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Leeds United will need to pay a ‘decent fee’ to Feyenoord if they want to sign exciting midfielder Orkun Kokcu, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Leeds keen on Kokcu move

The Whites may be eyeing up new signings in the January transfer window, in order to tackle what has been a disappointing start to the season due largely to injuries ripping through a thin squad.

Kokcu is one player who has been linked with a switch to Elland Road this year, having caught the eye for Feyenoord and emerged as arguably one of the most exciting young midfielders in the Netherlands.

The 20-year-old has been compared to Germany World Cup winner Mesut Ozil in terms of playing style and has backed that up by registering six Eredivisie assists this season.

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The Latest: Journalist makes key claim

Speaking to Give Me Sport, O’Rourke made it clear that Kokcu was unlikely to come in on the cheap, should Leeds make a move for him:

“The boy at Feyenoord, I think he might cost a decent fee.”

Reports in the Netherlands, via TEAMtalk, believe Victor Orta and co will face competition from Sevilla and Roma.

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The Verdict: Hugely talented prospect

Leeds are badly in need of a creative spark in midfield, with only 18 goals scored in as many league games in 2021/22 to date.

While Kokcu’s aforementioned assist-making quality stands out – he has 19 in total for Feyenoord – Patrick Bamford (two) is the only Leeds player with more than one in the league this season.

Not only would Kokcu come in as a long-term prospect with a high ceiling but he could also make an immediate difference, taking some of the creative pressure off the likes of Raphinha and Bamford and giving Marcelo Bielsa an extra attacking dimension.

In other news, one Leeds player could be out of action for a long period. Find out who it is here.

West Ham have ‘in recent hours’ shown an interest in Paris Saint-Germain defender Layvin Kurzawa, according to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna.

The Lowdown: Left-back options

West Ham have been hugely reliant on Aaron Cresswell for many years to hold down the left-back position. The defender has made an astonishing 239 appearances for the Hammers in the league, placing him second in the Irons’ table for most Premier League appearances, behind Mark Noble, who totals 407 matches.

However, Cresswell is now 32 years old, and he has just 18 months left on his contract.

Arthur Masuaku is the club’s alternative option at left-back. The 28-year-old has made 11 top-flight appearances this season, seven of which have come off the bench. Despite this, fans would likely be reluctant to see him replace Cresswell in the starting XI, as the player has received some criticism for his recent performances.

Pundit Ian Wright singled Masuaku out for the ‘poor game’ he had in the Hammers’ defeat to Southampton, suggesting that he is a defensive liability.

As Cresswell doesn’t have long left on his current deal and with Masuaku failing to show why he should play a part in David Moyes’ starting XI, it is clear to see why West Ham have been searching for a left-back to bring into the club.

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The Latest: Hammers interested in Kurzawa

According to Foot Mercato journalist Aouna, West Ham have ‘shown interest in recent hours’ for PSG defender Kurzawa.

The Frenchman has not played any part in the current season for PSG; with just one appearance in all 2021/22 competitions, which was off the bench for nine minutes in the Trophée des Champions.

Therefore, this could be ‘a way out’ for the left-back, with Newcastle United also said to be interested in the player.

The Verdict: Poor choice

Kurzawa was previously linked with a deal to fellow London club Arsenal, with reports suggesting that he even agreed a deal to move to the Emirates Stadium in January 2020.

However, with the deal failing to materialise, questions have been asked as to the reason why. The 29-year-old has a lengthy injury history, which has seen him sidelined for weeks at a time; the longest of which was a herniated disc which kept him out for three months.

With suggestions that he also has a bad attitude, this does not seem like the sort of player that Moyes should be pursuing, even despite the player’s incredible trophy haul of 18 domestic competitions won in Paris.

In other news: West Ham United: Phillips bid officially rejected

Rangers have been linked with a move for Young Boys winger Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu recently and he could prove to be an excellent addition to Steven Gerrard’s side at Ibrox this summer.

What’s the word?

According to teamTALK, Rangers are keen on the left-winger but will face stiff competition for the 26-year-old, with Everton, Leicester City, Brighton and Leeds United all credited with an interest.

It is claimed that Rangers have watched him this season and although he has just two goals and five assists to his name in the league, his previous campaigns suggest that he could be a stellar signing for the Light Blues.

Would he be a good signing?

Gerrard is undoubtedly looking to add to his squad this summer as he prepares to defend the Premiership title and challenge in the Champions League and for the domestic cups, so adding a player with experience in both the Champions League and Europa League would make a lot of sense for the 40-year-old manager.

Ngamaleu was in excellent form last season, contributing 11 goals and 12 assists in all competitions for the Swiss League side, so it is no surprise that he is attracting interest this summer, despite him failing to match those numbers so far this campaign.

