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Leeds United have been handed a “huge boost” ahead of their Premier League meeting with Aston Villa next month.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to former Leeds United and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who claimed in a recent interview with MOT Leeds News that Patrick Bamford’s three-goal haul in the U21’s 6-2 victory over Southampton last Friday – the first fixture the centre-forward has started since August 13 – will come as a huge boost to Jesse Marsch ahead of the visit of Villa next month.

Regarding the potential return of the 29-year-old to the Whites’ starting XI, Robinson said: “Even if it’s the U21s, it’s nice to see him hitting the back of the net again. Yes, it’s obviously nowhere near the level of a Premier League game.

“But the fact he’s playing, the fact he’s fit and the fact he’s scoring goals is a huge boost for Leeds fans. With the way they played against Brentford, they need him, Luke Ayling and Liam Cooper back. The fact Bamford is playing and scoring goals again means his arrival is imminent.”

“Huge boost”

As Robinson suggests, considering how poor Leeds were in the humbling 5-2 defeat to Brentford in their last Premier League outing, coupled with just how impressive Bamford can be when fully fit and firing in the Whites’ attack, the fact that the striker does look to be closing in on a return to full fitness is undoubtedly great news for Jesse Marsch and everyone associated with the club ahead of the Villa match.

Indeed, with the Whites’ top goalscorer this season, Rodrigo, missing from Marsch’s squad for the fixture at the Gtech Community Stadium as a result of a shoulder injury, Leeds struggled to make their opportunities count, as, despite creating four big chances and taking a total of 17 shots at the Bees’ goal, the American’s side managed to hit the back of the net just twice.

As such, it was evident that Marsch was desperately lacking an experienced goalscorer in west London, something that Bamford’s availability from the start of the match would undoubtedly have solved for the 48-year-old manager.

Indeed, over his 38 Premier League appearances back in 2020/21, the £12.6m-rated forward was in sensational form in the final third, scoring 17 goals, registering seven assists and creating five big chances, with these returns seeing the 29-year-old average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.01.

As such, considering how deadly Bamford looked in the U21’s demolition of Saints last week, it would appear as if the forward could well be nearing his 2020/21 form ahead of the visit of Villa on October 2 – something that is undoubtedly great news for Marsch, as a fully fit Bamford will undoubtedly come as a boost to the Whites’ chances of picking up all three points on the day.

Everton reporter Tony Scott has been left in ‘disbelief’ by a video of the club’s travelling supporters at the weekend. 

The lowdown

Everton beat Leicester City 2-1 on Sunday to further boost their Premier League survival hopes.

Since a 3-2 defeat to relegation rivals Burnley on 6 April, The Toffees have picked up 10 points from a possible 15. The run includes unlikely victories against two top-six sides in Manchester United and Chelsea.

Frank Lampard’s side have now lifted themselves out of the relegation zone and up to 16th, a point ahead of Leeds United and Burnley. They travel to Watford on Wednesday night with the opportunity to extend that gap to four by winning what is a game in hand.

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The latest

The Liverpool Echo’s Scott reacted to footage of the Blues faithful celebrating their win at The King Power Stadium. The fans can be heard chanting in unison in an otherwise empty ground after the final whistle.

“I’ve watched this video on repeat and shook my head in disbelief at the support we get,” he tweeted. “It’s staggering!

“The fans have dragged this team up off the floor. Seeing parents with their kids in the away end belting out ‘Spirit of the Blues’ is absolutely priceless.”

The verdict

The atmosphere at Everton could be very different right now. They shouldn’t be battling to stay in the division, having finished in 10th place last season.

In these circumstances, the fanbase could easily have turned against the players and the manager, but instead, they’ve rallied behind them and proven to be the driving force behind this potentially season-saving run of form.

Take the win against Chelsea: Lampard called their contribution ‘massive’, The Echo’s Joe Thomas marvelled at the ‘incredible show of unity and passion’ as thousands lined the streets to welcome the team coach and BBC Sport commentator Guy Mowbray said the atmosphere inside the stadium was unparalleled.

