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Leeds United are reportedly battling with two other Premier League clubs to acquire the services of Espanyol forward Raul de Tomas.

The Lowdown: De Tomas shines for Espanyol

The 27-year-old has made a flying start to the season, scoring six goals and registering two assists for Espanyol in 11 La Liga appearances.

The former Real Madrid marksman has an impressive overall record for his current club, netting 34 times in just 64 matches. De Tomas’ form could eventually see him snapped up by another club and it appears as though Leeds could be a potential destination.

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The Latest: Leeds keen on De Tomas

According to Fichajes, the Whites are eyeing up a move for the €45m-valued (£38m) attacker, along with Premier League rivals West Ham and Tottenham.

His current Espanyol deal runs until the summer of 2026, though, so it is unlikely that Leeds will be able to sign him on the cheap.

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The Verdict: Would be an excellent addition

De Tomas could be an ideal addition for Leeds at a time when Patrick Bamford’s absence has led to a lack of firepower, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side scoring just 10 times in as many Premier League games this season.

At 27, the Spaniard has the experience to come straight in and make an immediate impact, providing competition for Bamford and offering some much-needed squad depth at a time when the Whites are contending with several injuries.

There is also no guarantee that the ex-Chelsea ace will necessarily perform at last season’s level again, so De Tomas could even be considered a long-term upgrade given his current performances.

In other news, one pundit has made a plea to Leeds regarding their January transfer business. Read more here.

A transfer specialist has revealed that Ousmane Dembele is the ‘first name’ on Newcastle United’s list ahead of a potential move to St. James’ Park.

The Lowdown: Dembele promise

Dembele was a player of such promise when he was first breaking through at Borussia Dortmund, earning him a whopping £121.5m move to FC Barcelona back in the summer transfer window of 2017.

His early spells with the Catalan giants even earned praise from the great Lionel Messi, who dubbed his then teammate a ‘phenomenon’.

The Latest: Wanted on Tyneside

As per Pedro Almeida, who is verified on Twitter as an ‘insider specialising in transfers’, Dembele is the ‘first name’ that consortium member Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) wants to bring to the North East.

However, a move in January seems unlikely, as he would prefer to sign the France international as a free agent, given that his current deal at the Camp Nou expires in the summer.

The Verdict: Sign

Dembele needs to rejuvenate his career, as he has never really been able to hit the ground running since arriving at Barca, with 30 goals and 21 assists recorded in 118 games in total over all competitions across the last four seasons (Transfermarkt).

However, at 24 years of age, he still has the potential to fulfil the promise that he had early on in his career, and could combine well with fellow French winger Allan Saint-Maximin.

Nonetheless, to get him for free, given that he currently has a market value of £45m, would represent exceptional business by the Tyneside club.

In other news, find out which ‘fantastic striker’ is now on NUFC’s list here!

A reason has been revealed as to why Wolves did not end up signing Duje Caleta-Car during the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Bid made

As per L’Equipe (via Sport Witness), the Midlands club were keen to sign Caleta-Car on Transfer Deadline Day, and put in a bid of €18m (£15.5m) to Marseille for his signature.

However, a deal never materialised in the end, and the central defender has ended up staying at the Ligue 1 side.

The Latest: No deal

According to L’Equipe (via Sport Witness), Caleta-Car was not excited by a move to England, as his partner had given birth to their first child just last week.

Marseille president Pablo Longoria tried to find a way to sell the Croatia international, and received another offer from Valencia, but he was not interested in a move to Spain either.

The Verdict: Shame

It is a shame that the Molineux faithful missed out on signing Caleta-Car, as he would have given them that extra bit of quality in their backline.

Described as a ‘quality’ player by his centre-back partner Alvaro Gonzalez back in November, the £22.5m-rated ace was such a key player for his side in Ligue 1 in the 2020/21 season, winning no fewer than 3.7 of his duels per game, while he also averaged 3.9 clearances and 1.3 interceptions per match, keeping five clean sheets in the process (Sofascore).

