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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.

Burnley finished their 2022/23 campaign with a 3-0 win over Cardiff City to secure 101 points and the Championship title to earn themselves promotion back to the Premier League.

The Clarets will return to the top-flight next season, just over a year on from their relegation in 2021/22, and planning is already underway to improve the squad with a view to competing at the top level.

Earlier this month, it was reported that the Lancashire outfit and Sheffield United have both shown an interest in snapping up Chelsea's £20m midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka on loan.

The Blues are set to sanction a temporary exit for the England U20 international and first-team boss Vincent Kompany is now looking to take advantage of that by adding him to his squad.

What is Carney Chukwuemeka's style of play?

Chukwuemeka is a tall, box-to-box, midfielder who has the quality on the ball to drive a team forward – completing 6.06 progressive carries per 90 in the previous campaign – whilst holding the potential to make an impact in the final third.

The 19-year-old could thrive alongside current Burnley star Josh Cullen – who averaged 1.22 progressive carries per 90 in the second tier – as the Irishman's bite off the ball and his quality in possession could allow the youngster to showcase his qualities in attack.

In the Championship this season, the former West Ham United gem averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.00 across 43 appearances and completed 88% of his attempted passes. He also made 2.8 tackles and interceptions per match, which shows that he can win the ball back for his side on a regular basis week-in-week-out.

Chukwuemeka, meanwhile, has averaged 1.4 tackles and interceptions per game in 11 Premier League appearances for Chelsea this term – having also won 62% of his ground duels.

This suggests that the young midfielder is not defensive-minded and could, potentially, be a liability out of possession if he is not playing next to a player who can be an anchor in the middle of the park – like Cullen.

He is yet to score a senior goal for Aston Villa or Chelsea in his career but has produced six goals in 13 matches for England at U19 level and plundered 13 goals and 13 assists in 55 U21 and U18 games combined for the Villans.

These statistics indicate that the potential is there for the homegrown dynamo to make a huge impact in the final third if given starts on a regular basis and his goals could make up for the lack of threat Cullen, who only scored once in the Championship for Burnley, provides from that position.

Therefore, Chukwuemeka – who was once dubbed a "superstar in the making" by scout Jacek Kulig – could provide an attacking option alongside the Irishman, whilst the current Clarets star's defensive ability could be the platform from which the 19-year-old springs to join in with the forwards.

This is why Kompany must swoop to sign the Chelsea talent on loan for the Clarets this summer as he could form a dream pairing with the 27-year-old machine under Kompany in the Premer League next term.

Tottenham Hotspur, and by extension transfer chief Fabio Paratici, allegedly have a Weston McKennie plan as news emerges out of Italy.

The Lowdown: Conte set for summer reshuffle…

The Times, sharing a big update on manager Antonio Conte’s plans past the 2021/2022 Premier League season, recently claimed that a plethora of activity could take place at Hotspur Way.

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Spurs’ head coach could offload as many as eight players, a list which includes the likes of Sergio Reguilón, Emerson Royal, Steven Bergwijn, Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele.

Coming in the other way, it is believed that Conte wants to make six major signings in three defenders, a forward and a midfielder.

According to Calciomercato, some news has come to light on the Lilywhites’ attempts to bolster the latter position.

The Latest: Paratici readying McKennie talks…

The Italian source says Tottenham, and by extension Paratici, are ‘ready to negotiate’ with Juventus over signing their midfield man McKennie this summer.

It is believed that Spurs are eyeing a loan-to-buy deal for the USA international in a similar move which would ‘repeat’ the trick to bring Dejan Kulusevski to N17.

The Verdict: Advance?

Football Insider, making a claim before the New Year, stated that McKennie is ‘very keen’ to play in London – something which could gift Spurs and Paratici a possible advantage over Serie A competitors Roma.

They also stated Juve’s valuation of the 23-year-old is set at around £35 million, and while it is unclear whether that would be the price to pay for Tottenham at the end of a possible loan-to-buy, we believe the ex-Schalke star could be a brilliant addition either way.

