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Amid the multitude of issues surrounding relegation strugglers Leeds United at present, one of the major causes for concern has been at right-back, with neither Jesse Marsch nor Javi Gracia having been able to settle on a consistent option in that.

Despite splashing out £10m on Rasmus Kristensen last summer, the former Red Bull Salzburg man has "failed to make the step up from the Austrian Bundesliga to the Premier League", according to writer Zach Lowy, having endured a difficult campaign at Elland Road.

The Denmark international has battled it out with experienced Englishman, Luke Ayling for a starting role of late, although the latter man has also been rather uninspiring, having been described as "absolutely woeful" by broadcaster Conor McGilligan.

As Leeds Live's Beren Cross only recently noted following the 2-1 defeat to Fulham, 'right-back has been the biggest of many positional problems in the team this season', with the Whites likely needing to find a longer-term solution next season.

There may well have been those keen to see Cody Drameh earn a promotion to the first team next term after spending the second half of the current campaign on loan at Luton Town, with the former Fulham ace having been "really good" during his time in the Championship, according to Hatters boss, Rob Edwards.

That being said, however, the 21-year-old is facing an uncertain future at his parent club amid reports that he could be set to leave at the end of the season, with Burnley – who only recently secured a return to the top flight – said to be keen on his signature.

As such, Leeds may have to look elsewhere for a potential long-term fit on the right side of the defence, with a standout candidate having perhaps presented himself in the form of "versatile" teenager, Morten Spencer, as hailed by BBC reporter, Adam Pope.

Who is Leeds's Morten Spencer?

While a midfielder by trade, young Spencer – who only recently extended his deal until 2024 – has popped up in a variety of positions in the youth ranks in season, including taking on the right-back role in each of the last three Premier League 2 games.

The Darlington-born sensation seemingly 'looked at ease' in that new role in the recent clash with West Bromwich Albion at U21 level, according to Leeds Live's William Jackson, having 'moved the ball forward well and delivered a number of dangerous set-pieces.'

A player who "loves a big slide tackle", according to journalist Joe Donnohue, the former Norway youth international has made a strong impression in the academy set-up of late, having initially been snapped up back in 2019, amid rival interest from Manchester City.

That swoop from Sunderland appeared a real "coup" at the time – as per respected insider The 4th Official – with the £140-p/w youngster perhaps deserving of a chance to finally impress at senior level.

Even though a full-back role may not be Spencer's natural position, with both Ayling and Kristensen currently struggling for form – and with Drameh seemingly set for an exit – an opportunity in the first-team could well come sooner rather than later.

As Manchester United booked their place in the FA Cup final with a shootout victory over Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon, a key performer for the Red Devils was resurgent defender, Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

The Englishman was "superb" in his right-back berth against the Seagulls – as per the Mail on Sunday's Oliver Holt – notably winning seven of his eight total duels and completing all four of his attempted dribbles, memorably surging down the right flank with an impressive driving run in the second half.

That stellar outing saw the 25-year-old hailed as "probably the best in the world" at one on one defending by compatriot James Maddison, with the former Crystal Palace ace having previously produced a "monstrous" display at Wembley in the Carabao Cup triumph over Newcastle, as per Daily Express journalist Alex Turk.

Despite those strong showings on the big occasion, it should not prevent United from strengthening in that full-back role this summer, with The Athletic recently reporting that Wan-Bissaka could be sold if a more 'attacking' option can be found.

There has been talk of a potential new deal for the £90k-per-week machine in the aftermath of yesterday's triumph, although it should not be forgotten that it was only a matter of months ago that Erik ten Hag looked ready to sell the defender in the January window.

It was also just a few days ago that the Croydon native was hooked at half-time amid the grim loss to Sevilla, with Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst writing of his all-round woes:

'Offered next to nothing in attack for the umpteenth time. There is a reason why Ten Hag wants a new right-back.'

