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An update has emerged on Leeds target Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, regarding his current value at Rubin Kazan.

What’s the talk?

Football agent Timur Gurtskaya has claimed that Leeds United transfer target Kvaratskhelia’s value has dropped down significantly after he failed to secure a summer move.

Gurtskaya believes that his price is plummeting as his form has taken a turn for the worse after Rubin Kazan refused to cash in on him in the previous transfer window.

He told the Comment Live YouTube channel, via HITC:

“Nobody signs Khvicha. His price is steadily falling.

“They asked for €20 million because, in the spring, he was on fire. Everyone then shouted that any English team would buy him, given they were scattering €30 million to €40 million to the left and to the right.

“But, in fact, no-one took him. Now he plays badly. Now, no-one will pay more than €10 million to €12 million.”

To put that into pounds, he’d be worth around £8.5m.

Raphinha 2.0

Leeds must secure a deal for Kvaratskhelia as they could pick up a bargain in the January window if Gurtskaya is correct and he could be signed for as low as the price being touted.

Transfermarkt value him at £16.20m and that suggests that Victor Orta could strike gold with a move for him if they are able to reach an agreement with Rubin Kazan near the figures Gurtskaya has named.

Although the football agent has said that Kvaratskhelia’s poor form has made his value drop, this should not be a cause for concern for Leeds. At the age of 20, inconsistency should be expected and there is plenty of time left for him to continue developing as a player.

Former Zenit and Hertha Berlin player Denis Bushuev once compared him to two of the great wingers in the 21st century, claiming that the midfielder could play in the Bundesliga. He said:

“Naturally. He is from the same galaxy of players as Ribery or Robben. He could have played in the top five Bundesliga clubs – he has crazy technique and infestation at the goal. There were few such players in the German championship, so Khvicha could play here.”

This highlights the potential he has as a player, which is another reason why Leeds should sign him.

Marcelo Bielsa has already proven that he can coach players into reaching their potential, with Illan Meslier an excellent case-in-point. The Frenchman’s value has risen 344% in one year at Elland Road and the Argentine could do a similar job with Kvaratskhelia.

Bielsa could sculpt him into becoming Raphinha 2.0 for Leeds. The Brazilian gem has caught the eye with his excellent performances in the Premier League, with nine goals and nine assists since the start of last season, cutting inside onto his stronger left foot from the right wing. This is something Kvaratskhelia could replicate if Leeds sign him, especially when you consider his dazzling dribbling numbers of 2.1 per game.

The Georgia international is listed as being strong with both of his feet, rather than having a preferred one, which means that Bielsa could coach him to play on the left and have the ability to come on the inside – like Raphinha – or go on the outside to cross the ball.

Therefore, he could be an excellent project for the head coach to work on over time and potentially become the club’s next wing wizard, as Raphinha is now.

AND in other news,  Worrying transfer claim emerges over £35k-p/w Leeds “rock”, fans must be scared…

Juventus midfielder Luca Pellegrini rejected a transfer deadline day move to West Ham United as he preferred to remain in Turin, according to reports from Italy.

The Lowdown: Left-back needed

With Arthur Masuaku not long recovered from knee surgery and only Aaron Cresswell fit to play at left-back, David Moyes’ desire to bring in another player in that role was not fulfilled in the summer transfer window.

The £8.1m-rated Pellegrini was on Moyes’ radar in recent months but the move never materialised and the 22-year-old remained with Max Allegri’s side. Since his move to Juventus from AS Roma in 2019, he has spent the previous two seasons on loan at Cagliari and Genoa.

The Latest: Why he rejected the Hammers

According to Il Bianconero [via Hammers News], Pellegrini chose not to sign for West Ham and opted to remain in Italy to fight for his place at the Allianz Stadium.

He will first need to supplant Juventus’ first-choice left-back Alex Sandro, who has made 234 appearances for the club.

Pellegrini made his Juve debut over the weekend in the 2-1 away defeat to Napoli, where he came up against Matteo Politano, who scored the equalising goal.

The Verdict: Solid choice at left-back

With Cresswell turning 32 in December and Masuaku nearly 28, West Ham will be monitoring the left-back situation closely this season as they look towards the longer-term future.

Whilst Pellegrini missed large parts of last season at Genoa with two separate injuries (adductor and thigh problems), the wing-back grabbed six assists in 36 appearances for Cagliari in 2019/20, highlighting his attacking prowess.

