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Leeds United have quite the history of academy graduates, from Champions League winners to serial title lifters. When you think of the Leeds academy these days, the name Kalvin Phillips is the main name that springs to mind. The defensive midfielder was voted England’s Player of the Year in 2021 following Euro 2020, where he starred next to Declan Rice.

Phillips follows a long line of successful graduates, and will be hoping to replicate the success of players like James Milner, especially following his move to Manchester City.

With that said, we decided to take a look at Leeds United’s academy graduates that went on to make the most first-team appearances, using TransferMarkt.

Jonathan Howson (223)

Most Premier League fans will remember Johnathan Howson – mostly known as Johnny Howson – for his time at Norwich City. But, before then, the midfielder managed to feature 223 times for the Leeds United first team after graduating from the academy.

Kalvin Phillips (233)

The defensive midfielder has been through it all with the Yorkshire club, from promotion to survival in the Premier League. He’s now making the gigantic step up to Man City, and the Elland Road faithful will no doubt wish him well. 

Ian Harte (280)

Played a part in the Leeds side that reached the UEFA Cup last four twice in the space of two seasons between 1999 and 2001. Fans at Elland Road will particularly remember Harte for his appearances in the aforementioned games, and his stunning free-kick goal against Deportivo La Coruna in the Champions League last eight first leg.

Gary Sprake (304)

Making 304 appearances for Leeds United, Gary Sprake has his place in the club’s history. Most fans will remember the shot-stopper for a couple of his biggest mistakes, however. One came against Liverpool in 1967, when his attempted throw resulted in the ball somehow landing in his own net.

Eddie Gray (328)

With two league titles, one FA Cup and one League Cup to his name, it’s fair to say that Eddie Gray’s 328 appearances were a roaring success. The Leeds legend won almost everything there is to win during his time at Elland Road.

Jack Charlton (332)

The late great Jack Charlton made an impressive 332 appearances for Leeds United, where he managed to win several honours – one league title, to one FA Cup and one League Cup. He is undoubtedly one of the greatest defenders to ever play for the Yorkshire club.

Peter Lorimer (442)

Like Gray, Peter Lorimer won it all in English football, from league titles to the FA Cup. He played for the club in arguably their best era and in 442 appearances found the back of the net a total of 133 times.

Norman Hunter (447)

Part of the 1966 World Cup-winning England squad, Norman Hunter also made 447 appearances for Leeds United, and is one of the club’s greatest legends. He had plenty of success at Elland Road, too, winning two league titles alongside an FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield.

Paul Reaney (499)

One appearance shy of the 500 mark, Paul Reaney will forever have his place in Leeds United history. During his time at the Yorkshire club, he managed to win everything there is to win in English football. In the club’s history of right-backs, Reaney is up there amongst the very best.

Gary Kelly (501)

The academy graduate with the most Leeds United appearances, Gary Kelly made 501 in total. When it comes to Premier League appearances, too, no player has made more in a Leeds shirt than Kelly. The right-back was simply Mr Consistent at Elland Road, and more than earned his place in the club’s history.

Celtic have been linked with a summer move for Liverpool defender Ben Davies.

What’s the news?

According to a recent report from the Liverpool Echo, both the Hoops and Middlesbrough have made contact with the Merseyside club over a potential move for the centre-back.

The Premiership champions were previously linked with a move for Davies in the summer of 2020 before he made his move to Liverpool from Preston North End the following winter.

Despite seeing the Reds pay £1.6m to secure the defender’s signature, the 26-year-old has not made a single appearance for the club, which makes it easy to see why he has been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer.

Last season saw him spend the campaign on loan back in the Championship with Sheffield United.

During his time with the Blades, the centre-back made 22 appearances in total. In that time, the Englishman made 29 interceptions, won 18 tackles and ended the campaign with an average of 2.6 clearances per game.

Labelled a “Rolls Royce” of a player by Preston chief Peter Ridsdale, Davies would warrant an overall financial package of £4m to get him out of Anfield for good this summer according to the Liverpool Echo.

Postecoglou’s next Carter-Vickers

Taking into account how Celtic have a track record when it comes to signing players who have not been given a chance to shine with Premier League clubs, a recent example being Cameron Carter-Vickers, Davies could well be the next in line at Parkhead in that regard.

