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Harry Redknapp would be open to the idea of taking over Leeds United until the end of the season, according to The Mirror.

The Lowdown: Skubala as caretaker

Michael Skubala, Chris Armas and Paco Gallardo are the coaches currently in temporary charge at Elland Road and led back-to-back Premier League games against Manchester United last week.

The Whites showed plenty of promise in those two fixtures but came away with just one point, however the trio will remain in the dugout for the upcoming fixtures, with a trip to Everton next on the agenda.

Leeds chiefs appear to be still on the search for Jesse Marsch’s successor and could turn to a short-term appointment, with Redknapp, 75, seemingly keen on the vacancy.

The Latest: Redknapp update

The Mirror shared a story on Thursday regarding Redknapp, who would apparently be open to coming out of retirement to take over at Elland Road until the end of the season.

He is up for a short-term role at Leeds if asked by those in Yorkshire, with his last role in management coming back in 2017 at Birmingham City.

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The Verdict: Avoid

Redknapp, an FA Cup winner, has plenty of Premier League experience and has beaten current top-flight managers Eddie Howe, David Moyes, Sean Dyche and Brendan Rodgers before.

However, he has been retired for five-and-a-half years now, so it could be wise to look at an alternative interim appointment with a manager who has more recent experience.

There’s no guarantee that Redknapp would make an immediate impact at Leeds, and after being out of the game for so long, he could find it difficult to get back into the swing of things, with the Whites in need of instant results.

Newcastle United’s main target for the summer transfer window and qualifying for the Champions League will allow them to consider a move for the likes of Manuel Ugarte.

What’s the latest?

Eddie Howe’s options in midfield took a blow over the January transfer window after the club failed to deliver on their ambition to bring in a new central midfielder.

And adding to this, veteran midfielder Jonjo Shelvey walked away from the club for a move to Nottingham Forest after Steve Cooper’s side offered him a two-year deal.

As a result, it is believed Dan Ashworth will be entering the summer transfer window with the priority of addressing their depth in the middle of the park.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Pete O’Rourke has suggested the Toon could open up a lot more options in the summer if they can land a spot in the top four:

“We know Newcastle, one of their main priorities for the summer transfer window is going to be central midfielder and that’s what they tried to do in January, but were unable to bring in anybody.

“So I’m sure if they’ve got Champions League football on offer they will be in the market for the likes of Ugarte and other players of that ilk.”

Addressing their January’s shortcomings

Perhaps the recent suspension of Bruno Guimaraes has emphasised January’s shortcomings in the market with Howe now without the Brazilian and Shelvey who’s moved on.

A player of Guimaraes’ ability would be a massive miss to any side in Europe but his absence certainly does show just how short of options Howe is when his side picks up an injury or suspension.

So it seems as if Ashworth will be looking to pick up some new midfielders in the summer and the months coming will allow him some time to assess the potential options on Newcastle’s radar.

And as O’Rourke has suggested, if they are able to land a spot in the top four, it could possibly open the door to singing a player like Ugarte.

Reports (via The Sun) have suggested the Toon have already made an approach to Sporting CP over the possibility of signing the Uruguayan in the summer.

It has been suggested by other reports from Portugal that a move for the midfielder could cost the Magpies in the region of £53m.

This is a midfielder – hailed a “machine” – who is right up there – statistically – with the best around given he ranks inside the top three percentile for tackles, clearances and blocks (via Fbref).

However, bringing in a player like this could require landing a spot in next season’s Champions League and there is still a long way to go in the season for the Magpies to seal a spot in the top four.

Arsenal are reportedly on the ‘trail’ of Juventus central midfielder Weston McKennie ahead of a potential move.

The Lowdown: Kiwior signs

After Leandro Trossard walked through the doors at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal have confirmed the signing of central defender Jakub Kiwior from Serie A side Spezia.

With over a week of the transfer window still to go, the Gunners may not have finished there in terms of incomings, and will certainly want as strong of a squad as possible to help challenge for the Premier League title.

The Latest: McKennie interest

As per Italian news outlet Gazzetta, Mikel Arteta’s side are on the ‘trail’ of McKennie, and Juventus are willing to negotiate offers of between €20-25m (£17.5-22m) plus bonuses for him.

