Leeds United remain keen on signing Coventry City midfielder Gustavo Hamer this summer, according to an update from transfer expert Dean Jones.

How many goals did Gustavo Hamer score in 2022/23?

The 26-year-old enjoyed a fantastic season for the Sky Blues on a personal level, and was his side's second-best player as per WhoScored, with influential forward Viktor Gyokeres also catching the eye.

Hamer was a fulcrum of the midfield, bringing an attacking spark in that area of the pitch, scoring 11 goals and registering 10 assists in the Championship. He even scored in the playoff final defeat to Luton Town, highlighting his big-game pedigree in the process, and Coventry would have really struggled to replicate their performances without him around.

It could be that the Dutchman wants a new challenge heading into the 2023/24 season, however, eyeing a move to a bigger club and potentially earning more money at the same time. Leeds have emerged as a potential destination for the midfielder, as Daniel Farke and the 49ers Enterprises look to conduct some eye-catching summer transfer business.

Hamer has been linked with a move to Elland Road a number of times recently and a fresh claim has now emerged, as the rumour continues to persist.

Do Leeds want to sign Gustavo Hamer?

Speaking on the Fulhamish Podcast [via The Boot Room], Jones talked up the idea of Leeds making a move to sign Hamer ahead of Fulham during the current transfer window.

"I think it’s Leeds who are actively looking at him right now, and we would have the jump on them. I was told by someone at Leeds that that was genuine interest from them and they have been pursuing it, if that’s your main competition for someone like Hamer then there is a lot of sense in seeing if you can get something done."

It really does look as though Leeds see Hamer as a primary transfer target ahead of the new campaign, with their opening Championship clash at home to Cardiff City arriving three weeks on Sunday. He certainly has the ability to be a brilliant signing for the Whites, adding a spark in the middle of the park that was too often lacking last term.

One player who did impress in that area was Tyler Adams, but it looks increasingly as though he could depart this summer, with Aston Villa eyeing a move for him, stressing the need for midfield reinforcements.

Hamer has shown that he can shine in the Championship, having played such a big role in Coventry getting to within touching distance of promotion to the Premier League last time around, and his game could go up a further level if he is suddenly surrounded by superior player, as would likely be the case at Leeds, even if certain key men move on.

The former Netherlands Under-20, Under-18 and Under-15 international has been described as both "outstanding" and "absolutely incredible" by Coventry manager Mark Robins, who has made it very clear how highly he rates him as a player. If Farke sees him as someone who could slot perfectly into his system and be an immediate star player, bringing him in should be considered a no-brainer.

Arsenal are ready to launch a bid for Southampton star Romeo Lavia after completing their Declan Rice deal, according to reports.

Who are Arsenal signing?

After weeks of protracted negotations, the Gunners are now set to sign Rice, just over a week after they initially agreed a fee in principle with West Ham.

Both Arsenal and the Irons compromised on a £105 million total price (£100m + £5m in add-ons), but much of the talks since then have been regarding payment structure.

In the last 24 hours, there has been an agreement for Arsenal to pay the initial £100m over a 24-month period, with Rice now set for a medical this week ahead of signing a long-term contract.

After that huge boost for manager Mikel Arteta, it is believed the north Londoners are also closing in on a deal for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, as transfer chief Edu gets to work on backing Arsenal this summer transfer window.

Both players look highly likely to join Kai Havertz at Arsenal, coming after the Germany international put pen to paper on a £65 million move from Chelsea.

This window's outlay could total well over £200 million, but according to reports in the last 48 hours, they certainly aren't done there.

Indeed, Southampton's Lavia is still firmly on their radar, with Arteta's side readying a bid for the 19-year-old who starred at St. Mary's Stadium last season.

That is according to The Times and journalist Tom Allnutt, who claim they're set to make a move for Lavia.

"Arsenal are ready to make a move for the Southampton midfielder Roméo Lavia once the signing of Declan Rice from West Ham United is completed," wrote Allnutt

"Arsenal want to continue their summer spending spree by bidding for Lavia, although they expect to face strong competition from Liverpool for the 19-year-old.

