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An update has emerged on Leeds target Maxwel Cornet, regarding Burnley’s interest in his services.

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, Burnley are in talks with Lyon over a potential deal to sign Leeds target Maxwel Cornet this summer. The report claims that the Clarets are prepared to spend £13m on the Ivorian, with Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin also keen.

Leeds are said to have held an interest in Cornet and are now pursuing other targets. Marcelo Bielsa’s side returning to the race is said to be unlikely but not impossible.

Fans will be gutted

Bielsa is facing a disaster with this decision and it will leave fans gutted if Burnley are now able to swoop in for Cornet in the coming weeks. It is not clear whether or not Bielsa had the final say on Cornet, but the Leeds coach should be pushing for a deal to be completed as he could be an excellent addition to the squad ahead of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.

He ticks a number of boxes for what Leeds should be looking for in a signing; quality, young, experienced, versatile and hard-working. He has proven his quality in Ligue 1 for Lyon over the course of a number of years since coming through in the 2015/16 campaign. Cornet has averaged a career WhoScored rating of 6.70 across over 200 appearances for club and country, showing his experience and ability to remain consistent over a long period of time.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola once lauded Cornet as one of the many promising talents in the French game, as he was quick to point out that teams outside of PSG have quality players in their ranks.

He said:

“We only talk about PSG but there are many good French teams, I was very impressed by the talent of Maxwel Cornet. There are many talents in France, I like to play the Champions League because there is a very high quality everywhere, players, coaches.”

At the age of 24, Cornet also has the potential to improve and grow as a player. He has shown his versatility for Lyon, by playing across midfield and in defence, and he could be a player Bielsa is able to coach into becoming a top player in several positions for Leeds, which would make him a huge asset for the club.

His defensive stats also suggest that he would suit Bielsa’s high-press, hard-working, style of play. Cornet made 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game for Lyon last season, showing that he puts the graft in defensively to win the ball back for his side.

Bielsa and Leeds are facing a disaster by allowing Burnley to snap him up for £13m, as he has the attributes, experience and quality to make an impact at Elland Road.

Fans will have every right to be gutted if one of the club’s rivals in the Premier League manage to sign such a quality player ahead of Leeds, without the Yorkshire-based club even putting up much of a fight.

AND in other news, Orta must seal Leeds swoop for 17-goal “phenomenon”, he’s a big upgrade on Harrison…

Glasgow Rangers ace Kai Kennedy has been named in the UEFA Youth League Team of the Year for the 2019/20 season.

The Lowdown: Kennedy shines in Youth League

The Ibrox starlet enjoyed himself during the 2019/20 UEFA Youth League campaign, managing three assists in five games in the competition (Transfermarkt).

Those performances appear to have earned him particular praise from European football’s governing body.

The Latest: Kennedy in TOTY

UEFA have named Kennedy in their Youth League Team of the Year for the 2019/20 campaign (UEFA via The Daily Record).

He has been named alongside players from Real Madrid, Juventus and Ajax, while Croatian defender Joseph Gvardiol has represented his country’s at this summer’s European Championship.

The Verdict: Knocking on the door

Kennedy has previously been compared to Gers legend Davie Cooper by John Robertson (Glasgow Live), but he has had some issues with the Ibrox hierarchy in the past. He was said to be pushing for a move away from the club, refusing to sign a new contract (Football Insider) last summer amid interest from the likes of Manchester City and Barcelona.

Ultimately he remained at Ibrox and he is now starting to knock on the door of Steven Gerrard’s first team squad. Last season, he impressed in a loan spell with Raith Rovers, scoring once and providing four assists in 16 league matches. Clearly blessed with plenty of ability judging by his UEFA recognition, Gerrard may feel that Kennedy has earned the right to compete for a first team place at Ibrox next season.

In other news, Rangers ramp up their interest in this 27-year-old.

An update has emerged on Algerian international winger Riyad Mahrez, regarding Manchester City’s stance on his transfer status this summer.

What’s the talk?

According to an exclusive from CaughtOffside, Manchester City are open to cashing in on Riyad Mahrez this summer as they close in on a deal for Aston Villa winger Jack Grealish. The England international is said to be set to arrive at The Etihad in an £88m deal from the Midlands club after the conclusion of the European Championships.

The report claims that City are willing to listen to offers for both Mahrez and Raheem Sterling, but will only entertain serious bids for the pair.

