West Ham United have reportedly made one more final offer for Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse, as they look to welcome the midfielder to the London Stadium before the start of the new season.

The Saints have set a price-tag of £40m for the midfielder, according to reports.

What's the latest on James Ward-Prowse to West Ham?

The Hammers haven't exactly had straight forward negotiations with Southampton when it comes to Ward-Prowse. And, now, they've submitted a final 'take it or leave it' offer of around £30m, according to TalkSport, who also reported that the offer will likely be rejected by Southampton, who are holding out for £40m.

With that, it looks increasingly unlikely that Ward-Prowse will be a West Ham player in the coming season, unless the Hammers return to suddenly change tact and meet Southampton's asking price.

As things stand, the Saints captain could play a part in his side's opening game of the Championship season this Friday, as they travel to Sheffield Wednesday.

It would be some turn of events if Ward-Prowse started for Southampton to start their Championship season, having been linked with a move away as soon as the Saints suffered relegation from the Premier League last season.

Should West Ham sign Ward-Prowse?

After losing Declan Rice to Arsenal for a reported £105m, to say that West Ham need a midfielder would be an understatement. The Hammers certainly have the budget to welcome players, too. It's just about spending that budget wisely.

Signing Ward-Prowse would be an ideal way to finally get their spending underway, too, even at the £40m mark. The England midfielder offers an unmatched threat from set pieces, as well as possessing traits similar to Rice when on the ball.

According to FBref, last season, Ward-Prowse completed around one less pass than Rice per 90, with 4.55 of those passes being progressive, which again fell just one short of Rice's tally. So, whilst West Ham have lost arguably their best player, if they meet Southampton's asking price they'll have themselves an ideal replacement who's really not far behind in terms of on-ball quality.

Ward-Prowse has attracted plenty of praise over the years, too, including from former teammate Charlie Austin, who told TalkSport: "He's come through the academy there and has been there for so many years. I just think that it hasn't been the right opportunity. I think now is the time for him to move.

"His set-pieces and that are brilliant. He's probably going to beat David Beckham's record but, the nuts and bolts of his game, running hard, winning the ball back, and leading his team are phenomenal."

As things stand, it looks unlikely that we'll see Ward-Prowse in West Ham colours in the coming season, but one thing that is a certainty is that the midfielder is a Premier League-level player.

If it's not West Ham, then another club could yet make their move for the Saints captain. On set pieces, alone, the threat that Ward-Prowse offers could prove to be an incredible asset for several top sides.

As the summer transfer window continues, Ward-Prowse is certainly a player to keep an eye on when it comes to his next move.

Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay could be set to stay at Old Trafford due to youngster Kobbie Mainoo picking up an injury in pre-season, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Is Scott McTominay leaving Manchester United?

According to The Guardian, Manchester United will allow midfielder McTominay to leave Old Trafford this summer if suitors can reach their £40 million price tag for the Scotland international.

West Ham United are known admirers of the £60k-a-week ace and have previously made contact with the Red Devils over the possibility of concluding a deal to land McTominay.

Nevertheless, Manchester United may now have to change tact with their stance on McTominay after young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo sustained a 'serious ankle injury' and has since flown home from their tour of the United States, as per Telegraph Sport.

Erik Ten Hag is now faced with a scenario of Mainoo missing the early part of the new season and may need to re-evaluate the future of McTominay and whether he can afford to lose the services of the 26-year-old.

Last term, McTominay made 39 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United, registering three goals and one assist in total, as per Transfermarkt.

Scottish champions Celtic have also been touted as a potential destination for McTominay; however, it remains to be seen whether Brendan Rodgers' men could afford his hefty wage packet.

Speaking to Football FanCast, transfer insider Jones thinks that McTominay may now be kept on at Manchester United out of necessity to protect their midfield depth.

Jones stated: "I continue to have reservations about both Fred and McTominay leaving until a new midfielder is signed, but now that Mainoo is missing the start of the season with injury, I feel that way even more. Both sides of the McFred partnership are available at the right price, but United have to be careful as they enter the new season, because if there is another injury, they suddenly start to look vulnerable again in an area of the pitch they can’t afford to be weak in. By the end of August, of course, there could easily be another twist and turn that changes the outlook of the whole midfield situation, but for now I think it makes sense that McTominay stays."

What now for Manchester United?

Recruitment will be top priority for Manchester United boss Ten Hag as he looks to build a squad worthy of competing on both domestic and European fronts this term.

