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Leeds United are believed to be closing in on the appointment of Lee Dykes as the club's new sporting director, coming in as Victor Orta's replacement as Elland Road.

Who is Lee Dykes?

The 38-year-old has become a highly thought of figure in his line of work across football, excelling as Brentford's technical director since arriving at the club four years ago.

Dykes has helped the Bees become an established Premier League side, playing a key role in transfers and generally helping the west Londoners become arguably one of the best-run clubs in the country, namely behind a "moneyball" style of recruitment.

He was previously at Bury in a similar role, helping them earn promotion from League Two, showing that he has been a force in his job since his early 30s.

With Leeds looking for a new sporting director, following the relatively recent departure of Victor Orta, the search is on to nail his successor and aid the Whites moving forward, as they plan for life back in the Championship. Now, a key update has emerged regarding Dykes' future, suggesting that a move to Elland Road could be imminent.

Are Leeds closing in on Lee Dykes appointment?

According to Football Insider, Leeds are now close to making Dykes their new sporting director, in what represents a major off-field development:

"Brentford technical director Lee Dykes is in advanced talks about becoming the Leeds United sporting director, sources have told Football Insider. The Yorkshire giants recently appointed Nick Hammond as the club’s interim football advisor on a short-term contract.

"Leeds have also held talks with Stuart Webber, who departed Norwich City last month and is currently on gardening leave."

This is a hugely encouraging update regarding Leeds' quest to bring in a new sporting director, with Dykes someone who is clearly highly-rated and who has had a positive impact during a promotion to the top flight.

Daniel Farke will want to bring in someone who believes he can dovetail with to perfection when it comes to the day-to-day running of things, in particular potential signings to bring in and generally help the Whites secure a quickfire return to the Premier League.

At just 38, Dykes would be a long-term appointment who brings with him fresh, modern ideas, and the work he has done at Brentford speaks for itself. He has been assistant manager and Head of First Team Recruitment at Carlisle United in the past, further outlining the experience he has in football, in different roles, and there seem to be few negatives surrounding his arrival.

This summer is so important for Leeds, ensuring they go into the 2023/24 in the best possible place ahead of their Championship promotion push, so nailing Dykes' signature sooner rather than later will surely only aid them in that respect, ahead of what is hopefully a memorable campaign at Elland Road.

Arsenal seem set to continue their free-spending summer, having set their sights on a new target…

What's the latest on Benjamin Henrichs to Arsenal?

That comes from German writer Florian Plettenberg, who details Mikel Arteta's interest in German international Benjamin Henrichs.

The RB Leipzig star is described as a merely backup option for the Gunners, but remains a fine asset who would certainly bolster a squad searching for more squad depth.

Writing on Twitter, the Sky Sports man noted: "Talks between Arsenal and the player's management took place. Gunners considering Benjamin Henrichs as a backup target. Arteta, with a very good opinion about the German national. Contract at Leipzig until 2025; important player for coach Rose."

The 26-year-old still has two years left on his £63k-per-week deal.

Who is Benjamin Henrichs?

Having spent time in both his homeland and France in various stints, the defender has now settled as an important cog for a strong Leipzig outfit.

Although once regarded as a top attacking full-back as a youngster, he has swiftly grown into a mature, solid asset, who can often be relied upon.

As such, when compared to others in his position across Europe, he ranks in the top 16% for interceptions, 8% for tackles and 2% for blocks per 90, via FBref.

Such imperious defensive work could even be said to surpass Ben White's, who made a big impact last term whilst deputising on the flank.

In those three aforementioned attributes, he instead sits at the lower end of the spectrum, having made 0.68 interceptions, 1.77 tackles and 1.36 blocks per 90. The latter is supposedly his most impressive statistic, and yet he only ranks in the top 29% for it, via FBref.

However, that is not to suggest that Henrichs does not offer some potent attacking threat too.

Although a staunch stalwart, he does have the facilities to push on, which Arteta would likely develop even further to help him realise the potential he once had. Back in 2017, journalist Stefan Bienkowski even wrote: "Benjamin Henrichs is every young, talented, attacking full-back you've ever seen."

After all, just last season in the Bundesliga he would maintain a 61% dribble success rate, 78% pass accuracy and 0.7 key passes per game, via Sofascore. Whilst not outstanding figures, they paint the picture of a consistent performer who will seldom let his side down.

