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Leeds United defender Robin Koch is “ready to fly” to the Bundesliga to complete his temporary move to Eintracht Frankfurt, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

When did Robin Koch join Leeds?

The Whites centre-back has spent the past three years at Elland Road having first joined from SC Freiburg back in August 2020. Across the reigns of Marcelo Bielsa, Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce, he’s been a regular feature of the first-team, having started 36 from 38 top-flight games last season.

However, the 26-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the next campaign meaning that the ongoing window will be Daniel Farke’s only chance to cash in should he not want to risk losing him for free, but despite this possibility, it sounds as if he is happy to take a short-term chance.

The Athletic have reported that the Championship outfit would be willing to get the German off their wage bill as a result of him earning £40k-per-week in order to secure a loan fee as part of a deal to send him out for 12 months, and he isn’t the only one to have been linked with an exit.

According to reports, Brenden Aaronson is close to sealing a temporary move to Union Berlin and Marc Roca is also on the verge of linking up with Real Betis, with the latter’s respective switch believed to hold an option to buy, and the defender could soon be following in their footsteps.

Is Koch leaving Leeds?

Taking to Twitter on Wednesday evening, Plettenberg revealed that Koch is all set to hop on a plane overseas to finalise his imminent move to Eintracht Frankfurt. He wrote:

“No doubts, Robin #Koch will join @Eintracht! Confirmed again: It’s a one-year loan! Regardless of the fact that his contract expires in 2024! Koch, ready to fly to Germany. The medical check could take place in the next 48 hours. Been told: Krosche was a crucial factor in this deal!”

Is Farke right to sell Koch?

Leeds will be aware that Koch isn’t one to get involved with the action in the final third having recorded zero goals or assists during his three years at the club, but being strong in the natural defensive aspect of his game and more importantly a “real leader”, as lauded by journalist Josh Bunting, Farke and the 49ers are making a mistake by letting him go.

The 11 Wins client last season averaged 4.1 clearances, 3.1 aerial wins and 1.5 tackles per top-flight game, via WhoScored, so he was a real rock at the heart of the backline despite the group’s collective efforts not being enough to save them from suffering relegation.

The Kaiserslautern native is also a versatile operator having been deployed in five different positions since the start of his career, including all across the backline and even two roles in the midfield, so he would have been a fantastic option to have available given the relentless fixtures in the second tier, but this is a quality that the boss will have to be without next season.

It has been a summer of change for Glasgow Rangers as they have altered their playing squad with a host of exits and arrivals over the last couple of months.

The Light Blues allowed a number of players to depart Ibrox upon the expiry of their contracts as Ryan Kent, Alfredo Morelos, Allan McGregor, Scott Arfield, and Filip Helander were among those to leave for nothing last month.

Michael Beale has wasted no time in bringing new signings in to make up for those departures, with Kieran Dowell, Abdallah Sima, Jack Butland, Dujon Sterling, and Sam Lammers all coming through the door, while Cyriel Dessers is reportedly set to join them as the sixth fresh recruit.

However, Ryan Kent is one star who may not have been replaced yet. The English wizard spent the majority of his time at Ibrox playing as a left winger and Rangers haven't brought in a player who excels in that area of the pitch. Indeed, Sima has only played six matches there in his career.

Who could replace Ryan Kent at Rangers?

Beale could finally replace the former Liverpool attacker by completing a swoop for reported transfer target Bright Osayi-Samuel, who is said to be eyeing a move away from Fenerbahce ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Nigeria international, who is valued at €10m (£8.6m) by the Turkish giants, has often been deployed at right-back for his current club but he has played on the left flank 49 times and on the wing in general on 200 occasions.

This suggests that he has the potential to come in as another wide option for the head coach, which could make him the eventual heir to Kent's position in the team.

Osayi-Samuel, who ex-boss Mark Warburton claimed "terrifies defenders", caught the eye as an attacker during his time with Queens Park Rangers in England.

