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Leeds United could sign Marcelo Bielsa’s new Alexis Sanchez in Arnaut Danjuma.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days have suggested that the Bournemouth star has caught the eye of several Premier League clubs, including the Whites, although it will take a significant offer for the Cherries to let the £13.5m-rated flier leave.

Bielsa’s new Sanchez

While Sanchez’s career may have tailed off in recent years, he was in fine fettle under Bielsa when the duo worked together at international level with Chile between 2007 and 2011 – it was a relationship which even saw the now 32-year-old pay big respect to the current Leeds manager.

He said: “I learned a lot from him and it is because of him that I am who I am. What I remember the most about Bielsa was the mentality that he tries his players to have.”

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sanchez’s former teammate at Arsenal, raved after a superb free-kick from the Chilean against Southampton: “It’s moments of brilliance like that (which show his quality) but at the same time he works harder than I think I’ve seen anyone work. He is so skilful but he also does the defensive work up front and sets the tone.”

Sanchez’s combination of pace, eye for goal and work-rate is something very much similar to Danjuma, with the Cherries speedster banging in 17 goals and providing another eight assists in all competitions last season.

Speaking on The Official EFL Podcast, former Cherries boss Jonathan Woodgate said: “He’s an exceptional player, in a really good place at the minute, Arnie. He’s another one who I’ve always done a lot of work on him at his previous clubs, so I knew all about him coming into this role, I knew what type of player he was.

“He made an unbelievable run for one of the goals, I showed him that, but then I showed him what he did winning the ball back, when he had to sprint 50 yards and get the ball back. That’s what makes a really good player, for me, getting that work rate in because we know, with the ball his feet, he’s a top player. Can he do the rest going the other way? And he’s starting to show that now, so yeah, he’s doing well.”

Given that quality and energy, Leeds could sign Bielsa a new Sanchez with whom to work, a decade after he worked with the Inter Milan ace.

Meanwhile, Leeds are eyeing this “complete” star as a Nahitan Nandez alternative…

Sheffield United look set to be offered a deal to bring Joe Allen to Bramall Lane this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Sheffield Star, who claim that, despite the Stoke City manager Michael O’Neill stating that the 31-year-old is not for sale in the summer transfer window, Slavisa Jokanovic’s side have been informed that they will nevertheless be offered a chance to sign the midfielder ahead of next season.

The report goes on to state that it remains unclear at present whether or not the new Blades boss will be interested in bringing the Wales international to the club this summer, although The Star suggest that the departure of John Lundstram, coupled with Sander Berge being heavily linked with a transfer out of Bramall Lane, will leave the 52-year-old requiring greater depth in the position.

Jokanovic must not move

While Allen is a player who boasts a significant amount of Premier League and Championship experience, there is a very strong argument to make against United making a move for the midfielder this summer.

Firstly, with Allen now being 31 years of age, despite the £1.8m-rated man having highly impressed in the top flight of English football during his spell at Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp dubbing Allen an “unbelievable” player, the midfielder is very much now entering the twilight years of his footballing career, meaning it would be unlikely that Jokanovic would gain any resale value if he were to sign the Welshman this summer.

This leads nicely on to the second drawback of a move for Allen, as the midfielder is thought to be earning a whopping £50k-per-week at the bet356 Stadium.

If United were to bring Allen in on a deal of this size in the summer transfer window, he would immediately become the club’s highest-paid player, with the midfielder simply not appearing to be worth such an amount relative to the rest of the Blades’ squad.

Finally, with the former Swansea City man also having been spent two rather lengthy spells on the sidelines for Stoke last season, due to both an Achilles tendon rupture and a hamstring injury, just how much game time Allen would go on to get after a potential switch to the Blades would seem to be something of a lottery.

As such, a move for Allen this summer would appear to be highly unadvisable for Sheffield United, as there will undoubtedly be cheaper, fitter and younger options available to Jokanovic on the market this summer.

In other news: Sheff Utd dealt transfer blow over “incredible” £43k-p/w gem, Jokanovic will be gutted

Aston Villa are ‘very close’ to reaching an agreement with former Everton striker Josh King.

And, as to be expected, the transfer news has had a number of Villa fans talking online.

