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In a recent interview, Leeds United centre-back, Robin Koch, jokingly called for Erling Haaland to join Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Since joining Leeds from SC Freiburg last August, life has not got off to the best of starts for Koch at Elland Road, with the defender being sidelined for a considerable amount of his debut Premier League season due to a knee injury.

However, the £15.3 million-rated 24-year-old’s lack of game time for Leeds does not appear to have put him off shopping the club about, as, in a recent interview with SportBild (via Sport Witness), the Germany international jokingly called for Borussia Dortmund centre-forward, Erling Haaland, to join him at Elland Road.

Speaking about Manchester City’s upcoming Champions League clash with Dortmund, Koch said: “City’s defence has improved, but Erling Haaland can also push a ball in against City. Haaland has the killer instinct and the Champions League seems to give him a lot of joy.

“With his stature, this body, he would be made for this! I think the Premier League is a perfect fit for Haaland. Maybe he will stay in Dortmund for another year or two and then come to us in Leeds [grins].”

Transfer Tavern Take

While Leeds’ improvement as a club under the leadership of Bielsa has been rather remarkable, perhaps the signing of a player such as the £141,000-per-week Haaland still remains slightly out of the club’s reach, for now.

Having said that, with the striker’s father, Alf-Inge, having played for the Whites in his time as a professional footballer, perhaps, along with the comments of Koch, Haaland could be convinced of a move to Elland Road at some point in the future.

Although, it would not be advisable for fans of Leeds to hold their breath while they wait to find out.

In other news: Leeds United have been urged to sign this “highly sought-after” £31k-p/w star this summer – find out more here!

In an exclusive interview with Transfer Tavern, Wolves legend Steve Bull has admitted that Bruno Fernandes went under their radar and he would’ve expected Jorge Mendes to get him to Wolves before his move to Man United.

Since Wolves earned promotion back to the Premier League they have had an influx of Portuguese players, with eight currently in their first-team squad as well as just selling Diogo Jota to Liverpool last summer.

Fernandes has been a revelation at Manchester United since he signed last January and his influence on the pitch with dragging them closer to Manchester City on the pitch with 35 goals and 21 assists in 67 games for the Red Devils.

Speaking on how he went under the radar at Molineux and why he hopes Fernandes doesn’t speak to Pedro Neto, Bull told Transfer Tavern:

“I think he went under the radar for [Jorge] Mendes otherwise, I think he would have definitely been on our scale and we definitely would have had him all day long.

“They say things to each other on international camps because players talk, agents talk, everyone talks, and I can’t see any reason why Neto would want to go.”

Pedro Neto has been linked with a £50 million move to Manchester United this summer, however, Bull thinks it will require a fee closer to £80 million.

It was also reported that the £180,000 per week midfielder was going to try and convince Neto to make the switch while they were on international duty with Portugal.

Leeds could sign an ideal midfield partner for Kalvin Phillips by signing Rangers star Glen Kamara in the summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

It was reported back in October that Gers boss Steven Gerrard was concerned about losing the midfielder back in January, but a deal failed to materialise before the end of the deadline.

TEAMtalk claimed that even more clubs have watched him recently, including Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds and other Premier League sides like Everton and Southampton.

GIVEMESPORT have now revealed that Arsenal are eyeing up a return for their former academy prodigy, so the Whites look set to face significant competition to land the 27-cap Finland international this summer.

Imagine him and Kalvin Phillips

While Phillips has been the one constant in the Leeds engine room whenever he’s been fit, Bielsa has used the likes of Stuart Dallas and Mateusz Klich among many others in midfield.

In Kamara, Bielsa could find someone who could help Phillips anchor the midfield and even allow the England international to be pushed slightly forward if needed.

Neil McCann, Kamara’s former boss at Dundee, has said: “If you asked Scott Arfield, Ryan Jack and young McCrorie if Glen would be the type to make them play better then, I think, they’d say yes. Glen is great at seeing a pass and once he builds up an understanding with someone, they can enjoy that.

