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Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa could form a terrifying duo at Elland Road by signing Matheus Pereira from West Brom this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports from the Daily Express had claimed that the Whites are among the clubs interested in signing the 1.75m (5 foot 9) Brazilian in the summer transfer window, although it’s suggested they are likely to face significant competition from the likes of RB Leipzig and Leicester.

Speaking to Football Insider, Kevin Phillips has thrown his backing behind a potential Leeds move for the talented playmaker. The 47-year-old said: “I think it (signing Pereira) would suit their style. Leeds are an exciting, free-flowing team, you can express yourself in that side. We’ve seen that with players like Raphinha and Jack Harrison this year, that they can just go and play with freedom.”

Imagine him and Raphinha

Pereira enjoyed an impressive Premier League campaign, scoring 11 goals and providing a further six assists in the division; and with his directness and creativity, he could form part of a devastating attacking duo along with Raphinha.

After a particularly impressive display earlier this year, former Spurs midfielder Jermain Jenas said of the £17m-rated ace: “He’s just silky. When he’s on it, he’s just got that lovely left-foot, (tucked) his penalty away, the delivery into the box for set-pieces was brilliant, and he wanted to showcase his skills.”

Meanwhile, former Leeds striker Noel Whelan has talked up the prospect of Pereira joining Raphinha at Elland Road, saying: “It is a mouth-watering prospect. We missed out on certain players last season, and this is a player that excites everybody. I would definitely take him all day long.

“He’s a fantastic player, he’s great on the ball, he can turn people inside out. Pereira’s another option we can use right across that front three and maybe in a number 10 role as well. He’s the right age and he’s the sort of player we should be looking at. Imagine, if you put him alongside Raphinha, Rodrigo, Harrison etc, that’s pretty formidable.”

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/leeds-united-marcelo-bielsa-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-elland-road-rodrigo-de-paul” title=”Read the latest Leeds transfer rumours and news!”]

Pereira’s average of two shots and 1.8 key passes per game in the Premier League last season was only a touch lower than Raphinha (2.2 and 2.1), while he was actually fouled significantly more times than his Brazilian counterpart (1.6 to one).

If teams decide to double up on Raphinha next season to try and wreak havoc, then they’ll have to think again if Pereira is on board, with the Baggies ace equally capable of creating a moment of magic.

Bielsa could have a “mouth-watering” duo on his hands with a move for a “genius” like Pereira this summer.

Meanwhile, Leeds are making a major howler over this first team ace…

Aston Villa can afford to part ways with left-back Matt Targett, currently on loan at Premier League rivals Newcastle United, with the Englishman looking to leave the West Midlands outfit permanently this summer

What’s the latest?

The 26-year-old recently spoke publicly of his desire to make his stay in the North East permanent, saying: “I’m sure and hope they can sort something out for me.

“For sure [decision time] is coming closer so, at the moment, I am really enjoying my time here and loving playing in front of the Geordie fans here.”

Toon boss Eddie Howe was made aware of those comments after Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Leicester City and reacted by stating: “If that’s what he said then it’s a lovely thing to hear from our perspective that he’s happy at the club and enjoying everything Newcastle has to offer.

“I’d be surprised if there was any other feeling from him because he’s looked so happy and settled in well.

“There are still games to play this season and opinions to be fully formed but I think he’s done very well. He’s fitted into the team and the group very well. He’s been very consistent with his performances.”

The Englishman made the move to Tyneside in January in an attempt to guarantee playing time after Villa’s £25m purchase of Lucas Digne from Everton.

Now, with the Frenchman undoubtedly Steven Gerrard’s first choice, it seems as though Targett will have to leave the West Midlands club permanently for regular game time in the top-flight.

Villa can afford to part ways with Targett

Despite a tricky start to life in claret and blue for Digne with numerous injury issues, the 28-year-old will start next season as Villa’s favoured left-back.

As a result, Targett has every right to seek a new challenge, particularly after an impressive three months as a Newcastle player.

