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Leeds United reportedly see Daniel Farke as a "serious" candidate to take charge at Elland Road this summer, according to a fresh claim.

Who is favourite to take Leeds job?

The search to be the next Whites boss is ongoing currently, with the club working diligently to ensure that the correct appointment is made this time around.

It could be argued that all three of Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce were the wrong choices to sit in the Elland Road hot seat, and it has ultimately led to Leeds being relegated from the Premier League.

Since Allardyce's recent departure, endless names have been linked with the vacant Whites job, with Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard arguably at the front of the queue, along with the likes of Brendan Rodgers, Carlos Corberan and Scott Parker, to name a few.

Farke is also a name that has recently been thrown into the hat, however, with journalist Phil Hay name-checking Leeds' interest in him on Saturday, and a new update further suggests that their interest is genuine.

Could Farke be the next Whites manager?

According to Sport1, Farke is a "serious" option to become the Whites' new boss, with "loose" talks being held over a move to Elland Road, having parted ways with Borussia Monchengladbach recently.

The takeover of Leeds by 49ers Enterprises has happened at the same time, suggesting they see Farke as more of a strong appointment that the previous owners, although the timing could simply be coincidence.

The former Norwich City manager could be a really shrewd choice as manager by the Whites, considering he has guided the Canaries to two title-winning seasons in the Championship in the past, showing that he is an expert at getting out of arguably one of the most competitive leagues in Europe.

It is imperative that Leeds make a fast return to the Premier League and don't allow years of good work to completely go to waste in no time at all, and Farke is a strong choice for that reason, compared to the likes of Gerrard and Corberan, who haven't achieved as much to date.

It feels like one of the most pivotal summers at Leeds in many years, in terms of picking the right manager and making key signings to take the team forward – in the 46-year-old Farke, the Whites have a reliable choice who could jump at the chance to return to English football.

An update has emerged on Burnley and their plans to bolster their defensive options ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Cody Drameh to Burnley?

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Clarets are in the race to land Leeds United full-back Cody Drameh and are plotting talks with the Yorkshire-based team over a deal for the ace.

Luton Town, who have also been promoted to the Premier League ahead of next season, are set to compete for the right-back's signature after he spent the second half of the 2022/23 campaign on loan at Kenilworth Road.

"Burnley and Luton are prepared to open talks over the permanent transfer of Cody Drameh in the coming days," he tweeted.

However, the reporter has added that the Whites are hoping to convince the starlet to remain at Elland Road next term after they appoint their new head coach.

How did Cody Drameh perform this season?

The 21-year-old dynamo enjoyed a terrific campaign with the Hatters in the Championship and his performances for Rob Edwards suggest that he would be a dream heir to the departing Matthew Lowton.

It has already been confirmed that the veteran defender is leaving Turf Moor on a free transfer this summer after eight years at the club and Drameh could come in as an ideal replacement.

Lowton made eight appearances in the second tier during the 2022/23 season and averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.72.

The 33-year-old offered little in the way of creativity as he made 0.5 key passes per game and, therefore, could have been a liability to the side from an attacking perspective in the top-flight due to his lack of quality in possession.

Whereas, Drameh, who averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.09 across 16 outings in the division, created 1.6 chances per match for Luton and showcased his ability to burst forward from right-back to open up the opposition and provide his teammates with opportunities to score in the final third.

The young full-back, who was once hailed as a "Duracell bunny" by former Cardiff City boss Steve Morison, also displayed his defensive quality as he made 4.2 tackles and interceptions per game and won 55% of his duels in the Championship.

Lowton, meanwhile, did not offer as much protection to his team at the back.

The Englishman made 2.5 tackles and interceptions per match and won 54% of his battles, which shows that he did not make as many interventions for his team as Drameh did for his and, therefore, did not stop as many opposition attacks from leading to chances.

