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Former Leeds United manager Sam Allardyce could return to the club in a different role this summer, according to a surprise update from journalist Ben Jacobs.

Why did Allardyce leave Leeds?

The 68-year-old was drafted in as Whites boss late in the 2022/23 season, tasked with producing a miracle escape act in the final weeks of the campaign.

Allardyce was unable to achieve such heroics, however, ultimately being given too difficult a job, following disappointing spells from both Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia. His role as Leeds manager always felt like it would be a short-term one, with a different boss coming in this summer, so it was no great shock to see him depart recently.

While there was always a chance that he could stay on, especially if he kept the Whites in the Premier League, a younger, more long-term appointment is needed at Elland Road – someone who can be in the job for many years and take them back into the top flight.

Allardyce's days managing Leeds may be numbered, but a fresh claim suggests that his affiliation with the club may not yet be over.

Could Allardyce take different job at Leeds?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs failed to rule out the possibility of Allardyce return to Elland Road in a different capacity this summer:

"Big Sam has already said that he doesn't feel he is the right man to lead Leeds as a manager, but that he is prepared to come in, in some other capacity."

This is clearly a shock claim from Jacobs, with Allardyce seemingly walking off into the sunset and having nothing to do with Leeds again after their relegation.

It is hard to see where the English veteran would fit in, however, unless new owners 49ers Enterprises find a position for him that they believe is perfect. A new sporting director is required, but he has no experience in that role, and a recent report suggests that the highly-rated Stuart Webber could be arriving from Norwich City in the near future.

In truth, it feels best for Allardyce to simply move on, with the former England manager not representing the future in the modern game, even though he deserves great credit for forging an impressive managerial career.

It's time for Leeds to look forward and acquire the services of younger individuals with fresh ideas, such as Webber, ensuring this new era at Elland Road is successful for many years to come.

Glasow Rangers head coach Michael Beale is working hard to bolster his playing squad with a view to competing for major honours next term.

The Light Blues ended the 2022/23 campaign without a single trophy to show for their efforts and must rectify that by competing on all fronts next season.

To do that, the Gers could need to overhaul their roster and work has already started on that front as Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling are set to come through the door, whilst the likes of Ryan Kent and Alfredo Morelos have already departed.

Another player who could be on his way out of Ibrox in the coming weeks is central midfielder Glen Kamara, who has been linked with an exit.

The Daily Mail recently reported that Galatasaray and Besiktas are both keen on the Finland international, who will be allowed to leave for a fee in the region of £6m this summer.

Who could replace Glen Kamara at Rangers?

Beale could brutally ditch the former Arsenal academy graduate by striking a deal to sign LAFC central midfielder Jose Cifuentes ahead of next season.

The Gers are reportedly eyeing the Colombia international and bringing the ace through the door at Ibrox in the coming weeks would allow Kamara to move the other way, as it would provide Beale with the dud's replacement.

In the Scottish Premiership in 22/23, the 27-year-old averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.78 across 22 appearances, as well as just one key pass and one tackle and interception combined per match.

The Finnish midfielder, who lost 53% of his duels in the division, struggled throughout the campaign and his statistics in the league suggest that the lightweight failed to make much of an impact in or out of possession. He did not win the ball back for his side on a regular basis or provide his teammates with chances to score too often.

Cifuentes, meanwhile, has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.83 across 11 MLS appearances in 2023 and averaged 1.5 key passes and 2.3 tackles and interceptions per game in the middle of the park.

The Colombian dynamo, who LAFC general manager John Thorrington claimed "has absolutely everything he needs to succeed", has also averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.00 across seven outings in the CONCACAF Champions League this year and created four 'big chances' for his teammates in those clashes.

These statistics suggest that the ace, who is three years younger than the Gers dud, could be a big upgrade on Kamara due to his ability to cut out opposition attacks more frequently as well as being able to create more for others with his quality on the ball.

Leeds United's last stint in the Championship lasted far longer than anybody could have expected, as financial woes resigned the former Champions League semi-finalists to a shock relegation back in 2003/04.

The size and stature of the Whites led many to believe it would only be a short stint away from the Premier League, yet 16 years passed before Marcelo Bielsa finally guided them back to glory.

Now, three years on from that success, they are back where they started, once again seeking that same goal they earned in 2020.