If he does win his place in Allegri’s side ahead of Alex Sandro, his decision to stay at Juventus will prove to be the right one. However, if the Brazilian continues to be the first-choice left-back, Pellegrini could possibly be tempted by a move to West Ham in the January transfer window – especially if the Hammers are desperate for numbers given their involvement in the Europa League, or if they progress beyond the group stage in that competition.

In other West Ham news, Sky Sports pundit is surprised by David Moyes’ plans for one position. Find out more here.

Speaking to talkSPORT, pundit Gabriel Agbonlahor has dropped an enticing claim involving exciting Tottenham Hotspur talent Dane Scarlett.

The Lowdown: Famous, but barely-seen…

The 17-year-old has been heard of up and down the country and especially at Spurs since former boss Jose Mourinho handed him a senior debut in the Europa League last year.

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He became the youngest ever Lilywhites man to play a game at the top level for Tottenham, with Mourinho also calling him ‘incredible’ and a ‘diamond’ over 2020/2021.

However, despite all this potential, he has still only completed a full 90 minutes once for Spurs over five senior outings – all of which total just 144 minutes (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Agbonlahor drops Scarlett claim…

As some supporters itch for him to get more game time this season, Agbonlahor has urged Nuno to do the same thing whilst also sharing what he’s heard on Scarlett.

Indeed, the former Premier League striker has apparently heard ‘a lot of good things’ about the teenager from his sources.

“Spurs maybe should even take Kane out the team,” he explained to talkSPORT.

“If you’re a stronger manager, he doesn’t look happy, he’s not trying his hardest, he’s not playing for the team, get him out.

“Maybe put the young lad Scarlett in, I’ve heard a lot of good things about him.”

The Verdict: Exciting times for talent…

As well as Scarlett, the likes of Oliver Skipp, Nile John, Alfie Devine, Troy Parrott and Maksim Paskotski have turned heads at Spurs over the last few years (SBNation).

After the COVID-19 pandemic, a worldwide crisis which saw Spurs lose millions upon millions in matchday revenue, they could be more reliant than ever on world class youngsters emerging through their academy.

If Scarlett can have a breakthrough season, it may soften the blow if Kane eventually does depart north London.

In other news: Medical was done: Source reveals player’s summer move from Spurs fell apart at the very last minute, find out more here.

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has explained his reasoning for not playing Kalvin Phillips in their 5-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester United on Saturday.

The Lowdown: Leeds thumped at Old Trafford

The Whites were looking to make the perfect start to their Premier League season, but it ended up being a nightmare afternoon at Old Trafford.

Leeds may have equalised through a Luke Ayling stunner early in the second half, but they swiftly found themselves 5-1 down after capitulating against their rivals.

Phillips was a noticeable absentee from the starting line-up, with Robin Koch struggling in midfield, and the England international was clearly missed.

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The Latest: Bielsa explains why Phillips didn’t play

Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic after the game, journalist Phil Hay claimed that Bielsa “said Phillips’ lack of preparation time was why he didn’t feature” against Manchester United, having returned to pre-season later than some of his teammates due to his involvement in England’s run to the Euro 2020 final.

It remains to be seen whether the 25-year-old will start Leeds’ next game at home to Everton on Saturday.

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The Verdict: Phillips’ influence highlighted by his absence

If ever anyone doubted Phillips’ influence on this Whites team, you only needed to look at the manner in which their midfield fell apart against Manchester United.

Some of the marking of Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes left a lot to be desired and Leeds lacked their usual tenacity and discipline which exists when Phillips is playing. The Whites won 23 tackles yesterday – just over two per player – whereas the 25-year-old won 2.6 per game by himself last season.

The hope is that he comes back in for the Everton game, or else Bielsa could be risking back-to-back bad results to start the season.

In other news, Phil Hay has provided a key update on one Leeds player. Find out who it is here.

West Bromwich Albion have secured a deal to bring Jayson Molumby to The Hawthorns.

What’s the latest?

According to a statement posted on the West Brom website, Albion have signed the Brighton & Hove Albion central midfielder on a season-long loan deal, with a view to a permanent transfer next summer.

The statement went on to mention the fact that the Republic of Ireland international is the Baggies’ sixth signing of the summer, as well as relaying Valerien Ismael’s comments regarding the 22-year-old’s arrival.

The Frenchman said: “Jayson is the perfect example of a player who has the right mentality and suits our philosophy. He is the right player for us and we are delighted to have him.

“His skills out of possession are incredible and he gives us more volume and more possibilities in midfield, which will support us with our intensity and this is one of his strengths.

