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It was a summer of change for Leeds United after they were relegated from the Premier League after three seasons at the top of the football pyramid.

The Whites brought in German boss Daniel Farke to lead the way back to the top-flight and it was a busy transfer window full of exits and arrivals at Elland Road.

Joe Rodon, Joel Piroe, Glen Kamara, Ilia Gruev, Djed Spence, Sam Byram, Karl Darlow, Jaidon Anthony, and Ethan Ampadu all came through the door to bolster the manager's squad.

However, the ex-Norwich City chief also lost a host of first-team options as the likes of Robin Koch, Max Wober, Jack Harrison, Luis Sinisterra, and Rodrigo, among others, moved on – either on loan or permanently.

Leeds lost a significant goal threat from out wide when they allowed Harrison to join Everton on loan, with an option to buy, and it remains unlikely that Dan James will be able to step up in that respect, as the Welsh forward has scored once in nine Championship outings this term.

Farke could, therefore, need to dip into the market in January to finally replace the ex-Manchester City winger and Amad Diallo could emerge as the perfect option.

Were Leeds interested in Amad Diallo in the summer?

The Mirror reported that the Whites were interested in signing the Manchester United forward on loan for the 2023/24 campaign during the summer transfer window.

He spent the 2022/23 season on loan with Sunderland and Leeds were hoping to snap up a proven performer at this level to bolster their squad following their relegation from the top-flight.

However, a knee injury in pre-season for the Red Devils put any temporary move on ice and the Whites were unable to complete a swoop for the exciting attacker.

It was recently reported by TEAMtalk that Diallo is now set to be available for a loan move in January after recovering from his fitness issue.

The outlet has stated that United are now prepared to listen to offers for the Ivory Coast international and that Sunderland are confident of being able to bring him back to the Stadium of Light.

This suggests that Leeds have a chance of being able to secure his services for the second half of the campaign if they are able to convince him to turn down a reunion with Tony Mowbray on Wearside to move to Yorkshire.

They could finally find their new left-footed goalscoring winger if they are able to do so, which would mean that they would have their replacement for Harrison in the building ahead of his possible permanent exit next summer.

How many goals did Harrison score for Leeds?

The English wizard scored 34 goals in 206 appearances in all competitions for the Whites over the course of five full seasons at the club.

He only scored ten goals in his first two Championships campaigns combined under Marcelo Bielsa but then developed into a reliable scoring option from out wide at Premier League level.

Harrison contributed with 16 top-flight goals across the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons combined, to go along with nine assists, and then managed five goals and seven assists in 36 league outings last term.

Sofascore rating

8.1

Goals

One

Assists

One

Dribbles completed

Two

Harrison's most recent performance for Everton (via Sofascore)

The left-footed ace, who has made a strong start to his career with the Toffees as shown in the table above, was the club's second-top scorer in each of his first two Premier League seasons with Leeds – scoring eight in each.

This highlights how important his goalscoring contributions were to the club during that period as he was one of their main sources of goals from a wide position.

Diallo's form for Sunderland last season suggests that he has the quality to come in and also provide a significant scoring threat as a left-footed winger during the second half of the campaign.

How many goals did Diallo score for Sunderland?

The 21-year-old wizard scored 14 goals in 42 matches in all competitions for the Black Cats as he delivered a number of impressive performances in front of goal.

All 14 of those goals came in the league for Mowbray's side and he ended the season as their top scorer – with four more than any of his teammates.

In fact, Diallo ranked within the top 14% of his positional peers at Championship level for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.35), which suggests that he was one of the best in his position at finding the back of the net from open play.

The £29k-per-week dynamo, who was described as "unbelievable" by journalist Josh Bunting, also excelled at progressing the play for his team to get into dangerous areas.

He ranked within the top 6% of wingers and attacking midfielders for progressive passes (5.12) and the top 15% for progressive carries (3.72) per 90.

This suggests that the Ivory Coast international could spearhead the attack with his ability to drive forward with the ball, via carries or passes, whilst also having the quality to get on the end of attacks to score goals.

Should Leeds sign Diallo?

Therefore, Farke and Leeds must reignite their summer interest in Diallo and take advantage of this potential opportunity to land the 21-year-old ace on loan for the second half of the season.

His impressive statistics for Sunderland last term suggest that he could be an excellent replacement for Harrison, whose goals have not been replaced as of yet.