The Cameroonian international has featured across the front three on a regular basis in his career thus far, so certainly looks as if he would fit into Rangers’ 4-3-3 system.

Although Gerrard already has the likes of Ryan Kent, Ianis Hagi, Joe Aribo and Scott Wright available to him as wingers in his squad, if he wants his side to have more success in cup competitions next season, he will arguably need to have even more strength in depth.

Ngamaleu is rated very highly, especially when it comes to dribbling and defending, which suggests that he could be dangerous from both an attacking and defensive perspective in Gerrard’s side.

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The winger is currently valued at £3.25m by Transfermarkt, with his contract set to expire in 2023, so whilst he could prove to be an expensive option for Wilson this summer, he looks to be exactly the sort of player that could prosper in Gerrard’s system.

And, in other news… Rangers handed significant transfer boost over 131-goal beast, Gerrard should already love him

Celtic have seen a significant number of players join the Parkhead club over recent years, either on loan or permanent deals.

While the club have been active in the transfer market, this always increases the chances of having the occasional deal not go as well as they may have hoped.

One particular deal that looks to have been a let-down for the Hoops is their 2020 swoop for midfielder Ismaila Soro.

During the January transfer window in 2019/20, Celtic secured a four-and-a-half-year deal for the midfielder worth £2m from Israeli side Bnei Yehuda.

Despite signing in January, the Ivorian didn’t end up making his debut for the Bhoys until September 2020, in a 5-0 SPFL win over Ross County – having been out with a knee injury in the months prior.

Overall, the 23-year-old has made just 43 appearances for the Hoops across all competitions, scoring just one goal and providing one assist in the process.

Back in February last year, former Celtic manager Neil Lennon admitted that the midfielder was “struggling with a bit of fatigue” as a result of the number of games he was playing at the time.

This doesn’t seem to be the case this season under Postecoglou, as the midfielder has only started six of the 19 games he’s appeared in across all competitions.

According to Transfermarkt, Soro’s current market value stands at £810k, which is significantly lower than the £2m that the Bhoys splashed out to bring him to Celtic Park.

Given his lack of action in this campaign, it’s hard to suggest that he’s been justifying that transfer fee.

Even when he has been given the chance to play in the league, the midfielder hasn’t done much to convince Postecoglou he has what it takes to be a regular member of the team.

With eight league appearances to his name, Soro has earned himself a rather underwhelming overall WhoScore match rating of 6.25, making him the lowest-rated Celtic player to play in more than two league games.

Taking all of this into account, unless the 23-year-old can turn his fortunes around sooner rather than later and start helping the team out, then the club will start to have some regrets over bringing him to Parkhead in the first place – with his signing already appearing to have been something of a nightmare.

AND in other news: Huge blow: Celtic suffer major injury setback, it’s terrible news for Postecoglou

Fans of West Ham United have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which the Hammers relayed footage of Jesse Lingard’s spectacular strike against Arsenal last weekend.

Since joining West Ham from Manchester United on a five-month loan deal back in January, Lingard has been in rather remarkable form over his seven Premier League appearances for David Moyes’ side, scoring five goals and registering two assists, as well as averaging a highly impressive WhoScored match rating of 7.48 – ranking him as the club’s best performer in the top flight.

The 28-year-old was once again one of the standout performers in the Hammers’ 3-3 draw with Arsenal on Sunday, with the attacking midfielder scoring a screamer from the edge of the box to put West Ham 1-0 up in the fixture, as well as cleverly setting up Jarrod Bowen for the second goal of the game.

And, after West Ham shared footage of Lingard’s strike on Twitter, fans of the club flocked to have their say on the matter, with many heaping a considerable amount of praise on the England international.

So, what exactly did these West Ham United fans have to say in reaction to the footage of Jesse Lingard?

“Incredible goal, awful game.”

@LeMonjames56

“Actually unreal shot, still can’t believe it.”

@cloudymc20

“WHAT A STRIKE!! TAKE A BOW JESSE!!! COME ON YOU IRONS!!”

@diltondiltond1

“Great goal, it’s a shame we couldn’t keep hold of a 3-0 lead.”

@jaymeeteewhu98

“If you don’t sign this lad, then I’m quitting from the Hammers. The best pickup we’ve had in years!!!”

@johnnypana

“It was a really great goal, the jink from Benny, the great cutback from Michy and the rocket from Jesse.”

@CraigardH

“Kick with a bam! We love West Ham!”

@Rohan_bhartiya

In other news: these West Ham fans slammed this club figure with “no ambition” after footage surfaced – find out more here!

Kevin Phillips has suggested that Celtic will overcome FC Midtjylland in their two-legged UEFA Champions League qualifier next month when speaking to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Celtic gear up for crucial 2021/22 fixtures

As the Celts look ahead to the 2021/22 campaign, much intrigue will surround how they go about trying to reclaim the Premiership title at the first time of asking. However, European football will also take precedence next season as the Hoops aim to bring raucous nights back to Parkhead against elite clubs from the continent.