“He looks small but he’s strong and he’s a playmaker. When Rangers signed Glen, I sat there thinking he would smash it. Glen will end up back in the English Premier League. I’ve no doubts about that.”

McCann added: “He isn’t a big, physical lad but he’s made of iron and really strong. I knew immediately that he could handle the ball under pressure and not give it away, so he was perfect. He’s a special talent. He’s lightning-quick but he doesn’t show it. He’s a player who takes instruction well.”

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If Bielsa is looking for someone to partner Phillips in the engine room, then landing Kamara could be the perfect signing. His ability to screen the back four, handle the pace and physicality of the Premier League and then pass the ball off to those in front of him surely makes him someone who could fit into the Leeds jigsaw without too much of a problem.

With Arsenal now lurking over him too, however, the Whites have to act quick if they want to get a deal done.

Meanwhile, Leeds are eyeing a summer move for this Premier League starlet…

If recent suggestions are to be believed, Leicester City are set to move for a centre-back in the summer transfer window.

The Foxes have been linked to a number of central defenders around Europe, with the most prominent names being Fenerbahce’s Attila Szalai and Joachim Andersen, who is currently on-loan at Premier League rivals Fulham.

Whilst the latter could be considered as the better potential arrival due to his Premier League experience, it is actually the Hungarian that Brendan Rodgers and Jon Rudkin should swoop for instead.

When comparing the two defenders, the Fenerbahce man produces more tackles – 1.5 to 1 – per game than Andersen according to WhoScored.

Considering that his team have spent the majority of the season towards the top of the SuperLig table, those defensive statistics are eye-catching.

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Meanwhile, Szalai also commits far fewer fouls which, taking into account he is junior to Andersen, is a very impressive feat.

The 11-cap Hungarian, who only arrived in Turkey in the January transfer window, also racks up a far more impressive pass success rate – 85.9% compared to 81.2%. This is certainly an aspect that would appeal to the Foxes considering Leicester’s intentions to dominate the ball during a game.

Surprisingly, Szalai is also far more of an offensive threat than Andersen by having 0.8 shots per game compared to 0.3. Whilst not his primary assignment, that goal threat will, of course, come in useful.

Another benefit of targeting the Fenerbahce man would also be the ease at which a deal could be completed. Currently rated at £3.3m, he could be far less costly than Andersen, who possesses a transfer rating of £15m at the current time.

So with the Foxes on the hunt for a centre-back, Atilla Szalai certainly seems like the prime candidate of the names that have been suggested thus far.

AND in more news, the Foxes must remain at the front of the queue for Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare…

Swansea City’s promotion hopes took another blow on Saturday as they were held to a 2-2 draw against relegation-threatened Wycombe Wanderers, although the biggest concern for Steve Cooper may well have been the injury suffered by Andre Ayew.

The Ghanaian international went down injured early on and was replaced by Wayne Routledge with just nine minutes on the clock, which seriously dented the Swans’ attacking threat, as only a late fightback prevented a defeat against Gareth Ainsworth’s side.

Following the game, Cooper provided an update on Ayew, saying:

“It’s early to say, he’s walked off with a hamstring injury, or so we think.

“I haven’t seen him yet. It’ll be 24 or 48 hours before we know the extent of the injury.”

When asked if the 31-year-old would miss the home game against QPR on Tuesday night, Cooper responded:

“It would seem that way but we don’t know yet. You can’t walk off after eight minutes and play three days later unless something extraordinary has happened. But we don’t want to speculate.”

A hamstring injury seems likely to keep Ayew out of action for a few weeks at least, meaning that he could end up missing a significant portion of Swansea’s remaining fixtures before the playoffs.

After dropping two points against Wycombe, automatic promotion seems to be off the table. Fortunately, a place in the playoffs is all but guaranteed for Cooper’s side, so if the former West Ham forward can make his return before then, it may not impact the Swans’ season too much.