According to the Belfast Telegraph, veteran Northern Ireland defender Jonny Evans is understood to be on the verge of signing a one-year deal at Manchester United following an initial short-term agreement to join the Red Devils in pre-season.

Rasmus Hojlund will become a Manchester United player and has completed his medical ahead of a £72 million move from Atalanta to the North West on a five-year deal, as per The Daily Mail.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has issued an update on Manchester United's pursuit of Fiorentina defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat on Twitter X, stating: "Amrabat after friendly game: 'I don’t know if I’m leaving… maybe I can stay here at Fiorentina'. Told there are no changes: Man Utd keep working on Amrabat and want him — but talks are on player side. No bid… yet. Reports about official bids last week were premature."

Leicestershire 90 for 4 (Cosgrove 38*, Norwell 2-16) v Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire’s seamers made early inroads after the visitors chose to bowl first in bowler-friendly conditions on the opening day of their Specsavers County Championship match against Leicestershire at the Fischer County Ground.Rain meant no play was possible during the morning session, but umpires Jeff Evans and Nigel Cowley decided play could start immediately following lunch, with 72 overs left to be bowled.As it turned out only 26.3 overs were possible before the rain returned to end play.With the ball swinging in the cloudy and slightly humid conditions, as well as seaming off the green-tinged pitch, batting was a far from straightforward proposition, as Liam Norwell demonstrated in sending both Leicestershire openers back to the pavilion with just 20 runs on the board.First to go was Harry Dearden, the 20-year-old left-hander edging a delivery which left him low to second slip, where Chris Dent held a good low catch, and Michael Carberry quickly followed, edging an in-swinger onto his pad, the ball looping gently to Kieran Noema-Barnett at gully.Foxes’ captain Mark Cosgrove and Colin Ackermann added 33 for the third wicket before Ackermann tried to force an in-swinging delivery from left-arm seamer Matt Taylor through the off side, and succeeded only in edging a low catch to wicket-keeper Gareth Roderick.Ned Eckersley hit one beautifully timed cover drive before he too edged a low catch to Roderick off Josh Shaw, but Cosgrove looked in good touch in going to 38 before the rain set in again.”The pitch is a tad slow, but it nipped around quite a bit to begin with and we did quite nicely,” said Norwell. “Getting the openers early was important, and then Matt Taylor and Josh Shaw bowled really nicely. It was swinging nicely too, and it’s always frustrating to come off when conditions are in your favour like that, but we haven’t bowled many overs and we’ll all be fresh tomorrow.”Cosgrove added: “It was always going to be tough batting first in those conditions, but I think it will move around all game so if we can up to 250 or even 300, we’ll be in a good spot.”We want to play on result pitches, and this looks like one. If we have a good morning tomorrow it could really set the game up.”

Chelsea have opened discussions with Ajax for attacking midfielder Mohamed Kudus, according to David Ornstein.

The Blues are close to an agreement on personal terms with the player.

Who is Mohamed Kudus joining this summer?

The Ghanaian international is a player in demand this summer.

Chelsea are the most recent club to try and make a move for the 22-year-old, with reports stating that the club have made contact with not only Ajax but also the player's representatives. Whilst no official offer has been submitted yet, dialogue between all parties has taken place and the club are considering the player among a host of other targets. It is also reported that personal terms will not be an issue, with an agreement close regarding that matter already.

Arsenal are also interested in the midfielder, with a report from FootballTransfers stating that the Ghanaian prefers a move to Mikel Arteta's side this summer over a switch to Stamford Bridge due to the Gunners' participation in this season's Champions League. It remains to be seen whether Arsenal can afford to do this deal however, having already spent over £200m this summer, reports state that the sales of players such as Folarin Balogun and Kieran Tierney could be required first before any move for Kudus can be attempted.

Earlier on in the window Brighton and Hove Albion were interested in the player's signature, with manager Roberto de Zerbi reportedly assessing his midfield options ahead of the clubs first Europa League campaign, however that move seemed to stall as Brighton were unwilling to meet the £40m asking price for the player.

Speaking on the FIVEUK YouTube channel, Ornstein revealed that Kudus is one of a number of options being surveyed by Chelsea, with the club having held discussions with all parties:

"Chelsea came to the fore, but Brighton had initially been the leading contenders, but that one seems to have gone quiet. Obviously Chelsea are looking to strengthen in their attacking midfield department and as I understand there has been some dialogue with Ajax as well as the player side that has made an agreement close on personal terms. Whether that has moved forwards since then I don’t know, and let’s see because Chelsea will be surveying a number of options."

