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Man City among the clubs ‘lining up’ to sign Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham and the Premier League champions have been told his price tag.

The Lowdown: City linked…

Pep Guardiola’s team are one of the many elite sides to have been linked with a move for the 19-year-old in recent months, alongside the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Reports have suggested that City are in contention for the England international’s signature, coming as club captain Ilkay Gundogan’s future remains up in the air.

The German’s contract at Eastlands expires at the end of this season, potentially making sporting director Txiki Begiristain contemplate his successor.

The Latest: City given Bellingham price tag…

As shared by reliable journalist David Ornstein on Twitter, City are indeed ‘lining up’ for Bellingham as well as a queue of other suitors.

The Blues have also been told what it will take to land him with Dortmund setting a marquee price tag of around £132 million.

Writing in a piece for The Athletic, Ornstein and colleagues hint that City could see Bellingham as a replacement for Gundogan given the latter player may leave for free this year.

The Verdict: Perfect player…

Gundogan was Guardiola’s first ever signing at the Etihad and he has gone on to become a faithful servant, endearing himself to supporters with a real on-pitch leadership and crucial moments in big games.

However, if City are to say goodbye to him in 2023, Bellingham could be viewed as the perfect like-for-like successor.

The midfield ‘monster’, as dubbed by members of the press, has been a shining light for Dortmund yet again this season – standing out as their best player by some distance.

Bellingham ranks as their best-performer overall by average match rating, as per WhoScored, all while completing more successful take-ons and attempting a higher number of shots per 90 than any Dortmund player.

The all-round gem also has more tackles per game to his name than any other member of Dortmund’s squad (WhoScored) – further exemplifying his sheer quality.

Tottenham Hotspur are unlikely to appoint Thomas Tuchel as manager while Daniel Levy is at the club, according to CBS journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Conte leaving?

There have been reports indicating that Antonio Conte could leave Tottenham at the end of the season, with it recently emerging that he may return to the Serie A to manage Juventus.

As such, Spurs have started to identify potential replacements for the Italian, one of which being Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi, while it has also been reported that Tuchel would be open to talks.

The Latest: Update on Tuchel

Speaking to TEAMtalk about the Lilywhites’ search for a new manager, Jacobs said: “The other name I would just mention briefly, that keeps being linked with Tottenham is Thomas Tuchel.

“My understanding is that Daniel Levy doesn’t see Tuchel as a fit for Tottenham. And Tuchel himself is not necessarily pushing that one at this stage.

“So I think that Tuchel cannot be considered a likely future Spurs manager or a frontrunner in any way. At least, not for as long as Daniel Levy remains at the club.

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The Verdict: Disappointing news

While there are plenty of other managers that Tottenham could turn to, Tuchel has a proven track record managing a Premier League club, and he has also enjoyed plenty of success abroad.

The trophy-laden German won six pieces of silverware during his time with Paris Saint-Germain, and famously oversaw Chelsea’s 2020-21 Champions League triumph, after which he was given the world’s best club coach award.

Conte is by no means guaranteed to leave Spurs, with pundit Alan Hutton still convinced that he will stay, but if he does leave in the summer, then Tuchel would be an excellent replacement, and Levy should reconsider his stance.

Leeds United’s shirt sponsorship deal with SBOTOP is expected to continue next season, although the value of an agreement will be significantly lessened if they are relegated, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Leeds of the relegation zone

The Whites are in another battle to avoid the drop this season, although new manager Javi Gracia got off to the perfect start at Elland Road on Saturday.

The Spaniard guided the club to a first Premier League win since November, with a 1-0 victory over Southampton taking them out of the bottom three. Leeds are certainly not out of the woods yet, though, and the possibility of relegation may impact one significant off-field deal.

The Latest: Leeds shirt sponsorship update

Football Insider’s Wayne Veysey shared an update on Leeds and their deal with shirt sponsors SBOTOP, which was described by the club as the largest commercial deal in the club’s history when it commenced in 2020.

The report stated that the agreement looks set to continue into the 2023/24 campaign, but also contained a worrying claim that ‘the value of the agreement will be significantly cut in the event that Leeds are relegated’.

