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Should the San Francisco 49ers complete their takeover of Leeds United from Andrea Radrizzani this summer, their first task will be finding a manager who can help the Yorkshire outfit seal a swift return to the Premier League.

Radrizzani has now completed his takeover at Sampdoria which should hopefully hasten his sale of Leeds, even if relegation has significantly lowered his valuation of the club.

Sam Allardyce took over as interim manager at Elland Road until the end of the season, but he could still be in the running to take over permanently, despite taking just one point from the final four games as Leeds dropped down into the second tier.

A plethora of names will be linked with the club throughout the summer but a swift appointment should be made to give the new manager the best possible chance of building a squad capable of challenging at the top of the table.

Who could replace Sam Allardyce at Leeds?

One man the 49ers are also said to be targeting is former Rangers and Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard, in an appointment which could be disastrous for their hopes of a positive Championship campaign.

According to The Sun, the Liverpool legend is a possibility for Leeds's potential new American owners as the Yorkshire side target their fourth manager of 2023, with Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia's spells at the club both ending prematurely due to poor results on the pitch.

The 43-year-old has been out of work since being sacked by Villa in October 2022 after a terrible start to the season, with the Villans' qualification for the Europa Conference League testament to both the impressive impact of Unai Emery and the struggles that Gerrard had in getting the best out of a clearly talented squad.

If Leeds were to only consider Gerrard's spell at Rangers, where he delivered a Premiership title and averaged a strong 2.15 points per game, then it would perhaps not be seen as a dreadful appointment.

However, his former assistant Michael Beale was described as "the brains behind it all" there and after he left Villa to join QPR last summer, it was perhaps no surprise that Gerrard quickly struggled.

The former England midfielder, who typically employs a 4-3-3 formation, mustered just nine points in 11 Premier League matches this term, which is fewer than even Jesse Marsch managed at Leeds (18), with a much better squad at his disposal.

So good was that squad at Villa Park that Unai Emery would later go on to finish in a European spot, only highlighting the poor job Gerrard had done in the Midlands.

With Leeds nearly opting for "disaster" when Gerrard was touted as a potential replacement for Marsch in February – in the words of journalist Hunter Walker – the new prospective owners must avoid repeating Villa's mistake and steer clear of the Liverpudlian this summer.

Manchester United are in the market for a new striker this summer following Cristiano Ronaldo's premature departure and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Dusan Vlahovic to Man United?

According to Italian news outlet Corriere Torino (via The Faithful MUFC), Man United have been told how much they will need to pay to sign Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer.

As per the report, the Red Devils will need to cough up €90m (£77.5m) to secure the signature of the star and will also need to compete with Bayern Munich to get a deal done.

Would Vlahovic be a good alternative for Harry Kane?

The highest priority for the Manchester giants will be to sign a prolific centre-forward and the pressure to secure one will have only been heightened after the uninspiring attacking performance against Manchester City in the FA Cup final yesterday.

Man United have been linked to many world-class strikers over the last few months with Victor Osimhen and Harry Kane just two named as potential options for the Red Devils, with the latter bringing the massive advantage of having a wealth of experience in the Premier League.

However, with Tottenham Hotspur demanding an eye-watering £100m and some reports even suggesting that the League Cup winners would have to cough up a total bill in excess of £300m to complete the move, it would be an outrageous commitment to sign a striker who will be 30 years old when next season commences.

As a result, the signing of Vlahovic could be the perfect alternative for Kane this summer as he is much younger and would even be a cheaper option without compromising the quality and consistency needed in the forward line.

Over his career so far, the 23-year-old – who was notably dubbed "world-class" and a "beast" by journalist Siavoush Fallahi – has scored 95 goals and registered 16 assists in 220 appearances, with a goal contribution every 126 minutes so far, proving that he provides a reliable output in front of goal that could be a huge asset to Man United.

Whilst Vlahovic only managed to score 14 goals in all competitions this season, there is no doubt that the Serbian striker demonstrates clear potential and it has been suggested that he is not being given the tools to reach his full potential with Juventus.