Would Kudus be a good signing?

Kudus could be a bargain signing if he's able to realise his potential.

The versatile player who can feature all across the attack as well as in attacking midfield enjoyed the finest season of his career last season, registering 25 goals and assists in just 42 outings across all competitions last term as Ajax just missed out on the Eredivisie title.

Kudus is also one of the most exciting young players in the world with the ball, ranking in the top one percent for successful take-ons per 90 and the top four percent for attacking touches in the opposition’s penalty area, showcasing that even if he is struggling to find the back of the net, the quality he has and the threat he carries makes him a handful for defenders

Former Ballon D'Or winner Marco Van Basten was full of praise for the attacking midfielder, stating:

"I find Mohammed Kudus a much better football player than Antony. Kudus has much better technique and he knows what he is doing. Antony may be faster, but Kudus is smarter and more technical. He is much more of a footballer, you can place him anywhere on the pitch, an all-rounder for the team. In fact, I like him much better than Antony. He's more fun to watch play.”

Should the Blues complete the deal, they will have a very exciting player on their hands, who could form incredible partnerships with the likes of Christopher Nkunku and Enzo Fernandez

It is "crucial" for Manchester United to find buyers for Donny van de Beek and Fred this summer, as their transfer strategy relies on it, per transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

Are Donny van de Beek and Fred leaving Manchester United this summer?

It has been a strong transfer window for Erik ten Hag's Red Devils so far this summer, at least in a buying sense.

The arrivals of Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund should all instantly improve the first team and be around long enough to help the Dutchman build his perfect side.

The former Ajax boss would probably like to add more players to the team this summer, with Fiorentina star Sofyan Amrabat one of the names heavily linked to the club.

Read the latest Manchester United transfer news HERE…

Unfortunately for the player, and manager, United now have to sell some of their current players to make space for the Moroccan, per The Telegraph.

Two of the names who could potentially leave are former Ajax midfielder van de Beek and Brazilian international Fred.

The latter has been linked with a move to Turkish Super Lig giants Galatasaray. However, despite personal terms not being an issue, there is currently a gap in the player's valuation from both sides, per Sky Sports.

In van de Beek's case, it looks as if his miserable time in the northwest might finally be coming to an end, as a report from Spanish publication Noticias de Gipuzkoa (via the Daily Mail) has claimed that La Liga side Real Sociedad are working on a deal to take him on loan next season, with an option to buy for £8m.

Transfers expert Fabrizio Romano explained the situation on his YouTube channel, saying:

"For Man United, it's crucial to find a solution for Donny van de Beek. Real Sociedad are interested, but also, for Fred, we know the interest of Galatasaray, but I'm told that there is still no agreement with Galatasaray at the moment.

"They tried a few days ago to attack the situation, but some other club could enter the race, so it's not guaranteed yet [for] Galatasaray. There are also other clubs in the race. Let's see what happens with Fred.

"For Man United, it is crucial to sell him to make room for Sofyan Amrabat, [who is] waiting for an official bid, not arrived yet."

Who else at Manchester United is linked with an exit?

While the attention seems to be on van de Beek and Fred at the moment, who else could be heading for the door at Old Trafford?

The player that has undoubtedly received the most coverage regarding a potential departure this summer has been former captain Harry Maguire.

The England international has had a rather bleak couple of seasons at the Theatre of Dreams, compounded by the removal of the captaincy earlier this month, and he has since been linked to several clubs in England and abroad.

The Premier League side that have appeared the most interested thus far have been West Ham United, who, after seeing their initial £20m offer rejected by United, are now considering whether or not they will go back in, per Football Insider.

The same publication revealed earlier this month that the three-time European champions would be willing to sell the former Foxes star at a massive loss, around £35m, but that has been complicated somewhat by Maguire wanting his £10m-a-year contract paid out before he agrees to leave.

It looks like the Red Devils are going to be busy for the rest of the summer as they try their best to shift the players that Ten Hag has deemed unnecessary to his new project.

