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Leeds United's search for a new manager nears its conclusion, with a recent update detailing those most likely to get the job…

What's the latest on Patrick Vieira to Leeds United?

That's according to Sky Sports, who emphasise this notion, with the 49ers having narrowed down their search from a list containing dozens of names.

The use of data analytics aided this process, which saw around ten different coaches interviewed across Zoom last week.

However, one of those who were fortunate enough to get a face-to-face interview was Patrick Vieira, who retains his presence on that final shortlist.

It seems the Frenchman stands a strong chance at being offered the post, however, will battle with promotion specialist Daniel Farke for the role.

Would Patrick Vieira improve Leeds United?

Whilst it might be tough to opt against the German, who has enjoyed two successes in guiding a team out of the Championship, it could be argued that opting for the former Arsenal midfielder places more of a focus on the long-term.

His experience in the Premier League surpasses that of the 46-year-old, having managed 65 games to dwarf the 49 of his rival. Whilst the latter might ensure a speedy return to the top-flight, history suggests he offers little once he reaches that level.

After all, his points-per-game average of 0.53 is abysmal, and a far cry from Vieira's 1.15.

Whoever is chosen to fill the vacancy must fix the glaring issue in Yorkshire though, by plugging up one of the most threadbare backlines around.

Last term the Whites conceded 78 times, the most of anyone in the league, and the year prior would ship a further 79. Whilst on paper some of their players might be talented, a lack of confidence and direction has stifled their progress.

Pascal Struijk is one such name whose form has faltered lately, maintaining a 6.75 average Sofascore rating last campaign as they fell to the drop, the sixth-best of anyone in the side.

However, his debut season at the age of just 20 saw this figure rise to 6.94, upheld through his 86% pass accuracy and 80% dribble success rate alongside 1.7 interceptions, 1.8 tackles and 3.1 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

Despite his youth, he showcased bravery on the ball that had many fans thrilled at the bright future he promised for their defence.

Mismanagement following Marcelo Bielsa's sacking quickly saw him prioritised to fill gaps though, and soon he was forced to feature at full-back, undoing all his work building a solid reputation.

Vieira could well be the man to revitalise the 23-year-old, given how his first year at Selhurst Park saw him get the best out of two young lesser-known centre-backs in Marc Guehi and Joachim Anderson.

The former in particular maintained an impressive 7.03 average Sofascore rating during that fine first campaign for the inexperienced manager, establishing himself as one of the Premier League's most impressive young defenders, and even earning an England call-up.

Pundit Clinton Morrison sought to praise their head coach during that year too, branding him "outstanding" for his work in defying the odds.

It is clear that Vieira knows exactly how to manage defensive youth, and his 4-3-3 philosophy and infectious passion for the game could help finally direct Struijk back on the right path towards being the future of a successful new defensive dynasty at Elland Road.

Arsenal "remain favourites" to sign West Ham star Declan Rice and will indeed make a third bid despite rival interest, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Who will Arsenal sign this summer?

The north Londoners appear determined to challenge yet again for a Premier League title next season, after they fell just short of treble-winners Man City last campaign.

Arsenal have already agreed a deal to sign forward Kai Havertz from Chelsea in a big boost for the club, which means manager Mikel Arteta has more attacking variety at his disposal.

Meanwhile, it is believed that they could also be closing in on a move to sign Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, despite having a bid rejected, with reporter Chris Wheatley claiming they are on the verge of an agreement.

Southampton's Romeo Lavia is also a target for Arteta, with talks "progressing" and a hand-shake on personal terms apparently close with the 19-year-old.

However, one top target who has eluded them thus far is Rice, with West Ham already rejected two bids for him from Arsenal recently.

One of them was a club record, but despite the snubs, it is also believed that the Gunners are "serious" about signing him and will keep pushing.

Speaking to CaughtOffside, reliable journalist Romano has some good news on Rice amid Man City's real interest.

Other sources claim Man City are plotting a bid for the 24-year-old, which comes as a slight worry given their obvious pull, though Romano believes they "remain favourites".