Villa have already reached an agreement with Norwich City for Emiliano Buendia, and it appears as Johan Lange and Dean Smith now want to bolster their options up front with the services of King.

According to Turkish journalist Talha Arslan, cited by Birmingham Live, King is ‘very close’ to reaching an agreement with Aston Villa.

Everton confirmed the 29-year-old will leave Goodison Park this summer when his deal expires. He only arrived in February but failed to score or provide an assist in his 11 Toffees outings.

Villa have the chance to sign King for nothing, and it appears as if they are wasting no time in their attempts to seal a free transfer for the Norway international.

Villa fans react

@AVFC_News shared the update on King on Twitter on Wednesday, asking fans if they would like to see a cut-price move go through.

These Villa supporters were all keen for a deal to materialise…

“On a free… mint signing. Similar player to Watkins and a good enough back up. Provides competition to Wesley and Davis and adds to squad depth with an attacking option on the bench. Be silly to say no to this.”Credit: @AVFCCharlie”On a free no brainer. Davis for all his good work doesn’t score goals and Wesley me personally thinks the guy may well be finished due to his injury”Credit: @magoo1802″Yes on a two year contract. May not be a popular opinion but I’d take him on a free over Davis at this point. Experience and proven goal record.”Credit: @TheIvyGarden”Yes especially on a free would be a good back up option”Credit: @GW_94″If its to throw more transfer fee at JWP then its a big yes from me. If not I’d rather a young talent we can develop”Credit: @MattyD54244799″Definitely… Experience, good goal ratio at Bournemouth, good penalty taker, probably happy to be behind Ollie in the pecking order”Credit: @Schlippertysch1

In other news: Many AVFC fans distraught at ‘heart wrenching’ late-night news, find out more here. 

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Everton defender Michael Ball believes Farhad Moshiri needs to take responsibility for where the Toffees are right now.

Despite bringing in some big signings last summer, most notably James Rodriguez, Everton once again failed to make that next step and qualify for Europe.

Since then, they have lost Carlo Ancelotti to Real Madrid and looked at various managers during their search for a successor.

Ultimately, it has all got a bit too messy for Ball, who has pointed the finger at the club owner.

“Moshiri, yes, he’s ploughed a lot of money into the football club,” the ex-Everton full-back said. “But I think he’s only got himself to blame, the money he has squandered on players that he wanted and managers he’s actually appointed.

“It hasn’t worked, so why not trust your technical director, your sporting director who you brought to the football club to improve us.”

Indeed, there has been a bit of disarray at Everton at times during Moshiri’s reign, especially now.

With that being said, the madness of late is largely due to Ancelotti’s shock exit, which Moshiri and most people probably did not see coming.

It sets the club up for an interesting season, a season where Ancelotti’s successor will be hoping to overtake the likes of Tottenham, Leicester City and West Ham, who all grabbed European spots ahead of Everton.

Southampton are once again being linked with Atalanta full-back Joakim Maehle, who seriously impressed with his performances for Denmark at Euro 2020 this summer.

What’s the word?

Southampton were regularly linked with the defender during his time at KRC Genk but he eventually completed a move to Serie A side Atalanta in January in a deal worth €10m £8.6m.

However, after his excellent performances this summer, it would seem that Southampton have reignited their interest in the 24-year-old, with the Italian news outlet Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness) claiming that Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side and Chelsea are both keen on signing him this summer.

They would need to pay €28m (£24.1m) if Atalanta are to let him go.

Would Maehle be a good signing for Southampton?

Unfortunately for Southampton, Hasenhuttl has suggested that the club will target players for £10m or less this summer, so it seems unlikely that they would spend more than double on that in order to sign Maehle from Atalanta.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-southampton-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Southampton transfer rumours and news!”]

However, his performances for Denmark this summer certainly suggest that he would be a superb addition at St Mary’s. Two goals and one assist in six games for Kasper Hjulmand’s side saw them reach the semi-final at Wembley, with the full-back averaging a superb 7.38 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Ian Wright was one of several pundits to sing his praises after an extraordinary outside-of-the-foot assist in Denmark’s 2-1 win against Czech Republic in the quarter-finals, saying:

“Maehle has been fantastic in this tournament.

“He has scored the last couple of games but that is probably one of the passes of the tournament so far for me.”