These statistics suggest that the £4.4k-per-week talent could come in as a dream heir to the departing Burnley veteran as the 21-year-old is 12 years younger and his form in 22/23 indicates that the ace would offer more quality at both ends of the pitch.

Leeds United were relegated from the Premier League on Sunday afternoon as they fell to a disappointing 4-1 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, on a day when they simply had to win.

Players at Elland Road were unsurprisingly booed off on a shocking end to a dreadful campaign, with Sam Allardyce's appointment doing little to stem the run of terrible results and schoolboy defending, as the Yorkshire outfit shipped 11 goals in just four games under the experienced Englishman.

While it will be difficult for Leeds fans to pick out any positives from a nightmare day at Elland Road, the performance of Adam Forshaw was a promising one on what was likely to be his final appearance at the club.

How did Forshaw play against Tottenham Hotspur?

The 31-year-old, who is out of contract next month, has spent much of the campaign sidelined through injury but showed his quality on a day when many Leeds players simply failed to show up.

As per Sofascore, the Englishman would earn a solid 7/10 rating for his performance, which was the joint-best of any Leeds player to feature in the game, with Georginio Rutter also earning a 7/10 from the bench after contributing the assist for Jack Harrison's second half goal.

The £20k-per-week asset saw plenty of the ball on Sunday afternoon, registering 93 touches and completing 54/62 passes, which was a dramatic increase on his season average of 18.4 passes per game.

The former Middlesbrough man also contributed four key passes, which again is a significant increase on his season average of 0.7 key passes per game, and suggests that he was the chief creator on Sunday afternoon from midfield.

He could hardly be blamed for Leeds' defensive woes against an inspired Harry Kane, as he also contributed two tackles and one interception, which suggests that he was one of few players to actually do their job on the final day.

It was no surprise therefore that during BT Sport's coverage of the game, Gary McAllister described him as Leeds' "best player" and suggested that he was the only one who had "stood up" for the Yorkshire outfit in the first half.

While Leeds' multi-million signings showed little to no fight, Forshaw was one who put his all into the game, and it may just make the incoming manager consider whether he is worth a new short-term deal this summer, as he can leave Elland Road tonight with his head held high.

Tottenham Hotspur seem to be closing in on a new managerial target, just days after their disappointment with Arne Slot…

What's the latest on Brendan Rodgers to Tottenham Hotspur?

That's according to Football Transfers, which is reporting that the club has formally offered the manager's job to former Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers.

Although they are keeping their options open, the Lilywhites are keen on conducting future business in a far quieter manner, to avoid potential embarrassments like that earned through this Slot saga or the Julian Nagelsmann one that came before it.

Whilst it goes on to state that Daniel Levy is not the biggest advocate for the Northern Irishman, the widespread approval from his board has led to him offering him the post. They do retain a contingency plan if they are knocked back again, however.

Would Brendan Rodgers be a success at Tottenham Hotspur?

Although his tenure at the King Power Stadium might have ended on a sour note, which could end in the club's relegation, the 50-year-old remains a top manager with a fine pedigree across England and Scotland.

Having managed some top clubs, too, he has overseen success with maintaining and improving a club's status as well as wholly transforming their fortunes. With Spurs, they will demand a unique blend of both skillsets.

Having nearly led Liverpool to the league title in a season that journalist James Pearce described as "remarkable", he would go on to earn an unprecedented back-to-back treble with Celtic before making his triumphant return to England. There, he would oversee the steady progression of Leicester into an FA Cup-winning side before things uncharacteristically went south.

Across his 689 games in management, Rodgers has maintained a 1.76 points-per-game average, with his teams scoring 1,268 while winning 361 games, as per Transfermarkt. Considering many of those matches have been played with teams like Swansea City, Reading and Watford, such figures are made even more commendable.

Trevor Sinclair even suggested he was a "genius" back in 2021, and that "if a big club needs a manager they will look at Brendan".

