This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets…
Sheffield Wednesday return to Championship action this weekend when they face a trip to the Hawthorns to face league leaders West Bromwich Albion on Saturday afternoon.
Garry Monk’s men have mostly enjoyed a two-week break from the league as they look to recharge their batteries ahead of a hectic festive period, although how much their off the field predicament will affect them on the pitch remains to be seen.
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They’ll be buoyed by the fact that the Baggies will be without two players that have started every single game for them this campaign as Romaine Sawyers and skipper Jake Livermore endure a one-match suspension.
While the 40-year-old will be able to call upon some of the players that have been on international duty, such as Atdhe Nuhiu and Liam Palmer, although the latter’s latest showing left plenty to be desired.
The Wednesday right-back played his third straight 90 minutes in a Scotland shirt as they defeated Cyprus 2-1 in a pretty meaningless Euro 2020 qualifying match.
Per SofaScore, Palmer lost possession 17 times, which was the second-most in the team, failed to provide any key passes or accurate crosses, and recorded a poor passing accuracy of 65%.
Overall, it was a pretty shocking afternoon for the 28-year-old, however, Monk must stick with him going into this weekend’s fixture.
Even if there are calls for Moses Odubajo to make a return.
Palmer offers more defensive stability – recording more interceptions and clearances, as well as fewer fouls, via WhoScored – than the Steve Bruce signing.
Albion pose a huge attacking threat with their attacking midfield options. Grady Diangana, Matty Phillips, and Matheus Pereira have combined for 82% of their 29 league goals this season, and the Owls stalwart is the best option to counteract their danger.
The right-back situation can be revisited after Saturday’s game, although there’s a tough run of fixtures ahead.
Mikel Arteta has orchestrated a special rise at Arsenal, proving to be the leader that the club yearned for after several years of struggle.
How funny that he, Pep Guardiola’s protege, should rise to be his most fierce competitor over the past few campaigns. How funny that he, the new kid on the block, played under Arsene Wenger as a Gunners star, absorbed the Frenchman’s teachings and understood what it means to be a key part of this proud and prestigious Premier League outfit.
Arsenal have now built themselves up to be an elite-level team on the European stage, and after finishing as runners-up in successive terms, must claim the elusive title this time, especially with Manchester City linchpin Rodri out for the remainder of the campaign.
Joint-second, alongside the Citizens and one point behind Liverpool, Arsenal need to keep picking up victories and must do so later this afternoon against Bournemouth.
19/10/24
Bournemouth (A)
13th
27/10/24
Liverpool (H)
1st
02/11/24
Newcastle (A)
7th
10/11/24
Chelsea (A)
4th
23/11/24
Nott’m Forest (H)
10th
Bournemouth have been impressive under Andoni Iraola but have a testing run of top-flight fixtures coming up and cannot afford to cede ground at the Vitality Stadium.
Arsenal team news
Arsenal supporters will be sweating over the fitness of several key players ahead of the trip to the south coast, with fears principally built around Bukayo Saka, who picked up a muscular injury on England duty last week.
The red-hot forward is expected to play a part, with Arteta allaying fears during his pre-match press conference on Friday. He did, however, reveal that Gabriel Martinelli picked up a calf problem with Brazil and might not make the matchday squad.
Kai Havertz is expected to be fit, however, club captain Martin Ødegaard continues to languish in the stands after suffering an ankle injury with Norway in September. That said, the creative midfielder is expected to return next week.
How Arsenal are faring without Martin Ødegaard
It bears testament to Arsenal’s deep-rooted fluency and cohesion that Ødegaard has been missing for four Premier League matches and the only dropped points came at the Etihad Stadium, against Manchester City.
His return to action is only going to enhance the north Londoners further, having won Arsenal’s Player of the Season award for two seasons in succession and posting 44 goal contributions during the timeframe.