In the 2019/20 campaign, the four-cap ace scored five goals to go along with eight assists in 34 Championship starts, whilst he also created nine 'big chances' for his teammates.

This shows that the quality is there for him to be an excellent option in the final third for Rangers if Beale can convert him back to being a winger at Ibrox, with his statistics indicating that he can replicate the success Kent had in Glasgow.

The 26-year-old, who is now coincidentally at Fenerbahce with Osayi-Samuel, scored three goals and assisted eight in 28 Scottish Premiership clashes last term, whilst the talented magician also created nine 'big chances'.

No Rangers attacker or midfielder managed as many assists for the club during the 2022/23 campaign, which suggests that Kent was Beale's top creator in those positions. Such a fact means replacing him is a crucial task in the coming weeks.

Osayi-Samuel's performances for QPR during his time on the flanks show that the potential is there for him to be an outstanding creative threat. Therefore, he could well be the perfect asset to replace the outgoing Kent before the transfer deadline slams shut.

Manchester United are considering competing with Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur for Juventus centre-half Gleison Bremer this summer.

Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have both been signed over the past several years to fortify the strength of the Red Devils' backline, and while progress has been made in this regard, manager Erik ten Hag will be looking to strengthen further after reclaiming a place in the Champions League with a top-four finish.

Winning the Carabao Cup and returning to European competition's pinnacle is undoubtedly a successful starting point, but United still finished 14 points off divisional champions Manchester City, having shipped ten more goals (43) than their city rivals and top four peers Newcastle United (33).

So, Bremer could offer a solution, a formula to provide succour and strength to a defensive regiment in tantalising yearly increments, and according to reports, could join the fold for around £51m if United win the battle for his signature after the Old Lady's financial jeopardy thrust them cheerlessly into the Europa Conference League with a ten-point deduction.

How would Gleison Bremer perform at Manchester United?

While Juventus technically finished seventh in Serie A this season, the Turin side's points punishment swiped away their fourth-place in the division – level on points with Inter Milan in third – which would have retained their Champions League spot.

And with just 33 goals conceded all term, only Napoli and Lazio in first and second place could better the steely backline, in which Bremer certainly played a definitive role.

As per Sofascore, the three-cap Brazil international recorded an average rating of 7.11 in the league last season, playing 30 matches, scoring four goals, completing 90% of his passes, averaging 3.8 clearances per game and winning 61% of his aerial battles.

Also keeping 12 clean sheets for his prestigious outfit, it's no wonder that the "unbelievable" – as hailed by journalist Ryan Taylor – titan is attracting attention from aspiring Premier League sides.

His all-encompassing work would gel very nicely with that of Martinez, who has cemented a regular starting berth at the Theatre of Dreams after his £57m move from Ajax one year ago.

Dubbed "an absolute warrior" by journalist Jon Dunham, the Argentine has swiftly emerged as a fan favourite for his no-nonsense defending and unflinching commitment to rebuffing danger.

As per FBref, the Argentinian menace ranks among the top 6% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for tackles, the top 5% for interceptions and the top 11% for successful take-ons per 90, underscoring his tenacity and paramount importance to Ten Hag's side.

Bremer, comparatively, brings a forward-thinking approach to complement the ferocious ubiquity of Martinez's defensive duties, with the £153k-per-week Juve star ranking among the top 8% for goals, the top 5% for touches in the attacking box and the top 19% for aerials won per 90.

Bremer is an "animal" of a colossus – as remarked by Torino’s Mergim Vojvod – and must be brought to Old Trafford to provide Martinez with the perfect partner and craft a whole new sense of dynamism to ensure Manchester United close the distance to the very forefront of the Premier League pack.

Sergio Aguero and Iker Casillas faced off in a one-v-one five-second penalty shootout in the Kings League, and the Spanish goalkeeper came out on top brilliantly.

What is the Kings League?

The Kings League is a seven-a-side competition co-founded by recently retired Barcelona legend Gerard Pique.