That perfectly summarises just why the Old Trafford outfit should not be clouded by a handful of standout Wembley showings from Wan-Bissaka, with a new recruit still needed ahead of next season.

Who could replace Wan-Bissaka this summer?

One name that has been repeatedly mentioned of late is Bayer Leverkusen ace, Jeremie Frimpong, with Football Insider stating earlier this month that United are in 'pole position' to sign the former Celtic starlet.

The 22-year-old – who could be worth around £40m this summer – has enjoyed a stellar campaign for the Bundesliga side this season, having been hailed as "one of the best wing-backs in Europe", as per talent scout Jacek Kulig.

While largely operating in a more advanced berth in Xabi Alonso's side, the one-time Manchester City man has showcased that he can be the more attack-minded solution for Ten Hag on the right side of the defence, such has been his standout form this season.

The Netherlands international has remarkably chipped in with nine goals and ten assists in 41 games across all fronts this term, while Wan-Bissaka, by contrast, has contributed just one assist in 26 games in all competitions.

Equally, while the latter man has just two goals and 15 assists to his name in 198 games for both the Red Devils and former club Palace, Frimpong has 14 goals and 27 assists under his belt in 139 games for the Hoops and for Leverkusen.

Frimpomg also impressively ranks in the top 1% in Europe's top five leagues among those in his position for progressive carries, successful take-ons and touches in the attacking penalty area, while the current United man ranks in just the top 13%, the top 17% and the top 14% for those same three metrics, respectively.

That should indicate why it would be wise for Ten Hag and co to make the ruthless decision to replace Wan-Bissaka this summer, with the £50m signing – who was previously branded "useless" on the ball by club legend Paul Scholes – having already had four years to impress at the Theatre of Dreams.

Like many others at the club, he may well have now outstayed his welcome.

Chelsea are having a season to forget and new interim manager Frank Lampard will be hoping he can at least salvage European football, although even that isn’t looking likely.

January singings Enzo Fernandez and Mykhailo Mudryk have so far failed to improve this Chelsea side too much, despite costing nearly £200m to sign and whoever gets the managers job ahead of next season, must find a way to allow them to demonstrate their incredible talent.

Another key area that needs to be improved is that of the goalkeeper, with Kepa Arrizabalaga enjoying a less-than-productive campaign, conceding 27 goals and keeping 12 clean sheets in 30 matches.

The £150k-per-week Spaniard has been an inconsistent figure for a while now and was notably criticised by former Arsenal striker Ian Wright on the Wrighty’s House Podcast.

He said (via Daily Mail): "I’m looking at Kepa and I’m sorry man but it’s not working out. The man makes too many mistakes. He looks very nervy."

Could the club turn to another Premier League keeper as a replacement for Kepa? David Raya looks to set to leave Brentford this summer and with Chelsea interested, he could well be their new number one.

Will David Raya move to Chelsea?

Fabrizio Romano stated that Raya could cost any potential suitor around €40m (£35m) and considering the Blues' vast spending of late, this fee is like loose change for Todd Boehly, who could get a more than able replacement for Kepa.

The Brentford shot-stopper has been excellent this season, helping the club enjoy another impressive top-flight showing as they currently occupy ninth spot in the league table.

The 27-year-old has been an integral part of this success, averaging a 7.1 rating via Sofascore, ranking him as the club’s second-highest rated performer while he is even rated as the second-best goalkeeper in the entire division, proving exactly why the likes of Chelsea are interested in signing him.

Across 31 matches, the “incredible” gem – as dubbed by Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi – has made 4.1 saves per match and has succeeded with 100% of his run-outs while keeping nine clean sheets also.

Raya has made the most saves in the division (124), indicating that Brentford’s defence could perhaps improve, however when he is called upon, he rarely lets the team down.

Boehly will be expecting the Stamford Bridge outfit to challenge for trophies next term, especially if they can hire an experienced coach who will be given time. With Raya as the number one goalkeeping option, they will have a player who is dependable and eager to impress.

