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Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson has been left excited over a possible swoop for Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino.

The Lowdown: Leeds linked with Minamino

The Whites have been linked with a move for the 27-year-old in recent weeks after securing their Premier League status on the final day of last season.

The Japan international, who contributed to 20 goals in 22 games under Jesse Marsch at Red Bull Salzburg, is free to leave Anfield this summer if his £17m valuation is met.

The Athletic claimed that the Reds have given the green light for Minamino’s agent “to hold talks with suitors about a potential move”, name-checking Leeds as a club who have contacted the forward’s representatives.

The Latest: Robinson praise for Minamino

Robinson, who contributes as a pundit for Sky Sports, was talking to MOT Leeds News regarding a possible move for the Liverpool man.

He said that signing Minamino would be ‘like having two players in one’ and backed the Japan international to play as an ‘out-and-out number nine’ when required.

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Robinson stated:

“I like Minamino and he fits the bill of a player who can play when Patrick Bamford doesn’t and he’s also a player who can play wide.

“The difficulty of signing a back-up striker for Bamford is that he doesn’t play at any other time.

“But with a player like Minamino, he can go out wide. It’s like having two players in one.

“He can play behind the striker, he can go in the wide areas and when Patrick’s not fit, he can play as the out-and-out number nine.

“The likelihood of getting a full season out of Patrick is slim so he’s the type of player Leeds need to be looking for.”

The Verdict: Perfect target?

Minamino made 24 appearances in all competitions last term, playing as a centre-forward, attacking midfielder and on the wing, scoring 10 times and providing one assist. That is a very impressive record considering that he only made nine starts under Jurgen Klopp, averaging a goal for every 100.8 minutes on the pitch.

Leeds could do with attacking reinforcements over the coming months, and as Robinson mentioned, Minamino could fit the bill at Elland Road due to his versatility.

He has 40 games of Premier League experience under his belt, so now could be the perfect time to reunite with Marsch and become a regular under the American once again.

In other news – As well as Roca: Leeds and Marsch now want to sign another ‘incredible’ midfielder

A major update has emerged on Newcastle United’s pursuit of Charlie McArthur in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath has revealed that the Magpies are on the verge of signing the youngster as Dan Ashworth closes in on his second piece of business since arriving at the club.

He has already secured the services of Matt Targett on a permanent basis and is now looking to bolster the academy set-up.

McGrath Tweeted: “Newcastle are close to completing deal for Kilmarnock centre-back Charlie McArthur. Scotland youth international seen as huge prospect but sources at his club say it is difficult to stand in way when youngster is targeted by a Premier League club.”

Eddie Howe will be buzzing

The Toon head coach will be buzzing with this news for multiple reasons.

Firstly, he will be excited by McArthur’s potential and will be looking forward to seeing him develop in the coming years.

Kilmarnock dubbed him their “rising academy star” and he has previously been linked with both Manchester City and Liverpool. This shows that he has caught the eye of both sides of the border and has done enough to convince two of the best teams in the country to take an interest in him.

The gem has captained Scotland at U17 level on ten occasions and made his debut for his club at the age of 16 – making four appearances for Kilmarnock in total to date.

These achievements show that he has made incredible progress at such a young age as he has become a leader amongst his peers for his country and he has been fast-tracked to the first team at club level.

He, therefore, is a promising young player with the scope to develop in the future and Howe will be buzzing to help him to fulfil his potential in the years to come at St. James’ Park.

The Magpies coach will also be delighted by this deal as it shows that Ashworth is thinking about the long-term as well as the here and now. He is not willing to go all out on experienced, first-team, options with no view to how the team will look in five or six years and this shows that he has a proactive approach that will help the club build for the future.

This will allow Howe to plan what he wants his side to look like in the long-term and allow him to make strategic signings with a view to progressing the club, which is why he will be buzzing with this swoop for a ‘huge prospect’.

AND in other news, NUFC can land their own Foden in deal for “explosive” £30m dynamo, he’s “dangerous”…

Tottenham Hotspur have made a move to bring Djed Spence to north London this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by FootballTransfers, who claim that Fabio Paratici has now tabled a €20m (£17m) bid with Middlesbrough for the 21-year-old, while Nottingham Forest are also believed to have made an offer for the right-back.

The report goes on to state that, despite reports suggesting otherwise, the England U21 international has not yet decided upon a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer, although the lure of playing Champions League football for Antonio Conte’s side is thought to be a big factor in the defender’s considerations regarding his next club.

He’s got “all the tools”

Considering just how exciting a prospect Spence evidently is, in addition to the signing of a new right wing-back reported to be one of Conte’s priorities in the summer transfer window, it is not difficult to see why Paratici has now made a move for the Middlesbrough starlet.