However, given his impressive form this season, it would be a massive blow for Cooper’s side if he were to miss the playoffs and could potentially define whether or not they can seal a return to the Premier League.

Ayew is currently Swansea’s top scorer in the Championship, having scored 15 goals in 41 appearances so far this season, which has helped him average an impressive 7.14 rating – the highest of any player in the current Swansea squad.

Earlier in the season, Cooper lauded the attacker’s influence on the pitch and in the dressing room, saying:

“Andre is a leader, regardless of whether or not he wears the armband.

“He always stands up and leads by example. He’s a massive influence at this club.”

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Therefore, it would be a significant blow to lose the £3.6m-rated forward for an extended period, and whether or not he can get back to fitness before the end of the season could end up defining which league Swansea are playing in next season.

And, in other news… Fewer touches than Woodman: £20k-p/w Swansea dud let Cooper down with an awful display

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Leeds United midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Sergio Aguero could join Marcelo Bielsa’s side in what would be an astonishing summer move.

The Manchester City striker is set to leave the Etihad at the end of the season when his contract expires and, according to 90min, Leeds are keen on bringing him to Elland Road.

The same outlet reports that Chelsea are also interested in signing Aguero, meaning the Whites could face some serious competition for the 32-year-old’s signature.

Palmer, however, still thinks Aguero to Leeds is a possibility, though he believes the Argentina international’s wages could be a potential stumbling block.

On the rumours that Leeds could move for Aguero in the summer, the ex-Whites player told FFC in an exclusive interview:

“I was thinking about this today; it could be a possibility because Sergio wouldn’t have to move – obviously he lives in Manchester. I think at Sergio’s age, he wouldn’t want to go anywhere and be a bit-part.

“So, you know, when they’re talking about top clubs like Chelsea and whatever, if he’s not guaranteed of playing every week, which I think he’s going to fall into that category now with his injuries and with his age, Leeds could be a good shout. The problem that would be, I would assume, would be his salary.”

Outside of England, Aguero, who managed to score 23 goals in all competitions last season, is said to be attracting interest from the likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Amid the intense fall out after the Premier League ‘top six’ proposed to breakaway from UEFA and join a European Super League, with those plans since being suspended, many Irons fans have adored an official club message from West Ham United. 

Plans to join a European Super League, with Man United, Man City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs having originally joined as founding members, were then scuppered as the English top flight sides announced one by one they’ll be discontinuing their involvement.

Chelsea and City appeared to be the first clubs aiming to bow out of the ESL plans, with the latter officially confirming it first, which then caused a domino effect as each team out of the big six formally announced their withdrawal.

Amid the huge story, West Ham United posted a message to their supporters (via Twitter) – simply stating: “Let’s get back to focusing on what’s important and stand together to show that there is No Room For Racism.”

Flocking to this official club tweet, many Irons were over the moon with their club and understandably so given this extremely important issue.

Find all of their verdicts and reaction down below, where fans are delighted the Irons have taken the opportunity to use the publicity around the failed Super League in order to promote an absolutely vital message.

West Ham fans adore official club message

“What is going on this club is taking dubs and JLingz doesn’t have a goal involvement. Well done fellas”

Credit: @whuchr

“WERE MASSIVEEEE”

Credit: @td_ldn

“amazing”

Credit: @Ollyhx1

“Incredible

I love my club”

Credit: @OpulentCockney

“This is my club I really love you”

Credit: @SPOTLEW

“MY CLUB”

Credit: @ScoutSoucek

“Massive W”

Credit: @CorbetJon

“MY CLUUUUUUUUBBBBBB”

Credit: @whujoe

 In other news: West Ham in line to land this powerhouse, find out more here.

Dean Windass has exclusively told Football FanCast that Brendan Rodgers would swap Leicester City for Tottenham if the opportunity arose.

The former Liverpool boss has transformed the Foxes into regular top four contenders, narrowly missing out on the Champions League on the final day of last season, although they’re five games away from achieving that feat this term.