Arsenal are now favourites to sign Atalanta star Rasmus Hojlund for Mikel Arteta as a report out of Italy shares the latest transfer news.

Who are Arsenal targeting?

The Gunners, lead by sporting director Edu, who oversees the club's transfer business, have reportedly earmarked a few potential targets already ahead of this summer window. The Premier League title-chasers have enjoyed a fine 2022/2023 campaign after missing out on the top four last season to arch rivals Spurs, with Arteta's men currently sitting eight points clear of champions Man City.

As things stand, the north Londoners are well on course to clinch a first league title in nearly 20 years, but as all big clubs practice, there must also be one eye on strengthening for next campaign.

Reports suggest that Arsenal, even before the summer window's commencement, are 'pushing' to sign Eintracht Frankfurt star Jesper Lindstrom as one target – coming as the Bundesliga side are increasingly resigned to losing their midfielder. The Denmark international is a serious target for Arteta and co, but according to a report by Calciomercato, Lindstrom isn't the only Dane who is in Arsenal's sights.

The Italian news outlet claims Arsenal are currently favourites to sign Hojlund from Atalanta this summer, coming as they enter 'pole position' for his services. He's also being targeted by Serie A fallen giants Juventus, who see Hojlund as a potential replacement for striker Dusan Vlahovic if the leaves.

However, with Arsenal out in front, it is claimed that Juve must act quickly if they're to sign the 20-year-old and his €45 million (£40m) price tag is apparently destined to rise higher.

Should Arsenal sign Hojlund?

The young attacker stands out as a seriously exciting Atalanta prospect with only their top goal scorer, Ademola Lookman, notching more strikes on the board than Hojlund. He has seven goals to his name in the league alone this season whilst averaging their joint-second highest rate of attempts at goal per 90 – highlighting his clear threat (WhoScored). This has culminated in 19 goal contributions across the campaign.

For comparison, Gabriel Jesus has just 12 goal contributions despite his season being marred by injury.

The 6 foot 3 ace also possesses a real physicality which could help him quickly adapt to English top flight football with members of the media praising that aspect of his game.

Called ‘scary quick‘ by journalist Sacha Pisani and a ‘beast‘ by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Hojlund is amassing quite the reputation abroad with his value soaring. Of course, Edu will have to weigh up whether he is worth the £40m plunge, but there is certainly a player of real potential there.

Everton are reportedly targeting a summer move for AS Roma striker Tammy Abraham.

The Lowdown: Firepower needed

Everton are in desperate need of some more firepower up front if they want to avoid another relegation battle next season, assuming that they stay up.

They are currently the lowest scorers in the Premier League with 17 goals, while striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin keeps picking up injuries, and cannot be relied upon.

The Latest: Abraham interest

As per iNews, Everton, along with fellow top-flight rivals Aston Villa and Manchester United, are interested in signing Abraham this summer.

The Goodison Park outfit had an approach turned down in January, and Roma have slapped a £67m price tag on him.

They established contact over Abraham though, and Roma could be willing to listen to offers that match their valuation of the player.

The Verdict: Ambitious

A Toffees move for Abraham would be a very ambitious one at that price, and would smash the club transfer record.

Hailed as a ‘very talented’ player by pundit and former Villa team-mate Alan Hutton, the Englishman has notched up an impressive 127 senior goals for club and country combined by the age of 25, and has plenty of experience in English football.

However, any deal for him will rely on the Blues avoiding relegation, and even then it may prove difficult to sign him with the likes of United and Villa lurking.