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Indeed, over his 42 Championship fixtures on loan at Nottingham Forest in 2021/22, the £7.2m-rated defender proved himself to be one of the breakout talents of the season, scoring two goals, providing five assists and creating six big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.0 key passes, taking 0.6 shots and completing 1.8 dribbles per fixture.

The £4.4k-per-week youngster who Ian Wright dubbed “unbelievable” also impressed in a defensive capacity, making an average of 1.5 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 1.4 clearances and winning 5.8 duels per game.

These returns saw the England youth international earn a quite spectacular seasonal WhoScored match rating of 7.05, ranking him as Steve Cooper’s sixth-best performer in the second tier of English football – playing a huge part in Forest securing promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs.

As such, with Spence very much appearing to be a player who boasts “all the tools” – in the words of Colin Omogbehin – to become a top-class right wing-back in the not too distant future, should Paratici manage to get a deal over the line for the 21-year-old this summer, it would undoubtedly represent a huge coup for Spurs – especially considering the sheer volume of clubs reported to be interested in the defender.

AND in other news: Conte now leading race for “ridiculous” £85m Spurs target, it’d be “out of this world”

Leeds United may be in a ‘difficult’ position now that Manchester City have set their sights on Kalvin Phillips. 

That’s according to sports journalist Pete O’Rourke, who was speaking to GiveMeSport.

The lowdown

The Daily Mail reported last week that Phillips tops the Premier League champions’ shortlist of potential replacements for Fernandinho, who is leaving the club. City are ‘expected to pursue’ the England midfielder, whom they believe to be a ‘perfect’ stylistic match for Pep Guardiola’s side, ‘in the coming weeks’.

Leeds told Phillips in December that they would like to open discussions over a new deal, but no agreement has been reached as of yet, with the 26-year-old’s contract due to expire in two years’ time.

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The latest

O’Rourke has said that Leeds will be doing all that they can to persuade Phillips to remain at Elland Road, but warned that the midfielder may find the opportunity of working with Guardiola hard ‘to turn down’.

In quotes published at 8pm on Sunday night, the journalist told GiveMeSport: “There are lots of reports suggesting Manchester City are monitoring his situation right now as well.

“That might make it difficult for Leeds to secure his long-term future because if you get the opportunity to move to Manchester City, it’s a pretty hard one to turn down, joining the champions and possibly working under Pep Guardiola.

“Leeds, I’m sure, will be pulling out all the stops now to try and convince Phillips to stay at the club.”

The verdict

The news of City’s interest in Phillips will come as no surprise to the Leeds hierarchy.

He was named England’s Player of the Year for 2021, edging Chelsea star Mason Mount and City’s own Raheem Sterling, while last December he finished second behind Raphinha when Whites fans voted for their player of the year, collecting 24% of the vote.

Phillips has also won some rave reviews, with Everton manager Frank Lampard dubbing him a ‘machine’ and Arsenal legend Tony Adams describing him as a ‘wall’ in front of the defence.

He could well be tempted to move to the Etihad Stadium after admitting in 2020 that he was ‘mesmerised’ by Guardiola and the football that his team plays.

Sadly for Leeds fans who adore Phillips, the prospect of him going to Manchester cannot be disregarded – although at least it’s to the blue half of the city rather than red.

In other news, another Leeds man could be about to leave.

Phil Hay has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target Noa Lang.

What’s the talk?

Speaking on a recent episode of The Phil Hay Show, The Athletic journalist suggested that, should Raphinha go on to secure his widely expected transfer to Barcelona in the coming weeks, Victor Orta could reignite his interest in the Club Brugge winger – with whom the Whites were linked with a £25m move for a little under 12 months ago – this summer.

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Concerning Leeds’ potential interest in the 22-year-old, Hay said: “It wouldn’t surprise me at all – if Raphinha left – if they went back in for Noa Lang because they do really like Noa Lang and they did like him last summer… that could happen.”

Orta must move for Lang

Considering just how impressive Lang has been in Belgium this season, in addition to the fact that Raphinha looks set to depart Elland Road in the very near future, it would appear an extremely wise move for Orta to reignite his pursuit of the Netherlands international in the coming weeks.

Indeed, over his 37 Jupiler Pro League appearances this term, the £19.8m-rated forward was in exceptional form for Brugge, scoring seven goals, registering 12 assists and creating 19 big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.0 shots, making 1.9 key passes and completing 1.7 dribbles per game.

These metrics saw the £20k-per-week talent who Graham Smyth dubbed “exciting” and an “assist machine” average a quite extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 7.20, ranking him as his club’s joint fifth-best performer in the Belgian top-flight – playing a key role in Brugge’s title-winning campaign.