Naman Ojha completed his 21st first-class ton to lead MP to 409 while Andhra’s batsmen mounted a strong response to Baroda’s 373

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Oct-2017

Allrounder Washington Sundar’s maiden first-class hundred – 156* off 223 balls – underpinned Tamil Nadu’s dominance against Tripura in Chennai. Opening the batting in the absence of M Vijay – who is suffering from a neck spasm – Sundar struck 14 fours and a six to give his team a 74-run first-innings lead at stumps on the second day.He first added 162 for the opening stand with his captain Abhinav Mukund before combining with B Indrajith for an unbroken 152-run stand for the third wicket. Abhinav made 76 off 130 balls – his second successive first-class fifty – while Indrajith stayed unbeaten on 73 off 121 balls. Tripura used seven bowlers with only Joydeep Bhattacharjee and Gurinder Singh finding success. The hosts, ultimately, closed the day at 332 for 2, scoring at over four runs per over.Earlier, seamer K Vignesh’s 4 for 41 helped Tamil Nadu dismiss Tripura for 258 from an overnight 244 for 7. The visitors had lost their last seven wickets for just 55 runs. R Ashwin finished with figures of 25.1-6-64-2.Wicketkeeper-batsman Naman Ojha completed his 21st first-class hundred – 180 off 410 balls – to propel Madhya Pradesh to 409 against a depleted Mumbai side in Indore. In reply, Mumbai ended the day at 130 for 1 with opener Jay Bista punching 89 of those in only 96 balls.Resuming from an overnight 250 for 5, MP lost Ankit Sharma early on the second day, but Ankit Kushwah and Mihir Hirwani made 34 and 31 respectively to assist Ojha and help take the total past 400. Debutant Akash Parkar was the pick of the bowlers for Mumbai, finishing with 4 for 70.Kushwah then struck with the ball to have Akhil Herwadkar caught behind for 17, but Bista’s counterattack and Siddhesh Lad’s stickability helped Mumbai trim the deficit to 279.A 139-run partnership for the eighth wicket between Swapnil Singh and Atit Sheth lifted Baroda from 203 for 7 to an eventual score of 373 against Andhra in Vadodara. Andhra’s batting line-up, which had given Tamil Nadu a scare in the first round, mounted a strong reply with captain Hanuma Vihari and Ricky Bhui scoring unbeaten half-centuries. The two batsmen helped Andhra end the day at 190 for 2.Sheth followed his 70 not out with the wicket of opener Prasanth Kumar. Left-arm spinner Swapnil, who was the top-scorer for Baroda with 88, went wicketless in five overs.

Sunderland have reacted to their success of reaching the Championship play-offs last season by adding seven new players to their squad during the summer transfer window so far.

Who have Sunderland signed this summer?

The Black Cats lost to Luton Town in the semi-finals and Tony Mowbray has strengthened his side to go again with the signings of Jobe Bellingham, Jenson Seelt, Eliezer Mayender, Luis Hemir Semedo, Nathan Bishop, Nectarios Triantis and Bradley Dack on permanent deals.

That does not appear to be the end of the club's business before the deadline at the start of next month, though, as they are reportedly in the market for another winger.

Sunderland are said to be keen on a deal to sign CD Universidad Católica forward Alexander Aravena, who is valued at €8m (£6.9m) by his current club.

How good is Alexander Aravena?

The 20-year-old wizard has been in exceptional form for the Chilean side this year and his performances suggest that he has the potential to be a lethal partner for current Black Cats star Jack Clarke on the flank.

Mowbray could have two sublime attacking options to select from the start out wide by signing Aravena, whose intelligence was once lauded as "magnificent" by press officer and scout Salvatore Gandhi, to line up on the right wing, with the English gem on the left.

The Chile international has averaged a Sofascore match rating of 7.06 across 18 league appearances in 2023, which would have placed him second and only behind Ross Stewart within Mowbray's squad, and chipped in with nine goals and 1.1 chances created per game.

This has come after a return of 11 goals in 24 Primera Division outings on loan with Nublense during the 2022 campaign, which shows that the talented youngster is an excellent scoring option who can also create opportunities for his teammates on a regular basis.

Clarke, meanwhile, racked up nine goals and 12 assists in 47 Championship matches for Sunderland last season. No Black Cats player produced more assists and only Stewart, Ellis Simms, and Amad Diallo – who has since returned to Manchester United – scored more goals.

The former Tottenham Hotspur hotshot was, therefore, one of the club's best performers at the top end of the pitch and this was reflected in his average Sofascore rating of 7.00, which was the third-best at the club – behind Stewart and Simms at the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

Aravena's form for Católica this year suggests that he has the potential to be one of the team's outstanding players, both in terms of his average performance level and the contributions he can make in the final third on a regular basis.

