The Yorkshire Post

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur linked with £84m former Leeds United 'target'

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Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly eyeing former Leeds United transfer target Viktor Gyokeres.

Leeds were heavily linked with Gyokeres during the 2022/23 season, when he was lighting up the Championship with Coventry City. An array of clubs were believed to be on his trail, with Everton and West Ham United among them.

However, the Sweden international instead moved overseas in the summer of 2023 to seal a switch to Sporting Lisbon.

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Sporting paid a club-record transfer fee to prise the forward from Coventry, although it has proven to have been money well-spent.

The 26-year-old has blossomed into one of Europe’s most lethal marksmen, scoring 52 goals in 58 appearances for the Portuguese giants.

According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea are keeping Gyokeres open as an option to bolster their attack. Tottenham, meanwhile, are believed to be the Premier League club showing the strongest interest.

Gyokeres has an €100m (£84m) release clause, therefore any club keen to prise him from Sporting would most likely need to commit to a significant investment. French side Paris Saint-Germain are also admirers of the 26-year-old, it has been suggested, and he was linked with Premier League title hopefuls Arsenal earlier this year.

Leeds did invest heavily in their attack in 2023, despite not landing Gyokeres. They paid a club-record £35m to sign Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim, later selling him to Brighton & Hove Albion for £40m.

Following the club’s relegation to the Championship, a deal to sign Joel Piroe from Swansea City for a reported £12m was struck.

Former Hull City man leaves role after less than three months to join Birmingham City

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Former Hull City midfielder Tom Huddlestone has swapped a coaching role at Wigan Athletic for one at Birmingham City.

The 37-year-old only joined Wigan in July, reuniting with his former Hull teammate Shaun Maloney. However, despite Wigan’s desire to retain his services, he has sought pastures new.

He has been added to Chris Davies’ team at Birmingham, taking on a first-team coaching role. Davies said: “Tom is an excellent coach and a great addition to our first-team staff as we look to build on our start to the 2024/25 season.

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“He has vast playing experience, which has been added to by coaching roles he has held with both club and international teams.

“This will provide a different dynamic to the group and I expect the squad to feed off his knowledge of the game. We are all looking forward to working with him and wish him every success at Birmingham City.”

Huddlestone started his transition from playing to coaching with a dual role at Manchester United, which saw him combine playing for the club’s under-21s with coaching.

He departed Old Trafford earlier this year before being recruited by Wigan. Huddlestone was also recently unveiled as a member of Ben Fulcher’s interim England under-21s backroom staff.

In a statement, Wigan said: “While the football club was keen to retain the services of Huddlestone, fellow League One side Birmingham presented the former Midlands-born midfielder with an offer he simply could not refuse.

“We would like to thank Tom for his efforts whilst at Wigan Athletic and wish him well for the future.

Leeds United CEO makes defender revelation following summer transfer interest

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Leeds United’s chief executive officer Angus Kinnear has outlined how Joe Rodon showed his commitment to the club months before his £10m move from Tottenham Hotspur.

Rodon arrived at Elland Road on loan last year and was a commanding presence at centre-back throughout the 2023/24 season.

However, when the Whites missed out on promotion to the Premier League, many fans feared they had seen the last of the Wales international in a Leeds shirt.

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He was linked with the likes of Southampton and Leicester City over the summer and reports suggested a move to a Premier League club was likely. He instead sealed a permanent switch to West Yorkshire and Kinnear has highlighted how keen Rodon was on a second move to LS11.

Speaking on The Square Ball’s podcast, Kinnear explained: "When you get a player like Joe Rodon, who after Christmas last year or in the spring when we were doing our kit shoots, insisted on being in the kit shoots for the following season's kit, which is obviously a disaster for the retail team because if we hadn't signed him, all the imagery would've been dead.

“Joe was desperate to be here and before we had any discussions with Tottenham Hotspur or his agent, he was six months out, showing his desire to be at the club and that's really important."

Rodon shone in the Championship with his boyhood club Swansea City before being prised from Wales by Tottenham in 2020. He was loaned to French side Rennes amid stiff competition at Spurs, before a move to Leeds was green-lit.

The 26-year-old formed an effective partnership with Pascal Struijk in Daniel Farke’s Leeds side, later impressing alongside Ethan Ampadu when Struijk was sidelined by injury.

Former Leeds United and Everton winger completes overseas move

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Former Leeds United, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur winger Andros Townsend has finally completed his move away from Luton Town.

Townsend committed to Antalyaspor last month, but his move could not be completed due to a transfer registration embargo imposed by FIFA.

He was allowed to train with the club but the embargo prevented Antalyaspor officially unveiling him or using him in fixtures.

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After a period of limbo, the 33-year-old has now sealed his move the Turkish top flight. He has put pen to paper on a two-year deal.

In a farewell message, Luton boss Rob Edwards said: “It’s a big thank you and good luck to Andros and we wish him well. This move is the right fit for Andros at this stage of his career and is in the best interests of all parties.