He formed it with friend and Twitch streamer Ibai Llanos and it has already picked up an estimated 1.3 million online views of matches at the start of 2023.

It’s a mixture of sport and pure entertainment with amateurs, professionals and former star footballers all taking part.

Recently, former Real Madrid star Casillas went face-to-face with ex-Barcelona and Man City striker Aguero in a penalty shootout to help decide a game.

Except, things work a little differently in the Kings League as penalty-takers run from the halfway line and have a total of five seconds to score – once the buzzer sounds, if the ball isn’t in the net, it’s a miss.

As this footage from the official Twitter account shows, Casillas completely got the better of Aguero as he stayed on his line, held his nerve, and then guessed correctly as the Argentine shot towards the bottom corner.

Sadly, both players no longer play football and heart issues forced them each out of the beautiful game a little sooner than perhaps either would have hoped.

Indeed, Casillas won two league titles with Porto after leaving Madrid but then had a heart attack and did not play for them again before hanging up his boots in 2020.

While Aguero suffered chest pains and dizziness at Barcelona. He was initially ruled out for three months after having cardiac tests but opted to retire in December 2021.

Thankfully, they are both healthy enough to partake in this sort of friendly football fun and it seems fans online enjoyed seeing the two face off.

Here are some of the best reactions on Twitter…

Celtic officials will back Brendan Rodgers in the transfer market after terms were agreed to bring the manager back to Parkhead, Sky Sports report.

What’s the latest Celtic news involving Rodgers?

The Hoops have been on the search for Ange Postecoglou’s permanent replacement in recent weeks and have explored a number of options, including Enzo Maresca and Daniel Farke.

However, Rodgers, who left Glasgow back in 2019 for Leicester, will return to the club. The Northern Irishman, who tends to play a 4-2-3-1 system, won seven major honours with Celtic in 169 games in charge and has been out of work since April.

Sky Sports have now said that Rodgers and Celtic have agreed terms on a long-term deal for the 50-year-old to return to Parkhead, with an official announcement made on Monday morning.

Rodgers will reportedly earn more than his previous Celtic contract, which will once again make him the highest-paid manager in the club's history.

There was some exciting transfer news within the update as well. Sky Sports were also told that ‘Celtic's board will back Rodgers in the transfer market to help him deliver domestic success and compete in the Champions League’, hinting that there could be a summer spending spree on the cards at Parkhead over the coming months.

Who could Celtic sign under Rodgers?

The Hoops will be looking to continue the good work of Postecoglou, who won the treble before leaving for Tottenham at the end of the season. Champions League football is also on offer at Celtic for the 2023/24 season, something which could appeal to potential targets.

One player who has been heavily linked with a move to Glasgow is Valerenga midfielder Odin Thiago Holm, with a £2.6m fee agreed between the two clubs. Medical and personal terms still need to be agreed, but it seems as if the 20-year-old could be the first through the door under Rodgers.

Los Angeles FC forward Kwadwo Opoku is another player on the transfer wishlist, with the attacker potentially costing just £3.1m. Finally, Liverpool youngster Leighton Clarkson has also been linked with a move back to the Scottish Premiership with Celtic, but it appears as if Aberdeen are leading the race at this moment in time.

It is good to see that Celtic are willing to back Rodgers, though, and he’ll more than likely have some immediate targets in mind once he is confirmed as the club’s new manager, making it a possible busy summer for the Hoops.

Liverpool are set to submit a bid for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia should they miss out on Nice’s Khephren Thuram and Borussia Monchengladbach's Manu Kone, according to reports.

Is Romeo Lavia leaving Southampton?

The Belgium international was Ruben Selles’ former side’s second best-performing defensive player last season so has been attracting interest following relegation, and one of the manager’s keen on securing his services is Jurgen Klopp.

Writing in his column for Football Insider, journalist David Lynch recently revealed that whilst the Reds have made contact with the 19-year-old’s representatives, they require assurances that he only wants to complete a move to Anfield over the likes of Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United.