The all-around nature of his game would make him a fine asset to balance Oleksandr Zinchenko on the opposite flank and allow their system to continue flourishing.

The Ukraine international excelled stepping into midfield as the north London outfit pushed for the Premier League title, with his 88% pass accuracy, 80.3 touches and 0.7 key passes per game (via Sofascore) given the platform to succeed from White's defending.

He would maintain the joint third-highest pass completion rate of anyone within his squad too, to emphasise his importance in dictating the play.

Given Henrichs outperforms the England international in these defensive situations, plus has some creativity to push forward should a low-block be frustrating Arteta, he would mark an instant upgrade to allow even more freedom for his potential new 26-year-old teammate.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in Montpellier forward Elye Wahi, with reports from France linking the player to Molineux.

If speculation is to be believed, it could be a marquee signing for the Old Gold, as Julen Lopetegui faces the task of bolstering his front line this summer.

The Spaniard pulled off an impressive feat in keeping Wolves up last season, after the club sat rock bottom on Christmas Day.

Despite his hard work, there is still a long way to go for the Midlands side should they wish to return to familiar heights in the league, with a lack of goals weighing heavy on the minds of Molineux.

While Wolves managed to free themselves from the bottom of the Premier League table, they were unable to rise from the ashes of the goal-scoring table, ending the 2022/23 campaign as the league’s lowest-scorers.

Lopetegui could solve his issues by signing Wahi, who was speculated to be wanted by the Midlands club as per journalist Mohamed Toubache-Ter late last month.

The journalist claimed that Wolves’ interest is ‘real’ with Jorge Mendes reportedly keeping a ‘hand on the file’ of the player, who has a price tag of around £30m.

How good is Elye Wahi?

Lopetegui must target a goalscorer this summer, which was rumoured to have been in the works earlier this summer when the Old Gold were linked to Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres.

It’s now expected that the Championship marksman will sign for Portuguese outfit Sporting CP, meaning that Wolves must continue their pursuit of a goalscorer.

Links to Wahi are promising, especially after the disappointment of missing out on Gyokeres who had proven his worth in the second-tier last season, scoring 21 goals in 46 league appearances for the Sky Blues.

Despite flexing a superior goal tally over the Frenchman, the Swede played 11 more games than the 20-year-old, who scored 19 goals in Ligue 1, a league packed with some of the best talent in the world.

Averaging a goal every 133 minutes in the top-tier of French football, Wahi could prove to be a stronger option for Lopetegui to look to, possessing qualities that could suggest he has the edge on Gyokeres in terms of his suitability for Wolves.

Hailed as “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the rising star has been identified as having strengths in his pace and “explosiveness” by journalist Fintan O’Reilly, via Total Football Analysis.

The youngster's acceleration and clinical nature in front of goal could be vital for Lopetegui, who must get his side firing next season.

Wolves have plenty of creative outlets, with the likes of Daniel Podence averaging 1.90 passes into the penalty area per 90 last season, as per FBref, highlighting just how useful an energetic and clinical presence could be up front.

At just 20 years old, Lopetegui could capture the signature of a player established in leading the line against some of Europe’s elite, packed with confidence and precision in front of goal.

Wahi could provide the Spaniard with a chance to forget Gyokeres, by continuing his goal-scoring success at Molineux.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in a move for Fulham defender, Tosin Adarabioyo, as manager Ange Postecoglou seeks to strengthen his centre-back ranks this summer.

What's the latest on Adarabioyo to Tottenham?

According to respected insider Alasdair Gold, writing on Twitter, the north Londoners are seemingly keeping tabs on the 25-year-old amid their search for a new central defender: "Understand Tosin Adarabioyo remains high on Spurs' list of potential central defender moves this summer after some extensive scouting last season."

In his attached piece for football.london, Gold went on to add that the Lilywhites are 'weighing up' a move for the 6 foot 5 sensation after monitoring his progress over an extended period of time, albeit with a raft of clubs across Europe also interested in the one-time Manchester City asset.

The piece adds that the former England youth international is being considered alongside the likes of Edmond Tapsoba and Micky van de Ven in the quest to bolster the backline, although Adarabioyo is likely to prove a cheaper option as he has just 12 months remaining on his current deal.