The Chilean maestro, who journalist Josh Bunting claimed would be an "excellent" signing, could replace Patrick Roberts on the right flank after the ex-Manchester City man averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.83 and scored five goals in 42 Championship clashes last term.

These statistics suggest that Aravena, who also has plenty of room to improve and develop at the age of 20, could come in as an upgrade on the English forward for Mowbray.

He would also be a lethal partner on the wing for Clarke this season as Sunderland would have two wide attackers who can carry a significant goal threat and offer a creative outlet for their teammates.

Celtic have reportedly registered their interest in signing a talented new midfielder for Brendan Rodgers.

What’s the latest Celtic transfer news?

The Hoops have brought in six new players at a total cost of £12m this summer, and there is still time to add to their ranks before the domestic deadline closes.

Maik Nawrocki, Odin Thiago Holm, Hyun-jun Yang, Marco Tilio, Hyeok-kyu Kwon and Tomoki Iwata are the players who have penned Parkhead terms in recent months, and a new centre-back to replace Carl Starfelt appears to be on the agenda.

Gustaf Lagerbielke and Xavier Mbuyamba are two defenders who the club have made enquiries for, with Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph saying this earlier in the week…

“Celtic have made enquiries for two centre-backs as they look to replace Carl Starfelt. It’s understood enquiries have been made for Elfsborg’s Gustaf Lagerbielke and Volendam’s Xavier Mbuyamba.

“Reports in Sweden suggest Celtic are further down the line with Lagerbielke.”

However, alongside a centre-back, a new midfielder also appears to be of interest, and one player who has been linked with a move to Glasgow is Manchester City midfielder James McAtee.

In a new update, it appears as if the club have made contact over a potential transfer. Football Scotland reporter Mark Hendry provided a Celtic transfer roundup on Wednesday and touched on the Hoops’ interest in McAtee, saying those at Parkhead have “registered an interest” in the player, however, a whopping 30 clubs are keen on the City gem.

“One player Celtic are indeed keen on is Manchester City's James McAtee – but it won't be an easy get, that's for sure.

“According to sources down south there are believed to be more than THIRTY clubs who have made their interest known in the 20-year-old and that's just in the UK. The lad is no joke and while Celtic have registered an interest, they'll face a battle.”

How good is James McAtee?

McAtee is primarily a central midfielder but can also play further forward in an attacking area if needed. The 20-year-old came in for praise from Pep Guardiola after City turned down one loan spell in 2022.

"Maybe it happened because he's a special player. These players when we don't have incredible depth, we cannot forget he's just 19, training every day is so important for him."

However, McAtee did go out on loan last season to Sheffield United and helped them win promotion back to the Premier League after making 43 appearances for the Blades in all competitions.

You can see just why McAtee is now a player in demand following his form in the past 12 months. As per FBref, the Englishman ranks in the top 1% of midfielders for goals and assists and progressive carries, showing how much of a threat he can be in the final third.

McAtee also ranks highly when it comes to key passes and passes into the final third, so if Celtic managed to win the race for the player’s services, presumably on loan, then perhaps Rodgers could be landing a future star for the campaign.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após um início de Campeonato Brasileiro no qual expôs suas queixas pelo desgaste causado com a sequência de jogos, o técnico Domènec Torrent lidará com a luta para começar a consolidar o estilo de jogo que planeja para o Flamengo. O catalão mostra expectativa de que, até o duelo contra o Santos, no próximo domingo, a equipe tenha uma evolução em campo.

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– Agora temos semana limpa, longa e podemos trabalhar conceitos. Vamos treinar por dois períodos durante dois, três dias. Porque precisamos trabalhar conceitos. Fisicamente, pouco a pouco, todo o elenco está melhor. Se quiser jogar de memória precisa de tempo – afirmou.

Por mais que o técnico faça variações no elenco, algumas ideias de Domènec já começam a ficar mais claras. A formação inicial da partida contra o Botafogo, tendo um volante e dois meias e dando mais liberdade para as dobradinhas entre laterais e pontas foi vista como promissora pelo comandante.