“Jayson is young but he already has a lot of experience in the Championship and with Ireland. He has the perfect profile – our new profile – to be a West Brom player and I’m delighted to have him.”

Fans will be buzzing

Following the departures of Rekeem Harper, Sam Field and Romaine Sawyers, Ismael’s side was lacking a considerable amount of depth in central midfield, with the position very much appearing to be a priority for Frenchman over what remained of the summer transfer window.

As such, the fact that the 45-year-old has now secured the addition of a player such as Molumby, who boasts experience at both Championship and international level, as well as the positional versatility which Ismael will value, is sure to have left The Hawthorns faithful buzzing.

Indeed, the £900k-rated man has previously spent loan spells with two Championship sides, the first of which came with Millwall in the club’s 2019/20 campaign.

Over his 36 league appearances for the Lions that season, the central midfielder scored one goal, registered one assist and created one big chance for his teammates, in addition to making an average of 0.9 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 0.4 key passes per game – demonstrating his all-round ability in the middle of the park.

The second of the £7.1k-per-week midfielder’s Championship loans was spent with Preston North End in the second half of last season, where he registered one assist over 15 appearances, in addition to making an average of 0.3 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and 0.3 key passes per match.

As such, Molumby would not only appear to be a signing who has plugged a gap in the Albion squad, but he is also a player who boasts a considerable amount of ability, and one who could well prove to make all the difference in Ismael’s push for promotion in what is sure to be a long and arduous Championship campaign.

West Brom fans will be delighted with the news of Molumby’s signing this summer.

In other news: Ismael must seal West Brom deal for “complete” £12k-p/w ace, he’d be an “amazing coup”

David Norris believes Liverpool will firm up their interest in Leeds United talisman Raphinha before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month.

Raphinha, 24, made the move to the Premier League from French outfit Rennes last October, with Leeds forking out £17million ahead of their first season back in the top flight following a 16-year wait.

The Brazilian went on to score eight goals and record 11 assists in an impressive debut campaign under Marcelo Bielsa.

Raphinha’s fine form has led to speculation that a host of Premier League rivals are mulling over making a move, with top Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari revealing Liverpool are at the front of a queue which also includes Manchester City and Manchester United.

However, Liverpool have yet to contact Leeds about a potential switch and Raphinha’s current employers are in a strong negotiating position as the winger’s contract has him tied to Elland Road until 2024.

Former Leeds midfielder Norris would not be surprised to see Liverpool lodge a bid.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “He’s got great ability and I think Liverpool, after last season, need something a bit different now.

“They got found out a little bit and it was always the same front three. I think they need a few players to come in and change it up.

“Liverpool need similar quality to what they already have in their current front three but a different type of player could make the difference.”

Southampton fans have been reacting to the news that Jannik Vestergaard does not want to sign a new contract at the club but there have been no serious offers for his services.

The Saints will kick off their new season against Everton on Saturday at Goodison Park, and Ralph Hasenhuttl will be hoping to see a positive performance from his players. They finished in a disappointing 15th place in the Premier League table last term – the Austrian will therefore be looking for immediate improvement this time out.

£16.2m-valued Vestergaard (Transfermarkt) was away with Denmark on international duty at Euro 2020 and has not long since returned to the club from his post-tournament break. According to The Telegraph, he has no desire to extend his contract but the club have not yet received any offers for his services.

The news was shared on Twitter by @SaintsExtra, and it attracted plenty of attention from the Gers supporters. They took to the social media platform to share their thoughts.

Let’s see what the fans had to say about the Vestergaard news below

“Get rid. salisu is ready”

Credit: @BIDDS83

“Sell and get a centre back with pace”

Credit: @stokeser

“Get rid asap”

Credit: @jimmysaint7

“That’s ‘desperation stakes’ he doesn’t want to stay… fair enough and no one wants him. Let’s be honest has only been decent since cutting his hair… “

Credit: @DaiDavies2312

“Interesting  no serious offers could end up be embarrassing for him then ?”

Credit: @HarleyACannon

“Something seriously wrong with the club”

Credit: @abowdenn

In other news, Southampton fans want to re-sign this midfielder.

Former Newcastle United star Steve Howey doubts that the club will sign Conor Gallagher this summer despite links with the Chelsea midfielder.

Gallagher seems to be at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war in this transfer window, as he has been linked with a couple of clubs.

Along with the Magpies, Crystal Palace are also said to hold an interest in signing the player, who is likely to leave on loan, as opposed to on a permanent deal this summer, per The Sun, who claim Newcastle were fighting to bring the player to St James’ Park.

