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Leeds United are yet to find their successor to Jesse Marsch to lead the side to safety over the remainder of the Premier League season and now a new update has emerged on a potential target.

What’s the latest on the Leeds manager search?

According to 90min, former Aston Villa and Rangers manager Steven Gerrard is interested in the managerial vacancy with Leeds.

As per the report, the West Yorkshire club are considering the ex-Liverpool captain as a contender after showing an interest in the role and an appealing aspect would be the return of former Leeds midfielder Gary McAllister who is part of Gerrard’s entourage.

Radrizzani could be heading for another howler

Indeed, Gerrard had an exceptional start to his managerial career in the Scottish Premiership with Rangers, going invincible and winning the league title for the first time in a decade, ending Celtic’s consecutive nine-year success.

However, the Liverpudlian’s next move to Villa Park in November 2021 may have come too soon in his career despite the instant success in Scotland, with a step up to one of the more challenging jobs in the Premier League reaching a breaking point when the young manager was sacked after just 11 months in charge.

Over his first season in 27 league outings, Gerrard picked up 10 wins, five draws and 12 losses – picking up points in the majority of the fixtures which led to a 14th-place finish.

However, it wasn’t until this season that it really began to unravel for the former Villa boss with the side having a terrible start to their campaign which left them teetering on the edge of the relegation zone.

The 42-year-old manager – dubbed a “disaster in waiting” by reporter Hunter Walker – conceded six defeats in his last 12 games in charge with the final blow coming immediately after losing 3-0 to Fulham in October.

As a result, the appointment of Gerrard at Elland Road could be an extremely risky move from the Leeds hierarchy as he has already proven that under pressure in the Premier League, he hasn’t had a good record and could be detrimental to the instant positive impact needed in the remaining 16 fixtures.

With that being said, Andrea Radrizzani should be looking at managers with much more experience and a clear philosophy to lead Leeds out of danger as hiring the wrong manager could be disastrous for the club at the end of the season.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in signing Antonee Robinson in the summer transfer window…

What’s the latest on Antonee Robinson to Newcastle?

According to Football Insider, the Magpies are eyeing up the Fulham left-back as their number-one target to bolster their options in that position ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The report claims that the club have been scouting the USA international, formerly of Wigan, but could face competition from Inter, AC Milan, and Manchester City, who are all looking at the dynamo.

It is stated that the club ‘desperately’ want to improve their left-back choices and would like to sign a younger full-back who offers more of an attacking threat than Dan Burn.

Is Robinson better than Dan Burn?

Eddie Howe could land an upgrade on his current first-choice in that position by securing a deal to sign Robinson ahead of City and the two Italian giants this summer.

The former Brighton defender has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.84 across 23 appearances for the Magpies in the Premier League so far this season.

Burn has been a solid defender at the back for the Toon with 1.9 tackles and interceptions per game and has won 55% of his duels in the top flight, which shows that the gem can hold his own in physical contests and regularly cuts out opposition attacks.

Robinson, meanwhile, has made 2.8 tackles and interceptions per match and won 55% of his battles in 21 outings for Fulham in the division this term.

These statistics indicate that the 25-year-old enforcer could offer a similar level of defensive efficiency whilst completing more defensive actions to win the ball back for his side.

On the ball, the USA international, who is five years younger than Burn, has created 15 chances in 21 matches, six more than the current Toon man has managed (nine) in 22 games.

Alexandre Gangué-Ruzic once hailed the battler as “electric” and described his progression of the ball as “fun to watch”. Indeed, Robinson is in the top 10% of left-backs in Europe’s top five leagues over the last 365 days for progressive carries per 90 (3.40), whilst the Newcastle defender is in the worst 1% (0.60).

This suggests that the Fulham defender would be a sizeable upgrade on the 30-year-old in terms of what he offers in possession, in both carrying the ball forwards to progress play and in creating opportunities for his teammates, which is why Howe must bring him in this summer.

Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita looks ‘increasingly’ likely to leave the club at the end of the season, according to reliable journalist Neil Jones.

The Lowdown: Keita flatters to deceive

The 28-year-old arrived at Anfield in the summer of 2018 with a big reputation, with many backing him to be a transformative figure in the Reds’ midfield.

Keita’s time at Liverpool has been disappointing, however, with injuries holding him back hugely and his performances too often not hitting the heights many hoped for.

The Guinean is out of contract at Anfield at the end of the season, so the club have a big decision to make regarding a new deal.

The Latest: Jones drops key update

Taking to Twitter on Monday morning, Goal‘s Jones admitted that Keita is more likely to leave Liverpool once this season reaches its conclusion:

“It looks increasingly like Naby Keïta will not be part of Liverpool’s great rebuild this summer.”

The Verdict: Right time to leave

Keita is an impressive footballer when he wants to be – Virgil van Dijk has even described him as ‘world-class’ in the past – but this summer feels like a natural time for him to move on.

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His persistent injury problems are simply too big an issue – he has only started a handful of Premier League games this season – and it isn’t worth keeping someone on £120,000 per week who is out of the team so often.

Keita is a signing who will be looked back on as one that just didn’t work out, despite it looking such a perfect fit at the same time, but he still has Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and EFL Cup medals to his name, among others.

His performances this season have been no more than solid, though, and Liverpool need superior options as Jurgen Klopp looks to reinvent his midfield this summer.

ESPN pundit Gabriele Marcotti has questioned what Arsenal see in transfer target Ivan Fresneda.

The Lowdown: Arteta wants strength in depth

The Gunners have reportedly taken the lead in the race for Fresneda amid competition from clubs such as Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund, with their ominous lead at the top of the table potentially playing a part.

As things stand, Mikel Arteta is playing Ben White at right-back in most games despite the former Brighton defender being a natural centre-back for the majority of his career thus far.

Fresneda is clearly still very raw at 18 years old and has just 10 first-team appearances in the top flight under his belt, but that’s seemingly not put off the Gunners in ploughing ahead with their interest.

The Latest: Fresneda could be flattering to deceive

Marcotti has admitted on The Gab & Juls Show that he’s watched Fresneda twice this season and is still yet to be impressed by the youngster amid Arsenal’s interest.

He said: “I have to say, I saw this dude – maybe it’s because Valladolid aren’t very good – [but] I watched two entire Valladolid games. In one he was okay, and in the other one, he wasn’t very good, although Valladolid weren’t good. Are we getting a little bit carried away, what are they seeing?”

The Verdict: Arsenal preparing for the future

Fresneda is still very young so will have a lot to learn, but given that a lot of Arsenal’s star players this season are at the beginning of their careers as well, the defender may yet thrive in such an exciting up-and-coming squad and environment.

The Gunners are in need of reinforcements this month, particularly in midfield due to Mohamed Elneny’s injury, and while right-back may not be a priority position as of yet, if Cedric Soares leaves on loan, it quickly will be.

It should also be considered that Takehiro Tomiyasu hasn’t had a clean bill of health this season, so having someone young such as Fresneda coming into the club could be just what Arteta needs in case of an emergency given he already possesses plenty of ‘technical ability’ and ‘athletic’ attributes, according to La Liga expert Matt Clark.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano says that Newcastle United have had a bid rejected for Flamengo attacking midfielder Matheus Franca.

The Lowdown: Bids made

Romano reported last week that Newcastle had made a bid worth €16m (£14m) for Franca, who has also been courted by Real Madrid and Lyon.

Journalist Jacque Talbot then claimed on Tuesday night that the St. James’ Park outfit have also bid for Everton attacker Anthony Gordon, suggesting that the final third is an area that they are keen to strengthen going into the last week of the transfer window.