Standing at a mammoth six-foot-four-inches tall, the 24-year-old would have certainly given Bruno Lage’s team a threat in both boxes, but now they may have to wait until January before they can try to sign him again.

In other news, find out what confirmed news has Wanderers fuming here!

Leeds United have been boosted in their efforts in sign Feyenoord midfielder Orkun Kokcu, according to a fresh report which has emerged.

The Lowdown: Leeds looking for midfielder

The Whites have experienced a tough start to the season, sitting 15th in the Premier League and having to make do without injured key players such as Luke Ayling and Patrick Bamford.

Leeds have looked light in midfield, with Adam Forshaw being relied upon after a two-year injury absence and Kalvin Phillips not always available.

It looks likely that a new midfielder could come in during next month’s transfer window, and an update has emerged regarding Kokcu.

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The Latest: Whites linked with move

According to Feyenoord Transfermarkt [via Sport Witness], Leeds could be able to sign the 20-year-old if they pay at least €20m (£16.9m) for his services.

The report claims that Kokcu has rejected a move to Hertha Berlin, despite them making a ‘generous proposal’.

The young 13-cap Turkey international has started 15 Eredivisie games this season, scoring once and providing five assists so far, while last month he was hailed as the ‘young star’ of his national team by Turkish newspaper Fanatik.

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The Verdict: Solid January signing

Kokcu is generally considered a defensive midfielder, so he could be an ideal man to come in as an understudy for Phillips moving forward.

Not only has he averaged 2.6 key passes per game in the Eredivisie this season – Phillips has only averaged 0.6 in England’s top flight – he has also chipped in with one tackle per match, showing that he can impress both on and off the ball.

At 20, it would be unfair for Bielsa to throw Kokcu straight in as a key player, but he could give Leeds the much-needed squad depth that they crave.

In other news, a journalist has confirmed Leeds’ interest in one player. Find out who it is here.

Celtic target Kristijan Lovric has dropped another hint that he could be on the move to Glasgow this summer, Glasgow Live report.

The Lowdown: First hint

Lovric, who is thought to be on Celtic’s radar this summer, currently plies his trade for Croatian side HNK Gorica.

The left-winger has scored 60 goals in his club career and has one senior cap for Croatia, with his Transfermarkt valuation standing at £5.4m.

He dropped the first hint over a possible move to Scotland last month when he followed the Hoops on social media, and Lovric was at it again last night.

The Latest: Thursday activity

As reported by Glasgow Live, Lovric was once again keeping tabs on the Hoops’ social media activity on Thursday during Celtic’s 3-0 win over Jablonec.

Eagled-eyed supporters saw that the 25-year-old liked a picture of Celtic Park under the lights on Instagram, with a screenshot attached to the report.

The Verdict: Sign

Celtic are after another winger before the window shuts, and it seems as if Lovric is making a come and get me plea online.

He’s just come off the back of his most productive season in front of goal, netting 15 league goals in 29 appearances.

Lovric was a Transfermarkt valuation.

The Hoops have already reaped the rewards of bringing in attacking players from different countries in Liel Abada and Kyogo Furuhashi, so landing Lovric could be the next shrewd piece of business when it comes to adding to the club’s forward ranks.

In other news: Celtic ace’s representatives ‘mightily unimpressed’ with Hoops; now ‘on his way’ out of Parkhead.  

According to journalists Jack Rosser and Dan Kilpatrick of The Evening Standard, Tottenham Hotspur and Fabio Paratici now have eyes for Denmark sensation Mikkel Damsgaard after the alleged signing of Cristian Romero.

The Lowdown: Spurs eyeing forward additions?

Much has been made of Tottenham’s need for defensive reinforcements with football.london reporting they would ideally like to sign two new centre-backs this summer.

As well as Cristian Romero, who Spurs have now signed according to reliable reports, they have been linked with the likes of Conor Coady and Takehiro Tomiyasu recently.