One of his true success stories in the Midlands was in helping Wilfred Ndidi to reach his peak, getting the best out of the Nigerian midfield monster until injuries began to thwart a promising career.

With Rodgers arriving in February 2019, the 2020/21 season that followed was arguably the 26-year-old's best, as he maintained a 7.17 average rating whilst recording two clearances, 2.3 interceptions and 3.7 tackles per game, via Sofascore. Rodgers morphed him into one of the best ball-winning midfielders in the Premier League, and could achieve similar success should he also tempt Manuel Ugarte to Spurs.

The Uruguayan continues to be linked with a move from Sporting CP, and Levy remains keen on such a swoop. He too has enjoyed a top year in Portugal, with 3.9 tackles per game and a 92% pass accuracy showing signs that the 22-year-old could emulate Ndidi.

His work in breaking up the play could prove instrumental as part of Rodgers' double pivot, underpinning his 4-2-3-1 system.

Should Levy reluctantly bring in the free agent and pair him with this midfield destroyer, it could provide the perfect foundation for a bright future in north London.

Out-of-favour Celtic centre-back Christopher Jullien will be sold by the club this summer, according to former Hoops striker Frank McAvennie.

The Lowdown: Jullien’s lack of playing time

The 29-year-old has been dogged by injury problems during his time at Parkhead, which has stunted his development hugely since arriving in 2019.

In fact, Jullien was limited to just one Scottish Cup appearance in the entire 2021/22 season, with Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers the first-choice centre-back pairing.

The Frenchman’s current deal at Celtic expires next year and it looks likely that he will leave this summer.

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The Latest: Summer exit predicted for Jullien

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie said that he fully expects Jullien to move on from Glasgow this summer, claiming that Ange Postecoglou would be happy to sell the defender. The 62-year-old stated:

“It’s clear that Ange doesn’t like him [Jullien]. There were so many games to play last season and he never got a look in, that tells me he’s pretty much finished at Celtic.

“Carter-Vickers and Starfelt played every game. I think one of them needs a big, powerful defender to partner them at the back and you would think Jullien fits that mould.

“But he hasn’t played and it doesn’t sound like he’s injured again so Ange clearly doesn’t like him as a player. I expect he will leave this summer because Ange won’t keep anyone who isn’t contributing.”

The Verdict: Ideal time to leave

It is a shame how Jullien’s Celtic career has panned out overall – Neil Lennon once hailed him as ‘excellent’ – with the defender powerless to do anything about his constant injury issues over the years.

However, he is surely now surplus to requirements at Parkhead and it makes complete sense for him to leave this summer, giving the Hoops the chance to receive a fee for his services and him the chance to revive his career elsewhere.

If not, Jullien would be allowed to leave for free in 2023, which wouldn’t be beneficial for Celtic in the slightest. It therefore suits all parties to secure his exit imminently, if indeed a prospective suitor emerges.

In other news, a journalist has provided a key Celtic transfer update. Read more here.

Liverpool goalkeeper Adrian has hinted that he will leave the club at the end of the season, having struggled to enjoy much playing time this season.

The Lowdown: Adrian’s lack of minutes

There was a time when the 35-year-old was the Reds’ hero in the 2019 Super Cup, as his penalty heroics in the shootout allowed the Reds to beat Chelsea.

Those days are long gone now, however, with Adrian the third-choice ‘keeper at Liverpool, having fallen behind Caoimhin Kelleher in the pecking order.

In fact, the Spaniard has been limited to just one solitary appearance this season, coming in the Carabao Cup against Preston, and he could leave when his contract expires next month.

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The Latest: Spaniard hints at exit

Speaking to Cadena SER [via Sport Witness], Adrian made it fairly clear what he wants next:

“Alisson is one of the best goalkeepers in the world. We all want to play, and this season has not been as he would have liked. When we finish the season, we will evaluate; I still have a lot to contribute.

“I love my profession and being a professional. We will evaluate when the time comes.

