All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on Conor Gallagher and the chances of him joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer, coming after what seems like nearly a year of Spurs links to the 24-year-old.

Spurs tipped to sign Gallagher amid Chelsea's PSR worries

Chelsea face real PSR concerns as we slowly approach the June 30 deadline for them to balance their books and avoid Premier League sanctions.

Ange has now called up unseen Tottenham teenager to first team training

He’s got a glowing reputation already.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 18, 2024

Reports suggest Chelsea may have to raise £100 million through player sales by that date, and with Gallagher's contract expiring in 2025, he's a firm candidate for the Stamford Bridge exit door despite being a key player for Mauricio Pochettino.

Gallagher's sale would go down as pure profit on Chelsea's books, given he's a product of the Cobham academy, and the notion Pochettino's side could be forced to sell has alerted club chiefs at Tottenham.

Spurs have been tipped with interest in signing Gallagher for quite some time, with reports dating as far back as last year. Tottenham's fondness for Gallagher has remained heading into the next summer window, with pundit Pat Nevin believing he would be a perfect fit.

“In an ideal world where finances are all balanced, Chelsea would absolutely not be looking to sell Conor Gallagher. I can’t imagine it, it’s unthinkable," said Nevin this week to Grosvenor Sport (via The Metro).

"Similar to when Mason Mount left. But if the finances say you need to do it then you need to do it. It may be unbelievably painful for a lot of Chelsea fans because, as someone said to me the other day, it feels like selling the family silver. Chelsea have been selling off bits of the stadium and hotels and it’s slightly discomforting but the accountants are in control really.

Crystal Palace 1-3 Chelsea

8.78

Chelsea 6-0 Everton

8.64

Tottenham 1-4 Chelsea

8.22

Chelsea 3-0 Luton Town

7.90

Chelsea 4-3 Man United

7.88

“You wouldn’t be surprised if he went to someone like Spurs signed Conor Gallagher, obviously that would be particularly painful for Chelsea fans. But what a player he would be for them, I’d probably say he’s better suited to Spurs, the way he plays.

“The transfer situation is really quite delicate with Chelsea because we don’t know who is making the decisions and that’s what it comes down to."

Fabrizio Romano shares Gallagher to Tottenham update

Now, respected media source Romano has shared an update on the "game-changer" and his situation for GiveMeSport.

Indeed, he says Tottenham are waiting for Chelsea's final decision on Gallagher before making a move, and he adds that manager Ange Postecoglou remains an absolutely huge fan.

“Conor Gallagher remains on Tottenham’s shortlist," said Romano.

"He’s a super-appreciated player at Spurs. He’s been on Ange Postecoglou’s list since day one and has always been a player he loves. So, I think Tottenham will be there if Chelsea decide to sell the player in the summer transfer window. But for sure, Gallagher remains a player that is appreciated by Tottenham, and they’re waiting for Chelsea’s final decision on that one.”

Since Todd Boehly completed his purchase of Chelsea for £4.25b in May 2022, they have spent an outrageous sum of money on bringing in new players to the club. In total, they have spent £1.1bn on transfers into Stamford Bridge.

This has included high-profile acquisitions such as Raheem Sterling on a five-year contract who cost £50m from Premier League rivals Manchester City, and Frenchman Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig, who cost £52m.

The Blues have also signed some lesser-known talents, who they hope to nurture over the years and eventually become key players at first-team level. This includes Lesley Ugochukwu, who joined from Rennes for £23.2m and signed a seven-year contract.

One of the best players in the Premier League, Cole Palmer, also signed for Chelsea this summer, for £40m from City. The signing was a bit of a gamble, but that has certainly paid off, with the 21-year-old scoring 20 goals and registering nine assists in 30 league games.

Of course, all these incoming meant Chelsea needed to make room in their squad over the last two seasons. The likes of Mason Mount left the club last summer, to sign for Manchester United for £55m. However, there was one other major sale in the 2023 summer window, which the Blues could well regret signing off on.

Kai Havertz’s season in numbers

The player in question here is Kai Havertz, who joined Chelsea’s London rivals Arsenal last summer for a fee of £65m. It took some time for Havertz to find his feet since moving to the Emirates Stadium, but has grown into his role at the club and turned into one of the Gunners’ best players this season.

Despite a slow start to life as an Arsenal player, Havertz has 12 goals and six assists in 35 Premier League appearances, as well as scoring once in the Champions League.

