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Everton youngster Jarrad Branthwaite wants to leave the club during the summer transfer window, according to an update regarding his future.

When is Branthwaite out of contract at Everton?

The 21-year-old arrived at Goodison Park from Carlisle United back in 2020, and has since gone on to make 13 first-team appearances to date. Chances have been few and far between for him in an Everton shirt, however, and he spent last season on loan at Dutch side PSV Eindhoven, where he played 27 times in the Eredivisie.

Branthwaite's current Blues contract expires in the summer of 2025, meaning that time is slowly ticking by before they risk losing him on the cheap, with the next 12 months possibly becoming the last realistic chance to receive good money for his services.

It could be that the decision is out of the hands of Everton officials anyway, however, with a fresh update suggesting that his time at the club could be coming to an end sooner rather than later.

Could Branthwaite leave Everton this summer?

According to Football Insider, Branthwaite "has told the club he wants to leave this summer", with Everton wanting to retain his services after being impressed with his performances for PSV, but possibly having to accept that his mind is made up.

Branthwaite sees his future elsewhere moving forward – he is "keen" to find a club where he will be guaranteed more regular first-team football in the coming years – with West Ham one of the clubs who could potentially sign him before the beginning of the 2023/24 season.

Losing Branthwaite this summer would be a blow for Everton, considering former manager Carlo Ancelotti once admitted he was "really impressed" with him during his time at the club, whereas he was called "terrific" by ex-Carlisle boss Steven Pressley, so the ideal outcome would be for him to stay for at least another season.

If Sean Dyche doesn't see the one-time capped England Under-21s international as a key man moving forward, however, it is pointless keeping hold of an unhappy player, instead allowing him to thrive elsewhere, as was the case at PSV.

That being said, there is no guarantee that things could pan out differently for Branthwaite at West Ham, should he move there, with the Hammers also having plenty of competition for places, so the centre-back must think long and hard before making what is a big decision in his career, although it appears as if he is leaning in the direction of an exit at this stage.

Arsenal talks are “on” to sign Southampton star Romeo Lavia but they face a “huge fight” with Chelsea and Liverpool, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

Who will Arsenal sign this summer

Throughout the domestic transfer window’s opening so far, much of the talk at Arsenal has surrounded a move for West Ham United star Declan Rice as talks heat up for their top target.

However, Mikel Arteta is not alone in the race, as treble-winners Man City have also had a bid rejected for Rice in the last two days – with Arsenal seemingly going to head-to-head with Pep Guardiola.

This could be one of the sagas of the summer window, but while developments on Rice continue behind-the-scenes, it is believed Arsenal are also attempting moves for other targets.

Ajax defender Jurrien Timber is at the centre of positive talks and there are claims that the 22-year-old is very keen to join Arteta, making them clear favourites for his signature as things stand (Sky).

The Gunners could spend around £200 million on fresh faces this summer, according to some media sources, and they’re actively pursuing a move for Lavia after Southampton’s drop the Championship.

Tavolieri, writing on Twitter, say Arsenal hold a key advantage over personal terms due to their great relationship with the 19-year-old’s agent.

However, there will be a “huge fight” for his services, as London rivals Chelsea and Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool remain in contention with talks “on”.

What’s been said about Romeo Lavia?

The teenager performed very impressively at Southampton, despite their relegation campaign, with no Saints regular managing to eclipse Lavia’s pass accuracy percentage (WhoScored).

Standing out as a tidy, composed midfield player, Southampton reporter Sam Tighe even called the former Man City youngster a “shining star” at St. Mary’s.

“I watched every game Roméo Lavia played last season and he was absolutely incredible,” said 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 Belgium international could be a brilliant addition for Arteta given their planned midfield overhaul, and if they manage to get both him and Rice over the line, it could be seen as exceptional business.

Manchester City are expected to make an opening offer for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice on Thursday, according to David Ornstein.

Are Manchester City signing Declan Rice?

Pep Guardiola’s side are wasting no time in looking to bolster their treble-winning squad this summer, with midfield additions seemingly a priority at the Etihad.

Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic looks like he could be the first through the door, with a £30m agreement now reached with those at Stamford Bridge over a transfer.

