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Leeds United are contemplating a summer move for Wolves star Adama Traore as they look to strengthen Marcelo Bielsa’s squad ahead of the new Prmeier League campaign.

What’s the story?

It was suggested late last year that the Whites were keen on luring the Spain winger away from Molineux, but a deal failed to materialise by the end of the January transfer window deadline.

90min have now revealed that Bielsa’s side are considering making a move for the 25-year-old this time around, with Wolves now ready to listen to offers for the pacey winger.

The report added: “Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea have all kept close tabs on Traore, but Leeds are very much at the head of the queue as it stands.

“Traore’s relationship with Orta, who plucked him from a miserable time at Villa to take him to Boro, and his desire to work with Marcelo Bielsa could very well sway the deal in their favour.”

The £100,000-a-week Spaniard’s sheer pace could give Leeds a different dimension to the tricks and skills offered by someone like Raphinha. As a player either off the bench or from the start, Traore could be a unique kind of game-changer for the Whites – his average of 4.1 dribbles per game in the Premier League last season was the highest in the entire division.

Former Leeds player David Norris has given his stamp of approval on a potential move for the winger, exclusively telling Football FanCast: “He (Bielsa) likes them attacking, exciting players that can create. They still must work hard, but the way he’s been in the last couple of seasons, and how much of a danger he is and how much he an create, I think that would be a great signing. Leeds are looking for top players and I think he’s a top player.”

90min also claimed that “Bielsa is a huge fan of the Spanish international winger, and has been for some time, believing he could blossom in his system at Elland Road.”

If a deal can be agreed between the two clubs, then the Leeds manager will no doubt be buzzing at landing a player he has followed for “some time.”

Meanwhile, Phil Hay has dropped an exciting Leeds United update…

Wolves have reportedly made a bid to try and sign Kaio Jorge in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Jimenez cover needed

Losing Raul Jimenez to injury for most of the 2020/21 season was certainly a big blow to the Midlands club in their hopes of finishing in the top half of the Premier League table and qualifying for European competition.

The Molineux outfit should duly be looking for a striker to come in and provide sufficient cover for the Mexico international, in case he is again missing for a large chunk of the upcoming campaign.

The Latest: Jorge bid

As per A Bola (via Sport Witness), Wolves have taken a ‘strong step’ in their attempts to sign Jorge by offering a fee of €15m (£12.9m) for the Santos talent, but the Brazilian club want €20m (£17.1m) if they are to sell him.

New Wolves manager Bruno Lage is also said to be an admirer of the 19-year-old from his time at Benfica, who are also in the race for his signature along with both Chelsea and Juventus.

Jorge’s current deal expires at the end of the year and his renewal process is complicated, meaning that he should be available to sign a pre-contract with another club in July.

The Verdict: Sign

Jorge is an up-and-coming prospect at just 19 years of age but he has played men’s football since 2018, scoring 15 goals and supplying three assists in 71 matches across all competitions for Santos (Transfermarkt).

He also netted six times in 10 matches for Brazil at under-17 level (Transfermarkt) and has even been dubbed the ‘new Cristiano Ronaldo’.

Jorge clearly seems to have the potential to reach the highest level in football, and Wolves would be wise to try and give him a platform to shine while he is still a fledgling talent rather than a bona fide superstar.

In other news, this transfer update has left many Wolves fans talking

Adama Traore would take his game to the next level by completing a move to Chelsea this summer, according to Dean Windass.

Traore has been linked with a move away from Wolverhampton Wanderers and a host of clubs are keeping tabs on the lightning-fast winger.

While Leeds United have expressed an interest and the Spain international could reunite with ex-Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo at Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea are also in the running to secure his services.

Traore, who switched to Molineux from Championship side Middlesbrough in August 2018, could be seeking a new challenge as Wolves enter a new era under former Benfica head coach Bruno Lage.

The 25-year-old scored just three goals in 41 appearances last season as Wolves finished 13th in the Premier League standings.

Windass, who also featured for Middlesbrough during his playing career, believes Traore should head to Stamford Bridge if the opportunity comes before the transfer window closes.

Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, Windass said: “He would go to the next level because he would work with better players.

“If Wolves are asking for up to £70million for him, it would not surprise me one bit.

