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Leeds United appear to be back in for Rangers star Ryan Kent this summer amid speculation over a move last year.

What’s the story?

It was confirmed in the summer of 2020 by Gers boss Steven Gerrard that the Premier League side had a bid rejected by the Ibrox outfit, and that Leeds’ initial bid was nowhere near their valuation.

Then, Victor Orta admitted that a deal for the winger was never likely to happen because the Scottish club simply didn’t “want to sell him”, and that it was “never their plan to put Kent in the market”.

Now, The Athletic claim that Marcelo Bielsa’s men retain an interest in the 24-year-old as they look to strengthen their wide options ahead of the new Premier League season next month.

Bielsa will be buzzing

Given that Leeds wanted him last summer, and were only unable to do so because Rangers dug their heels in and refused to let him go, Bielsa will surely be buzzing at the news that the Whites remain interested in him.

Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd has waxed lyrical about the winger saying: “There’s Ryan Kent who is phenomenal – he gets you off your seat. His numbers have increased season after season. Even if the team are not at the level we saw at the start of the campaign, he is still a threat. He is so comfortable with the ball – it is like has superglue in his boots!”

And, speaking back in May, former Premier League and Leeds striker Carlton Palmer backed a move to Leeds for Kent, saying exclusively to FFC: “Listen, Champions League or no Champions League, the place to play is in the Premier League. If he got the opportunity to go and play in the Premier League, I’m sure he’ll go and play in the Premier League.

“He’s got maybe an opportunity to play in the Premier League. For me, as a manager, as a player, the place to be now or the place to play is in the English Premier League.”

While a permanent deal for Jack Harrison has already been completed, and Raphinha will no doubt be a starter on the right flank, Bielsa is in need of some quality strength in depth outside of those two.

And in a player who bagged 13 goals and provided 15 assists last season, and was actually fouled more times per game than Raphinha, the Leeds boss can find exactly that.

It’s exactly why this latest update is sure to have the Leeds boss buzzing, he’d love to have Ryan Kent in his squad.

Meanwhile, Leeds are closing in on a major agreement…

Leicestershire are targetting exciting Indian batsman Virender Sehwag as one of their overseas signings for next season.The 23-year-old opener has been offered a contract at Grace Road and Leicestershire’s general manager James Whitaker confirmed: “We are in negotiations with the player and his agent.”If Leicestershire can complete the deal it will be a major coup, because there is no doubt that the brilliant Sehwag would be a real crowd pleaser in all forms of cricket.The county’s move for Sehwag is part of a big shake-up at Grace Road which will also see a change in the captaincy for next season.Iain Sutcliffe, named ” Player of the Year ” this season has been offered the job in place of Vince Wells who has skippered the side for the last three seasons. Wells,37, has been offered a one-year contract as a player.Whitaker said: “Vince has done a very good job over the last three years, but we just felt at this time that we wanted to invite Iain to be captain.He has done a good job when he has stood in for Vince.”Veteran fast-bowler Devon Malcolm – he will be 40 in February – has been offered a new one-year deal and Darren Stevens a three-year contract.But experienced wicket-keeper Neil Burns, second team ‘keeper Steve Adshead, off-spinner Carl Crowe and young batsman Ashley Wright are being released.

As per Football Insider, West Ham United have now made an enquiry to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Adama Traore – and manager David Moyes already has plans in mind for his possible role.

The Lowdown: West Ham in hunt for attackers…

Moyes and co are on the lookout for any meaningful forward additions who can help to gift them much-needed strength in depth.

West Ham have arguably needed to complete the signing of a new attacker for some time, especially given Michail Antonio’s concerning injury record, with the Irons boss even confirming himself that offers had been lodged in January (BBC).

The search for forward men continues long into the summer window as Football Insider provide an update.

The Latest: Irons make Traore enquiry…

Indeed, the outlet say that West Ham have now made an enquiry to sign Traore, with manager Moyes already planning out a new role for him.

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It is claimed the Scotsman believes Traore can spearhead West Ham’s attack next season despite being a natural winger.