As per FBref, Ødegaard ranked among the top 6% of central midfielders in the Premier League last term for assists and the top 1% for shot-creating actions and progressive passes per 90, highlighting the playmaking brilliance that makes Arsenal such a fearsome unit in transition.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard
Arsenal have been fine without their leader but there’s plenty of reason to get excited about his comeback. In any case, he’s not going to be around today, and thus, Mikel Merino must be rewarded with his first start since returning to England in the summer.
Why Arteta must unleash Mikel Merino
Arsenal signed Merino from Real Sociedad in a deal worth around £32m, adding another element to their central fold that could bear dividends across the vast stretch of the season.
An untimely injury meant that the 28-year-old sat on the sidelines throughout the early phase of the term, but he made his debut before the October break and is now in line to earn his first starting berth.
With Gabriel Jesus flattering to deceive and Martinelli injured, Havertz might be needed at number nine once again, which means Thomas Partey and Declan Rice can operate in midfield with Merino playing slightly further forward.
The reasons for unleashing their new recruit in this way are manifold. Arsenal have become one of the most direct teams from the goal-kick, and Merino, who ranks among the top 1% of midfielders for aerial battles won per 90 (5.89), will enhance this thriving system.
Ethan Nwaneri might want to earn his first start in the Premier League after impressing in recent weeks, claiming a brace against Bolton Wanderers in the Carabao Cup earlier this month, but the 17-year-old would not have the same effect on the overall ticking of Arteta’s team, whereas Merino would help claim full control from Bournemouth.
The left-footed midfielder has even been described as an “aerial duel monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, who has gushed over the ace’s athleticism and combativeness.
Last season in La Liga, the 28-year-old absurdly won 10.2 duels per game, speaking of the kind of steel that he will inject into Arsenal’s midfield.
It’s already been showcased. Against Southampton, Merino was introduced with little less than half an hour on the clock and played a key role in turning the tide, winning all four of his contested ground duels.
He’s not just a one-trick pony either, ranked among the top 3% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored (0.26) and the top 18% for progressive passes (6.66) per 90, speaking of an attacking edge that stands proud of his dynamic skillset and could be used to add a dimension that can make up, in part, for Odegaard’s continued absence.
His middling season with Newcastle United during his younger days might have left Premier League fans indifferent, but he is now a refined and robust player with the perfect properties to make a difference for Arsenal, with young Nwaneri likely to still be called upon from the bench.
Bournemouth will look to play their flowing game and wrest chances from Arsenal’s imperious backline, and though the Cherries have proven their attacking quality, Arsenal will have more than enough to overpower them with Merino uniting with Rice and Havertz in the engine room.
Man City and Liverpool are both top-class outfits in their own right, but Arsenal are building something special and will have full belief in their ability to overturn the Bournemouth threat.
Odegaard might not be back yet, but Merino can play his own part in Arteta’s midfield and prove his worth in a title-chasing English team.
Imagine him & Saka: Arsenal battling PL rivals to sign their own De Bruyne
Arsenal could bolster their attacking ranks in January.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has already made his decision on Illan Meslier’s place in the Whites side going forward, beginning against Sheffield United next Friday.
The Whites come into this two-week break on the back of a frustrating result at the Stadium of Light, as they had to settle for a point deep into injury time after looking on course to take home all three due to the Frenchman’s blunder.
Sky Sports: Club now plan to sign £10m Leeds player who Farke doesn't want
It looks like one to watch.
ByBrett Worthington Oct 8, 2024 Leeds news and updates
International football isn’t ideal for any club or supporter, but Leeds may be glad to see this break come now. The Yorkshire side have suffered greatly with injuries so far this season, as Max Wober, Ethan Ampadu, and Ilia Gruev all look set to miss the next few weeks and months of the campaign.
Leeds have also seen Patrick Bamford and Manor Solomon suffer with injuries, but they could be about to welcome one key figure back into the fold. Farke has revealed that he hopes to have Daniel James back available for the game against Sheffield United. The Welsh international has been out since late August with a hamstring injury, but he now looks to be closing in on his return, as Leeds need to bolster their squad options.