“I would say yes, with a bit more strength (to a return to Spain). Obviously, the country pulls a little, and I would like to return to La Liga, but that is always if the opportunity arises. But I still have a year left on my contract.”

The Verdict: Time to leave

In truth, it makes perfect sense for Adrian to head elsewhere before next season, with Jurgen Klopp essentially deeming him surplus to requirements.

It is very difficult to envisage him usurping Kelleher as Alisson’s deputy, meaning he will again barely even make match-day squads moving forward.

At 35, Adrian is still not necessarily past his best as a goalkeeper, so a return to Spain to a club where he is first-choice between the sticks looks like an ideal way to see out his playing days.

In other news, journalist David Maddock has dropped a ‘huge’ Liverpool claim. Read more here.

Having come to the end of the Premier League season, Manchester United found themselves languishing in sixth position in the table, the joint second lowest they had finished a campaign since Alex Ferguson retired in May 2013.

The demise has been terrible, but hopefully, new manager Erik ten Hag can use the winning experience he gained at Ajax to great effect. Although the same was said for Jose Mourinho and Louis van Gaal.

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The squad requires a major summer overhaul, with too much deadwood needing replaced in the transfer window and certain positions urgently needing to be improved. The club is in desperate need of a centre forward this summer, with Edinson Cavani departing at the end of the season and the team over-reliant on the 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, who has netted 24 times during the campaign.

United have been linked with a host of names, but ten Hag may have found his very own “Ibrahimovic” in Austrian striker Sasa Kalajdzic, with the Red Devils’ target thought to be available for just £21m.

They will face a tough battle, however, as European heavyweights, PSG and Borussia Dortmund have shown a keen interest in the player, who has been compared to the aforementioned Ibrahimovic and Peter Crouch, due to his “lanky” 6 foot 7 frame, and these could stand him in good stead if he moved to England.

It’s not just his tall frame that has earned these comparisons however, the 24-year-old has netted six goals in just 15 matches as his season has been disrupted by injury and he scored in his side’s last two matches to secure Stuttgart’s Bundesliga status.

Heading is a strong part of his game, another reason to draw the Ibrahimovic and Crouch comparisons and there is no doubt he could succeed in England and be the talisman that ten Hag needs.

Stuttgart chief Sven Mislintat has stated that the player is “likely” to leave the German club in the summer and this should put United on red alert ahead of a potential swoop.

AND in other news, Man United are now the “frontrunners” to sign £35m “great leader”, ten Hag needs him

Crystal Palace midfielder Luka Milivojevic is reportedly considering a departure from Selhurst Park this summer with former employers Olympiacos interested in re-signing the Serbian.

What’s the word?

That’s according to Inside Futbol, who claim that the 31-year-old could leave south London with game time under Patrick Vieira this term limited.

Milivojevic has made just 14 Premier League appearances this season, nine of which have been starts, with a place in the XI against Aston Villa last weekend his first in the top-flight since February.

The Serbian had been a kingpin in the Palace side under Roy Hodgson, but new manager Vieira hasn’t taken a shine to the 31-year-old who will undoubtedly be keen to play more frequently next term, which looks like it will be away from Selhurst Park.

Palace fans will be gutted

Although it will be the best outcome for Milivojevic, Palace fans will certainly be sad to see an excellent servant leave.

Since his move from Olympiacos in January 2017, the midfielder has gone on to make 176 appearances for the Eagles, scoring 28 goals and registering six assists.

Moreover, the Serbia international is still regarded as the club’s captain, taking the armband this season whenever he has started.

However, a departure for the 31-year-old would surely be a mini-disaster as it would leave the Palace midfield incredibly light and would certainly require Vieira to dip into the transfer market to sign at least one quality central midfielder.

With Conor Gallagher set to return to Chelsea upon the conclusion of his loan deal whilst James McArthur and Cheikhou Kouyate’s contracts are set to expire, only 27-year-old Will Hughes will be left.