Saturday could be the last time we will watch Brian Lara in an international match. West Indian cricket is unlikely to miss him

Sambit Bal19-Apr-2007

Saturday could be the last time we watch Brian Lara in an international match. Anyone who has a feel for cricket will mourn his loss, for no batsman in the last 15 years has brought more joy to spectators. But paradoxically, West Indian cricket is unlikely to miss him.Lara’s legacy will be deeply flawed as he has been the most mortal of geniuses. Any human, however talented, must be granted his indiscretions, and Lara has always been a complex character. His batting, a hostage to his moods, has touched extraordinary highs and inexplicable lows. But that’s the essence of Lara and the peaks have been so rewarding that it’s been easy to overlook the troughs.To judge Lara’s contribution to West Indian cricket, it is essential to separate his batting from his leadership. Lara the batsman is peerless, light years ahead of his compatriots who have struggled to match the deeds of their predecessors. Lara the leader has been diametrically opposite. Aloof and whimsical are the mild words used to describe him. The stronger ones are selfish, vindictive and unbecoming.It is hardly a secret that Lara was foisted as captain by Ken Gordon, the president of the West Indies Cricket Board and a fellow Trinidadian, after the infamous row between the board and the players over sponsorship in 2005. A majority of the then selection committee didn’t want him and none of the members of the present one want him either. But Gordon, in a move that will be familiar to most cricket fans in the subcontinent, imposed his will on them, and might want to do so again. However, his hold on the board has been weakened following the World Cup debacle, and if the selectors have their way, Lara will not make the West Indian touring party for the trip to England in May. Not as captain, not even as player.While it would be unfair to blame one person, however powerful, for the abjectness of an entire team, those in the know firmly believe that the rot begins right at the top. Lara, they say, has never allowed the team to settle down, and worse, done his best to undermine any player who has crossed his path.Of course, barring occasional outbursts against the selectors, he has been a model of rectitude and decorum in public, always choosing the right words, and hitting the right notes. In his press conference before the game against Bangladesh at Kensington Oval on Thursday, he repeated his apology to cricket fans and talked about the disappointment of the Caribbean nations. “The need to show character” was a phrase that came up repeatedly.

Yet, Lara, who will retire from one-day internationals after the tournament, stands accused of destroying the character of the team more than anyone else. On the field, he has been eccentric and unpredictable and some of his tactics have bordered on the bizarre. Some of his improvisations, like opening the bowling with Wavell Hinds and Dwayne Smith, have borne fruit, and he has been persuasive in arguing that he has used innovation as a surprise weapon due to the lack of too many real ones at his disposal. “I wouldn’t have needed to experiment if I was leading Australia,” he said during last year’s Champions Trophy.But some of the selections defied logic and cricket sense. For much of last year, Ian Bradshaw and Jerome Taylor were the team’s best one-day bowlers. Bradshaw was outstanding with the new ball, often bowled his overs through and conceded about 40 runs. Taylor was beginning to master operating at the death, delivering at pace and firing in yorkers. Both have found themselves dropped repeatedly and Bradshaw has been used at first change and sometimes even at the death where he has been easy meat at his pace.Lara picked the rookie Lendl Simmons as a batsman in the World Cup and put him at No. 8, and in the crucial, near knock-out match against New Zealand, he chose to hand a one-day debut to the 19-year-old Keiron Pollard while dropping Marlon Samuels, in whom he had expressed faith only a few weeks earlier.Off the field, he has set a poor example to his team-mates when it comes to behaviour and personal work ethic. Genius must receive an allowance, and tales of Garry Sobers turning up at a match after a night of revelry abound in these parts. But Sobers played in a different era and he was captain for only a short part of his career. Lara has led a bunch of impressionable and far less talented individuals much prone to the risk of being led astray.And he has been severe on the players who he has come to dislike. Ramnaresh Sarwan, a captaincy candidate who has a far better record in both forms of the game than most current players, had the mortification of being dropped on the tour of Pakistan and others have had their batting positions shuffled. Some are believed to be dead against him, while many others live in fear. It is not only a team lacking faith in its own ability, but lacking faith in their leader.The cricket world will be poorer for Lara’s departure, but for West Indian cricket it could be the way forward. It’s a tragedy. Lara ought to be remembered as one of the most special batsmen in the history of the game and not a captain whose whims and sullenness destabilised an already feeble team.

