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Leeds United are still believed to be following PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo with just two days remaining of the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Gakpo linked with Leeds

The Whites have been heavily linked with a move for the Dutchman this summer, with reports earlier this month claiming that Leeds registered their interest in the 23-year-old.

Rumours have cooled in recent weeks, though, with Andrea Radrizzani and Victor Orta seemingly turning their interest to the likes of strikers Wilfried Gnonto and Hwang Hee-chan.

Hailed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig for being on ‘another level’, Gakpo has begun the 2022/23 campaign in fine form, averaging a goal in the Eredivisie every 53 minutes, and it seems as if he is still of interest to the Whites.

The Latest: Leeds name-checked

Sport Witness relayed an update from Dutch outlet FC Update regarding Gakpo on Tuesday.

They claimed that Leeds have still been ‘following developments’ on the 23-year-old in recent weeks, with PSV telling Southampton that €35m-€40m (£30m-£34.2m) is ‘not enough’.

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The Verdict: Crunch time

Leeds could really do with another attacking addition before tomorrow night’s deadline, preferably a player who can occupy a central role.

Gakpo has done that on 18 occasions, scoring eight goals, but he is primarily a winger, an area where Leeds are well-stocked at this moment in time.

However, with Dan James linked with a late loan move to Tottenham, the 23-year-old could be viewed as a potential replacement for the Welshman, although Leeds could face plenty of competition for the Netherlands international.

Phil Hay has dropped an early team news hint ahead of Leeds United’s upcoming Premier League meeting with Aston Villa.

What’s the latest?

Speaking on a recent episode of The Phil Hay Show, the titular journalist suggested that, following his goal-scoring outing in the U21’s 6-2 victory over Southampton U21s last Friday, he would expect Liam Cooper to come into Jesse Marsch’s starting XI when Villa make the trip to Elland Road on October 2.

The Athletic journalist then went on to state that, after enduring a torrid few weeks in the heart of the Leeds backline, he would expect that it is Diego Llorente who makes way for the return of the 31-year-old Scotland international.

Regarding Marsch’s central defensive decision against Villa, Hay said:

“Cooper importantly [got game-time] because I would imagine there’s a decision to be made there about whether it’s Llorente who starts against Villa at Elland Road or whether Cooper comes back in.

“Personally, I would be leaning towards Cooper coming back in but then again, I’ve always been a Cooper fan in comparison to a lot of other people and I do think the defence is far more sturdy with him in it, generally.”

Huge boost for Marsch

Considering how reliable Cooper has been in the centre of defence for Leeds over the past few years, coupled with just how shakey Llorente has been at the back in recent fixtures, it is not difficult to understand why Hay would prefer Marsch to start the Scot against Villa in 11 days’ time.

Indeed, while the £6.3m-rated centre-back is yet to feature in the league this season, the 31-year-old nevertheless proved over his 21 fixtures last term just how important he is to the Whites, helping his side keep five clean sheets, as well as making an average of 2.0 interceptions, 2.0 tackles and 3.4 clearances per game – ranking him first, eighth and second in the Leeds squad for each metric respectively.

These returns saw the £6.5k-per-week talent average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 6.99, ranking him as Marsch’s best performing outfielder in the 2021/22 campaign – playing an absolutely crucial role in the club retaining their top-flight status last time out.

Meanwhile, over Llorente’s six Premier League appearances so far this term, the £14.4m-rated Spain international has not exactly impressed, having already made two mistakes that led directly to a goal and averaged an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.67 – currently ranking the 29-year-old as the Whites’ seventh-worst performer in the league.

As such, with Cooper’s performance in the U21’s demolition of Southampton last week very much appearing to suggest the defender is finally back to full fitness, it is clear for all to see that the Scot’s return will come as a huge boost for Marsch and his side – with the 48-year-old manager simply having no other choice than to start the 31-year-old ahead of the Spaniard.

Sunderland are reportedly fighting alongside a number of other clubs to sign Northampton Town winger Sam Hoskins.

The Lowdown: Stunning season

Hoskins is having a stunning season so far at Northampton, scoring 11 goals and making one assist in his opening 10 matches in League Two, averaging more than a goal a game (Transfermarkt).

Hailed as still ‘quick’ for his age by his manager Jon Brady, the 29-year-old has really stepped up over the last couple of months, and is now attracting plenty of interest ahead of the January transfer window.

