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Manchester United's decision to let goalkeeper David De Gea leave in the summer has been criticised by talkSPORT host Mark Goldbridge.

Why did David De Gea leave Man United?

De Gea left Man United as a free agent in the summer after 12 years with the club, having failed to agree a new contract, and he still remains without a club, despite being strongly linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League.

The Spaniard chose to leave the Red Devils after realising his role would have been greatly limited if he had committed to a new contract, having made too many mistakes last season, which ultimately meant Erik ten Hag brought in a new goalkeeper.

United completed the signing of Andre Onana for a fee of £47.2m near the end of July, joining from Inter Milan on a five-year deal, with Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol praising the Cameroonian's ability on the ball upon his arrival, saying:

"He's a bit of a contrast from David De Gea. Everyone talks about how you need a goalkeeper who's comfortable on the ball and can play out from the back in modern football, and Onana can certainly do that – he was exceptional for Inter, helping them get to the Champions League final."

However, despite the fact he is a fan of Onana, Goldbridge has now criticised the decision to let De Gea leave in the summer, telling talkSPORT: “I really do like Onana but it’s a mistake. It’s a mistake. I don’t like saying I told you so but so many people were clipping De Gea up last season, saying he’s a problem in the team. This, that, and the other.

“People need to wake up. We didn’t need to replace David De Gea. The defence worked. Yes, De Gea can’t play out from the back but did we need to replace the Golden Glove winner who was hardly conceding goals and the defence was solid?”

Should Man United have let David De Gea leave?

The former United goalkeeper was praised for some of his performances last season, with West Ham United reporter Roshane Thomas describing him as "unreal" back in October, but he was prone to a few mistakes.

Last season, the 32-year-old made two errors leading to goals in the Premier League, and the fact he struggles playing out from the back has long been criticised by the media, so it was probably the right decision to let him leave.

Ten Hag will now be hoping Onana is able to kick on after a somewhat difficult start to life at Man United, conceding ten goals in his opening five Premier League games, only seven fewer than De Gea shipped across the whole of the 2022-23 campaign.

Chelsea are closing in on the signing of Santos striker Deivid Washington and a new update has provided more details on his imminent move to the Premier League.

Who is Deivid Washington?

Washington is an academy graduate at the Urbano Caldeira Stadium having worked his way up through the various youth ranks to get promoted to Paulo Turra’s first team back in April, but despite still having another three years remaining on his contract, he’s been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

At the start of August, Fabrizio Romano reported that the Blues had agreed personal terms with the 18 year-old centre-forward and had submitted a bid which was set to be accepted by his club, with the idea being that he would immediately join Todd Boehly’s Strasbourg on loan where he could be closely monitored as part of the owner’s multi-club project.

The Brazilian, however, is yet to have wrapped up his move to SW6 as a result of the Blues focusing all of their attention on big-money deals for the likes of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, though with those players now successfully through the door, it sounds as if the attacker could be the next to follow in their footsteps.

Are Chelsea signing Deivid Washington?

Taking to X, Romano revealed that Chelsea have everything in place regarding the arrival of Washington, whilst sharing the last stages that need to happen in order for him to be announced as the newest member of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad. He wrote:

“Deivid Washington already completed medical tests at Chelsea — it’s about final documents, formal steps then the Brazilian striker will be unveiled as new #CFC player. Santos to receive €16m fixed fee plus €4m add-ons [£17m total]."

How many goals has Deivid Washington scored?

Since the start of his career, Washington has scored eight goals in 29 appearances, so there’s no doubt that he’s a real star in the making and has a bright long-term future ahead of him. But, right now, Chelsea would be making the correct decision to send the striker out on loan to aid his development and increase his exposure.

The youngster has recorded a total of 17 shots over the course of the current campaign which is the third-highest tally throughout his squad, via FBRef, not to mention that he has the qualities to become a physical presence up top where he's averaging 1.1 aerial wins per league game.