There’s no doubt that this has made a difference.

In other news, a Spanish source names a potential defensive target.

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Raheem Sterling to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the word?

That’s according to a claim made by Ben Jacobs, with the CBS Sports Golazo presenter revealing in a recent interview with The Gooner Talk that, despite recent reports linking Arsenal with a move for the Manchester City forward at the end of the current campaign, it is actually Spurs who are leading the race to sign the 27-year-old.

The journalist goes on to state that this is down to Tottenham offering the England international assurances about his position in their first-team squad, while it is also believed that the former Liverpool starlet is keen to work under the management of Antonio Conte.

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Regarding the interest in Sterling, Jacobs said:  “Sterling is an interesting one, because I do think that the door is open for Sterling to leave Manchester City. I think there will be almost a North London derby-style pursuit for Sterling and, from what I gather, should he leave Manchester City, Tottenham are ahead of Arsenal in that particular pursuit.

“So, if Sterling is to join Arsenal, then Edu and [Mikel] Arteta are going to have to move quite quickly, but I think that Sterling is very intent – even though he will know Arteta very well – to play under Conte as his next manager if he is to make a move.

“The reason for that is because Tottenham have given him guarantees about style and about position. I think that Tottenham’s pitch is around ‘let’s get you back to doing what you do best,’ which is scoring goals, and I think Arsenal’s pitch is going to be ‘let’s get you back to what you did at the beginning of your career,’ which is being a very fluid, very versatile wide player that cuts inside.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how talented a forward Sterling quite clearly is, the prospect of the winger linking up with the likes of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Dejan Kulusevski at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is sure to be something that will have left the Spurs faithful buzzing, particularly if Fabio Paratici can land the 27-year-old ahead of Arsenal.

Indeed, according to FBref statistics, the £76.5m-rated attacker ranks in the top 15% of forwards in Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty xG per 90 minutes, as well as the top 22% for assists, the top 16% for xA, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for passes completed, the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 3% for dribbles completed over the last 365 days.

The £200k-per-week dynamo’s defensive metrics are also impressive, with FBref ranking the 74-time capped international in the top 17% of forward’s in Europe’s big five leagues for tackles per 90, in addition to the top 23% for interceptions over the last year.

Speaking more generally, it is clear to see that the signing of a player who has scored 153 goals and registered 118 assists over his 466 appearances for both Liverpool and Manchester City would be an excellent addition to Spurs’ current attacking options – with Sterling boasting an extremely impressive record of a direct goal involvement every 126 minutes of football played.

As such, should Tottenham go on to land the 27-year-old – who is reportedly available for around £45m – this summer, it would certainly appear something of a coup for Paratici and Conte, while also being a signing that could help to transform Spurs from a top-four contender to a title challenger next season.

AND in other news: “Being monitored”: Kilpatrick drops Spurs transfer update, supporters will be buzzing

The Athletic’s Dan Sheldon has shared big news regarding the future of Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

The Lowdown: Saints’ goalkeeper situation

Both Alex McCarthy and Forster headed into last summer with just 12 months left on their contracts at St Mary’s.

The former agreed fresh terms with the club before the beginning of the campaign, agreeing to a new three-year deal, but the latter was not offered a new contract at that time.

Due to McCarthy suffering a thigh injury in December, Forster has since made 19 appearances in the Premier League this season. A number of these performances received huge plaudits from opposition managers; this includes the likes of Mikel Arteta, who described the 34-year-old’s display against Arsenal last month as “exceptional”.

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The Latest: Sheldon shares Forster news…

After a string of fantastic performances, it was rumoured that Forster may have done enough to secure himself a new contract with the club.

However, Sheldon reported for The Athletic that Southampton will inform the 34-year-old that they won’t be extending his stay at St Mary’s.

Taking to Twitter in sharing a link to his corresponding article, Sheldon claimed: “Excl: Southampton intend to sit down with goalkeeper Fraser Forster at the end of the season to inform him he will not receive a new contract.”