Unable to display his ability during the latter stages of this season due to a foot injury, McKennie has in fact been revered for his performances at international level.

USA football reporter Chris Smith of 90min lavished the ‘pressing machine’ and ‘supremely underrated’ ace, drawing attention to an impressive scout report last year.

At just 23, the sky is seemingly the limit for McKennie and it is little wonder Spurs are keen on opening talks.

In other news: Paratici also eyeing ‘world class’ player move tipped to ‘excite’ Spurs supporters! Find out more here.

Crystal Palace are said to be interested in a move for Chelsea starlet Levi Colwill.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report by The Sun, who claim the Eagles like Colwill and see him as a long-term project.

It is said that Everton are keen on the 19-year-old, with Frank Lampard hoping he can add to their backline with a loan move for the starlet.

The competition from Lampard could cause a hurdle for Vieira, with the report claiming that Crystal Palace may not be able to offer the young defender regular first-team football next season.

Gallagher 2.0

Chelsea’s loan policy of late has worked well for the club.

This season has seen the likes of Colwill and Gallagher announce themselves to the footballing world, with some tremendous displays from both youngsters across their different spells.

The former has spent the season on loan at Huddersfield Town, where he has enjoyed regular first-team football in a campaign that has taken the Terriers to the Championship play-off Final.

He’s featured 29 times for Huddersfield this season, starting 57% of games and amassing two goals and one assist along the way. In the process, he has been hailed on a regular basis, particularly by scout Jacek Kulig who called him both “outrageous” and a “huge talent.”

For his first season in professional football, it’s an impressive return for a 19-year-old, so you can understand the level of interest that surrounds him.

The aforementioned Gallagher’s progress in his loan spell at Selhurst Park is a worse kept secret and has seen the 22-year-old flourish in the Premier League, scoring eight goals and assisting three in 34 appearances for Vieira’s side.

Having signed Chelsea youngster Guehi, the Palace boss will greatly understand the potential of Cobham prospects and could move for Colwill in a deal reminiscent of Gallagher’s loan move.

For Palace, Colwill could become a Gallagher 2.0 with the style of this move and, being a natural left-footer, could fit more naturally at left centre-back than the likes of Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen who are both right-footed.

In other news: Forget Zaha: Crystal Palace talent who won 83% duels stole the show vs Man Utd 

Manchester City have numerous players in their current squad who have made more than 200 appearances for the club under Pep Guardiola.

Now that the summer transfer window is on the horizon, it seems as though a behind-the-scenes development has emerged which could lead to one of those players seeing their time at the club come to an end.

What’s the news?

According to a recent tweet from journalist Mike Keegan, City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is set to leave the club this summer.

The Daily Mail reporter also added that talks between the club and the midfielder will take place at the end of the season, but the Citizens have reportedly made their stance clear on the matter.

The Germany international joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016 as the first signing that Guardiola made for the club in a deal worth £20m.

Since then, the 31-year-old has gone on to make 252 appearances for the Manchester club across all competitions. In that time, the former Dortmund star has scored 47 goals, supplied 33 assists and won numerous trophies along the way.

The German was a crucial figure for his club last season, as his 13 top-flight goals helped City to secure the Premier League title, ending the campaign as their top scorer.

Bad news for Guardiola

With 26 league appearances under his belt this season, the midfielder has found the net six times, delivered four assists and earned himself an overall WhoScored performance rating of 7.21/10. This makes him the seventh-highest rated player in Guardiola’s current squad according to the site, further highlighting his importance to the team.

Taking all this into account, it’ll surely be a blow for the City manager to not have Gundogan in his squad for next season given everything he’s done for the team and everything that he can offer.

In terms of what the German’s next step could be should he find himself leaving the Etihad Stadium this summer, he has mentioned in the past that he could see himself playing in USA or Turkey.

With fellow City midfielder Fernandinho set to say goodbye to Manchester this summer, having him and Gundogan potentially leaving at the same time will surely fforce the club into signing some replacements.

