Leeds United are battling it out with three Premier League clubs to sign a highly-rated versatile attacker for Daniel Farke.

The Peacocks are preparing for a second season in the top flight after finishing 14th in their first campaign back in the big time. Daniel Farke oversaw an impressive run of form during the second half of the season and is set to try and build on this.

There is plenty of work going on behind-the-scenes as Farke’s transfer chiefs look to strengthen his squad. They are working to complete a deal for Southampton midfielder Shea Charles and want at least one new goalkeeper following Karl Darlow and Ilan Meslier’s exits.

Leeds Set Their Sights on Jens Petter Hauge

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds are eyeing Bodo/Glimt forward Jens Petter Hauge although they face competition from their Premier League rivals. Everton, Sunderland and newcomers Hull City are also eyeing the Norwegian.

There is also interest from Serie A which could start a bidding war for the attacking gem. Hauge enjoyed a superb season for Bodo who were the UEFA Champions League’s surprise package, with eight goals and nine assists in 31 games across competitions.

The 26-year-old, dubbed “sensational” was on target in the Norweigan outfit’s 3-1 win over Manchester City. He has been earning plaudits for his creativity on the left side of Bodo’s attack.

Leeds are looking to bolster their options out wide and are considering turning to Hauge who has two years left on his contract. Should the Whites decide to pursue a deal they could be looking at a fee of around £30 million.

Hauge Ticks Plenty of Boxes For Farke

A player of Hauge’s quality could be a game changer for Leeds as they bid to become Premier League mainstays. His exploits for Bodo earned him a place in Norway’s squad for the World Cup, although he only came on for seven minutes in a 4-1 loss to France.

The Peacocks do have the finances to fund a deal having already made one of their most expensive signings in history. They forked out £34.1m to bring Bosnian defender Tarik Muharemovic to Elland Road from Sassuolo.

The likes of Everton and Sunderland could prove problematic, especially the Toffees, who are said to be long-term admirers. But there was similarly interest from Premier League opposition in Muharemovic before Farke got his man.

Bruno Guimaraes’ potential arrival at Arsenal could lead to one of Mikel Arteta’s main men heading for the exit door.

The Gunners are chasing Guimaraes, and he is keen to make the move to the Emirates. He is reportedly ‘frustrated’ at Newcastle United, who don’t want to sell their skipper after selling Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur for £100 million.

Guimaraes’ clear desire to join Arteta’s champions could prove crucial for the North Londoners. He has been one of the Premier League’s best midfielders since joining the Tyneside outfit from Lyon back in January 2022.

Arsenal Will Entertain Odegaard Offers

Guimaraes would be another superstar added to Arteta’s midfield, and his acquisition might lead to a big-name exit. A report from TEAMtalk claims that Arsenal are hopeful a deal can be done at around £75 million and could then entertain offers for Martin Odegaard if the price is right.

Odegaard lifted the Premier League title last season and has been one of the Gunners’ key men during his time at the Emirates. The Norweigan made a permanent switch back in the summer of 2021 after spending a season on loan from Real Madrid.

The 27-year-old has endured injury issues in recent seasons, and that might be factored into any decision over his future. When he was fit last season, he fared well but ended the campaign on the substitutes’ bench on several occasions.

It is noted that Odegaard’s chances of leaving this summer aren’t high, but an exit can’t be ruled out entirely. He faces an important season if he does remain with Arteta’s side, as a move next year is said to be looking “increasingly possible.”

There has been “serious interest” in the Norweigan, but there is a lack of desire to match the Premier League giants’ asking price. He has two years left on his contract, which puts the club in a position to start considering his future.

Gunners Will Be Making Controversial But Right Decision

Odegaard has been heroic for large portions of his spell at Arsenal but isn’t quite pulling the strings as he was at the start of his Emirates career. Recurring fitness issues are proving problematic, and he’s no longer an undisputed starter.

Should the Gunners sign Guimaraes, there’s a real chance that Odegaard heads for the exit door if not this summer, then next. Even when fit, he has come under scrutiny for uninspired performances and question marks over his leadership.

It shouldn’t take selling the Norweigan for Arteta to realise that he has an ideal captain in Declan Rice, who called his skipper ‘one of the best players in the league’. But it could be the catalyst for a proper leader to be wearing the armband while the club move on from the playmaker.

Aston Villa have opened talks to sign a new playmaker following the departure of Morgan Rogers to Chelsea.

It was a big blow when it was confirmed that Rogers would be leaving Villa Park in order to move to fellow Premier League side Chelsea this summer.

Despite that, Villa did receive a significant fee to allow him to depart, securing £117 million for the England international.

Now it is all about finding an adequate replacement with the money they received for Rogers.

Villa did already bring in Johan Manzambi from Freiburg before the Rogers deal was completed, so there is a chance that he’s the direct replacement.

The Midlands club will still have plenty of money remaining, so their supporters will likely be expecting more signings.

Villa open playmaker talks

According to a report from Team Talk, Aston Villa have opened talks with the representatives of Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara ahead of a potential move in the summer transfer window.

Turkish outfit are believed to be willing to offload Sara this summer for a fee of around £25 million, as they look to generate funds to support their plans this window.

Several clubs in England are showing an interest in signing Sara, with Villa making their move by opening talks.

The South American playmaker would be interested in a move to the Premier League this summer, and Villa could hold a big advantage in the race.

Sara, described as ‘magical’, is believed to be keen on a move to a side competing in Europe, and Villa will be able to offer him Champions League football.

Sara a creative beast

If Aston Villa are looking to add more creativity to their side after losing Rogers, then Sara could be an ideal cheap replacement.

The Brazilian playmaker produced 25 goals and assists during his final season with Norwich in the Championship, and he has also produced 24 assists in his last three seasons.

The 27-year-old also has experience in the Champions League, making eight starts with Galatasaray last season.

Sara is certainly a player not at the same level as Rogers, who is also meant to be in his prime years. In terms of a cheap squad option, it could be a smart addition for the Midlands club.