Should Tottenham sign Adarabioyo?

As Gold's report noted, it is Bayer Leverkusen star, Tapsoba who is Ange Postecoglou's 'main central defensive target' at present, although the signing of Adarabioyo – who made 25 Premier League appearances last season – could represent a dream alternative having already proven himself in English football.

The towering asset has seemingly been tipped for big things ever since emerging through the youth ranks at the Etihad, with City boss Pep Guardiola having said of his talents back in 2016: "He is fast, strong in the air, and has the quality to look forward behind the line for the next pass."

Also dubbed "immense" by former boss Tony Mowbray during his loan spell at Blackburn Rovers in the 2019/20 campaign Adarabioyo was particularly impressive for the Cottagers last season amid their return to the top-flight, with his 6.89 average match rating the sixth-highest among his teammates.

The Manchester native offers a real dominant presence in the heart of the defence having won 69% of his aerial duels in 2022/23, with that a far better record than what Tapsoba achieved during his 33 Bundesliga outings (56%).

While the latter man is particularly adept at playing out from the back – as he ranks in the top 5% among his European peers for progressive passes at an average of 5.76 per 90 – Adarabioyo is no slouch in that regard, having averaged only slightly lower at 4.10 per 90 across the last 365 days.

With the Fulham man clearly comfortable on the ball as well as being an imposing asset defensively, he could offer an all-round package to Postecoglou and co, hence why the £40k-per-week menace could represent a possible bargain alternative to Tapsoba this summer.

Arsenal star Thomas Partey is being “pushed” to leave the north London club this summer, according to reliable journalist Nizaar Kinsella.

Who could leave Arsenal this summer?

Reports have suggested that the Gunners, after failing in their bid to win a first Premier League title in nearly 20 years, are aiming to be very ambitious this transfer window.

Arsenal could apparently spend around £300 million on signings and are in talks for multiple deals, with an agreement for Chelsea’s Kai Havertz already sealed.

As well as the Germany international, it is believed that Mikel Arteta’s side are in ongoing discussions over moves for West Ham United star Declan Rice, Ajax defender Jurrien Timber and Southampton’s Romeo Lavia.

However, to balance the books, certain squad members will inevitably have to make way. Kieran Tierney, Emile Smith Rowe, Nuno Tavares, Sambi Lokonga, Folarin Balogun and, of course, long-serving star Granit Xhaka could all depart (Goal).

Jorginho, despite only putting pen to paper on a move to the Emirates Stadium six months ago, has also been tipped with a return to Italy as his former manager Maurizio Sarri aims to sign him at Lazio.

Partey, who was a crucial member of Arsenal’s title-challenging side last campaign, is another player who could leave north London.

As Arsenal plot an overhaul of their midfield, reporter Kinsella of The Evening Standard says Partey is being “pushed” towards the exit door over Jorginho.

The latter player has apparently told friends he is comfortable in London and isn’t vying for a move away or back to Italy, meaning Partey has been transfer-listed instead.

What’s been said about Thomas Partey?

The Ghana international was a crucial member of Arteta’s squad last season, ranking as one of their top five best-performers by average match rating (WhoScored).

He also made more successful tackles per 90 than any other Arsenal player in the top flight, leaving little wonder Nigel Winterburn called him “so important”.

“I think [Thomas] Partey has been so important,” said the Arsenal legend.

“But he’s been real instrumental in that midfield, just keeping it ticking over, very efficient player, can get around the pitch, very mobile.”

West Ham United target Yunus Musah would be open to moving to the London Stadium this summer, according to journalist Paul Brown.

What's the latest transfer news involving Yunus Musah?

According to CBS Sports, Valencia midfielder Musah has emerged as a target for West Ham United as they ponder options to replace club captain Declan Rice this summer, who looks to be on his way out of the London Stadium.

The report states that Musah has several clubs from the Premier League following his trail in the off-season; however, the Hammers have shown the most concrete interest in the United States international.

One outlet in Spain claim that the £24k-a-week ace could be available for around €25 million (£21.4 million) as Valencia look to cash in on one of their prize assets, who has plenty of admiration from other clubs.