Still, Howey, who played for Newcastle between 1989 and 2000, has his doubts, given that various players are linked with a move to St James’ Park only for the deals to fail to come off.

Indeed, he does not think that manager Steve Bruce has a high enough budget to be able to truly strengthen his squad this summer despite flattering to deceive last season, as they finished 12th, in mid-table mediocrity.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, Howey said: “So I mean, this lad, he’s been talked about but honestly, if you’re a Newcastle fan, and you hear the stuff and the players that the club is supposed to be going for, you would know just to take no notice of it whatsoever because ultimately that player never comes to the club.

“It only happens when you have managers that are given budgets and obviously, Steve hasn’t been given a great budget so all these players, it’s just speculation, I’ll believe it when a player arrives.”

Last week was a period of surprising news at Parkhead as Dominic McKay got to work with Ange Postecoglou on shaping the squad for next season.

On the chalkboard

The Hoops signed versatile defender Osaze Urhoghide just hours after confirming a new deal for Leigh Griffiths.

It was a strange decision for a player who has so regularly been second fiddle to Odsonne Edouard.

Some members of the Parkhead faithful were keen to see a man known as one of the best finishers at the club handed a one-year extension.

However, others were perplexed that he was going to form part of the club’s rebuild.

Griffiths has been off the pace for a while now and ended last term with just seven goals to his name.

That was one more than Albian Ajeti but you sense there would be a greater use of the club’s resources.

The solution

Celtic could look towards Vakoun Issouf Bayo following his return to the club. The Ivorian spent last season on loan at Toulouse where he bagged 13 times.

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Though, the Hoops could also dip their toes into the transfer market. The Daily Mail reported towards the end of last week that Celtic were interested in signing Hibernian forward Kevin Nisbet.

The striker made three substitute appearances for Scotland at Euro 2020, earning a place in the team after a fine campaign with Hibs.

Jack Ross is willing to do a deal but only if a willing suitor coughs up around the £4m mark.

Nisbet has progressed exceptionally well over the last 12 months, scoring 18 goals in all competitions. 14 of those strikes came in the Premiership, meaning that only Edouard found the net on more occasions in the entire division.

Speaking about the 24-year-old back in May, Frank McAvennie commented: “I would sign him, I’d love to get him but I don’t think it will happen. I like him a lot, he’s a wonderful player.

“I don’t know if he can be that focal point. For a decent price, he’s a good buy. But he’s not the finished article.”

McAvennie is right to doubt his capabilities as Celtic’s main forward but if Edouard does end up staying, he’d be a superb back-up, someone with a better recent history in front of goal than Griffiths.

He is also approaching the prime of his career, whereas Celtic’s number 9 is now into the latter stages.

At just £4m, this move would be a snip. He’s proven in the division, unlike Albian Ajeti who set the Hoops back £5m last summer.

AND in other news, Celtic submit bid to sign £3.5m gem who may end up “like Busquets”, he’s a big upgrade…

Leeds United are considering a move for Levante goalkeeper Dani Cardenas this summer, according to The Athletic‘s Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Leeds search for new goalkeeper

Kiko Casilla’s loan move to Elche next season means the Whites need to sign a replacement between the sticks, with Illan Meslier the only established option in that role.

Leeds have been linked with a move for Valerenga stopper Kristoffer Klaesson, but another ‘keeper is also reportedly in contention to move to Elland Road.

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The Latest: Whites interested in Cardenas

The individual in question is Cardenas, with Hay claiming that Leeds see both him and Klaesson as ‘suitable’ backups to Meslier moving forward.

Cardenas was limited to just eight La Liga appearances for Levante last season, finding himself behind Aitor Fernandez in the pecking order.

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The Verdict: Strong deputy to Meslier

Leeds don’t need to bring in a top-class ‘keeper – a solid backup option is all that is needed, with Meslier hopefully available for the vast majority of the Whites’ matches.

Cardenas only joined Levante in January, but they could be happy for the 1.86m (6 foot 1) Spaniard to leave this summer in order to avoid losing him for free when his contract expires next year.

He conceded a respectable 16 goals in 13 appearances for the club (1.23 per game), which is actually a better concession rate than Meslier’s 52 in 35 matches (1.49 per game) last season, so he could be a strong deputy to the French youngster.

The 24-year-old has La Liga experience to his name and he wouldn’t represent an expensive signing – he is valued at just £540,000 by Transfermarkt – so it is a move which makes plenty of sense from a Leeds point of view.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly still eyeing up a move for one player this summer. Find out who it is here.