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The Athletic’s Phil Hay has dropped a transfer update on where things stand with Leeds United’s pursuit of Adama Traore.

What’s the story?

90min had previously revealed that Bielsa’s side are considering making a move for the 25-year-old this summer, with Wolves now ready to listen to offers for the 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.”

But now, speaking on The Phil Hay Show, the journalist poured cold water over Leeds making a move for the Spaniard this summer.

He said (via This is Futbol): “Victor Orta does know Traore very well, but I haven’t heard Traore spoken about at any point through the summer, and I know there have been the links, but every time we’ve asked about him, we’ve been told, definitely not or really no, it just doesn’t seem likely.

“And from what we are told at both ends – Wolves and Leeds – there hasn’t been any contact about Traore, or no official contact, so I can’t see that one.”

Bielsa will be gutted

Former Leeds midfielder David Norris has already given his backing behind a potential move for the Wolves flier, telling FFC: “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.”

Crucially though, 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.”

The Leeds boss’ reported admiration for Traore and thinking that he could really develop under his management at the club is exactly why he will be gutted with Hay’s latest update on where things stand.

Bielsa has more than earned the right to sign the players that he wants given his work in establishing Leeds as a Premier League club once more, so the fact there has been no contact made for Traore, and that it seems unlikely, will be a major disappointment to the Argentine.

Meanwhile, Joe Wainman has dropped an exciting Leeds United transfer claim…

Goodison Park has had to wait an incredibly long time to witness scenes as good as they saw on Saturday afternoon.

As Abdoulaye Doucoure took down Alex Iwobi’s header and then thundered an effort goal bound, it rippled the net and subsequently sent the Everton fans into pure delirium.

It was a wonderful sight as the French midfielder raced to the corner of the ground and was greeted by several supporters waiting to celebrate with him.

Toffees fans have waited for an age to be back inside the stadium and they couldn’t have greeted the players in a better fashion.

Richarlison raced over to celebrate with him and he was soon joined by the rest of the team who erupted at a sweet strike from a player who doesn’t always score goals.

In scoring that powerful effort, Doucoure arguably outperformed the aforementioned Brazilian, a man who is far more used to finding the net.

In fact, Richarlison scored five of them for Brazil at the recent Olympics as his nation took home the gold medal in the men’s football tournament.

There wasn’t must rest for the forward who was one of the stars of the show on Saturday afternoon in their 3-1 win.

He scored Everton’s first goal of the new campaign and sent Rafa Benitez on the way to a debut win in his first competitive outing at the helm.

However, it was Doucoure who laid the platform with a quintessential performance in the middle of the park.

He was all-action and box to box, gallivanting forward but doing his defensive duties to near perfection.

In the process of completing both of the two dribbles he attempted, the £120k-per-week earner was a monumental presence in midfield.

Doucoure took part in 17 defensive duels and impressively only lost five of them.

He was fouled on three occasions as a ragged Southampton side struggled to live with his dominating physical attributes.

This was the perfect start to the new campaign for a player who has thrived in the royal blue of Everton since signing for £20m last September.

For the scenes after his goal alone, the former Watford man deserves the man of the match award.

AND in other news, Everton must swoop for “exceptional” 19-goal beast who Rafa said is on “another level”…

Speaking on live TV (via Football Daily), Sky Sports have now dropped a Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma.

The Lowdown: Spurs in centre-back chase…

It has been reported that Spurs are looking into signing another defender this summer even after completing a deal for 2020/2021 Serie A MVP award-winning defender Cristian Romero.

Claims emerged earlier this week of their renewed interest and contacts for Takehiro Tomiyasu, with managing director Fabio Paratici eager to land another defensive option for Nuno Espirito Santo.

They have also been in talks to sign Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic (Sky Sports), with Sky now bringing news as Spurs eye another West Ham United target.

The Latest: Sky drop live TV claim involving Zouma and Spurs…

As per the broadcast giant, via Football Daily’s post, Tottenham are now interested in signing Zouma this summer as they bring a transfer update out of N17.

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“Tottenham are interested in signing Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma,” Sky explained.

“He’s one of a number of defenders the club are looking at.”

The Frenchman now joins a growing list of Spurs transfer targets for the central defensive area as Paratici eyes yet more reinforcements to protect goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

The Verdict: Great option, but unlikely…

Lauded as a ‘beast of a player’ by Premier League legend John Terry (Instagram Live via Tribuna), Zouma arguably has the ability to succeed at Tottenham.