Following numerous loan spells away from Tottenham Hotspur, the north London club finally sold the American to Celtic this summer after his successful loan stint with the Bhoys last season.

Having ended the 2021/22 Premiership campaign with 43 interceptions, 22 tackles won and an average of 4.2 clearances per game, the 24-year-old certainly showed the defensive credentials to warrant a permanent move to Parkhead.

If Ange Postecoglou feels the need to strengthen the defensive area of his squad and add what could be another version of the former Spurs figure to his ranks, then securing a deal to sign Davies could be a smart move by the club.

In other news – After Siegrist: Ange can form a “deadly” duo as Celtic eye “exceptional” 37-goal gem

Manchester United are looking to hijack Arsenal’s bid for versatile Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez.

What’s the word?

That’s according to John Cross, who writes in The Mirror that Arsenal have been working on a move for the Argentina international over the course of the last two months.

The Dutch giants have slapped a £50m price tag on the centre-back – whom Manchester United are also said to be keen on – with Cross claiming that Arsenal are having to “fend off competition” for the 24-year-old.

However, with Mikel Arteta’s side now reported to have made a new offer for the Ajax star, United will have to move quickly if they wish to have any chance of bringing Martinez to Old Trafford this summer.

Could bring back old Bruno

Last season Bruno Fernandes did not perform as well as everyone knows he can, although admittedly nobody did for this underperforming United side.

Still managing a respectable 16 goal contributions in the league last term, this is a far cry from the astounding 29 goal contributions during the 2020/21 season.

Under Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, and protected by the workmanlike pairing of Scott McTominay and Fred behind him, he thrived.

Perhaps if Erik ten Hag can tempt his former colossus from Ajax to Old Trafford, it could allow Fernandes the creative freedom to recapture his previously world-class form.

Indeed, while it is true that Martinez is predominantly a central defender, his underlying stats outline him as a progressive stopper who can also function in central midfield, and his profile suggests he could even replace the outgoing Nemanja Matic.

He sits in the 99th percentile for progressive passes and the 96th percentile for progressive carries in comparison to centre-backs in Europe’s big five leagues over the course of the last 365 days, while he also averages 1.88 interceptions and 3.13 tackles per 90.

He is a combative player with the impetus to go forward: exactly what the Red Devils have been lacking in recent years.

It is therefore no surprise to Ten Hag has already sung his praises, labelling him an “excellent player” back in 2021.

Having clearly been enamoured with him in the past, it would make perfect sense to bring the Argentina international to Old Trafford and balance what has been an unstable midfield for years now.

If this could in turn benefit the Portuguese midfielder and help catapult him back to his old self, then it truly is a no-brainer, no matter the cost.

AND in other news: “New contact..”: Fabrizio Romano drops huge MUFC transfer update, imagine him & Sancho

Aston Villa are reportedly monitoring Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa, having previously been linked with the Brazilian in January.

What’s the word?

According to 90min, the Midlands side are said to be ‘keeping tabs’ on Barbosa – better known as Gabigol – with his current side believed to be open to a departure, having been unwilling to do a deal in the winter window.

Reports at the time suggested that the 25-year-old – who endured a previous, difficult stint at Inter Milan – is keen on a return to European football, with Villa believed to be one of a number of clubs interested in securing his signature.

The 18-cap brute – who could command a fee of around £30m with over two years left to run on his existing deal – is also said to be of interest to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Gerrard’s own Nunez

A top-class centre-forward would appear to be on Steven Gerrard’s wishlist this summer, amid suggestions that former Southampton man Danny Ings could be moved on just a year after arriving at Villa Park in a £25m deal.

The 29-year-old found goals hard to come by in a frustrating debut campaign, netting just seven goals in 30 Premier League appearances, while striker partner Ollie Watkins was also far from prolific having scored 11 league goals.

With putting the ball in the back of the net seemingly an issue, sporting director Johan Lange appears to have identified Gabigol as the man to be the solution, the £23.4m-rated ace having scored a remarkable 101 goals in just 155 games for his current side, while also providing 28 assists.