“The only reason why I’m saying he would be good enough to go to Chelsea is because of his pace. They would be able to develop his technical ability and he is not so strong on his left foot. He’s got to work hard on his weaker foot.

“If he signs for a club like Chelsea, with the coaching staff they’ve got and the players there, he’s going to automatically improve his game.”

Aiden McGeady’s dazzling footwork was once again not enough to get Sunderland back into the Championship, but he is still yet to sign a new deal on Wearside and former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey believes the winger will be holding out for more money from the club.

During the second half of last season, the Black Cats were eventually taken over by Kyril Louis-Dreyfus who became the youngest owner in English football, and with a lot of financial power himself and in his family, Sunderland could splash the cash this summer.

McGeady was shunned out of the first-team picture during the first half of the season under former boss, Phil Parkinson, however Lee Johnson brought him straight back in and despite playing just 24 league games he managed to top the assist chart with 16 and get into the WhoScored team of the season with a 7.4 rating.

It would be a huge blow for Sunderland to lose McGeady although it could be for the best to move him on if he is holding out for more money because the club has new owners – something Howey spoke exclusively to Transfer Tavern about:

“He might be holding out for more money or he could be a little bit annoyed with how he was treated because he was exiled a little bit earlier but ultimately, that wasn’t under the manager who is there now.

“He made the League One Team of the Season this year, so even though the club is not basking in money, they do have new owners and he could want them to pay him more.”

There is no doubting McGeady’s qualities on the ball as he is carried Sunderland numerous times to victory or back into games, however at 35-years-old he may now see this as his final big payday before retiring or returning back to Ireland.

Another contract rebel is Charlie Wyke, who is also set to become a free agent later this summer unless he decides to sign the new deal that is on the table for him but after scoring 25 goals in League One he may want to test himself in the Championship.

Lee Ryder has dropped some enticing insight from chiefs of the Premier League on both of the Newcastle United takeover cases launched against them.

The Lowdown: Ashley launches claims

Mike Ashley has launched an arbitration case against the top flight with regards to the failed takeover deal between him and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) group, which is set to take place in the coming months.

The chief executive of Sports Direct has also launched a separate anti-competition lawsuit against the division over their decision-making process in the failed takeover bid, which will be kept in his back pocket in case the arbitration hearing does not in his favour.

The Latest: Premier League insight

Writing in his latest piece for The Chronicle, Ryder, North East football journalist who has been following the whole takeover saga closely, has shared that chiefs of the Premier League think that both cases are too similar, and have since handed in detailed evidence to have the anti-competition lawsuit stopped.

Ryder also claimed that it looks as if the top flight are trying to play for time, by continually trying to slow down the takeover process and argue their case.

The Verdict: Premier League could be on edge

The fact that the division are seemingly trying to delay the process and arguing that the two cases are too similar does suggest that they could be feeling pessimistic about the potential outcome of the initial arbitration hearing.

Adding Ashley’s confidence that he will get the right result into the mix, it seems as if the top flight could be feeling some pressure with regards to the direction in which the takeover could potentially be heading.

Nonetheless, the results of the arbitration proceedings should give a much clearer picture, and the St. James’ Park faithful will need full cooperation from the division if there is any hope of the original deal being revived.

In other news, find out what claim Ryder has dropped on the potential takeover involving Rafa Benitez here!

Reliable reporter Alan Nixon has suggested that Southampton will be keeping a close eye on Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie in the coming weeks.

The Lowdown: Christie a man in demand

Celtic appear to be in a tricky situation with Christie, as his contract actually expires in January 2022.

That means he’ll be able to pen a pre-contract agreement with sides outside of Scotland this summer, ahead of a potential free transfer in the new year.

Both Burnley and Norwich have been linked with a move for the 26-year-old recently, and it seems as if Southampton have become the latest side to show an interest in the Scotland international.

The Latest: Nixon’s Christie claim

According to Nixon, the Saints ‘will watch Celtic’s Ryan Christie at Euros’ – an interesting seven-word claim for the Hoops’ expected rebuild.

Christie was included in Steve Clarke’s squad for the major competition, alongside five other Hoops players.

Nixon took to Twitter on Sunday morning to share the news, saying:

“Southampton. Will watch Celtic’s Ryan Christie at Euros. Contract running down. May get a chance to play in preferred role too.”