Pep would hate it

Txiki Begiristain must avoid making a grave error with this decision. City boss Pep Guardiola would hate it if the club sold Mahrez this summer as it would be a major blow to his attacking options, irrespective of Grealish’s potential signing, which means that the former Barcelona chief could be heading for disaster by sanctioning an exit for the Algerian in the coming months.

Guardiola has made his feelings on Mahrez clear in the past. Back in September of 2020, the Spaniard hailed the winger as an exceptional player and praised his quality and mentality after he suffered with Covid-19, highlighting how important he is to

He told Manchester City’s official website:

“Riyad is an exceptional player.”

The £120k-per-week wizard has been a reliable performer for the club since his transfer from Leicester in 2017. He has produced 39 goals and 37 assists in 142 games for City, including 11 goals and 12 assists in the 2019/20 Premier League campaign. This, along with Guardiola’s comments, highlights the immense quality he has as a forward at the top level and shows why Txiki must avoid making a mistake this summer.

Signing Grealish should not be used as an excuse to axe Mahrez. The Villa captain predominantly plays off the left for Dean Smith and has not played on the right in any game for the top-flight side in the past 12 months, whilst 30 of Mahrez’s starts for the light blues came on the right of the attack.

It would not make sense to sell the 30-year-old because of the £88m forward’s addition as City would effectively be losing a quality right-forward immediately after signing a left-forward.

AND in other news, Huge development emerges on £36m-rated “natural talent” that’ll leave City fans gutted…

The County are also pleased to announce the Award of the Holsten NUL EssexPlayer of the Match in the recent floodlit game against Middlesex Crusaders as James Middlebrook

Essex CCC Media Release08-Aug-2002The County are also pleased to announce the Award of the Holsten NUL EssexPlayer of the Match in the recent floodlit game against Middlesex Crusaders as James Middlebrook. This is James’ consecutive award, achieved by bowling figures of 3-40 in the defeat against the Crusaders.James will be presented his award at Essex Eagles v NorthamptonshireSteelbacks at the Colchester Festival on Sunday 25th August.

Celtic have been working on deals to sign both Sunderland striker Charlie Wyke and Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan, Football Insider report.

The Lowdown: McKay and Postecoglou’s Wembley meet up

New Celtic CEO Dominic McKay and boss Ange Postecoglou met in person in London on Friday, with the pair continuing to work on preparations for the new season.

The pair were also in attendance at Wembley, watching England against Scotland at the European Championships.

Current Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor played the entirety of the Group D stalemate, and it seems as if the Hoops were also busy on Friday when it comes to getting some new faces through the Parkhead door.

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The Latest: Source shares transfer news

Former Celtic man and Football Insider pundit Frank McAvennie was talking to the site about the Hoops’ summer business in a story which was published on Friday.

Within that piece, Football Insider added that the club are working on deals for both Wyke and Ryan after being informed by a Hoops source on Friday.

Wyke is set to be out of contract at the end of month, whereas Brighton are happy to part ways with Ryan this summer.

The Verdict: New additions are needed quickly

Celtic have a month until Postecoglou’s first competitive game as Hoops boss against FC Midtjylland in the Champions League qualifying rounds, so new signings could do with being sealed very soon.

Postecoglou is also set to take training next week after completing his quarantine, so you’d think he’d want his targets through the door as quickly as possible ahead of the new season.

Wyke and Ryan appear to be the two targets Celtic are working on at this moment in time, and hopefully, deals can be reached sooner rather than later, perhaps with a view to getting both players ready to start in Postecoglou’s first competitive XI against FC Midtjylland.

In other news: Hoops expected to make offer for Exeter City ace, find out more here. 

Craig White admitted that he thought his time as an England player might be up before he was recalled to England’s squad for the first npower Test against India at Lord’s.

Stephen Lamb20-Jul-2002Craig White admitted that he thought his time as an England player might be up before he was recalled to the squad for the first npower Test against India at Lord’s.The Yorkshire all-rounder is aiming to make the most of being given another chance. Although he scored his first Test century in Ahmedabad last winter, White didn’t feature in the New Zealand series and it’s the first time he’s been included in an England squad this summer.”Obviously I’m glad to be back in again,” White said. “You sometimes think when you are left out when the contracts are up that maybe your time is up and you might not get another chance.”But it’s great to get another chance and that’s something I’m going to tryto make the most of. I don’t know how they are going to use me – or even if they are going to use me.”It’s probably between me and Corky because I think they’re after a fifthbowler who can bat. I started off the season well making runs but I didn’t bowl a lot.”Opening the batting you can always get out early, but there’s a big inningsaround the corner because I feel like I’m moving my feet well. I also feel likemy bowling’s been coming along well.”I haven’t faced India over here but I enjoyed myself out there in the winter. I made a hundred over there and would like to face them in English conditions.”