Read The Latest Chelsea Transfer News HERE…

Santos’ “talented” prospect, as lauded by football scout Jacek Kulig, also has the ability to operate out wide on the left wing alongside his usual role through the middle, so should he return to become a member of the first team when he's matured, he would provide the boss with welcomed versatility.

The Blues are believed to be closing in on the signing of New England Revolution goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who is set to undergo his medical today, but he’s not the only fresh face likely to be introduced to supporters before September 1st.

Liverpool have now stepped up their interest in signing Leicester City midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, with Jurgen Klopp expected to make further additions in midfield this summer, according to a report from Anfield Watch.

What's the latest Liverpool transfer news?

The Reds are expected to make a bid for Fluminense midfielder for Andre in the coming days, with a €25m (£21.5m) move in the pipeline, but they may have to sort out the situation surrounding Thiago's future before they pursue the Brazilian.

It has been reported that the Merseysiders are now willing to sell the Spaniard for the right price, with a new contract not in the offing, owing to his poor injury record.

The same report suggests Liverpool's proposed opening bid will not be enough to sign the Fluminense star immediately, with the Brazilian club only willing to sanction a summer deal for €30m (£26m), although they would let him leave for £21.5m this winter.

Read The Latest Liverpool Transfer News HERE…

With Klopp expected to make at least one new addition to his midfield this summer, Anfield Watch has reported that Dewsbury-Hall is being considered as a potential option, having been closely monitored over the past year.

The Reds have now stepped up their interest in the Leicester ace, but it is currently unclear whether the Foxes are willing to sanction his departure, given that his £20k-per-week deal is not set to expire until 2027.

It is detailed that the Englishman is not viewed as a direct alternative to Romeo Lavia, who Liverpool also retain an interest in, but he could leapfrog the Belgian on their priority list if negotiations with Southampton continue to be tricky, with the Saints holding out for £50m.

The 24-year-old is with the agency Wasserman, who the Reds are believed to have a good relationship with, which could hand them a boost as they continue to pursue a deal.

What type of midfielder is Dewsbury-Hall?

The Shepshed-born maestro often features in a defensive midfield role, playing 78 games in that area of the pitch throughout his career so far including games at youth level – indicating he could be a viable replacement for Jordan Henderson.

Much like Henderson, the Leicester academy graduate does not offer much in the way of goal contributions, registering just two goals and two assists in the Premier League last season, but he makes up for that with his defensive capabilities.

Over the past year, the 5 foot 8 midfielder has averaged 2.15 blocks per 90, placing him in the 99th percentile compared to his positional peers, while journalist Josh Bunting has lauded him as a "fantastic talent", and a "really good ball-carrier."

The latter is evidenced by the fact he ranks in the 90th percentile for successful take-ons and the 87th percentile for progressive carries during the same time period, placing higher than Henderson on both of those metrics.

Leicester have no pressing need to sell Dewsbury-Hall, considering he is contracted until 2027, and they have already raised significant funds by selling James Maddison and Harvey Barnes this summer, but if he does become available, he could be a fantastic long-term Henderson replacement.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that Bayern Munich will make another bid for Harry Kane having seen their first two offers rebuffed by Tottenham Hotspur.

Is Kane leaving Spurs?

Tottenham's biggest decision of the summer transfer window is whether or not to sell Kane.

As his contract doesn't expire until next year, the ball is firmly in Spurs' court with the Lilywhites not needing to let Kane go if they don't want to. However, given that he would leave the club on a free transfer next summer, Daniel Levy may be tempted to cash in on the wantaway striker while the opportunity is there.

Kane will not sign a new deal with Spurs when his current contract expires, leaving the club with an enormous dilemma.

Bayern Munich are currently favourites to sign Kane, who has made it clear he is eager to join the German champions, but have seen two bids rejected by Spurs for the soon-to-be 30-year-old.