For comparison, over Raphinha’s 35 Premier League appearances this season, the £60m sensation scored 11 goals, provided three assists and created ten big chances, in addition to taking an average of 2.5 shots, making 1.9 key passes and completing 1.8 dribbles per fixture – returns that saw the 25-year-old average a SofaScore match rating of 6.97.

As such, while the step-up between the Jupiler Pro League and the Premier League should not be underestimated, it would nevertheless appear that, should Raphinha indeed move onto pastures new this summer, Lang would be something of a perfect replacement for the Brazil international – leading us to believe that Orta simply must make a move for the 22-year-old in the coming months.

AND in other news: “Leeds United wanted…”: Graham Smyth drops big summer claim, Marsch will be gutted

Rangers may have failed to regain their SPFL title this season, but Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s Gers still made it to the Europa League final and the Scottish Cup final.

In their 38 league games, the Ibrox club found the net 80 times in total, 26 more than their upcoming Cup final opponents in third place.

One figure that has played a big part in Rangers’ season is midfielder Joe Aribo, who has played in 56 games across all competitions.

In those appearances, the 25-year-old has scored nine goals and provided ten assists along the way.

While Van Bronckhorst’s side still have one more chance to get their hands on some silverware this weekend to end their season on a positive note, the club will then have the upcoming summer transfer window to make any changes to their squad that they see fit.

In terms of potential incomings, one player that has been linked with a move to Ibrox that could come in and form a scary duo in midfield with Aribo is Billy Gilmour.

Since leaving Rangers’ U17 squad back in 2017 to make his move to Chelsea, the midfielder has gone on to make 66 appearances for their U18 and U23 sides, scoring 16 goals and providing 13 assists in the process.

At senior level, the Scotsman has played in 22 games for Chelsea’s first team and 28 times for Norwich City during his loan spell there this season.

The former Rangers youth star found himself on the receiving end of some hefty praise from Roy Keane who described him as looking like a “world-class” player.

To highlight the 20-year-old’s strengths on the pitch, no other midfielder in Norwich’s squad attempted as many passes in the league this season as Gilmour did.

With that in mind, the Scotland international could give Aribo the chance to get into more goalscoring or goal-creating situations and ramp his numbers up in that regard.

This would surely give the Gers a better chance of being successful domestically and in Europe next season.

If the west London club are willing to let their midfield ace leave Stamford Bridge on another loan deal this summer, Rangers should definitely be in the mix to secure his signature.

In other news: Fewer touches than McGregor: Rangers dud who won just 33% duels let GvB down yesterday

A Rangers claim has emerged regarding Ibrox gem Ryan Kent heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Journalist Alan Nixon has hinted that Rangers are expecting offers to come in for the English winger ahead of the 2022/23 campaign with Giovanni van Bronckhorst potentially forced into selling.

90min reported earlier this month that a number of clubs from the Premier League are eyeing up the forward with a view to potentially swooping for him in the coming months.

In response to a fan asking for ‘Rangers news’, Nixon tweeted: “Need a keeper … waiting to see if there’s a bid for Kent.”

Gio van Bronckhorst will be worried

The Ibrox head coach will surely be worried by this claim, as it suggests that there is a concern that bids are going to come in for Kent.

Rangers are seemingly waiting to see if interest south of the border results in offers being placed for the ex-Liverpool winger’s services as one of their first priorities of the transfer window, along with signing a goalkeeper.

Losing the dynamo would be a major blow to Van Bronckhorst’s squad, as he was a crucial player throughout the season for the Dutchman.

He ended the 2021/22 campaign with a whopping 20 assists to his name. The attacker produced one goal and five assists in 13 Europa League outings, whilst managing two goals and 12 assists in the Premiership.

Kent averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.06 in the Scottish top flight as he showed that he can deliver superb performances on a regular basis. His assist numbers also illustrate that he delivered consistently in the final third with his chance creation, although he may be disappointed with his goal return for a player with his ability on the ball.

The Englishman created 10 ‘big chances’ and provided 1.7 key passes per game in the Premiership as he continually put the ball on a plate for the likes of Alfredo Morelos, Fashion Sakala and Kemar Roofe. He is capable of creating something out of nothing, a special quality to have as he can spark a game into life with his exciting play out wide.

His importance to the team is why Van Bronckhorst will now be worried about the prospect of bids coming in for Kent. The 25-year-old would leave a huge hole in the starting XI which would be difficult to fill in the summer, and the Rangers head coach will surely be hoping that the club can now repel any offers which might come their way for the forward.

AND in other news, Rangers can finally replace Defoe in deal for lethal 29 G/A gem who “never gives up”…

Reliable journalist Alan Nixon has shared some potentially massive news for Derby County supporters as they anxiously await confirmation of Chris Kirchner’s takeover.