He says this "for sure", while detailing that Arsenal are preparing a third bid for Rice and seem determined to seal his signing for Arteta.

Why do Arsenal want Declan Rice?

The England international was a star under David Moyes last season with WhoScored detailing that he stood out as their best-performer by average match rating over 22/23.

He also made more interceptions per 90 than any other Hammer in the top flight, prompting some real praise from ex-professionals, including former England defender Matthew Upson.

"He has worked really hard at his game, physically and technically," said Upson.

He can handle responsibility amazingly well, which is why he was such a young captain in the Premier League."

Crystal Palace are interested in signing Derby County youngster Malcolm Ebiowei, according to reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The lowdown: Hot property

The 18-year-old has been the subject of attention in recent months following a breakthrough season in the Championship under Wayne Rooney.

Capped by England and Netherlands at the youth international level, the talented attacking starlet has also been linked with AS Monaco and Vitesse previously, but it now appears as though a Premier League move could be on the cards.

As Eagles manager Patrick Vieira attempts to strengthen the ranks, Ebiowei could be about to add further strength in depth to the Selhurst Park squad…

The latest: ‘Leading the race’

Taking to Twitter, Romano has claimed that Palace and Manchester United are now the leading contenders to land the teenage sensation this summer.

The transfer expert said: “Manchester United and Crystal Palace are leading the race to sign Derby County’s Malcolm Ebiowei, talented striker born in 2003. #MUFC AS Monaco asked for him too but he’s expected to stay in Premier League – Man Utd and Palace are leading the race. #CPFC”

The verdict: Youth project

Recent captures such as Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and Nathan Ferguson are strong indications of a change of approach from the Palace hierarchy as the Eagles look towards the future under Vieira, having had the Premier League’s oldest squad under his predecessor Roy Hodgson.

Hailed as a ‘superb talent’ by journalist Jake Barker, the versatile attacker – who can play anywhere in the frontline – scored one goal and provided two assists in 16 senior appearances last season. That included a standout display against Blackpool containing one goal, one assist and five tackles in a performance which earned a rating of 7.80 from Sofascore.

Adding Ebiowei to those aforementioned prodigious young talents would be a superb piece of business from Palace, particularly if the teenager chooses the south London club as his preferred choice to continue his development over the might of Manchester United.

In other news, read the latest update on another Palace target

Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling could now be tempted away from the Etihad Stadium in pursuit of a new challenge, according to ex-BBC pundit Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: Real Madrid interested in Sterling

According to a recent report by The Times, Spanish giants Real Madrid have stepped up their interest in the 27-year-old as the Sky Blues winger ponders his future at the Manchester club.

Sterling is set to be out of contract at the end of next season, so he will soon sit down with City executives and decide whether or not to commit his long-term future to the Premier League champions.

According to Transfermarkt, the England international has a current market valuation of £76.5m, but with his contract running short, Real Madrid may be able to sign the winger away for less than that.

The Latest: Whelan’s claim on Sterling

Whelan, who used to work as a pundit for BBC Radio, has claimed that it will be difficult for Sterling to resist the lure of Los Blancos.

Speaking with Football Insider, the 47-year-old claimed: “I think there are very few clubs capable of prising a player away from Man City right now.

“You’re talking about Barcelona, Real Madrid, and possibly Paris Saint-Germain. It would be extremely difficult to turn them down.

“The history says it all for Real Madrid, and Sterling would enhance them even more and give them another option.

“It’ll be a tempting offer. There aren’t many who can say no to Real Madrid when they come calling.

“He’s won pretty much everything at Man City, so maybe he just needs that fresh challenge. This certainly isn’t the first time this has been spoken about.

“He just isn’t getting enough game time.”

The Verdict: Still a top-class player

Whilst Sterling’s minutes have been more limited in the league this season, having featured 23 times in the starting XI, five fewer than the previous season’s total, the 27-year-old remains “a world-class player” according to Everton manager Frank Lampard.

When compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, the City forward impressively ranks in the 99th percentile for non-penalty expected goals and the 98th percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area (via FBRef).