After signing Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton and Hove Albion, the Merseyside outfit have been heavily linked with Thuram and Kone as their next two potential targets, though if the hierarchy fail to get the duo over the line, FSG have decided where they will turn their attention to.

Are Liverpool signing Lavia?

According to The Transfer Room, Liverpool have “watched” Lavia for a “long time” and new transfer chief Jorg Schmadtke is ready to “approach” Southampton with a “reasonable offer” should they miss out on Thuram and Kone. The St. Mary’s midfielder is “keen” to return to the top-flight and the south coast outfit “won’t stand in his way” of leaving should they receive a bid of approximately £40m. However, it’s worth noting that should the two preferred candidates join, the board “will not act on their interest” in Lavia.

Should FSG table a bid for Lavia?

Liverpool will know that Lavia is still very much in the early stages of his career being just 19 years of age, but he’s got so much potential and has already been dubbed a “diamond” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, so FSG could test the waters to see if an agreement can be reached.

The Elite Project Group client, who’s sponsored by Adidas, is much stronger in the natural defensive midfield aspect of his game, ranking in the 96th percentile for blocks and winning 35 tackles last season, which was the second-highest success rate in his squad, via FBRef.

Lavia, who has the versatility to operate slightly higher up in centre of the park, can occasionally contribute to efforts in the final third having recorded one goal and assist apiece in a truly torrid Saints side, so for a player that’s as well-rounded as he is, Klopp would be gaining an exciting midfielder for the future.

Leeds United are on the lookout for a new manager and Scott Parker is a name that people are 'continuing to link' to the vacancy at Elland Road, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

What's the latest news involving Leeds United's hunt for a new manager?

According to Phil Hay, who is a journalist for The Athletic, Parker has been 'internally discussed' at Leeds United in connection with their managerial position.

Writing a piece for the outlet, Hay stated: “Scott Parker has been discussed on the basis he won promotion from the Championship twice before, with Fulham and Bournemouth. Leicester City are another possible destination for him.”

The Telegraph also report that Parker is in contention for the Whites' job; however, Steven Gerrard and Carlos Corberan have also emerged as candidates for the role.

Parker was most recently in charge of Club Brugge, where he was relieved of his duties following just 12 matches in charge, with his last being a 5-1 hammering at the hands of Benfica in the Champions League, as per Sky Sports.

Nevertheless, the 42-year-old has become something of a promotion specialist and led both Fulham and Bournemouth to the English top flight in spells at both respective clubs.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones thinks that despite doubts over his long-term suitability as Leeds United's potential new manager, Parker will continue to remain among the leading contenders for the role.

Jones told FFC: "There's some dark horses that have recently been mentioned, like Scott Parker. I think that Leeds would be reticent about Parker because perhaps they saw what he did in the Premier League and wonder whether he's the right long-term name and has enough experience and pedigree, but he's nonetheless a name that people are continuing to link."

Who is the right man to take Leeds United forward?

Realistically, it is difficult to guess who Leeds United chiefs may fancy to take on the challenge of guiding them out of the Sky Bet Championship at the first time of asking, which has prompted a list of candidates from wide-ranging backgrounds that has circulated among the media.

Brendan Rodgers has emerged as a contender for the job and it is believed that he is on the shortlist to take over at Elland Road, as per The Daily Star.

Daniel Farke has also come into the conversation and is among the bookmakers favourites to land the role; however, it is unclear whether he would be genuinely considered by Leeds United, as per The Yorkshire Post.

Whoever Leeds United turn to will have a lot on their plate as they gear their new side up for 2023/24, with much change expected at the Yorkshire outfit on and off the pitch.

Arsenal have been linked to an attacking midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window, in a signing that could boost Mikel Arteta’s squad depth.

The Gunners fell just five points short of winning their first Premier League title since 2004 this season, after leading the pack for the majority of the term.