The aforementioned James has scored one goal in ten games in all competitions this season and has only found the back of the net five times in 50 matches for the club in total.

He has not proven himself to be a reliable scorer from a right wing position throughout his time at Elland Road so far and there is no evidence to suggest that his record is going to undergo a significant improvement any time soon.

This means that Diallo could come in and be a consistent scorer for Leeds from out wide, as he has already showcased his talent in that respect at Championship level over the last 18 months, which is why he could be a fantastic signing.

Amid all the turmoil that has beset the pitch of Goodison Park over the past several years, Everton have maintained an impressive youth academy at Finch Farm, admired by those in English football.

Sean Dyche has got a task on his hands in navigating away from danger in the Premier League this season, especially after falling to defeat across the opening three matches of the term, without scoring a single goal.

A battling away draw against newly-promoted Sheffield United last time out did provide a platform for the club to now build from, but there will be many twists and turns yet in the coming weeks and months.

Dyche, understanding the issues Everton were blighted by, strove to replenish the attacking ranks; and he has, signing the likes of Beto, Arnaut Danjuma, Jack Harrison, Youssef Chermiti and co to provide the Blues with a chance to finally end several years of malaise around the bottom of the Premier League table.

They will have to do so without creative midfielder Alex Iwobi, however, with the Nigeria star completing a £22m move to divisional rivals Fulham, having held just one year left on his deal with the Merseyside outfit.

Everton will also have to make do without Demarai Gray, who transferred away from the club in acrimonious circumstances earlier this month.

Why did Everton sell Demarai Gray?

One week after the transfer window had slammed shut for European outfits, Gray completed an £8m transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq, ending weeks of speculation regarding the player's imminent future.

The Toffees had initially rejected a bid from the Saudi Pro League team, despite the winger's role on the periphery and with his contract having been set for expiry next summer.

Gray's mind was clearly fixed on pastures new, with the 27-year-old sharing a post on his social media conveying his thoughts and desire to leave the club.

It was a bit of a blow for Everton after Gray played an instrumental role in the Premier League last season, scoring six goals across all competitions and impressing with his dynamism and versatility, which was paramount amid the injury woes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and the woeful efforts of Neal Maupay, who scored once all term.

Gray had made 75 displays in total for Everton, scoring 12 goals, since joining from German side Bayer Leverkusen for roughly £2m – a paltry fee in the modern game – and had been noted for his "attacking threat" by journalist Josh Bunting.

While Dyche will feel he has adequately compensated for Gray's exit with the acquisitions made over the past several months, there is undoubtedly a sense of poignancy surrounding the nature of an exit of a player who served so well against the threat of relegation last year.

The transfer window is now shut, and the Goodison Park side will have to wait until January if they wish to bring in fresh faces, but there may already be a tailor-made replacement in Katia Kouyate, with the talented academy winger eyeing up his senior debut this season.

Who is Katia Kouyate?

Kouyate, 20 years old, has been impressing among the Finch Farm academy ranks for several years now, and has chalked up 55 total appearances, plundering 11 direct goal contributions.

Described as "brilliant" by journalist Dan Ghorbal, the player's official club profile claims that he 'possesses impressive speed, skill and power'.

Praised for his "good work" already this season by reporter Joe Thomas, the starlet has been making increments to his game over the past several seasons and is now a regular member of Everton's development squad, penning a new two-year contract in 2022.

The Manchester-born forward has demonstrated his dynamism this season, playing across the frontline already after just four matches – and netting his first goal last time out – and could be in line for a big season this year, earning an opportunity to impress among the seniors.

Although he only posted two goals and assists apiece from 25 matches in the previous edition of the Premier League 2, Kouyate did clinch each contribution across the final 13 outings, starting ten times.

Blessed with a naturally impressive physique, lightning speed and awe-inspiring power, Kouyate is pushing for inclusion and will perhaps earn a shot if he keeps his head down and continues to ply his trade for David Unsworth's development side.

The talented prospect offers a slightly different profile to the recently departed Gray, focusing on his direct threat and utilising his pace and power to beat his man and drive the ball into promising openings.

Gray, comparatively, is slightly more fleet-footed, weaving around defenders and creating confusion with his deft shimmies and ball-playing skills, often the instigator with his looping balls from deep.