That was a year where all the stars seemed to align at Elland Road, with the feelgood factor well and truly surging throughout the famous stadium.

With Kalvin Phillips conducting from deep, Liam Cooper dominating at the back and Patrick Bamford finishing up front, the spine of the team was unparalleled for that level.

And yet, there was arguably one name that stood out above all of them. Should the Yorkshire outfit seek to return to the top flight at the first time of asking, they must find someone willing to take on the mantle that Pablo Hernandez did all those years ago.

Whilst the first team squad is admittedly lacking in quality, one unproven name does stand out, with Georginio Rutter raw but retaining the silky qualities needed to emulate the heroic Spaniard.

Could Georginio Rutter copy Pablo Hernandez at Leeds United?

Having been signed in January for a club-record fee, Jesse Marsch was one of three managers who opted against throwing the Frenchman into the side, as he would make just one Premier League start.

Javi Gracia would later admit that the 21-year-old had been a signing for the future, noting:

"Not only Georginio but all the new players that are coming to a new country and a new competition need time, but not especially Georginio. He is working very well, a good character and I'm sure his future will be brilliant."

But, as they trundled towards the drop, this transfer risk was not rewarded. They had been relegated, and their record signing had played no part in preventing it.

Despite that, when compared to other forwards across Europe on FBref, it is clear to see the areas where the £70k-per-week youngster thrives.

Ranking in the top 7% for tackles and the top 2% for interceptions per 90 showcases his work rate; his position within the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90 outlines him as the "sharp" magician that writer Joe Donnohue once suggested he was; and the fact he sits in the top 19% for assists per 90 perhaps suggests he is far from a free-scoring forward, but rather instead a creative force to be reckoned with.

This could be akin to Hernandez, who also boasted that tireless nature along with his bag of tricks, as well as the tangible qualities that brought Leeds such success. During their promotion campaign, the 38-year-old recorded a 7.35 average rating, with his nine goals and nine assists giving way to 2.3 key passes and 1.3 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

Whoever is selected to be the next long-term successor to Sam Allardyce in Yorkshire must surely put Rutter at the heart of their plans, in an effort to emulate a former favourite to propel them back to the Premier League.

Burnley are eyeing a number of new signings this summer as they look to build on their Championship title win, with Ryan Kent one man linked with a move to Turf Moor.

Would Ryan Kent be a good signing for Burnley?

The Rangers man, who will depart Ibrox on a free transfer this summer when his contract expires, is an option for the likes of Burnley, Sheffield United, Everton and Leeds United according to TEAMtalk.

Since signing for the Scottish outfit permanently in 2019, the tricky winger has gone on to make 218 appearances in total, contributing 38 goals and 57 assists.

He was vital for the Gers in their run to the Europa League final last season, notching one goal and five assists, which earned him a spot in the team of the tournament, perhaps emphasising why he could be such a good pickup on a free transfer this summer.

Even in a campaign that has been widely perceived as a difficult one for Rangers, Kent has contributed three goals and eight assists in the league with a strong 7.31 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

Success in the Premier League will come for Burnley if they can add some quality in the final third, especially with the likes of Ashley Barnes and potentially Nathan Tella not being at Turf Moor next season.

Kompany may well be looking to spread out the goals in his squad once again as they did in the second tier this year and Kent's ability to find the back of the net, as well as his obvious eye for a pass, make him an ideal target.

Steven Gerrard was full of praise for the former Liverpool man during his time at Ibrox, saying:

"Ryan Kent has been top-class and hasn't let any noise affect him, he is scoring goals and looking very dangerous. He is really taking it to opposition teams."

If he were to arrive at Turf Moor, his dribbling ability and impressive record in the final third could see him emulate Maxwel Cornet, who impressed in his one-year stay at Burnley having joined from Lyon.

The Ivorian winger registered nine goals and one assist in 26 Premier League appearances and won over the fans with his performances before a relegation release clause saw him join West Ham United last summer.

He would average 1.8 shots, 0.6 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per game, compared to Kent's return of 2.1 shots, 2.2 key passes, and 1.9 dribbles per game at Rangers, which suggests that the Englishman could even be an upgrade on Cornet at Turf Moor.

Therefore, Kompany and Burnley should act quickly to bring Kent to the Premier League on a free transfer, as the speedster could be a superb addition to the squad.

