Leeds United and Everton are said to be in a battle for holding midfielder as the summer transfer window begins to hot up. Both sides are hoping to build on the momentum of last season, with Leeds having stayed in the Premier League at the first time of asking, and without too much of a sweat.

Daniel Farke will be given money to spend this summer as the Whites look to become a Premier League mainstay, these days armed with a Red Bull budget.

As for Everton, they flirted with the European spots last summer, and after a season of progress under David Moyes, they will fully believe they can take the next step towards qualifying for Europe next season, but not without a few quality signings this summer.

Everton and Leeds battle for holding midfielder

According to Parma Live, Everton and Leeds are in a tussle for holding midfielder Mandela Keita, who has been heavily linked with a move away from the Serie A club this summer.

According to the report, Everton have asked for a ‘payment plan’ when contacting Parma, while Leeds are also said to have interest, and they have also been linked with Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki over recent weeks.

Elsewhere, Atalanta have also been linked, though they look as though they will now keep midfielder Ederson, who was all-set for a move to Manchester United only for the deal to be canceled by the Red Devils.

Parma are said to be asking for €30million (£25.5million) to sell Keita, who is under contract until 2029 having arrived from Royal Antwerp since 2024.

Keita a combative midfielder

At 24 years of age, Keita has plenty of potential still to reach, and in terms of style, he is a combative midfielder who plays with energy and offers serious defensive ability. He is also solid on the ball, able to keep possession and help with quick transitions. In his last three years, his pass success percentage has not dropped below 87% in any competition.

Back during his Royal Antwerp days, his former manager, Mark van Bommel said: “Mandela is an open guy, calm and modest. But he doesn’t shy away from anything or anyone on the pitch.”

Keita won a senior cap for Belgium back in 2023 but hasn’t been part of the international scene of late. It will be interesting to see if Leeds or Everton spend as much as £25.5million on Keita, given that would be a big statement from both sides, as shown by the reports of Everton asking for structured payments, although that is standard practice in the modern game, especially with the presence of Profit and Sustainability rules.

This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.

Conor McGregor has broken his silence folloing his 69-second loss to Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 329 on Saturday night.

The 37-year-old’s return to the Octagon after a five-year absence ended in bitterly disappointing fashion as the Irish superstar injured his right leg with the very first strike he threw in the fight.

‘The Notorious’ looked to make a fast start as he charged in for a jumping roundhouse kick. He didn’t find his target with the blow, but the way he landed on his right leg effectively ended the fight before it had really begun.

Following his injury, McGregor was unable to stay on his feet, slipping straight to the canvas on multiple occasions. To his credit, he kept trying to fight. Unfortunately, the extent of the damage he had sustained was too great and the referee swiftly called the fight off, awarding Holloway a TKO victory.

Conor was clearly crushed by the defeat as he left the Octagon without conducting a post-fight interview with Joe Rogan. Footage later emerged of him looking on the verge of tears as he made his way out of the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

‘Destroyed’ – Conor McGregor’s Tweet Following UFC 329 Injury

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas via Imagn Images

In the minutes following his defeat, a gutted McGregor took to Twitter to give fans a brutally honest glimpse into his mindset.

“My head gasket is gone. Destroyed. I had no injury / injuries going into the fight. I was throwing kicks, planted and jumping, all throughout camp as well as backstage before the fight. This came out of nowhere. I am beyond dark here. I can only describe it as hell.”

This article covers a developing story. Continue to check back with us as we will be adding more information as it becomes available.

Heartbreaking footage has emerged of Conor McGregor leaving the Octagon following his devastating 69 loss to Max Holloway at UFC 329 in Las Vegas.

The event marked the Irishman’s return to competition after five years out. In his previous bout, he suffered a broken lower tibia while losing to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in July 2021.

McGregor had been determined to only step back into the cage when he was feeling 100% fit, even cancelling a planned June 2024 bout with Michael Chandler after sustaining a broken toe.

Conor McGregor Suffers Devastating Injury at UFC 329

Even at 37 years old, Conor came into fight week looking in great physical shape and surprised many with how rejuvenated he seemed simply by being back around the sport that made him famous.

Having already been a two-division UFC champion and earned generational wealth, McGregor made it clear in the build-up to UFC 329 that he was coming back purely to prove something to himself.

The star’s dreams of a triumphant return fell apart almost instantly at the T-Mobile Arena. In his very first strike of the fight, McGregor charged in looking to land a jumping roundhouse kick.

However, the move immediately resulted in disaster as he came down badly on his right leg. From that point on, he was unable to stay upright. Inevitably, the referee waved the fight off shortly afterwards.

Mark J. Rebilas via Imagn Images

Conor McGregor Looked Crushed After UFC 329 Loss to Max Holloway

Fan footage quickly emerged showing McGregor looking on the verge of tears as he limped out of the Octagon before even conducting a post-fight interview with Joe Rogan.

As he made his way backstage, a further clip showed McGregor with his head in his hands, appearing crushed by the way the evening had turned out.

In the aftermath of the result, Holloway called for a trilogy fight with McGregor. The Irishman had previously beaten ‘Blessed’, defeating him via decision in August 2013. Following Saturday’s bout, the pair are now tied at one bout apiece.

However, although Conor was able to leave the venue under his own power, he looked severely injured as he hopped out of the back door while flanked by security.

It is unknown if McGregor intends to continue his career, but early estimates suggest that he will be out of action for an extended period.