However, the likes of Bournemouth, Aston Villa, Borussia Dortmund and Monaco have also been mentioned as possible destinations for the USA international.

The Verdict: Squad depth!

Although the North London club are building a healthy squad at the moment with the arrivals of Trossard and Kiwior, they could do with some more cover in the middle of the park.

Mohamed Elneny has picked up another injury, which has ruled him out of the last injury-prone in the past.

Lauded as a ‘monster‘ in the air by football writer Wes Tucker, and a ‘pressing machine‘ by journalist Chris Smith, McKennie is rated very highly, and at 24 years of age, has not reached his full potential.

The six-foot-one colossus ranks in the 84th percentile for non-penalty goals, 85th for touches, 88th for progressive passes received and 75th for blocks per match for all midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues over the last year (FBRef), and would provide sufficient cover in case any more midfield injuries creep up for the Gunners.

Newcastle United are interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, according to a new report from Chronicle Live.

The Lowdown: Loftus-Cheek’s future

The 27-year-old was starting to cement his place in the Blues’ starting XI this season, making 14 appearances in the Premier League (12 starts), until a calf injury hampered his progress, having not featured in the top flight since mid-November.

As such, there has been talk about the midfielder leaving Stamford Bridge, with Fabrizio Romano recently claiming that Loftus-Cheek is ‘receiving a lot of interest’, and Newcastle are now emerging as potential suitors.

The Latest: Newcastle interested in Loftus-Cheek…

According to Chronicle Live, the Englishman has piqued the interest of Eddie Howe due to his versatile skill set, given that he is comfortable playing in a range of positions, including wing-back.

This means that the 27-year-old would be able to cover for right-back Kieran Trippier, while he could also provide competition for the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Joe Willock in central midfield.

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The Verdict: Get it done

Hailed as ‘fantastic’ by some members of media, the 6 foot 4 powerhouse has also been likened to Yaya Toure by BT Sport’s Rio Ferdinand due to his ability to ‘intimidate players, when he turns and gets in full pelt’. (via talkSPORT)

Another aspect of his game which makes him similar to the former Manchester City star is his ability to get on the ball and drive at the opposition, as indicated by an average of 1.6 dribbles completed per 90 in the last year, which places him in the 95th percentile compared to other midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues.

Loftus-Cheek’s versatility is another bonus, and he has stated that he ‘enjoyed’ his outings at wing-back, as he was given more of a licence to use his ‘running power’, making him a fantastic option for Howe to potentially have at his disposal.

Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva now appears likely to leave the Etihad Stadium, after recent comments made in an interview with Record.

The Lowdown: Silva’s Man City contract

Silva’s current contract does not expire until June 2025, so there is no obligation for Man City to cash-in on him anytime soon, but there has been previous talk about him leaving the club.

The Athletic recently reported that the 28-year-old’s future is ‘up in the air’, while stating that Pep Guardiola could choose to sell him if the right offer came in, with Barcelona being touted as a potential destination earlier this season, and 90min report that the Spanish club are still interested.

The Latest: Seeking new project

In an interview with Record, the Portugal international confirmed that he could leave Man City if the right offer was available, saying:

“In June we’ll talk again to see what’s best. I’m focused on City project and my contract would end at 31.

“I won’t hide that my goal in recent years, if something good happens elsewhere, will probably be to move to a new project.” (via Fabrizio Romano)

The Verdict: Blow for Pep

Lauded as ‘incredible’ by journalist Julien Laurens, the playmaker has been fantastic for the Sky Blues since joining the club for £43m back in 2017, and he would be a real miss in the midfield if he chooses to pursue a move elsewhere.

While Kevin De Bruyne scoops up much of the acclaim, and for good reason, Silva still contributes a lot to City’s attacking output, and he has so far scored twice and registered five assists in 15 Premier League games this season, a very solid return.

The former Benfica man is not irreplaceable, and so Guardiola should not stand in his way if a lucrative offer comes in, but it would still be a blow for the manager, as he has been a consistent performer for him over many years.

Leeds United are reportedly plotting a ‘surprise’ move for a star from a Premier League rival…

What’s the latest?