The Latest: Sunderland interest

As per Football League World, the Stadium of Light outfit are one of a number of sides that are now ‘keeping tabs’ on Hoskins ahead of January, but they will likely face a lot of competition for his signature.

North East rivals Middlesbrough, as well as Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth, Barnsley and Derby County from League One, are also thought to be interested in signing Hoskins, in what could turn out to be a major battle in the next window.

The Verdict: Smart signing

Given his goal record, Hoskins is clearly ready to make the jump back up to the Championship.

He has experience of playing in the second division with Yeovil Town already, and will no doubt want to prove himself at that level again.

Nonetheless, the winger can play anywhere in the attacking third of the pitch, which will come of great use to Tony Mowbray and the Black Cats as the fixtures start to pile up in the New Year.

Sunderland are currently thriving upon returning to the Championship, and have lost just once in their last five league games.

Despite the exit of Alex Neil, his successor Tony Mowbray has done well to steady the ship and keep the Black Cats tight at the back.

Across those five games, they have only conceded three goals, keeping three clean sheets including Saturday’s bore draw with Preston North End.

With Ellis Simms seemingly still missing due to his injury, the 58-year-old will be dreaming of a man who scored plenty of goals for the Wearside club when he was signed back in 2009.

Steve Bruce had forked out a large £10m fee for Darren Bent, but he came from Tottenham Hotspur with a fine reputation.

Although his stay was brief, he did not disappoint.

36 goals in just 63 appearances mark a return of over a goal every two games, and he also chipped in with four assists too. He was a pure marksman, and his pace and power were unstoppable when he was on form.

During his stint at Aston Villa, Jermaine Jenas labelled the forward as “lethal” and he proved that in front of the Stadium of Light, particularly in his debut season where he bagged 24 goals in the Premier League.

17 the season following again marked a fine return before he was snapped up by the Villans for a whopping £24m.

He only spent two years at Sunderland, but his goal-scoring impact was second to none.

Over the weekend in their draw with the Lilywhites, Mowbray was forced to play without a recognised striker and if he could bring anyone from the past to play for his side now, there is no doubting that Bent would be up there.

His short impact at the club helped fire them to 13th and 10th-placed finishes and with Simms still out, a top striker could be just the player to fire them to an unlikely promotion push.

Fans will be dreaming of a return to the top flight sooner rather than later, and if they had a prime Bent their chances would surely increase exponentially.

Glasgow Rangers endured another difficult night in the Champions League at Ibrox as they lost their fourth group stage match of the season.

The Light Blues were hammered 7-1 by Liverpool on their own turf, a week after losing 2-0 to the Premier League outfit, as the Reds came from behind to win the match comfortably.

Scott Arfield had given the hosts the lead after 17 minutes when he fired past Alisson and the score was 1-1 at half-time, which put Gio van Bronckhorst’s team in a great position to win the game heading into the second half.

Instead, they capitulated as Mo Salah came off the bench to score a six-minute hat-trick and Jurgen Klopp’s team scored six times in the second 45, with Allan McGregor conceding seven of the nine shots on target against him.

Whilst it was a disappointing night for the 40-year-old, as Liverpool’s players beat him with ease, another player was the true villain of the night for the head coach – Antonio Colak.

The Croatian has been in phenomenal form this season, with ten goals in nine Premiership matches and is the type of player who Rangers need to be on top form to get a result in big games.

Instead, he let van Bronckhorst down with a shocking performance in the number nine position, as he struggled badly in and out of possession in his 76 minutes on the pitch.

Off the ball, he was dominated by the opposition and failed to hold his own. Reporter Joshua Barrie noted that the team had no outlet to hit at the top end of the pitch and Colak’s statistics back that up as he lost a whopping 12 of his 13 individual battles – including nine of his ten in the air.

This meant that he could not hold the ball up to allow the rest of the team to push up the field, which allowed Liverpool to press higher and higher until they pinned the Light Blues in their own third of the pitch.

In possession, the dud failed to deliver when it mattered as he missed a ‘big chance’ to make it 2-0 after Arfield’s opening goal, as his effort went wide of Alisson’s post with only the goalkeeper to beat.

The mentality of both sets of players may have changed if he had converted that opportunity and the entire game could have been different. Instead, Roberto Firmino equalised shortly after that and the rest is history.