The Verdict: Worrying

The 49ers are expected to take complete control of Leeds United from Andrea Radrizzani and are planning a 10-15 year period in charge in Yorkshire.

Therefore, the prospect of relegation could massively impact the American investment arm, with details such as shirt sponsorship set to take a hit.

Everyone at the club will be hoping that Gracia guides Leeds to safety in what will be a critical three months which could have major repercussions both on and off the pitch at Elland Road.

Leeds United have enjoyed plenty of transfer success in recent years, especially in their years under Marcelo Bielsa where they operated on a shrewd budget to attain players to fit their system.

The Argentine will forever be revered for his work at Elland Road, as he led the Whites back into the Premier League after a 16-year absence.

However, it is the core of his recruitment that has left the subsequent managers with quality that has not been well utilised.

Illan Meslier stands out as one of his most impressive additions, with the Frenchman brought in for a small fee as a young unknown goalkeeper. Having essentially enjoyed a trial run in the form of an initial loan spell, the legendary manager showed an immense level of trust to hand the number one shirt to the 23-year-old. However, he struck gold with that very decision.

Indeed, although very raw, he seldom lets down himself or the managers that have come since.

As such, his value has risen exponentially. Javi Gracia is set to be the beneficiary of this, should he continue as Leeds boss for the foreseeable future.

How much is Illan Meslier worth now?

Having moved for a fee of just £5m in 2020, Meslier has gone on to feature 115 times for the Yorkshire outfit and has been ever-present.

Although this season has been tumultuous, the “rare talent” – as hailed by Phil Hay – has maintained a 6.88 average rating whilst making an impressive 74 saves across his 25 games (via Sofascore). But at the peak of his powers, during their return campaign in the Premier League, his 7.13 average rating showed just how reliable he could be.

Even an opposition manager David Moyes looked to praise the youngster during that season, as he said on Sky Sports (10:20pm, 11 December 2020): “I think the outstanding player was the goalkeeper of Leeds. His saves were fantastic and he’s looking very impressive I’ve got to say.”

A continued presence starring in between the sticks, Football Transfers unsurprisingly have set his expected transfer value at €35.5m (£31.3m). This marks an astounding 526% increase in just three years; a figure which is only set to increase as interest in him grows.

The likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, both of whom are seeking long-term replacements for their ageing shot-stoppers, have been noted as interested parties in recent times.

Gracia will see retaining Meslier as imperative in any future success he hopes to have with Leeds, but his priority in doing so will be survival.

Arsenal fans have been left wowed by some footage of Gabriel Jesus in training ahead of their UEFA Europa League first leg clash away at Sporting.

The Lowdown: In team training

Jesus has been spotted getting fully stuck in to team training after months out injured, ahead of Arsenal’s game against Sporting in the Europa League.

Mikel Arteta confirmed in his pre-game press conference that although the club will try not to rush him back, he has travelled with the squad to Lisbon, and could play a part this evening.

The Latest: Arsenal fans wowed

Taking to Twitter after footage of Jesus was shared, Arsenal fans were wowed by how sharp Jesus looks as he continues to step up his recovery:

“Ooooooooo MY 9 LOOKS HUNGRY. Can’t wait for his return.” – @Ajp08Three

“I can’t wait man, we’ve only just started.” – @Jahvon_CEO

“Tears in my eyes man.” – @JayAndreas___

“Huge news for us!” – @MGC3065

“I’m alive” – @SbuTheGooner_

“Beautiful scenes PL isn’t ready.” – @OnyangoOnyach

The Verdict: Big boost

The return of Jesus to the squad this evening, even if he does not feature, is a big boost for the Gunners for the rest of the season.

He ranks as their second-best average performer in the Premier League with five goals and five assists before his injury (WhoScored), and with both Leandro Trossard and Eddie Nketiah out injured as well, options in the forward line are light at the moment.

Nonetheless, Arteta will not want to rush Jesus back, and instead wait for him to be fully fit before introducing him into the staring line-up again.

Rangers youngster Bailey Rice is beginning to receive a lot of interest from a number of clubs across Europe, including Spanish giants Real Madrid.

What clubs are interested in signing Bailey Rice?