Reports from 90min this month have suggested that the Whites are one of the clubs interested in signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United.

Now, Pete O’Rourke has given his verdict on those rumours, claiming it could well be somewhat of a shock to see him make the move to Elland Road.

He told Football FanCast: “Yeah I think it is a bit of a surprise one, they’ve obviously got Rasmus Kristensen who they brought in in the summer and I think he’s done really well since his arrival at the club.

“He’s been keeping Luke Ayling out of the team as well and in Ayling, they’ve got good cover for Kristensen and if anything did happen to him.”

“Surprise” move

Although he has proven himself a dependable defender for the division, this does seem to be a position where Jesse Marsch is arguably least in need.

As the transfer insider stated, they boast full cover and a solid starter in the Denmark international.

Although, when the former Crystal Palace man was at the peak of his powers, he was arguably unrivalled defensively in world football.

Roy Hodgson had claimed that he was: “absolutely excellent, both offensively and defensively”, hoping that he “would go from strength to strength”.

Although his time at Manchester United has seen his career falter, during the 2020/21 season he would show glimpses of the sparkling career promised to him.

Boasting a 7.14 average rating, he would score twice and assist four more alongside 1.8 interceptions, 2.6 tackles and 1.8 clearances per game – via Sofascore.

The £90k-per-week dynamo has once again offered a lifeline to his career in the Red Devils’ EFL Cup win over Burnley, where he produced a brilliant assist as he stretched to volley across goal for Christian Eriksen to tap in the opener.

Even late last season saw ex-footballer David Cotterill label him a “beast” due to his displays.

Of late, he has suggested that he might recapture the form that saw prompted his £50m price tag.

However, the question will remain as to whether he is needed at Elland Road given their slew of reinforcements in that role.

For that reason alone, it would be a surprise for all associated with Leeds, particularly when you consider the rivalry between the two sides involved. That didn’t seem to matter to Rio Ferdinand or Dan James, however.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ new manager Julen Lopetegui has been backed to revive the Molineux career of Raul Jimenez. 

The Lowdown: Downward spiral

After signing from Benfica in 2018, the Mexican hit the ground running in the Premier League, ending his first year in England with 13 goals and seven assists from 38 league games. His second season at Wolves was even better and saw him reach the heights of 17 goals and six assists from another 38-match top-flight campaign.

Whilst Jimenez was on track for another solid season in 2020/21, a traumatic head injury in the form of a fractured skull two years ago this week halted his progress.

Since then, the 31-year-old has struggled to get back to being the ruthless striker of his first two years in England, making just three appearances in the Premier League this season as injuries continue to plague him.

The Latest: Jimenez could be revived under Lopetegui

However, according to journalist Dean Jones, Lopetegui will not be too disheartened with Jimenez’s performances for Mexico at the World Cup, where he and his team are yet to score, and believes that the striker gives his club boss “something to work with”.

Asked by GIVEMESPORT whether Lopetegui would have been impressed by the 31-year-old’s performances in Qatar, Jones said: “No, but look, there’s something to work with here. We know it’s been difficult for him to regain form and confidence. And that’s going to be the big thing for the manager now as he casts his eye over the squad.

“He’s taking charge properly now from this week, and properly getting a grasp of the players at its disposal, will be able to meet the ones that aren’t on World Cup duty, start working with a few of them.”

The Verdict: Last-chance saloon? 

With his contract set to expire in the summer of 2024, the next 18 months represent Jimenez’s last chance to earn a new contract with Wolves. 

Essentially, Lopetegui will either make or break the Mexico forward’s future at Molineux, depending on whether he sees use in a player who notched 17 goals in the Premier League just three seasons ago.

As Jones rightly points out, it cannot be denied that the new Wolves boss certainly has a valuable asset in the £100k-per-week Jimenez.

It just depends on whether Lopetegui’s arrival can spark a renaissance from the Mexican after a couple of difficult years in the Black Country.

Leeds United chief Victor Orta has issued an apology after footage emerged following the 4-3 win over Bournemouth at the weekend.

The Lowdown: Dramatic comeback

It looked as if the Whites were heading for defeat at Elland Road after Dominic Solanke put the visitors 3-1 up shortly after half time.