Farhad Moshiri is an ambitious man. He wouldn’t have brought Carlo Ancelotti to Everton if that wasn’t the case.

A highly decorated manager, the Italian had the lofty goal of taking Everton into the Champions League.

Despite his honours list, this would have been one of his biggest achievements yet. Not since the era of David Moyes have the Toffees qualified for Europe’s top table, but their wait for a place in the group stages goes way beyond that.

Sadly for everyone associated with Goodison Park, Ancelotti will not have the opportunity to finish what he started.

He departed for Real Madrid and left Everton behind in mid-table obscurity. It’s a worrying trend for the Toffees who despite spending plentiful sums on transfer fees, can’t break into the top six.

Not since the 2013/14 campaign when Roberto Martinez was at the helm have they fended off some of the biggest clubs in the country.

Therefore, they need to bring in a manager who knows how to finish above expectations. Rafa Benitez and David Moyes have both been linked but speaking to Sky Sports this week, former Lille director Luis Campos spoke of Christophe Galtier’s qualifications.

The 54-year-old beat the might of PSG to the Ligue 1 crown and has now been touted to take over at Everton.

Campos commented: “Christophe has all the qualities to coach in England, technically he is very astute and is extremely detailed in his planning when preparing a team.”

It’s simple to see why he’d be such a good fit at Everton. He knows how to build players for the future and act shrewdly in the transfer market to achieve his goals.

When he first took over, the club finished 17th in the French top-flight, meaning a fourth consecutive year outside of the top four.

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However, he led a phenomenal revival. Lille ended 2018/19 in second, finished fourth in 2019/20 and then won the league this term.

To defeat a team as wealthy as PSG deserves enormous credit, especially when you consider the way he developed players.

Arsenal stars Nicolas Pepe and Gabriel rose to prominence under Galtier while Renato Sanches got his career back on track with Les Dogues in 2020/21.

Lille have had a tendency to lose their best players throughout the years; think Eden Hazard, Yohan Cabaye and Gervinho but after Pepe and Gabriel departed, Galtier replaced them astutely.

Jonathan David has been a revelation under the Frenchman, scoring 13 times since penning terms last summer.

Though, systematically he’d also suit Everton perfectly. Campos added: “He likes a 4-4-2 system, which would fit with the Premier League and he is a fantastic motivator in the dressing room.

“He likes to build a side with quality and youth, he is someone that can develop a team ethic, and he is also a fantastic human being.”

One of the most impressive aspects of Lille’s title win was their defensive organisation.

Everton’s backline was shoddy at times under Ancelotti with Mason Holgate guilty of making several mistakes towards the end of the campaign. They shipped 48 strikes this term, the third-worst record in the top half of the table.

Lille, on the other hand, had the best record of any side in Ligue 1.

They conceded only 23 goals thanks to the experience of Jose Fonte and the youth of Sven Botman, a defender who made for a wonderful Gabriel replacement.

Galtier is improving as a coach all the time and has now proven himself capable of beating the oil-rich clubs that dominate modern football. Moshiri and Kenwright should be all over him.

AND in other news, Kenwright begins talks with “exceptional” 58 y/o boss, he’s Everton’s best candidate…

Raphinha would be tempted to leave Leeds United and join Liverpool this summer, according to former England striker Kevin Phillips.

The Lowdown: Raphinha stars for Leeds

The £22.5m-rated Brazilian arrived from Rennes last summer and stood out as one of the Whites’ best players in 2020/21, scoring six times in the Premier League and chipping in with nine assists. Raphinha’s quick feet, dribbling skills and unpredictability made him a hugely exciting player to watch and he was integral to the team’s success under Marcelo Bielsa.

The 24-year-old’s form has unsurprisingly led to rumours linking him with a move away from Leeds, with Liverpool tipped to snap him up this summer.

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The Latest: Phillips admits Brazilian could move on

Phillips believes that Raphinha would be willing to trade Elland Road for Anfield, telling Football Insider that he would fully understand if the player wants to move on. The 47-year-old said:

“100% he would, no disrespect to Leeds but why would he not join Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp? He will jump at it.