Moyes thinks the 25-year-old could thrive as a centre-forward as well as operating out wide, a similar trajectory he has overseen for Antonio at the London Stadium.

While Traore is not West Ham’s number one priority, Moyes has him on the list, but Wolves are said to value him at a steep £50 million.

The Verdict: Quite a claim…

This is quite the claim to emerge given Traore’s lofty price tag.

If West Ham were to get a deal done hypothetically, there’s little doubting he would be an exciting addition – but not as a striker.

Former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo knew too well of the Spaniard’s quality during his time at Molineux, with the Portuguese calling him ‘amazing’, ‘unique’ and ‘so talented’ (The Athletic).

Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp called Traore ‘undefendable’ after the Reds’ 1-0 win at Wolves in March (Liverpool Echo).

In terms of a winger signing, there are arguably few better than him, especially considering he completed the most dribbles per 90 on average (4.1) out of any player in the Premier League over 2020/2021 (WhoScored).

However, given he bagged just two goals in that time, perhaps converting him to an out-and-out striker wouldn’t be the best move by Moyes.

In other news: ‘No way’, ‘Absolutely amazing’…Many West Ham fans flock to transfer claim, find out more here.

Ange Postecoglou has already set out his priorities as the new manager of Celtic.

That’s if you believe the various news outlets that have linked the Hoops to several new goalkeepers in the last few days.

What’s the word?

The Bhoys are believed to be keen on reuniting Brighton and Australia stopper Mat Ryan with Postecoglou this summer but there are other ‘keepers on their radar.

They could revive their chase for Robin Olsen while Benjamin Siegrist is a topic of conversation again.

Celtic have been tracking the Swiss over the course of the season with a move initially thought to be a possibility last winter.

A move didn’t materialise but the Hoops may well take part in a bidding war for the Dundee United man this summer.

That’s the word of journalist Alan Nixon who took to Twitter to say the following: “Ipswich want him but Dundee United will try for an auction … and Celtic may take part.”

Exciting news

Siegrist might not have the international or Premier League pedigree of Ryan but this is still incredibly exciting news for supporters.

The 6 foot 4 colossus is proven in the Premiership and would arrive at a time where Celtic are desperate to sign a new goalkeeper.

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Vasilis Barkas signed for a fee of £4.5m last summer but was particularly error-prone, eventually being ousted in favour of Scott Bain.

The Greek only started two games after the January period but Bain hardly covered himself in glory throughout the season either. He made a succession of errors against Sparta Prague in the Europa League and didn’t offer much authority.

Siegrist is the polar opposite and is one of the most commanding goalkeepers in the Scottish game.

Celtic supporters saw this firsthand when his dominating performance led to a 0-0 draw with the Hoops that ensured Rangers wrapped up the title early.

As Dundee United earned a surprise point at Tannadice, Siegrist was in remarkable form as he made a sensational 12 saves.

He repeatedly denied Odsonne Edouard on what was a terrible day at the office for the Frenchman.

For a man who “trains like a monster” in the words of Micky Mellon, he’d be a first-class addition to Postecoglou’s ranks.

Supporters should be excited at the potential of seeing a new man between the sticks after their wretched campaign from a defensive point of view.

AND in other news, McKay must complete Celtic move for 42-cap beast who dubbed Postecoglou “intimidating”…

Lymington propelled themselves into the heart of the Southern Electric Premier League, Division 2 promotion race with a comprehensive 109-run victory over United Services at the Sports Ground