Standing at a lofty 6 foot 3, the 26-year-old averaged a higher pass accuracy (90.9%) than any Spurs player in the English top flight last year – highlighting his real composure passing out from the back (WhoScored).

However, Chelsea and Tottenham’s unwillingness to do business is well documented so it is difficult to see this transfer coming off as a result.

In other news: 66-cap ace pushed closer to leaving Tottenham, Nuno leaves him out of ECL squad…find out more here.

Former Glasgow Rangers defender Alan Hutton has revealed he is worried about the lapses of concentration the Gers experienced during their Champions League third qualifying round defeat to Malmo.

The Lowdown: Gers lose to Malmo

The Gers had the chance to reach the Champions League group stages after winning the Premiership last term, and they faced Swedish champions Malmo in the third qualifying round.

However, the Light Blues lost 2-1 in both games, meaning they dropped down to the Europa League instead.

The Latest: Hutton shares fears

Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton, who remains the Gers’ record sale (The Scotsman) since making the £9m switch to Tottenham in 2008 (The Mirror), shared his worries over the lapses of concentration.

He said it will be a big concern for Steven Gerrard at Ibrox:

“The biggest worry is lapses in concentration really, so far.

“I mean, if you go all the way back to the first game, those defensive mistakes. I thought Rangers had got rid of them, especially last season. They were so strong.

“To take the game back to Ibrox, they knew what they had to do. They started off really well. It’s the best I’ve seen them in a first-half performance in the competition.

“Malmo going a man down, everything was in Rangers’ favour. They came out the second half and they just didn’t look the same. There wasn’t the same intensity, they looked a little bit fearful at times.

“Whenever there was a lot of pressure on them, they didn’t look the same Rangers team to me. To lose two goals from two throw-ins, I think that’s what’s going to really hurt the most.

“I thought they eradicated those sort of mistakes a couple of seasons ago. To see them come back and then get nervous after that, that’s probably the most worrying thing for me. Probably Steven Gerrard as well.”

The Verdict: Need to improve

The worrying thing from those two matches was that the Gers effectively lost the game in the same way. During the first match, they conceded twice in four minutes at the start of the second half, while they shipped two in two minutes in the second clash.

If you want to compete at the highest level, you simply cannot switch off – the game can be won and lost in a matter of moments.

Gerrard will have been livid with this way his team imploded in a short amount of time not once but twice. Perhaps the current Gers squad just aren’t quite ready for the Champions League yet, but they still have the chance to reach the Europa League group stages instead if they can get past Alashkert.

In other news, Rangers fans rage at these club struggles.

Aston Villa are battling Premier League rivals Spurs for the signing of Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie in this summer transfer window.

What’s the story?

The Athletic claimed last summer that the McKennie was a target for Johan Lange and co, with Villa among a number of teams interested in luring him away before his eventual move to Italy to join Juventus – reports in fact even suggested that the 22-year-old had specifically asked about Villa and their interest.

Now, Italian publication Sport Mediaset have claimed that the Bianconeri are willing to let the USA international go this summer, with “strong interest” from both Villa and fellow Premier League side Spurs.

He’s perfect for Dean Smith

At just 22, McKennie has already built up a wealth of experience, playing not only top-level football at club level with the likes of Schalke and Juventus in both the Bundesliga and Serie A, but also at international level too, playing 24 times for the USA.

Juventus and Italy icon, Andrea Pirlo, is a big admirer of his, calling him a “rock” and saying: “He’s young and can improve a lot. In my opinion, he’s a midfielder who can play as a No 8 in a three in midfield, right or left. He gets in the box and scores goals but he’s also very good at winning the ball back. His role is in a three in midfield as one of the two players on either side of the regista. Last year we played in a different system, so he had to adapt.”

Dubbed as an “outstanding talent”, the £22.5m-rated McKennie is as Pirlo says, a real box-to-box threat. While the end product hasn’t always been there – he’s only scored 11 goals in his short career thus far – all the key elements are: the power, the pace, the tackling and the energy to get up and down the pitch.

As per Whoscored, he has an impressive career average of making 1.3 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game, while also managing just a shade under one shot and key pass per match too – a real indication of his all-action style of play.

Given his age as well, he fits perfectly into the profile of signings Dean Smith has generally made this summer – the likes of Leon Bailey and Emi Buendia in particular.

Young, with bags of potential and plenty of room to grow, but also with considerable top-level experience already.