Celtic are scheduled to begin their quest for group stage action at home to FC Midtjylland on 20 July, before the return leg eight days later [Daily Record].

In a recent interview with Football Insider, former Premier League striker turned pundit Phillips was quick to talk up the Bhoys’ chances of taking the first step towards making the group stage of the tournament.

The Latest: Phillips tips Celtic to defeat Midtjylland

Speaking about Celtic’s chances of defeating their Danish opponents, Phillips told Football Insider: “It will be difficult because they’ve got some history in European football. It won’t be easy, it never is.

“You would have to say it’s a big season for them this year. With the new manager of course at a big club. “But I can definitely see them coming through that over two legs.

“I wouldn’t say they’ll come through it comfortably but if they get off to a flyer that could set them up nicely for the season ahead.”

The Verdict: Phillips point out glaring reality for Postecoglou

The former Sunderland striker makes an excellent point regarding the difficulties Celtic may face against the Danish Superliga runners-up. If they do indeed make it through the second-round tie, the Bhoys will be just four games away from Europe’s premier competition, as well as being in line to make a windfall to the tune of €15.6m (£13.4m) [UEFA].

Furthermore, it would also be the first time Ange Postecoglou’s men will have featured in the group phase since the 2017/18 campaign under Brendan Rodgers [Transfermarkt]. Having flunked out against the likes of Ferencvaros, CFR Cluj and AEK Athens since then [Transfermarkt], Phillips is right to suggest that the Parkhead club may not have it all too easy and that the new manager faces some pivotal matches early in his reign.

If the Celts can recruit correctly before the crunch double header, there is every chance they could secure a morale-boosting win to kickstart their 2021/22 campaign. Recently linked with moves for Sunderland striker Charlie Wyke and Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Mat Ryan, they seem to be getting their ducks in a row well in advance.

In other news, Celtic are locked in talks for a 31-goal striker.

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt another body blow in their search to appoint Jose Mourinho’s successor this summer, with Brighton and Hove Albion manager Graham Potter reportedly rejecting their approach, according to The Sun.

THE LOWDOWN: POTTER EMERGED AS POTENTIAL MOURINHO SUCCESSOR

Tottenham were rumoured to be interested in appointing the 46-year-old as their new manager as they continue the search for a replacement for Mourinho, who was sacked 10 weeks ago.

The Daily Mail had previously claimed that Nuno Espírito Santo was the club’s first choice for the role, although they were said to have given ‘serious thoughts’ on appointing Potter as well.

THE LATEST: POTTER IS LATEST MANAGER TO SNUB SPURS

The Sun revealed that Potter has become the ninth manager to turn down the managerial vacancy at Tottenham. It was claimed that the Brighton boss didn’t think that a move to Spurs would be a good career move for him at this stage.

The report added that Spurs remain ‘in limbo’ over appointing a new manager, with Daniel Levy looking to find Mourinho’s replacement ahead of their season opener against Manchester City in August.

THE VERDICT: SPURS MUST NOW ACT SWIFTLY

It’s slightly surprising that Potter has rejected Spurs’ rumoured approach, especially given that Brighton had at times been in danger of being relegated from the Premier League last season and ultimately finished 16th, nine places beneath the north London side.

You would have thought that the Spurs job could have been a tempting one for Potter, who has been hailed for his “amazing” brand of football by Brighton defender Adam Webster and would seemingly fit the profile of the attack-minded coach that Levy is seeking.

Stability is now needed at Spurs and it’s vital that they get this next appointment right, or else it could turn out to be another frustrating league campaign for the club’s supporters next term. As it is, the long-winded search for the next permanent manager must be pretty galling.

In other news, Tottenham have been linked with a move for a Premier League captain.

Crystal Palace have been handed a significant defensive injury boost, with left-back Tyrick Mitchell ready to return to action.

The young defender has not played a single minute of Premier League action since the 2-1 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion in late February.

However, Eagles boss Roy Hodgson revealed the news of his return in a press conference, stating that Mitchell is “fully fit and available to play”.

His return will certainly be welcomed by Palace as the season enters its final stretch. Since breaking into the first team at Selhurst Park, the 21-year-old has developed a reputation as one of the most promising young defenders in the Premier League.

He has gone on to make 18 appearances for the Eagles, with his early performances being labelled as “excellent” by Hodgson.

The left-back has certainly been missed this season, too, having been absent for eight of Palace’s Premier League matches, whilst having been selected on the bench a further nine times (Transfermarkt). In matches where he has played, Hodgson’s troops have racked up a 38% win percentage in the Premier League and conceded on average 1.5 goals per game.