Manchester United are seemingly set to rekindle their interest in Juventus midfielder, Adrien Rabiot, having missed out on a move for the contract rebel last summer.

What's the latest on Rabiot to Man United?

According to transfer guru, Fabrizio Romano, United boss Erik ten Hag is said to be an admirer of the 28-year-old ahead of the summer transfer window, with the former Paris Saint-Germain maestro set to be available on a free transfer at the end of the season amid his expiring contract in Turin.

Writing on Twitter, the respected insider revealed: "Manchester United are still interested in Adrien Rabiot after talks collapsed last summer, appreciated by ten Hag. Nothing advanced yet as there are many clubs in the race [Bayern like him] and timing depends on club sale. Juve offered him new deal but still unlikely."

As Romano noted, the Red Devils saw a move for the 6 foot 3 ace collapse back in August due to the player's hefty wage demands, despite having agreed a deal for a reported fee of just £15m with the Serie A giants.

Should Man United sign Rabiot?

Talk is rife at present regarding the prospect of potential high-profile midfield additions at Old Trafford, with the Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel revealing on Wednesday that the Carabao Cup winners are set to "launch" a £55m bid for Chelsea's, Mason Mount.

As The Athletic's David Ornstein also revealed, the England international is said to be "leaning" towards a move to the Theatre of Dreams if the Blues are to sanction a sale, with the 24-year-old facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge with just 12 months to run on his existing deal.

It would certainly be a bold move if Ten Hag was to swoop for both Mount and Rabiot ahead of next season, with the pair able to provide real quality depth to United's current options in the centre of the park.

In the case of Mount, the Three Lions star has enjoyed a disappointing campaign in west London with just three goals and six assists across all fronts, although the Portsmouth-born ace previously shone under Thomas Tuchel last term, reaching double figures for both goals and assists in the Premier League.

An attacking midfielder by trade, the 36-cap ace could well provide competition and cover for Bruno Fernandes in that playmaking berth, although the versatile talent also has the ability to feature in a number eight role or on the flanks if required.

Despite his relative youth, the one-time Derby County loanee has already racked up almost 300 club appearances at first-team level to date, having also helped his current side to Champions League glory back in 2021, registering a crucial assist for Kai Havertz in the showpiece.

That winning experience is also shared by Rabiot, with the £152k-per-week sensation having claimed seven league titles during his time in France and Italy – among other honours – while also playing a part in France's Nations League success in 2021.

As for the current campaign, the 37-cap menace has proven why he is an "extraordinary" player, according to Juve legend, David Trezeguet, having bagged 11 goals and provided six assists in all competitions, proving – much like Mount – that he can make an impact in the final third.

While there may be a scenario in which the Englishman and Rabiot could both be competing for a midfield berth alongside Fernandes and Casemiro, Ten Hag will likely be licking his lips at that potential wealth of options.

West Ham United are keen on signing Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips this summer.

What’s the story?

That’s according to Irons insider ExWHUEmployee [via This Is Futbol], who claimed that the 26-year-old is one of David Moyes’ midfield targets for the summer transfer window.

Writing on the West Ham Way Patreon page, Ex said: “The manager is also said to fancy Kalvin Phillips of Leeds.”

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Despite Leeds’ Premier League survival, Phillips is subject to plenty of interest from other top-flight clubs, with both Manchester City and Aston Villa also named as potential suitors for the England midfielder.

Therefore, securing a move for the 26-year-old could prove a tall order for Moyes and the West Ham hierarchy.

West Ham must sign Phillips

Despite an injury-plagued season, there is no doubt that Phillips would be an excellent addition for the east London outfit.

Named England men’s player of the year for 2021 after his efforts at the European Championship, the midfielder has been restricted to 18 Premier League starts this term, having missed three months with a hamstring injury.

However, that hasn’t hindered his progress as an England international, with the Leeds star – who has been nicknamed the Yorkshire Pirlo – included in Gareth Southgate’s latest squad.

There is plenty of uncertainty regarding the future of Phillips’ England team-mate Declan Rice at West Ham, with the 23-year-old the subject of a plethora of speculation regarding a potential departure from east London this summer.

If Rice were to move on, then the Hammers would undoubtedly need to fork out for a quality replacement, and Phillips would certainly fit the mould.