However, Tottenham also need to strengthen in the attacking areas and have their sights set on doing so after completing the Romero agreement.

The Latest: Tottenham now have eyes for Damsgaard…

As per Rosser, who shared his article with Kilpatrick in The Evening Standard on Twitter, Spurs are looking at Sampdoria ace Damsgaard as another possible new signing this summer.

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“Tottenham looking at more creative players after Romero signing,” Rosser explained on social media.

“Mikkel Damsgaard and Noni Madueke two they’re keeping an eye on but would likely have to sell first.”

Indeed, as explained in their piece, Tottenham are interested in signing the 21-year-old this summer but his price tag of €50 million (£42.5m) means players will have to go out the door first.

The Verdict: Would be incredible…

The attacking midfielder is, arguably, one of the most promising youngsters in world football going by his exploits at the Euros and praise at domestic level.

Damsgaard’s sensational free-kick against England in the semi-finals at Wembley was a showcase of his real ability and it’s little wonder Sampdoria have slapped a hefty price tag on his head.

He has also been called a ‘very exciting player’ by Italian football expert Conor Clancy (via This is Futbol), and if Spurs can offload deadwood to make up his £42.5m asking price, we strongly believe Spurs should make a move.

In other news: Tottenham set sights on signing yet another defender, he is ready for move away…find out more here.

Speaking to BBC during their live Euro 2020 coverage, former Tottenham Hotspur striker Jurgen Klinsmann lifted the lid on contact he had with chairman Daniel Levy whilst claiming that he would ‘absolutely’ be open to the managerial role at the club.

The Lowdown: Spurs still searching…

Tottenham are still in the hunt for a new manager more than two months after sacking Jose Mourinho, with many candidates coming and going since late April.

Levy has been scouring the managerial market in search of someone who can start a new era at Tottenham, and at many points over these last few weeks, Spurs looked to be getting closer to finding their man.

However, talks with Mauricio Pochettino, Antonio Conte, Paulo Fonseca and Gennaro Gattuso all failed to amount to an appointment, with no end seemingly in sight.

The Latest: Klinsmann puts name forward…

Speaking to the BBC, Klinsmann openly put his hat in the ring for the job, claiming that he would ‘absolutely’ take the job at Tottenham.

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The 56-year-old also revealed that he had a phone call with Levy just after Tottenham sacked Mourinho.

“Absolutely would I consider that, but if he doesn’t want to I cannot force it,” Klinsmann explained when asked about the Spurs job.

“I called him [Levy] after he let Mourinho go. I said ‘Daniel, what’s the case now?’ and he said ‘I have so much to do right now, I have to sort things out at the club and let’s talk later on’.

“Then I saw all the different names walking in and talking and walking out. And the same still.”

The Verdict: Not what Tottenham need…

Klinsmann’s managerial record at club level is, to put it lightly, pretty mixed. The German’s last job at Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga ended rather unceremoniously with his resignation after just 76 days in charge.

Indeed, before he departed, Klinsmann all but promised to transform Hertha into a European powerhouse, only to quit the post very soon after his appointment. Before that, his stint as coach of the USA international team ended with him being shown the door after failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup (New York Times).

His record isn’t exactly glittering and it’s arguable that more difficult candidates to entice, like Erik ten Hag for one, are worth the extra effort.

In other news: ‘Crazy’ – Fabrizio Romano shares Spurs manager update with ‘new name’ now contacted, find out more here.

A number of West Brom supporters have been showing their love for injured Albion ace Dara O’Shea following a social media update from the defender.

The Baggies have made a strong start to the season as they look to make a swift return to the Premier League following relegation in the spring.

Valerien Ismael’s side sit top of the Championship table after picking up 14 points from their opening six matches, and they look like genuine promotion contenders.

The biggest setback West Brom have suffered is a long-term injury to O’Shea, however, with the centre-back an ever-present in the league this season before being ruled out for several months following an injury on international duty recently.