The 5 foot 10 marksman also enjoyed two similarly devastating spells at fellow Brazilian side Santos, netting 43 goals in 125 appearances in total having started his career at the club, before later returning on a loan deal from Inter.

His switch to Italy in 2016 may have ultimately ended in disappointment – as he scored just once in ten games in total and spent much of his time out on loan – yet for the most part he has proven himself something of a “goalscoring machine”, as per scout Andre Noruega.

In a seismic summer which has seen Erling Haaland join Manchester City and Darwin Nunez arrive at Liverpool, Barbosa could be the next high profile, centre-forward addition to the Premier League, with both he and the latter man, in particular, marked as similar players, as per Football Transfers.

That may be a bold claim considering Nunez has already proven himself in European football – netting 34 goals for Benfica last term – yet he also had to make that transition from South America originally, having begun life with Uruguayan outfit, Penarol.

The hope for Gerrard and co will be that they should he get his man this summer, the striker can go on to adjust to life in a new league and on a new continent just as easily, with it perhaps time that he is afforded another chance to shine in Europe.

IN other news, AVFC face battle to land “aggressive” £60m machine, he’s one of the “best” in his role

Liverpool have been hit with a huge blow as it was revealed last month that Sadio Mane wants to leave Anfield this summer, and now a new update has emerged from a reliable source on the ongoing situation.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has revealed an update on the back and forth between Liverpool and Bayern Munich over their intentions to agree on a deal for Mane, with two bids from the Bundesliga giants already rejected by the Merseyside club.

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Romano took to his YouTube channel to reveal: “The position of the player has not changed.

“Bayern already had two bids refused by Liverpool for Sadio Mane, but from what I’m told today [Sunday], Bayern are preparing a new bid for Sadio Mane and the feeling around the deal is that the positions of Bayern and Liverpool in the negotiations are getting closer and closer.

“Bayern are really close to completing the signing of Sadio Mane.”

Supporters will be upset

There is no doubt that Liverpool supporters will be upset at the news that Mane’s time at Anfield is coming to an end when you consider the huge part he has played in the club’s recent success over his six years at the club.

Mane has scored 120 goals and delivered 48 assists since joining in 2016, with a goal contribution every 128 minutes which has led the side to win a Premier League title, Champions League, Carabao Cup and FA Cup during his time in the team.

The Senegalese winger’s success with Liverpool has seen his market value soar over the years, with Transfermarkt valuing the player at just £27m in August 2016 rising to £135m in December 2019 and is currently set at £72m, however the club are now reportedly willing to sell the player in the last 12 months of his contract for £42.5m.

That’s another cause for concern with the club clearly not being able to fetch a price that fairly matches his abilities.

Despite the player becoming a fan favourite and dubbed a “Liverpool legend” by Gabby Agbonlahor, the club has already made massive strides in finding a player who can replace Mane’s goal contributions in the team with the signing of Darwin Nunez reportedly set to be announced today.

With that being said, it will obviously be a big disappointment to see the Liverpool attacker leave this summer but the fact that FSG are identifying ways to replace him will be a massive relief to supporters ahead of next season.

AND in other news: Klopp can land his next Coutinho as Liverpool eye bid for “magical” £117k-p/w dynamo

Everton have been linked with Billy Gilmour ahead of the summer transfer window with his former boss Frank Lampard as manager, the connection is something the club can exploit to secure a deal.

What’s the latest?

Daily Star journalist Paul Brown has claimed Everton “need” a player like Billy Gilmour this summer.

Brown was speaking to GIVEMESPORT and said: “He is exactly the sort of player, in many respects, he is exactly the sort of player Everton need, someone who can just sit in front of the back four, dictate play, pick a good pass and keep the ball moving.”

Frank can land his own Xavi

Lampard is well aware of the strengths and talent of Gilmour after working with the young player at Chelsea and even made his Premier League debut under the Toffees boss at Stamford Bridge, so could make an instant impact on the team next season if he can bring the player to Goodison Park.

Roy Keane claimed that the 20-year-old has “everything” you want from a midfielder whilst doing punditry for Sky Sports during Chelsea’s game against Everton in 2020, hailing his “quality on the ball” and his “football intelligence.”