Forbes Sport journalist Emmet Gates claimed last year: "Dusan Vlahovic has the ability to be a generational talent, but he's suffering in this iteration of Juventus.

"To paraphrase a famous Zlatan line: He's a Ferrari being driven like a Fiat."

With that being said, Erik ten Hag could not only offer Vlahovic the opportunity to play Champions League football next season but he could deliver a potentially career-defining move that would help the Serb unleash his full potential at Old Trafford.

Wolverhampton Wanderers could be in the market to add a new goalkeeper to their squad in the upcoming summer transfer window after Jose Sa's disappointing campaign.

In the Premier League, the 30-year-old conceded an eye-catching, in the wrong way, 5.6 more goals than expected, based on the xG of the shots at his goal.

That serves as a drastic change in fortune with the stopper actually saving 7.3 more than expected in 2021/22.

As a result, the club swooped to sign Daniel Bentley from Championship side Bristol City in January as an understudy to Sa but the Portuguese shot-stopper's poor form in 22/23 suggests that he needs strong competition for his place.

However, the ex-Robins 'keeper is unlikely to provide that given his unconvincing form in the second division in recent seasons. The £10k-per-week dud conceded 2.6 more goals than expected in 21 league matches in the first half of the campaign.

Over his last four-and-a-half seasons in the Championship, Bentley has let in a dismal 9.5 more goals than he ought to based on xG, with that an indication that the 29-year-old consistently underperformed in a lower division than the Premier League.

Who could replace Dan Bentley at Wolves?

Julen Lopetegui could brutally ditch the Englishman from matchday squads next term by securing a deal to sign reported £10m transfer target Anthony Patterson.

At the age of 23, the Sunderland titan is an up-and-coming talent and let in 0.08 more goals than expected per 90 in the Championship, compared to Bentley's 0.20 this season.

This suggests that the Black Cats ace would be an upgrade on the experienced gloveman from a shot-stopping perspective and could also have the potential to be an improvement on Sa, who conceded 0.16 more than expected per 90 in the top-flight.

Patterson is also a "commanding" goalkeeper – as he was dubbed by journalist Josh Bunting – who is able to alleviate pressure from his defence. The colossus has stopped 10.7% of the crosses into his box over the last 365 days, which places him in the top 6% of players in his position in the Men's Next Eight Competitions.

Bentley, meanwhile, has only prevented 3.7% of crosses and ranks in the bottom 15% in the same category, an indication that the Sunderland gem would be a huge upgrade on him when it comes to dealing with balls into the box.

Therefore, Lopetegui could ditch the ex-Bristol City man, by making him the third-choice, and provide Sa with genuine competition for his place by signing Patterson, who could either take over as the number one or spur the Portuguese ace to get back to his best.

Newcastle United are expected to make some statement signings this summer as Eddie Howe eyes quality reinforcements, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Newcastle United?

According to Sky Sports, Newcastle United are in discussions with Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella in an ambitious swoop to try and bring the Italy international to St James' Park this summer.

Any deal for the 26-year-old could cost in the region of £50 million and Magpies boss Howe is said to be a big admirer of the midfielder as he tries to lure him to the Premier League.

Newcastle United are also keen on Leicester City playmaker James Maddison, who has also attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur in his services this off-season, according to The Evening Standard.

Despite Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou's willingness to land the Coventry-born playmaker, Newcastle United are believed to be in pole position to acquire the England international.

Telegraph Sport understand that Newcastle United may not be able to fund a squad overhaul this window due to Financial Fair Play obligations and may only be able to bring in two players in the summer.

The Daily Mail report that Newcastle United will have around £75 million to spend, though that figure could reach the £100 million mark depending on player sales.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones still expects Newcastle United to be active in the market for marquee additions over the next few months.

Jones said: "Newcastle are trying to play things down and I don’t blame them but if they are genuinely aiming to sign five players that can get into the starting XI they are not going to do that with a budget of £75million.

