hammers to reach an agreement.

Gomez reportedly has a £43.5 million release clause in his contract, but the fact Celta want West Ham to loan him back to the club after completing a deal is complicating matters, according to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth.

Indeed, while speaking on Sky Sports’ Transfer Talk podcast, Sheth claimed that one of his sources close to the deal revealed that West Ham are looking to secure a transfer for a fee below the £43.5 million release clause because they will not be benefiting from his presence until the summer. Crucially, though, Celta are reluctant to accept a reduced fee.

“The information I was getting for someone who was close to the deal was saying that there were 2 different prices: one if they bought him in January and they’d want the full release clause, but if West Ham waited and bought him in the summer then there would be a reduction in the price.

“But what Celta are trying to do is a combination of both, they’re saying we’re selling to you in January so give us the full release clause but what we want is him to be loaned back.

“The discussions that are happening now, I’m led to believe, is that West Ham want a reduction in what they’re paying because they’re effectively not getting him until the summer but they’re securing his services now.”

Murmurs emerging from the media suggest that Manuel Pellegrini is more than willing to allow Gomez to stay in Spain until the end of the season, with Marko Arnautovic’s peculiar contract extension also lending reason to believe that the Austrian hitman has agreed to stay until the La Liga goal-machine moves to east London.

That Celta are playing hardball on the figure is far from surprising considering the circumstances; they hold all the cards given Gomez’s obvious attraction and the tentative situation regarding Arnuatovic’s future.

But, with time still remaining in the window, the powers that be at West Ham will be hoping to knock a few million pounds off the eventual figure to ensure something of a straight footballing and financial swap in the summer when Arnautovic renew his effort to leave the club.

It’s a complicated time for West Ham in the transfer market but, even with Celta’s tough stance on Gomez in mind, it seems Pellegrini is in a strong position to secure a massive signing for the club – whether it be for £43.5 million or slightly less.

West Ham fans – thoughts? Let us know below!

Celtic’s majority shareholder Dermot Desmond has been described as a ‘benevolent dictator’ by financial football expert Kieran Maguire.

The Lowdown: Desmond oversees glorious period

The 71-year-old has a 35% stake in the Hoops, who he has supported throughout his life, having initially owned a chunk of Manchester United during the 2000s before selling his share to Malcolm Glazer.

Desmond has overseen a great period in Celtic’s history, with trophies coming thick and fast and another Scottish Premiership title looking likely to arrive next month.

At a time when billionaires own clubs and don’t necessarily care deeply about them, Demsond’s Hoops roots make it a different situation at Parkhead.

The Latest: Maguire praises ownership

Speaking to Football Insider, Maguire discussed the Irishman’s frugal ownership style, praising it overall:

“If you’re a fan first and an owner second, you’re going to do what you think’s best for the club’s best interests. I’ve always said that the best ownership model is one of a benevolent dictator, who will act in the best interest at heart.

“He’s a billionaire that happens to be a fan, rather than a billionaire who wants an executive toy.  It’s slightly different because he is a very prudent owner. Could Celtic have accelerated the gap between them and Rangers in recent years? Perhaps.

“But I think they have always taken the view that they have got the biggest stadium and some of the biggest commercial deals, and that is sufficient.”

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The Verdict: Positives outweigh negatives

Football club owners are almost never universally popular among supporters and that is no different with Desmond, with fans criticising him numerous times in the past.

That being said, the positives outweigh the negatives with him and he is ensuring Celtic are run in a sensible fashion, often spending within their means.

Desmond cares deeply about the Hoops, which immediately works in their favour, and when he eventually sells up, it could be a case of only appreciating him when he’s gone.

In other news, a report has made an exciting Celtic transfer claim. Read more here.

According to a report from Football League World, West Brom are facing competition from two Premier League clubs in the race to sign Derby County gem Tom Lawrence. 

The lowdown: Lawrence starring in the Championship

The 28-year-old has been a superb servant to the Rams ever since arriving from Leicester City in 2017. Scoring 36 times and providing 25 assists in 181 outings for the Derbyshire outfit, Lawrence has proven to be well worth the reported £7m fee (Sky Sports) that they paid for him.

However, as Derby face the prospect of relegation to League One amidst financial turmoil, the Wales international could be on the move this summer.

The latest: West Brom interest in Lawrence

As per Football League World sources, the Baggies are joined by Norwich City and Brighton & Hove Albion in their admiration of the attacking midfielder.

It is claimed that the former Manchester United academy ace has ‘been on the radar’ at The Hawthorns for some time as Steve Bruce attempts to add quality to the squad.

Despite interest from the top flight, the report insists that West Brom are still in the mix to sign the 23-cap Welshman, who has taken the captain’s armband at Pride Park this season under Wayne Rooney.

The verdict: High-quality operator

Predominantly a left winger, Lawrence is also capable of playing across the midfield and would therefore offer much-needed versatility to the Baggies’ squad.

Described as ‘unplayable’ as a youngster by Steve Evans whilst on loan at Rotherham United, the Welshman certainly possesses all of the attacking attributes to add much-needed attacking impetus to Bruce’s side.