Havertz started off playing in the centre of midfield, fulfilling the role left vacant by Granit Xhaka, who left the club in the summer. However, he has more recently found a place leading the line for Arsenal, and has been very successful in recent weeks.

In fact, the Germany international is Arsenal’s second-most productive player in terms of goal output in the Premier League so far this season. His 18 goal involvements are only bettered by Bukayo Saka, with the Gunners’ number seven having 25 in total, as per Sofascore.

Chelsea fans may well but frustrated at Havertz’s form in his first season Arsenal being so impressive. He is already only 19 goals behind his Chelsea tally of 32 in 91 fewer games than what he played at the Bridge.

Kai Havertz's transfer value at Arsenal in 2024

The £65m that Arsenal paid Chelsea to bring Havertz to the Emirates Stadium last summer has, so far, proved a successful investment. Aside from his superb performances in recent weeks, the 24-year-old’s market value has greatly risen since the transfer.

The Germany international, who has 15 goals in 44 games for his country so far, is now worth a whopping £86m as per CIES Football Observatory, and he is one of the most valuable players in Arsenal’s squad. Indeed, only Bukayo Saka, at £171m, and captain Martin Odegaard, at £128m, are valued higher than Havertz, with Declan Rice, William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli equal to Havertz’s value.

Incredibly, not only is Havertz the joint-third most valuable player in the current Arsenal squad, but he is equally as valuable as Palmer. The Englishman is currently tied at the top of the Golden Boot chart with former teammate Erling Haaland and has certainly been Chelsea’s best player this season.

However, he is no more valuable than Havertz, and the former Chelsea man would actually be the joint-most valuable player in their current squad had he stayed, along with Palmer and Enzo Fernandez.

Havertz’s signing has certainly been a good purchase for the Gunners, with pundit Adrian Clarke describing his recent performances as “magic”, following a stellar 6-0 win away to Sheffield United in March.

Chelsea fans and Boehly may well wish that this was one deal that did not happen last summer; after all, they have been struggling in front of goal, Palmer aside. Perhaps Havertz could have been the man to help them find the back of the net more often this season.

Chelsea must rue selling £7m titan who's now worth more than Mudryk

He’s featured in every minute of the 2023/24 campaign.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 29, 2024

Rangers fans and media members have wasted no time in laying into one of their stars after their chance of winning the Scottish Premiership title took perhaps its final blow on Saturday afternoon.

Celtic on the verge of the title

Heading into their clash with Rangers on Saturday, Celtic knew that should they avoid defeat they would have one hand on the Scottish Premiership.

Rangers chiefs now believe £25k-a-week star will be at Ibrox next season

Huge news for the Gers.

ByTom Cunningham May 10, 2024

Their 2-1 victory in the latest Old Firm derby has left them on the verge of success though. While not yet mathematically confirmed as Champions, they lead Rangers by six points with two games left to go, while they also boost a seven superior goal difference than their title rivals, meaning that they would need to lose both of their final games and see Rangers win heavily to stand a chance of reversing the top two in the division.

The Scottish Premiership as it stands

Played

Won

Drawn

Lost

Goal Difference

Points

Celtic

36

27

6

3

59

87

Rangers

36

26

3

7

52

81

It will see Brendan Rodgers complete a title win that at times this season has looked unlikely, but a poor spell of form from Rangers has effectively handed the trophy on a plate to their rivals, and this game continued on that theme.

A fiesty encounter, the game turned on one moment, and Rangers fans and pundits wasted no time making sure they made their feelings known.

Lundstram branded a "disgrace" vs Celtic

Rangers podcasters and media members have taken to Twitter/X in their droves to aim their ire at midfielder John Lundstram, who endured a torrid afternoon at Celtic Park. The ex-Sheffield United midfielder put the ball into his own net seven minutes before half-time to see his side fall 2-0 down to their Glasgow rivals, though an effort from Cyriel Dessers pulled them back into proceedings.

But that chance disappeared on the stroke of half time courtesy of Lundstram, who was given his marching orders in first-half stoppage time for a poor challenge on Celtic's Alistair Johnston, which VAR correctly deemed a red card challenge.

It capped an awful game for Lundstram, who managed just 16 passes in midfield, lost possession seven times and won just three of his 10 duels. Rangers podcast Heart and Hand labelled him an "absolute disgrace", while he was branded "absolutely woeful" by 4 Lads Had a Dream

The midfielder is out of contract this summer, and Philippe Clement admitted last week that the chances of him penning a new deal are increasingly slim.