His ability to play on either side as a left-back or a right-back, as well as further forward, immediately marks him out as the sort of versatile player that Hasenhuttl would love to have in his squad. He could provide excellent competition for both Romain Perraud and Kyle Walker-Peters next season, something the Saints desperately lacked last season when they struggled with injuries.

Therefore, although he would be an expensive option for the Saints this summer, Martin Semmens should definitely try and bring him to St Mary’s if he can, as there seems little to suggest that he wouldn’t be a success in Hasenhuttl’s squad.

And, in other news… Hasenhuttl dealt huge blow with “outstanding” star, Saints fans will be fuming

According to Turkish outfit Yenisafak, Galatasaray are interested in luring Glasgow Rangers’ Ianis Hagi away from Ibrox this summer.

The Lowdown: Hagi expresses desire to join Gala

Ianis is of course the son of Gheorghe, Romania’s greatest ever player, who starred for Gala during the 1990s.

The younger Hagi was recently asked whether he would like to follow in the footsteps of his father and play for Galatasaray, and he confirmed that would be something he would ‘love’ to do (Emanuel Rosu).

The Latest: Galatasaray eye Hagi

It seems that Galatasaray, who recently qualified for the Champions League, may have been listening to those comments – they are now said to be interested in capturing the 22-year-old’s services.

His signing would be an attractive one. Given he has a Turkish passport, he would not reduce the quota of eight foreign players which are now allowed in each squad in the Super Lig.

The Verdict: Disappointing for Rangers

Hagi enjoyed a positive first full campaign with Rangers. In 45 matches in all competitions, he managed eight goals and 15 assists despite not always being a guaranteed starter (Transfermarkt), helping the Gers win the Premiership for the first time in 10 years along the way.

It will be disappointing for Steven Gerrard and co that £5.4m-valued Hagi (Transfermarkt) has decided to speak about joining another club, especially when he also recently publicly challenged the Gers’ stance of him competing for his country at the Olympic Games in Tokyo (Glasgow Live).

It seems he still has plenty more to offer – hopefully, he will want to do that with the Gers.

In other news, Rangers have been urged to sign this striker this summer.

Xisco Munoz’s Watford side are considering allowing Ben Wilmot to leave Vicarage Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Athletic, who claim that the Hornets are yet to decide whether or not to extend the 21-year-old’s contract, which is set to expire at the end of next season.

It is reported, however, that the club have the option to extend the centre-back’s stay until 2023 due to a clause in his current deal.

As a result of Watford’s apparent indecision regarding the £2.7 million-rated man, The Athletic claim that Swansea City are keeping a close eye on the England U21 international ahead of a potential move this summer.

Wilmot must stay

Despite his tender age, Wilmot nevertheless played an important role in helping Watford achieve automatic promotion to the Premier League last season, with the centre-back making 25 Championship appearances for Xisco’s side, over which he helped to keep six clean sheets as well as averaging a respectable SofaScore match rating of 6.76.

However, it is not exactly the defender’s performances in the season just past that are the reason why Watford should look to keep the youngster on their books, but rather those that are to come in the future.

Having progressed through the England youth setup, while currently playing for the U21 side, it is clear that, from a national perspective, the perception is that Wilmot’s game bears a great deal of promise.

Indeed, this was an opinion shared by his former centre-back partner, Jack King, during his time at Stevenage, who stated his belief that Wilmot has a “bright future ahead of him.”

As such, while the argument could be made that the defender may not be ready for Premier League football just yet, it would be highly advisable for Cristiano Giaretta to avoid cashing in on the 21-year-old this summer, as, after gaining more experience at Championship level – perhaps on a loan deal – we would not bet against Wilmot flourishing into an extremely good option for the Hornets at some point in the not so distant future, as well as one who has the potential to become a lot more valuable financially.

In other news: Watford suffer huge blow in pursuit of “talented” £25k-p/w gem, Giaretta will be livid – opinion

Aston Villa and Arsenal have both reignited their interest in Norwich City star Emiliano Buendia.

That’s according to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas, and the transfer update has left many Villa fans delighted.

According to Thomas, Villa and the Gunners lead a number of clubs, including Tottenham, in the race to sign the Argentine winger.