Fabrizio Romano revealed on Wednesday that Man City will pay a guaranteed fee of £25m to their Premier League rivals, with another £5m included in add-ons and will be activated if the Sky Blues add to their trophy cabinet over the coming years.

Alongside Kovacic, who still needs to undergo a medical before his transfer can be finalised, another star midfielder in Rice could be on the move north.

Premier League rivals Arsenal have been desperate to sign the England international and have made two bids so far, the second of which being worth £90m, but it looks as if City will now look to hijack a transfer.

Taking to Twitter on Thursday, Ornstein shared the big development, saying that a Man City offer is expected to be submitted today.

“Manchester City expected to submit an offer to West Ham for Declan Rice today. MCFC have serious interest in recruiting 24yo England midfielder + it is anticipated a formal bid will be lodged soon to rival Arsenal for signing.”

Who is leaving Manchester City this summer?

City appear to be working on a number of deals, with RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol another target at the Etihad and talks with the German side now very advanced.

However, there could be plenty of departures from the treble winners over the coming months, with club captain Ilkay Gundogan closing in on a deal with Barcelona.

Alongside Gundogan, Bernardo Silva is being heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, whereas defender Kyle Walker is wanted at Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

Should all three leave City ahead of the 2023/23 season, reinforcements would more than likely be needed, so Kovacic, Rice and Gvardiol could be those to come in and work under Guardiola.

Rice could end up pushing a similar fee to the £100m club record move for Jack Grealish following Arsenal’s rejected £90m bid, and by the looks of it, City are about to make their move in what is a dramatic development.

Glasgow Rangers are in talks regarding a summer swoop to bring Cyriel Dessers to the Scottish Premiership, according to reports.

Who is Cyriel Dessers?

The Nigeria international is a striker who currently plays his football for Cremonese having moved there from KRC Genk last summer, and during his debut season at the Giovanni Zini Stadium, he clocked up a total of 29 appearances under Davide Ballardini.

The Scottish Daily Mail (via Ibrox News) first credited Michael Beale with an interest in the 28-year-old and revealed that he was one of the names “on a list” of targets being considered for the upcoming window, and it wasn’t long before the boss made his opening move.

The Daily Record earlier this month reported that the Light Blues had submitted a seven-figure bid for the Serie B forward after seeing their initial offer turned down which resulted in the two parties getting locked in talks, though it would appear that there has now been a successful breakthrough in negotiations.

Are Rangers signing Dessers?

According to Football Insider, Rangers are "pursuing" a move for Dessers with talks firmly "underway" ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. The Cremonese striker has been a target north of the border for "some time" and it's stated that a fee of £5m "could be enough" to get a deal over the line this summer.

The Italian outfit are looking to "trim costs" following their recent relegation so are resigned to selling some of their prized assets, one of those being the attacker who could well be on his way to Glasgow.

Rangers have confirmed that Alfredo Morelos has left the club upon the expiration of his contract so Beale will need a natural centre-forward to replace him, and having been described as someone who is “awkward to play against” because of his physical strength by journalist Josh Bunting, Dessers could be the perfect successor.

The Stirr Associates client, who has the versatility to operate everywhere across the frontline, posted 13 goal contributions (ten goals and three assists) from 32 appearances in all competitions last season so was prolific in the final third, but he also posed a threat when he wasn’t on the scoresheet.

Dessers ranked in the 92nd percentile for number of attacking touches in the opposition’s penalty area and recorded 49 shots over the course of the term which was the second-highest total throughout his squad, as per FBRef, so should he sign on the dotted line, it would be a massive coup for Beale.

Aston Villa are in pole position to sign Sporting Lisbon star Pedro Goncalves and are leading the race for his signature. according to reports.

Who could Villa sign this summer?

It was a phenomenal end to the Premier League campaign for Unai Emery, who guided his side to a seventh-placed finish and subsequent qualfication for next season UEFA Europa Conference League.

This is despite Villa undergoing a very poor run of form at the start of the season under Steven Gerrard, but after Emery turned the tide, it is now the club's job to back their capable manager this summer.