“There is nothing official around that. I am not naïve, the longer that things last the more possibility that other people step in. But for the moment apparently the water is too deep between the two sides," he explained.

Having picked up a straight red card, he will now be suspended for the remainder of Rangers' games this campaign, which means he could well have played his last game for the Ibrox outfit. Based on the reaction to his performance today, there will be few Rangers fans complaining.

Jurgen Klopp’s final season as Liverpool manager has ended in disappointing fashion. Despite Carabao Cup success in February, the Reds failed to win any of the other three competitions that they were involved in.

In the Premier League, Liverpool will finish third, after a messy run of form ended their title hopes, with Manchester City in the box seat to win a fourth consecutive league title. Klopp’s side can, at most, end on 82 points this season.

Liverpool were knocked out of the Europa League in disappointing fashion to Atalanta, who overcame them across the two legs. In fact, the Italian side are now set to meet Bayer Leverkusen in the final, hoping to spoil their incredible unbeaten season.

Manchester United knocked the Reds out of the FA Cup, beating them in one of the most incredible cup ties of all time. A late winner in the dying embers of extra time from Ivorian Amad Diallo was enough to send Liverpool home.

With a summer of change coming up at Anfield, what with Klopp and assistant manager Pep Lijnders' departure, and Arne Slot’s pending appointment, it could well be the end of several players’ time at the club. In particular, one classy midfielder could be on his way out of Anfield.

Liverpool star set to leave the club

The player in question here is elegant Spanish midfielder Thiago. He joined the club from Bayern Munich in 2020, for a fee of £20m plus £5m in potential add-ons. However, after four years in Merseyside, he will depart this summer.

This was confirmed by The Atheltic journalist James Pearce last week, who discussed in an article that 33-year-old Thiago “will leave as a free agent when his contract expires this summer."

As for his destination, Saudi Arabian clubs could well battle it out for Thiago’s signature this summer. Football Insider have explained that a move to Saudi is his “most likely destination”, although a return to his native Spain could also be on the cards.

Indeed, Thiago’s time at Liverpool has been clouded by injuries. This season, he has played a single game in all competitions, making a fleeting five-minute appearance off the bench against Arsenal in the Premier League.

2020/21

95

27

2021/22

98

23

2022/23

365

57

2023/24

101

22

Stats from Transfermarkt

He has played 98 times for the Reds in total, scoring three and assisting six. Yet, he has missed an astonishing 129 games due to eight injuries and contracting COVID, which has kept him out for a total of 659 days.

Thiago’s wage in 2024

Given the sheer number of injuries he has suffered, it will no doubt be frustrating for Liverpool to have had such an exceptional player like Thiago unavailable for such a long period of time. Not only that, he is one of the top earners at the club.

According to Capology, there are only two players who earn more than the £200k-per-week that Thiago is on; Mohamed Salah, the club’s highest earner, who takes home £350k-per-week, and Virgil van Dijk, who receives £220k-per-week. Indeed, Thiago earns more than Liverpool stars including Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is on £180k per week, and Alisson, who earns £150k per week.

That's pretty staggering, particularly in Alexander-Arnold's case. Having captained Liverpool this season at various stages, he is the future under Slot and having supplied 19 assists in the last two seasons, deserves a little more cash.

That said, Liverpool fans must surely view it as a real shame Thiago’s move to Liverpool was ravaged by injuries so much; he is a classy midfielder, who would have lit up the Premier League had he been fully fit.

Given the change of era at Liverpool, and the reports that Thiago will leave the club at the end of the season, it is certainly something that seems inevitable.

Incoming manager Slot will no doubt want to stamp his own identity onto the side. That could see the likes of Thiago, and potentially some other big earners, depart the club for pastures anew. FSG and Co are making the right decision by not renewing his terms at Anfield.

Slot must instantly ditch Liverpool ace who earns more than Jones & Elliott

This Klopp signing is not going to lift Liverpool to another level under Arne Slot.

ByAngus Sinclair May 15, 2024

Southampton are already thought to be preparing an offer to sign a £20m midfielder for Russell Martin this summer.

Championship playoff final – Southampton vs Leeds

The Saints take on Leeds United at Wembley Stadium this Sunday in the Championship playoff final, with the winner earning promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, joining Leicester City and Ipswich Town.

