Leeds United are assessing their options in the summer transfer market, as Ben Jacobs reports of a free agent on the club’s shortlist for the coming weeks.

The Whites are keen to improve the squad after securing their place in the Premier League, with an impressive turnaround at the halfway point helping Daniel Farke and his side stay up with ease in the end.

Given the history of the club, nobody will be content with just surviving, with Europe appearing easier to qualify for than ever before in the division.

A few reinforcements across the squad will be needed. Goalkeeper remains a problem position, after Lucas Perri failed to impress, while talks continue with Karl Darlow over a new deal, as his current one expires at the end of the month.

The forward areas also remain a place of interest to help bring more strength and depth to Farke within his Leeds squad. Several options are on the cards, and one of them is a familiar face.

Leeds Revive Harry Wilson Transfer Interest

It was only a year ago that it seemed certain that Harry Wilson would be a Leeds United player. Talks had progressed well in the final hours of the summer transfer window, but a deal fell through at the last moment.

What followed was the Welshman hitting the form of his life, bagging ten goals and seven assists in the Premier League, which included a purple patch that had him among the very best in the division.

As that was ongoing, there was uncertainty over his future at Fulham, with a contract that expired in the summer. Now, he looks set to be a free agent, and Leeds are hoping to pounce.

Ben Jacobs reports that Wilson is back on the club’s radar, with initial talks held over a move for the 29-year-old as a free agent. They aren’t alone, however, as Aston Villa and Benfica remain keen, along with a whole host of other clubs.

Any move could prove to be huge for Leeds though, with Wilson being described as “incredible” by Marco Silva during their time together at Craven Cottage.

It remains to be seen whether the club can finally get a deal done this time around, after coming so close last summer.

Leeds’ Forward Options

Leeds managed to get through the past season with the summer arrivals of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor, and Lukas Nmecha in their ranks.

Looking beyond that trio, however, the options remained slightly thin on the ground. Daniel James, Wilfried Gnonto, and Joel Piroe all struggled to make much of an impact during their limited minutes.

Exits for those players could be on the cards, if interest in them ramps up, while Leeds may look for their own possible upgrades in the same positions.

Wilson would certainly offer that, while Jacobs adds that Julian Brandt is also a target, after he announced his exit from Borussia Dortmund as a free agent.

It remains to be seen who else could be on the radar, but it’s clear that Leeds need to push on now.

Manchester United have held talks with intermediaries surrounding a potential deal to sign a midfielder, according to TeamTalk, as interest ramps up in players for the central ranks.

The Red Devils have placed plenty of focus on the midfield this summer, with a deal for Ederson already agreed and just waiting to be confirmed.

Beyond the Brazilian, Man United have also been pushing to sign Mateus Fernandes, with the West Ham star seemingly available after their relegation from the Premier League.

That could end up sealing the midfield for the coming season, but there is a chance that the Old Trafford outfit will add another player into the mix.

With that in mind, it seems as though there is another target for Michael Carrick now on the radar.

Man United Talks For Felix Nmecha

Recent links have emerged over Man United’s interest in Borussia Dortmund ace Felix Nmecha, who has been scouted by the club amid his impressive World Cup performances for Germany.

As that interest persists, TeamTalk reports that talks have been held between the club and intermediaries on behalf of the player, as he seems open to leaving the Bundesliga side this summer.

It’s a green light for the 25-year-old, but there is still the challenge of club-to-club talks ahead, if United persist with a move. Dortmund are seemingly under no pressure to sell, as there is a long-term contract on the table, as well as a £52 million release clause that isn’t available until next summer.

Carrick’s side aren’t the only team in the mix, as rivals Liverpool are there, as well as Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Barcelona, and Real Madrid.

It remains to be seen whether an approach will be made this summer, but Nmecha, who has been described as the “most underrated midfielder in Europe”, is clearly attracting interest in what could be a huge battle to land his signature.

Man United Sales Needed

While there are plenty of talented players on the Man United shortlist, it’s clear that the recruitment team will need to consider sales on top of any possible incomings.

There will be a budget available, and it’s clear that at least two midfielders are part of that overall transfer spend available to the club this summer.

However, adding a third expensive addition like Nmecha means focus may need to quickly switch towards sales to raise the funds for such a signing.

The first players to consider will be Manuel Ugarte and Marcus Rashford. Beyond that pair, moves for Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir and others could raise the necessary money.

With a return to the Champions League coming up, Carrick will need all the support he can get in the squad to compete across all formats again.

Reece James has already had his say about the prospect of Donald Trump handing England the World Cup trophy if the Three Lions go all the way this summer.

The President of the United States of America is expected to hand the iconic trophy to the winners on July 19, and could even break FIFA protocol and stay involved in the celebrations. James knows Trump’s willingness to get involved all too well.

Should Thomas Tuchel end 60 years of hurt and bring football home, there’s a strong chance the controversial 80-year-old will be a prominent figure in any images. They’d be sure to live on through many generations, just as photos of the great Bobby Moore lifting the World Cup in 1966 have.

Donald Trump Caught Reece James By Surprise

Brian Snyder via Reuters

The newly formatted FIFA Club World Cup was held in the States last summer. Chelsea, as one of the English representatives, went all the way and won the trophy after beating PSG 3-0 in the final.

As it was hosted on American soil, Trump was heavily involved. He was the man chosen to put the winners’ medals around each player’s neck. Not only that, but the President also handed the captain the new trophy.

To the surprise of James and teammates such as Cole Palmer, Trump decided to remain in the middle of everyone as Chelsea lifted the trophy. Watch the awkward moment below.

Speaking about it in the immediate aftermath, the Blues’ skipper said (per BBC Sport): “I think the first thing I have to say is that it probably highlights how big the tournament is. The coverage for the tournament and the final was huge.

So, instead of passing on the trophy and leaving the stage, he instead opted to simply stand next to James. Palmer could be seen mouthing: “What’s he doing?”

James on Trump Handing England the Trophy

While he found it a strange experience last year, it appears James is more than happy for Trump to be handing over the World Cup trophy. But he’s still delighted that it’ll be Harry Kane’s problem if England do go all the way.

When asked if he was prepared for the President getting involved again, the 26-year-old responded: “No! I don’t have a plan. I’ll leave that to Harry!”

Hydration breaks have become the big talking point in this year’s competition. After getting first-hand experience of the temperatures England would be playing in, James explained how hard it was managing the heat.

He said: “It’s super difficult conditions to play in that heat, especially us playing in England — there’s not anything like that before

“Once you are out there you adapt the longer you are there. You feel the heat the minute you step outside the hotel. The conditions are super hot, difficult conditions to play in and the pitches when we were there weren’t the greatest either and made it a little bit harder. But hopefully by the time the World Cup comes around it’s better.”