This could prove to be an invaluable asset, though, with Lewis Dobbin, who enjoyed a promising loan spell with Derby County last season in League One and has already made three appearances in the top flight this year, starting in the 1-0 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Praised for his "relentless" approach and role as a "crowd-lifter" by BBC Radio Derby reporter Dominic Dietrich, Dobbin, also aged 20, certainly brings an extra dimension to the Toffees attack.

Also described as "explosive" by one talent scout, Dobbin is a proficient dribbler and could be the sort of progressive presence suitable to step in and fill the void left in Gray's wake, although Kouyate would offer something different still.

Indeed, this could be the start of an exciting new era at Goodison Park, with these two homegrown talents blending skill sets to wreak havoc down, primarily, the left channel.

Although he has not yet found his shooting boots with the regularity Dyche will hope for, Kouyate continues to burgeon and could now thrive in the position vacated by the Jamaica international, gone to enjoy the riches of Saudi Arabia.

Given Everton's toothless attack, who showed promise in the 2-2 draw at Bramall Lane but still face uncertainty around their reliability, especially after finishing as the second-lowest scorers in the Premier League last term, and Dyche may well be wise to delve deeper into the club's resources and unleash a precocious talent of Kouyate's ilk.

أعلن نادي لايبزيج الألماني عن تمديد عقد هداف الفريق الأول لكرة القدم، بنجامين سيسكو، ليغلق الباب أمام كبار أوروبا.

وكانت هناك العديد من الأندية الأوروبية الكبرى التي سعت وراء التعاقد مع سيسكو بعد تسجيله 18 هدفًا مع الفريق الألماني في الموسم الماضي.

ورغب آرسنال وتشيلسي من الدوري الإنجليزي بجانب باريس سان جيرمان من فرنسا لضم سيسكو مع اهتمام من طرف الأهلي في السعودية.

اقرأ أيضًا.. ميرور: بايرن ميونخ مهتم بضم مدافع ليفربول.. والأخير يرد

Benjamin Šeško 🤝 RB Leipzig

Benjamin Šeško und RB Leipzig haben den bestehenden Vertrag vorzeitig um ein weiteres Jahr bis 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣9️⃣ verlängert. — RB Leipzig (@RBLeipzig) June 12, 2024

ولكن اليوم، الأربعاء، نجح لايبزيج في تمديد عقد سيسكو حتى 30 يونيو 2029 ليغلق الباب أمام الجميع ويبقى المهاجم السلوفيني في ألمانيا.

وبحسب موقع “Transfer Markt” أن قيمة سيسكو السوقية في الوقت الحالي تساوي 50 مليون يورو وهي ضعف ما دفعه لايبزيج في صفقته.

حيث انضم سيسكو من سالزبورج في النمسا بمقابل 24 مليون يورو في بداية صيف عام 2023 ولكن أداءه بالموسم الماضي جعل سعره يقفز لأعلى من الضعف.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has given the green-light for an "exemplary" Spurs player to leave, with journalist Pete O'Rourke sharing an update on Hugo Lloris' future at the club.

Who has left Tottenham this summer?

The departure of star striker Harry Kane, who signed for Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich in a multi-million pound move this summer, is definitely Spurs' most headline-grabbing exit of the year

Joining Kane, the likes of Sergio Reguilon, Joe Rodon, Djed Spence, Harry Winks, Alfie Devine, Troy Parrott and Dane Scarlett all departed either on loan or permanently before September 1.

The north Londoners have even managed to seal a few transfers away past the window deadline, as Turkey's clubs can carry on conducting their business until September 15.

As a result, both defender Davinson Sanchez and midfielder Tanguy Ndombele managed to complete transfers to Galatasaray; ridding Postecoglou of deadwood as he trims down what he called a bloated squad.

These decisions have proved spot on so far, as Tottenham are flying high near the top of the table with three wins from their opening four Premier League matches.

However, despite admitting he wanted to go, one player who hasn't managed to leave thus far is Lloris.

Speaking to Nice-Matin early in the summer, Tottenham's long-serving keeper admitted it was the end of an era for him in north London.

"We are arriving at an important moment, whether for the club or for me," said Lloris.

"It's the end of an era. I want other things, I'm going to sit down quietly to study what will be possible. But I don't forget that I still have a year of contract with Tottenham and that in football it is always difficult to predict what will happen.

"What is essential at the moment is to recover well from my injury. I'm on vacation but I continue to maintain myself and do my workouts. My goal is to be at the top in July, then we'll see what the future has in store for me."