Martin’s side come into the playoff final after a 3-1 aggregate win over West Brom in the semi-final, whereas Leeds beat Norwich City 4-0 across the two legs.

Journalist says 24 y/o ace is "popular" option for Southampton this summer

The Saints are “very interested” in signing him.

ByHenry Jackson May 21, 2024

During the 46-game Championship season, Leeds finished higher in the table, however, Southampton managed to defeat the Whites twice, winning 3-1 at St Mary’s in September and 2-1 at Elland Road on the final day.

It promises to be a nervy afternoon for everyone associated with both clubs and whoever comes out on top looks set to make their move for a “special player”.

Southampton planning James McAtee transfer bid

According to sources close to GiveMeSport, Southampton and Leeds are both planning offers to sign James McAtee from Manchester City this summer. Whoever wins at Wembley this weekend will be in a better position to seal a deal, with McAtee having huge admirers on the south coast and in Yorkshire.

It is added that Man City are willing to cash in on the 21-year-old this summer as he enters the final two years of his Etihad Stadium contract, and an offer in the region of £20m looks set to be enough to secure his services.

McAtee spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Sheffield United but couldn’t help the Blades avoid relegation. The central, attacking or right midfielder made 31 appearances in the top flight, contributing to six goals.

It does feel as if now is the time for McAtee to find a new permanent home, with a long-term future with City appearing to be in doubt. He has come in for praise from Pep Guardiola in the past though after City turned down a loan spell in 2022.

"Maybe it happened because he's a special player. These players when we don't have incredible depth, we cannot forget he's just 19, training every day is so important for him."

Meanwhile, former Blades striker Carl Asaba compared McAtee to Arsenal star Martin Odegaard late last year, saying:

“He’s a bonus player in that he plays midfield and you have an extra number in there but then he can just attack. He’s like Odegaard. You play him in midfield so he’s defending for you, he’s another body for them to try and navigate away from but he likes the ball 30 yards out because he can go past you like you’re not there.”

A move to St Mary’s or Elland Road could be one to watch, and Martin will be hoping it is his side who are in a stronger position come Sunday evening.

An agent with close ties to Edu Gaspar wants his £34 million client to join Arsenal over AC Milan, and it is believed the Gunners are prepared to meet his salary demands to make the move happen.

Arteta wants to make Arsenal forward signing before summer tour

Manager Mikel Arteta, as per reliable journalist Miguel Delaney, personally wants Arsenal to seal the signing of a new forward before the beginning of their summer pre-season tour.

Arsenal ready bid for £51 million Kompany target as board aim to act fast

The north Londoners are keen to beat Bayern Munich to his signature.

ByEmilio Galantini May 30, 2024

Arsenal were imperious going forward last season, with Arteta's men scoring more than 90 goals in the Premier League alone. Their attacking output came from all over the pitch, which is testament to their fluid, interchangeable system.

Kai Havertz also impressed in a makeshift forward role, despite a slow start to his Arsenal career, yet it is still the consensus among reliable media sources that the club will look to bring in a goalscoring, natural number nine to spearhead the team.

Bukayo Saka

20

Leandro Trossard

17

Kai Havertz

14

Martin Odegaard

11

Gabriel Martinelli

8

Arsenal are set to sign an important new striker this summer, according to the likes of Fabrizio Romano, and there are believed to be many names on their radar. RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko is being targeted by Edu as an option to bolster their attack, coming after the Slovenia international's impressive 18-goal haul in all competitions last season.

Newcastle United star Alexander Isak is rumoured to be Arteta's ideal striker signing for Arsenal, but a deal for the Swede could be very hard to pull off considering his importance to Eddie Howe.

The north Londoners also have multiple other areas of the squad they'd like to reinforce this summer, so it is imperative that Edu and the Arsenal board are wise in the money they spend when the transfer window reopens on June 14.

Serie A could be a fruitful pool of talent when it comes to cost-effective targets, and reports suggest that Bologna ace Joshua Zirkzee is on their radar. Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, contrary to previous claims, have even stated this week that the Dutchman's contract includes a £34 million release clause which is valid for all clubs.

Agent wants Zirkzee to join Arsenal over AC Milan this summer

His agent, Kia Joorabchian, also has close ties to Edu and is having a real say about where Zirkzee could end up.

Corriere, via Sport Witness, suggest that Zirkzee's agent wants him to join Arsenal over AC Milan as things stand, with the north Londoners willing to pay Joorabchian's demanded agent fees of around £8.5 million-£12.7 million.