Valued at £4.5m and set to become a free agent in July (Transfermarkt), with 10 goals and five assists in testing circumstances this season (only Karlan Grant has a better return in Bruce’s squad), West Brom should be doing everything in their power to convince Lawrence to head to The Hawthorns.

In other news, three West Brom players toil in Championship defeat. Find out who here.

Arsenal are one of the teams interested in Jonathan David, according to Fabrizio Romano…

What’s the word?

The Italian transfer expert delivered the exciting claim to Twitter earlier this week as the Gunners’ search for a new striker rumbles on, though it’s a move that may have to wait until the summer window.

“Jonathan David will be one of the big names on the market… in the summer. He’s not leaving Lille in January, the plan is to complete the season in Ligue 1.

“Arsenal have been mentioned among clubs interested in him – but there’s nothing advanced yet. Open and long race,” he said.

David is currently valued at £45m, as per Transfermarkt.

Vlahovic alternative

Thus far, the north London giants have been left frustrated in their pursuit to find a new talisman for manager Mikel Arteta – a need that is only going to get desperate the closer we get to next season.

That’s because Alexandre Lacazette is still out of contract end the end of the current campaign, whilst the future of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is by no means certain, having been stripped of the captaincy for behind-the-scenes disciplinary reasons.

Fiorentina forward Dusan Vlahovic has emerged as a key target for the club but they are yet to make any advances despite being linked with a £150m package for him this month.

It’s been reported that he isn’t keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium and that he could well also remain in Italy until the summer, at the earliest.

David could therefore be an intriguing and perhaps perfect alternative as he’s not going to cost as much as the Serbian and he too has been in electric form this term.

As per Transfermarkt, the Canada international has found the net 16 times from only 28 appearances, averaging one goal every 134 minutes, which is very impressive indeed.

He is finally living up to him €30m (£26m) price tag from Club Brugge, where his former boss Hein Vanhaezebrouck once dubbed him “a phenomenon” and “the best player in the country.”

Last season, he bagged 13 goals on their way to the Ligue 1 title, so the 5 foot 11 marksman has been a very important player for Les Dogues.

Strong with both feed and pace to burn, David could easily fit in with Arteta’s system as he seems the ideal mix between both Aubameyang and Lacazette.

Therefore, it would make sense for Edu Gaspar and the Gunners’ recruitment team to turn to the Lille beast in the coming weeks, if not months as the need for a new striker is paramount ahead of next season.

Arteta would surely love David at Arsenal.

AND in other news, Arsenal dealt huge transfer setback… 

After a disappointing season for West Brom, currently 13th in the Championship, Steve Bruce has given an update on Andy Carroll’s future at the club ahead of the transfer window.

What’s the latest?

In an interview with Express & Star, the Baggies boss has confirmed that talks have been scheduled to make a decision on the striker’s future and whether his stay will be extended at the club or not.

Bruce confirmed:

“He has done well since he has been here and it’s great to see him fit. I’ve always said, when fit, Andy Carroll is a threat.

“I think it’s important in the next week or so that we sit down and make those big decisions which are never easy. We’ll see what develops.”

Time to go

Carroll was initially brought into the club to fill a gap in the striker role for West Brom after a freak hamstring injury to January signing Daryl Dike on his first full debut for the Baggies and has had an adequate impact on the side.

The £720k-rated star who was hailed “powerful” by former boss Alan Pardew, has delivered three goals in 15 appearances, scoring a goal in each of the two victories West Brom have picked up in their last six games, but with players returning from injury the striker has fulfilled his purpose and it is now time to go.

Dike returned to full team training last month but is yet to make an appearance in the team since he picked up his injury, and Bruce is hoping that he will be able to have a good summer working on his match fitness to reprise his star role as the striker in next season’s charge for promotion back to the top-flight.

With that in mind, keeping hold of 33-year-old Carroll doesn’t make sense in the club’s pursuit to rebuild and recharge for a chance to get back into the Premier League next season, and should be looking to invest in the future of the team, rather than prolonging the contract of a player who is nearing the end of his career.

West Brom needs to reflect on the nightmare season they have had in the Championship and re-evaluate what needs to be done to ensure they don’t find themselves in the same position again this time next year.

It is really important to keep moving forward in the best interests of the team, and accepting Carroll was a short-term solution and moving him on this summer could be the right decision.

AND in other news: Bruce can finally axe “lazy” flop as West Brom plot bid for “superb” 19 y/o sensation

As per Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via Football Italia, there has been an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer links to Juventus forward Paulo Dybala.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Bosman move…

Spurs transfer chief Fabio Paratici reportedly plans to sign quality options at zero cost in the form of soon-to-be 2022 free agents with the likes of Ousmane Dembele (Barcelona) and Jesse Lingard (Man United) previously linked.

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Dybala, who is now set to leave Turin in June, is another big name who Tottenham could sign for Antonio Conte this summer on a free deal with various reports namedropping the Lilywhites as an interested party.