Now, Arteta will turn his attention to the transfer window, as the north Londoners are in need of reinforcements ahead of the 2023/24 campaign if they are to challenge once again.

What’s the latest on Matheus Franca to Arsenal?

As reported by journalist Artur Petrosyan last week, Arsenal reportedly had an opening bid for Flamengo midfielder Matheus Franca rejected.

The Gunners’ opening offer of £15m was declined by the Brazilian club, with Newcastle United also interested in the player.

The 19-year-old is highly rated in South America, having recently graduated from Flamengo’s academy.

What could Matheus Franca bring to Arsenal?

Lauded as being one of the most “exciting” teenagers by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the "big talent" would be a worthy young gem to have in any side.

The Brazilian plays predominantly in advanced midfield, featuring at times on the flanks to showcase his versatility, as supported by Kulig’s praise explaining that the youngster can play "almost everywhere”.

While Arsenal’s attack is packed with talent, there is always room for more, as the Gunners have learned this season in falling short due to squad depth.

In signing a young talent, Arteta could not only replicate the success that was uncovered when the club signed the unknown talent of Gabriel Martinelli from Ituano but also replicate past heroes that have graced the position at the club.

The Emirates has played host to a number of graceful attacking midfielders over the years, not many as adored as Santi Cazorla, who enjoyed a six-year stay in the capital.

Arsenal could have a player with the potential to replicate the threat in midfield of Cazorla by signing Franca, who undoubtedly has a huge career ahead of him.

The similarities between the two are already evident, as supported through their playing styles focusing on the art of passing and playing the ball off the ground – as per WhoScored.

In 2019, the Spaniard had the highest 1v1 dribbling success rate in Europe with 89.13%, as well as averaging 2.35 progressive carries in La Liga that season, comparable to Franca’s 2.96 per 90 at Flamengo.

The young Brazilian ranks highly in terms of a range of attributes that the former Arsenal ace excelled in, making 3.98 progressive passes per 90 as well as registering 6.34 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 – as per FBref.

Such numbers showcase the 19-year-old’s ability on the ball, as well as in terms of getting forward in attack.

Introducing a young and hungry talent, particularly one who can score goals from midfield like Cazorla – Franca bagged eight in the 2022 term – would be a fantastic addition for Arteta to integrate into his squad.

Indeed, it would crucially also fall in a position that could encourage competition to increase individual performance and ultimately increase depth in quality.

While the little Spaniard is irreplaceable to some in Arsenal’s midfield, Franca could give fans a glimpse of what they’ve been missing in his absence if he is to arrive in north London this summer.

Chelsea's transfer policy has shifted dramatically since the arrival of Todd Boehly, although the financial backing has remained. It seems that the American is keen to move the west London outfit away from Roman Abramovich's here-and-now approach, instead planning for the long term in order to forge a successful dynasty that can span many years.

Acquisitions like Olivier Giroud, Pedro and Thiago Silva, whilst successful in their own different ways, are expected to be few and far between given that, of the 16 new signings since last summer, only three are aged 28 or over.

However, it is fair to say that as the one-year anniversary of the takeover nears, this largely has been a failed venture. Three managers and a mid-table finish is far from the trajectory fans would have envisioned for this term.

That is not set to deter the hierarchy from continuing to pump funds into the club though, as this summer window promises to be yet another big one.

Already the rumours are swirling about who the Blues might welcome into Stamford Bridge, with one such report noting a potential move that would align with this new-look philosophy.

Who is Vitor Roque?

As per Mundo Deportivo, noting earlier in the week, Chelsea have leapfrogged Barcelona in the race for Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque, who boasts a supposedly sparkling future ahead of him.

The 18-year-old has enjoyed a fine year for Club Athletico Paranaense, recording 12 goal contributions in 20 league games. Remarkably, this is his third year in senior football, thus marking the teenager out as a truly special talent and worthy of the €35m (£30m) price tag claimed in the report.