The Verdict: Great free agent up for grabs

Following this news, expect a whole host of Premier League clubs to be making enquiries into signing the former Celtic stopper.

At 6 foot 7 and with six England caps to his name, Forster would be a great addition to many top-flight clubs, either as a backup option or as a number one.

Either way, this will come as a big shock to Saints fans, who may be seeing the 34-year-old line up for the final time in a Southampton shirt against Liverpool tomorrow night.

If, as now seems probable, he is nearing the end of his time at St Mary’s, Forster can hold his head up high over how he has performed in his final season at the club, having been their sixth-best performer this term as per Sofascore.

In other news: Source shares Bright Osayi-Samuel/Saints update

Celtic not only wrapped up their 2021/22 Premiership season with a blistering 6-0 win over Motherwell on the final day of their title-winning campaign, they also ended it with the best attacking and defensive record in the league.

Throughout their 38 top-flight games, the Hoops found the net 92 times and only conceded 22 goals along the way.

Speaking of their imperious defence, one man in Ange Postecoglou’s squad who didn’t play a significant part throughout the campaign is Christopher Jullien.

After recovering from a serious knee injury in January, the Frenchman played just 16 minutes of action for the Hoops, which came during their 4-0 win over Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup. Even though he had been out of action for so long, there may have been some Celtic fans expecting to see the centre-back given more game-time than that between January and May.

This duly raises the question of whether or not Postecoglou sees Jullien – who has had some performances in the past dubbed a “shocker” by Tam McManus – as a suitable figure in his squad going forward.

Should the 56-year-old not have enough faith in the £20k-per-week Frenchman for whatever reason, it could well spell the end of the defender’s time at Parkhead.

Looking back at the number of players who left the club last summer, it has been made clear that the Australian is not reluctant when it comes to shipping fringe squad members out of Parkhead.

Also, according to a recent report from Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, Celtic will likely consider selling the French defender if a decent bid comes in for him this summer.

If Jullien does end up leaving Glasgow, the Hoops may already have a prime long-term replacement to whom they can turn, instead of potentially diving into the transfer market once again.

Ewan Otoo, who is a product of Celtic’s youth system, obtained first-team experience during a loan spell with Clyde in 2021, where he made 15 appearances.

Labelled a “powerful” player by Clyde manager Danny Lennon, the 19-year-old defender could well have the chance during pre-season to catch Postecoglou’s eye and show him that he’s capable of being a senior squad option for the Hoops moving forward.

Should that prove to the case, he could well become a long-term defensive figure at Parkhead and a suitable replacement for the potentially exit-bound Jullien.

In other news – “Around that number..”: Big Lennoxtown transfer claim emerges, it’s great for Celtic

Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold has now shared a behind-the-scenes Christian Eriksen transfer update for Lilywhites supporters.

The Lowdown: Spurs in mix…

Spurs head coach Antonio Conte, after electing to stay for the 2022/2023 Premier League season, is reliably believed to be eyeing a reunion with midfield creator Eriksen (The Telegraph).

Leave current club Brentford on a Bosman deal at the end of this month as things stand, the 30-year-old is currently set to be one of the big name free agents up for grabs.

His fairy-tale return to the grass after suffering a cardiac arrest at Euro 2020 serves as a timely reminder of the beautiful game’s magic at times with Spurs now discussing a blockbuster reunion.

The Latest: Gold makes behind-scenes Eriksen claim…

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Backing these reports, Gold says that the Lilywhites have indeed ‘discussed’ re-signing Eriksen with the move potentially ticking a ‘lot of boxes’ for Conte.

He explained (via football.london):

“Spurs have discussed bringing Christian Eriksen back and for someone who is a free agent, has worked with Conte before, knows the club inside out and has looked back to his old self in recent months, he ticks a lot of boxes. For the Dane though, he will have plenty of offers and he may well feel loyalty to Brentford for taking the chance on him after his recovery from his cardiac arrest.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

For zero transfer cost, the north Londoners could seal a return for a ‘very special’ player in the eyes of supporters whilst also landing a proven attacking threat.