While Spurs are not willing to put a specific price tag on Kane, it is likely that Bayern would need to cough up somewhere around the £100m mark to give up their star striker.

According to Romano, Bayern are readying a new proposal for the forward, although the Italian doesn't quote a potential fee.

Speaking on his YouTube channel: "Sources feel that, despite the rumours [with Manchester United] we're having in the last few days, Bayern remain the big favourites on Kane. Bayern will do a new bid for Kane.

"Bayern feel that Kane wants to go there and Tuchel is pushing a lot. So, Bayern are the big favourites for Kane and Man United remain focused on Rasmus Hojlund."

Tottenham's willingness, or lack thereof, to let Kane leave will likely impact the speed and practicalities of a move to the Allianz Arena. However, Bayern's growing optimism and persistence may make it difficult for Spurs to keep rebuffing their advances.

If Kane does leave, it will then be up to Ange Postecoglou to replace the forward – an unenviable task to say the least.

Kane scored 30 goals in 38 games last season in an underwhelming Tottenham side and his lack of consistent game-defining strikes next year doesn't bear thinking about for Spurs supporters.

Tottenham have been linked with the likes of Jonathan David, Dusan Vlahovic and Victor Osimhen should Kane depart and Levy will be forced into an expensive transfer to fill the hole Kane would leave behind.

Could Kane join Man United?

Despite Man United's increasingly concrete pursuit of Hojlund from Atalanta, recent reports have suggested that the Red Devils could revive their interest in Kane following Spurs' willingness to get some sort of transfer fee for their striker.

It's reported that Tottenham owner Joe Lewis is keen to move Kane on due to his lack of interest in signing a new contract, which could leave the door ajar for United to hijack Bayern's pursuit.

However, when speaking about Bayern's interest in Kane, Romano has suggested that the Red Devils are "not negotiating" for the number nine despite Erik ten Hag's admiration of the Spurs player.

United feel that the combination of Kane's high price and Spurs' unwillingness to sell to a Premier League rival would make a deal near impossible to pull off.

Everton have had a long-standing interest in Arnaut Danjuma and now a reliable source has revealed a fresh update on the club's pursuit of the player this summer.

Is Arnaut Danjuma joining Everton?

According to Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Everton are "closing in" on a deal for the Villarreal winger.

Romano took to Twitter on Thursday to reveal:

"Everton are closing in on Danjuma deal — understand bid has been accepted, here we go soon.

"Understand it’s gonna be loan move. Player believes Everton is best for his career. After January hijack the communication stayed open and now Everton have their player."

How good is Arnaut Danjuma?

Despite the controversy surrounding Danjuma's move to Tottenham Hospur in January, there is no doubt that his potential arrival at Goodison Park in the coming days wouldn't be a major coup for the Merseyside club.

Sean Dyche is in dire need of quality attacking reinforcements after another uninspiring and troubling Premier League season for the Toffees, with exits from Richarlison and Anthony Gordon considerably weakening the talent needed in the final third.

Not only that, Demarai Gray has now been attracting interest with Crystal Palace strengthening their pursuit of the winger over the past few days, according to reports from the Daily Mail, which would only contribute to Everton's concerns should the player depart.

As a result, the signing of Danjuma is exactly what Dyche needs to address his frustrating and uninspiring attacking threat, as well as facilitating a move for Gray which would ultimately boost the transfer funds available for the manager over the remainder of the transfer window.

The £45k-per-week wide man is no stranger to the Premier League of course, spending six months on loan in north London with Spurs, however, a lack of game-time made it difficult for Danjuma to hit the ground running.

During his stint at the London club, the Lagos-born ace only made nine appearances in the top flight, averaging just 19 minutes per performance, but did manage to score a league goal and also find the back of the net once in the FA Cup too.