Meanwhile, Villa are plotting a late swoop for this star…

West Bromwich Albion have secured a deal to bring Jayson Molumby to The Hawthorns.

What’s the latest?

According to a statement posted on the West Brom website, Albion have signed the Brighton & Hove Albion central midfielder on a season-long loan deal, with a view to a permanent transfer next summer.

The statement went on to mention the fact that the Republic of Ireland international is the Baggies’ sixth signing of the summer, as well as relaying Valerien Ismael’s comments regarding the 22-year-old’s arrival.

The Frenchman said: “Jayson is the perfect example of a player who has the right mentality and suits our philosophy. He is the right player for us and we are delighted to have him.

“His skills out of possession are incredible and he gives us more volume and more possibilities in midfield, which will support us with our intensity and this is one of his strengths.

“Jayson is young but he already has a lot of experience in the Championship and with Ireland. He has the perfect profile – our new profile – to be a West Brom player and I’m delighted to have him.”

Fans will be buzzing

Following the departures of Rekeem Harper, Sam Field and Romaine Sawyers, Ismael’s side was lacking a considerable amount of depth in central midfield, with the position very much appearing to be a priority for Frenchman over what remained of the summer transfer window.

As such, the fact that the 45-year-old has now secured the addition of a player such as Molumby, who boasts experience at both Championship and international level, as well as the positional versatility which Ismael will value, is sure to have left The Hawthorns faithful buzzing.

Indeed, the £900k-rated man has previously spent loan spells with two Championship sides, the first of which came with Millwall in the club’s 2019/20 campaign.

Over his 36 league appearances for the Lions that season, the central midfielder scored one goal, registered one assist and created one big chance for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 0.9 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 0.4 key passes per game – demonstrating his all-round ability in the middle of the park.

The second of the £7.1k-per-week midfielder’s Championship loans was spent with Preston North End in the second half of last season, where he registered one assist over 15 appearances, in addition to making an average of 0.3 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and 0.3 key passes per match.

As such, Molumby would not only appear to be a signing who has plugged a gap in the Albion squad, but he is also a player who boasts a considerable amount of ability, and one who could well prove to make all the difference in Ismael’s push for promotion in what is sure to be a long and arduous Championship campaign.

West Brom fans will be delighted with the news of Molumby’s signing this summer.

In other news: Ismael must seal West Brom deal for “complete” £12k-p/w ace, he’d be an “amazing coup”

Rumoured Leeds United transfer target Lewis O’Brien is reportedly in talks with Huddersfield Town over a new contract at the Championship club.

The Lowdown: Constant summer target

The Whites were continually linked with a move for the midfielder throughout the summer transfer window, but it never came to fruition.

Instead, O’Brien stayed put at Huddersfield, where he could continue to be a key presence during their 2021/22 Championship campaign.

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The Latest: O’Brien could sign new deal

According to Yorkshire Live, the 22-year-old is now in talks with the Terriers over a new deal as they seek to tie him down for the foreseeable future.

It is stated that ‘both parties would now like to ensure O’Brien’s deal is reflective of his value’, potentially allowing Huddersfield to receive a hefty fee if the player does move on in the coming years.

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The Verdict: No great blow

While O’Brien is a young player with plenty of ability – he has been hailed as ‘excellent’ by former Huddersfield defender Calum Woods and lies second in WhoScored’s rankings of the Terriers’ squad with 7.12 – Leeds may not see it as a massive blow if he extends his contract at the John Smith’s Stadium.

Granted, it means they may now have to spend more if they still want to sign him, but if they feel he is overpriced, it may be that Marcelo Bielsa looks at alternative options with greater top-level experience than what O’Brien can boast.

In other news, Phil Hay has made a key prediction ahead of Leeds’ Premier League clash with Liverpool. Read more here.

Crystal Palace are yet to pay West Brom for defender Nathan Ferguson, The Express and Star report.

And, as to be expected, a number of Palace fans have been reacting to the update on social media.

The Eagles signed Ferguson last year after his Baggies contract expired and months on after an £11m transfer fell through.

Unfortunately, the defender is yet to make a senior appearance at Selhurst Park due to a number of injuries – the latest being a serious achilles problem.

However, as Ferguson is under 24 years of age, West Brom are entitled to compensation from the Eagles, despite his off-field problems at Palace.