According to WhoScored, the Denmark international legend finished 2021/2022 as Thomas Frank’s highest rated player per 90 whilst also managing to rack up the largest number of key passes per 90 for them in England’s top flight.

Eriksen clearly still has plenty to offer in the final third and we believe he could be a real snip for Conte.

In other news: Alasdair Gold also suggests that a £122,000-per-week ‘genius’ is open to joining Spurs! Find out more here.

Celtic have seen numerous players make moves out of the Parkhead club in the past that have gone on to have success away from the Hoops.

One prime example is Virgil van Dijk, who after spending some time at Celtic Park went on to become one of the Premier League’s and Europe’s biggest stars.

Signed from Dutch club FC Groningen back in 2013 for a fee of £2.6m, the centre-back went on to make 115 appearances for the Bhoys across all competitions.

In those appearances, he chipped in with 15 goals and seven assists as well as winning two SPFL titles and one Scottish League Cup.

After leaving in 2015 for a move to Premier League club Southampton, the defender eventually ended up at Liverpool where he has lifted the top-flight title and the Champions League.

Even though Celtic ended their title winning 2021/22 SPFL season with the best defensive record in the top flight, the upcoming summer transfer window could now give Ange Postecoglou the chance to unearth his own version of Van Dijk at Parkhead.

Last week, the agent of Gent defender Joseph Okumu revealed that Celtic have shown an interest in his client.

Having been claimed to have similar attributes on the pitch to Celtic’s former Dutch centre-back by Johan Larsson, the 25-year-old racked up the third-highest number of interceptions (49) and tackles (41) in Gent’s squad this season.

He also had the second-highest average for blocks (0.9) and the third-most clearances per game (3.2) as well.

With Van Dijk racking up the second-highest average for clearances (3.1) and third-highest average for blocks (0.4) per game in Liverpool’s squad during the latest Premier League campaign, it’s easy to see why the comparison between the two defenders has been made.

Praised for his “tremendous” performances in the past, the £4.05m-rated Kenyan could well become Celtic’s next version of Van Dijk if he’s given the chance to show off his clear defensive talent at Parkhead by Postecoglou.

If the Hoops’ apparent interest in Okumu is genuine, then a move for his signature this summer could be a great bit of business. It would give Postecoglou the chance to strengthen his squad ahead of next season and prepare his men for the tough challenges they’ll undoubtedly be facing.

In other news: Celtic can replicate CCV masterclass by signing 25y/o gem who’s “one of the very best”

Newly promoted Nottingham Forest are ready to make a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, reports Birmingham Live.

The Lowdown: Gibbs-White’s season

The 22-year-old Wolves man joined Championship side Sheffield United on a season-long loan last year after going out to Swansea the year prior.

The midfielder made 35 league appearances for the Blades, contributing 11 goals and nine assists to United’s failed promotion push.

The Latest: Forest interested

Unfortunately for the youngster, his penalty in the play-off semi-final against Forest was saved by goalkeeper Brice Samba.

However, Gibbs-White clearly impressed Steve Cooper, as he is said to be a huge admirer of the Wolves man, and he could now look to add him to his side’s squad ahead of next season (via Nottingham Post).

It has now been reported by Birmingham Live that Forest are ready to move for Gibbs-White this summer, as they look to build a squad capable of competing in the Premier League.

The Midlands club value the midfielder at around £20m, however manager Bruno Lage is said to be desperate to keep the Wanderers man.

Lage has previously claimed (via Birmingham Live): “In January I did everything to convince him to stay here.

“After, we will see. If I want him in January, I continue to want him here because he can be an important player for the club. He’s one of the players that comes from the academy and I know it’s so important for the club to have that.”

The Verdict: Big loss for Wolves

Whilst the youngster has previously been told to go out on loan to gain experience, he is surely now a part of Lage’s plans at Wolves, having proven what he can do with extended playing time this term.

