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Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier might “want to leave” this summer should the club get relegated from the Premier League, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

What's the latest on Meslier's future?

The Frenchman permanently arrived at Elland Road from FC Lorient back in July 2020 and has firmly established himself as number one in his 123 appearances to date, and despite his contract not expiring for another three years, is facing an uncertain future given the dangerous position that Javi Gracia and his side find themselves in.

Football Insider report that the Whites shot-stopper has emerged as a target for Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur with a £30m price tag having been set, though Fabrizio Romano has since claimed that the Yorkshire outfit aren’t open to negotiations at this particular moment in time.

Speaking to Football FanCast, O’Rourke delivered an update on Meslier’s stance regarding staying at Leeds beyond the summer and revealed where he thinks his future will lie. He said:

“There has been previous interest before from some Premier League clubs. So I'm sure Meslier will be keeping his options open this summer. If Leeds were to go down, I'm sure he would want to leave and Leeds might be forced to cash in on him as well.”

Should Leeds keep or sell Meslier?

Since Leeds gained promotion back to the Premier League in 2019/20 thanks to the services of Meslier, who earns £30k per week, during his loan season between the sticks, he’s become a key member of the squad so the hierarchy should do everything they can to fend off interest and keep hold of him beyond the summer window.

The 6 foot 5 colossus has kept 30 clean sheets during his time at Elland Road with his form this season in particular having seen him receive three man-of-the-match awards, highlighting the individual importance he has on the side.

The Lorient native has also made 84 saves from 143 shots on target against and ranks in the 93rd percentile for defensive actions outside of his area, as per FBRef, showing that he’s not afraid to come out, get himself behind the ball and clear the danger from the opposition.

Finally, Meslier has a fantastic range of passing having completed 135 of 139 short passes and 315 of 320 medium passes this season, giving him a success rate of 98.4% for the latter, so even the thought of losing him will no doubt be a huge blow to Gracia.

Manchester United’s second-half collapse against Sevilla on Thursday evening was remarkable.

The Red Devils were 2-0 up and cruising at half time thanks to two goals from loanee Marcel Sabitzer, but after spurning a succession of chances, were made to pay by the Spanish side.

The eventual scoreline was 2-2 with Erik ten Hag’s men having fallen to sleep late on, leaving their chances of reaching the next round of the Europa League in doubt.

What happened in Man United vs Sevilla?

It was a torrid night for the Manchester club who saw Bruno Fernandes suspended ahead of the second leg, Lisandro Martinez leave the pitch in tears after an injury and Tyrell Malacia fall asleep for Sevilla’s opener.

It was dreadful defending from the Dutchman who inexplicably switched off at the back post and allowed former Manchester City man Jesus Navas to steel in.

The right-back attempted to play the ball into the box but it cannoned off Malacia, then off David De Gea, before ending up in the back of the net.

The evening then became even worse after substitute Harry Maguire’s own goal. If anything typified his stint at Old Trafford this was it.

Youssef En-Nesyri leapt the highest for a late header in the box and with the ball not goalbound in the slightest, it came off Maguire’s head who was completely oblivious to what was happening, before it beat a hapless De Gea.

What was the reaction to Maguire’s own goal?

The reaction to the own goal was one of jest with plenty taking to social media to aim criticism at the centre-half, even if he couldn’t do anything about the end result.

Reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared a Tottenham Hotspur manager update involving Burnley boss Vincent Kompany.

What's the latest on Kompany to Spurs?

The 37-year-old, as reported recently, appears to be quite high on chairman Daniel Levy's agenda with some news outlets even suggesting he is their top target. Indeed, The Sun recently claimed that Kompany has impressed Levy and Spurs chiefs, with the Belgian himself open to a possible approach.

Tottenham are still without a permanent replacement for ex-manager Antonio Conte, who parted company with the north Londoners last month, with Kompany seen as a very viable candidate.

The Man City legend has joined other high profile names who are being considered for the role, like former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique and the recently fired Julian Nagelsmann.

Kompany in particular could be deemed one of Europe's most exciting young coaches, having guided Burnley back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

His Clarets side have played thoroughly entertaining football in doing so – scoring more goals and conceding fewer than any other Championship team. They also reign superior in terms of games won and could yet become one of the few second tier sides to reach 100 points in a single season (Sky Sports).

As such, the prospect of Kompany's appointment at Spurs could be an enticing one for some supporters, with Romano now sharing an update on the matter.

Speaking to CaughtOffside, the authorative journalist claimed Levy is working on Tottenham's manager appointment in the background, and they do indeed appreciate Kompany's work.

He explained:

“I can confirm that Tottenham appreciate Vincent Kompany, I’ve said in the last few weeks that Vincent is one of the managers they like after his impressive work at Burnley.