Mike Vimpany (as published in Daily Echo)21-Jul-2002Lymington propelled themselves into the heart of the Southern Electric Premier League, Division 2 promotion race with a comprehensive 109-run victory over United Services at the Sports Ground.Zimbabwean skipper Danny Peacock led the way for Lymington, top scoring in the New Forest club’s powerful 265-9 and then taking four wickets as United Services dipped to a disappointing 156 all out in reply.Lymington’s sixth successive win sets up a titanic Rose Bowl duel next Saturday against the Hampshire Academy, who maintained the Division 2 leadership with a four-wicket success at Rowledge.But Easton & Martyr Worthy are second – three points behind the Academy – after beating Old Tauntonians & Romsey by six wickets.Lymington asserted their authority during the afternoon session, but initially were never entirely comfortable with 265-9, particularly after their own record-breaking 286-run chase against Hungerford a fortnight ago."After what happened in the Hungerford game, it was in the back of my mind that we might not have scored enough," Peacock admitted."But I backed our bowlers, particularly Aaron Heal and myself, both spinners, who I knew would be difficult to get away."Lymington motored merrily along at four an over from the start, with Peacock’s second-wicket partnership with Heal providing the platform for a sizeable total.The young Western Australian left-hander didn’t time the ball as sweetly as he might have liked, but hit nine fours in an effective 57 before departing at 112-2, just after the mid-innings drinks break.Peacock and Ben Craft (42) ran well, really upping the anti and taking advantage of the fast outfield as Lymington moved menacingly to 202-2, with nine overs left.But Peacock, who struck a six and seven fours in a fluent 75, and Craft departed in quick succession as United Services created middle-order inroads."I thought the lads came back well at that stage, taking four wickets for only six runs," said skipper Gary Hounsome.But Lymington reasserted themselves through youngsters Ian Young (27) and Matt Molloy (23), who plundered 48 runs off the last five overs as the total advanced to 265-9 off 50 overs.Zimbabwean wicket-keeper Warren Gilmour bagged four catches, all off Damian Carson, who finished with a rather expensive 5-74 off ten overs."I must say we fancied ourselves at tea. It was a great batting track, even though 266 was a lot to get."But we batted poorly, with all ten batsmen giving their wickets away. Bad shots got us out," Hounsome confessed.US came out of the traps at breakneck speed – only to lose university pair Tom Clarke and James Robson to consecutive Trevor Phillips deliveries.Their dismissals – Robson was bizarrely caught first ball at long-leg – set the tone for Services, who were clearly looking to the unwell, but nonetheless impressive Pete Andrew to fire their challenge.Andrew, suffering from a bout of food poisoning, punished Phillips and left-armer Martin Hunt with a host of boundary shots.But soon after Lymington switched from seam to spin, US began to buckle.Peacock, bowling off-spin, removed Hounsome (23) at 88-3 and then got the vital break at 104-4 by removing Andrew for a forceful 57.The Services batsmen contrived to offer up catches all around – Peacock finishing with 4-33 and Heal, varying his flight and line, taking 3-40 as the Portsmouth side sank to 156 all out in the 35th over."To be all out with 15 overs left was little short of scandalous," Hounsome complained. "It just summed up the way we batted, but there was no doubt the better side won on the day."

Leicester City are reportedly interested in signing Schalke centre-back Ozan Kabak after he impressed during a short-term loan spell at Liverpool last season.

What’s the story?

The Reds turned to the 21-year-old as they searched for a solution to their defensive injury crisis but turned down the opportunity to make his stay on Merseyside permanent for £18 million.

As a result, Kabak has been linked with a move to several sides in recent weeks, and well-respected journalist Constantin Eckner has confirmed the Foxes’ interest.

He tweeted: “Ozan Kabak: Leicester are interested in signing the centre-back after he has returned to Schalke who essentially have to sell him, as they are forced to reduce the cost of their squad significantly following relegation.”

Fans should be buzzing

After finishing in fifth place for the second consecutive season, Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers has already been quite active in the transfer market.

Deals for RB Salzburg striker Patson Daka and Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare appear to be nearing a conclusion, yet defensive reinforcements will also be required.

Experienced duo Christian Fuchs and Wes Morgan have left the King Power Stadium, leaving a sizeable gap in Rodgers’ squad.

Former England international Ryan Bertrand is expected to bolster the full-back positions following his release from Southampton, but a new centre-back will also be required.

Therefore, news that Kabak is being targeted by the Leicester hierarchy should have the club’s supporters buzzing.

The Turkey international recovered from a shaky start to life in England to perform well for Liverpool during his six-month stint at Anfield.