Reports have suggested the likes of Newcastle United and the two Manchester giants are believed to be holding an interest in from the Premier League.

However, it is apparent the interest is not only coming from the United Kingdom with the likes of Porto, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund also monitoring the 16-year-old.

Rice only made the move to Ibrox last summer having signed from Motherwell after beating their city rivals to the signing of the midfielder.

Speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast, insider Graeme Bailey has provided some insight into the level of interest in the youngster ahead of the summer:

"Michael Beale likes him a lot. He was signed from Motherwell last summer when he turned down Man City at the time, but yeah, a lot of clubs looking at him, including Real Madrid.

"I think when some good 16-year-olds come up, I think clubs know about them pretty quickly. And obviously, everyone south of the border knows about him as well. But an interesting one this guy – Bailey Rice, a defensive midfielder for Rangers. If someone comes calling, as we know with Rangers and the financial situation in Scottish football, it will be very hard for them to turn down a good offer."

Why do clubs want to sign Rice already?

Although there are said to be a number of clubs looking at Rice ahead of the summer, it seems Rangers were not the only club with him on their radar last summer.

Indeed, Bailey has claimed the current Premier League champions, Manchester City, were looking at the midfielder as an option to bring into their youth setup.

Having snapped Rice up over the summer, the 16-year-old has continued to impress in the Rangers youth side which has seen him catch the eye of Michael Beale.

Along with making 13 appearances in the Lowland League, Rice has played in the UEFA Youth League six times this season against the likes of Liverpool, Napoli and Ajax's youth sides (via Transfermarkt).

And it is these games which saw the 16-year-old handed his senior debut by Beale just last month in Rangers' convincing away win against Livingston.

Granted, the youngster was only on the pitch for two minutes, however, it is more of an indication as to the trajectory he could be in line for over the coming years, having already caught the attention and earned the trust of Beale.

With this in mind, it will be interesting to see where he feels his future may be best spent.

If a club like Real Madrid were to come in for him, it could be an opportunity too big to turn down, however, it does seem as if he could potentially be able to make an impression on the Rangers side over the coming years.

Tottenham Hotspur sporting director Fabio Paratici could well be looking to bolster the club's centre-back ranks this summer, with the Lilywhites reportedly interested in a move for Napoli sensation, Kim Min-jae.

What's the latest on Kim Min-jae to Spurs?

According to Football Insider, the north London outfit are said to be plotting a fresh approach for the South Korea international, having previously missed out on signing the 26-year-old in the past.

The report suggests that Paratici and co have seen bids for the defender rebuffed by the Serie A side in recent times, while former boss Jose Mourinho outlined that he had been keen on signing the 47-cap titan during his stint in charge at N17.

The piece adds that the former Fenerbahce man – who is attracting the interest of fellow Premier League side Manchester United – has a release clause of around £43m that is set to become active for two weeks in July, with the player having only arrived in Naples on a reported €18m (£16m) deal during the summer.

Who could Kim replace at Spurs?

Tottenham's latest league meeting away to Southampton showcased that defensive reinforcements are required if the club are to enjoy something of a revival next season, with Antonio Conte's men having shipped three goals against the relegation-threatened Saints at the weekend.

One of the many culprits in that late collapse was arguably that of England international, Eric Dier, with the long-serving stalwart having again been something of a villain on the day, winning just two of his five total duels and being dribbled past on two occasions.

That limp showing earned the 29-year-old a dismal match rating of 6.2, as per Sofascore – the lowest of any starting player among Conte's side – having epitomised what has been a disappointing season for the one-time Sporting CP ace, with journalist Ryan Taylor stating that the experienced figure is "nowhere near the required level for what Spurs are trying to achieve."

Part of a backline that has already shipped 40 goals in the top flight this season – the eight-worst record in the division – Dier, who was branded "dreadful" by journalist Alasdair Gold earlier in the campaign, could well be a figure who needs to be replaced sooner rather than later.

As such, the signing of the aforementioned Kim could well be the dream replacement as far as Paratici and co are concerned, with the 6 foot 3 rock having been hailed as the "best centre-back in the world" by Napoli boss, Luciano Spalletti.