As well as a welcome injury boost, Leeds may also have some more good news coming their way, as Eintracht Frankfurt are keen on signing defender Rasmus Kristensen on a permanent deal. The Denmark international is spending the season on loan with the German side, but Frankfurt are already keen to trigger the buy option they have, which is around £8.3-10 million.
Leeds don’t have a game now for 10 days, but Farke has already made a decision as to whether one of his star players plays against the Blades.
Decision already made as Farke makes Meslier call for Leeds v Sheffield Utd
According to Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke, Leeds United and Farke have no plans to replace goalkeeper Meslier after his blunder against Sunderland over the weekend. The shot-stopper failed to catch the ball in the 97th minute of added time on Friday night, and that resulted in the Whites throwing away three points and having to settle for one.
However, despite the big error from the 24-year-old, Farke has no plans to replace Meslier in goal, so he will keep his place in the side against Sheffield United. In fact, the goalkeeper has the full backing of the German, who has been an important figure under Farke and for Leeds since he joined the club.
Leeds have Karl Darlow waiting in the wings, but that still isn’t enough for Farke to decide to drop Meslier, and he is expected to start against the Blades. The mistake against Sunderland is seen as a “freak issue” and not a problem that will be long-term, and therefore, Meslier, who was labelled “outstanding” last season by Farke, is not going to be judged for one moment.
Apps
184
Goals conceded
263
Clean sheets
56
Leeds face an important clash against the Blades, as both sides are fighting for promotion and both have made a strong start to this Championship campaign, with the visitors yet to taste defeat.
Fantasy Premier League managers were left in one of two camps in Gameweek 6 – the have Cole Palmers and the have nots. Whichever side you found yourself on, Football FanCast have found three differential midfielders to move you up your mini leagues in Gameweek 7.
To qualify for our list, the players must have a total expected goal involvement (xGI) this season of more than 2.0 and be less than 10% owned.
3 Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool, £6.5m, 2% owned
Dominik Szoboszlai for Liverpool
With all the excitement surrounding Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Trent Alexander-Arnold in this season’s FPL, the new role Arne Slot has handed to Szoboszlai has gone slightly under the radar. The Hungary international is playing more advanced than he did under Jurgen Klopp, similar to the position in which he racked up 10 goals and 13 assists during his final season with RB Leipzig.
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His xGI per 90 minutes stands at 0.39, with two assists coming his way, while he also has a goal and assist apiece in the Champions League, end product which should translate into domestic action before too long.
The 23 year-old’s late runs into the box saw him rack up a huge 0.7 expected goal chance last time out against Wolves, which was saved, but showed signs of what’s to come with his new found freedom under Slot.
2 Dwight McNeil, Everton, £5.6m, 5% owned
Dwight McNeil for Everton
Okay, maybe we’re a little late to this one, but McNeil’s stunning brace to turn things around for the Toffees against Crystal Palace shows very few signs of being a flash in the pan. In fact, the former Burnley star racked up more expected goal involvements in four of the previous five games than he did in the 2-1 win last weekend.
Crystal Palace (H)
2/0
0.46
Leicester (A)
0/0
0.47
Aston Villa (A)
1/1
0.89
Bournemouth (H)
0/1
0.81
Tottenham (A)
0/0
0.66
Brighton (H)
0/0
0.16
Sean Dyche will be desperate to prove to the incoming new owners that he deserves to keep his job, and he expects McNeil to be a big part of that, having played the winger in all but eight minutes of the league season so far. With upcoming fixtures against Newcastle, Ipswich, Fulham and Southampton, McNeil suddenly looks like one of the best assets in the game for a short-term punt.