He made 13 appearances for the Reds in all competitions throughout the second half of the recently concluded campaign, helping Klopp’s charges to a third-place finish.

Adding someone with Premier League experience will be a huge bonus as Leicester plot another assault of the top four next term, and his potential arrival would be a big boost to the FA Cup holder’s chances of returning to Europe’s top table.

With Schalke in a poor financial situation, director of football Jon Rudkin may be able to pull off a bargain deal for Kabak, adding to the extensive list of astute purchases he’s overseen.

And, in other news…Leicester City handed major injury boost ahead of next season, Rodgers will be buzzing 

Connor Wickham has officially left Crystal Palace on a free after his contract expired, as reported by Berkshire Live.

The Lowdown: Wickham has had a torrid time

Acquired from Sunderland for £9m back in August 2015 [Chronicle Live], the 1.89m (6 foot 3) ace registered 11 goals and five assists in 50 appearances during his time at Selhurst Park [Transfermarkt].

Despite being a pricey purchase, Wickham has suffered serious injury problems in SE25. Constantly ravaged by injuries in 2020/21, he did not muster a single outing for the Eagles at first team level last term [Soccerbase].

However, he did manage to bag two goals in two games while plying his trade in Premier League 2 with Crystal Palace under-23s [Transfermarkt].

The Latest: Wickham released

The former Ipswich youth is now free to ponder his next move after being named on the south Londoners’ released list of players, alongside the likes of Gary Cahill, Andros Townsend, James McCarthy and Nathaniel Clyne [The Sun].

Following the departure of Roy Hodgson as manager, Palace are said to be looking to the future as they rebuild for 2021/22.

As for Wickham, the Hereford-born striker’s next move is undetermined. Formerly a target for Championship side Reading, he may feel he still has something to offer at a high level if he can prove his fitness over the coming weeks [Berkshire Live].

The Verdict: Right time to part ways

The former England under-21 international has been highly unfortunate throughout his career. At 28, he may feel he could have still had a future at Palace if it weren’t for a spate of fitness concerns.

Once labelled as ‘influential’ by former Eagles manager Alan Pardew [Sports Mole] and hailed for a “massive performance” against Newcastle in 2015 by Wilfried Zaha [Evening Standard], Crystal Palace fans didn’t get to see enough of his qualities at Selhurst Park. In spite of early promise, now is the correct time to let him leave as they seek to bring in positional reinforcements.

In other news, these Crystal Palace fans give their thoughts on a rumoured transfer target.

Former West Brom midfielder Carlton Palmer has told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that Chris Wilder would win his old side promotion.

Wilder is said to be one of the leading candidates for the West Brom job as the Midlands club look to replace Sam Allardyce ahead of their return to the Championship.

Wilder has been out of work since departing Sheffield United back in March, who he could face next season from the Hawthorns dugout following their own relegation to English football’s second tier.

It would make for interesting viewing in a potential battle for promotion, and Palmer really fancies West Brom’s chances if they do go on to hire Wilder.

“I think he’s a really, really good manager,” the ex-West Brom player exclusively told FFC.

“The simple fact is Chris Wilder has done his apprenticeship. He is a top, top manager. If he’s ready to get back into the game, for me, West Brom shouldn’t even hesitate. Give him the resources and he’ll get them promoted.”

While Wilder and United had their struggles this season, the all-round job the 53-year-old did was impressive.

Though they did have their disputes this term, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp called Wilder incredible before coming up against him for the first time.

Tottenham Hotspur may be offered a tempting deal that could kickstart a much-needed overhaul…

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Star, Spurs have an interest in Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus, which could create the possibility of a cash-plus-swap deal for Harry Kane this summer.

It’s thought that the Brazilian is valued at around £70m and that a similar amount on top of his signature could tempt the Lilywhites into a move.

They also claim that Pep Guardiola would be reluctant to let the 24-year-old go but making him part of any offer could bolster their chances of securing Kane as it would give them a direct replacement for the England international.

Bye-bye Kane?