Arsenal also have "no problem" paying Zirkzee's salary either, which could hand them an advantage over the Rossoneri. The Netherlands international was a star player under Thiago Motta last term, who called him "special".

"Joshua is Joshua, he’s special," said Motta.

"I hope he continues like this and I won’t compare him to anyone. He plays well but above all he works, I will never stop saying that from the first day of training camp, he has always been the first to work and has become a leader. He must continue like this and we must help him continue like this because this is on the right path.”

Scotland’s hopes of causing a major upset in the opening match of Euro 2024 ground to a halt after just 20 minutes on Friday night, as Jamal Musiala lashed home a wonderful effort from just inside the Scottish penalty area to put the hosts 2-0 up.

The Germans may have come into the tournament under pressure to deliver, but their five star show against Steve Clarke’s men has certainly boosted expectations.

Scotland, on the other hand? The pressure to gain a result against Switzerland on Wednesday evening has just increased massively, as a loss will likely end their hopes of qualifying for the second round.

Not one person in the starting XI stood out, as the defence were very suspectable to the sheer speed of the German attack.

Scotland struggled to cope with the Germans

As the game edged towards half-time, going into the break just two goals down wouldn’t have been a bad result considering how poorly Clarke’s men had performed.

With just a minute to go, Ryan Porteous made a block to prevent iIkay Gundogan from scoring from a rebound, but his trailing leg went straight into his ankle, giving Germany a penalty and resulting in the Watford centre-back being sent off.

Porteous looked shaky on his major tournament debut, completing just 16 passes during the first half while also delivering just one accurate long ball from four attempts and losing possession six times.

His sending off will mean Clarke has to reshuffle his defence ahead of the clash against the Swiss, especially as Anthony Ralston was arguably just as poor as Porteous on Friday evening.

Anthony Ralston’s game in numbers vs Germany

Truth be told, if Aaron Hickey or Nathan Patterson were fully fit and in the squad, Ralston would be nowhere near the starting XI against the hosts.

In fact, he may not have even been in the 26-man squad full stop. It was apparent during the first ten minutes that the Celtic defender was out of his depth, struggling to cope with Bayer Leverkusen sensation Florian Wirtz on the flank.

Accurate passes

15/21

Total duels won

4/6

Possession lost

11

Dribble attempts (successful)

1 (0)

Touches

37

He may have won four of his six total duels, yet Ralston – who was handed a measly 3/10 match rating by GOAL's Richard Mills – completed only 15 passes, managed just 37 touches and lost the ball 11 times during the game. That ensured he squandered possession roughly every 3.4 touches, a grim return.

Hickey and Patterson love bursting forward on a regular basis, but Ralston failed to support the attack, failing with his only dribble attempt along with not making a key pass during the clash.

Unfortunately, Clarke doesn’t have many other options to replace Ralston for the crunch tie on Wednesday evening against the Swiss, yet it may be worth considering a tactical reshuffle to oust the full-back from the starting lineup – with club colleague James Forrest one potential solution on that flank.

The tartan army will expect a much better showing against a team who are certainly beatable, but much will depend on how low the morale is around the Scotland camp.

Putting the 5-1 defeat firmly behind them is the best course of action, especially as there are still six points to play for in the group.

With four of the best third placed sides qualifying for the second round, four points may even be enough to make it through to the coveted knockout stages.

Euro 2024 Group A: Teams, players, fixtures and venues

Everything you need to know about Germany, Scotland, Hungary and Switzerland ahead of Euro 2024.

ByStephan Georgiou Jun 9, 2024

Following last season's seventh placed finish in the Premier League, Newcastle United are set to bring in defensive reinforcements in order to aid their quest to break back into the top four next year.

Newcastle use summer to bolster defence

Owing primarily to a slew of unfortunate injuries, Newcastle struggled to settle on a nailed on back four for much of last season. In order to avoid this issue going into the next campaign, the Magpies have looked towards a number of defensive players.

"Hugely important" 20-goal winger is Newcastle's top Almiron replacement

He could be the perfect complement for Gordon.

ByTom Coates Jun 26, 2024

One player already making the move to St James' Park is Lloyd Kelly. The defender is set to formally join Newcastle on the 1st July after becoming a free agent upon the expiration of his contract at Bournemouth.