“Andros’ professionalism since he set foot inside The Brache has been exemplary – his discipline and attention to detail is something I hope has rubbed off on our young players.

“I’d like to thank him for his hard work and commitment to the cause while he was a Luton Town player, and wish him and his family well in Turkey.”

A former England international, Townsend has spent the bulk of his career in the Premier League. He cut his teeth at Tottenham Hotspur, who loaned the winger out to an array of EFL clubs early in his career.

Among those to take Townsend on a temporary deal were Leeds, who recruited the winger in 2012. His potential during his Elland Road stint was evident but he opted to cut his loan spell short after just seven appearances.

Neil Warnock was in charge of Leeds at the time of the exit and claimed he had been told by Townsend’s agent that the winger had not settled.

Speaking when Townsend departed, Warnock said: "His agent told me he didn't like here, he wasn't happy and he hadn't settled. I've heard that Birmingham [City] want to sign him, I don't know if that's got anything to do with it.

“I'm disappointed because we've lost a player, but I don't want people who don't want to be here so good riddance I say if it's what he wants to do."

Leeds United's CEO opens up on sale of Archie Gray

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Leeds United’s chief executive officer Angus Kinnear has insisted the club did not have to sell Archie Gray to Tottenham Hotspur.

Among the most controversial aspects of the summer transfer window at Elland Road was the sale of homegrown hero Gray. He sealed a move to Tottenham for a reported £40m after a spectacular breakthrough season in West Yorkshire.

The club attracted criticism in the aftermath of sale, with frustration intensified by the rather messy way in which he left. Gray had initially appeared Brentford-bound, before it quickly transpired he was in fact heading for Tottenham.

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Speaking to The Square Ball, Kinnear conceded Leeds needed to generate money through player sales but that Gray did not necessarily have to be the sacrificial lamb.

He said “If you look at our overall PSR [profit and sustainability] picture, we did need to make sales across the window. Archie is very valuable from a PSR perspective because he’s an academy product, so there is no amortisation, there’s no book value to him at all. So all of the revenue generated from the sale goes to hit the PSR target.

"The PSR targets are really cruel. To come down from a world were you have a gap from one three-year rolling number to another three-year rolling number, plus the fact you lose all your TV revenue makes it really challenging to stay within those limits, which we have done, but the only way is to sell players.

"It could have been Pascal [Struijk], Willy [Gnonto], Max Wober, but the reality is when you get relegated, every single club has to sell players. We didn't need cash, but there was a PSR gap and we had the issue of players wanting to leave.

"Two key sales would have done it, it didn't need to be before June 30. We didn't have to sell Archie Gray.”

Gray, who at 18 is already part of the first-team picture at Tottenham, was a regular fixture at right-back throughout the 2023/24 campaign.

The teenager and his father, former Leeds forward Andy Gray, have been hailed by Kinnear for the way in which they handled the departure.

Kinnear said: “Leeds United didn't approach any club to sell Archie Gray. Normally you offer a player around or speak to the agent, we could have kept Archie Gray.

"The deal is life-changing and Archie and his dad handled the situation impeccably. He wasn't forced out and we said if it doesn't feel right come back and train, but we don't begrudge him that move."

Leeds have plugged the right-back gap with the signing of Jayden Bogle, who was prised from Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United.

Kinnear said: “We think we’ve been able to get a right-back that will be able to perform this season at the same level as Archie Gray for an eighth of the value that we generated for Archie.”

Former Rotherham United midfielder recruited by League One club

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Leyton Orient have snapped up former Rotherham United midfielder Dominic Ball on a free transfer.

The 29-year-old became a free agent at the end of the 2023/24 season, when he was released by Ipswich Town. He had played a bit-part role in their promotion-winning Championship campaign, having also helped the club escape League One a year earlier.

Despite failing to find a new club during the summer window, Ball has now secured a deal at Brisbane Road that runs until the end of the current season.

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He said: "I'm delighted to get this over the line and join a great club like Leyton Orient. I'm still only 29 and I'm lucky to have played so many games in my career at some great clubs, and I'm desperate to continue improving and developing as a player.

"I enjoy the competition and playing with a team that is trying to do something special. That's why I have come here, and I'm really looking forward to it.”

Ball was nurtured within the youth systems of Watford and Tottenham Hotspur and represented both Northern Ireland and England at youth level.

He left Tottenham in 2016 to seal a move to Yorkshire, joining Rotherham on a three-year deal. The defensive midfielder appeared to be a coup for the Millers but spent the bulk of his three years at the club out on loan. He left for Queens Park Rangers in 2019, later linking up with Ipswich in 2022.

Ball said: "I look at the squad here, and it's full of really talented, young players, but you also need those older heads who have played at all different types of levels.

“In my last two seasons at Ipswich, we achieved back-to-back promotions, which was achieved by working hard individually and collectively. I'm hopeful that I can bring some of my experience from my career to help this team."

Orient boss Richie Wellens added: "We’re delighted to welcome Dom here to Leyton Orient, with him adding both real quality and depth to our squad.