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The Verdict: Euros key for Celtic’s financial hopes?

Back in February, a Celtic source informed Football Insider that the Hoops were looking to tie Christie down to a new deal ahead of the summer window.

However, with no deal yet in place, Celtic may have to bite the bullet and look to sell at a cut price, should interested parties be keen on one, to ensure they at least receive something for the attacking midfielder.

He’s currently valued at £6.3m and is on £12,000-a-week at Parkhead, so if the club can receive an offer around £4-6m, they may be silly not to accept given his contract situation.

Hopefully, Christie can impress with his country this summer over the coming weeks, which could end up being key for Celtic earning as much as possible in a permanent deal ahead of the 2021/22 season.

In other news: Source shares further Celtic managerial twist; Dermot Desmond urged to consider Ange Postecoglou alternative, find out more here. 

Celtic appear to be back in for former target Bright Osayi-Samuel this summer.

The Lowdown: Hoops’ previous interest

The Hoops were linked with a move for the winger back in December. Neil Lennon made the 23-year-old his winter window transfer priority, but as we know, a deal never materialised.

Osayi-Samuel eventually left Queens Park Rangers for Fenerbahce; however, he has struggled in Turkey, scoring just once in 18 Super Lig appearances.

The Latest: Monaco in talks, Celtic interested

According to Turkish outlet Fotospor, Fenerbahce are in talks with Monaco over potentially including Osayi-Samuel in a swap deal for Henry Onyekuru.

The report adds however that ‘there is also interest from Celtic’ – an intriguing six-word claim at the end of the story.

Rivals Rangers are also credited with an interest, and it appears as if there is a real chance Osayi-Samuel’s stay in Turkey could be short-lived.

The Verdict: Just what Celtic need?

It’s safe to say Osayi-Samuel, who QPR boss Mark Warburton described as ‘outstanding’ last year, knows how to beat a man, and with Mohamed Elyounoussi’s second loan spell at Parkhead now over, the Nigerian could be a handy acquisition to bolster the attacking ranks.

He’s averaged 2.4 successful dribbles per game throughout his career, with Hoops star David Turnbull averaging just 0.4 per match [WhoScored], while Tom Rogic, perhaps the other competitor for that attacking midfield spot, manages 1.5 dribbles per showing.

Osayi-Samuel contributed to 14 Championship goals in the 2019/20 season, so if he could get back to that form, you’d expect him to be a real threat in the attacking third.

If the Hoops are serious about reigniting their interest in the 23-year-old, they may have to act relatively fast, as it appears as if Fenerbahce are looking to use him as part of a deal for Onyekuru.

In other news: Celtic hold talks with Ange Postecoglou alternative, find out more here. 

Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie has told The Transfer Tavern in an exclusive interview that he would not be surprised to see Neil Taylor leave his old side in the summer.

Taylor has been a good servant to Villa after joining in 2017, helping the Midlands club to win promotion back to the Premier League.

However, the 32-year-old left-back is out of contract at the end of the season and Sky Sports are now reporting that Turkish outfit Istanbul Basaksehir are interested in bringing him to the Basaksehir Fatih Terim Stadium on a free transfer.

Speaking exclusively to TT about Taylor’s future, Hendrie said:

“Taylor’s been one of those servants that some fans have liked him, some fans haven’t. Listen, when he’s played he’s worn his heart on his sleeve and he’s done well.

“I think the possibility of him signing a new contract is very, very bleak. I think he’d certainly be thinking and considering going and playing the latter stages of his career somewhere else, so it wouldn’t surprise me if he did leave the club.”

If Taylor wants to play regular football, then leaving this summer is probably his best option.

Matt Targett has really made that left-back position his own this season, making over 30 appearances for Dean Smith’s side in the current Premier League campaign, so it is hard to imagine Taylor usurping him.

Aston Villa have been watching Norwich City’s Emiliano Buendia closely, according to a report from The Athletic.

The 24-year-old isn’t viewed as a replacement for Jack Grealish, but rather someone who could be deployed alongside the England international.

Villa are looking to strengthen in forward areas, with Trezeguet out long-term and Ross Barkley’s loan spell at its end, but it will apparently take more than £40m to prise the Argentine away from Norwich, who were recently promoted back to the Premier League.