On Monday, the Republic of Ireland defender posted on Instagram [shared via his club’s official Twitter account] to confirm that his surgery was complete as his recovery continues.

West Brom fans react to O’Shea post

These Baggies supporters were quick to show their support for the 22-year-old on Twitter, with the defender hopefully returning stronger than ever and as quickly as possible given the nature of his injury.

“King Dara”

Credit: @AlexSkidmore17

“Come back stronger lad”

Credit: @KyleJnes

“Future captain”

Credit: @dizzysnade

“Love you king”

Credit: @wbanath

“Goat”

Credit: @leo_woodfield

“Best CB in the championship”

Credit: @electrodecay

In other news, some West Brom fans have reacted to Ismael’s recent comments. Read more here.

It was revealed earlier this week that Southampton have offered a new deal to Harry Lewis, which is another strange goalkeeping call by Ralph Hasenhuttl.

Hampshire Live journalist Tom Leach revealed on Twitter that Lewis was handed a one-year contract extension back in January, which was only made public this week.

The club has yet to announce the deal but he wasn’t included on their released list earlier this week, which was cause for confusion as his initial deal was set to expire at the end of this month.

It seems quite strange that the 23-year-old was offered a new deal at St Mary’s when you consider that he has made just three appearances for the senior side during his career, the last of which came in the 2016/17 season.

Lewis’ last taste of senior football was in a loan spell at Dundee United in the 2017/18 campaign and he has spent the three subsequent seasons playing with Southampton’s academy teams.

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Therefore, it feels almost cruel by Hasenhuttl to offer him fresh hope with another contract, as it seems highly unlikely that he will get any game-time in the first team next season, and it therefore prevents him from getting regular senior football in the lower leagues, which could prove to be bad for his career.

It is not the first strange call the Austrian has made regarding his goalkeepers at Southampton in recent weeks, as he also confirmed that Alex McCarthy and Fraser Forster would both be competing for a starting spot again next season, despite neither looking wholly convincing in the 2020/21 campaign.

Only relegated West Brom conceded more goals than Southampton last season and it seems clear that a new first-choice ‘keeper should be brought in ahead of next term, but Hasenhuttl appears happy with his current options.

Considering that Angus Gunn is also set to return after a less than impressive loan spell at Stoke City, Lewis will likely be fourth-choice at St Mary’s next season. If he isn’t careful, he could spend his whole career sitting on the bench rather than getting game-time in the lower divisions and making a name for himself there.

In other news… Southampton can sign a serious Bertrand upgrade in this beast

Sunderland journalist Philip West was left slamming the display of Luke O’Nien in their 1-1 draw at home to Rotherham United in League One on Tuesday.

The Lowdown: Vital point?

It is safe to say that the Black Cats were not at their best at the Stadium of Light, but grabbed themselves what could be a vital point in their hopes of securing a play-off place.

A Michael Ihiekwe own goal in the 88th minute spared their blushes after the central defender had given the visitors the lead early in the first half, and that point keeps the Black Cats in the top six… just.

The Latest: O’Nien slammed

Taking to Twitter, West slammed a few of the performances from the Wearside club, including O’Nien’s:

“Too many of our players are having an off-night here. Matete went into his shell after the yellow, O’Nien has been poor, and Broadhead has been neutralised.”

The Verdict: Harsh

The criticism of O’Nien seems harsh as he was one of SAFC’s better players on the night.

Yes, he was guilty of giving possession away no fewer than 15 times in total, and also made two fouls, no dribbles or key passes (SofaScore), but the central midfield player at least put a shift in for his team and improved as the game went on.

O’Nien won 11 individual duels, more than anyone else on the pitch, and also recorded two tackles, one clearance and interception, while he himself was fouled five times, again more than any other player, as SofaScore gave him a respectable 6.9/10 overall rating.

Nonetheless, he looks to have secured his starting place as Alex Neil’s side face Morecambe away from home on the final day.

In other news, find out what exciting Sunderland update has Roker Report buzzing here!