The Lowdown: Kirchner deal close

The American has this week tweeted from his personal account that the deal is done, but his ownership of the Rams is still dependant on the ownership of Pride Park.

The 34 year-old now has until May 31 to complete the finer details of the takeover after being granted conditional approval by the EFL this week.

However, a new fear emerged away from the dealings in the boardroom recently, as a report suggested the Rams could lose 15 points next term due to outstanding debts.

Nixon himself has also revealed a possible additional three-point hit next season if they fail to pay the playing staff’s wages for the month of May.

The Latest: Nixon shares good news

Nixon, sharing an update on that potentially horrific start to League One life, has now claimed the club will not be deducted the 15 points if Kirchner’s deal goes through.

“The offer should mean that’s avoided… if the deal is done,” Nixon tweeted in response to a fan question about the points hit.

The Verdict: Catastrophe avoided

Failure to sort the pay issue could still cost Wayne Rooney’s side an immediate three-point deduction at the start of the 2022/23 campaign, but 15 more could have followed due to the looming issues with debts.

Given the impact the separate points deductions had this term – the Rams would have done more than enough to stay up without them – it would have been a pretty catastrophic way to make the step down to the third tier.

Now, with Kirchner seemingly ironing out the last details before the end of May, this could be a massive month in the history of Derby County football club, and hopefully for all the right reasons.

Noel Whelan has now given his reaction to some ‘huge’ Glasgow Rangers news that has emerged from the BBC.

The Lowdown: £60m incoming?

As per BBC Sport, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team will bank at least £60m if they beat Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Europa League final in Seville.

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The majority of that will come from guaranteeing qualification to the Champions League group stages next season, should they win the game.

The Latest: Whelan reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, former BBC pundit Whelan has claimed that banking that kind of money is ‘huge’ for the club, adding that winning the Europa League would be a ‘massive achievement’:

“It’s huge. It could be a fantastic season for Scottish football. Celtic winning the league in a proper title race – they’re back to their best.

“But also Rangers potentially winning the Europa League – you couldn’t write it, it would be a massive achievement.

“£60million coming into Rangers – that would really boost the finances after Covid and ensure they can keep all their best talent.

“It’s also Champions League football. That opens the door for both clubs to go out there and try to tempt the best players to Scotland once again. There’s that attraction again.”

The Verdict: Big boost

Of course, not only would winning the final be big for the Teddy Bears in terms of their incredibly decorated history, but it would also give them a big financial boost ahead of the summer.

It would allow them to shop in a different kind of market, knowing that they can pay a premium for some of their targets, and thus allow them to strengthen significantly ahead of another title push and run in Europe.

The Light Blues also have a number of first-team players out of contract this summer, and so the extra money would also help renew these for next season.

Nonetheless, they have done very well to get all the way to the final, and it would be great for Scottish football as a whole if they win it.

In other news, find out who Connor Goldson’s potential replacement could be here!

Wolves came from 2-0 down to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League this afternoon.

A quickfire brace in the second half from Romelu Lukaku gave the Blues a comfortable lead before Francisco Trincao halved the deficit with 11 minutes to go.

Bruno Lage’s men nicked an unlikely point through captain Conor Coady in the 97th minute to prevent a fourth consecutive defeat and prolong Chelsea’s woes at home.

The point keeps Wolves in the hunt for an unlikely European place, with the West Midlands outfit two points off seventh with three games to go.

Moreover, Lage may now have to hand more opportunities to 22-year-old January signing Chiquinho, who came off of the bench to make a stellar impact today.

Chiquinho saved the day for Wolves

The Portuguese winger played just 19 minutes against Chelsea but set up both of his side’s goals in just his seventh appearance for the Wolves first team.

Along with his assists, Chiquinho – who was previously labelled a “ridiculous talent” by The Athletic’s Tim Spiers – completed six out of seven passes at an 86% accuracy rate and completed three out of four dribbles (75% accuracy) whilst winning 71% of his duels.

While there was little defensive contribution with just one tackle, Lage would’ve brought the youngster on to make an impact in the final third, and the 22-year-old certainly did that.

Given the fact that Wolves hadn’t scored in any of their previous three matches, the Portuguese youngster’s impact was particularly impressive, with the West Midlands side seemingly headed for another defeat before he made his mark.

Having joined in January from Portuguese outfit Estoril for a minimal fee, it seemed as though it would take time for the winger to be integrated into Wolves’ plans.

However, with three under-23 appearances and now seven first-team matches, it appears as though Chiquinho is very much in the Wolves manager’s plans and could prove to be a serious bargain.

Regardless of what is in store for the winger in an Old Gold shirt in the future, he saved the day today against Chelsea.

AND in other news: Lage can finally axe “rubbish” Wolves liability by unleashing the “next Phil Foden”