Whether or not the North-East outfit’s expected heavy investment for high-profile talent this summer will shut the Englishman out of a permanent move is yet to be seen. However, from a Villa perspective, they can let Targett go with few consequences.

Granted, the Villans will have to seek a new backup left-back with 36-year-old Ashley Young’s contract set to expire this summer but this shouldn’t prove to be too tall a task.

The 26-year-old has proven to be a solid purchase for two-and-a-half seasons of service after his move from Southampton in 2019.

However, this campaign had since mixed displays from the left-back in claret and blue, with his opening day performance in the 3-2 defeat at Watford particularly alarming.

The Athletic’s Gregg Evans tweeted on the day: “Feeling a little bit for Matt Targett here. 14 mins in and Sarr is causing him all sorts of problems. Hard to watch.”

Even with injury issues, Digne has performed slightly better for Villa than the 26-year-old had prior to his move to St.James’ Park, according to SofaScore, with Targett’s average rating standing at 6.84 whilst Digne’s has been 6.9.

With Villa, like Newcastle, looking to make the next step up, the £59k-per-week Englishman may have to seek a completely different alternative when it comes to a permanent move. However, it won’t be a loss for Aston Villa.

AND in other news, Cost £0, now worth £19.8m: Villa struck gold on £15k-p/w gem who “demands attention”…

According to a report by Dean Jones, writing for Eurosport, Tottenham and chairman Daniel Levy could turn to England national team coach Gareth Southgate as a genuine target if they do not land prime managerial target Julian Nagelsmann.

Southgate, who guided England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals in what was a memorable summer, has now emerged as a possible candidate for the Lilywhites as the list of possible appointments grows larger.

Spurs could turn to Southgate

The likes of Nagelsmann, Brendan Rodgers and Erik ten Hag are also viewed within Spurs as potential contenders for the job (Eurosport), but Jones believes that Southgate is likely to be targeted if a move for Nagelsmann fails.

Indeed, the factor motivating Spurs’ relatively new interest in the England boss is apparently the 50-year-old’s relationship with superstar striker Harry Kane. It is understood that the pair get on very well, which could benefit Tottenham during a time where they want to convince the striker to stay in north London.

Transfer Tavern take

Described as a manager possessing a ‘ruthless’ streak by defender John Stones (Evening Standard), Southgate has also earned praise from Spurs legend Paul Gascoigne, who spoke of his pride in the Three Lions boss back in 2018 (Sky Sports).

Gazza also lauded him for getting England to play football ‘the way it should be played’ – and we believe he is another credible dark horse among many.

Both him and Brighton manager Graham Potter have emerged recently as potentially eyebrow-raising names linked with the Tottenham gig, but both men should be considered as Nagelsmann alternatives given their achievements over the last few seasons.

In other news: What Mourinho told Tottenham players after sacking at Hotspur Way, find out more here.

Leicester City have received a potentially significant boost in their pursuit of West Bromwich Albion midfielder Matheus Pereira.

What’s the story?

The Foxes are amongst several Premier League clubs who have been credited with an interest in the 25-year-old magician this summer, with Crystal Palace, Leeds United and Aston Villa also thought to be on his signature.

And according to BirminghamLive, West Brom have given the clearest indication yet that Pereira will depart the Hawthorns over the coming months after agreeing to leave Pereira out of their squad for their remaining warm-up matches after he missed their first three amid speculation over his future.

He’s a big upgrade

Despite the Baggies being stuck in the relegation zone for much of 2020/21, Pereira excelled throughout his maiden top-flight campaign, bagging 11 goals and providing six assists in 33 appearances.

Pereira’s one-man show at times last season caught the eye of numerous onlookers, including BBC pundit and former Everton midfielder Leon Osman, who praised his set-piece delivery.

“It’s a wonderful corner. We’ve seen Matheus Pereira try this a few times. He tries to find it under the crossbar, inside the goal frame, to see if anyone gets on the end of it,” said Osman.

“Matt Phillips made himself a handful for the goalkeeper, but it’s a wonderful delivery from Pereira.”