The Leeds colossus has averaged 62 touches per Premier League match this term, whilst completing 38.9 passes per game at an 82% accuracy. Moreover, the defensive-minded midfielder has contributed an impressive 1.2 interceptions, 2.7 tackles and 0.9 clearances per match.

Even if Rice remains an Irons player, signing the Leeds star would be a huge statement of intent from West Ham and would certainly excite supporters at the London Stadium.

AND in other news – “Interested in signing…”: Ex drops huge West Ham transfer claim that supporters will love

Rangers suffered an agonising defeat on penalties in the Europa League final on Wednesday night, and the players will now have to regroup ahead of today’s Scottish Cup final.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst could make a few changes as the Ibrox club look to end their 13-year wait to lift the domestic knockout trophy, although one player is definitely out of the Hampden Park clash.

Borna Barisic will be missing for the match due to an injury sustained against Eintracht Frankfurt in midweek, as Van Bronckhorst confirmed in his pre-match press conference on Friday: “Borna is not available for tomorrow, all other players who featured are available.”

This will result in a tactical change from the manager, as with the Croatian missing, Calvin Bassey will be required to revert to the left-back spot, which will open up a berth at the heart of defence.

With first-team mainstay Connor Goldson being more or less certain of a place, it will be up to the Dutchman to pick between Leon Balogun or give 18-year-old Leon King a start in a major cup final.

Rangers will miss Barisic

Whilst Barisic hasn’t been up to his usual high standards this term (his Sofascore rating in the Premiership is 7.29, compared to 7.4 last season), his absence will nonetheless be a big blow to Rangers’ chances of winning the trophy. His attacking threat is always a bonus, as he offers excellent support to Ryan Kent on the left-hand side.

As per WhoScored, only James Tavernier and Alfredo Morelos have exceeded the Croatian’s 1.9 key passes per game in the Premiership among Van Bronckhorst’s starters this season, while just four Gers players had more than his three assists in the league.

With there being transfer interest for Barisic during the January window, this season could be his last at the club. It would be a shame if the Europa League final defeat is his final match for the Ibrox giants, and his manager will no doubt be gutted not to have the 29-year-old’s creative spark to call upon today.

AND in other news, Van Bronckhorst must unleash “invaluable” £26k-p/w “Duracell bunny”, Rangers need him

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been dealt a fitness worry ahead of his team’s crucial clash with West Ham United today in the Premier League title race.

The Lowdown: Huge day for Man City…

The Sky Blues could take one gigantic leap towards retaining their top-flight crown and besting rivals Liverpool by beating David Moyes’ side at the London Stadium this afternoon.

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City currently sit three points clear at the top of the table with a superior goal difference of seven compared to the Reds, and victory over the Hammers today would cement their place as overwhelming favourites to win the title heading into their last match of 2021/22.

After brushing aside both Newcastle United and Wolves in the last seven days, scoring 10 goals in total over the two matches, arguably their toughest remaining test looms at 2pm in east London .

Guardiola has been forced to cope without star defenders Ruben Dias, John Stones and Kyle Walker recently as the trio are ruled out for the rest of their title run-in.

To make matters more complicated, in their last match at Molineux, other crucial members of the squad in Aymeric Laporte, who was forced off due to a knee problem, and Fernandinho (muscle) came away with injury issues.

The Latest: Guardiola gives Laporte update…

Speaking to the press before his team’s trip to the capital, Guardiola has now confirmed that City could be without Laporte alongside their Brazilian veteran, with both doubtful to facve West Ham (Evening Standard).

A worry for City, the English champions could be without a plethora of first-team defensive options, but their manager refused to completely rule out their availability, claiming that they will be subject to checks today.

The Verdict: Potential major blow…

Being without Laporte in particular comes as a potentially major blow given just how crucial and reliable he has been this season.

The Spain international has even managed to keep Stones out of Guardiola’s starting XI time and time again this season despite his phenomenal partnership with Dias over the 2020/21 campaign.

Lauded as a ‘sensational’ defender by national team boss Luis Enrique, Laporte has been a mainstay domestically, racking up the fifth-most league minutes out of any City player and starting on 31 different occasions (WhoScored).

A supreme ball-playing centre-back, the 27-year-old also has the highest passing accuracy (94.9%) in Guardiola’s squad – no easy feat in one of the world’s best tiki-taka teams.

Cityzens up and down the country will be hoping that he is indeed given the green light to play in what will be a pivotal game in this epic title race.