The Express and Star shared an update on Thursday, believing a tribunal still hasn’t taken place to determine a fee for the £34,000-a-week defender, over 12 months on after leaving The Hawthorns.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared the news regarding Ferguson on social media. Here’s what some Eagles supporters had to say in reply, with one believing he could be a game-changer for Patrick Vieira once fully fit.

“Oh wow! Does this mean we can just pay the two thirds of his contract that remains? Assuming he actually plays for us this season……”

Credit: @gazbod

“Want him to get fit and play so bad. Think could be a game changer. Hope he’s close.”

Credit: @CHSCPFC

“Hardly surprising. The boy hasn’t kicked a ball yet!”

Credit: @DannyHmmFace

“Let ‘em wait!!!!!”

Credit: @cjbearcpfc

“Take him back. Has not even kicked a ball yet”

Credit: @DeanMHill1

“He’s not even played lol”

Credit: @SteYouLater24

In other news: ‘Shambles’ – Many Palace fans fume as ‘shocking’ pre-Tottenham update emerges. 

West Ham United return to Premier League action this weekend and they’ll be looking to continue their fine start to the 2021/22 campaign.

David Moyes’ side remain unbeaten after the opening three matches, having thrashed Newcastle United and Leicester City before picking up a point against Crystal Palace at the London Stadium last time out.

They now face Southampton at St Mary’s and the 58-year-old has plenty to mull over heading into kick-off, not least because they signed three more players before deadline day.

One of those was quite a considerable coup…

On the Chalkboard

The Irons managed to seal a £29.8m move for Premier League and Champions League winner Kurt Zouma from Chelsea in the final week of the transfer window and he represents an instant upgrade to the defence.

Moyes should not wait to see him in action either, despite a lack of time with the squad on the training pitch. He’ll be fresh and ready to go after featuring for France in their recent World Cup qualifiers against Ukraine and Finland this week, where he picked up his seventh and eighth caps.

Zouma, who was once described as a “beast of a player” by Premier League legend John Terry, must replace Craig Dawson in the starting XI, taking up a spot alongside Angelo Ogbonna in the heart of the Hammers’ backline.

It was perhaps a little confusing to see Thomas Tuchel willing to part ways with the 26-year-old centre-back, as he performed to a very high level whenever selected last season.

Indeed, the 6 foot 3 Frenchman was graded as Chelsea’s second-best player, as per WhoScored figures, whilst he topped the charts for aerial duels won (3.6) and clearances (3.8) per game in the top-flight, proving to be a solid no-nonsense defender. In addition to that, the £28.8m-rated colossus was one of their best with the ball at his feet, averaging a passing accuracy of 90.9% across the season.

By comparison, that ball-playing ability would’ve exceeded every single West Ham player last season and the rest of his numbers are a sheer upgrade on Dawson, who averaged one fewer aerial duel won as well as fewer tackles per game, via WhoScored.

On the above evidence, this selection change should be a very easy one to make, and considering that the Irons have leaked five goals in three games, therefore it should be one that Moyes does not hesitate over.

Zouma must be unleashed against the Saints. He could be a massive game-changer for the east London outfit.

AND in other news, ExWHUemployee drops major claim on £60k-p/w West Ham star, fans will be ecstatic…

Leeds United remain interested in a January move for Huddersfield Town midfielder Lewis O’Brien, according to a fresh rumour which has emerged.

The Lowdown: O’Brien endlessly linked with move

Arguably no player was linked with a move to Elland Road more intensely than O’Brien in the summer, with constant reports suggesting the Whites wanted to sign him.

The 22-year-old ended up staying put at Championship side Huddersfield, but it seems unlikely that he will remain there for long.

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The Latest: January move to Elland Road?

According to Football Insider, a Thorp Arch source has informed them that Leeds ‘will keep a dialogue open’ regarding a move for O’Brien in January.

A winter move to Elland Road is described as a ‘possibility’, with former Arsenal and Everton striker Kevin Campbell claiming “around £15million or £20million” could see them get their man.

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The Verdict: Phillips replacement?

O’Brien may still be a work in progress, but he is a formidable performer for Huddersfield, with journalist Steven Chicken calling him ‘blistering’ in the past.

With Kalvin Phillips potentially not sticking around forever at Elland Road, it could be that Marcelo Bielsa views O’Brien as a long-term replacement for the Leeds and England star.

The Huddersfield ace possesses a similar level of energy off the ball and quality on it – he is averaging 1.2 tackles per game in the league this season – and should only improve in the years to come.

In other news, a source has provided a key update on Kalvin Phillip’s Leeds future. Read more here.