The Latest: Bid rejected

Taking to Twitter again, Romano has since shared that Newcastle’s bid for Franca has been rejected, but ‘talks continue’ with Flamengo over a potential deal, alongside Gordon:

“Negotiations on between Newcastle and Everton for Anthony Gordon. He’s in the list alongside Matheus Franca — talks ongoing as @CraigHope_DM has reported.

“Understand Flamengo have turned down €16m bid from Newcastle for Franca but talks continue.”

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The Verdict: Get both in!

While the North East club are going well at the moment, having just won their Carabao Cup semi-final first leg clash 1-0 away at Southampton on Tuesday night, and keeping six clean sheets in a row in the Premier League, they are having some troubles in front of goal.

They have only managed to score nine goals in nine games in total in all competitions since the restart after the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and have started the same team four games in a row.

Thus, they could do with some rotation, especially in attacking areas, in order to keep the side fresh and hopefully turn their fortunes around in front of goal.

After letting Chris Wood go out on loan to Nottingham Forest, Eddie Howe is in need of more options in his squad, and Franca and Gordon would help with that, with the former an exciting Brazilian talent who has already played 28 times for Flamengo by the age of just 18, scoring seven goals (Transfermarkt), and has won both the Copa do Brasil and Copa Libertadores.

Nonetheless, it looks like the Magpies need to increase their bid for Franca, and make sure that they get this deal over the line.

Celtic’s League Cup semi-final triumph over Kilmarnock saw in-form speedster Daizen Maeda once again get himself on the scoresheet, with the Japanese international continuing his rampant hot streak since returning from World Cup duty.

The 25-year-old had gone into Saturday’s meeting after having provided a goal contribution in each of his last three Scottish Premiership games, notably netting in fine fashion in the Old Firm derby draw away at Ibrox.

The diminutive gem’s latest goal was an illustration that everything is simply going his way at present, with the ball having almost comically deflected off the 12-cap menace following an attempted clearance by former Rangers man, Kyle Lafferty.

That somewhat fortunate strike has ensured that Maeda now has 15 goals and ten assists to his name in just 50 appearances for the Old Firm outfit, having proven a truly astute capture for manager Ange Postecoglou since his arrival on an initial loan deal a year ago.

That move to Glasgow had come as part of a triple swoop alongside Yosuke Ideguchi and Reo Hatate, with the Hoops boss having utilised his J-League connections in order to aid in the club’s push for the title.

Postecoglou could now look to repeat that Maeda masterclass by bringing in another forward from Japan in the winter window, with recent reports having claimed that Shimizu S Pulse striker Thiago Santana is a possible target for the Scottish champions.

A new centre-forward is seemingly on the agenda for the Bhoys amid the uncertainty surrounding Giorgos Giakoumakis, with the Parkhead outfit likely keen to ensure that their attacking options are not depleted for the second half of the campaign.

Although something of an unknown quantity to most in Glasgow, Santana – whose existing deal is set to expire in December – could well follow Maeda et al in becoming a leading presence for Postecoglou’s side, having been in clinical form of late.

The 29-year-old goal machine notably netted 14 goals and provided six assists in the league during the most recent campaign, with his overall tally for the club now standing at 30 goals and nine assists in 72 games across all fronts.

The fact that that record is even better than what Maeda had achieved during his time at former club Yokohama F.Marinos – 26 goals and five assists in 70 games – bodes well for the impact that Santana could make in Scottish football, while the Brazilian also offers the benefit of having flourished in European football previously, after netting 35 goals in 97 games for Portuguese side Santa Clara.

Should Postecoglou secure a move for the latter man this month, the experienced marksman could well go on help strengthen Celtic’s lead at the summit, with the signing of Maeda 12 months ago having illustrated the benefit of sealing a mid-season transfer.

Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur board are doing all they can do back Antonio Conte this winter.

What’s the word?

With the January transfer market now upon us, Spurs are widely tipped to be in the market for some new signings although no deals have been completed yet.