However, goals from Sam Greenwood, Liam Cooper and Crysencio Summerville sealed a dramatic comeback and ensured Jesse Marsch’s side would make it back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time this season.

Footage emerged on Twitter after the win of Orta chanting ‘sack the board’ at one supporter, with Conor McGilligan labelling it ‘absolutely insane’.

The Latest: Orta’s apology

Leeds correspondent Graham Smyth took to Twitter on Sunday evening to share an update on Orta, tweeting:

“Victor Orta has released a statement apologising over an incident that was captured on camera at full-time yesterday. He’s also detailed abuse received in recent weeks.”

The statement, which was shared by The Yorkshire Evening Post, is available to view here.

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The Verdict: Tension

There appears to be plenty of tension between the supporters and the board, with chants aimed at Leeds officials during last month’s defeat to Fulham.

Fans are entitled to their own opinion, and with Orta being extremely emotional at full-time, it doesn’t come as a shock that he reacted in the manner that he did.

An apology was expected after his Elland Road antics, but the abuse he has received via phone calls and texts is unacceptable.

The club need to try and come together once again, but sadly it feels like the relationship between fans and the board is growing apart.

West Bromwich Albion have denied that the club’s social media team helped Sheffield United in their 2-0 win at The Hawthorns on Saturday, Lewis Cox reports.

The Lowdown: Heckingbottom’s comments

Carlos Corberan endured the worst possible start to life as Baggies manager on Saturday, with defeat against the Blades leaving them bottom of the Championship.

Sheffield United boss Paul Heckingbottom admitted after the game that he was ‘pretty sure’ Corberan would go with a 3-4-3 system, adding that West Brom may have put a ‘little bit too much out on their social media channels’ ahead of the fixture. The Blades manager didn’t specify in regards to official posts, and Cox has shared a response from the Midlands club.

The Latest: Cox’s update

Cox, who labelled Heckingbottom’s comments as ‘interesting’, took to Twitter on Saturday evening to share West Brom’s response to the claim. He stated that all of the Baggies’ pre-match content was taken on Wednesday, prior to decisions from Corberan on selection and tactics.

Cox tweeted: “Albion say all pics/vids used online were taken on Wed prior to decisions on selection/tactics and that there is nothing in PH comments.”

The Verdict: Not good

Everyone at The Hawthorns would have been hoping for a new manager bounce, and even though the club are adamant that there is nothing in Heckingbottom’s claim, some posts may well have hindered Corberan and his side.

The Express and Star say that a picture on Thursday showed Corberan, ‘holding a piece of paper with scribbled writing on it, enough to make out some of its contents’, something that the Blades may have exploited to their advantage.

Corberan has a huge task on his hands to turn things around in the Midlands, with the Baggies now bottom of the second tier, and it wouldn’t come as a shock if he were to ask that social media training ground posts are toned down going forward.

Aston Villa have reportedly brought in young coach Jaime Arias to work alongside Unai Emery.

The Lowdown: Emery in

Villa and NSWE acted quickly when it came to replacing Steven Gerrard in the Midlands, with Emery announced on Monday evening.

The club confirmed that the Spaniard ‘will take over from November 1st after his work permit formalities are completed’, however, they didn’t state how long Emery’s contract with Villa will be after activating his release clause at Villarreal.

Villa will now be looking to possibly bolster Emery’s backroom staff ahead of his first game in charge, and it looks as if they have made a first move by bringing in Arias.

The Latest: Arias to follow?

Birmingham Live relayed an update from Spanish outlet La Voz de Asturias in the last 48 hours regarding Emery and Arias.

They claimed that Arias has signed for Villa after making a good impression under Emery at Villarreal in recent months and will be one of his assistant coaches.

The Verdict: More to come?

Arias only left Real Oviedo to join Villarreal in the summer, so he’s clearly made a positive impression in a short space of time for Emery to bring him to England as one of his first additions.

He appears to be the first of many to join Emery in the Midlands as Gary McAllister, Neil Critchley, Tom Culshaw, Jordan Milsom and Scott Mason also left alongside Gerrard.

It could be a busy few days before Emery’s first game against Manchester United, but it’s good to see that action has been taken with Arias.