Buendia played a starring role in helping the Canaries return to the Premier League, scoring 15 goals and registering 17 assists in 39 Championship appearances.

The 24-year-old was named as the Championship Player of the Season as a result, and it seems as if Villa are keen on his signature.

Norwich value Buendia between £35-40m, and a deal in that bracket would make him Villa’s club-record signing.

Dean Smith is looking to bolster his attacking ranks this summer, with two wide forwards thought to be on the agenda.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared Thomas’ claims regarding Buendia on Twitter on Friday afternoon. These Villa supported were thrilled, with one describing a possible move as ‘wonderful’.

“Tears in my eyes, don lange is taking us into the champions league”Credit: @avfc4_alex”Get in”Credit: @liamhaddon1″Villa report at the back post. Wonderful signing this would be”Credit: @AVFC__Alex”Now this would be an exciting signing”Credit: @TomUTFV”YESSSSSSS”Credit: @OcBen”get it done”Credit: @catrinedwards18

In other news: Many AVFC fans worry at Carney Chukwuemeka update, find out more here. 

Dean Windass believes that if given the opportunity, Steve Bruce would love to sign out of favour Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham as he’s the ideal player for the manager’s system.

Bruce will know that a striker is crucial this summer considering that Callum Wilson scored 12 of the Magpies’ 46 Premier League goals and Joe Willock, who has returned to Arsenal, got eight as well, so it’s natural that they have been linked with a move for Abraham who is valued at £36m by Transfermarkt.

Abraham thrived under Frank Lampard during the 2019/20 campaign after netting 18 goals in all competitions, however since the arrival of Thomas Tuchel, the England international has been bumped down the pecking order even finding himself left out of the squad in the FA Cup final.

If the £57,692 per week striker moved to Tyneside he could reignite his career which at one stage looked set for stardom, and when asked about if Newcastle fans would be happy and if Abraham has any future at Chelsea, Windass had this to say, telling Football FanCast exclusively:

“Yeah, they will be and I think his days are numbered now at Chelsea especially after they won the Champions League and he wasn’t involved, and sometimes he wasn’t even making the squad.”

Of course, Abraham, who has 30 goals in 82 games for the Blues in total, will have a long line of potential suitors this summer, with West Ham set to test the waters but Windass believes that Abraham would be perfect for Bruce and Newcastle, he added:

“I know Steve both as a manager and as a man so I think he’d be right up his street. So, if Steve is going down that line then I could see Steve signing someone like that.”

It would be an attacking force to be reckoned with if the Magpies could rely on Abraham, Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron next season. It would also surely see them aiming for greater heights than 17th.

A number of Liverpool fans have been reacting to Curtis Jones’ return from injury, with plenty of positivity in the air ahead of Saturday’s clash with Newcastle.

The Reds have experienced a hugely frustrating season, with their defence of the Premier League title going out in a whimper.

Jurgen Klopp’s champions are now desperately battling for a top-four finish, with that race looking like it could go down to the final day.

One of the few positives to emerge in 2020/21 has been the form of Jones, who has continued his meteoric rise from academy hopeful to first-team regular.

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The midfielder has chipped in with four goals and three assists this season, providing end product that can sometimes be lacking in the middle of the park for Liverpool.

Jones has been absent in recent weeks with a muscle issue, however, not playing since the 1-0 defeat at home to Chelsea in early March.

It has now been reported by This Is Anfield that the youngster is back in the fold, though, and he was pictured training alongside his teammates on Thursday.

That suggests Jones is in contention to start at home to Newcastle United on Saturday lunchtime, in what is a must-win game for Liverpool.

Liverpool fans rejoice at Jones return

These Reds supporters took to Twitter to provide their thoughts on the update.

“Oh yeah babeeey. That’s the stuff”

Credit: @abraham_san

“Should start ahead of Gini pls”

Credit: @Alexand36742345

“Finally, some goals”

Credit: @TysonFREE

“The PRESENT And FUTURE”

Credit: @andrewkemavor

“Nice to see, hopefully he’s gonna be a great player for us in the coming seasons”

Credit: @ForzaVSTGN1964

“Great, now get fit and back into the team”

Credit: @seunolami

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to the Reds reportedly agreeing a new signing. Read more here.