“But the feeling inside the club is that nothing has been decided yet on the new head coach. It will take time to decide the new manager with Daniel Levy on it.”

Should Spurs consider him?

As previously mentioned, the former Anderlecht boss has been shining at Turf Moor, yet we believe he is an option who should remain on the outside.

Kompany is both a brilliant coach and leader, having achieved cult status at City as their former captain, but his lack of experience in the English top flight as a manager could count against him.

Tottenham is an absolutely huge job to undertake with serial winners like Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte ultimately failing to transform their fortunes, even if the latter did take them to a top four finish last season.

Conte's tenure ended very unceremoniously and Kompany will not want to follow in the Italian's footsteps.

Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has shared a funny picture of new manager Roy Hodgson amid the club's recent upturn in form.

What's the latest on Roy Hodgson and Crystal Palace?

It wasn't that long ago that the Eagles looked to be in real trouble. Indeed, amid a run of 12 games without a win, the club opted to part ways with Patrick Vieira.

Consequently, Hodgson was brought in to help Palace in what looked to be a tight fight to avoid Premier League relegation. However, the 75-year-old has since delivered two wins from two, putting the Eagles now six points above the bottom three.

In their latest outing, Hodgson's side were at their very best as they stunned relegation rivals Leeds United. Indeed, despite initially falling behind, goals from Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze, Odsonne Edouard, and a brace from Jordan Ayew saw Palace win 5-1 at Elland Road.

After the game, winger Zaha took to Instagram to share a picture which likely sums up the feeling towards the new/old boss right now.

How many games has Zaha played for Hodgson?

Indeed, the picture shows Hodgson looking sharp, donning a pair of sunglasses and it's fair to say the veteran manager seemed pretty cool after the game.

Indeed, after masterminding this superb shock trouncing of Leeds, the 75-year-old explained to the press how he hoped to continue getting the best out of his attacking players such as Eze and Michael Olise.

He told The Independent: “All we (coaches) are, we’re orchestra leaders. We know the music, we know all the notes, but they have to play the tune.”

He will no doubt be hoping to have Zaha back soon too. The winger is out for an unknown amount of time, with Hodgson confirming before the game: “It’s a groin strain, there’s no question about that. We’re looking after him, he’s having treatment. The doctors and physios won’t put a time stamp on it."

Seeing as the Ivorian has played 135 times for his current boss, scoring 34 goals and providing 21 assists – the most he's managed under any coach across his career – it's safe to say he knows how good things can be under Hodgson.

With that in mind, it's no shock that Zaha was quick to take to social media with this playful message that certainly suggests he's enjoying life under the 75-year-old once more, even if he's not fit to feature right now.

Manchester United are reportedly interested in making a move for Athletico Paranaense attacker Vitor Roque during the summer transfer window.

Is Roque a wanted man this summer?

The 18-year-old looks like a player of enormous promise, having already made such an impression at his current club despite being so young. He has scored 10 goals in 40 appearances for Paranaense, as well as chipping in with three assists.

Such has been the meteoric rise of the one-cap Brazil international, there has been plenty of interest in Roque from European clubs ahead of a potential move this summer.

Barcelona are believed to be his preference currently, as is so often the case for players from his country – the likes of Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho have all starred at Camp Nou in the past, among others – but there could be a strong battle for his signature.

It remains to be seen whether the La Liga giants will have the finances to sanction a move for the youngster, so other clubs would perhaps be wise to pounce if there are any second thoughts in Catalonia.

That's where United come into play, following the emergence of a fresh transfer rumour.

Could United snap up the teenager?

According to Globo Esporte [via Sport Witness], Roque's entourage has been in Europe looking at possible moves for the player, with United one of the clubs who they have spoken to over a potential summer switch. It is noted that two other Premier League clubs are planning to submit bids for the forward at the end of the season.

Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and West Ham are all mentioned as being in the conversation to sign the teenager, whose current deal at Paranaense doesn't expire until 2027, meaning a hefty bid may be required to sign him.

Roque appears to carry a lot of promise given his age and the stature of clubs interested in him. He has also been described as "one of the greatest players we have ahead of us" by former Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, which is a huge statement to make.

For that reason, United should do all they can to beat others to his signature this summer, with Roque coming in as a raw player who can develop in England over time, potentially becoming a superstar and ensuring the Red Devils remain a force long into the future, assuming he reaches what looks like his absolutely huge potential.

Manchester United haven’t had the greatest success in the transfer market in recent seasons, with certain players failing to live up to the high expectations and costing the club vast sums of money in the process.

Think to the likes of Daniel James, Donny van de Beek and Harry Maguire, who were all signed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and it’s no wonder he couldn’t lead the side to any major honours during his spell at the club.

The former United legend did make one excellent signing during his tenure however, with Bruno Fernandes growing into one of the Red Devils’ finest players in recent seasons.