Is Hugo Lloris is leaving Spurs?

The 36-year-old remains at Tottenham for the time being, something which may not be the case for long, as reporter O'Rourke drops an update on his future.

Lloris has just one year left on his current deal, and reports suggest he is taking home around £100,000-per-week sitting on the sidelines.

Writing for Football Insider, O'Rourke says the Frenchman could even see his contract terminated, despite making 447 competitive appearances for Spurs in all competitions over the last 11 years (Transfermarkt).

In further detail, Postecoglou has apparently "already made up his mind" on Lloris leaving Tottenham as he gives the green-light for him to depart N17.

The veteran shot-stopper captained Spurs for a period last season, but both fitness issues and poor form saw him relegated to the bench in favour of Fraser Forster.

Despite his recent woes, Lloris is an arguable legend for his country, having usurped Les Bleus icon Lilian Thuram to become France's all-time most-capped player.

Deschamps, speaking after the former Lyon star broke that record in 2022, called Lloris an "exemplary" player.

Newcastle United are among the leading contenders to sign Tottenham Hotspur defender Eric Dier, but they are set to face stiff competition for his services from a huge club overseas.

How old is Eric Dier?

Dier is now 29 years of age and is the third longest-serving player in the capital since joining from Sporting CP back in 2014. He’s made a total of 361 appearances for Spurs, but despite his loyal service, he’s fallen majorly down the pecking order following the arrival of Ange Postecoglou in the dugout.

The Lilywhites centre-back is yet to make a single appearance in any competition this season, so with his contract expiring in less than a year, this window is the perfect opportunity for his club to cash in should they not want to risk losing an asset for free.

The Athletic have reported that Burnley have already had a loan offer turned down for the England international, with the Premier League giants not willing to sanction a temporary exit due to the situation surrounding his deal, though it sounds like he has two potential suitors hoping to recruit him on a permanent basis.

Are Newcastle signing Eric Dier?

According to Spanish reports (via Football 365), Newcastle are firmly "in the race" for Dier, but he is also being seriously pursued by Bundesliga outfit Bayern Munich.

The St. James' Park side "like" the veteran, and it's claimed that Spurs are "open to negotiating" a late deal, with the player having been put "in the spotlight" by PIF and Eddie Howe in the northeast.

Postecoglou's star "would have the opportunity" to get the regular game time he requires if he was to join, therefore making the club one of the "big favourites" to accquire his services.

How much does Eric Dier earn?

At Spurs, Dier currently pockets £85k-per-week which, as it stands, he isn’t really earning having yet to feature at all this season, but that could all change should he put pen to paper at Newcastle.

Hailed as a “terrific” footballer by journalist Josh Bunting, the 6 foot 2 colossus was a real rock at the heart of his backline last season, averaging 3.3 clearances and 2.4 aerial wins per top-flight game, via WhoScored, displaying the physical presence that he possesses both on and off the ground.

Read The Latest Newcastle Transfer News HERE…

The Cheltenham-born talent, who is sponsored by Nike, is also capable of getting involved with the action in the final third having posted 33 contributions (17 assists and 16 goals) since the start of his career, showing the positive impact he has at each end of the pitch.

When facing the Magpies, Dier has recorded six victories in 12 head to head clashes that he’s been involved in, even scoring once and providing two assists, as per Transfermarkt, so if he can perform that well in the cauldron that is St James' Park as a visitor, one has to think he could thrive as an experienced head in Howe's backline.

Liverpool have now stepped up their interest in signing Leicester City midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, with Jurgen Klopp expected to make further additions in midfield this summer, according to a report from Anfield Watch.

What's the latest Liverpool transfer news?

The Reds are expected to make a bid for Fluminense midfielder for Andre in the coming days, with a €25m (£21.5m) move in the pipeline, but they may have to sort out the situation surrounding Thiago's future before they pursue the Brazilian.

It has been reported that the Merseysiders are now willing to sell the Spaniard for the right price, with a new contract not in the offing, owing to his poor injury record.

The same report suggests Liverpool's proposed opening bid will not be enough to sign the Fluminense star immediately, with the Brazilian club only willing to sanction a summer deal for €30m (£26m), although they would let him leave for £21.5m this winter.

