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Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan has urged Whites forward Rodrigo to have a strong pre-season this summer so he can kick on in his second campaign at Elland Road.

The Lowdown: Rodrigo endures tough first season

The Spaniard arrived for a club-record fee of £27million last summer, joining from La Liga giants Valencia.

Rodrigo’s first season at Leeds didn’t go to plan, however, with just seven goals in 28 appearances coming his way and fitness issues holding him back from showing his true quality.

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The Latest: Pundit makes plea to forward

The hope is that the 30-year-old finds another level in 2021/22, but a productive pre-season will be required if that is to happen.

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan, who has undertaken a community role with the club, has urged the Leeds man to find a top level of fitness in the coming weeks:

“Rodrigo is a very important part of this team.

“He is a bit older than some of the players there. When you are older it is vital that you get through pre-season to make sure you are at the top of your game.

“You need to get your fitness levels right, especially when you play in Marcelo Bielsa side which is very fitness-based.

“It was a bit stop and start for him last season. I think being in Spain’s training camp ahead of the Euros will have done him the world of good as will the way he finished last season.

“Sometimes it takes players a season to feel bedded in. It must’ve been difficult moving to another country last year. You only feel happy when you are playing football and he spent a lot of time on the sidelines.

“The whole club hope he can have a strong pre-season and then hit the ground running against Manchester United. He showed how important he is. He also brings so much experience to the side.”

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The Verdict: Big season ahead?

Rodrigo ended last season well, scoring four goals and registering one assist in the last four Premier League games, which bodes well for the coming campaign.

Now is the time for him to fully prove his worth, however, showing Marcelo Bielsa that he should be a regular starter moving forward.

A good summer would only be a good thing in that respect, allowing Rodrigo to strut into the new campaign full of confidence and more importantly with a high level of fitness.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with a move for a Ligue 1 player this summer. Find out who it is here.

Writing on Twitter, Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas has shared news coming out of Tottenham Hotspur involving Norwich City star Max Aarons.

The Lowdown: Aarons back on the radar?

Alongside problem positions like centre-half, Spurs have also been touted to move for a new right-back this summer if defender Serge Aurier leaves north London.

Reliable correspondent Alasdair Gold recently explained that Tottenham ‘will’ target a full-back replacement for the Ivorian if he does indeed depart (football.london), with a few names already linked.

Spurs have been touted with possible moves for Brighton starlet Tariq Lamptey (Sky Sports) and Turkey international defender Zeki Celik recently (Evening Standard).

The Latest: Sky Sports reporter backs Aarons interest…

As per Sky reporter Thomas, writing on social media, Tottenham have also reignited their interest in Aarons after the Lilywhites were heavily linked with a move last year.

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“Tottenham have renewed their interest in Max Aarons this summer,” explained Thomas on Twitter.

“Joining the growing list of clubs chasing the Norwich right-back.”

The 21-year-old is seen as a solid alternative to fellow target Lamptey, with Brighton thought to want as much as £50 million for the latter man’s signature.

By comparison, the Canaries are said to value Aarons in the region of £30m.

The Verdict: Do it Paratici…

Club managing director Fabio Paratici, who has now been charged with developing the club’s sporting operations, simply must target Aarons if Aurier does leave this summer.

He played a key role under Daniel Farke, helping Norwich bounce straight back to the Premier League whilst starting 45 Championship matches and providing a real threat going forward.

The youngster even averaged the same amount of key passes per 90 at Carrow Road last season (1.4) as superstar Harry Kane did in the Premier League (WhoScored).

At £30m compared to Lamptey’s possible £50m tag, it’s clear who the better option would be for Tottenham.

In other news: ‘Tottenham will’…Alasdair Gold makes encouraging N17 transfer claim, find out more here.

West Ham are the latest team to be linked with a move for Glen Kamara this summer…

What’s the word?

According to GIVEMESPORT, sources close to the 25-year-old’s situation have confirmed there is interest from several Premier League clubs, including the Irons.

The likes of Watford, Everton, Arsenal and Brentford are said to have touched base with the Rangers midfielder’s representatives over a potential switch this transfer window.