In 2022/23, the New York City-born enforcer made 37 appearances in all competitions for Valencia, registering two assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Musah has recently been involved in lifting silverware at international level and helped the United States national team to achieve their second successive Concacaf Nations League title following a 2-0 victory over Canada in Las Vegas, as per 90min.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Brown thinks that Musah – who has been hailed a "warrior" by some in the media – may relish the opportunity to move to West Ham United this summer, though he doesn't believe he would be an automatic starter in east London.

Brown told FFC: "I think he's he's potentially a really good player. You may not expect him to play every week for West Ham because I think they will sign two midfielders this summer if and when Declan Rice goes and Musah would be possibly competing with two or three players to get in that team, but it's the lure of the Premier League and I do think he'd be interested if West Ham were to move for him."

What other midfielders have West Ham United been linked with?

West Ham United have been linked with several midfielders as David Moyes looks to build on their Europa Conference League triumph in 2022/23.

Football Insider claim that Southampton stalwart James Ward-Prowse is among their preferred targets this summer, while Tottenham Hotspur also retain an interest in the England international.

As per The Guardian, Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha is on their radar at the London Stadium and has emerged as an alternative to Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez, who is closing in on a move to Borussia Dortmund.

Takvim via Hammers News claim that West Ham United could go back in for Galatasaray attacking midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo this window following missing out on his signature in January, signifying that plenty of incomings could be in store for the Hammers in the next few months.

An update has emerged on Everton and their plans to bolster their attacking options in the summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Moussa Dembele to Everton?

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Toffees are one of a number of sides eyeing up French centre-forward Moussa Dembele ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The reporter revealed:

"Moussa Dembélé has been approached by several clubs after leaving OL as free agent. #transfers Understand Everton and Galatasaray are both informed on conditions of the deal, while Saudi clubs are also keeping tabs on Moussa situation."

The £52k-per-week marksman's contract with Lyon in Ligue 1 expires at the end of this month and this means that the former Celtic ace will be available for a bargain free transfer move.

What would Dembele's arrival mean for Dominic Calvert-Lewin?

Sean Dyche beating off interest from Galatasaray and teams in Saudi Arabia to secure a deal for the 6-foot finisher would be terrible news for current Everton forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin, as it could diminish his game time next term.

The England international endured a difficult campaign in the Premier League in 2022/23 and his recent form in front of goal does not suggest that his position is nailed down in the team for 2023/24.

He found the back of the net twice in 17 appearances – 15 starts – and this came after the 26-year-old plundered five goals in 15 starts in the 2021/22 top-flight.

This means that the Finch Farm dud has scored once every 4.29 starts over the last two seasons in the division, which is far from a prolific return and perhaps one of the reasons the Toffees have found themselves in back-to-back relegation battles.

Dembele, on the other hand, scored 24 goals in 33 starts in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 Ligue 1 campaigns combined for Lyon, which works out as one strike every 1.38 starts on average.

The Frenchman also created six 'big chances' for his teammates in that time and could provide a similar level of creativity to Calvert-Lewin, who produced five in the Premier League in the same period.

Dembele, who was once hailed as "powerful" by former Hoops manager Brendan Rodgers, could offer far more potency at the top end of the pitch based on their respective goalscoring records in recent seasons, which could lead to Dyche having a reliable number nine in the top-flight next season.

This could then leave Calvert-Lewin in a difficult situation as the soon-to-be free agent could come in and take his place in the starting XI, which would result in the Englishman being a bench warmer unless he is able to win his position back by drastically turning his form around.

Tottenham Hotspur have "emerged" as "surprise" contenders to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher after Ange Postcoglou's transfer meeting with chairman Daniel Levy, according to reports.

Who could join Spurs this summer?

Following a disappointing 2022/2023 Premier League campaign, one which ended trophy-less and without European football qualification, this summer comes as a crucial one.

Spurs could be set for a major overhaul with many players being tipped for the potential axe, including Hugo Lloris, Ivan Perisic, Davinson Sanchez, Ryan Sessegnon, Eric Dier, Ben Davies, Giovani Lo Celso, Sergio Reguilon and Harry Winks (The Telegraph).

Dier and Dejan Kulusevski are also still to convince Postecoglou, as per recent claims, with Levy believed to be targeting an array of signings for key areas of the squad.