Além de promover mudanças entre os titulares, o catalão fez alguns testes táticos ao optar pelo 4-3-3. Gabigol foi deslocado para a ponta-direita, enquanto Bruno Henrique atuou mais próximo da área e Pedro Rocha, mais aberto pela esquerda. Como o camisa 9 não rendeu o esperado nesta função durante a etapa inicial e, aos poucos, foi para a área.

Por sua vez, o desempenho acima da média de Pedro Rocha e, na etapa final, de Bruno Henrique pelo lado esquerdo, se deve à grande contribuição de Filipe Luís. O experiente lateral abriu espaços e chegou a fazer cruzamento para o gol de Gabigol anulado pelo VAR. Ofensivamente, os jogadores que atuam pelos lados devem ficar com a missão de abrir os caminhos.

Outro fator que chamou atenção foi a entrada de Thiago Maia. O volante deu uma nova voltagem à equipe no segundo tempo. Por meio de seus passes, ele ajudou o Rubro-Negro a voltar a sufocar a defesa do Botafogo no segundo tempo e mostrou que está pedindo passagem.

No entanto, ainda há arestas para Dome aparar no Rubro-Negro. Além de erros de passes, a equipe tem colecionado chances desperdiçadas e se mostra vulnerável defensivamente.

O desajuste, que custou ao campeão brasileiro de 2019 ter obtido apenas uma vitória nos cinco jogos iniciais desta edição, é visto por Domènec Torrent como algo a ser corrigido com o tempo.

– Impossível só jogar, recuperação, jogar novamente… É muito difícil. Para jogar com estilo muito claro, temos de mudar as coisas – afirmou.

Uma das coisas que o catalão reconheceu que o Rubro-Negro tem de melhorar é a parte de finalizações. A equipe padece para acertar a pontaria (foram 15 arremates contra a meta alvinegra).

À espera de dar mais clareza às suas ideias, o comandante do Flamengo parte para uma semana bem desafiadora.

An update has emerged on Leeds United and their plans to strengthen Daniel Farke's defensive options before the end of the summer transfer window…

What's the latest Leeds transfer news?

The Whites recently completed the signing of central defender Joe Rodon on a season-long loan deal from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, but that will not be the end of their business in that area of the pitch.

According to Football Insider, the west Yorkshire outfit will attempt to sign another centre-back to bolster their backline before deadline day on September 1st, and have identified both Liverpool's Nat Phillips and Manchester City's Taylor Harwood-Bellis.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

The report claims that both players would cost 'big-money' fees to snap up from their respective top-flight clubs, although it does not state exactly how much.

However, LeedsLive claimed earlier this month that the Citizens would demand £15m for the England U21 international and that a loan could be an option if no teams are willing to match that figure.

How good is Taylor Harwood-Bellis?

The 21-year-old ace won the Championship title on loan at Burnley last season and would arrive as a proven performer at this level who could be a big upgrade on Pascal Struijk, who has started the first two league games this term.

Farke could improve his defence in a swoop for the English titan as his performances throughout the 2022/23 campaign and over the summer at the U21 European Championship suggest that he would be a fantastic player for the Whites.

Harwood-Bellis averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.21 across 32 league outings for the Clarets last term and won 63% of his individual duels, whilst he also went through the season without making a single error leading to a shot, goal, or penalty for the opposition.

He also enjoyed a phenomenal U21 tournament with England as they won the competition without conceding a single goal. The talented colossus helped his team to keep a clean sheet in all five of his appearances and averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.26 to go along with a ground duel success rate of 86%.

Struijk, meanwhile, averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.75 over 29 Premier League games, whilst no Whites player recorded a score higher than 7.00. The Dutchman did win 59% of his battles but also made one error leading directly to a goal and gave away two penalties.

This suggests that Harwood-Bellis would be less of a liability at the back for Leeds as he is not as prone to making crucial errors in his own third.

The Man City youngster could also be an upgrade on Struijk in terms of what he is able to do in possession.

He has averaged 5.73 progressive passes per 90 and completed 85.4% of his attempted passes over the last 365 days, whereas the Whites dud has a pass completion rate of 79.5% and made 4.91 progressive passes per 90 in that time.

This could improve the effectiveness of Leeds' build-up play out from the back as the 6 foot 2 brute progresses the ball more frequently with greater efficiency than Farke's current central defensive option.

Therefore, Harwood-Bellis, who was once described as the "real deal" by scout Jacek Kulig, would come in as a big upgrade on Struijk for the German head coach and could hit the ground running based on his excellent displays for Burnley at this level last season.