"I’m still expecting them to go big, they just leapfrogged Liverpool, Chelsea and Spurs and have a chance to cement a status among the top four – this is an opportunity that very rarely comes along, so I’m predicting a massive summer haul."

Who else could join Newcastle United this summer?

Football Insider report that Leicester City man Harvey Barnes has been shortlisted by Newcastle United and would be open to a move to St James' Park this window.

The same outlet also claim that Arsenal man Kieran Tierney is a serious target for the Magpies as they look to add another quality left-back to the ranks ahead of next term amid interest from Manchester City.

Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams may secure a quickfire return to the Premier League with Newcastle United, who are said to be keen on the 24-year-old enforcer, according to Telegraph Sport.

Newcastle United look set for a busy summer in the market; nevertheless, it will be intriguing to see how far their budget stretches in light of Financial Fair Play obligations.

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be eyeing a summer swoop for Fulham defender, Tosin Adarabioyo, with manager Ange Postecoglou seemingly keen to strengthen his centre-back ranks ahead of next season.

What's the latest on Adarabioyo to Tottenham?

As per journalist Lyall Thomas, writing on Twitter: "Exclusive: Tosin Adarabioyo is among the centre-back options being considered by #Tottenham this summer. One year left on his deal at #Fulhamfc + he is open to an exit #thfc #ffc."

In his subsequent piece for Sky Sports, Thomas reveals that negotiations regarding a move for the imposing giant are at an 'early stage', with the Lilywhites contemplating whether to formalise their interest in the 25-year-old.

The report suggests that the former England youth international is seeking a new challenge with just a year left to run on his existing deal, having spent the last three years at Craven Cottage.

Should Tottenham sign Adarabioyo?

With Clement Lenglet having made his return to Barcelona – and with the likes of Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez facing uncertain futures at N17 – it does appear that Postecoglou is in need of extra bodies to help bolster the backline this summer, with Adarabioyo potentially set to prove a wise, albeit surprise investment for the club.

The "very solid" ace – as previously hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig – has been tipped for big things stretching back to his early days at Manchester City, having been hailed by former boss Pep Guardiola back in 2016:

"He has all the quality. He is fast. He is faster than the people can believe it and he's strong in the air. He has the quality to look behind the line for the next step, the next pass."

Having been just a teenager at the time of that praise from the serial-winning Spaniard, the £40k-per-week titan has since blossomed into a fine asset at top-flight level, having helped to keep ten clean sheets in 25 Premier League games last season as part of a Fulham side that finished tenth.

The 6 foot 5 gem's stellar performances in that standout campaign are also bolstered by the fact that he is said to share a number of stylistic and statistical similarities with Manchester United star, Raphael Varane, according to FBref.

That likeness to the "world-class" Frenchman – as lauded by pundit Paul Robinson – is notably showcased by the duo's quality on the ball, with Varane having racked up 17 progressive carries and 63 progressive passes last season from his 24 league outings, while the Cottagers' ace recorded 16 and 95 for those same two metrics, respectively.

In a defensive sense, the pair are also alike due to their dominance in the air, with the United man having won a standout 72% of his aerial duels in 2022/23, while Adarabioyo averaged only slightly lower at 69% in that regard.

To be likened to a figure who has a World Cup and five Champions Leagues under his belt is a clear sign of the latter man's quality, with Postecoglou and co no doubt set to jump at the chance to sign a Varane-esque talent in their bid to strengthen the backline.

Declan Rice is incredibly keen on making a move to Arsenal this summer following several rejected bids from West Ham.

When will Arsenal sign Declan Rice?

While the Gunners are not the only club interested in Rice's signature, they are certainly first in the queue at present. Arsenal have submitted two bids already for the midfielder, both of which have been rejected by West Ham as they feel they can get more money from a potential deal.

According to journalist Dharmesh Sheth, however, there are reports that Rice has his heart set on a move across London.

"It looks like the primary focus now is Declan Rice. And we think they're getting encouraging signs that Declan Rice wants to move to Arsenal."

"Look, it's interesting this, because there are so many noises from different areas surrounding this potential deal with regard to Declan Rice," Sheth told Sky Sports News's Transfer Talk podcast.