Sharing an update, Italian publication CDS now have some news for Spurs fans.

The Latest: Tottenham enter out-of-window talks…

According to their information, as shared by FI, Dybala’s representatives are currently ‘talking’ to Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester City as the Lilywhites enter out-of-window negotiations.

They also add that one of the player’s intermediaries/emissaries has recently travelled to England with a move abroad for the Argentine now seeming like the most likely option.

The Verdict: Get it done…

While Dybala’s £220,000-per-week wages could be a point of contention, especially given a salary that high would make him the highest paid player in Conte’s squad, we believe he could be a fine addition for no transfer fee.

Pundit Paddy Kenny, commenting on the links recently, claimed he would be a ‘statement’ signing for Spurs and the numbers certainly back his point.

According to WhoScored, Dybala stands out as Juve’s best performing Serie A player this season going by average match rating (7.41), attempting far more shots at goal per 90 (3.6) than anyone in Massimiliano Allegri’s squad.

As the Italian footballing giants seem set to lose a star man, Tottenham could be remiss if they don’t at least attempt to take full advantage.

In other news: Paratici sets sights on ‘phenomenal’ £100m man who Spurs have been offered before! Find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur’s attentions have seemingly turned to Diego Carlos in a bid to bolster Antonio Conte’s backline.

Earlier this month, the Daily Mail reported that Spurs had joined Newcastle United in race to sign him during the January transfer window and with just a few days left to go, time may be running out to secure him.

It does appear as if the north London outfit have a trick up their sleeve, though.

According to Football Insider, Spurs have opened preliminary talks with Sevilla over a potential swap deal involving Giovani Lo Celso for the 28-year-old centre-back.

Conte is said to be in the market for a new central defender during the final few days of the window.

Carlos is valued at £50m by the LaLiga outfit but the Lilywhites are hoping that Lo Celso going in the other direction can sweeten the deal.

There’s no denying, the Brazilian colossus would be an instant upgrade to the Italian’s defence, especially alongside summer signing Cristian Romero and Eric Dier, who Conte believes can become one of the best in the world.

The trio would be a frightening prospect for any Premier League frontline. You’ve got two physical and aggressive animals in Carlos and Romero and an exceptional ball-playing option between them in Dier.

Just two seasons ago, the 6 foot 1 star won the Europa League with the Rojiblancos, where he played a regular and starring role. That campaign saw him record a whopping 21 clean sheets in all competitions, including one against Lionel Messi and co, which is impressive.

He formed a solid partnership with Jules Kounde at the back, averaging a squad-high 2.8 aerial duels won, 1.1 tackles and an 88.3% passing accuracy per league outing, via WhoScored.

That aerial ability could certainly set him apart from the two Spurs defenders.

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Valued at £40.5m by Transfermarkt, Carlos has been dubbed a “beast” who is “built like a tank” by Spanish football expert Domagoj Kostanjsak.

“He’s a really physical player – he’s built like a tank and they don’t call him ‘The Beast’ for no reason,” he told the Liverpool ECHO. “He’s really good in the air and he’s decent on the ball as well – you have to be under Julen Lopetegui,” before later adding: “He’s been a bit of a revelation.”

If Conte wants a new centre-back, then Spurs should look no further than Carlos, who could be the final piece to their defensive puzzle. Between him, Dier and Romero, the Italian head coach would have one formidable unit that could strike fear into the opposition for the remainder of this season.

It’s on sporting director Fabio Paratici and chairman Daniel Levy to get this one over the line now.

AND in other news, Spurs dealt late January transfer blow over “devastating” target, Conte will be livid…

Rangers will face Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur in a pre-season friendly at Ibrox this summer.

The lowdown

Rangers will likely be preparing for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s first full season at the helm. In addition to drawing up transfers, they’ll also have to arrange friendlies to help the squad build fitness for competitive fixtures.

If Rangers finish second in the Scottish Premiership and fail to win the Europa League, then they’re likely to enter the second round of Champions League qualifiers, scheduled for the second half of July.

Meanwhile, the start of the SPFL season is pencilled in for the weekend of 30/31 July.

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The latest

Football London’s Alasdair Gold writes that Rangers held talks with Spurs this week over a potential summer meeting at Ibrox.

The Lilywhites are due to jet off to South Korea for two matches, and wanted to line up a game in Glasgow on their return.

And those efforts have been a success, with the ‘excited’ Spurs officially confirming the fixture for Saturday July 23.

The verdict: Exciting indeed

This can only be good news. Rangers’ players get the chance to test themselves against elite opposition, and the added intensity should be of benefit to Van Bronckhorst’s side.

Last summer, when they faced Spurs’ North London rivals Arsenal, they could only welcome 2,000 spectators amid coronavirus restrictions, but this year, there’s no reason why they can’t get close to a full house and generate considerable funds too.

And the club hierarchy will be looking for alternative revenue sources this pre-season after backing out a friendly against Celtic in Australia following a backlash from fans.

In other news, read this journalist’s concerning Alfredo Morelos claim.