1 James Maddison, Tottenham, £7.5m, 5% owned
Much like Szoboszlai, Maddison’s value as an FPL asset has gone slightly under the radar due to the presence of high profile teammates such as Son Heung-min and Dominic Solanke. However, Maddison’s xGI of 4.81 this season is by far the highest in the Spurs squad and actually the fourth best in the league, behind only Salah, Palmer and of course Erling Haaland.
Maddison is also not under any threat of rotation having started every league fixture so far this season, and faces some favourable upcoming fixtures after the international break.
Brighton (A)
2
West Ham (H)
2
Crystal Palace (A)
3
Aston Villa (H)
3
Ipswich (H)
2
The England international – who is desperate to show he belongs as a Three Lions regular – is now undoubtedly one of the best and most underrated midfielders in FPL this season.
Even prior to the tumultuous ownership of Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly, Chelsea have always strangely handled centre-backs.
Fikayo Tomori and Kurt Zouma were sold for reasonably cheap prices, whilst Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger were allowed to run down their contracts and leave the club on free transfers.
The Blues’ central defensive situation has been thrown under scrutiny with the future of Levi Colwill having become one of the most dominant headlines of the summer.
What's the latest news on Levi Colwill?
Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion are rumoured to be keenly tracking the homegrown wonderkid, but the west London outfit has insisted he is not for sale and they're set to offer a vastly improved contract offer.
For all their faults, it seems that the new Chelsea regime has recognised the need and quality for homegrown talent in the first team.
By tying down Colwill’s future to Stamford Bridge, it will avoid the repetition of allowing another one of Cobham’s most glistening prodigies to prematurely depart the club – just as what happened to Marc Guehi two summers ago.
In 2021, in search of more regular minutes, Guehi moved across the capital to Crystal Palace for £18m. Now in a sensational turn of events, the Blues are targeting a return for the 23-year-old titan.
What’s the latest on Marc Guehi to Chelsea?
According to The Guardian, Chelsea may attempt to engineer a reunion with Guehi after losing Wesley Fofana to a long-term knee injury.
The 2021 Champions League winners have been forced into the market for a central defender after Fofana had surgery on a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
However, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are also interested in the Cobham graduate but are yet to start any formal negotiations.
The report details Chelsea are weighing up whether they need more depth as Mauricio Pochettino already has Thiago Silva, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, and Colwill to choose from.
But, Silva is 39 in September, Badiashile is injured and Chalobah is a target for Inter Milan. Therefore, it’s a fluid situation that the Blues will continue to assess.
Is Marc Guehi a good signing for Chelsea?
Since joining Palace, the former Swansea City loanee has established himself as one of the club’s most influential and consistent performers.
He has played in 73 of the Eagles’ last 76 Premier League matches, forming a solid partnership with the ball-spraying Joachim Anderson to cement Palace as a sturdy mid-table side.
The £50k-per-week colossus has even captained Palace on occasion and is of integral defensive importance, averaging 1.2 interceptions and 3.6 clearances per game, the second-highest in the squad for each metric.
A possible return for the Abidjan-born leader could set up a new relationship with Colwill. The 20-year-old spent enjoyed a fabulous loan stint at Brighton and a trip away with the England U21’s, who won the age group's UEFA European Championships.
Brighton defender Levi Colwill.
The youngster has shown he possesses a perfectly curated mix of physicality and ball-playing competence as he ranks within the best 12% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive passes and progressive carries per 90, as well as the highest 5% for aerials won per 90.
His previous manager Roberto De Zerbi commented on his limitless potential, saying:
“It’s difficult to find another left centre-back with his qualities.
“He’s a good guy, he’s improving a lot. This year his improvement has been fantastic.”
As Guehi and Colwill both have different strong feet, the prospect of them lining up together makes sense and is it an endearing narrative for the Stamford Bridge faithful to finally reap the rewards of their incredible academy.
Guehi, who was hailed “incredible” by BBC Sport’s Alex Howell, is valued at around £50m, but given the Blues' overwhelming financial muscle, this is unlikely to be a stumbling block.