In other news: Man City set to move for ‘unbelievable’ star who’s turned Pep’s head, played his last game on Saturday night…find out more here

Newcastle United could make a summer swoop for Barcelona attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones. 

The lowdown: Coutinho back in England

On loan at Aston Villa until the end of the season, the playmaker is attempting to rebuild a stuttering career, having been much-maligned following an eye-watering £142m switch to Spain in 2018 (BBC).

Things didn’t go to plan for the Brazilian maestro after leaving Liverpool and the 29-year-old has managed just 106 appearances for the Catalan giants four years on from the move, struggling with injuries and spending time on loan at Bayern Munich since leaving the Premier League.

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A stay in England could now be on the cards, although not necessarily at Villa Park…

The latest: Newcastle eyeing Coutinho

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones claimed that Newcastle are ready to make a move for Coutinho, with Magpies reportedly prepared to offer a seven-figure bonus in an attempt to lure him to St James’ Park.

The journalist explained that the Tyneside club are monitoring the situation in the Midlands, saying: “Steven Gerrard still wants Villa to sign Coutinho, but Newcastle are watching this with interest.

“At the end of the month, Villa have to tell Barcelona whether they intend to take up the option to buy him – and if they hesitate I’m told Newcastle will look to make a proposal to the player.”

The verdict: Would be a statement signing

As the new-look Newcastle begins to take shape over the forthcoming transfer windows, Eddie Howe will almost certainly have an abundance of big-name players linked with a move to St James’ Park.

Identifying the players who best fit into the system and the project will be imperative, decisions that the Englishman got right in January with the captures of Matt Targett, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes, Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier.

Upon his return to the Premier League, Coutinho – who was once described as possessing ‘magical powers’ by compatriot and former Liverpool team-mate Roberto Firmino – has scored four times and provided three assists in 15 outings, proof of a continued ability to thrive at the elite level.

Combined with a mooted £33m purchase option for Villa, that form makes the skilful Brazilian an exciting proposition to strengthen the attacking ranks, and Newcastle would be wise to pay close attention to his situation in the coming weeks and months.

In other news, this journalist reacts to one NUFC starlet’s weekend heroics

Liverpool “really like” French midfielder Aurélien Tchouameni and are interested in bringing him to Anfield this summer, according to journalist James Pearce.

What’s the latest?

The Athletic’s Pearce provided an update on The Reds’ interest in Tchouameni.

French website Foot Mercato were one of the outlets reporting Liverpool’s interest late last month and it now seems that Klopp is determined to bring him to the Premier League.

The journalist was speaking in his Q&A for the Athletic and said: “Liverpool really like him. Big talent. But price tag could be an issue and Real Madrid also very keen. Be interesting to see what happens with that one.”

He would make a great addition to the Liverpool midfield alongside Thiago and Fabinho.

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He’s better than Henderson

The man he would likely replace in the starting line-up for The Reds would be captain Jordan Henderson. Dropping your skipper might sound like a bold move, but if Liverpool are to keep up with rivals Manchester City as well as other European giants, they need to be constantly improving their squad.

Tchouameni is an improvement on Henderson, he may not possess the same leadership qualities as the 31-year old, but he’s younger and has been making his mark this season in Ligue 1.

He currently plays for Monaco who he joined in 2020 from Bordeaux and is rated at £36m by Transfermarkt. He has made 33 appearances in the league and has been a key player in his club’s challenge to secure a place in the Champions League next season, they currently sit second.

If you compare him to Henderson this season it’s easy to see why Klopp wants him on Merseyside. Tchouameni, who has been dubbed “extraordinary” by Paul Pogba, has made more progressive passes this campaign with 176 to his name compared to the Liverpool captain’s 162.

He also performs better with the ball with 27 more progressive carries this season than Henderson.

Liverpool need to start thinking ahead, and at just 22-years old Tchouameni is the future. He’s the perfect eventual successor to Henderson, and if he moves now he will be able to learn from not just his experience but from Thiago and Fabinho too.

Nicknamed the “octopus”, his impressive numbers mean it’s not surprising that The Reds want him, but they’re not the only ones. If they’re to secure his signature they need to beat off competition from their opponents in the Champions League final Real Madrid.

IN other news: Klopp must finally axe Liverpool “cheerleader” who lost possession every 5 mins on Sat…