"Chelsea and Manchester United are also interested in Lavia, with Southampton wanting £50 million for the Belgium player."

Who is Romeo Lavia?

Boasting the highest pass accuracy percentage of any Southampton regular, Lavia stood out as one of their best-performers per 90 according to WhoScored.

The Belgium international is one of huge potential, as already explained by Man City boss Pep Guardiola, who admitted that he has been "very impressed" with Lavia's progress on the south coast.

"I am really impressed with what Roméo has done and is doing,” Guardiola said.

"We had, and we have, an incredible opinion about him. We thought to keep him, but maybe he would not [get] enough minutes like he has in Southampton.”

Meanwhile, members of the press have called Lavia a "sensational midfielder", with journalist Sam Tighe even believing the teenager is a "shining star" of Southampton's relegated side.

"I watched every game Roméo Lavia played last season and he was absolutely incredible," explained Tighe.

"A shining star despite playing in terrible circumstances most of the time. Arsenal reportedly advancing on a deal…one to be very excited about."

The former City starlet played 29 league games last season, scoring once and picking up nine yellow cards.

Shiv Thakor delivered a superb all-round performance as Derbyshire celebrated a club record one-day run chase to beat Northants by six wickets in the Royal London Cup match at Derby

ECB Reporters Network30-Apr-2017Derbyshire 309 for 4 (Thakor 130, Godleman 95) beat Northamptonshire 307 for 7 (Levi 109, Cobb 56, Thakor 3-39) by six wickets
ScorecardShiv Thakor starred with bat and ball as Derbyshire secured an impressive victory•Getty Images

Shiv Thakor delivered a superb all-round performance as Derbyshire celebrated a club record one-day run chase to beat Northants by six wickets in the Royal London Cup match at Derby.Thakor scored 129, his first limited-overs century, after taking 3 for 39 and shared a second-wicket stand of 168 in 28 overs with Billy Godleman who made 95.Derbyshire reached 309 for 4 with eight balls to spare in reply to Northants’ 307 for 7 which was built around Richard Levi’s 109 off 107 balls and Josh Cobb’s 56.Northants had looked on course for a bigger total when Cobb hit three sixes in a 49-ball 50 as they took advantage of some inconsistent bowling but Derbyshire regrouped and managed to exert some control despite Levi’s impressive striking.Thakor bowled intelligently from the city end and although Levi deposited him into the back row of the stand, the powerful South African never quite inflicted the damage he threatened at one stage.After Cobb was bowled behind his legs and Rob Keogh drove to short extra, Levi and Alex Wakely took the visitors past 200 before the skipper failed to clear long-on.When Jeevan Mendis went for 18 in the 40th over, a score of well over 300 looked on against an attack missing three frontline bowlers but Derbyshire kept their discipline and although Levi reached his century off 104 balls, Northants had to scramble to pass 300 after he miscued Thakor to deep midwicket.Derbyshire had never successfully chased over 300 in a limited-overs game but Northants also had key bowlers missing and Godleman and Ben Slater played with authority to put on 71 in 11 overs before Slater was beaten by Ben Duckett’s throw from cover.Godleman took consecutive fours from Miles Richardson who was playing his first one-day game for Northants and with Thakor batting aggressively from the start, Derbyshire took a firm hold on the contest.Northants’ bowlers had failed to take a wicket in the previous game against Warwickshire and they looked increasingly unlikely to breakthrough as Godleman and Thakor scored freely without taking risks.The 150-stand came up in 26 overs and Thakor celebrated his century which came off only 86 balls with the first of three consecutive fours off Steven Crook in the 38th over.Godleman looked certain to complete his second one-day hundred against Northants but Keogh found some extra bounce to have him caught behind in the 39th over.Derbyshire had thrown away winning positions last season but although Thakor was run out when he was caught off a no-ball , they eased home to condemn Northants to a second defeat in the competition.