Also lauded as an "iron barrel" by teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the one-time Beijing Guoan rock has been a key part of the Italian outfit's rampant title charge, with Spalletti's men also surging into the Champions League quarter-finals with relative ease.

Not only is Kim a real physical presence – showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 12% in Europe's top five leagues among those in his position for aerial duels won – but he is also truly comfortable with the ball at his feet, as he ranks in the top 19% for both progressive passes and progressive carries.

Dier, by contrast, ranks in just the top 24% for aerial duels won, while his woes in possession are laid bare by the fact that the Cheltenham-born brute ranks in just the bottom 34% for progressive passes and the bottom 18% for progressive carries.

That should indicate that Kim – who has kept 11 clean sheets in 26 league starts this term – represents the all-round asset that Tottenham are in need of to help shore up the backline next season.

West Ham United have been handed a boost ahead of the Premier League's resumption next weekend, as Vladimir Coufal is now expected to be fit for the visit of relegation rivals Southampton.

Has Vladimir Coufal recovered from his injury?

The right-back has been out of action since picking up a heel injury in the 4-0 win over Nottingham Forest last month, missing each of the Hammers' last five fixtures.

It has been a big loss for Moyes as he has been forced to utilise either Ben Johnson or Thilo Kehrer in that position, and neither have impressed with their performances this season, ranking as the 12th and 16th-best performers in David Moyes' squad according to WhoScored.

Hammers fans will have been hoping that the former Slavia Prague man would use the international break to get back to full fitness, but he was a surprise inclusion in the Czech Republic squad and could feature in their upcoming games against Poland and Moldova.

Czech boss Jaroslav Silhavy has provided an update on the 30-year-old's situation, which will perhaps put upset West Ham fans at ease.

He told iDNES.cz: “Vlaďs had health problems with his heel, but at the moment he is doing everything to be ready for Friday.

“Our side is in daily contact with West Ham, we exchange information and we believe that Vlad will be ready for the match against Poland on Friday.”

Should Coufal come out unscathed, then there is no reason now why he won't be able to feature against Southampton in the six-pointer at the London Stadium next weekend.

While his performances have perhaps dropped from his first season at the club when he notched seven assists in just 34 Premier League appearances, he is still a reliable member of Moyes' squad, and his attitude is exactly what the Hammers need to get out of the mess they find themselves in.

Mark Noble testified this when speaking on the Peter Crouch Pod in 2021, referring to his former teammate as a "machine", which still holds true today, as he ranks third for both tackles and interceptions in the Hammers' squad, emphasising his willingness to put everything on the line defensively.

Considering Moyes' side failed to win any of their domestic fixtures without Coufal in the side, losing to Brighton and Manchester United and drawing with Aston Villa, the £35k-per-week defender's return could prove vital for the must-win game against Southampton this weekend.

Moyes knows that he can trust Coufal and it would not be a surprise to see him back in from the start against the Saints, providing he can avoid another injury issue with the Czech Republic this week.

Cheikhou Kouyate was something of a fan favourite during his time at West Ham United but his performances since leaving suggest that the Hammers did very well to sell him for £11m.

How did Kouyate do during his time at West Ham?

West Ham signed the Senegal international from Belgian side Anderlecht in the summer of 2014, with the powerful midfielder joining in a deal worth £7m.

He quickly established himself as a regular with the east London outfit, contributing an impressive four goals and three assists in 31 Premier League appearances in his debut campaign at Upton Park.

The 6 foot 2 titan was a mainstay in the Hammers' side throughout his five years at the club, registering 15 goals and ten assists in 147 appearances in all competitions, so it was no surprise that he would earn West Ham a profit when he departed for Crystal Palace in 2018.

The Eagles would pay £11m to bring him to Selhurst Park ahead of the 2018/19 campaign but he simply wouldn't be able to replicate the form he showed at West Ham after moving across London.

During his time with the Hammers, Kouyate consistently averaged above a 7/10 rating from WhoScored for his performances in the Premier League, apart from his final season at the club, which saw him earn a strong 6.80 rating.

Journalist Sam Inkersole also summed up the midfielder's inconsistency when describing his "dreadful" performance in an embarrassing 0-0 draw with Shrewsbury Town back in 2018.