He added: "If you believe, you know, some people are saying, on the one hand, he only wants Arsenal. Arsenal are confident of getting him, there's a degree of optimism that the deal will get done."

Following a second-placed finish last season, in which they pushed Manchester City for the Premier League title, Arsenal are in need of reinforcements ahead of a busy upcoming campaign. Mikel Arteta wants to bring in several fresh faces at the Emirates as the Spaniard's young and exciting squad are tested again next term.

While Rice could cost approximately £120m, the 24-year-old has already proven himself to be one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League, and even guided West Ham to a European trophy at the end of last season in the form of the Europa Conference League.

It looks, therefore, as if it may only be a matter of time before Rice makes the move to Arsenal, despite Manchester City's interest in the Englishman. It would be one hell of a coup for the Gunners should they wrap the deal up.

Who else do Arsenal want to sign?

With Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey looking likely to leave the Emirates this summer, the Gunners need to bolster their midfield, with Rice not the only midfielder they are interested in signing.

Southampton's defensive midfielder Romeo Lavia has been strongly linked with a move to north London following a stellar breakout season with the Saints, albeit there are a number of other clubs interested in the 19-year-old.

Further up the pitch, Arteta looks to have a deal sorted for Chelsea attacker Kai Havertz. The German, who has scored a Champions League-winning goal during his time at Stamford Bridge, looks to be on the move for approximately £65m.

The defence is also an area where Arsenal are eager to strengthen their depth, with an opening £30m bid for Ajax's highly-rated Jurrien Timber having been made over the past few days. The 22-year-old would prove a versatile option for Arteta with the ability to play at right-back and centre-back.

Bayern Munich are hoping to steal away Tottenham Hotspur star Harry Kane after being given encouragement in talks with his family, according to Bild journalist Christian Falk.

This how now lead to an official bid of €70m (£60m)plus add-ons, as per David Ornstein of The Athletic.

Will Harry Kane leave Spurs?

Another summer, another saga surrounding the future of Kane, coming two years after he was very heavily linked with an exit to treble-winning Premier League champions Man City.

The 29-year-old, who is out of contract in just over a year, is entering the final 12 months of his Spurs deal. While talks have been ongoing over an extension, according to reports, there is still no sign of an official announcement confirming fresh terms.

Kane, as a result, could leave the north London club for free in 2024 – a situation which has alerted many top clubs both domestically and abroad.

Manchester United, in their hunt to sign a star striker and guaranteed goal-getter for manager Erik ten Hag, have been credited with a serious interest in the forward.

Chelsea are also linked, but perhaps the real danger comes from Europe, with continental heavyweights Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Paris-Saint Germain targeting Kane.

The aforementioned sides are after classic number nines to provide an injection of quality in the attacking areas, and Kane more-than fits the bill for them.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, though, appears determined to keep his prized asset and could demand as much as £100 million in one up front payment for the Lilywhites superstar.

Writing in a column for CaughtOffside, German transfer journalist Falk has shared an update on Kane's future, as Bayern are still hopeful they can somehow pull off a move.

This comes after talks with the player's family, who have given encouragement to Bayern that Kane could be open to joining them.

“Bayern are hoping to still sign Harry Kane this summer," wrote Falk.

"Thomas Tuchel is not just dreaming of one striker – he would love to have two new strikers, which is a big challenge for the bosses.

“There are talks with Harry Kane’s family and I think they get the idea that he’s thinking about moving. The message from the Kane family is that he’s still thinking about going to the Bundesliga.”

Following this, Ornstein wrote in The Athletic: "Bayern Munich have submitted a formal offer for Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane.

The 29-year-old has a year remaining on his current contract with the Premier League club."

How many goals has Harry Kane scored?

Kane, over a truly phenomenal career, has managed to become both Tottenham and England's all-time top goalscorers – racking up 280 for Spurs at club level and 58 for his country

The Three Lions star surpassed the legendary Jimmy Greaves to that landmark at Spurs, while Kane also usurped Wayne Rooney at the top of England's scoring charts.