The French manager has already demonstrated how he wants to integrate fresh, young talent into what was an ageing Palace squad with the likes of Michael Olise, Odsonne Edouard and Gallagher all joining last summer.

Now, it appears as though the same sort of makeover will occur in the midfielder, with Miliojevic a victim of that.

Despite limited playing time this season, the Serbian will be regarded highly at Selhurst Park and supporters will be gutted to see him leave.

AND in other news: Imagine him and Olise: CPFC must swoop for £13.5m-rated wizard, Vieira would adore him

Manchester United have reportedly initiated contact with Napoli over a summer swoop for Victor Osimhen.

The Lowdown: United ‘on pole’ for Osimhen

It looks set to be a busy summer at Old Trafford ahead of Erik ten Hag’s first season as Red Devils manager. A number of outgoings are expected, one of which is Edinson Cavani, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

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Ten Hag will be left with limited central attacking options as a result of the Uruguayan’s exit, with reports suggesting that United are ‘on pole’ to sign the ‘highly unpredictable’ Osimhen.

The Nigeria international has contributed to 23 goals in 30 games for Napoli this season, and a further update has now emerged ahead of a possible move to Manchester.

The Latest: Contact made

Sport Witness relayed an update from Corriere dello Sport regarding Osimhen and United. They claimed that the Red Devils have initiated contact with Napoli to find out the forward’s price tag.

The Serie A club have told United that they want €110m (£94.3m) for the 23-year-old, although that figure appears to be negotiable.

The Verdict: Big money…

Osimhen has scored goals in Belgium, France and Italy and is seemingly getting better each season, but it looks as if United may need to pay a huge fee for his services.

Therefore, the Red Devils should be in close discussion with Ten Hag, ensuring that he definitely sees the 23-year-old in his plans before attempting to push through a move.

It looks as if they are already putting plans in place over a mega-money transfer for the centre-forward, who can also play out wide, making this a prospective deal to keep a close eye on over the coming weeks.

In other news: Man Utd want to sign ‘underrated’ defender in £38m swoop following Brighton loss

Newcastle United ‘might be tempted to consider offers’ for Miguel Almiron this summer, according to Mark Douglas for The I. 

The lowdown

The Magpies shelled out a then-club record £20m to sign the Paraguay international from MLS outfit Atlanta United in January 2019. It was the most expensive departure in the league’s history and ranks in the top six on Newcastle’s list of record incomings.

However, the 28-year-old has arguably struggled to live up to that price tag over the past three-and-a-half seasons. It took him 24 matches to register his first goal involvement, and he has only contributed to 19 goals (scored 14, set up five) in his 120 appearances for the club overall.

The Paraguayan’s £42,300-per-week contract runs until the summer of 2024, and he is valued at £14.4m by Transfermarkt.

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The latest

The I’s northern football correspondent Douglas has listed some of the players who ‘might go’ in order to trim an oversized squad and ease any Financial Fair Play (FFP) concerns for Newcastle.

The reporter named Almiron as a player for whom the club could be tempted to entertain transfer offers, and while it’s not yet a certainty that thr 28-year-old will be made available, it may be one to keep an eye on.

The verdict

Between 22 January and 10 March, Almiron played just 17 minutes across three appearances, and the outlook at St James’ Park seemed bleak for him.

However, his involvement in Eddie Howe’s team has since increased. Indeed, he has started six of the Magpies’ last eight Premier League matches, scoring the winner against Crystal Palace last month.

That is why some Newcastle supporters might be surprised to read of his potential exit. While his goal contribution record does leave a lot to be desired, the St James’ Park faithful may still be sad to see him go if he is sold.

In the words of Paul Merson, Almiron ‘gives every last drop for the cause’, a trait which is often appreciated by football fans in their clubs’ players.

In other news, Newcastle’s stance on this £15m transfer has now changed.