Therefore, with such a mercurial talent falling down the pecking order at the Etihad, Sterling could be tempted by a move to Madrid, with more first-team football in mind.

In other news: One of Sterling’s team-mates could also be set for a surprise exit

Manchester United have been linked with Real Madrid ace Marco Asensio recently and the Spain international could be the ideal man to replace Juan Mata in Erik ten Hag’s side at Old Trafford.

What’s the word?

According to reports from Spain, Asensio’s agent Jorge Mendes wants to bring his client to Old Trafford this summer as he eyes a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ten Hag will surely be in the market for attacking reinforcements given the departures of Edinson Cavani, Jesse Lingard and Mata so far this summer, as well as Mason Greenwood’s absence, and Asensio could provide some much-needed quality in attack.

The Red Devils managed just 57 goals in the most recent Premier League season and finished with a neutral goal difference, so the signing of Asensio would perhaps take some of the pressure off Bruno Fernandes as the chief creator in United’s midfield.

Mata 2.0

Mata joined United from Chelsea in January 2014 and went on to make 285 appearances during his time at Old Trafford, contributing 51 goals and 47 assists.

The Spaniard was capable of playing on either wing and as an attacking midfielder, which is where Asensio has mainly been deployed during his time at Madrid, so the similarities are clear to see.

WhoScored suggests that both Mata and Asensio’s strengths include their ability to pass and hold on to the ball, while the Madrid man is also adept at shooting from range.

Transfermarkt currently values the 26-year-old at £36m so he wouldn’t come cheap, but Madrid may be keen to move him on given that his contract is set to expire at the end of next season.

Last season saw the former Mallorca man make 31 appearances in La Liga for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, in which he contributed ten goals.

The Champions League-winning manager was full of praise for Asensio after his winning goal against Granada last season, saying:

“Asensio is very important for us. He has quality and commitment. He’s a very important player for us and we’ve won tonight via his greatest quality, his shooting.”

Given that recently departed interim manager Ralf Ragnick was critical of a number of players’ commitment at United, Asensio seems like exactly the sort of player Ten Hag will need if he is to improve his side’s fortunes next season.

Although Mata didn’t feature too much in his final season at Old Trafford, he will certainly leave a hole in the squad and Asensio might just be the man to fill it.

And in other news… United in ‘direct contact’ with former ten Hag favourite 

Italian football expert Conor Clancy has shared his verdict on reported Aston Villa target Stefan de Vrij.

What’s the word?

Speaking to the GIVEMESPORT, the transfer insider insisted that the Dutchman would be able to make an instant impact at Villa Park, amid reports that he is on Steven Gerrard’s radar this summer.

Asked about that possible interest in the 30-year-old, Clancy went as far as to suggest he could even be the club’s new skipper: “I think de Vrij would be a hugely important player immediately.

“He is the type of player that could come in and just be given the captain’s armband straight away.”

The Inter Milan centre-back could reportedly be available to NSWE for as little as £15m with just a year remaining on his existing deal, although it remains to be seen if the Midlands side will eye another defensive recruit, having confirmed an agreement for Sevilla’s Diego Carlos.

Supporters buzzing

Even with that latest news regarding the Brazilian, there have been reports that NSWE could look to cash in on both Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa in the upcoming window, opening up the possibility that a further acquisition will be made.

Should that figure be De Vrij, it will no doubt go down well with the club’s supporters, with – as Clancy alluded to – the former Lazio man likely to come in and make a rapid improvement to Gerrard’s ailing backline.

The 55-cap international helped his current side claim a first Serie A title in 11 years back in 2021 under the tutelage of Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte, while he was again integral as Simone Inzaghi’s men narrowly missed out on a second successive Scudetto to rivals AC Milan in the most recent campaign.

The 2021/22 season saw the £31.5m-rated brute – who has been dubbed a “monster” by former teammate Mauricio – average 1.1 interceptions, 1.3  tackles and 1.7 clearances, as well as losing possession just 4.7 times per game from his 30 league outings.