Colak also struggled with his passing as he completed 50% of his ten attempted passes and lost possession seven times from 15 touches – conceding the ball every 2.1 touches.

The former PAOK dud failed to live up to the high standards he has set in Glasgow so far as he let the manager down which is why he was the villain of the match, as he negatively impacted the team’s chances of winning in and out of possession.

Tottenham Hotspur star Dejan Kulusevksi will miss today’s Premier League clash with Everton after an injury setback.

The Lowdown: Kulusevski tipped to return…

The Sweden international has missed Spurs’ last two top flight matches against Brighton and Arsenal through injury as well as their double header with Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League (Transfermarkt).

The exciting winger was expected to return to action in north London this afternoon after coming back from his recent hamstring problem, with Conte stating just three days ago that Kulusevski will ‘probably be available’.

However, after a fresh setback, Kulusevski will now miss today’s top flight encounter.

The Latest: Kulusevski missing…

Indeed, as per a new update, the 22-year-old has been handed a new blow behind-the-scenes.

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Conte confirmed that Kulusevski will not be available for Everton after all, and as shared by reliable journalist Alasdair Gold, this is down to a ‘knock in training’.

Tottenham are now waiting on the scan results.

The Verdict: Setback for Conte…

The forward has been one of Spurs’ brightest outlets in the attacking areas when available so news of his absence yet again will come as a blow.

Kulusevski has been a brilliant acquisition since joining from Juventus in a loan-to-buy deal at the start of 2022, ranking among Tottenham’s most threatening players for shots at goal, key passes made and completed dribbles per 90 (WhoScored).

Called a ‘huge’ player by journalist Oliver Young-Myles, Kulusevski will be a sore miss as Conte’s side look to go seven points clear of fourth-placed Chelsea.

Everton will make the trip to north London on Sunday in their Premier League clash with Tottenham Hotspur and manager Frank Lampard may be given a huge boost as a Spurs injury concern is revealed.

What’s the latest?

Tottenham Hotspur correspondent for football.london Alasdair Gold has revealed in his predicted line-up against Everton that Richarlison is a doubt for the clash against the Toffees this weekend.

The reporter left out Richarlison in the starting eleven he expects to see against Everton after Antonio Conte revealed the injury concern in his post-match interview after the team’s clash against Frankfurt this week.

Conte told the media:

“He had a problem in his knee. I hope it’s nothing serious for Saturday’s game with Everton.”

Lampard will feel relieved

There is no doubt that Lampard will be relieved to hear that Richarlison could be a doubt for the clash with his former club, as the player is extremely familiar with the players and the manager’s philosophy that has been developing over the last nine months at the club.

The 44-year-old Toffees boss got the very best out of the Brazilian winger in the latter stages of the last Premier League campaign which led to the side retaining their top-flight status in the penultimate game of the season.

The Spurs winger scored six goals and delivered one assist in his last nine appearances for the Merseysiders which led to high praise from his former manager who hailed him a “huge talent” in May:

“I think he is a fantastic, huge talent, with a work ethic which is the reason why Everton fans are so drawn to him. The way he fights – he is a really tough boy – and some of that is due to his make-up and upbringing. It is a pleasure to work with him.”

Richarlison was also Everton’s top goal-scorer last season with ten goals, tallying up 152 appearances, 53 goals and 14 assists over his time at Goodison Park in total, so there is no doubt that the talented forward has a clear understanding of how to stop Everton from shining in London on Saturday afternoon.

With that being said, Lampard can only hope that the Brazil international will be rested or in recovery this weekend as he could be Conte’s secret weapon against the Toffees if he is available to start against his former club.

Sheffield Wednesday have been handed an injury boost after Darren Moore confirmed that Mark McGuinness is set to return for the League One game vs Lincoln on Saturday.

The Lowdown: Road to recovery

The Owls secured a 2-0 victory over Cambridge United last weekend so should be heading into the upcoming encounter at the LNER Stadium full of confidence.

The centre-back made a partial return to action in midweek, lasting just over an hour in the Papa John’s Trophy tie against Leicester’s U21s, and having got vital minutes in the tank, could now be about to make a league start for the first time in five weeks.

The Latest: Moore’s fitness update

Speaking to The Star, Moore revealed that McGuinness is now ready to be reintroduced for Wednesday and will be available for selection to take on the Imps.