In addition to Kelly, the Magpies have been linked to a host of new defenders. Recent reports suggest that Newcastle have made a player-plus-cash offer for Wolves centre-back Max Kilman. The Tyneside outfit reportedly offered Elliot Anderson and cash for the English defender, however Wolves turned this bid down.

A new name between the sticks is also a target in the Toon's mission to sure up their defence. Burnley shot stopper James Trafford has been Newcastle's long term target in this area but both Aaron Ramsdale and Juan Musso have emerged as other names that PIF are looking at.

With deals for these targets yet to be agreed, Newcastle are now expected to step up their pursuit of a well-regarded European centre back.

Toon target move for Juventus defender

As first reported by Sport Witness, the Italian press are claiming that Newcastle could shortly formalise an offer for Juventus' Federico Gatti.

The Serie A giants are supposedly not interested in selling the Italian centre back, however the report states that they could be won over by a bid in excess of £25million owing to Juventus' ongoing financial problems.

Gatti featured 32 times for Juventus as his side clinched Champions League football by finishing third in Serie A. The central defender also managed to get on the scoresheet on four occasions during the campaign, an impressive feat for a player in his position.

Based on his stats from last season, Gatti is everything that you would want in a modern defender. The 26-year-old ranks highly for his progressive output as well as his previously mentioned goal-scoring prowess.

Non-penalty goals

0.14

95th percentile

Shots total

1.19

99th percentile

Progressive carries

1.17

98th percentile

Progressive passes received

1.47

97th percentile

Touches

1.60

92nd percentile

For any of the Toon faithful fearful about Gatti's defensive abilities, the 26-year-old has also earned plaudits for his more old school assets. Speaking back when he joined the Turin outfit in 2022, former Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri branded Gatti as "the strongest defender in Serie B and he has everything to do well at Juve".

If Newcastle are to get a deal for Gatti over the line, they would be getting a modern centre back that rarely shies away from doing the dirty work associated with his position.

West Ham United have reportedly made their first move to secure the services of a £25m player who is now a free agent.

West Ham eyeing more signings after Guilherme

The Julen Lopetegui era may not be underway on the training ground yet, however, it is when it comes to the transfer market. The Hammers and technical director Tim Steidten have already secured their first summer signing in Brazilian teenager Luis Guilherme, who has joined in a big-money move from Palmeiras.

West Ham lining up £17m "pure goalscorer" who's perfect for Bowen

His club are now willing to cash in this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 17, 2024

It doesn’t look as if the Irons have any intention of stopping there, though, with plenty of attacking targets lined up after Guilherme. A bid has reportedly been made for Colombian striker, Jhon Arias and an approach to Celta Vigo attacker Jorgen Strand Larsen, whereas there have also been rumours to Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling and links to Juventus’ Matias Soule.

All of those players could potentially command big fees, but it appears as if West Ham are also scanning the market for cut-price free transfers.

For example, Luton Town goalkeeper Tim Krul has emerged as a recent target, possibly coming in to play second choice at the London Stadium, should he officially depart Kenilworth Road when his deal expires at the end of the month.

German defender Mats Hummels has also been linked with a move to the Hammers, with his agents already holding talks with those at the London Stadium. Now, it looks as if the club have made their move for another free agent.

West Ham make Ryan Sessegnon contact

According to The Guardian, West Ham have made initial contact over a move to sign Ryan Sessegnon after his departure from Spurs.

Tottenham paid £25m for the left-back from Fulham back in 2019, however, he is now without a club after an injury-hit spell in north London. He could remain in the capital, though, with West Ham and his former club Fulham seemingly keen on striking a deal. Lopetegui wants competition for Emerson Palmieri and there is a feeling at West Ham that Sessegnon could be a bargain signing.

2023/24

3

40

2022/23

1

22

2021/22

4

31

2020/21

2

9

2019/20

1

33

2018/19

1

3

As can be seen, Sesesgnon’s injury troubles damaged his time at Tottenham, but providing he can stay fit, West Ham would be signing a 24-year-old who has received plenty of praise during his career.

Former Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho described him "absolutely fantastic" while Antonio Conte hailed Sessegnon as a "reliable" and "important" player during his tenure. "He is a reliable player and he has great confidence. He is strong physically and improved in his quality and technically."

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has also called the Englishman “incredible” and, by the looks of things, a move to the London Stadium is a possibility with contact now made from Hammers officials.