The aforementioned Mings – who is Villa’s current skipper – has squandered possession almost double that of the £116k-per-week star, giving away the ball 10.3 times per game, while also averaging just 0.6 tackles and 1.3 interceptions in his 36 league appearances.

As pundit Danny Mills suggested, a “top-quality” addition is needed to replace the Englishman, with De Vrij seemingly the man slot straight into the heart of the defence as well as take on the captain’s armband.

Seeing an experienced head like the latter leading the side out at the start of next term would no doubt go down a treat with the Villa Park faithful, who will be desperate to see an improvement on the recent 14th-place finish.

Possibly paired alongside Carlos too, Gerrard may well just have one of the most dominating and commanding centre-back pairings in the whole division.

Just imagine that, Villa supporters. It would certainly be a sight to behold.

IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior

Liverpool are interested in signing FC Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer.

What’s the story?

According to reports from SPORT, the £27m-rated star is still undecided on where he wants to play football next season with Liverpool one of the options on the table after the club contacted his representatives.

With potential departures within their forward line this summer, including Sadio Mane, the club are looking to refresh their options and Dembele is one of the players they are interested in.

The Frenchman has had a turbulent time in Spain but still carries quality and on a free transfer, it would be hard to turn down.

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He could be the perfect replacement for Mane

The future of one of Liverpool’s star forwards Sadio Mane is in doubt. It was recently reported that the Senegalese international is close to agreeing [on] a three-year contract with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

Having won everything during his time on Merseyside, it looks like Mane now fancies a new challenge, and Liverpool will have a job on their hands to replace him.

Due to his contract running down, if he does leave it’s likely the club won’t receive much money, with a fee as small as £25m reported.

This would be one reason why Dembele would make a perfect replacement, no transfer fee would be involved so it would make sense for The Reds to go down this route.

The 25-year-old has made 21 La Liga appearances this season and registered an impressive 13 assists during that time. It ranks him in the top 1% for assists this season compared to others in his position playing in Europe’s top five leagues.

Liverpool’s strikers would be spoilt for chances if they had Dembele playing for them. He’s been described as a “phenomenon” by his ex-teammate Lionel Messi.

When you compare him directly to Mane he comes out on top in many areas. He’s made 10 more key passes across this season and has a a higher number of goal creating actions.

Dembele is also good defensively, proving that he’s a hard worker which will be a big plus for Klopp. He’s tackled a higher percentage of dribblers than Mane this season at 35% compared to 32%.

If any manager can get the best out of him it’s Klopp, moving to Liverpool could reignite his career.

AND in other news: LFC set for disaster as “sensational” star close to £25.5m exit, Klopp will be gutted…

Everton are keen to sign Ismaila Sarr after Watford suffered relegation from the Premier League, according to French outlet Jeunes Footeux. 

The lowdown

Watford wound up finishing 19th in the table, a full 15 points adrift of safety and only a point above bottom-place Norwich City.

Sarr, who has two years left on his contract, has now experienced two demotions in the past three seasons.

He’s played the vast majority of his minutes as a right winger, but also has 36 games’ worth of experience on the left and 31 through the middle.

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The latest

Sarr apparently has a ‘good chance’ of securing a move away from Vicarage Road during the summer transfer window.

If an ‘interesting offer’ arrives, Watford will be willing to let him go, with ‘several’ PL sides and an unnamed German club in the equation. Everton, Newcastle and Crystal Palace are all name-checked as interested parties.

The report adds that Sarr is unlikely to be sold for less than €35million, which equates to around £30million.

The verdict

The season got off to a promising start for Sarr as he bagged four goals in his first six matches, but things soon tailed off.

In November, he sustained a ligament injury that would keep him out until February, and he missed six more matches before the campaign was over.

Since the end of September, he’s only been able to contribute one goal and two assists.

But this is a player who’s previously been courted by giants. His agent revealed that he was on verge of signing a contract with Everton’s local rivals Liverpool in January 2021 before the Reds refused to meet Watford’s demands.