During his time in the Championship, former Barnsley boss Poya Asbaghi hailed the 22-year-old as the Blades’ “most outstanding” player, indicating he is ready to make the permanent step-up to the Premier League.

Therefore, if Wolves do lose hold of Gibbs-White this summer, it is likely that we will see the midfielder playing in the English top-flight next season and perhaps even biting the hand that once fed him.

In other news: Two EFL clubs target Dion Sanderson…

Liverpool’s interest in signing Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic this summer is ‘genuine’, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.

The Lowdown: Pulisic linked with move

The 23 year-old American star could potentially be on the move this summer, having failed to make himself a regular starter under Thomas Tuchel.

Pulisic did cost Liverpool two points this season with a goal in the thrilling 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge back in January, but he was limited to just 13 starts in the Premier League overall.

The Reds have been linked with a move in recent days as a possible Sadio Mane replacement and it appears as though a transfer isn’t out of the question.

The Latest: Fresh update emerges

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Crook claimed that Liverpool’s interest in the man Jurgen Klopp called ‘fantastic’ is very real, but Darwin Nunez’s imminent arrival could change things:

“I think Liverpool’s interest is genuine, or it was before the Darwin Nunez deal really accelerated. So, whether they need another attacking player now, probably, I would say no.”

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The Verdict: One cook too many

Pulisic is an impressive young player who can still mature over time and it is easy to envisage him thriving for Liverpool, given his pace and trickery out wide.

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It is hard to see how the USA star would get regular playing time, however, considering Luis Diaz’s arrival in January, Nunez is set to join and the likes of Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino are also great options.

Pulisic could end up finding himself in a similar situation to the one he is in at Chelsea, and for the money Liverpool would have to pay, it wouldn’t be worth it.

In other news, Liverpool have been given hope over one signing. Find out who it is here.

Newly-promoted Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones this summer, according to Midlands-based journalist Trent Hutson. 

The lowdown: Liverpool prodigy

A product of the thriving youth system at Anfield, the youngster captained the club at numerous age groups whilst making his way through the ranks on Merseyside.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Toxteth native was fast-tracked to the first team and capped off a Merseyside derby debut to remember with a majestic strike in January 2020 whilst on a rapidly upwards trajectory, amassing 41 goals in 80 outings for the young Reds at under-18 and under-23 level.

After 73 appearances for the first-team under Jurgen Klopp, a move away could now be the next step in the 21-year-old’s development…

The latest: Forest keen on Jones

Taking to Twitter, Hutson has claimed that Forest are looking to land the England under-21 starlet on loan this summer.

The reporter stated: “I’m told #NFFC will explore the possibility of bringing Curtis Jones to the club this summer. Caution to be taken given the MAX TWO loan rule in the Premier League. Strong relationship & trust between Steve Cooper and #LFC. Cooper previously worked with Jones at England and #LFC”

The verdict: On one condition

Spending time out on loan and obtaining regular Premier League action would undoubtedly be a huge positive for Jones’ development. However, Liverpool – and Klopp in particular – must ensure that the squad allows for such a departure to take place without having an adverse impact on the playing ranks at the AXA Training Centre.

Last season, the flamboyant ace scored once and provided four assists in 27 appearances across all competitions for the Reds, starting 11 top-flight matches in the process. Those levels of involvement are unlikely to be found from other midfielders within the current squad, as Thiago, James Milner, Fabinho, Naby Keita and Jordan Henderson are already stretched to their very limits of exertion.

Far from an affront to the prospects of the youngster, who is valued at £25.2m and under contract until 2025 (Transfermarkt), the Scouser should remain an integral part of the future on the red half of Merseyside; and any loan move which may manifest itself this summer would very much be viewed as a short-term way of progressing a supremely talented individual.

Held in high regard by Steven Gerrard himself after the Anfield icon hailed Jones as a ‘top player’ during his time in charge of the under-18s, Liverpool should be reticent to sanction any exit for the talented youngster until another genuine first-team midfield option is through the door.

In other news: Liverpool now considering big-money move for ‘world class’ powerhouse, read more here