Read The Latest Liverpool Transfer News HERE…

With Klopp expected to make at least one new addition to his midfield this summer, Anfield Watch has reported that Dewsbury-Hall is being considered as a potential option, having been closely monitored over the past year.

The Reds have now stepped up their interest in the Leicester ace, but it is currently unclear whether the Foxes are willing to sanction his departure, given that his £20k-per-week deal is not set to expire until 2027.

It is detailed that the Englishman is not viewed as a direct alternative to Romeo Lavia, who Liverpool also retain an interest in, but he could leapfrog the Belgian on their priority list if negotiations with Southampton continue to be tricky, with the Saints holding out for £50m.

The 24-year-old is with the agency Wasserman, who the Reds are believed to have a good relationship with, which could hand them a boost as they continue to pursue a deal.

What type of midfielder is Dewsbury-Hall?

The Shepshed-born maestro often features in a defensive midfield role, playing 78 games in that area of the pitch throughout his career so far including games at youth level – indicating he could be a viable replacement for Jordan Henderson.

Much like Henderson, the Leicester academy graduate does not offer much in the way of goal contributions, registering just two goals and two assists in the Premier League last season, but he makes up for that with his defensive capabilities.

Over the past year, the 5 foot 8 midfielder has averaged 2.15 blocks per 90, placing him in the 99th percentile compared to his positional peers, while journalist Josh Bunting has lauded him as a "fantastic talent", and a "really good ball-carrier."

The latter is evidenced by the fact he ranks in the 90th percentile for successful take-ons and the 87th percentile for progressive carries during the same time period, placing higher than Henderson on both of those metrics.

Leicester have no pressing need to sell Dewsbury-Hall, considering he is contracted until 2027, and they have already raised significant funds by selling James Maddison and Harvey Barnes this summer, but if he does become available, he could be a fantastic long-term Henderson replacement.

A second-innings batting collapse left Assam facing the prospect of an early exit from the quarter-final race. Having conceded a 239-run lead to Railways, who were powered by Arindam Ghosh’s century, they slumped to 41 for 7 at stumps on day three in Guwahati, with the pace duo of Anureet Singh and Deepak Bansal picking up five wickets between them.Railways, resuming on 224 for 2, declared on 483 for 7. Ghosh found support from overnight partner Nitin Bhille (89), in a 177-run stand for the third wicket. Lower down, Ashish Yadav made an unbeaten 50 off 59 balls to swell the lead further. Openers Saurabh Wakaskar (80) and Shivkant Shukla (86) had earlier set the innings up.Railways are now three wickets away from a second win in three matches, while Assam, having eked out a point against Delhi and losing to Karnataka before this, are on their way to a second outright loss. They’ll have conceded a bonus point on both occasions if they lose this game by an innings too.Karun Nair prepares to sweep•Associated Press

Karun Nair’s 134, and his 160-run stand for the fifth wicket with Stuart Binny (72), lifted Karnataka to 332 in Shimoga, leaving Hyderabad 288 runs to win on the final day with eight wickets in hand.Karnataka had begun the day on 127 for 4 – leading by 174 – with the overnight pair of Nair and Binny having already put up 60 together. They batted out the first session without being separated and brought up their respective half-centuries; in Binny’s case, his second of the game.After the interval, Binny fell to left-arm spinner Mehedi Hasan (5-88) who had taken all five wickets to fall at that point. Karnataka had no major contributions from the lower order, but Nair managed to string a partnership of 40 for the eighth wicket with Vinay Kumar and a 37-run stand for the final wicket en route to his 11th first-class hundred. He was the last batsman to be dismissed, bowled by legspinner Akash Bhandari (3-84). Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, who had taken 4-42 in the first innings, bowled only three overs in the second.Set 380 to win, Hyderabad lost Akshath Reddy and K Sumanth before a third-wicket stand of 42 between Tanmay Agarwal (43*) and Ambati Rayudu (18*) took them to stumps on 92 for 2.Ankit Bawne goes for the sweep•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Maharashtra offspinner Chirag Khurana took career-best figures of 6-53 as the visitors took a first-innings lead of 41 against Uttar Pradesh in Lucknow. Fifties from Rahul Tripathi (91) and Ankit Bawne (58) then helped them raise a lead of 297 at stumps with six wickets in hand.Khurana completed his second five-wicket haul with the wicket of overnight batsman Imtiaz Ahmed with the score on 242. Imtiaz had added 28 for the eighth wicket with Eklavya Dwivedi, who had come in at 146 for 5 on the second day in UP’s response to Maharashtra’s 312. The wicketkeeper-batsman dragged the innings alongside No. 10 Ankit Rajpoot and made 71 before he was run out to end UP’s innings for 271.Maharashtra lost opener Ruturaj Gaikwad early, but Tripathi’s 55-run stand for the second wicket with Swapnil Gugale, followed by a 114-run alliance with Bawne, helped them end the day on 256 for 4.