Central midfield may well be a position of importance in this regard, with Villa thought to hold an interest in the likes of Joao Palhinha (Fulham), James Ward-Prowse of Southampton and even free agent Youri Tielemans – who recently departed Leicester City.

Meanwhile. additions further forward are not out of the question either, as Villa have even been linked with audacious moves for the likes of Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus) and Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid).

Sporting Lisbon star Goncalves, nicknamed 'Pote', is also a player on Emery's radar and the Villans have been tipped to move for him this summer.

According to Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, via Sport Witness, Aston Villa are "in the lead" for his transfer, while Sporting expect his exit to be "imminent".

While Pote has starred under Ruben Amorim, Sporting's lack of Champions League qualification for next campaign means they have to sell and generate much-needed funds.

That's why the Primeira Liga side are happy to sell for the right price, with Pote's contract also containing an €80m (£68.8M) release clause.

Going by this update, Emery could well be edging closer to the signing of Pote.

Who is Pedro Goncalves?

The 24-year-old, as per WhoScored, has played a dazzling role for Sporting as a key player in their set up.

Pote stood out as their top goalscorer in the Portuguese top flight last season with 15 goals, registering a further 11 assists and totaling an impressive 26 goal contributions (WhoScored).

The central midfielder also attempted more shots at goal per 90 than any other Sporting player over 2022/2023, averaging their second-highest rate of key passes per 90 as well (WhoScored).

Journalist Sacha Pisani, commenting on the "incredible" Pote all the way back in 2021, tipped him for stardom and for Europe's elite to come calling.

Leeds United may feel they would be taking a 'risk' by appointing Andoni Iraola as their new manager at Elland Road, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest news involving Leeds United and Andoni Iraola?

As per Radio Marca via Estadio Deportivo, Iraola is expected to leave Rayo Vallecano at the end of this season and is said to have a number of options on the table as he assesses his next move.

The report states that Leeds United, Sevilla and Villarreal are beginning to 'rub their hands together' as the 40-year-old may be available for a new venture as he believes he has achieved all he can at the Estadio de Vallecas.

Last week, the Whites were relegated to the Sky Bet Championship unceremoniously following a 4-1 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur amid fan protests directed towards owner Andrea Radrizzani who was not present at the affair, as per BBC Sport.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones isn't sure that Leeds United would go down the route of hiring Iraola, who plays an exciting 4-2-3-1 style, as they try to regain promotion to the Premier League in 2023/24.

Jones told FFC: "I think that trying somebody from abroad might be seen as a risk. Victor Orta was perhaps the guy that liked to take a risk. I'm not sure the people left over will be as willing given the state that find themselves in now."

Who else has been linked to the Leeds United manager role

Phil Hay of The Athletic has stated that former Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers may come into consideration as a candidate, but that doesn't seem to likely now.

The Daily Mail report that former Chelsea manager Graham Potter is another name that has been mentioned in connection with the job; however, he also has admirers at Leicester City, who will also play in the Sky Bet Championship in 2023/24.

Football Insider have also claimed that Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou is a name that the Whites have 'continuously shown an interest' in; however, the prospects of that happening look to be extremely unlikely.

Whoever is in charge of Leeds United will have a difficult job on their hands as they look to rebuild a fragmented squad and try to win promotion to the top flight.

Leeds United's relegation has condemned them to at least another year of Championship football, just three years after they thought they had left that league for good.

Whilst their 2004 demotion came as a shock to most, their 16-year failure to return to the top flight surpassed all of these emotions. They had gone from a sleeping giant to a comatose one, and it felt like no matter what occurred they would never earn that romantic Premier League return.

That was until Marcelo Bielsa was appointed, and his magic enacted.

His team was steely and hard-working, completely enamoured with a hard-working philosophy that saw them dominate the division. It was the perfect storm, with Kalvin Phillips conducting from within its eye.

An academy graduate handed a show of faith in a league where the top-flight often send their youngsters to develop, he instead was allowed to learn on the job, quickly becoming their most influential player. That promotion year saw the 27-year-old maintain a 7.28 average rating, alongside 1.8 key passes and 2.6 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

Now, in an effort to repeat that feat at the first time of asking, perhaps they could once again seek to put their faith in the academy, with Sean McGurk surely high on the list for those deserving of a first-team berth.