An athletic striker with a burst of pace, yet boasting quick feet that can dazzle defences, it was not long before the Ronaldo Nazario comparisons inevitably came.

The 46-year-old enjoyed successful spells across plenty of Europe's elite, scoring for Inter Milan, AC Milan, Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSV Eindhoven. It is tough to pinpoint where the apex of a career plagued with injuries came, but it was his 54 goals in 57 games in Holland that truly made the rest of the continent take note, having come through at Cruzeiro just like Roque.

He would go on to terrorise defenders with his unparalleled pace and power, scoring 295 club goals, winning two Ballon d'Or's and playing a huge role in two World Cup successes with Brazil.

So, to have the man himself suggest that this young marksman "is going to fly so high," fuelled the comparisons further. Roque's father, Juvenal, even acknowledged such adulation by noting: "It's exciting to know that the best in the world is praising my son, and that he is following the path of O Fenomeno."

With Mauricio Pochettino soon to take over in the Chelsea dugout, his work in moulding Harry Kane into one of the world's finest forwards should be another reason for this teenage gem to consider the switch.

The Argentinian handed the England captain his breakthrough in the 2014/15 campaign where he would score 31 goals, continuing to nurture him into the striker who is now the second-highest scorer in Premier League history.

With the potential Roque boasts, there is no reason why he cannot follow suit under his tutelage. After all, former national team coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has promised: "He will become one of the greatest players we have ahead of us."

He arguably has no better chance of being just that than in west London under Pochettino.

Manchester United head into tonight's Premier League encounter with rivals Chelsea knowing that just a point will secure their place in next season's Champions League, with the visit of the Blues also allowing Erik ten Hag's men the chance to move above Newcastle United into third place.

Having edged past AFC Bournemouth at the weekend, the Red Devils were handed a timely boost as top-four chasers, Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Aston Villa, ensuring that United are all but certain of at least sealing fourth spot.

While the Carabao Cup winners still have a meeting with Fulham to come at home on Sunday, Ten Hag will likely be keen to get the job done later today, providing the Dutchman with ample time to shift focus toward next week's FA Cup final showdown with Manchester City.

The Old Trafford outfit have received some welcome news ahead of this evening's meeting with Frank Lampard's men, with leading scorer Marcus Rashford – who has been absent with injury and illness of late – having been pictured in training in recent days.

The potential return of the Englishman – as well as the growing presence of Alejandro Garnacho – should well spell bad news for £73m man, Jadon Sancho, with the fleet-footed flop seemingly one player in line to be axed later today.

Will Sancho play against Chelsea?

The former Borussia Dortmund man has been unable to make the most of Rashford's absence in recent weeks, having failed to score or register an assist in each of his last five Premier League games.

After the wide man's sparkling previous form in Germany – where he racked up 114 goal involvements in 137 outings – the London-born enigma has looked a shadow of his former self throughout his time at the Theatre of Dreams, having scored just 11 goals and contributed only five assists in 76 games across all fronts.

As United legend Dwight Yorke stated, it is something of a "mystery" as to why Sancho has been unable to replicate his Dortmund displays in the red jersey, with the treble winner subsequently stating that the 23-year-old is now on "borrowed time" at the club due to his blatant woes.

The £350k-per-week dud – who has been linked with an exit this summer – has proven himself to be something of a "weak link" at times this season, as per journalist Tom McDermott, having again underwhelmed at the Vitality Stadium at the weekend.

That trip to the south coast proved particularly disappointing for the Englishman as he 'underperformed again' – according to Manchester Evening News journalist, Samuel Luckhurst – having 'caused almost no danger' throughout his time on the pitch, in the words of GOAL's Richard Martin.

Equally, with regard to coming up against today's opponents, Sancho was also described by Luckhurst as the 'weakest link' when the two sides met in the reverse fixture, having been hooked early in the second half.

As such, on the evidence of the forward's extended woes, Ten Hag must ruthlessly replace his struggling asset this evening.