The last six months with Spurs are not a true reflection of Danjuma's keen eye for goal, however, as the 5 foot 8 winger has proven that with consistent minutes he can be a force in the final third – scoring 22 goals and registering four assists over 51 appearances for the Spanish club, with a goal contribution every 122 minutes, an output that would be extremely valuable to Dyche.

Former Sunderland goal-scorer Kevin Phillips heaped praise on the versatile forward when speaking to Football Insider last year, highlighting qualities that could well make him a wonderful acquisition for Everton.

"On his day he is a nightmare for defenders. He can create and score goals. He can hurt any defence with his pace and directness.

"He’s shown that countless times. Players like him are a rarity in this day and age."

With that being said, Danjuma is an exciting prospect for Everton and with regular game-time at Goodison Park he could quickly become a fan favourite, while outperforming Gray in the process.

The final game of the opening weekend of the 2023/24 Premier League season will see Manchester United host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford in a Monday night game under the lights.

It’s set to be a busy summer transfer window for Erik Ten Haag, and Old Trafford will be expecting a new-look United side to line up to get the season underway.

Here is Football FanCast's preview ahead of the return to action…

When is the match and is it on TV?

Man Utd take on Wolves on the 14th of August and is slated for an 8pm kick-off in Manchester.

Although television contracts and deals have yet to be confirmed ahead of the new season, especially with the arrival of TNT Sports (replacing BT Sports), it is likely Sky Sports will have the rights to broadcast this fixture as their first Monday Night Football (MNF) billing of the season.

Who is Manchester United’s key player?

There are certainly a number of players to choose from.

Bruno Fernandes enjoyed a superb season in Erik Ten Haag’s debut campaign. 2022 summer signing Lisandro Martinez is also a crucial part of the team and is arguably the most important piece of the back four.

United’s key man, however, is Marcus Rashford. The forward enjoyed his best season for United in 22/23, netting 17 times and providing five assists. He will be crucial heading into the new season.

Who is Wolves’ key player?

Wolves look set to lose a number of key players in this summer transfer window. The club are shackled by Financial Fair Play rules, and thus have to sell before they can buy. They recently lost star player Ruben Neves to the Saudi Pro League, for example.

Jose Sa in goal looks set to be one of, if not their most important player. The Portuguese international made over 100 saves for Wolves last season, keeping 11 clean sheets.

How will Man Utd line up?

It’s early in the summer window, so it’s hard to pick the exact starting XI for Ten Haag’s United, but with the takeover saga dragging on it has proved a distraction to this transfer window’s recruitment. Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana has been linked with a move to Old Trafford along with Chelsea star Mason Mount. Here’s our prediction:

Onana; Dalot, Martinez, Varane, Shaw; Casemiro, Mount; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial

How will Wolves line up?

It’s more about who Wolves can hold onto in this window rather than who they are going to sign, so don’t expect too many changes from the regular team of last season.

Wolves have been linked with moves for Liverpool youngster Fabio Carvalho and free-kick specialist James Ward-Prowse from Southampton. If they completed these signings, expect them to start straight away on the opening weekend at Old Trafford. :

Sa; Semedo, Kilman, Collins, Dawson, Jonny; Cravalho, Lemina, Ward-Prowse, Neto; Sarabia

What were the last 5 league meetings between the two teams?

The sides have met 18 times in the English Premier League, with United winning 11 of those games. There has been three draws in the fixture, with Wolves winning on four occasions.

It’s a fixture that doesn’t typically produce a lot of goals, but one that United have dominated in recent years:

• May 2023: Man Utd 2-0 Wolves
• December 2022: Wolves 0-1 Man Utd
• January 2022: Wolves 1-0 Man Utd
• August 2021: Wolves 0-1 Man Utd
• May 2021: Wolves 1-2 Man Utd

Every Premier League Opening Day Fixture

Who is going to win?

It’s hard to pick against United on the opening weekend of the season under the lights at Old Trafford. So here, we’re not going to. United should stroll to victory in the final game of the opening gameweek of the new season.