Who is Sean McGurk?

His potential inclusion within the senior squad is made all the more likely given the expected exit of Luis Sinisterra, who The Athletic suggest could seek to move, with a reported release clause encouraging this. With the possibility of relegation now a reality, the Colombian will be a fine signing for someone out there should he find fitness.

After all, his tally of seven goals in all competitions, whilst slightly underwhelming, was largely marred by a lack of fitness throughout the term.

His failure to adapt to the physicality of the English game cost him, especially after the 23-year-old joined having hit 23 goals and 14 assists the season prior in Holland.

Although having posted numbers nowhere near this level, McGurk has remained one of Michael Skubala's most consistent performers from that left flank, with his six goal contributions in 17 games a solid return. He has been a mainstay in the side that recently earned promotion into the Premier League 1 Division 1.

Seeking to cut in from his wing onto that favoured right foot, the 20-year-old boasts similarly blistering pace and sought to outline his other outstanding attributes after joining the club in 2021: "People describe me as a player who is quite exciting, I like to create goals and score goals and I think that is the strongest part of my game."

Whilst that is yet to shine through in the U21s, perhaps a promotion into the senior squad could see him realise this potential at the Championship level. After all, it only takes the new manager to hand him a few starts to figure out whether he can terrorise the division.

With his frightening speed, quick feet and youthful energy, that is sure to be a given though.

Leeds United will do all they can to ensure that key attackers Rodrigo and Patrick Bamford are fit to face Tottenham this weekend, with the former training on Friday, according to reliable journalist Phil Hay.

What is the situation this weekend?

The Whites have experienced a difficult season in the Premier League, not learning from last year's lessons and again battling relegation throughout the campaign. Both Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia have been and gone as manager, and it is now up to Sam Allardyce to perform a miracle escape act.

Ahead of the final day on Sunday, Leeds know that they simply have to beat Spurs at Elland Road, and also hope that Everton and Leicester City slip up, against Bournemouth and West Ham respectively.

In truth, it looks like an extremely tall order for the Whites, and with injury doubts over both Rodrigo and Bamford, their task could get even more tricky.

Will Rodrigo be fit for visit of Tottenham?

However, taking to Twitter, Hay claimed that Leeds will do all they can to get both Rodrigo and Bamford on the pitch, with the former training on Friday in a positive update.

"Allardyce on injuries – Rodrigo trained today. Bamford will be given as long as possible. Decision to be made on him tomorrow, when Allardyce picks his XI.

"'I'll gamble on anyone's fitness if they want to play, if I think they can make a contribution to help us win.'"

Having Rodrigo and Bamford available this weekend is absolutely essential for Leeds, even if they aren't 100% fit, given their experience and quality. The former, who earn £100,000 per week, has been hailed as "sensational" by Gary Neville in the recent past and he has the ability to produce a match-winning moment from nowhere.

His stunning strike away to West Ham last weekend was proof of his class, even though it ultimately didn't affect the result in the end, and to have both him and Bamford sidelined would be cruel luck ahead of an absolute must-win encounter from Spurs, even if the latter has struggled for form recently.

You wonder if this could be Rodrigo's final game in a Leeds shirt, should relegation come their way, with the 32-year-old surely not wanting to be playing Championship football next season. The hope is that he can go out with a bang, scoring a goal that at least gives the White some hope of survival.

The final day can do crazy things, however, and if Rodrigo and Bamford both played a part in an incredible survival mission, they would further etch their name into Leeds folklore.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly identified a potential target ahead of the summer transfer window, amid recent speculation involving Strasbourg sensation, Habib Diarra.

What's the latest on Diarra to Tottenham?

According to The Sun, the Lilywhites are said to be among a host of Premier League clubs who are interested in the 19-year-old midfielder, with as many as nine top-flight teams having scouted the teenager against Nice last week.

While the report suggests that it is Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers who are currently leading the way in that intense battle for the youngster's services, the piece adds that the France youth international is 'on the watch list' of the likes of Spurs, Manchester City and Manchester United.