Long-serving number one goalkeeper Hugo Lloris could be replaced this summer, with Brentford's David Raya believed to be of serious interest at Spurs. Meanwhile, the north Londoners are thought to be pursuing the likes of James Maddison and a star central defender after Postecoglou's approval.

Now, according to football.london and journalist Lee Wilmot, Tottenham are also targeting Gallagher from Chelsea. Indeed, it is now believed that he could join Spurs, after they "emerge as surprise contenders" for his signing.

The Lilywhites apparently hold an interest after Postecoglou held talks with Levy last week, with transfer priorities discussed and Gallagher finding his way on to their shortlist of targets.

Postecoglou favours a three-man midfield, with two of them being attacking players, and Gallagher may well fit the bill alongside other targets like Maddison.

Who is Conor Gallagher?

The 23-year-old was a regular for Chelsea last season but his best performances perhaps came on loan at Crystal Palace over the 2021/2022 season.

As per WhoScored, he racked up 11 goal contributions in 33 starts for the Eagles last season, standing out as one of their best-performing players.

Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, commenting on his form back then, was effusive in his praise for the talented playmaker.

"His development is extraordinary and outstanding," said Tuchel.

“He was a pleasure to coach in pre-season – he has so much positive energy, so much energy in general and so much work-rate to give that he can of course be a big help and a big influence.”

Arsenal legend and BBC pundit Ian Wright has had to deny allegations of being arrested after scammers used AI to create false images of him.

Was Ian Wright arrested?

The Match of the Day presenter has become a well-loved TV personality within the world of football since retiring – having been an adored player, too.

After all, he netted a whopping 185 goals in 288 appearances for the Gunners which was a club record until it was eventually beaten by Thierry Henry.

He also spent time in his career with other former clubs such as Crystal Palace, West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Celtic and Burnley.

In recent times, he’s cemented his status as an all-round lovely guy by showing his class as a strong and vocal advocate for women’s football, and recently slammed the broadcasting issues ahead of the upcoming World Cup in Australia and New Zealand – with Fifa threatening a blackout because of low offers for the broadcast rights from the biggest European footballing countries.

With all that in mind, it must have come as a shock to some when images emerged online of him supposedly being arrested. Some friends of Wright’s were so stunned, he has since revealed people were calling him about it.

Well, in a new video shared on his Twitter account, he’s now clarified that it’s all a strange scam where people “superimposed” him into an odd situation.

Wright explained: “Listen, I’m getting so many calls. People think I’ve been arrested. They’ve superimposed me with handcuffs. Look at me [laughs] this is a scam! People are scamming you.

“I ain’t been arrested. I’ve not done anything to get arrested. Foolishness! Watch these people scamming you!”

He also shared some of the fake photos.

It’s certainly a bizarre story and perhaps a little worrying that some of his friends did seem to be convinced by AI that these images were actually real.

However, it’s good to see that Wright has responded in typical style, laughing it all off with a smile on his face.

The presenter recently made history with Shaun Wright-Phillips, becoming the first father and son punditry team to appear on Match of the Day.

So don’t worry, we’re far more likely to see him appear on TV in the future than in a prison cell.

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has stunned fans by scoring a brilliant goal after just 13 seconds before then scoring another volley in the second half.

What is the quickest-ever FA Cup final goal?

Meeting at Wembley in the FA Cup final, Pep Guardiola and co faced bitter rivals Manchester United with both aiming for a double.

Indeed, City have already won the Premier League and also have a Champions League final to come.

The Red Devils, on the other hand, have already lifted silverware at Wembley this season after beating Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.

With so much on the line, both teams would have been raring to go but all of Erik ten Hag’s pre-game plans would have had to have been reassessed after just a matter of seconds.

Indeed, after a long ball upfield was nodded to the edge of his own box by Victor Lindelof, Gundogan volleyed the ball into the back of the net.

Incredibly, this moment of magic was the fastest goal in an FA Cup final. What’s more, it’s the first scored in the opening minute of the competition final since Louis Saha netted for Everton against Chelsea in 2009.

Supporters were blown away by Gundogan’s quality – as he netted another fine volley after United had equalised – and here are the best reactions on Twitter…

Supporters just couldn’t believe it.

Here’s his second goal.