If Bayern were to somehow steal the "world class" attacker away from Tottenham, it could be billed as the signing of this summer window.

James Ward-Prowse and Amadou Onana would make "a really interesting combination" in West Ham United's midfield next season as potential replacements for the departing Declan Rice, believes journalist Paul Brown.

West Ham United transfer news – what's the latest on James Ward-Prowse and Amadou Onana?

West Ham are set to cash in on club captain Rice, with chairman David Sullivan confirming earlier this month that the player would be allowed to leave the London Stadium in the summer.

Arsenal look set to sign the midfielder having agreed a fee, it's just the structure of the deal that has been causing issues.

That kind of money will be necessary to help the Hammers rebuild their midfield for next season as one of their potential targets, Southampton captain Ward-Prowse, is reportedly valued at €60m (£52m) by his club, per transfer expert Ekrem Konur.

Another target, Everton's Onana, is reportedly worth £55m, according to Belgian newspaper Le Soir.

However, the publication has also reported that the 6 foot 4 monster has made his desire to leave clear, telling the club he 'absolutely wants to leave', which could help bring the price down somewhat.

What did journalist Paul Brown say about Amadou Onana and James Ward-Prowse to West Ham United?

Brown explained that the club would be looking for a replacement for the departing Rice and that the possible combination of Ward-Prowse and Onana was particularly interesting to him.

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: "I don't think he's high on their list as a midfield replacement for Declan Rice, but they are looking for two midfielders, and if they were to get Ward-Prowse and someone like Onana, that would be really interesting as a little combination."

Who is the better player out of James Ward-Prowse and Amadou Onana?

While both players have demonstrated their ability to play in the Premier League this season and would undoubtedly add something to West Ham's midfield, which one edges it in terms of quality?

According to WhoScored, the Englishman had a better overall season last year, averaging an impressive 6.95 across his 38 games, whereas the Belgian fell just short, averaging 6.71 across 33 games.

However, the 21-year-old shines far brighter than the competition in the defensive side of the game.

According to FBref, the Dakar-born machine makes 2.61 tackles per 90, winning 1.56 of them, compared to Ward-Prowse's 0.99 tackles won per 90, making it clear that in the defensive side of the game anyway, Onana is streets ahead.

That said, there are some, such as football scout Jacek Kulig that see the player as so much more than just a great defensive player, calling him a "one man army" for his impressive "work rate & determination" and "above-average technical skills."

Add to all that the seven-year age difference between the two players, and Onana certainly starts to look like a player with an awful lot of upside going forward.

However, with the sale of Rice looking certain, a summer window that sees a double swoop for both players would be a great way to start a midfield rebuild.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to sign either Bayern Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba or Wolfsburg stopper Micky van de Ven; however, they will only bring one of them into the building at Hotspur Way, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

What's the latest transfer news involving Edmond Tapsoba or Micky van de Ven and Spurs?

According to The Daily Star, Spurs are close to signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Tapsoba this summer as Ange Postecoglou gets to work regarding bringing in arrivals in N17.

The report states that the 24-year-old would pitch up at Tottenham in a deal worth around £25 million and finally bring to a close their long search for a defensive addition.

On the flip side, it has been claimed that Spurs have reached an agreement to acquire Wolfsburg defender Van de Ven for a fee in the region of £30 million.

Postecoglou is said to be a huge admirer of Van de Ven, who is believed to have agreed a five-year contract in north London that will run until 2028.

Football London have revealed that Spurs are set to choose who they believe is the best option to push ahead with and view Tapsoba as a more 'ready-made' arrival due to his 'ability on the ball, strength and acceleration'.

Fulham centre-half Tosin Adarabioyo remains high on a list of prospective candidates to bolster Postecoglou's backline ahead of the new season.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer guru Romano has indicated that only one of Tapsoba or Van de Ven will be brought to Spurs this summer.

Romano stated: “Yeah, for Tottenham, they are still working on both Micky van de Ven and Tapsoba. The idea internally at the club is to just sign one of them.”