Newcastle United are interested in signing Rennes midfielder Lovro Majer during the summer transfer window, according to a new transfer update.

Who is Lovro Majer?

The 25-year-old is a highly impressive player who has been touted as Luka Modric's successor for Croatia, being compared to him as a player in the process.

Majer has blossomed into one of Rennes' most influential players since joining from Dinamo Zagreb back in 2021, registering five assists in Ligue 1 last season, while he also has four goals in 21 caps for his country.

Newcastle have been linked with a move for the midfielder, with the Magpies seeing him as a strong option to come in and boost Eddie Howe's choices in the middle of the park.

Now, a new update has emerged regarding the future of the £26,000-a-week Majer, with a summer move to St James' Park once again mooted.

Are Newcastle keen on signing Majer?

According to reports in Spain [via Caught Offside], Newcastle have turned their attention to signing the Rennes man after Adrien Rabiot decided to stay put and sign an extension at Juventus.

Majer's current deal doesn't expire until the summer of 2027 – he only signed a new contract last year – so Newcastle may have to accept that he won't be available on the cheap.

This is a signing that the Magpies should really try to get over the line, considering what a top-quality player Majer is, particularly if he is set for a career anywhere near as successful as Modric, who is widely considered one of the greatest midfielders of his generation.

Majer made seven appearances for Croatia at the 2022 World Cup, helping them reach a second successive semi-final, and a tally of 16 assists in 78 appearances for Rennes outlines the creativity he can bring in the middle of the park.

At 25, Majer could be coming right into the prime of his career, which arguably makes him a better option than Rabiot, who is three years older than him. He is someone who could help the Magpies go up another level next season, proving to be an upgrade on Sean Longstaff, who should arguably begin to play more of a squad role as more superior signings arrive.

Rather critically, Majer would arrive with top-level European and international experience – something which may come in handy ahead of the Toon's Champions League adventure next season.

And with Rennes only qualifying for the Europa League last term, Majer may well see Newcastle as an ideal destination.

Wayne Parnell has been included in Kent’s squad for Friday’s Royal London match against Sussex despite a health scare earlier this week.Parnell, the South African seamer who is with the club on a short-term stint as an overseas player, left the pitch feeling unwell after bowling four overs during Tuesday’s match against Somerset. He reported an elevated heart rate and feeling light-headed.While he was keen to return to the action after a few minutes, the club’s medical team insisted he sit out the remainder of the game as a precaution. Parnell was hospitalised in 2013 after complaining of similar symptoms while playing for South Africa A against India A. Subsequent tests revealed no long-term problem, with the issue instead put down to a virus.He did not go to hospital on Tuesday and instead travelled back to Kent on the team bus at the end of the game.He saw a doctor on Wednesday and underwent a series of basic tests. The club insist that some reports of his condition have been “greatly exaggerated” and suggested that they would not have named him in the squad for Friday’s game if there was any risk to his welfare.Cricket South Africa have been kept fully informed of Parnell’s condition and condoned his return to action.It is not certain he will play on Friday, though. He will undergo a fitness test ahead of the game before any final decision is made.

حقق أتلتيكو مدريد فوزًا هامًا على نظيره جيرونا، في المباراة التي جمعت بينهما ضمن الجولة 31 من الدوري الإسباني، على ملعب واندا ميتروبوليتانو.

أتلتيكو مدريد المنتشي بالفوز على بوروسيا دورتموند الألماني، الأربعاء الماضي في دوري أبطال أوروبا، تمكن من تخطي عقبة جيرونا ظاهرة الموسم في الليجا.

طالع أيضًا.. 3 لاعبين مهددين بالغياب عن برشلونة أمام ريال مدريد في الكلاسيكو

سجل أرتيم دوفبيك هدف التقدم للنادي الكتالوني في الدقيقة 4 من الشوط الأول، ولكن تعادل أنطوان جريزمان لأصحاب الأرض في الدقيقة 34 من ركلة جزاء.