For instance, Sporting Lisbon duo Pedro Porro and Marcus Edwards have both been linked with a move but nothing seems close at this moment in time.

No doubt, manager Conte will be anxious to get a few deals done soon enough and it sounds as though the club fully intend to back him with a new wingback and a forward.

Indeed, when speaking on the Transfer Talk Podcast, Sheth explained: (43:48): “I think Tottenham’s board are doing everything they can to back Antonio Conte and I think they want to be busy in this transfer window.

“I think they want to bring in a couple of players. I think they want to bring in a forward and I think they want to bring in a wingback as well.

“I think Antonio Conte wants to strengthen all over the pitch, but I think in those two particular areas, he sees those two areas as not good enough for them to be able to compete for the top four.”

Patience required?

Spurs are currently just outside the top four – sitting one place and two points behind Manchester United in fourth despite having played one more game – and so it’s easy to see why Conte feels as though a few signings could help bridge the gap.

As mentioned before, Porro and Edwards are two names linked with a possible winter move and they both certainly fit the bill as a wingback and an attacker, which Sheth claims the board are targeting.

For those two players, there are buy-out clauses which can be triggered to get the deals done. And so, if Spurs really are serious about backing their manager, they may have to just bite the bullet and pay the cost.

Of course, though, Daniel Levy and co will be carefully surveying the scene in an attempt to try and scout out the best deal possible this winter and so Conte may well have to be patient.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been urged to be ‘cautious’ in their pursuit of Isco by transfer insider Dean Jones, in light of the midfielder’s situation at Sevilla.

The Lowdown: Isco’s Wolves links

According to Spanish sources, via Sports Mole, Julen Lopetegui is keen on bringing the 30-year-old to Molineux, with the manager hoping to capitalise on a falling out between the player and Sevilla director of football Monchi.

It would not be the first time that the two men linked up, with Lopetegui being the man who brought the former Real Madrid star to the Rojiblancos in the summer, and now the boss has identified him as someone who could fix his side’s goal scoring woes.

Given that no Wolves player has created more than two big chances this season, a creative spark is needed in the midfield, but Jones believes that Isco may not be the answer to their problems…

The Latest: Jones reacts

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones highlights the Spaniard’s inability to rediscover his previous form as a reason why Wolves should think twice about moving for him in January, saying:

“It’s been some time now since Isco was playing at his best level and with that in mind, I think Wolves will need to be cautious over how he fits in here and why he is even available right now.”

The Verdict: Get it done?

Jones is right to point out that the 38-time Spain international has not managed to reach his previous lofty heights in recent seasons, but in truth, Wolves would not be in contention for his signature if he was still playing as he did in his early days with Real Madrid.

Former Barcelona star Andres Iniesta hailed the midfielder as ‘incredible’ in the 2016/17 season, in which he amassed ten goals and eight assists in 30 La Liga appearances, and while there was a dip in form after that, he has started to display some promising signs this term with four goal contributions, two of which coming in the Champions League.

Given Wolves’ aforementioned lack of a creative outlet in midfield, a playmaker with Isco’s proven ability, albeit not in recent times, could be the solution to Lopetegui’s attacking issues.

The January transfer window is a matter of weeks away from opening for business and Leeds United could be in the market to improve their squad.

Jesse Marsch will be hoping to steer the club clear of relegation for the second season in succession and he currently has the team sitting two points above the drop zone after 14 Premier League matches, although they have a game in hand over all of the teams below them.

The American head coach may now look to the next window in an attempt to improve his side and their chances of avoiding relegation to the second tier.

One player who is reportedly on Leeds’ radar heading into January is Club Brugge attacking midfielder Noa Lang, who was recently at the World Cup in Qatar with the Netherlands.

Dean Jones, writing for GIVEMESPORT, claimed that the attacker is set to be available for a transfer next month and that the Whites, alongside West Ham, are interested in snapping him up.