Rasmus Hojlund continued his recent hot streak in front of goal after a "long conversation" with Manchester United legend Robin van Persie.

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• Hojlund has scored in five consecutive league games
• Spoke to Robin van Persie
• Club legend returned to Carrington last week

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Danish striker had a tough start to his journey with Manchester United as he failed to score in his first 14 Premier League appearances. However, he has been on a roll since last month, having scored in five successive games. According to , Hojlund's resurgence is partly due to him spending time with United legend Van Persie.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The former Netherlands international returned to Carrington last week to take a course at United as a part of his UEFA Pro License procedure. The Athletic state that Van Persie shared a "long conversation" with Hojlund during a break from training, and may well have passed on some wisdom that helped the Dane keep up his recent streak with a neat finish against Aston Villa on Sunday.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  While the 21-year-old initially struggled to find form in the league, he did score consistently in the Champions League. Despite the Red Devils crashing out of the group stage, Hojlund managed to score five times in six matches.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RASMUS HOJLUND?

  The former Atalanta forward will be next seen in action on Sunday as Erik ten Hag's side – who are looking to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches across all competitions – will face Luton Town away from home in the Premier League.

Leicestershire have confirmed the appointment of Michael Carberry as captain and Tom Smith as second XI coach.Carberry, who joined the club towards the end of the 2017 season, replaces Mark Cosgrove as captain and will lead in all three formats. Leicestershire failed to win a Championship match in 2017 and finished bottom of the division two table.While Carberry may feel he has some questions to answer about his own form – he averaged just 17.42 in the County Championship for Hampshire and Leicestershire in 2017 – he has vast experience from a career that has seen him represent England in all three formats and win four limited-overs trophies with Hampshire.Despite his own health problems and advancing years (he is 37), Carberry has also remained impressively fit and is seen as the sort of role-model cricketer than can inspire Leicestershire’s younger players.Cosgrove, who was easily the club’s highest run-scorer in the Championship in 2017, will continue at Leicestershire as a player.Smith, meanwhile, returns to a club he represented on-loan in 2008. Having seen an impressive career as an all-rounder curtailed by injury – Smith was part of the Lancashire side that won the County Championship in 2011 and was appointed the club captain ahead of the 2015 season – he has had coaching spells with Lancashire’s academy, Lancashire Thunder and England Women. He is 32.The appointment completes a transformation of the club’s coaching staff over recent months which has also seen Paul Nixon appointed as head coach, Matt Mason appointed as bowling coach and John Sadler appointed as assistant coach.”This is an exciting opportunity for me at Leicestershire and it is great to be working alongside Nico [Paul Nixon], John Sadler, Matt Mason and all of the coaching staff,” Smith said. “I enjoyed my time here as a player alongside Nico so it was an easy decision to make. I’m really looking forward to being part of a fresh coaching team at the Foxes and can’t wait to get started.””Tom is a brilliant bloke who I had the pleasure of playing alongside here,” Nixon said. “He was a top-class cricketer who was highly skilled across all formats. Tom was named as captain of Lancashire at a young age which shows his pedigree.”He has since upskilled his coaching CV with work at Lancashire both in the men’s and women’s game and has also been working with the England Women team. We’re delighted to have Tom on board with us.”

Tottenham Hotspur could pull of a surprise deal to bring in one of the most prolific strikers that the Premier League has to offer; nevertheless, they may have to 'wait' to get their man, according to journalist Paul Brown.

How have Tottenham Hotspur fared in the transfer market?

Spurs have enjoyed a busy summer in the transfer market under Ange Postecoglou, with Alejo Veliz, Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven, Ashley Phillips and James Maddison all arriving on permanent deals in N17, as per Transfermarkt.