Who would be a better fit for Tottenham Hotspur under Ange Postecoglou?

Both players mentioned are of a high calibre and would help to improve Spurs' defence heading into this season; however, only Postecoglou and his recruitment team will know for sure who they prefer.

Comparing both players in key attributes via WhoScored yields mixed results, with both players putting up commendable numbers in different metrics. Van de Ven comes out on top in completed clearances, averaging 3.1 to Tapsoba's three per game in the Bundesliga.

The Dutchman also has a higher pass success rate than Tapsoba, chiming in at 88.3% compared to the latter's 85.% in the German top-flight across 2022/23.

Nevertheless, Tapsoba trumped Van de Ven in successful challenges, interceptions and aerial duels won, making it a tough one to call between two talented defenders.

Last season, Van de Ven made 36 appearances in all competitions for Wolfsburg, registering one goal and two assists, as per Transfermarkt.

On the same token, Tapsoba featured on 47 occasions for Bayer Leverkusen and notched two goals and two assists, as per the same outlet.

La Vanguardia via Sport Witness shared quotes from Barcelona president Joan Laporta, who stated that he expects Tottenham to find an agreement with the Catalan giants to sign loaner Clement Lenglet, meaning that more reinforcements in Postecoglou's backline could occur in the coming weeks at Hotspur Way.

Manchester United are in the midst of a takeover battle at Old Trafford and 'multiple parties' are still engaged with the process, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Who is going to buy Manchester United?

According to BBC Sport journalist Simon Stoney via Stretford Paddock, Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani and his firm, the Nine Two Foundation, could turn their interest to elsewhere in the Premier League if their latest bid to buy Manchester United is turned down.

The offer in question is for 100% control of the club and would end any association that the Glazers have with Manchester United if it was to be officially ratified, as per Sky Sports.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his petrochemicals firm INEOS are Sheikh Jassim's main rivals to try and acquire the Premier League giants, though his bid will offer the Glazers the opportunity to keep a 20% stake in Manchester United.

Manchester United have to meet Financial Fair Play obligations this summer, so they will need to juggle their finances in order to get key targets over the line, according to The Athletic.

As per The Daily Express, player sales could be an important part of enabling Erik Ten Hag to complete transfer business this summer at Old Trafford.

Club captain Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay, Fred and Jadon Sancho have been earmarked as players that could depart as part of a mini-squad cull in the off-season, as per The Independent.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jacobs has detailed that 'multiple parties' are still engaged in the takeover process, though there is still no end in sight as of yet.

Jacobs told FFC: "The challenge for each of the suitors that have gone public, Sheikh Jassim and the Nine Two Foundation, is that they may feel six feet from the finishing line, but if their rival is only six inches, then that becomes irrelevant and that's the sort of situation we're in at the moment where each group feels they're quite close, but unsure whether their rival is even closer. Then, of course, the Glazers could just move the finishing line further back as well, so there's multiple parties still engaged."

What now for Manchester United?

In the midst of their takeover debacle, Ten Hag and his recruitment team will be solely focused on all things recruitment as he gears his side up for the new season.

Mason Mount has already completed a high-profile move to Old Trafford from Chelsea and made his debut for the club in a 2-0 friendly victory over Leeds United in Oslo, turning in a promising performance, as per The Guardian.

Renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano has taken to Twitter to signal that Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana is likely to be next in line to join Mount, stating: "BREAKING: Manchester United are now closing in on André Onana deal as final verbal proposal has been made during talks today. Understand it’s €50m fee plus €5m add ons. Structure of add ons being discussed then… done deal. It’s imminent, as expected."

Manchester United have failed with a players-plus-cash offer to Atalanta to try and entice their rising star Rasmus Hojlund to the Premier League and only want a cash deal involving the Denmark international, according to The Athletic.

A Bola via METRO claim that Porto striker Mehdi Taremi is another target to potentially strengthen Ten Hag's forward line, indicating that a busy few weeks will be in store at Old Trafford that could yield some movement on the transfer front.