It’s thought that the Scottish champions would want around £10m to let the Finland international leave Ibrox, as per the Daily Mail.

Forget Kral

The Hammers have been linked to several central midfield options in recent months but perhaps the most notable name has been Czech sensation Alex Kral, who has been playing alongside Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal at Euro 2020.

However, his performances have been hugely underwhelming and considering he’s likely to cost three times as much as Kamara, it would be a wise move for David Moyes to turn his attentions to the Gers star instead.

He’s a very viable alternative, too.

Kamara was one of Steven Gerrard’s best performers as the Teddy Bears recorded a historic league triumph. No outfield player managed a better average passing accuracy per game (90.5) than the 5 foot 11 dynamo, which suggests he’s a very composed player on the ball.

Furthermore, he also averaged one tackle. 0.9 interceptions and 0.9 key passes per league outing, via WhoScored.

Kamara has been touted as one of the best talents north of the border by ex-Gers ace Charlie Miller.

“Glen Kamara is the best midfielder in Scotland.

“He has the ability to go and play at a very high level. He is athletic, technically very good, is good in the tackle and is becoming a complete player. Maybe he could do to add a few more goals but he certainly assists in that area.

“Put it this way, there are players going for £30-£40million in England who couldn’t lace Kamara’s boots.”

Also lauded as a “special talent” by his former Dundee boss Neil McCann, the 25-year-old maestro could be a bargain squad depth option for Moyes to get his hands on ahead of next season.

One injury to either Soucek or Declan Rice would spell trouble, so the Scotsman certainly needs another addition in the role. For just £10m, it has to be a no-brainer.

AND in other news, ExWHUemployee drops concerning West Ham transfer claim, fans should be worried…

A major update has emerged on £3k-p/w ace Liam Millar, it could lead to Charlton re-igniting their interest in an exciting attacker.

What’s the talk?

According to The Athletic, as relayed by Football League World this week, Liverpool could look to offload Millar in the summer transfer window to raise funds for signings of their own. Millar spent the second half of last season on loan to Charlton in League One and could now be sold by the Reds as they look to cash in on his recent form for the Addicks.

Earlier this year, Charlton boss Nigel Adkins labelled Millar as a talented player and said that he is still learning and working on his decision-making in the final third. He told London News Online:

“He’s a young player learning his way. What we’re trying to do is get good, talented players in the final third of the pitch. From a game point of view, we’ve achieved that. Then it’s can we win some more corners, throw-ins, free-kicks, get at him drive into the penalty box. And then it’s final delivery, put the ball in the box.

“All part of his learning and development. As a team we’ve tried to put him in that area of the pitch, so we’ve achieved that. We’re trying to get talented players the ball and they’ve got to make the decisions and go and do that bit of magic. I’m sure we’ll sit down and reflect on it, talk about some of the different things and just help him so when we get in them positions again he can just keep improving.”

Get it done

Charlton must aim to complete a deal to bring Liam Millar back to the club. He is already accustomed to Charlton’s style of play and knows what Adkins wants from his side, because of his stint at The Valley on loan, and this means that he could be able to hit the ground running next season. So, Charlton should join the race to sign Millar permanently and attempt to win the battle for his signature, taking advantage of Liverpool’s stance.

If Charlton have the opportunity to bring Millar back on a long-term contract then they need to act now and secure his services. Millar impressed during his spell at the club on loan, with two goals and six assists from the wing for Adkins’ team. He averaged a WhoScored rating of 7.37 in eight starts as a left midfielder and 7.06 in 10 starts as a left forward. This shows that he was able to shine within Adkins’ system and that he could be an excellent player for Charlton in League One next season.

Millar, £3k-per-week ace, arriving for a second spell with Charlton could also be a huge boost for Adkins. The former Saints boss admitted in the aforementioned quotes that he wants to work with Millar to improve his game. This move would afford Adkins time to coach Millar over the course of several seasons to personally oversee his development and make sure that he fulfils his potential. Therefore, Adkins would love it if the club could go back in for Millar and Charlton should look to strike an agreement with Liverpool.