Manchester City full-back Joao Cancelo is 'available' for a transfer this summer following his return from a spell on loan at Bayern Munich, according to journalist Dean Jones.
What's the latest transfer news involving Joao Cancelo?
Following concerns over his playing time last season, Cancelo was shipped out to Bayern Munich on loan and the German giants had the option to make the deal permanent for over £61 million, as per Sky Sports.
In his time at the Allianz Arena, Cancelo helped Bayern Munich to narrowly seal Bundesliga glory, registering one goal and six assists in 21 appearances, as shown on Transfermarkt.
German outlet Kicker report that Arsenal are keen on Cancelo amid uncertainty over his future at the Etihad, with RB Leipzig defender Benjamin Henrichs and Galatasaray's Sacha Boey also being monitored by the north Londoners this window.
Manchester City would demand a significant fee for Cancelo, who still has four years remaining on his contract at the club. Bayern Munich passed on the chance to sign the Portugal international, which may pave the way for the Gunners to firm up their interest in the coming weeks.
One outlet in Spain claim that Barcelona are also keeping an eye on Cancelo's situation and could initiate a loan bid to try and secure his signature.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones has indicated that Manchester City would be open to letting Cancelo move on this off-season.
Jones stated: "Cancelo is available. There has been no obvious change in that and he can leave. We can see Kyle Walker has been talked about leaving too. They're kind of open to even that happening, so Cancelo definitely could leave."
Who could replace Joao Cancelo at Manchester City?
Manchester City have been linked with potential targets to replace Cancelo this summer in the event he completes a transfer elsewhere in the duration of the window.
As per Football Insider, the Citizens hold a 'strong interest' in Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi and he 'features highly' on a list of targets that Guardiola could target to bolster the ranks in defence.
Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi.
In all likelihood, Manchester City will need to fork out a large sum of money to hold any hope of capturing Hakimi, though the outlet claim that they are 'ready to pay' for the Morocco international.
Veteran defender Kyle Walker could also make way for fresh blood amid interest from Bayern Munich; nevertheless, Manchester City are prepared to offer the 33-year-old a two-year contract extension to tie him down in the North West, according to Telegraph Sport.
The former Tottenham Hotspur full-back has a big decision to make surrounding his future, which previously looked to be doubtful earlier this year.
Of course, Manchester City could promote from within to replace Cancelo and there would be no better candidate on the books at the club already to step into his shoes than youngster Rico Lewis, who made 23 senior appearances for his boyhood club last season, scoring once, as per Transfermarkt.
Despite his supreme level of talent, Cancelo looks like he has run his race at Manchester City and is likely to depart for a new challenge should appropriate opportunities arise for him.
Liverpool endured a difficult 2022/23 campaign as they finished fifth in the Premier League and missed out on qualification for the Champions League by four points.
Jurgen Klopp has reacted to that disappointment by adding two new players to his squad in the off-season, with Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai coming in to bolster the midfield department.
However, the German head coach may not be finished there as the Reds have been linked with further signings ahead of next season.
Liverpool, along with the likes of Arsenal, Newcastle, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, are reportedly interested in signing Fenerbahce talent Arda Guler, who has a release clause of €17.5m (£15m) in his contract with the Turkish giants.
What is Arda Guler's style of play?
The teenage dynamo is a creative midfield player whose strengths include dribbling, opening up opposition defences, and delivering consistently impressive performances.
Guler's exceptional form for Fenerbahce last term suggests that the potential is there for him to come in as a huge upgrade on current Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott, as both players are left-footed gems who can operate in the middle of the park or out wide on the right.
The Turkey international averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.48 across 20 Super Lig outings and caught the eye with his contributions in possession.
Fenerbahce midfielder Arda Guler.