Everyone involved with Leeds United would have had a sinking feeling in the pit of their stomachs right after the final whistle was sounded at the Championship play-off final, knowing that their beloved team would very likely be picked off by vultures in the summer transfer window.

The mass exodus that was expected hasn't quite been as alarming as first feared so far, with Archie Gray the only real major casualty having agreed a £30m deal with Tottenham Hotspur, but Daniel Farke and Co will find it extremely tough to hold onto all their star assets the more the window nears its conclusion.

Leeds' statement after confirming the departure was remarkable, like nothing we've ever seen, truth be told, admitting they were "heartbroken" to see him heading for the exit door.

Too right. With Gray being the son of a Leeds legend, this exit for someone who has been hyped up as a "potential £100m" star, feels like a bargain fee.

Now, with further talk surrounding Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford potentially leaving popping up recently, the Whites will just pray they can keep a firm grip on Crysencio Summerville amidst the rampant rumour mill churning out quickfire news, with the Dutchman no doubt already attracting his fair share of admirers waiting to snap him up.

It doesn't have to be earth-shattering news if he was to be sold on, however, with the potential being that Leeds could get more money out of a suitor for their electric winger than Gray, especially after such a mesmerising individual campaign in the Championship.

Crysencio Summerville's 23/24 season in numbers

Summerville didn't win the accolade of Championship Player of the Season by chance last season, with many a second-tier defence rocking back and forth at the prospect of having to contain the mercurial forward when facing off against Leeds' dynamite attacking players.

Causing all sorts of havoc alongside the likes of Wilfried Gnonto and Georginio Rutter in attack, the former Feyenoord youth player turned Leeds hero would finish the campaign with a staggering 21 goals and ten assists from 49 games in all competitions.

With plenty of hype being thrown Gray's way surrounding his meteoric rise from boy to man last campaign, as Farke gifted him his first significant senior minutes, Summerville coming into his own is also another highlight from what would go down as a disappointing campaign on the whole.

Before tearing the Championship apart at will under Farke's guidance, the Whites number ten only had four goals and two assists next to his name across his entire Leeds career, with a move to a giant now awaiting the 22-year-old if everything clicks into place.

Of course, everyone with connections to Elland Road will want to keep Summerville situated in Leeds for the foreseeable, so he can produce more moments of magic like this sublime strike against Watford from earlier in the year, but they'll be very aware of how much of a tall order this could prove to be.

With the likes of Liverpool previously being noted as an interested party, on top of reported fresh interest from French titans Paris St. Germain, Leeds could be forced to cash in, as the Championship club become powerless to yet another of their top assets making the leap to a new team.

Summerville's transfer value in 2024

Described as being "world class" last term by football journalist Jake Winderman, it's no real shock that Leeds want to try and secure a sizeable fee to come their way to consider parting ways with their exciting Dutchman.

As per the reputable Fabrizio Romano, Leeds would be more content with the idea of selling their star number ten if a bid in the region of £35m-£40m was put on the table, with that potentially making him the second-tier outfit's third highest-ever sale in the process.

That would be even more than what they managed to get Spurs to cough up for Gray, as can be seen glancing at the graphic above, with Leeds finding themselves having to rebuild in key areas of the pitch, but with a healthy influx of cash in their back pocket to help.

Georginio Rutter and Gnonto could also follow out of the door soon, with Brighton and Hove Albion testing the waters with a recent £30m bid for the dazzling Frenchman, as Leeds' strategy in the market in originally finding all of these high-profit gems for mostly cheap amounts continues to pay off.

Gray

£0

£30m

Summerville

£1.3m

£35m-£40m

Rutter

£35.5m

£30m

Gnonto

£3.8m

£30m-£35m

Leeds' excellence in finding hidden gems and turning them into major money sales can be seen looking at the table above, with Gray another glowing example of the esteemed Whites academy producing another top talent off their fruitful conveyor belt, akin to Kalvin Phillips leaving for a ludicrous £45m to Manchester City.

Moreover, both Gnonto and Summerville shows off Leeds' eye for fishing in left-field areas for diamonds in the rough working wonders, having purchased both wingers for slim fees from both Switzerland and the Netherlands once upon a time, before moulding them into explosive superstars when moving to England.

Farke and Co will have to hope any summer replacements that do join to try and fill the gaps of an outgoing Gray or Summerville can be as impactful if given time, adding more and more money to the Leeds transfer kitty down the line if they are also moved on, with plenty more gems waiting to be unearthed down at Elland Road.

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