Marsch could land his own version of Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar by securing a deal to sign Lang, who talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed “unstoppable”, ahead of the second half of the season.

Bart Baving, the gem’s agent, compared the Dutchman to Brazil’s joint all-time top scorer in September 2021 as he told Italian outlet Calciomercato: “Noa is Noa, he has always had this type of playing style. He always works hard and has excellent technique, dribbling and vision.

“He is also an excellent decision-maker and a neat finisher. He is also a generous player, anything but selfish. I’ve heard a lot of people say he looks like Neymar, especially after the PSG match.”

Like Neymar, Lang is predominantly a left winger but can also play through the middle and out wide on the right. He is a versatile, right-footed, forward who has been in fine form for Brugge in recent years.

Between the 2020/21 and 2021/22 Pro League campaigns, the 23-year-old plundered 21 goals and 20 assists in 59 starts for the Belgian outfit.

This term, the £25k-per-week dynamo, who journalist Peter Vandenbempt once hailed a “phenomenon”, has scored two and assisted two in four top-flight starts and these statistics show that he has the quality to make a huge impact at the top end of the pitch.

Neymar has racked up 290 goals and 183 assists in his club career for Santos, Barcelona, and PSG combined and Lang, albeit at a lower level, is showing that he is also a double threat on the left wing by scoring and assisting goals on a regular basis.

Therefore, Marsch could land his own version of the Brazilian icon by signing the Brugge playmaker when the transfer window opens next month.

Arsenal are in contact with the agents of Mykhaylo Mudryk ahead of a potential move in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, with the Italian transfer insider confirming in a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT that, following continuous reports linking Mikel Arteta’s side with a move for the Shakhtar Donetsk winger this winter, Edu is indeed in contact with the 21-year-old’s representatives regarding a potential swoop for the forward.

Concerning the Gunners’ interest in the Ukraine international, Romano said: “Shakhtar are not selling Mudryk for €40m (£34.8m) or €45m (£39.1m). They want around €60-65m (£52.2-56.6m), not less than that.

“It’s not going to be easy, but Arsenal are still interested in Mudryk. They have contacts with his agents, so it could be an interesting opportunity for them.”

Unreal signing

Considering just how exciting a talent Mudryk clearly is, Romano’s claim that the 21-year-old could be an “interesting opportunity” for the Premier League side would seem like something of an understatement, as the winger would undoubtedly be an unreal signing for Arsenal to get over the line in January.

Indeed, the £13m-rated talent has burst onto the European football scene in 2022/23, having already scored five goals and registered six assists over his ten Premier Liga appearances – averaging a direct goal involvement every 67 minutes of football played – as well as starring during Shakhtar’s Champions League campaign.

In the Ukrainian side’s first outing in the competition this season – an unexpected 4-2 win over RB Leipzig – the 21-year-old stole the show, scoring one goal and registering two assists, as well as making two key passes, completing two of his three attempted dribbles and creating one big chance – with these metrics seeing the winger earn an incredible SofaScore match rating of 8.0.

This performance saw the attacker draw a considerable amount of praise, with Jack Collins stating after the game that Mudryk is both “absolutely unreal” and “almost undefendable”, while Sam Tighe dubbed the youngster a Jack “Grealish regen”.

The eight-cap star followed this up with a goal in both the home and away tie with Celtic, while also turning in an extremely impressive performance despite a 2-1 defeat at the hands of reigning champions Real Madrid.

As such, considering the wealth of young and exciting attacking talent Arteta already has at his disposal in north London – such as Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, Emile Smith Rowe, Fábio Vieira, Gabriel Martinelli, Marquinhos and Gabriel Jesus – the further addition of a player as talented as Mudryk would very much appear a dream for the 40-year-old manager.

Indeed, with the added firepower of the Ukrainian sensation, it would appear wise not to bet against the Gunners going on to lift the Premier League title come next May.