AND in other news, Charlton must act quickly to land “confident” £2.4k-p/w beast, fans would be buzzing…

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly eyeing up a move to try and sign Merih Demiral in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Tottenham need new centre-back

Given that Spurs conceded 45 goals in the Premier League in the 2020/21 season, which is a rate of more than a goal a game, they clearly need to bolster up the defence.

A brand new central defender would go a long way in doing this, and given the impact that the likes of Virgil Van Dijk and Ruben Dias have had on both Liverpool and Manchester City respectively, the North London club will be hoping that a new centre-back could make a similar one.

The Latest: Tottenham eye Demiral

As per Tuttosport (via Sport Witness), Demiral is on the agenda of the Lilywhites, and they may have an advantage over other clubs in the race to sign the Juventus man.

Fabio Paratici signed him for the Old Lady from Sassuolo back in 2019, and the news outlet describes THFC’s new managing director of football as his ‘discoverer’.

Both Everton and Atalanta are also in the hunt for his signature, and any deal could be done after Euro 2020, with Demiral currently representing Turkey in the tournament.

The Verdict: Sign him

It would be a gamble signing Demiral, but it is a gamble that Tottenham should be willing to take.

Described as ‘outstanding’ by Italian media after a stellar performance for Juve back in February against eventual Serie A title winners Inter Milan, the six-foot-two colossus certainly has the physical attributes to cope with the demands of the top flight.

Winning over four aerial duels per 90 minutes and at just 23 years of age as well, Demiral certainly still has a lot of potential, and given how fond Paratici is of him, it could well turn out to be a match made in heaven.

In other news, find out which Premier League ace once dubbed ‘the new Ronaldo’ is Spurs’ main target here!

Stoke City look set to allow Badou Ndiaye to leave the bet356 Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Stoke on Trent Live, who claim that the 30-year-old midfielder looks set to join Adana Demirspor in the upcoming transfer window.

Fans will be buzzing

With the £3.15m-rated Ndiaye having last played for Stoke back in 2019, the news that the Potters could finally be free of the midfielder is likely to leave fans of the club buzzing.

Indeed, following his £14.4m signing from Galatasaray in January of 2018, when the Senegal international was given a £25k-per-week contract until the summer of 2022, it would be a fair claim to make that the 30-year-old has not quite lived up to his price tag during his time at Stoke.

The midfielder joined the club in the window prior to their relegation from the top tier of English football, making 13 appearances in the club’s doomed Premier League campaign back in 2017/18.

Ndiaye was then loaned back to Galatasaray in August of 2018, spending the 2018/19 season with the Super Lig side, before playing a further 13 fixtures for Stoke in the club’s 2019/20 Championship season, prior to being sent on a number of further loan deals at clubs such as Trabzonspor, Fatih Karagumruk and Al-Ain.

In total, the man who Stuart Taylor dubbed a “top class” player featured just 27 times in all competitions for the Potters, scoring two goals and providing one assist along the way.

As such, it would appear an extremely wise move for Michael O’Neill to indeed allow the midfielder to leave the bet365 Stadium this summer, as, if the club were unable to find another loan deal to send Ndiaye on, it could cost a further £1.3m in wages for a player who appears highly unlikely to play much, if any, first-team football under the Northern Irishman next season.

In other news: Stoke dealt transfer blow over £5.9k-p/w “leader” which will leave O’Neill sickened

Many Everton fans have been left to laud a transfer update on Sander Berge after it was reported last week that they are considering making a bid for him.

Now, Sky Sport (via Milan Posts) are reporting that the release clause of the Sheffield United central midfield player has been lowered from £40m to £12m as a result of them being relegated down to the EFL Championship, with several teams from England interested in signing him.

£12m is certainly an affordable price for a 23-year-old who will only get better, and given the added experience that he has gained from playing in the Premier League, it is certainly a deal that the Goodison Park faithful should seriously consider doing to give Carlo Ancelotti another option in the middle of the park come the start of the 2021/22 season.

Everton fans on Berge transfer update

These Toffees lauded the transfer update as it was shared on Twitter by @TheEvertonEnd, with one Blues supporter even going as far as to call the Norway international a ‘Rolls-Royce’, while another labelled it as ‘brilliant’:

“We need 3 midfielders. Snap him up at that price. Wouldn’t lose money on him, that’s for sure! Reckon someone will pay a bit more in the end though.”