And, after a superb display against Aston Villa, BBC Sport pundit Jermain Jenas said of the 25-year-old: “He’s just silky. When he’s on it, he’s just got that lovely left-foot, (tucked) his penalty away, the delivery into the box for set-pieces was brilliant, and he wanted to showcase his skills.”

A recent report in the Express & Star claimed that West Brom are set to demand around £30m for their prized asset, and he would provide a significant upgrade on some of the current options available to Brendan Rodgers at the King Power Stadium.

Both Dennis Praet and Ayoze Perez have been linked with moves away from Leicester in recent weeks, and replacing the duo with Pereira would see the FA Cup holders increase the strength in depth of their first-team squad.

After the pair enjoyed relatively successful first campaigns with the Midlands outfit, they both struggled to make an impact last term.

Belgium international Praet contributed to just two Premier League goals throughout 2020/21, while Perez only bettered his teammates tally by one, falling way below Pereira’s standards despite playing in a far more successful side.

It remains to be seen whether the Leicester hierarchy follow up their interest in the Brazilian playmaker with a concrete offer, but it’s clear he would provide a much-needed boost to Rodgers’ hopes of achieving a top-four finish next season.

And, with James Maddison being linked with an exit to Arsenal, Pereira come in and instantly be his successor at the King Power.

And, in other news…Leicester eye swoop for “incredible” £18m-rated beast, fans will be buzzing 

Manchester United might well have the opportunity to sign an excellent partner for captain Harry Maguire this summer.

The Red Devils have been linked with a move for Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic, with reports from Calciomercato claiming that they are interested in the defender and could agree a deal worth approximately £26m with the Serie A outfit to bring him to Old Trafford.

Ed Woodward must certainly try and do that as United aim to bolster their defensive options heading into 2021/22.

Milenkovic has certainly harnessed his reputation as one of the most promising defenders in European football in recent seasons.

Rated at £25.2m by Transfermarkt, the 23-year has amassed 118 appearances in Serie A since a 2017 move from Partizan Belgrade. He has played a key role with the Florence club securing two top 10 Serie A finishes in his time at the club.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/the-latest-man-united-transfer-rumours-and-news-from-old-trafford-fofana-solskjaer-van-de-beek-wwodward” title=”The latest Man United transfer rumours and news from Old Trafford…”]

Milenkovic has drawn lofty praise for his performances, too, with former Serbia head coach Mladen Krstajic labelling him as “a new Vidic” – a prospect which will certainly be tempting the Red Devils into making a move considering the 39-year-old’s achievements at Old Trafford in the past.

When comparing his statistics to his Manchester United counterparts, the current Fiorentina man comes out overwhelmingly on top.

According to WhoScored, he averages more tackles, interceptions, clearances and blocks per game in the league this season than Victor Lindelof. He also exceeds the Sweden defender for aerial duels won per match.

It all makes a convincing argument for Milenkovic to be Harry Maguire’s partner in Manchester. With the Red Devils linked with a move for the Serbian, they must convert that interest into a tangible offer to his current employers and do all they can to bring him to Old Trafford in the near future.

AND in more news, find out why last week’s Liverpool postponement is a disaster for the Red Devils…

Fulham manager Scott Parker is edging closer to a departure from Craven Cottage this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Sky Sports, who claim that the 40-year-old and the Cottagers are currently finalising the mutual termination of his contract, ahead of Parker’s expected move to Bournemouth on the 1st July.

The report goes on to state that the former England international has already put together his backroom staff in anticipation of taking over at the Vitality Stadium, with the Cherries incumbent manager Jonathan Woodgate looking set to leave the club at the end of the month.

Khan will be relieved

With the uncertainty surrounding Parker’s future in west London swirling for a number of weeks now, the fact that Fulham appear close to finally closing the 40-year-old’s chapter at the club is sure to have left both Shahid and Tony Khan feeling rather relieved.

Indeed, it had been reported that the relationship between the Fulham hierarchy and the coach had broken down significantly following the club’s relegation from the Premier League last term, with Parker having made comments during the season regarding the actions of Tony Khan in relation to the club’s transfer business, with the manager labelling the director’s involvement as “frustrating.”