FFC predicts: Manchester United win

Sussex, weakened by injuries, short on experience with bat as well as ball, were likely always to find the going tough here but just how tough may have taken even them by surprise

Jon Culley at Trent Bridge22-Apr-2017
ScorecardSussex, weakened by injuries, short on experience with bat as well as ball, were likely always to find the going tough here but just how tough may have taken even them by surprise. The only consolation in losing to Nottinghamshire inside two days is that they will not face as formidable an attack again this summer.Indeed, it is quite possible that no one will, which is something Nottinghamshire may have suspected would be the consequence of James Pattinson’s contribution to their three wins from three.The combination of Pattinson, Stuart Broad and Jake Ball had older Trent Bridge members recalling the days of Hadlee and Rice, even Larwood and Voce, in trying to assess where it might be placed, given their pedigree, in a pecking order of Nottinghamshire attacks, yet the recall of the 26-year-old from Melbourne to Australia’s one-day squad may limit their appearance together in the county’s scorecard archive to this match only.Pattinson’s selection for Australia’s Champions Trophy squad means that, instead of playing nine four-day matches, his stint at Trent Bridge will probably be limited to the three he has completed. Nonetheless, he will sit impressively among Nottinghamshire’s overseas players even if he never plays another first-class match, his contribution amounting to 20 wickets at an average of 11.12.There is a possibility that he might be allowed to return to face Leicestershire and Kent in late June but it is difficult to imagine, somehow, that England’s management of player workload would also allow both Broad and Ball to be available too.Nottinghamshire head coach Peter Moores was philosophical about losing Pattinson so soon.”It is disappointing, of course, because with bat and ball he has been outstanding,” he said. “He gives everything he has got and that’s appreciated by the members and certainly by his team-mates.”But you accept these days that players are pushing to play at the highest level. Playing for your country is what everybody strives for and we knew when we signed him there was always a chance Australia would want him back because he is a high quality, exciting player.”You just have to enjoy having players like him when they are able to play for you. And having seen the form he is in I think Australia made the right decision. He would have been unlucky not to have got in.”Nottinghamshire have up to 12 names on their list of potential replacements for Pattinson, the majority offered by agents rather than identified by the county. They may decide to pursue none of them, although Moores is keen not to lose the momentum Pattinson has given their early-season form.”It will have to be the right kind of player but it is a busy period during the Champions Trophy with a lot of Championship cricket and hopefully the later stages of the Royal London Cup so we will be looking to get somebody in,” he said.Sussex, still shaken by Nottinghamshire’s extraordinary Riki Wessels-inspired recovery from 88 for 5 on the opening day, were in bad shape when they resumed, having been reduced to 11 for 3 on the first evening. Spectators had barely settled when Delray Rawlins, one of five players in the Sussex line-up with 13 first-class appearances or fewer, gave Pattinson his third wicket of the first innings, feathering a catch to wicketkeeper Chris Read, his 500th dismissal at Trent Bridge.Laurie Evans quickly provided Pattinson’s fourth, edging to second slip, where Samit Patel held a sharp catch. Stiann van Zyl and Luke Wright tried to fight back but with none of the four Nottinghamshire seamers, Luke Fletcher included, content merely to play a supporting role, there was no break in the pressure. Ball ended the resistance of both, and Fletcher quickly dealt with Ben Brown.Still 288 runs behind when the last wicket fell, conveniently giving the bowlers the lunch interval in which to recharge, Sussex were inevitably asked to follow on. They did a little better, Chris Nash grafting to a half-century and Wright as ever on the front foot, but wickets fell at a similar frequency.Jofra Archer, a bowler who can clearly bat, was wonderfully disrespectful in the way he went for his shots in both innings, scoring 40 off 29 balls the first time, when he struck Ball for a six and two fours off consecutive deliveries, and 47 off 32 in the second. He looks a prospect, but otherwise it was an experience Sussex on which Sussex would be wise not to dwell.