Whilst Kane is one of the irreplaceable members of this current Spurs squad, the fact that he wants out does not put the North London outfit in a strong position of negotiation, with £150m being a mooted price tag.

Sky Sports claimed earlier this month that the 27-year-old reiterated his desire to leave his boyhood club this summer and his preference is to remain in the Premier League, only further making it a difficult decision for chairman Daniel Levy.

It’s also true that Spurs are in need of a vast squad overhaul ahead of next season, regardless of whoever takes the currently vacant managerial role. Many of these players who featured during Mauricio Pochettino’s reign are still here, and they are the same ones that not only let him down but also Jose Mourinho.

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Selling Kane could be the only genuine way of raising enough funds to bolster areas right across the pitch, with the Daily Mail suggesting that Spurs will have to sell before they can buy this summer – are the likes of Erik Lamela, Serge Aurier, Moussa Sissoko and many more going to raise as much as Kane would? It’s rather unlikely.

Not only would Spurs be getting some funds to help aid this but they’d also be getting very viable successor. As mentioned above, it’s going to be hard to fill his void but in Jesus, Levy could grab his next manager a top player with plenty of experience in the Premier League.

On City’s way to the title this campaign, the 5 foot 9 dynamo found the net nine times in 29 appearances, also adding five goals in other competitions, via Transfermarkt.

It means he’s bagged 82 goals across 195 appearances for the Citizens since joining them in August 2016.

The 40-time Brazil international’s form over the years has earned plenty of plaudits, namely from his boss Pep Guardiola, who has effectively dubbed him an unsung hero in this title-winning squad.

“You cannot imagine how happy we are when Gabriel can score the goals he has scored,” he told City’s official website. “But it is the things he does for the team that people don’t realise he does. That’s why the striker has to score and today he scored two. He helps us with his pressing and he is a joyous guy.”

The former Barcelona head coach also went onto call his striker “amazing” and “brilliant,” too.

Whilst even ex-Spurs boss Pochettino knows of his qualities, calling him a “very talented player” with “potential” back in 2017, via the Manchester Evening News.

All in all, if Kane is to be sold this summer, then it would make perfect sense to try and involve a player that could instantly fill his void, and Spurs can probably do that with the £54m-rated Jesus.

There are surely not many better choices out there right now.

AND in other news, Spurs eye swoop for “remarkable” 16 G/A beast, he’s everything Lo Celso should’ve been…

Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore is set to meet with Dejphon Chansiri for transfer talks in the coming weeks.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to a report by Yorkshire Live, who claim that the 47-year-old manager will hold talks with the Owls owner in the coming week in order to establish his summer transfer budget.

At present, the report states that Moore is in the dark as to how much he will be allowed to spend in the upcoming transfer window, while also touching upon the fact that Wednesday are still currently under a transfer embargo – although explain that this is expected to be lifted prior to the transfer market opening next month.

Fans will be hoping for good news

Following a miserable 2020/21 Championship campaign for Wednesday, which saw the Owls finish in 24th place in the second tier standings, as well as having points deducted for breaching financial regulations, fans will undoubtedly be hoping for a fresh start in League One.

Something that should help the club feel as if it is rejuvenated ahead of next season is the sheer amount of players who will be leaving upon the expiry of their current deals, with no less than 17 first-team players due to depart Hillsborough next month.

In theory, this should be good news for Moore, as, with a number of players on extremely inflated wages – such as the £35k-per-week Jordan Rhodes, the £26k-per-week Izzy Brown and the £22k-per-week Tom Lees to name but a few – expected to leave the club, one would imagine that a large chunk of wage budget will be freed up for the 47-year-old this summer.

However, with Chansiri likely to want to avoid a repeat of being unable to pay the playing staff, as was the case on a number of occasions this season, it is questionable just how much of the money saved in wages will be given back to Moore to spend.

Regardless, fans of Wednesday will undoubtedly be begging for some positive news to come from Moore and Chansiri’s talks – in order for them to be able to begin looking forward to their club’s future once again.

In other news: Dom Howson drops huge Sheffield Wednesday transfer claim which will surely have fans buzzing – opinion