Credit: @BufordTJustice

“Should be all over that, especially if we get Europa. Need a much better squad and he certainly improves the squad”

Credit: @Paul_Parr_1989

“£12 million yes please need depth badly if we get Europa”

Credit: @efc87

“Absolute Rolls-Royce of a midfielder on the international stage”

Credit: @blizzardsurf

“Could be another bargain there”

Credit: @MattH1878

“Be brilliant certainly for that price”

Credit: @jamie_byrom

In other news, find out what potential swap deal has been slammed by EFC fans here!

For one last time, West Brom lineup for a Premier League fixture as they head to Leeds United later this evening.

The Baggies’ relegation back to the Championship was confirmed over two weeks ago and since then, they have been edged out in close affairs against Liverpool and West Ham.

It also marks the final time that Sam Allardyce will lead Albion out after it was announced that the 66-year-old would be leaving his post at the end of the season.

He – and West Brom – could go out with a bang by shocking Marcelo Bielsa’s side, who themselves have enjoyed an incredible maiden campaign in the big time.

Big Sam could also do the club a massive favour by opting to start those that should be around next season in the second flight. There is little point in playing those that are either out of contract or are here on a temporary basis.

Whoever the next manager is, he could well be looking on during this encounter, so it would benefit the Midlands side tenfold if those players were to feature.

Karlan Grant is one of those names. He has quickly gone from £12m summer signing to a forgotten man at the Hawthorns.

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Once described as a “ruthless in front of goal” by former Huddersfield boss Danny Cowley and “natural goalscorer” by Charlton coach Jason Euell in interviews with The Athletic, the 23-year-old marksman has found life tough at the top level.

In 20 appearances, Grant has found the net just once, though he hasn’t started a game since early February and has only played a total of 1,125 minutes all season, as per Transfermarkt.

When joining last summer, the £8m-rated forward signed a long-term six-year £30k-per-week contract, so he’s certainly going to be a part of their long-term future and will surely play a major role in getting the Baggies back up.

His record in the Championship is rather respectable, after all, it’s such a record that led to Slaven Bilic pulling the trigger on his signature.

In a poor Terriers side, Grant found the net 19 times during 2019/20, which was more than Albion’s forward options in the very same division, which is why he must be given a look-in today.

Mbaye Diagne has only scored three goals since arriving in January and is surely not going to stick around for another season in the Championship, so it would benefit everyone if someone like Grant were to start instead.

Given he’s barely featured much in 2021, he could be a secret weapon, playing with a massive chip on his shoulder and that could subsequently hurt Leeds.

Big Sam can go out on a bang if he unleashes the forgotten beast today.

AND in other news, Dowling can revive West Brom by hiring 53 y/o “messiah” who Klopp dubbed “exceptional”…

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has offered Gjanni Alioski a new contract as they look to keep him at Elland Road.

What’s the story?

With the 29-year-old’s existing deal at Elland Road coming to an end this summer, previous reports had suggested that Alioski had agreed a pre-contract with Galatasaray, before Graham Smyth delivered an update on his future earlier in the week.

He reported: “It was at least the second time Orta conversed with a left-back last week, having sat down with Gjanni Alioski to discuss his future with Leeds.

“Regardless of whether or not Alioski remains, Leeds will still seek to buy a left-back, but they are still keen to keep their North Macedonian international. He’s yet to accept the offer and, at 29 years of age, can’t be blamed for thinking long and hard about what might be his last, potentially lucrative deal and putting his family’s future first.”

Football Insider have now claimed that Leeds have submitted a new and improved deal to tie down Alioski, with a source revealing that the “club hierarchy are pulling out all the stops to keep him hold of the versatile left footer”.

The report added: “The Yorkshire giants are hopeful the improved, big-money offer will convince Alioski to stay at Elland Road. It would represent a major U-turn from the cult hero and fans favourite.”

Major Leeds howler

Already earning around £55,000 per week – only four Leeds players earn more than him right now – handing a new bumper deal to Alioski would be a massive blunder for someone who looks set to be phased out of the team.