قبل نهاية الشوط الأول بلحظات، تمكن أنخيل كوريا الأرجنتيني من تسجيل الهدف الثاني ليحول تأخر أتلتيكو مدريد، لتقدم بهدف على جيرونا.

في الشوط الثاني، تمكن جريزمان من تسجيل الهدف الثالث في الدقيقة 50، ليقتل المباراة مبكرًا.

سقوط جيرونا واصل من خلاله تذبذب النتائج، حيث لم يحقق الفريق الكتالوني انتصارين متتاليين منذ الخسارة برباعية في فبراير الماضي من ريال مدريد.

بهذه النتيجة توقف رصيد جيرونا عند النقطة 65 في المركز الثالث، بينما أتلتيكو مدريد رابعًا برصيد 61 نقطة.

Everton target Anthony Elanga is 'veering away' from a move to Goodison Park and will instead keep his 'options open' this summer as he finds himself out of favour at Manchester United, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Is Anthony Elanga moving to Everton?

As per BBC Sport, Everton have been interested in Elanga this window and Manchester United are believed to be open to letting him go for a fee in the region of £15-20 million.

Nevertheless, The Daily Mail report that Elanga isn't keen on a move to Goodison Park this summer and has in fact turned down the chance to work under Sean Dyche as he assesses his options.

The outlet claim that Elanga and Everton have held discussions over a potential switch; however, the player has 'ruled out' the possibility of heading to the Toffees over doubts over his suitability as a player to Dyche's tactical framework.

Elanga has previously been linked with Everton and was close to joining the club on loan in January before his move was blocked by Manchester United at the last minute, according to The Manchester Evening News.

Intriguingly, the same publication state that Nottingham Forest have also expressed a desire to try and take Elanga to the City Ground and it is rumoured that Manchester United could half their asking price to £10 million.

And, it now looks as if he is set to join the Nottinghamshire club.

Last term, Elanga, who was hailed as a "quality" player, made 26 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United, registering two assists in total, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to Football FanCast, transfer insider Jones doesn't think that Elanga will envisage himself moving to Everton any time soon.

Jones stated: "Elanga looked like he was going to be, not a central figure at Man Utd, but certainly a first-team figure at Man Utd at one stage and he was probably enjoying being part of that trajectory. If he's going to contemplate a move. I think that he'll want to be veering away from the side that has been so much of the game on the back foot and that are going to be relying a lot on set pieces and moments in games rather than dominating them. Maybe he's just trying to keep his options open to make sure that he lands a move that actually suits him, but from an Everton point of view, yeah, I think it'd be quite disappointing as he holds good value in this market."

Who else does Sean Dyche want to bring to Everton?

Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has detailed that Villarreal forward Arnaut Danjuma is closing in on a move to Everton, stating on Twitter: "Danjuma will undergo medical tests as new Everton player in the next days, it could be weekend — not today. Agreement reached on loan deal from Villarreal until June 2024, as reported earlier. Danjuma has accepted — he already spoke to Sean Dyche. Here we go."

Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto is reportedly willing to swap Elland Road for Goodison Park this summer, though a fee is still to be agreed by both parties, as per FootballTransfers.

Ajax striker Brian Brobbey is being lined up as a potential solution to Everton's goalscoring woes and boss Dyche is keen on pushing a move through for the Dutchman, as per Football Insider.

Everton look like they're about to start ramping up their transfer business and it could be an exciting few weeks for Toffees' supporters as new arrivals draw closer.

With Daniel Farke having been handed the reins for the foreseeable future at Leeds United, the 46-year-old will likely be keen to get to work quickly in order to revive the fortunes of the ailing Elland Road outfit.

The German tactician will inherit a squad that distinctly underwhelmed and underperformed last term having endured a dismal relegation to the Championship, with heads needing to roll if the Whites are to have any hope of sealing a swift return to the top flight.

Among those who the former Norwich City boss should be looking to move on is floundering full-back, Junior Firpo, with the struggling dud having failed to make the grade after joining from Barcelona on a £13m deal back in 2021.