What’s more, team-mate Ben Foster has marvelled at his ‘scary’ abilities and even described him as a ‘freak’, insisting he’s never seen anybody with so much acceleration.

Could Everton make Liverpool rue their transfer stance?

In other news, Lampard is eager to sign this Chelsea gem.

Leeds United have been handed a huge boost ahead of their Premier League meeting with Brentford this Sunday.

What’s the latest?

That’s according to injury analyst Ben Dinnery, who revealed that Ethan Pinnock – who missed the Bees’ 3-2 victory over Everton on Sunday with a thigh injury – only has a 25% chance of making a return to first-team football against Leeds at the Brentford Community Stadium this weekend.

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Speaking ahead of the win at Goodison Park, Thomas Frank said of the centre-back’s condition: “Ethan will not be ready for Everton, maybe Leeds.”

Marsch will be buzzing

Considering the fact that Leeds simply must secure all three points against Brentford if they are to have any hope of avoiding relegation this season, in addition to how impressive Pinnock has been in the heart of the Bees’ defence this term, the news that the 28-year-old looks likely to miss out against the Whites this weekend is sure to have left Jesse Marsch buzzing.

Indeed, over his 32 Premier League appearances in the current campaign, the £9m-rated talent has been an absolute rock at the back, helping his side keep seven clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.4 interceptions, 1.6 tackles, 4.6 clearances and winning 6.8 duels – at a success rate of 68% – per game.

The centre-back has also impressed in an attacking capacity, scoring one goal, registering one assist and creating two big chances for his teammates, in addition to taking an average of 0.5 shots, making 0.4 key passes and completing 0.3 dribbles per fixture.

These returns have seen the £27k-per-week Jamaica international average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.01, ranking him as Frank’s second-best performing defender and sixth-best player overall in the top flight of English football.

As such, should Pinnock indeed be ruled out of Sunday’s final day clash, it is clear to see that it would provide Leeds’ chances of securing all three points – and subsequently, survival – with a huge boost, with the 28-year-old’s absence being exactly the sort of marginal gain that Marsch will be hoping for in the buildup to the fixture.

AND in other news: Orta must ruthlessly axe £40k-p/w Leeds “mistake” who’s “nothing short of a liability”

Sunderland manager Alex Neil has confirmed that there are no fresh injury concerns ahead of the League One play-off second leg against Sheffield Wednesday on Monday night. 

The lowdown: Advantage Sunderland

Neil’s side head to Hillsborough with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg encounter at the Stadium of Light thanks to Ross Stewart’s strike late in the first half last Friday night.

The Black Cats were roared on by more than 44,300 vociferous supporters in the northeast, and those fans will be praying for a trip to the capital later in the month.

As Sunderland look to book a place in the Wembley showpiece for a shot at promotion to the Championship, the manager has updated the fitness situation at the club…

The latest: Neil reveals Sunderland team news

Speaking on Sunday ahead of the trip to Yorkshire (via Sunderland Echo), Neil confirmed that there were no new injuries suffered to the Sunderland matchday squad.

The 40-year-old stated: “Everyone seems to be OK. The lads were in yesterday (Saturday) afternoon, it’s always difficult after a night game in terms of your sleep.

“But they’ve had a good rest now, they’ll be back in this afternoon and then we’ll take a view on how they are. But certainly there were no additional issues for us as of yesterday.”

The verdict: Huge boost for Sunderland

Whilst Sunderland could remain without Leon Dajaku and Everton loanee Nathan Broadhead due to illness and a muscle problem respectively, Neil will be delighted to have the same 18 players from Friday at his disposal once more for another pivotal clash.

Albeit with only a slender lead, the Black Cats enjoyed the lion’s share of proceedings in the first leg, with 15 shots to the Owls’ eight and seven corners to the visitors’ three on the night (Sofascore).

Neil may look to use the same players on this occasion with a view to getting Dajaku, Broadhead and indeed Dennis Cirkin and Carl Winchester fit for a potential play-off final against either Wycombe or MK Dons.

In other news, Sunderland are now facing one big dilemma