He created two chances alongside two completed dribbles per game for his side, whilst the 18-year-old also chipped in with four goals, which shows that the mercurial maestro is capable of committing defenders and providing teammates with opportunities in front of goal on a regular basis.
Elliott, on the other hand, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.81 over 32 Premier League matches, which placed him 17th within the squad. The England U21 international produced 0.8 key passes along with 0.6 dribbles per outing for the Reds, who did not have any player with as many as two chances created per game – with Trent Alexander-Arnold (1.9) leading the way.
Therefore, Guler could offer more than Elliott in possession due to his ability to create for others whilst also being able to push the team up the pitch by beating defenders with his quick feet.
No Liverpool star managed a higher Sofascore rating than 7.32 and this indicates that Guler, who was described as a “sensation” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has the potential to develop into an outstanding midfielder for Klopp, if he can translate his form in Turkey over to England.
At the age of 18, the Fenerbahce wizard has plenty of time on his hands to develop under the German manager's coaching, which means that he could be an excellent addition for the club as an immediate upgrade on Elliott and as a long-term project to bolster the side moving forward.
Tottenham Hotspur are in ongoing talks over Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba amid reports they're also negotiating Micky van de Ven.
Who will join Spurs this summer?
Incoming new manager Ange Postecoglou, before he's even officially started work, will be ecstatic at the business conducted by Spurs so far this summer.
The Australian is yet to properly begin his tenure as Tottenham manager, which is set to kick off on Saturday, but Postecoglou has so far watched both goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and playmaker James Maddison come through the door.
Both deals, after quick negotiations, have been confirmed by the Lilywhites as Spurs look to bolster weak areas of the squad and potentially challenge for a European place next season.
Reports have suggested that the north Londoners are not done there, though, with attention now turning to the capture of a star centre-half to plug their leaky defence.
ange-postecoglou-manager-spurs
Tottenham were subject to some alarming and worrisome defensive stats over 2022/2023, with no other top flight side above 15th conceding more than Spurs last campaign.
It is an issue both Postecoglou and chairman Daniel Levy will be eager to resolve, and quickly, as reliable media sources like Fabrizio Romano claim they've now opened direct talks to sign star Wolfsburg defender Micky van de Ven.
The 6 foot 4 defender has been praised for his performances in the Bundesliga, but according to The Evening Standard and journalist Dan Kilpatrick, he isn't the only centre-back they're in negotiations for.
Indeed, as per their information, it is believed Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen is also tickling their fancy – with "talks continuing" for the Burkina Faso international after their Maddison deal.
To gage price and other factors, it is perhaps prudent for Spurs to engage in multiple talks for different centre-back targets, with Tapsoba still firmly attracting their interest.
Alongside both Tapsoba and van de Ven, Tottenham are said to be keen on re-signing Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet, coming after his 22/23 loan spell in north London.
What's been said about Edmond Tapsoba?
An undroppable for Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso last season, only their goalkeeper played more German top flight minutes than Tapsoba last season.
The 24-year-old also averaged more Bundesliga clearances per 90 than all of his teammates bar Jonathan Tah (WhoScored), backing why Spurs are currently in discussions for the defender.
Tapsoba has also been called a "top quality" player in recent years by members of the media, so his potential signing could be quite the enticing prospect.
Harry Kane's family dream of him winning trophies at Tottenham Hotspur as the north London club intend to keep the player despite heavy transfer interest, David Ornstein has revealed.
What's the latest on Harry Kane?
The England striker was in sensational form for Spurs last season, scoring 30 league goals despite the team performing poorly and finishing eighth, and with just one year left on his contract, he has been linked with the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United.
However, Spurs have no intention to sell their star player, particularly to a rival, and it seems that they will resist any offers for the 29-year-old this summer.
Speaking on the FIVE YouTube channel, Ornstein claimed that Daniel Levy is highly unlikely to sanction a sale for Kane this summer.