As journalist Dean Jones recently noted, the 26-year-old has "had some difficulties in the Premier League" over the past two seasons, with pundit Paddy Kenny stating in 2022 that the defender "doesn’t have much defensive awareness and his positioning is poor."

Also described as looking "flat-footed or fast asleep" at times by Kenny, the left-back has made "high profile and costly" errors during his time in Yorkshire, according to Jones, having proven himself something of a "liability" in the backline.

The end of Firpo's Leeds nightmare may be in sight, however, with Fabrizio Romano having reported last month that the former Spain U21 international is looking to leave the club, with further reports indicating that a handful of La Liga sides are interested in a deal.

Farke could then move to hasten that exit amid a recent report from the Daily Mail which claimed that the club have 'checked on' a possible left-back replacement in the form of AZ Alkmaar's, Milos Kerkez, with the 19-year-old valued at around £20m by the Eredivisie side.

While the piece does suggest that it is AFC Bournemouth who are currently in talks to sign the teenager, it would be wise for Leeds to try and get to the front of the queue in order to solve their full-back woes.

Who is Milos Kerkez?

Described as a "high quality attacking full-back" by talent scout, Jacek Kulig, the eight-cap Hungarian international would seemingly represent a dream upgrade on the left of the defence, having sparkled in the Netherlands in recent times.

While the Serbian-born starlet was unable to make his mark at former club AC Milan – whom he left last year after failing to make a single first-team appearance – his quality has been on show in his current home, having registered five goals and seven assists in 52 games in all competitions in the 2022/23 season.

That record is in stark contrast to what Firpo achieved last term as the £60k-per-week man registered only two goals and two assists in 26 games across all fronts, having been unable to pose a real threat in an attacking sense.

Equally, Kerkez also represents a potentially superior defensive asset having won 60% of his ground duels last season as well as 57% of his total duels, again representing a far greater record than the current Leeds man (49% and 50% for the same two metrics, respectively).

Firpo's woes were also laid bare by the fact that he recorded an average match rating of just 6.55 in 22/23, as per Sofascore, to see him rank 22nd among his teammates, while Kerkez, by contrast, had an average rating of 6.99 – further proof of his impressive recent form.

With the youngster also the type of player that can be a mainstay of the Whites' defence for the long term due to his relative youth, it should be a no-brainer for Leeds to firm up their interest in the 5 foot 11 sensation, with such a deal potentially allowing Farke to send Firpo packing sooner rather than later.

Billy Godleman led a Derbyshire fightback after Leicestershire had passed 600 on the second day of the Division Two County Championship match at Derby

ECB Reporters Network26-May-2017
ScorecardNed Eckersley’s 91-ball hundred was part of a rapid double-century stand•Getty Images

Skipper Billy Godleman led a Derbyshire fightback after Leicestershire had passed 600 on the second day of the Division Two County Championship match at Derby.Godleman marked his 50th first-class appearance for the county with an unbeaten 60 as Derbyshire closed on 154 for 1 in reply to Leicestershire’s 619, still 465 behind.Leicestershire captain Mark Cosgrove top-scored with 188, adding 239 in 38 overs with Ned Eckersley who made a career-best 158 while Sri Lankan allrounder Jeevan Mendis took 6 for 204.It was a question of how many Leicestershire would score at the start of another hot day and the answer was plenty as Cosgrove and Eckersley plundered 100 in the first hour.Cosgrove passed his previous best for the county of 156 at Derby two years ago with a pull for four off Tony Palladino and he launched Mendis for two sixes to bring up the 500 before he was caught at long on.The fourth-wicket stand beat the previous highest for the county against Derbyshire of 207 by Maurice Hallam and Willie Watson in 1959 and there were more records as Leicestershire erased their previous highest score at Derby of 552 for 6 declared 12 years ago.When Eckersley completed his first hundred of the season from only 91 balls, it was only the 13th time in Leicestershire’s history that three batsmen had scored centuries in the same innings and another declaration looked like the only way Derbyshire would get off the field until Eckersley clipped Tom Taylor to deep midwicket.His departure sparked a collapse that saw the last six wickets go down for 38 with Mendis the main beneficiary of Leicestershire’s pursuit of quick runs as he returned the best figures by a Derbyshire legspinner since Kim Barnett, now director of cricket, took 6 for 28 against Glamorgan at Chesterfield in 1991.It was also the most expensive analysis by a Derbyshire bowler in 113 years although he had bowled 52 overs, 24.3 of them in one spell from the Racecourse end broken only be lunch.But the most relevant figure for Derbyshire was 470, the runs required to avoid the follow-on, and Slater and Godleman gave them a solid start although both had some narrow escapes before Slater was caught at short leg off Zak Chappell for 42.Shiv Thakor played and missed several times but hit Chappell for three successive fours although Derbyshire have a lot of batting to do to save the game.