Gilmour has had a disappointing campaign with newly-relegated side Norwich City on loan, but was a standout performer in terms of his work ethic and consistency in-game with a 91% pass accuracy in his own half.

He made 1.7 tackles, 1.2 clearances and won 3.8 of his duels combined on average per game, proving that he is a solid force in midfield.

There are comparisons that can be drawn to Xavi from the style of play that the £28k-per-week youngster displays in the centre of the pitch. His high accuracy in being able to pick out a pass successfully and his ability to force himself as a dominating presence in midfield gives glimpses of the Barcelona legend who has become Gilmour’s inspiration.

The perfect manager to bring out that excellence and precision would be Lampard who is renowned as a Premier League great thanks to his career as a midfielder at Chelsea, so not only will his work previously with Gilmour help him develop the young talent but also his own experience in the position should only unlock the potential further.

With that being said, if Farhad Moshiri could even secure a season-long loan deal for the £10.8m-rated player it would be a major coup in Everton’s pursuit to improve their squad and would benefit the player massively in his development along the way.

AND in other news: Moshiri plotting Everton bid for “powerful” £25m monster, he can be Calvert-Lewin 2.0

According to The Sun journalist Tom Barclay, West Ham transfer target Keane Lewis-Potter views Jarrod Bowen as his ‘inspiration’ and the Hull City starlet could make the move to the Premier League this summer.

The Lowdown: Lewis-Potter profiled

The 21-year-old joined the Tigers academy at the age of just 14 and has worked his way up through the ranks at the MKM Stadium, having been fast-tracked into the U18s and U23s sides before earning his first professional contract four years ago, as per the club’s official website.

Despite still having 12 months remaining on his current agreement with the Championship outfit after penning a new deal last summer, the Daily Mail have recently claimed that the Irons have ‘expressed interest’ in signing the youngster, but are set to face competition from the likes of Bournemouth, Brentford, and Southampton.

The Latest: Lewis-Potter’s praise for Bowen

Barclay confirmed that he has spoken to Lewis-Potter whilst on media duty for the young England side, telling GiveMeSport:

“We spoke to Keane Lewis-Potter on Under-21 duty, and he talked about Jarrod Bowen and how much of an inspiration he was because he actually played with him briefly at Hull before he moved to West Ham, and it’s quite an obvious link.

“If he were to move to West Ham, the comparisons would easily be drawn, just because of the route but also the fact that Lewis-Potter also cut his teeth in non-league, albeit on loan compared to Bowen’s story of playing for Hereford permanently and his rise up the leagues. But, I think there are similarities on that front.”

The Verdict: Following in his footsteps?

The duo briefly played together at Hull before Bowen made the switch to the London Stadium two years ago, so it’s no surprise to see that the Hammers target has been full of glowing praise for his former teammate.

The striker would be a great addition to David Moyes’ squad if they managed to get a deal over the line considering his brilliant run of form this season, having scored 13 goals and registered four assists for the Tigers across all competitions, via Transfermarkt.

Lewis-Potter, whose playing style was once compared to that of Real Madrid sensation Eden Hazard by City youth coach Craig Fagan, would certainly be one for the future but his goal record last season suggests he also could make an immediate impact just like Bowen.

In other news… a reliable journalist has reacted to West Ham’s links with one of their reported summer transfer targets.

One former BBC pundit has insisted that Rangers ‘can’t afford’ to let Joe Aribo leave the club for free, amid continuing uncertainty over his contract.

The Lowdown: Contract uncertainty

The 25-year-old has entered the final year of his current deal with Gers, opening up the possibility of pre-contract discussions with foreign clubs from next January.

However, speaking on Nigerian radio station Brilla FM (via Complete Sports), the former Charlton player has maintained that he is happy at Rangers and is not thinking about leaving Ibrox this summer.

Following the Light Blues’ impressive run to the Europa League final, Aribo has attracted interest from a number of Premier League clubs, with the most notable reportedly being Crystal Palace.

The Latest: Whelan’s claim on Aribo

Whelan, who used to work as a pundit for BBC Radio, has suggested that Aribo’s uncertain contract situation could force Rangers into selling him this summer rather than letting him walk away for nothing next year.