Both the player and the club are believed to have accepted that it is the right time for him to leave, although Villa could face competition from Arsenal, who view Buendia as an alternative to Martin Odegaard should the latter return to Real Madrid.

Buendia coveted after fine season

Buendia led the Championship for assists last season with a total of 16, four clear of his nearest challenger, Reading’s Michael Olise. He also scored 15 times during the campaign, enough to finish in the league’s top 10 scorers.

Fan feed The Villa Report relayed the information, and naturally many supporters reacted excitedly, imploring sporting director Johan Lange to do all he can to bring the 24-year-old to Villa Park.

Villa fans buzzing at strong Buendia links

“If Lange gets this done I’ll give him my first born”

Credit: @AVFC__Alex

“Next to Jack this would be an unbelievable signing – we have the money, spend it”

Credit: @AvfcU

“Get it done.”

Credit: @catrinedwards18

“I beg of you”

Credit: @BlackCountry_AV

“Ohhhhh myyyyy”

Credit: @LukeKing_

“Oh now this is what I’m talking about”

Credit: @BackpostTrez2

In other news, read this ex-Villa star’s incredible claim about Emi Martinez.

David Moyes is surely very concerned ahead of West Ham United hosting Chelsea with Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuku ruled out through injury.

That’s according to Claret & Hugh, who claim the duo are expected to be declared unfit for the Hammers’ clash with Thomas Tuchel’s side this Saturday.

Chelsea travel to the London Stadium looking to pull three points clear of the Irons in the race for Champions League qualification, having moved ahead into fourth place after being held to a goalless draw with Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday.

The Blues presently sit above West Ham only on goal difference having conceded less frequently thus far, and the Hammers falling to a 3-2 defeat at relegation-threatened Newcastle United last time out.

Moyes was without both Cresswell and Masuaku at St. James’ Park due to hamstring issues, seeing that academy product Ben Johnson was recalled to start a Premier League game for only the fifth time this term.

Johnson will now likely retain his position at full-back for the visit of Chelsea to east London with Moyes not expected to receive positive updates on Cresswell or Masuaku, while Craig Dawson will also be absent through suspension.

Masuaku is understood to be an injury doubt for the Blues clash due to having fluid on his knee, although it is not claimed whether or not the issue relates to the career-saving surgery he underwent in December.

Cresswell is due to be absent as a result of the hamstring injury he sustained early in the second half of his side’s 3-2 win at home to Leicester City earlier this month, but is touted for a return away to Burnley on May 1st.

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Moyes will surely be very concerned by the prospect of facing Chelsea without Cresswell or Masuaku, who have opened 16 and 11 of West Ham’s 32 Premier League fixtures at left-back or left-wing-back this term.

Johnson performed promisingly as the stand-in at Newcastle and proved to be Moyes’ real positive of the day, despite falling to a 3-2 defeat when Joe Willock outleaped the 21-year-old to head home the Magpies’ winning effort.

The Irons product made a joint game-high three successful tackles with Tomas Soucek and the Toon’s Federico Fernandez at St. James’ Park, and proved to be his side’s most creative option with three key passes – only Allan Saint-Maximin (5) offered more, per WhoScored.

But his role in Willock’s goal will have raised some concerns over Johnson’s readiness to thwart a Champions League-chasing opponent, especially one in Chelsea who strike 16% of their shots from the right-wing for the Premier League’s second-most to Leicester (18%).

Former Sheffield United midfielder Michael Brown was also highly critical of Johnson’s efforts in the other direction against Manchester United last month in what was his previous start, telling BBC Radio 5 Live:

“Moyes has told him regularly now: ‘go on, push on, be that outlet out wide at the top of the pitch’. I think he is frightened to do it. We will see how long that lasts because Moyes has told him to do it three times now.”

With Cresswell also West Ham’s lead assister maker with seven and creator with an average of 1.4 key passes per Premier League game this term, Moyes may need Johnson playing on the front foot against Chelsea – it just remains to be seen if he can do to the Blues what he did at Newcastle.

AND in other news, West Ham have eyes on a “very aggressive” £75,000-per-week colossus facing an uncertain future…