Hakim Ziyech's transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr is in "real danger" of collapsing after the Chelsea winger had "some problems" during his medical, leaving a real chance that the player could remain in the Premier League next season, claims transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

Chelsea transfer news – What's the latest on Hakim Ziyech?

In a change from regularly scheduled programming, selling players has been the order of the day for the Blues this summer, a change necessitated by the club's ballooning playing squad.

Whilst some of those departing Stamford Bridge are moving onto other European clubs, like captain Cesar Azpilicueta who is said to be on his way to Atletico Madrid, a significant portion of players are making moves to the burgeoning Saudi Pro League, such as Edouard Mendy.

One of those taking the latter option and heading to Saudi Arabia is believed to be the Morocco international Ziyech, who agreed on a deal to join Al-Nassr for a fee of £8m.

However, the deal now looks to be in serious jeopardy as, according to the Daily Mail, the player failed his medical test due to complications arising from a knee injury.

While these developments are certainly bad news for the player and both teams involved, there is still some hope of the deal going through, per transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

He explained the situation on his YouTube channel: "Hakim Ziyech, he had an agreement down for Al Nassr, then we know that there were some problems in terms of medical tests there will be new checks, so this is not 100% off yet, but is in real danger.

"So we can say that this deal is not guaranteed at all, as it was a few days ago and so for Hakim Ziyech Chelsea will try to find different solutions, still waiting and still hoping for Al-Nassr to make it happen, maybe changing something or making new in the next days."

Has Hakim Ziyech been a success at Chelsea

It's hard to call Ziyech's tenure at Chelsea anything other than disappointing. Arriving from Ajax in the summer of 2020 for a fee of around £33.3m, people expected the tricky winger to make an immediate impact for the Blues and slot right into their starting lineup.

Unfortunately, that didn't happen, and since he arrived in west London, he has never started more than 15 Premier League games, per WhoScored.

His attacking output hasn't warranted any more starts than that either, with the 30-year-old scoring just six goals and creating just nine assists in his 64 league appearances.

He has suffered from reoccurring injuries during his time in west London, but they have only caused him to miss 17 games over three years, and so aren't the excuse they are for other players such as Christian Pulisic.

Where he has shone, however, has been with his national team. Ziyech played an instrumental role in Morocco's unlikely run to the World Cup semi-finals last year, for which his manager Walid Regragui hailed him as "incredible."

If he could have recreated just some of those performances for the Blues, he might well be staying this year, but as it stands, a move to the Middle East would probably suit all parties involved.

Liverpool will continue to monitor the market as manager Jurgen Klopp looks to rebuild after a challenging campaign, and Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch is one young talent who they are 'pushing' to sign.

What's the latest on Ryan Gravenberch to Liverpool?

That's according to the Mirror, who state that Klopp has received the green light to complete a move for the Dutchman, who has endured a frustrating maiden term in the German Bundesliga with the formidable champions.

The player is said to be 'keen' on a move to Anfield and, while in an ideal world he would remain at the club he chose to kickstart his career one year ago, a lack of minutes and the offer of prominence at Liverpool could result in a transfer, with a fee of around £25m enough to prise him away.

Especially considering that James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all left the club; Alexis Mac Allister has been signed for £35m but the robust Gravenberch could be new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke's masterstroke this summer.

Should Liverpool sign Ryan Gravenberch?

Gravenberch forged 103 appearances for Ajax and was a key component of an outfit that gleaned the Eredivisie thrice and the KNVB Cup twice across three campaigns, catching the eye of many an outfit across Europe and subsequently earning a €24m (£20m) transfer to Bavaria.

However, five starts from 33 matches across all competitions in Germany this season will do little to convince the precocious talent of committing his future to the club despite winning the title this year, with Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka unlikely to fall out of favour any time soon.