However, with the former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder now looking extremely likely to be on the way to Bournemouth at the end of the month, Khan can now begin to turn his attention to appointing Parker’s successor, with recent reports claiming that Swansea City’s Steve Cooper is under the consideration of the Fulham bosses.

Whoever the new manager ends up being, however, one thing is certain – Khan will be expecting a swift return to the Premier League next season, and anything other than achieving this feat would represent something of a disaster for Fulham, and likely result in the unknown manager’s sacking.

In other news: Fulham handed major boost over “immense” £31k-p/w dynamo that will leave fans buzzing

Tottenham Hotspur could be closing in on their first signing of the summer, if emerging reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

According to Sky Italia’s live transfer centre (as relayed by Sport Witness), the Premier League outfit have ‘tightened their grip’ on Bologna defender Takehiro Tomiyasu.

It’s claimed that Spurs have submitted a bid of €15m (£12.8m) plus €3m (£2.5m) in add-ons and that has seen them leapfrog Serie A rivals Atalanta in the bid to secure his signature.

They also suggest that the North Londoners plan to finalise the move ‘in the next few days’ with both clubs only a few million apart in their valuations of the Japan international.

Defensive fix

Tomiyasu excelled for Bologna last season, earning a 6.77 average rating by WhoScored, which saw him rank as their third-best player. Interestingly, he did so by playing a multitude of positions and that’s what makes him a hugely attractive prospect for Spurs.

The 22-year-old gem is capable of operating in the heart of defence as well as at right-back and across both positions, he averaged 2.9 aerial battles won, 1.7 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and an 82.1% passing accuracy, as per WhoScored.

Standing at 6 foot 2, the £18m-rated dynamo could draw some similarities to Jan Vertonghen during his early career at Spurs as he was able to play on the left and through the middle.

The Bologna star is evidently an intelligent player who also has decent passing ability on top of impressive physical qualities.

It’s no wonder his current teammate at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara, Mitchell Dijks, dubbed him “very strong” and a “true Japanese warrior” at a press conference, via Tuttosport.

Spurs desperately need to find a fix at the back as it was their main downfall throughout the 2020/21 campaign. A combination of defensive mistakes and a serious lack of cohesion led to them having one of the worst defences in the top eight.

Their pairing of Davinson Sanchez and Eric Dier was deemed “one of the worst partnerships in the Premier League” by former midfielder Jamie O’Hara, whilst right-back Serge Aurier has been dubbed “one of the biggest liabilities in Premier League football” by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher.

Evidently, it’s not just in the middle where Spurs have suffered.

Aurier has regularly been blasted as a calamity throughout his career in N17, whilst Matt Doherty’s form since joining from Wolves has been way below par – even to the extent of him being potentially sold if Jose Mourinho was still in charge.

Given that Tomiyasu can play anywhere along the defence, he could be the solution to two of Tottenham’s biggest defensive problems right now.

If Fabio Paratici wants to help Nuno Santo’s cause, then a move for the Japanese sensation could be a very smart decision this summer. For around £15m all in, that seems like an absolute bargain, considering his qualities.

AND in other news, Bye-bye Winks: Levy could land Spurs’ next Dembele in “extraordinary” £36m-rated beast…

Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba appears to be edging closer towards signing a new contract with the club following months of negotiations.

What’s the story?

The World Cup winner’s current deal expires in the summer of 2022, meaning he would be free to negotiate with foreign clubs as early as January.

French giants Paris Saint-Germain were heavily linked with the 28-year-old in the previous window before their shock move for Lionel Messi meant Pogba’s arrival was no longer a financial possibility.

It’s believed that the Ligue 1 outfit, Juventus and Real Madrid are still interested in the creative talents signature, but according to L’Équipe (as relayed by Get French Football News), he is now set to put pen to paper on fresh terms with United.

The report states that: “L’Équipe report today that France midfielder Paul Pogba is now telling those around him that he sees himself extending his contract with Manchester United.