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Meanwhile, when Mitchell has been restricted to the sidelines, whether that be through injury or suspension, that win rate falls dramatically to 29%, with a further 1.6 goals conceded per game.

Even when comparing him to left-back rival and experienced campaigner Patrick van Aanholt, the youngster comes out on top. According to WhoScored, Mitchell produces far more tackles (3.6 to 1.6) and more clearances (2.5 to 1.6) per game in the Premier League this season than the Dutchman.

Judging by his statistics, the youngster’s return to fitness should be a big boost to Crystal Palace as the season enters the final stretch and the Eagles aim to secure a top ten finish.

AND in more news, take a look at which European giant has provided a big clue as to who the next Palace boss could be…

According to sporx.com, Galatasaray are interested in signing Glasgow Rangers’ Joe Aribo this summer.

The Lowdown: Gers stars to attract interest

Given the Gers won the Premiership without losing a single match this campaign (BBC), there are likely to be a number of their players attracting interest from across Europe.

The likes of Glen Kamara are said to be on a number of radars (The Daily Mail), while Alfredo Morelos has already said his dream is to play in the Premier League (Radio Caracol).

The Latest: Galatasaray want Aribo

Now, it has emerged that Turkish outfit Galatasaray are eyeing Aribo.

He is valued at €3.5m (£3.15m) by Transfermarkt, but this report says the Ibrox outfit are likely to want considerably more than that fee.

The Verdict: Plenty more to give

The recently-ended season was a mixed one for Aribo. He played 42 matches in all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists, and even displayed his versatility by playing at left-back towards the end of the term (Transfermarkt). However, he has struggled with injuries at times, and has also come in for criticism from supporters.

According to The Athletic, Aribo’s real value is £11m – that would be a considerable sum for the 55-time Scottish champions. Of course, he still has plenty to give the Gers, but if they can get a good price for him, they may decide to move him on and look for an upgrade. Galatasaray, who have won the Turkish league 22-times, may feel he is the right man for them.

In other news, Rangers fans react to footage of this club “legend”.

When Scott Robertson made his Celtic debut all the way back in 2019, it looked as though it would be the first taste of a glittering career at Parkhead.

However, in classic circumstances, Robertson has only had one bite of the cherry in the senior team and hasn’t been deemed good enough yet for a proper breakthrough.

The list is countless, especially in recent years. Neil Lennon didn’t hand sufficient chances to the likes of Karamoko Dembele, Cameron Harper or Luca Connell either.

Harper has left and Dembele’s contract expires next summer with an extension still unlikely.

Connell did at least enjoy a loan spell at Queen’s Park last term where he helped them achieve promotion but Robertson is another to benefit from the loan system.

He spent last season at Gillingham and has now moved to Crewe in League One.

His first performance was wonderful as he shone in the middle of the park for David Artell’s team.

During a 1-1 draw with Shrewsbury last weekend, Robertson was all-action in the middle of the park, supplying three key passes and winning eight of the nine defensive duels he competed in.

On top of that, the 20-year-old was fouled five times as Crewe’s opponents struggled to contain his dynamism.

It’s not entirely how the midfielder would have expected his career to go after making his debut against Cluj in the Europa League two years ago.

However, there is no shame in being loaned out to the third tier of English football; just ask current club captain Callum McGregor.

He spent a year with Notts County in 2013/14 and has since gone on to become a stalwart of the Hoops team.

What’s so vital to McGregor’s tale is that he plays in a very similar way to Robertson.

They are not afraid of the physical side of the game and they are also both immensely creative. Speaking about his own game last year, the academy graduate commented: “I like being the deepest in midfield getting on the ball and dictating the game.

“But I’ve got no problem going a bit further forward as a No 8 rather than a No 6, because I think I’m not bad when I get closer to the goal as well.”

The number 6 role has become synonymous with McGregor at Paradise. He wins turnovers, dictates the game and then acts as the supply line for the exciting forward players at Ange Postecoglou’s disposal.

Pivotally, he also looks a player above his age bracket. Gills boss, Steve Evans, said during the youngster’s loan spell: “He is a player. He is a kid in a man’s body and I am pleased we got him. I am not going to build him up to what he is not; he is a young player who has come from a great club and he has got great potential.”

Adding to that, a Celtic source told The Athletic: “His technical ability and tactical side of the game are already there, and he’s developed a lot physically over the last few years.”

There are plenty of parallels between him and McGregor. They’ve spent time in England but importantly, their game is similar.

The skipper registered 1.6 key passes per match in the Premiership last season while amassing 1.4 tackles per game this term.

Of course, McGregor is now a fully-fledged international so Robertson has plenty to live up to.

First and foremost, he must make an impression on Postecoglou and earn another chance in the first team.

AND in other news, Ange could discover Celtic’s new Christie by signing £6.3m-rated “top player” in Jan…