In other news: Man City plot exciting bid to sign a “huge talent” this summer, he’s Phil Foden 2.0

Can’t get enough Manchester City football content? Watch Manchester City Live Streams  and other videos at StreamFootball.tv.

Sheffield Wednesday have a big game ahead of them tonight as they prepare to take on Sunderland once again for the second leg of their semi-final play-off clash.

The Owls fell to a 1-0 defeat in the first leg on Friday at the Stadium of Light after Sunderland striker Ross Stewart nabbed the ball off Sam Hutchinson and put a shot past Bailey Peacock-Farrell just before halftime.

At the end of the game, the away side could only register seven shots at goal and only one on target.

On the flip side, Sunderland were able to rack up 15 attempts at goal in total with four being on target as well as hitting the woodwork on one occasion.

This shows just how lacklustre Darren Moore’s side were going forward and how proficient the Black Cats were at the same time.

Heading into tonight’s showdown at Hillsborough, it seems as though the home side have been dealt a potential injury blow that could impact their chance of turning the tie around and securing a much-needed victory

What’s the news?

According to Sunderland manager Alex Neil, the Wearside club’s on-loan striker Nathan Broadhead could be available to play in Monday’s game after missing the first leg through injury.

Since arriving at the club back in the previous summer transfer window on a loan deal from Premier League side Everton, the 24-year-old has found the net 13 times in 25 appearances across all competitions.

This shows just how much of an attacking threat he is and why it’d be a big blow for Moore and his side to be potentially facing off against him and Stewart this evening.

To further highlight how much of a deadly attacking figure Broadhead is, only MK Dons attacker Max Watters (75%) has a higher percentage for shots on target in the league this season than him (58.8%).

His overall performances in the league have earned him a season rating of 6.89/10, making him the fourth-highest rated player currently in Sunderland’s squad according to WhoScored.

Whether the striker ends up making an appearance tonight or not, Moore will be hoping to see his Wednesday side put in a much more dominant performance this time out if they want any chance of getting a positive result.

However, that will be a very difficult task if their defence comes up against the Everton loanee.

In other news: Premier League side are pushing hard for this Sheffield Wednesday starlet…

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their transfer interest in Brighton central midfielder Yves Bissouma…

What’s the talk?

According to The Mirror, the Seagulls gem is one of the players PIF are plotting a deal for this summer as they look to bolster Eddie Howe’s side.

The report claims that sponsorship deals could give the Saudi Arabian consortium the ability to strengthen the squad in the upcoming transfer window and Bissouma has been named as a player who may come through the door.

Supporters would love him

The Magpies supporters would love him at St. James’ Park as he would be a sensational addition to Howe’s Toon team ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Bissouma is a tenacious, hard-working, midfielder who also has the quality on the ball to progress his team up the pitch. He can operate in a box-to-box role or in a deep-lying position and has proven that he can perform to a high level on a consistent basis in the Premier League.

Journalist Richie Mills dubbed him a “Rolls Royce” and he has been labelled as an “exceptional” gem previously by Gary Lineker. These comments illustrate how highly rated he is by pundits and reporters as he has impressed since moving to England. 

In the top-flight this season, he has averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.10 across 23 appearances, proving that he is a reliable performer – competing at a high level throughout the campaign. He has made a whopping 5.2 tackles and interceptions per game as he has shown that he is able to consistently win the ball back off the opposition to regain possessison for his team.

Bissouma has also completed 89% of his attempted passes and 1.4 dribbles per game at a success rate of 68%. This shows that he has the ability on the ball to make things happen after he makes a tackle or interception, which makes him a well-rounded, quality, midfield player at Premier League level.

Therefore, the fans would love to see him playing in black and white next term as they would enjoy seeing him throw himself into challenges and take opposition players on with the ball at his feet, as his statistics suggest that he would be able to do. It is now down to PIF, however, to ensure that the supporters get that opportunity by snapping up the £50m gem in the coming months.

AND in other news, “NUFC want..”: Mark Douglas drops big Darsley Park transfer claim that’ll delight Howe…