The attacking midfielder has registered 111 goal contributions in just 170 matches and has sometimes been the club's only ray of light in some dark times. Although he is at the peak of his powers, he won't be at United forever and with no apparent heir in the senior side to the 28-year-old, Ten Hag will have to look elsewhere.

The Dutchman could splash the cash in the transfer window, or he could turn to the academy and there is a young prodigy that may just be able to make the step up in a couple of years and be the ideal heir to Fernandes – Isak Hansen-Aaröen.

Who is Isak Hansen-Aaröen?

The 18-year-old is currently starring for the U21 side this term having made the leap from the U18 age group where he scored three goals and registered five assists in 30 matches.

The Norwegian can operate either as a central midfielder or push further up as a number ten and this would ideally be the role Ten Hag would envisage him playing in, taking over from Fernandes.

Across 18 appearances in the Premier League 2 this season, Hansen-Aaröen has netted three times and has featured three times in the EFL trophy against senior opposition. The youngster received a Sofascore rating of 6.6/10 for his performances and considering the step-up in quality, it is a solid average.

The midfielder didn’t score or assist, although he did make 1.3 key passes, 1.3 tackles and have 0.3 shots per game and with more experience at this level, more confidence will be gained.

The teen maestro is highly regarded, with presenter Mark Goldbridge having this to say on the player: "Isak Hansen-Aarøen. Wouldn't be surprised if he is the next breakthrough youngster. Exactly the sort of intelligent footballer Ten Hag will value.”

There is still plenty to learn but constant exposure to better players and opposition will only help his cause. The Norway U19 international has an extremely bright future at United and Ten Hag will be keeping an eye on his progress.

Arsenal's signing of Ben White was widely criticised back in 2021 after the centre-back struggled in his first few performances, but his displays this season in the Gunners' title challenge have seen him prove everyone wrong.

How much is Ben White worth now?

Mikel Arteta's side announced the signing of White from Brighton in July 2021, with the former Leeds United loanee joining in a deal worth £50m.

He was criticised by Sky Sports pundits, notably Gary Neville, after a difficult debut for the defender in the 2-0 defeat against newly-promoted Brentford in the opening game of the Premier League's 2021/22 campaign, but he is now a hugely important player in this extremely impressive Arsenal side.

Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor was another who was less than impressed with White's performances last season, despite the 25-year-old averaging a solid 6.78 rating from WhoScored across his 32 appearances in the top flight.

He told Football Insider: “Arsenal’s defence is nowhere near good enough to get top-four. For me, Ben White is very overrated, I watched him against Newcastle towards the end of the season and he was absolutely dreadful.

“He lacks pace, he lacks aggression. Yes, he’s good on the ball but he’s not a defensive midfielder, he’s a centre-half."

While the pundit was wrong about White's overall ability and Arsenal's defensive capabilities, given they sit top of the Premier League with just 26 goals conceded, he was right to an extent about the England international not being a centre-back, as he has starred at right-back in Arteta's side this season following the emergence of William Saliba alongside Gabriel.

This season has seen White earn an impressive 6.85 rating from WhoScored across his 28 top-flight appearances, with one goal and three assists to his name, with a title win certainly on the cards for the young defender, so early into his Arsenal career.

Unsurprisingly, the 25-year-old's emergence as a key player in a side top of the Premier League has seen his market value shoot up during his one-and-a-half-year spell at the Emirates.

When White joined, he was valued at just €28m (£24.7m) by Transfermarkt, but the same website now values him at €50m (£44.1m), which represents a significant 78% increase.

With Arsenal favourites for the title and certain to be playing in the Champions League next season, White's transfer value is only likely to increase further, as he continues to prove those who doubted him wrong.

Manchester City are thought to be interested in signing Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes this summer, according to a recent report.

The Lowdown: City set for rebuild?

It has been reported by GiveMeSport that a trio of Man City players could be set to leave the club in the summer transfer window, with Ilkay Gundogan, Aymeric Laporte and Bernardo Silva all tipped for exits.

With two of those players operating in midfield, and Rodri also being linked with a departure at the end of the season, Pep Guardiola may be forced into strengthening in the centre of the park, and the Sky Blues have been linked with several options.

City are said to be in ‘pole position’ to sign Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, as a result of the £40m buy-back clause they inserted into his contract when they allowed him to leave last summer, and Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister has also been named as a potential target.

The Latest: Guimaraes targeted

According to the print edition of the Sunday Mirror (19/03/2023, p78), via The Manchester Evening News, Man City have a ‘strong interest’ in Guimaraes, and could make a move for the midfielder in the summer transfer window.

There may be competition for the Brazilian’s signature, however, as Real Madrid are also thought to be interested. In order to win the race, the Sky Blues could offer Kalvin Phillips as a bargaining chip, with the midfielder struggling to break into the first team.