So far, only 59 overs have been possible across three days at Uxbridge. In that time, Middlesex have been unable to get the bonus points they may need for survival

Vithushan Ehantharajah at Uxbridge14-Sep-20171:31

County Championship Round-up: Middlesex hopes sink

It was always going to be about bonus points. Middlesex, hamstrung by a venue unfit for Championship cricket, have had to graft more in the rain delays than out in the middle. So far, only 59 overs have been possible across three days. In that time, Middlesex have been unable to get far.They are currently 162 for 7, locked in their own battle for whatever they can muster from a game that has almost certainly put a fork in outground cricket in September. Who knows what it might mean for the defending champion’s Division One status.It’s hard not to read that sentence and now think it is melodramatic. But the truth of the matter is that even Hampshire, who started the season as runaway leaders before Essex shaped up, were mathematically susceptible to the drop before this round. Now, their two bowling points along with the inevitable points for this draw will be enough. They have been sitting pretty throughout this match. While Middlesex’s players and managing director of cricket Angus Fraser have pitched in with the groundstaff, the Hants players kept warm indoors with a very justified sense of “not our problem”. They are as annoyed as anyone at the lack of cricket this week.The first order of business for the umpires this morning was to announce an early lunch for 12pm, allowing further checks on the state of the ground throughout the day. Hourly updates on the state of play followed, right until 3pm, when it was decided that a 3.30pm start would work. At that point, Yorkshire, who started this round level on points with Middlesex – just 13 above the relegation zone – had brought up their first batting point. Typically, thirty minutes later, it started raining at Uxbridge.Not for the first time, Middlesex players, accompanied by Fraser, helped out a skeleton groundstaff and covered as much of the ground as they could. Their quick work preserved the areas worst affected by the previous deluges and also ensured play was able to begin at 4.15pm, under bright sunshine. Over in south London, Yorkshire were bowled out 198 short of Surrey’s first innings, and were duly forced to follow on.Victory over Yorkshire will be the first of two favours Middlesex will ask of their south London rivals this fortnight. While a return to Lord’s next week sees Lancashire as opponents, Surrey host Somerset.But whatever local cheer the sun brought had dissipated by stumps. Having restarted the innings on 76 for 3, with 28.5 overs remaining, a series of misjudgements led to the fall of four wickets. Of course, Hampshire bowled well for their lot: Adam Voges squared-up expertly by Fidel Edwards and caught at second slip by Jimmy Adams, before Adams took his second when Middlesex debutant Max Holden threw his hands a good delivery from Ian Holland. A change at the Gatting Way End saw Kyle Abbott return to pick up the last two, forcing James Franklin to play on and James Harris to not play at all – bowled and lbw for ducks, respectively.Then, news filtered through of a fightback from Yorkshire that meant they reached the close of day three on 59 for 1, 139 behind. Meanwhile Somerset were rounding on a victory at Taunton against Lancashire: the visitors 45 ahead with just two wickets remaining.If Somerset give Essex the title with a win, and Yorkshire hold firm, Middlesex will drop into the relegation places should they leave Uxbridge without a bonus point. Somerset, who watched on in horror as a Championship title was ripped away from them by a manufactured chase at Lord’s in a thrilling finale to the 2016 summer, host Middlesex in the final round of the season. Contrivance, anyone?

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their attempts to secure their eighth new signing of the summer transfer window…

What's the latest Rangers transfer news?

According to the Daily Record, the Light Blues have resumed negotiations with LAFC over a deal to sign central midfielder Jose Cifuentes ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The report claims that the two clubs are now in talks to finalise an agreement as they already have the outline of a deal in place, with a figure of £1m being touted as a possible price for the Ecuador international.

It states that the Gers are confident of being able to secure the MLS star's signature as his club are not in action for the next month, which provides the Scottish giants with time to thrash out terms with LAFC.