“I was very surprised when Diogo Jota went to Liverpool but when you get an opportunity to join Liverpool you do it, so I’m sure he is flattered being linked.

“If there is half a chance in the summer I would imagine the player would push for it.”

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The Verdict: Potential huge blow

The thought of Leeds losing Raphinha is a grim one, considering what an influential player he has already become, proving to be a nightmare for opposition defenders.

The key to Bielsa’s side remaining on their current trajectory is to keep hold of key player, so their star winger leaving could affect that negatively.

Granted, the money from his prospective sale could be spent on a top-class replacement, but Raphinha appears to be a player with a very high ceiling, having already made such giant strides in England.

In other news, one Leeds player’s future has taken a potential twist – find out who it is here.

Conor Hourihane has recently addressed his Aston Villa future, and a number of Villa fans have been sharing their thoughts on the midfielder on social media.

The 30-year-old spent the second half of the 2020/21 campaign on loan at Swansea City, helping them to the playoff final.

Hourihane started at Wembley in the 2-0 defeat to Brentford last weekend and has one year remaining on his current Villa contract.

The Ireland international struggled to break into Dean Smith’s side last season before moving to Wales and regularly had to make do with a place on the bench in the Premier League.

Asked during an Ireland press conference if his future could lie away from Villa Park, reported by Birmingham Live, Hourihane, who has made 150 appearances for Villa, said:

“Probably so, there’s no getting away from that.

“Then we’ll see what happens with the future after these games. I will be heading back to Villa for pre-season and see where we go from there.”

Villa fans react

@AVFC_News shared the update on the £30,000-a-week midfielder, while also asking supporters if they would like to see Hourihane handed a chance next season.

This is what they had to say in reply, with one describing the midfielder as ‘fantastic’…

“Sorry no. He’s been a great player for the club, but he’s just not the quality we need now to progress.”Credit: @smnhndmch”No. He isn’t going to get much/any prem game time. He won’t be happy. He has been great for us but best for him to move on”Credit: @ChrisPe51882185″Did an absolutely fantastic job for the club and we should be eternally grateful but sadly he isn’t good enough for where we hope to be in the future.”Credit: @ryhallnobby”I’ve got a lot of time for Conor, he’s done great for us, but we need to step up now.”Credit: @tommcal1″Hourihane has been quality for us and he played a massive part in getting us to where we are now. Think it’s best for both to move on now though. I will be forever grateful”Credit: @misterbee82″Time to move on! Great player who helped us get to this position, but let’s remember him for his good times!”Credit: @MichaelJEdwar14

In other news: Villa source shares Emi Buendia progress, find out more here. 

Aston Villa don’t rate West Brom star Matheus Pereira as highly as other targets, according to The Athletic’s Villa correspondent Gregg Evans.

And, as to be expected, the latest update has had plenty of Villa fans talking on social media.

Villa have been linked with a move for Pereira recently, however, it seems as if sporting director Johan Lange has two other players higher up on his summer wishlist.

According to Evans, Villa have already laid extensive groundwork over deals for Burnley’s Dwight McNeil and Norwich City’s Emiliano Buendia.

Evans adds that Pereira could still come into the reckoning regarding a Midlands switch, however, at this moment in time, the Brazilian isn’t rated as highly as McNeil or Buendia.

Villa reportedly want two or three signings ahead of the 2021/22 season, but it seems as if Pereira may not be one of those going off the latest update.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared Evans’ claims on Pereira on social media on Friday morning. This is what these fans had to say in reply, with many not exactly thrilled and one describing the call as ‘stupid’.

“Can you imagine what Jack Grealish must think of this? Dwight McNeil ahead of Matheus Pereira? It’s an absolute joke. And with our business supposedly limited to 2/3 ‘smart’ signings it’s hardly surprising he’s linked to a City move this morning. No ambition whatsoever.”Credit: @_porsalin”Madness. Absolute madness. Seriously Smith doesn’t know a good winger”Credit: @Harry34740948″We are so stupid if that’s true”Credit: @jackavfc1″McNeil over Pereira??? Really???”Credit: @willjonesavfc1″Pereira should be our main priority after Buendia”Credit: @OllyAVFC_”I really don’t understand this but I’ve got faith in Lange”Credit: @compsavfc_

In other news: Many AVFC fans react to Tom Heaton update, find out more here.