Of course, Tottenham have also been rocked by the departure of club icon Harry Kane to Bayern Munich for an initial £86 million and trying to identify his replacement will be a priority between now and the end of the window, as per BBC Sport.

Kane has given his reasoning behind choosing to going German giants Bayern Munich, stating in a recent interview: "I didn't want to get to the end of my career with regrets at not experiencing different leagues and cultures. I spent my whole career in England and the Premier League, so it may take a bit of adapting to get used to a new league."

According to Football Insider, Gent striker Gift Orban has emerged as a 'major target' to succeed Kane after Tottenham scouts were 'blown away' by his exploits in Belgium and 'huge potential' to develop into an elite striker.

Nottingham Forest striker Brennan Johnson is another alternative to Kane and is valued at around £50 million amid interest from several other Premier League clubs, as per The Daily Mail.

What has Paul Brown said about Ivan Toney?

Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who has been hailed as a "lion", has been earmarked as a target for Tottenham despite currently being banned from playing football due to breaching gambling rules, as per FootballTransfers.

Last term, the England international was in magnificent form for the Bees, registering 21 goals and five assists in 35 appearances across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Brown thinks that £46k-a-week earner Toney could be the 'perfect' solution to lead the line for Spurs moving forward.

Brown stated: “I can’t really see Brennan Johnson operating as a like-for-like replacement for Harry Kane, he’s not that sort of player and I suspect he would cost quite a lot of money as well.

“It is possible they would consider a deal if the money is right I think, so that is one to watch. He obviously wouldn’t be able to play straightaway for Spurs, so they’d have to wait for him.”

Who else could Tottenham Hotspur target this summer?

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport via The Daily Express, Tottenham are keen on a shock move for Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku, who would cost in the region of £38.7 million.

Lukaku also has interest in his services to consider from Serie A and the Saudi Pro League, though he reportedly isn't keen to move to the Gulf region.

In a separate report from La Gazzetta dello Sport via The Daily Mail, Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun is being weighed up by Tottenham; nevertheless, it seems extremely unlikely that the USA international would cross the north London divide.

Dusan Vlahovic may be available due to financial irregularities at Juventus and could become an individual Postecoglou chooses to pursue to replace Kane, as per Football Insider.

Paul Mullin has been practising a “new technique” that is allowing him to become even more of a goal threat for Wrexham from free-kicks.

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Striker is a prolific presence for Red DragonsCan score just about any kind of goalWorking on his game to make it even betterWHAT HAPPENED?

The prolific frontman has been a regular source of end product for the Red Dragons since moving to North Wales in the summer of 2021, with just 10 more efforts required in order to reach a century for the club. His latest strike was a stunner, with a 25-yard set-piece curled into the top corner against Barrow – a la Manchester United and England legend David Beckham.

AdvertisementWHAT MULLIN SAID

Mullin had been working on that skill set in the build up to a League Two clash between two promotion hopefuls, and has told of how he is always looking to improve his game: "I was practising free-kicks on Sunday after training. Having a little mess about and trying a new technique and things like that. Thankfully it managed to go in the goal."

GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Mullin has been giving Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney plenty to shout about, with the intention being to get them absorbed in another FA Cup run this season – with a third round tie against Shrewsbury next on the agenda. Mullin added: "The FA Cup is obviously a massive competition and one we want to do well in. I don't think I realised how big it was to the supporters here until I came. The club has got a real history with the FA Cup and it is up to us to try and give them some more, and last year was phenomenal. Competing against the better sides higher up the divisions than us and giving them more than a game, that gave us even more belief to go on in the season. Hopefully this year we can try to use the FA Cup to do the same."

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WHAT NEXT FOR MULLIN & WREXHAM?

Mullin claimed the FA Cup Golden Boot last season, as Wrexham made their way to the fourth round before coming unstuck against Premier League-bound Sheffield United, and he is up to 11 efforts in all competitions this season as Phil Parkinson’s side make another push for promotion out of League Two.