The 24-year-old could join the likes of Dujon Sterling, Kieran Dowell, Abdallah Sima, Jack Butland, Cyriel Dessers, Leon Balogun and Sam Lammers in signing for Michael Beale this summer.

What type of player is Jose Cifuentes?

Cifuentes is an all-action number eight with the quality to make an impact at both ends of the pitch for his side, which could make him the dream heir to John Lundstram at Ibrox.

The former Sheffield United ace has been a solid performer for the Light Blues since making the move from England during the summer of 2021.

He averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.03 across 37 Scottish Premiership outings last season, which placed him joint-tenth within the squad alongside Ryan Kent.

Lundstram also chipped in with five goals and 0.5 key passes per match for his side. No central midfielder scored more goals than the 29-year-old, although he did rank 18th in the team for chances created per outing.

Defensively, the Englishman made 2.3 tackles and interceptions combined per clash, which was the joint-most of any player in his position for the club alongside Belgian dynamo Nicolas Raskin.

Cifuentes, however, could be an upgrade on Lundstram if he is able to carry over his form in MLS during the 2022 season to Scottish football.

The Ecuadorian averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.04 across 36 league matches and showcased his ability at both ends of the pitch.

Offensively, the talented maestro scored seven goals and produced 1.3 chances per match for his teammates, which led to 11 'big chances' created in total. This suggests that the potential is there for him to offer more than the Englishman in possession, certainly when it comes to scoring and creating goals from midfield.

Cifuentes also made 2.3 tackles and interceptions combined per game for LAFC, meaning he could offer a similar level of defensive protection in front of the back four in comparison to the current Gers star.

Therefore, the MLS technician, who his club's general manager John Thorrington claimed "has absolutely everything he needs to succeed", could be the dream heir to Lundstram as his contributions offensively and defensively make him an ideal number eight.

He is five years younger than the Rangers midfielder, and as a result, has the potential to be an upgrade in possession without weakening the defensive side of the midfield.

Chelsea are thought to be preparing to make an offer for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, with the Italian club holding out for €80m (£68m) to part ways with the player, according to recent reports from Italy.

What's the latest Chelsea transfer news?

The Blues struggled considerably in front of goal last season, scoring just 38 goals in the Premier League, the joint-fifth lowest amount in the top flight, and manager Maurcio Pochettino has now set his sights on strengthening in attacking areas of the pitch.

Having already signed Villarreal's Nicholas Jackson, in a deal worth slightly more than his £30.1m release clause in exchange for more favourable payment terms, Pochettino could now look to sign Vlahovic from Juventus.

At the end of May, it was reported that the Serbian striker is open to a move to Stamford Bridge, and the new manager's arrival could help to convince him even more. Journalist Rudy Galetti said then:

"The Blues could make a concrete move for the Serbian.

"Especially because the next manager, [Mauricio] Pochettino, considers Dušan the ideal striker for his tactical idea.The player likes the destination and reaching an agreement on personal terms wouldn't be a problem. Let's keep an eye also on Bayern Munich, who have Vlahović at the top of their list along with Harry Kane."

According to recent reports from Italy (via Sport Witness), Chelsea are now preparing to "lunge" for the Juventus star, and there is a belief that an offer could be tabled shortly.

However, there is set to be fierce competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, who are also "at the window" and ready to make an "important offer".

All three English clubs are now ready to make offers of at least €65m (£56m) for the forward, a figure that would make Juventus think, however, other reports suggest the Serie A club are keen to hold out for a fee of at least €80m (£68m).

Is Dusan Vlahovic coming to Chelsea?

At the moment, the race for the 23-year-old appears to be very much open, but given that Pochettino is now at the helm at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea could be very well-placed to secure his signature this summer.

If the Blues do come out on top, they could be getting a fantastic player, with Italian football writer Carlo Garganese hailing the Serbia international as an "absolute monster" near the start of last season.

Although the 2022/23 campaign was not his best, the Belgrade-born marksman still managed to find the back of the net ten times in 27 Serie A outings, and he has previously demonstrated he is capable of breaking the 20-goal barrier, doing so with Fiorentina in the 2020/21 season.

Signing Jackson was a good start to the window for the Blues, with the 22-year-old netting 12 La Liga goals last season, but they now have the opportunity to sign a natural goalscorer, who has proven himself over a number of years, and they should undoubtedly make their first bid for Vlahovic in the near future, making this one to watch.