“He has played the majority of his career in the Championship to date, and not only does he add some more experience to our midfield, he is a real leader, and someone Kieran McKenna has given great credit to regarding the excellent team spirit which saw Ipswich gain back-to-back promotions in recent years.”

linked midfielder seals Tottenham Hotspur loan exit

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Sheffield Wednesday-linked midfielder Alfie Devine has left Tottenham Hotspur on loan.

Last month, reports suggested Wednesday were considering signing Devine on loan, with Tottenham open to sanctioning a temporary switch.

Later on in the window, he appeared to be closing in on a move to Birmingham City before the deal collapsed.

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Although the British transfer window has now closed, there are some countries still allowing their clubs to conduct business.

Belgian side Westerlo have taken advantage to secure the season-long loan signing of the England youth international.

The move is his third away from Tottenham, following stints at Port Vale and Plymouth Argyle last season.

Devine was nurtured within the youth systems of Liverpool and Wigan Athletic before Tottenham came calling in 2020. He is considered among their most exciting prospects and the 20-year-old was on the bench for their recent defeat to Newcastle United.

He has been given the number 10 shirt by Westerlo, who sit fourth in the Belgian Pro League table.

Sheffield Wednesday and Birmingham City-linked man 'set' for Tottenham Hotspur exit despite window closure

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Sheffield Wednesday-linked midfielder 'set' for loan move despite window closure - The Yorkshire Post
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Sheffield Wednesday and Birmingham City-linked midfielder Alfie Devine is reportedly closing in on a loan move away from Tottenham Hotspur.

The 20-year-old is well thought of at Tottenham and impressed in two loan spells away from the club last season. He first linked up with Port Vale, switching to Plymouth Argyle midway through the campaign.

During the summer window, Wednesday were reported to be considering a move for the England youth international. Later on in the window, reports suggested he was edging close to a move to Birmingham.

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A proposed move to the Midlands reportedly collapsed, leaving Devine without a loan club when the transfer deadline arrived. However, Football London have claimed he is due to fly to Belgium as he looks to seal a loan switch to Westerlo.

The Belgian transfer window does not close until September 6, enabling clubs in the Belgian Pro League to sign players when English clubs no longer can. If a deal is completed, Devine would be making his first move outside of his native England.

An attack-minded midfielder, Devine spent time in the youth systems of Liverpool and Wigan Athletic before joining Tottenham. He featured regularly for Spurs in pre-season and was on the bench for their recent defeat to Newcastle United.

Former Barnsley and Tottenham Hotspur star 'could leave' Newcastle United as trio make loan 'enquiries'

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Former Barnsley loan star Kieran Trippier could reportedly leave Newcastle United, despite the closure of the summer transfer window.

The 33-year-old was a marquee signing for the Magpies when they were taken over by the current regime and has made nearly 100 appearances for the club.

However, speculation regarding his future has been rife in recent months. His form tailed off towards the end of the 2023/24 season and Newcastle have had to delicately manage their incomings and outgoings due to profit and sustainability rules.

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According to Sky Sports, Turkish sides Fenerbahce, Besiktas and Eyupsor have enquired about taking Trippier on loan and having a buy option included in the deal.

He has also been linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad, although Sky have claimed a move looks unlikely with the Saudi transfer window set to close.

Despite reports of interest from overseas, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has remained adamant he wants the defender in his ranks. As reported by the Northern Echo, he said: “Absolutely, I want Kieran here. That hasn’t changed, and that won’t change. I woke up to the stories via a few messages, as you do, but that was the first I’d heard of it.”

Trippier recently retired from international football, bringing the curtain down on his England career after collecting 54 caps.

Although best known for his exploits at Newcastle, Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur, Trippier was first given regular minutes at senior level by Barnsley. Over the course of two loan spells, the defender amassed 44 appearances for the Reds.

Sheffield Wednesday given potential incentive as Birmingham City move for Tottenham Hotspur man 'collapses'

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Birmingham City’s move to sign Sheffield Wednesday-linked midfielder Alfie Devine from Tottenham Hotspur has reportedly collapsed.

Earlier this month, it was claimed Wednesday were considering adding Devine to their ranks with Tottenham open to sanctioning another loan exit. The 20-year-old has previously been borrowed by Port Vale and Plymouth Argyle, both of whom benefited greatly from his arrival.

More recently, he has been strongly linked with League One promotion hopefuls Birmingham. However, Football Insider have claimed their move to sign the England youth international has fallen through.

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The news is likely to have interested parties on alert, with the report claiming he is on the radar of Al-Ettifaq. Wednesday could potentially take advantage of Birmingham’s misfortune, if still have Devine in their sights.

If the Owls do still admire the midfielder, they would need to move swiftly to add him to their ranks. The transfer deadline is looming, while there are also reports of interest from elsewhere in the Championship. Football London have reported interest from Blackburn Rovers and Swansea City, as well as from abroad.

It has been a busy summer for Wednesday, who have made a total of 11 senior signings. The most recent through the door was midfielder Shea Charles, who has sealed a loan move to Hillsborough from Southampton.