It makes it even more impressive therefore that the club were able to sell him for £11m to Palace on the back of his worst campaign as a West Ham player, and that regression has continued with age.

The defensive-minded midfielder failed to average above a 6.75 rating from WhoScored during his time at Selhurst Park and managed just three goals and five assists in 141 appearances, certainly a 'dreadful' return to quote Inkersole again. Indeed, he couldn't replicate the attacking nous he showed on regular occasions in east London.

It was perhaps no surprise therefore when Palace released Kouyate upon the expiry of his contract last summer, with newly-promoted Nottingham Forest later picking up the 33-year-old on a free transfer.

The £42k-per-week earner has managed just 12 Premier League appearances for Steve Cooper's side so far this campaign, averaging a less-than-impressive 6.50 rating from WhoScored, which has unsurprisingly seen his market value according to CIES Football Observatory drop to just €2m (£1.8m).

Therefore, while West Ham have been criticised for some of their transfer business in recent years, it seems clear that they hit the jackpot with Kouyate by selling him at the perfect time.

After previously premature suggestions that Manchester United were potential title contenders, the reality is that Erik ten Hag's side are now set for a scrap just to secure a top-four berth, following another abject display on the road against Newcastle United on Sunday.

Goals from Joe Willock and Callum Wilson secured a deserved 2-0 win for the Magpies on the day at St James' Park, with the visitors having now won just three of their last nine Premier League games.

A major concern for United at present will be their shortcomings in attack, with the Carabao Cup winners having now failed to score in each of their last three top-flight games, having also been rather lifeless before Fulham's late implosion in the FA Cup quarter-final clash prior to the international break.

While there will undoubtedly be focus on the woes of January arrival, Wout Weghorst, who has scored just twice in 19 successive starts for the club, the Dutchman was not the only forward player to have distinctly underwhelmed on Tyneside, with teammate Marcus Rashford also proving rather "anonymous" – as per journalist Thomas Hammond.

How did Rashford perform against Newcastle?

Having enjoyed a well-earned rest over the past week or so after pulling out of the England squad through injury, the 25-year-old would likely have been hoping to get back firing again against Eddie Howe's men, although was ultimately something of a spare part in truth yesterday.

The previously prolific marksman – who has 27 goals in all competitions this season at club level – produced a "really bad" display against the Tynesiders, according to journalist Thomas Alencar, with his 6.1 match rating, as per Sofascore, the worst of any United player.

That grim rating was frankly warranted as the £200k-per-week ace lost 100% of his ground duels and squandered possession on ten occasions as a marker of his woes both defensively and offensively, while his tally of 31 touches was even lower than that of teammate David De Gea (42) in the sticks.

Such a surprising lack of impact – which also saw Rashford fail to complete his two dribble attempts nor register a single key pass – was seemingly noted by his manager post-match, with Ten Hag stating that his side offered "nothing" down the left side.

The Englishman's grim outing was epitomised late on as he merely passed the ball straight into the gloves of compatriot Nick Pope after attempting to slide a teammate through on goal, having been merely 'ineffectual' on the right or left flank, as per Manchester Evening News journalist, Samuel Luckhurst.

While Rashford had previously appeared something of an "unstoppable" attacking weapon – as per his manager – on the evidence of recent games the academy graduate has been more of a blunt instrument, having now gone three league games without a goal, while also coming up short against the Cottagers.

The 5 ft 11 gem's last goal came in the Europa League, second-leg win away at Real Betis, although even that stunning effort had come following what was a 'sloppy' individual display, as per Luckhurst, with concern perhaps brewing that the wide man is beginning to lose momentum following what has been a breathtaking individual campaign to date.

Perhaps it is merely a case of injury or the result of simply being overworked, yet Rashford has not looked like his usual self in recent games – albeit with a brief downturn in performances perhaps expected after a relentless run of standout showings over the past few months.

With the Manchester native having largely shouldered the goalscoring burden on his own this season – with Bruno Fernandes the only other player to reach double figures for goals in all competitions – it now appears time for someone else to step up to the plate.

Trying to see just who that might be, however, seems rather difficult at present…