Speaking with Football Insider about the Nigeria international, the 47-year-old claimed: “They really can’t afford to lose him for free.

“As much as the European run has brought in, they still need to stay in the black and bring new players in. Especially if you’re losing players like Aribo.

“They can’t just let him walk away for free. This money generated by players is vitally important to Rangers, we know that.”

The Verdict: Rangers need the money

With Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side entering the Champions League qualifying stages in the third round, Rangers will be looking to build a squad capable of making it to the group phase.

According to The Athletic, the Light Blues could decide to sanction a significant sale this summer in order to boost their transfer budget.

Therefore, the Gers may be hesitant to run the risk of losing out on a decent fee for Aribo, which is expected to be in the region of £10m.

Therefore, an Ibrox exit this summer could the plausible for the man who former Charlton team-mate Ezri Konsa likened to a “‘left-footed Yaya Toure”.

In other news: Alex McLeish has made a big claim about Nikola Katic returning to Ibrox

Journalist Niccolo Ceccarini has now shared a big Tottenham Hotspur transfer update on their hunt for Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni.

The Lowdown: Conte draws list…

After deciding to stay at Spurs for his first full Premier League season in charge of the club, it is believed manager Antonio Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici met in Italy last week to discuss summer recruitment strategy.

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The Lilywhites must use their £150 million equity increase wisely as they seek to back Conte whilst also operating efficiently in a competitive market.

Conte wishes to add a central defender to strengthen his back three and it is believed that Serie A sensation Bastoni is among his prime targets.

The Latest: Ceccarini shares update…

TMW reporter Ceccarini, sharing news in the last 48 hours, now claims that a Tottenham ‘assault is ready’ to sign the Italy international, who is also wanted by Manchester United.

Spurs are apparently ‘strong on him’ and manager Conte approves the move, with this report going on to claim he ‘would be happy’ to welcome his former star at Hotspur Way.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Bastoni’s potential signing would signal a real statement of intent and perhaps sum up the change in mentality which Conte has managed to instil at N17.

He shined for Inter over 2021/2022, making the second-most interceptions per 90 for them in the Italian top flight and racking up the third-highest number of clearances on average (WhoScored).

At just 23-years-old, Bastoni has been widely tipped as Italy’s next generation reliable defender after Azzurri legend Georgio Chiellini – backing his glowing reputation.

Serie A writer and Get Italian Football News (GIFN) reporter Kaustubh Pandey has branded the defender a ‘world class’ left-footed star, but if Spurs are serious, Ceccarini say they will need €60-70 million (£51m-£59m) to seal the deal.

In other news: Meeting held: Tottenham enter talks over ‘beast’ as Conte eyes marquee striker move, find out more here.

Liverpool could be without four vital first-team players for the must-win Premier League clash with Wolves, Jurgen Klopp has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Final-day clash for Reds

The Reds welcome Wanderers to Anfield on Sunday afternoon, as the league season reaches its climax in potentially dramatic fashion.

Liverpool know that they must beat Wolves and hope that Manchester City drop points at home to Aston Villa, as Steven Gerrard looks to do them an enormous favour.

There are some injury problems heading into the game, however, so it is hard to guess what the Reds’ team will look like.

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The Latest: Four players could miss out

Taking to Twitter, journalist Neil Jones shared Klopp’s comments ahead of the game, with Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Fabinho and Joe Gomez all injury doubts:

“Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool will not take any risks with Salah, Van Dijk, Fabinho, Gomez. ‘My preferred solution would be that they could play this weekend, for rhythm purposes, but if not then we will take it from there.'”

The Verdict: Key decisions for Klopp

Klopp has a big task on his hands on Sunday, with the German having to field a strong starting lineup but also not risk using injured players before the Champions League final.

If any of those in question are not 100 per cent fit, they should be left on the substitutes’ bench, possibly only coming if the situation is desperate and Liverpool need a goal, or if City are not winning.

Salah will no doubt be desperate to play as he looks to win the Golden Boot, but it would be criminal to start him, see him get injured and then miss out on another Champions League final against Real Madrid.

In other news, one player is edging closer to a Liverpool exit. Find out who it is here.