“His entourage is said to have a clear goal in mind, which is to make the former Juventus man the highest, or at least one of the highest-paid players in Premier League history.”

Fans will be absolutely delighted

News that Pogba reportedly sees his long-term future at Old Trafford will leave United supporters feeling absolutely delighted, given his importance to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s charges.

It’s been a frustrating five years for the France international since he returned to his boyhood club in a then world-record £89m deal back in 2016, with only a League Cup and Europa League to show for his efforts.

However, since last December, Pogba has begun to show the sort of form on a consistent basis that convinced United to spend such a hefty fee on the engine room operator.

Since the beginning of 2020/21, the 6 foot 2 dynamo has bagged six goals and an impressive 18 assists in his 51 appearances for the 20-time English champions, illustrating his truly world-class form of late.

If Pogba does eventually agree to fresh terms at the club, then it will be a huge boost to Solskjaer’s ambitions as he attempts to return United to the Premier League summit, and fans will be hoping he puts pen to paper sooner rather than later.

And, in other news…Man Utd could strike gold by signing £9m-rated beast, Ole would love him 

West Ham could make a desperate push for West Brom’s Matheus Pereira, 25, if they lose Jarrod Bowen this summer, claims Express & Star journalist Luke Hatfield.

The Hammers have reportedly already spoken to Pereira’s people about a move and Hatfield expects things to possibly intensify should Bowen indeed leave this transfer window.

Bowen is thought to be on Liverpool’s shortlist, with The Athletic recently claiming that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp rates him very highly.

He scored eight goals and provided five assists in the Premier League for West Ham last season, so David Moyes would surely want a replacement for him if he was to leave. For Hatfield, that replacement could be Pereira.

Speaking to FFC about the two players, the West Brom journalist said:

“There’s reports of Jesse Lingard, who’s not going to go there by the sounds of it, and some reports of an interest in a player like Jarrod Bowen. If he was to leave as well, then you’d think West Ham would be really desperate for a player like Pereira.”

Considering his performances in the previous campaign and the fact that Lingard has returned to Manchester United, Moyes will not want to lose Bowen.

Pereira, who recently managed to score 11 goals in English football’s top flight, however, does not look like he would be a bad replacement.

Fabrizio Romano has dropped a gutting transfer update on Aston Villa target Pape Sarr.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks and months had suggested that Dean Smith’s side are interested in signing the 18-year-old this summer, with it then being revealed that his current club seem willing to let him go for the right price.

The Athletic then name-checked Villa as a team that have “looked at” Sarr as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season, but it appears Premier League rivals Spurs have beaten them to the chase.

Writing on Twitter, Romano said: “Medical completed and now paperworks to be signed for Pape Sarr to Tottenham, here we go confirmed. Done deal for €15m guaranteed plus potential “huge” add ons amount in the future. #THFC Sarr will stay on loan at Metz until June 2022, confirmed. #Spurs”

Dean Smith will be gutted

The 18-year-old enjoyed a real breakthrough season with the Ligue 1 side, playing 22 times in the league, and establishing himself as one of the first names on the team sheet for Metz boss Frederic Antonetti.

And, Antonetti has not shied away from lavishing his midfield starlet with praise, saying: “Pape Matar Sarr is elegance in the midfield, it’s talent, it’s making others play.”

He added: “He will be able to go as far as he wants to go. He must work, be as he is there, modest, regular, hardworking. He must continue to love football and he will do like the great players, he will go far. I think he will go very far.”

Dubbed as someone who’s “got everything” to his game, Sarr averaged an impressive two tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game, while also boasting a passing accuracy of 85.3% – the kind of all-action midfielder that would have surely gone down well with Smith.

The £25m-rated machine could have arrived at Villa Park to hold down one of the holding midfield positions. Instead, it looks like he’ll be realising his potential at Spurs instead.

The Villa boss will surely be gutted when Sarr rocks up to Villa Park in a Spurs shirt.

Meanwhile, Gregg Evans has dropped a late night Aston Villa claim…