“He’s ready to start now. He’s back in. I’m so pleased to have him back, especially with Reece going down. It’s a really important position and even though Mark is right-footed, he’s really accomplished on that left-hand side.

“With Akin [Famewo] having his injury and Reece [James] going down in the last couple of weeks, to have Mark back at his game, it’s the perfect timing to have him back.”

The Verdict: Huge boost

Moore will know just how much of an integral member of the Hillsborough starting XI McGuinness is, and it’ll be a massive boost to have him back at his disposal.

The ‘tower of strength’, as dubbed by former Ipswich assistant manager Stuart Taylor, averages 2.8 aerial wins and 2.7 clearances per 90 minutes, highlighting the rock he is at the heart of the backline (WhoScored).

Victory against Mark Kennedy’s side would keep the Owls firmly in the race for promotion, and McGuinness’s long-awaited return will only increase the chances of that happening.

Manchester City hold an ‘interest’ in signing Shakhtar Donetsk forward Mykhaylo Mudryk, according to the club’s deputy sporting director Carlo Nicolini.

The Lowdown: Two-horse race

The Ukrainian still has four years remaining on his contract with Igor Jovicevic’s side, but after an impressive start to the season, has been linked with a move to the Premier League.

Arsenal had been credited with a strong interest in the 21-year-old over the summer, with reports suggesting that suitors would need to pay over €50m (£43m) to prise him away, and the Sky Blues have now also been name-checked.

The Latest: Man City eyeing Mudryk

According to Nicolini (via Sport Witness), City are one of the clubs monitoring Mudryk, but will need to cough up at least €100m (£86m) to secure his services.

“There are many English candidates, there is the Spanish on duty, the French on duty, but now it takes the right amount to take him away. Together with Mbappe, Leao and Vinicius, Mudryk is the strongest player in that position.

“Oscillating between Arsenal and Manchester City? They are two teams that have taken an interest in the player. But there are also other clubs that can spend right away.

“Is €40m enough to buy him? We do not speak to these figures. Not even for €50m, we don’t even call the president to communicate the offer. We value Mudryk more than Antony of Manchester United, who cost €100m.

“We are not obliged to sell, we do not want to make phenomena. We don’t want to shoot figures that aren’t realistic. But in this team, he is the most decisive. If you want to take on certain players who make a difference in the top clubs, you also need the right money.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

£86m is a huge sum for a player still so young, but given his outstanding track record, it’s a figure that Pep Guardiola’s side could perhaps be willing to pay.

The winger has made 24 goal contributions in 37 appearances for Shakhtar, with 13 of those coming in just 11 outings across all competitions this season.

Mudryk’s incredible end product would surely flourish playing alongside the likes of Erling Haaland and Phil Foden, so City should do everything they can to bring him to the Etihad.

Southampton supporters have been handed a big update on their club’s search for a new manager as Fabrizio Romano relays news on target Nathan Jones.

The Lowdown: Hasenhuttl sacked…

On Monday, the Saints and owners Sport Republic relieved former manager Ralph Hasenhuttl of his duties after nearly four years at the helm at St Mary’s.

The Austrian left Southampton after the south coast side suffered a 4-1 defeat against Newcastle United the previous day, a result which took their dismal Premier League record to eight losses in their opening 14 games.

In that time, only Everton, Nottingham Forest and Wolves have scored fewer goals than the Saints, and prospective new manager Nathan Jones – who is currently their top target – will have a lot of work to do on this largely youthful and inexperienced squad if he gets the job.

The Latest: Romano relays big Jones update…

Taking to social media, Romano has relayed some news involving the Luton Town boss.

Writing on Twitter, the reporter says Southampton are ‘getting closer’ to appointing the 49-year-old, sharing a comment from Jones himself that he will speak to the club’s board today.

Romano wrote: “Southampton are getting closer to complete the appointment of Nathan Jones as new manager: he has confirmed that he’ll speak to Southampton board on Wednesday.

Jones added that he feels “ready for PL” but also that departure is “not guaranteed”, told @5livesport.”

The Verdict: Right man?

Luton are currently Championship play-off contenders and it’s safe to say that Jones has done a fine job with them on a relatively shoestring budget – they finished in the top six last season despite having the division’s fourth-lowest squad market value according to Transfermarkt.

Southampton are arguably in need of a manager who has a proven track record of getting the very most out of a squad lacking real superstars, something that Jones seems to have his managerial repertoire from his time at Kenilworth Road.