Rodgers has also guided Leicester to their first FA Cup final for 52 years after victory over Southampton in the semi-final earlier this month.

But following Jose Mourinho’s departure on Monday, Rodgers is amongst the favourites to replace the Portuguese, who he worked with at Chelsea during his first spell.

And despite Leicester sitting above Tottenham in the Premier League table and being 90 minutes away from winning the FA Cup, Windass doesn’t think Rodgers, who ex-Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino described as a “great manager” in 2019, would turn down the chance to manage Spurs if they came knocking.

“The fact that it’s a new stadium, financially a bigger club,” he told Football FanCast.

“He’s a London sort of geezer – he was at Chelsea for all those years and Watford. He wouldn’t turn it down. So it wouldn’t surprise me if Brendan Rodgers got the job, but it’s all speculation.

“Someone was mentioning Harry Redknapp and Robbie Keane taking the job on Sky!”

Manchester United could be hit with a bitter blow following the decision to postpone their Premier League meeting with Liverpool at Old Trafford.

The fixture, that was originally due to be played on Sunday, was postponed following a protest by Red Devils supporters at the Glazer family’s current ownership of the club.

Fans managed to make their way into the stadium and onto the Old Trafford pitch as numbers grew, leading to the decision to postpone the match to another date.

Whilst a potential rearrangement wil,l of course, frustrate the squad and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with them having already prepared, it could also have damaging consequences on the remainder of the current campaign.

Looking at the Red Devils’ current calendar, two out of the next three weekends between now and the end of the campaign are already taken up by Premier League fixtures against the likes of Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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Meanwhile, mid-week fixtures against the likes of Fulham and Leicester City are added into the mix, along with the second-leg of the UEFA Europa League semi-final against AS Roma. Should the Red Devils progress past the Serie A outfit, Solskjaer will also have the Europa League final to consider on the 26th May where they will be required to travel to Gdansk in Ukraine.

The only free weekend for the Red Devils is the 15th or 16th of May, however, this could cause serious problems for the team in the fact that they could potentially be forced to play seven fixtures in just 20 days.

It goes without saying that this packed calendar could cause some complications for Solskjaer in relation to injuries and fatigue.

So whilst it remains to be seen when the fixture between the Red Devils and Liverpool will actually be played, it will certainly be a worry for United going forwards for the remainder of the campaign as wherever it get squeezed into the calendar, it won’t come at an ideal time at all.

AND in more news, read which current Red Devil has given the club a huge boost…

Darren Moore’s Sheffield Wednesday side have been handed a massive injury boost ahead of their crucial final game of the season on Saturday.

What’s the latest?

According to Jamie Smith, speaking in his pre-match press conference, both Chey Dunkley and Massimo Luongo could return to the matchday squad for the crunch match with Derby County this lunchtime.

Centre-back Dunkley has not played a minute of action since February because of a series of knocks, while midfielder Luongo has also been out since February due to separate muscle and knee injuries.

When discussing the current state of the Wednesday squad, the assistant manager said: “Joost [van Aken] will be out but there is a chance for Chey and Massimo to be involved. We don’t want to rush them back and put pressure on them, we’ll see how they react. We have no fresh injury worries.”

Double boost

Considering the magnitude of the fixture against Derby, with a defeat consigning the Owls to the third tier of English football, the news that two previously unavailable Wednesday players could be fit enough to feature in the match could come as a welcome fillip to Moore.

Despite having only played in 12 Championship fixtures this season, Luongo’s average SofaScore match rating of 6.75 is enough to rank him as the Owls’ 10th-best performer in the league. Meanwhile, the return of Dunkley could potentially allow Sam Hutchinson, who has been operating from centre-back in recent weeks, to return to his more natural central midfield role.

As such, regardless of whether or not the returning duo start the game, their presence on the bench would immediately provide Moore with more options, something which would appear to bode well ahead of such an important game this afternoon.

In other news: Encouraging update emerges on “excellent” SWFC star, Moore and fans will be buzzing – opinion