The Verdict: Get it done?

The central midfielder has been a vital player for Newcastle ever since his arrival in the Premier League, making a total of 20 top-flight appearances so far this season, during which time he has weighed in with three goals and three assists.

Hailed as ‘incredible’ by Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, the 25-year-old is ranked as the Magpies’ fourth-best performing player in the league, as per SofaScore, recording an average match rating of 7.11, the highest of any midfielder.

Over the course of the past year, the maestro has averaged 0.26 non-penalty goals per 90, placing him in the 97th percentile compared to other midfielders, while he is also solid defensively, ranking in the 90th percentile for tackling.

Given that he is a threat going forward, as well as being skilled in the defensive side of the game, Guimaraes would be an excellent addition to the squad, however, it would not be a surprise if Newcastle are unwilling to sell, in light of his performances this season.

Chelsea are looking to prioritise the transfer of Barcelona phenom Frenkie de Jong to Stamford Bridge this summer, with the Dutch midfielder of interest to owner Todd Boehly last summer.

What’s the latest on De Jong to Chelsea?

According to Football Insider, Boehly is a ‘huge admirer’ of the 25-year-old, whose outfit had agreed to an £85m sale to Manchester United before the player rejected the Red Devils, content with his place in the La Blaugrana squad.

Barcelona’s financial struggles have been well documented over the past few years and the La Liga giants might now be forced to sell some of their most coveted assets to balance the books.

And De Jong, who would command a mammoth fee and reportedly boasts a wage of £232k-per-week, might well be the optimum choice of departure for Xavi, meaning the lucrative power of Chelsea could lure him to west London, following a remarkable spending spree of over £550m since last summer.

Where would Frenkie de Jong fit into Chelsea’s team?

Since signing for Barcelona from Ajax for £65m in 2019, De Jong has forged 172 appearances, scoring 15 goals and registering 19 assists, notably winning the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.

As per FBref, the 50-cap international ranks among the top 4% of midfielders in Europe for progressive carries, the top 6% for progressive passes, the top 4% for pass completion and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90, illustrating the dynamic capabilities of his game and the superlative ability at conducting play and dictating the flow of matches.

Hailed “extraordinary” by his manager, Xavi, De Jong has been an assured and composed presence at the heart of his side for club and country, and boasts a seasonal league rating of 7.16, according to Sofascore.

While Chelsea have secured a multitude of fresh faces over the past year, the Blues’ fortunes have left them in tenth place in the Premier League after 26 matches, facing the possibility of playing their football outside of the Champions League next year, although they have advanced to the quarter-finals of the competition after defeating Borussia Dortmund.

In order to cement the desired stature as one of the globe’s foremost outfits, the acquisition of De Jong is imperative, and if manager Graham Potter is successful in landing the “maestro” – as dubbed by Statman Dave – £107m British-record signing Enzo Fernandez would have the perfect partner in the engine room over the coming years.

Having won the 2022 World Cup with Argentina and earned the prestigious Best Young Player award, the 22-year-old Fernandez has been a revelation this season, dazzling with Benfica in Portugal after signing from homeland club River Plate for an initial €10m (£9m) fee in the summer.

With the “game changer” – as hailed by journalist Roy Nemer – indeed flourishing in the early days of his career in west London, earning an impressive Sofascore rating of 7.25 across his six outings in the English top-flight, registering two assists and completing 88% of his passes from his robust role, De Jong could indeed find the perfect partner to devastate and suffocate opposition for years to come. This would certainly be an extraordinary and mouth-watering duo for Chelsea fans to salivate over.

Everton are reportedly eyeing up a potential summer move for striker Chuba Akpom, should Middlesbrough fail to be promoted from the Championship.

The Lowdown: January interest

It was reported that Everton held an interest in signing Akpom in the January transfer window, but a move never materialised in the end.

His current deal at the Riverside Stadium expires in the summer, but Boro have the option to extend it by a further 12 months.

The Latest: Summer move?

As per talkSPORT, the Goodison Park outfit are still interested in a summer move for Akpom, but so are half a dozen clubs in the Premier League.

Leeds United and Crystal Palace are also mentioned as potential suitors for the striker, who has only been outscored by Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland in England’s top four divisions so far this season.

The Verdict: Get it done

The Merseyside club are in desperate need of a goalscorer for next campaign, having scored the joint-fewest goals in the top flight, and Akpom would be perfect as a signing in that regard.

Lauded as a ‘fantastic‘ player by former Boro caretaker manager Leo Percovich, he has scored no fewer than just missed out on the Championship Player of the Month award for February.

Of course, the Premier League is a big step up, but the Englishman would surely relish the opportunity to prove himself at a higher level, should he make the move to the Toffees, or indeed win promotion with Middlesbrough.