Previously hailed as the Netherlands' "greatest talent" by ex-Ajax ace Wim Kieft, the £152k-per-week machine ranks among the top 7% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 23% for progressive passes, the top 19% for successful take-ons and the top 27% for tackles per 90, as per FBref, which emphasises the dynamism of his trade and hints at a future as one of Europe's most destructive conductors.

If Klopp succeeds in signing the 21-year-old, he will strengthen the Dutch spine Anfield currently boasts, with Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo occupying prominent roles either side of the centre of the park, where Gravenberch could pull the strings and inject the unrelenting intensity to send the Kop into rapture.

He could forge a distinctively slick partnership with Gakpo, who has impressed since signing from PSV for an initial £35m last winter and scored seven goals and three assists as he ostensibly slots into the departing and iconic Roberto Firmino's all-encompassing frontal role.

Adept and weaving the threads of Klopp's hundred-hued tapestry together with his creative ingenuity, Gakpo ranks among the top 10% of forwards for rate of assists, the top 17% for shot-creating actions, the top 8% for progressive passes and the top 1% for tackles per 90.

Such metrics play into Gravenberch's favour – and indeed vice versa – because of his role in tethering the midfield to the attack, opening space for the inversions of wide forwards such as Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez, and keeping the robustness intact with his multi-faceted approach.

Lauded for his "dominant" demeanour on the pitch by his former youth coach Brian Tevreden, the confidence that exudes from Gravenberch's tenacity in the middle will keep the system ticking, and the countrymen could play significant roles in the next phase of Klopp's dynasty in Liverpool.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly seeking to make a surprise swoop for Leeds United defender, Robin Koch, with the centre-back looking set to depart Elland Road this summer.

What's the latest on Koch to Tottenham?

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, writing on Twitter, a "host of Premier League clubs have asked about" the German's situation, with the 26-year-old "set to leave" the Yorkshire side following their recent relegation.

In his attached piece for 90min – alongside colleague Tom Gott – the transfer insider goes on to reveal that both Spurs and Manchester United have held talks regarding a move for the former Freiburg ace, with the 6 foot 4 gem seemingly keen to remain in England's top flight next season.

The report also adds that the eight-cap dud does not have a relegation clause in his deal that would allow him to depart for free, with Football Insider previously suggesting that a fee in the region of £15m could be enough to seal the deal.

Would Koch be a good signing for Tottenham?

Those at N17 will no doubt be hoping that new boss Ange Postecoglou can continue the "exceptional" recruitment record that he enjoyed during his time at Celtic, as per ex-Hoops skipper Scott Brown, with the aim of improving Tottenham's fortunes in the transfer market.

The possible signing of Koch, however, could well go against the typically astute manner with which the 57-year-old has operated in recent years, with the addition of the Leeds man potentially set to prove the first big blunder of the Greek-Aussie's Spurs tenure.

The £40k-per-week asset was notably culpable as his current side suffered a return to the Championship last season, having been part of a backline that shipped 78 top-flight goals – the most of any side in the division.

That record was no mere anomaly as Koch and co had also conceded 79 league goals the year prior, with pundit Gabby Agbonlahor listing the former Kaiserslautern man among a raft of Leeds defenders who are "not good enough", while going on to state:

"They can’t defend, they’ve got no pace, they ball-watch."

The towering central defender notably recorded an average match rating of just 6.63 in the 2022/23 campaign, as per Sofascore, with that ranking him in 22nd place in comparison to the Tottenham squad last season.

That inability to perform at Elland Road is also shown by the fact that Koch ranks in just the bottom 9% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for pass completion, as a sign of errant nature in possession.

With Postecoglou hoping to implement a "fast, attacking style of play" in north London, according to chairman Daniel Levy, the one-time Australia head coach will be in need of figures who can comfortably play out from the back, with it looking like the Leeds liability – who ranks in just the bottom 26% for progressive carries – is not the man for the job.