As Smyth says, irrespective of what happens with the defender, the Whites are intent on buying a new left-back, a move which would surely see Alioski drop to the bench. Making him one of the club’s highest-earners, when he’s set to turn 30 early next year, seems very ill-judged, no matter how popular he may be in the dressing room.

The left-back can be incredibly shaky defensively, with last season in the Premier League seeing him concede two penalties which led to goals, while he also made two errors which led directly to shots.He also averaged the third-most fouls per game in the entire Leeds squad, while he was dribbled past the fourth-most.[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!”]Going forward, Alioski didn’t offer much either despite playing in a Leeds side who have come to play some attacking football.He averaged a rather unimpressive 0.7 shots and 0.8 key passes per game, while he only managed 0.3 dribbles per match – to put that into context, even centre-back Diego Llorente averaged more dribbles than him, as per WhoScored.The news coming out from Thorp Arch that Bielsa is handing Alioski a new and improved contract is a real shock, and one which has all the hallmarks of being a real howler for someone who, at his age, is likely set to decline over the coming seasons.Meanwhile, Bielsa can sign this Championship starlet who silenced Elland Road for free…

Steve Bruce should allow Norwich City to sign Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer, after Daniel Farke’s Premier League-bound Canaries joined the emerging race for Newcastle United’s summer target.

What’s the word?

According to CaughtOffside, Norwich have informed Celtic of their desire to secure a deal for Ajer as the Premiership giants prepare to cash in.

The Hoops have warmed to allowing the Norway international to leave Parkhead at the end of the season as he will enter the final year of his current Hoops contract in June.

His situation is thought to also be of interest to Newcastle, after the Toon approached Celtic to discuss Ajer’s situation recently.

Both Newcastle and Norwich are claimed to have a keen interest in securing Ajer’s signature in the off-season, with the 23-year-old able to operate in central defence as well as at right-back and in a holding midfield role.

The Magpies were previously linked with preparing an £8m assault on Glasgow for Ajer, who Celtic believe is worth closer to £35m but are in a weakened position due to the limited time remaining on his £14,000-per-week terms.

Newcastle anticipated competition would arrive for Ajer and are aware that having Premier League status will be key in any negotiations, which Norwich secured last week and will now contend with Watford for the Championship title.

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A clutch of unnamed clubs are also said to have approached Celtic to enquire over Ajer’s availability, and it remains to be seen if AC Milan revisit the 21-cap defender’s situation after Technical Director Paolo Maldini confirmed the Serie A side’s interest last summer.

Should Newcastle sign Celtic’s Ajer?

Newcastle may struggle to secure Ajer’s services for the previously reported fee that Bruce’s side were preparing to submit if Norwich and fellow suitors arrive on the scene, especially with interest from Italy noted and prior links with Arsenal and Leicester City.

But United missing out on the 6 ft 5 man mountain may not be the end of the world for Bruce, as Ajer has been highly criticised for his efforts in Celtic’s ill-fated attempt at winning a 10th Premiership title in a row.

Ajer has been a fixture of the Hoops backline this season, with the 23-year-old starting 30 of his 31 appearances and only missing two fixtures after being forced to go into quarantine, but was unable to prevent results going astray and Rangers winning the title.

Even still, the Daily Record quoted Ajer as claiming last month: “If I am only to look at my performances, it may have been my best season at the club.”

His comment left former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie irate, telling Football Insider: “He flung his teammates under the bus.”

He added: “The manager will want rid of him; he hasn’t done anything. Ajer doesn’t even want to head the ball, so he has to go and play in Italy or Germany where they play with it at the back. Celtic need someone who can go and win the ball and he’s not the man to do that.”

Newcastle will likely need to sign a defender capable of winning the ball frequently in the summer, with Bruce’s side ranking 18th of the 20 Premier League clubs for the least shots allowed per game (14.6) and 15th for successful tackles (13.8) this season, per WhoScored.

Clearly, it remains to be seen if Ajer is that man, meaning Bruce can avoid a summer swoop and allow Norwich to seal a deal if the newly promoted Canaries persist with their interest.

AND in other news, Newcastle have been backed to bring a £2.5m-rated beast who “really impressed” back to St. James this summer…