"As far as I know, Harry Kane is not for sale is Tottenham's perspective, to anywhere, not to the Premier League and a rival and Daniel Levy wouldn't want to sell unless perhaps the fee got absolutely monstrous, and we've got no evidence that that's likely to happen," he stated.
"He would like to sign Harry Kane to a new contract and then Ange Postecoglou will get a good thing going on at Spurs, they would start moving in the right direction, being competitive next season.
"We've seen other clubs who have become competitive quite quickly, and it's not beyond the realms of possibility that Harry Kane sees a Tottenham that he wants to stay at in the course of next season.
"He's a boyhood fan, his family are, their dream is really to win with Tottenham, but clearly that hasn't materialised so far."
Should Spurs sell Kane?
New manager Postecoglou has a big job on his hands, as he is taking over a Spurs squad in need of serious repair, and having failed to qualify for European football, finances may be limited at Spurs this summer.
They have already deemed a main target in David Raya as too expensive, and Postecoglou's ability to bring in his own targets may be jeopardised unless a major sale is made.
Unless there is indication that the £200k-per-week star would sign a new deal this summer, keeping him beyond the transfer window could be delaying his potential departure, and Spurs could cash in this summer in order to help fund a major rebuild of the side.
Kane, who has been described as "exceptional" by Pep Guardiola, knows that if he waits until he is a free agent next year, that he could have his pick of clubs to move to, so choosing to remain at Spurs despite their struggles would be an unsurprising decision.
Leeds United are set for a transformative summer with new owners confirmed whilst the appointment of a new manager is in the works.
There is also work in the transfer window to do, however, with a fresh now emerging on a potential transfer target.
What's the latest on Leeds' interest in Jayson Molumby?
According to journalist Alan Nixon, Leeds United are interested in signing West Bromwich Albion midfielder Jayson Molumby.
As per his Patreon subscription platform, Nixon claimed that the recently relegated club are working on the recruitment of proven players who can toughen up the squad and with Molumby available, are now in hot pursuit of the talent.
Would Molumby be a good fit for Leeds?
There is no doubt that the 49ers and newly-appointed interim football advisor Nick Hammond have a huge task on their hands when it comes to the management of the current squad's future and the recruitment beyond that to ensure Leeds can comfortably compete in the Championship next season.
A number of the West Yorkshire club's midfielders have been linked to an exit from Elland Road with Tyler Adams and Marc Roca both touted with a move, whilst Weston McKennie has returned to Juventus after a difficult loan spell.
As a result, the signing of Molumby would be a great opportunity to add depth and strength to the centre of the pitch this summer and the club could now finally replace Mateusz Klich; who departed in January for a move to the MLS.
Marcelo Bielsa's former right-hand man and West Brom boss Carlos Corberan has brought Molumby to life at the Hawthorns since his arrival, with the talented midfielder certainly displaying shades of Klich in midfield.
The Irishman – dubbed "feisty" by Gary Rowett – is an energetic presence with an unrivalled work rate in his team, displaying some quality key attributes last season that are close in comparison to Klich's impact on the Leeds team including shots on target per 90 (0.34 v 0.32), shot-creating actions per 90 (2.11 v 2.26), take-on success (37.1% v 33.3%) and dribblers tackled rate (50% v 53.8%), as per FBref.
Not only that, Molumby had the best pass completion rate (86%) in the entirety of the West Brom squad of those who have made more than one appearance this season, and ranked third for tackles averaged per appearance (1.4) for the Baggies too, proving he is an undeniable presence for his current team.
The 23-year-old has an expected transfer value of €5m (£4m) at present, with West Brom paying just £900k to permanently sign the player last summer, meaning his value has skyrocketed by 367% – a testament to his progress and impact on the Midlands club over the last 12 months.
With that being said, if Hammond could seal a deal for Molumby this summer it would certainly take some pressure off the club with so many expected departures this summer and the West Brom talisman could add some much-needed Championship experience to potentially guide Leeds to automatic promotion.