The Senegal-born ace – who still has four years left to run on his existing deal – is believed to have a price tag of around £20m, ensuring he could represent something of a low-cost option for that raft of suitors.

Who is Habib Diarra?

The 5 foot 10 ace may well be something of an unknown quantity for those outside of France having thus far made just 32 senior appearances for his current side, although the suggestion is that the emerging prospect is a "big talent", according to talent scout Jacek Kulig.

While still something of a "rough diamond" – according to journalist Sebastien Denis – the versatile asset has enjoyed a fine, breakthrough campaign in Ligue 1, scoring three goals and providing three assists in 27 top-flight games.

That attacking prowess – as well as the teen's ability to feature all across the midfield and on the flanks – could make young Diarra a dream option for Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy this summer, amid what looks set to be a fresh start at N17 with the prospect of a new manager.

The arrival of the exciting dynamo could well spell bad news for current Spurs man, Oliver Skipp however, with the youth product having somewhat failed to make his mark amid his consistent run in the side in recent months, scoring just one goal and registering no assists in 30 appearances this season.

While perhaps a more defensive-minded option than Diarra, the latter man also has the capability to feature in front of the back four or in an advanced role if required, with that flexibility likely to be more attractive for any new Lilywhites boss.

The Strasbourg also appears to offer a greater creative quality from his midfield berth as he ranks in the top 1% among his European peers for progressive carries and in the top 9% for progressive passes received, with Skipp, by contrast, ranking in just the bottom 38% and the bottom 45% for those same two metrics, respectively.

The Englishman's woes were also laid bare during the weekend defeat to Brentford as he 'gifted' possession to the Bees in the build-up to Yoane Wissa's late strike – as per football.london's Alasdair Gold – with the £40k-per-week talent having seemingly 'faded' of late, according to the Evening Standard's Dan Kilpatrick.

As such, bringing Diarra into the fold could well bolster the competition for places in the midfield ranks next season, ensuring that Skipp may well have a fight on his hands to secure a regular role in the side in the centre of the park.

Rangers manager Gio van Bronckhorst offered Ibrox fans a glimpse into the future at Glasgow as he offered minutes to a host of young players at the weekend.

The Gers ran out 2-0 winners in their Premiership clash as Leon King, Alex Lowry, Charlie McCann and Adam Devine were all given an opportunity to feature.

They have all sufficiently impressed the Dutch head coach to be rewarded with a first-team call-up, and the next step will be to integrate them into the side on a regular basis, whether that comes next year or in the longer-term.

One of those players can end up following in the footsteps of Rangers’ most expensive ever departure. Nathan Patterson was sold to Everton for a club-record fee in January, and Van Bronckhorst can unearth the new Patterson in 19-year-old Devine.

Partick Thistle manager Ian McCall described the right-back as “highly rated”, and the youngster has also caught the eye of his managers in other loan spells.

Brechin boss Michael Paton praised the gem upon signing him on a temporary basis last year, saying: “Adam will be another great addition to the squad and he’s exactly what we’re looking for. He is athletic and can get up and down the park – I feel he can provide what we’re missing in that final third. He has great awareness and quality of crossing.

“Rangers feel he is on the same path as Nathan Paterson and have high hopes for him. Hopefully he can come here and hit the ground running and help us push towards where we want to go.”

This shows that the Light Blues already view Devine as a player with the potential to match what the Scotland international achieved at Ibrox and now Everton.

The teenager has showcased his potential for the Gers’ youth team throughout the campaign. He has registered an impressive five assists in nine Challenge Cup and UEFA Youth League outings for the B team, which shows off his attacking quality from right-back.

Devine also managed two assists in 11 games on loan at Brechin last term as he enjoyed a taste of regular first-team football in the second half of the season.

Along with the praise from his former managers and his involvement against Dundee United, these statistics suggest that the 19-year-old dynamo has a bright future ahead of him.

It is now up to Van Bronckhorst to provide the youngster with ample opportunities to prove that he can make the step up to playing regularly for Rangers so that he can develop into the next Patterson at Ibrox…

AND in other news, Ibrox sources: Van Bronckhorst set for imminent Rangers deal that’ll leave supporters delighted…