As much as Australia’s bowlers were panned by Steven Smith for their looseness in the opening match against New Zealand that was ultimately wrecked by rain, the vice-captain David Warner admits the top order batsmen were similarly out of rhythm in the early overs of a curtailed chase.The early English summer will not always suit an Australian side heavy on pace and power but not always so adept at nuance, something demonstrated by how Warner, Aaron Finch and Moises Henriques made early exits in the face of diligent New Zealand bowling before showers enveloped Edgbaston.Ahead of a match against Bangladesh that Steven Smith’s men must now win to avoid early elimination, Warner said the batsmen needed to strike a better balance than the one seen in his wild swish at a wide ball. Finch and Henriques then mistimed catches in front of the wicket.”There were, I think, a few rushed overs there especially in the first 10 [overs]. We probably didn’t allow ourselves to actually pick off the ones and twos and play normal cricket shots,” Warner said. “We tried to heave it a bit too much and wait for the bad ball too much I think. And as we know with New Zealand how they are, they are very disciplined in their line and length. They made us play a different kind of way to how we usually play. And from my stance, me and Finchy, I think we were a little bit disappointing.”Warner said he and Finch had walked out to bat with a very aggressive mind-set, something that was then exploited by the discipline of New Zaland’s attack. The bowlers of other nations, most particularly Bangladesh and England, will have taken note.”Initially that was what me and Finchy were talking about, making the most of that seven overs [in a rain-shortened chase],” Warner said. “After the first two overs we knew it was going to be a little bit difficult.”We just knew that if you hit the right length on that wicket, the wicket would do its course. It would hold up a fraction. They bowled with a wobbly seam, we tried to swing the ball, when it didn’t swing we went straight to cross seam. On the flip side of that, when you are facing a wobbly seam it can do something.”But they just hit their right lengths and made us play the shots. So, credit to them. And we tried to hit the ball too hard. I tried to move around the crease a little bit but found myself in some situations probably trying to muscle the ball a little bit too much, and Finchy said that as well.”The early wickets brought Henriques to the crease at No. 4, ostensibly in place of the injured Mitchell Marsh, but ahead of not only Glenn Maxwell and Travis Head but also the unselected Chris Lynn and Marcus Stoinis. Warner pointed to Henriques’ strong recent IPL displays as evidence he deserved the chance.”Obviously Steve had the thought process that Mo has been batting well enough to bat in that role. I look at his IPL, and I played with him, he was hitting the ball unbelievably,” Warner said. “To give him credit, the last 12 to 18 months his technique has gotten very good and he’s had the capability and strong performances on the board for New South Wales to warrant that selection.”His one-day numbers have been fantastic in the Matador. He’s used to playing on wickets coming in when it is swinging. And credit to him, he’s been able to do that and lock that down for New South Wales, and he’s been given that opportunity by the selectors here and Steve to play at number four for us.”I think you saw a couple of those pull shots he played, he’s been working on that for a while as well. And his all-round game is fantastic at the moment so hopefully, he can keep continuing his success and hopefully not too many inside edges onto the pad.”