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Leeds United have confirmed that Michael Skubala will take charge of the squad at Elland Road for the foreseeable future whilst the powers at the club continue their search for the next permanent manager.

The Whites have found themselves struggling to stop themselves from being thrown in the mix for relegation in the Premier League this season with the side teetering on the edge of the bottom three now just one point clear of Everton ahead of their clash at Goodison Park this weekend.

As a result, Skubala could look to the depth in his squad to make some tweaks and tactical changes in order to ensure that the side picks up crucial points in their upcoming games to not only widen the gap with the relegation zone but to earn himself a chance of being in contention to remain in his caretaker role at the club.

Indeed, the interim manager has already proven he is capable of picking up results with a 2-2 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford last week, so putting the trust in the former youth coach to lead the side to victory over two of their relegation rivals, Everton and Southampton, in the upcoming fixtures makes sense.

One player who could finally be unleashed in Leeds’ starting eleven is club-record signing Georginio Rutter with the striker yet to make a start in the Premier League.

Patrick Bamford has been struggling to make his presence known in front of goal this season with just one league goal tallied up over his first 15 appearances and since Skubala has taken over from Jesse Marsch has found himself being hooked in the second half of the game to make way for Rutter.

Now the 20-year-old could stake his claim to the striker role for Leeds if he is given the opportunity to start when the side pay a visit to Merseyside this weekend.

Over his short career so far, Rutter has scored 20 goals and delivered 10 assists with a goal contribution every 174 minutes, proving that he is showing glimpses of consistency in his output.

Last season in the Bundesliga, the Frenchman – hailed “spectacular” by Hoffenheim sporting director Alexander Rosen – scored two goals, registered two assists and created two big chances over 15 appearances, as well as averaging 1.8 shots in total, 2.1 successful dribbles and 4.5 duels won per game.

With that being said, if Skubala deploys Rutter in the forward line in the upcoming games and the young dynamo helps Leeds secure crucial points it would be an incredible move from the temporary boss and would give Victor Orta something to consider for the rest of the season.

Arsenal are reportedly ready to make a move for Atalanta sensation, Rasmus Hojlund, this summer, albeit with the Gunners set to face stern competition for the Dane’s signature.

What’s the latest on Hojlund to Arsenal?

According to Italian outlet La Repubblica – via Sports Witness – the Gunners are said to be ‘closely monitoring’ the 20-year-old amid his bright start to life in Italy, with the former Sturm Graz man having only joined his current side for a fee of around €17m (£15m) back in August 2022.

The report suggests that the north London outfit – as well as La Liga giants Real Madrid – are preparing a ‘monstrous offer’ for the two-cap sensation, despite having only recently secured the signing of fellow forward Gabriel Jesus ahead of this season.

A further piece from Calciomercato claims that any potential deal would not come cheap, however, with the Bergamo outfit likely to demand at least €50m (£44m) if they are to part ways with the towering asset any time soon.

Could Hojlund be the next Haaland?

Arsenal’s sporting director Edu will likely have been encouraged by the striker’s adaptation to life in Serie A in recent months, with Hojlund having scored six goals and provided two assists in 19 league games this season.

The Copenhagen native – who previously scored 12 goals in just 21 games during his brief, six-month spell in Austria – most recently caught the eye as a result of his display in the win over Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico, at one stage showing remarkable speed to burst clear of the home defence, only to ultimately fire his effort straight at the ‘keeper.

Despite failing to convert that gilt-edged opening, the manner in which the promising striker tore away from those around him was truly impressive, having subsequently been lauded as “scary quick” by journalist Sacha Pisani.

Witnessing that remarkable breakaway only added fuel to the fire with regard to the 6 foot 4 gem’s apparent likeness to fellow Scandinavian star, Erling Haaland, with the latter man – who stands at 6 foot 5 and is also left-footed – having been praised for his “blistering pace” by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher.

That comparison between the pair has been noted by Hojlund himself, with the youngster having stated last year: “I see parallels between myself and Erling Haaland. He is fast, left-footed, tall, has a good nose for goal and is a classy finisher. His mentality is also completely insane!”

Those comments have since been followed by the praise of Atalanta boss, Gian Piero Gasperini, with the experienced coach providing his thoughts on the similarity between the pair: “Hojlund has this spirit, energy, intensity, but also technical quality that is just remarkable. He still has so much margin for improvement, too. He has very similar characteristics to Haaland, not just his face.”

To think that the Gunners could be able to land their answer to the Manchester City machine is a truly mouthwatering prospect, with the Norwegian superstar having been recognised as the “best striker in the world” by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

Despite some early teething problems following his summer switch from Borussia Dortmund – where he netted 86 goals in only 89 games across all fronts – the 22-year-old has still racked up 26 league goals this season so far, with 32 goals in just 31 games in all competitions for Pep Guardiola’s side.

To be able to land their own version of the ruthless figurehead in the form of Hojlund could well help Mikel Arteta’s side to build on their rampant form next season.

The onus will now be on Edu to get that deal over the line…

Arsenal have submitted a bid of around €40m (£35m) for Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to a report.

The Lowdown: Arsenal eyeing midfielder

Arsenal were very interested in signing a central midfielder during the January transfer window, going as high as £70m in their bid for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo, however their advances were rejected outright.

The Gunners continue to be linked with a move for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice, and they are now said to be in pole position for the Englishman, but Milinkovic-Savic is also a subject of interest for the north London club…

The Latest: Offer made

According to a report from CalcioMercato, the Serbian is almost certain to leave Lazio in the summer, opening the door for a move to the Premier League, and there are multiple teams eyeing a deal.

Arsenal, West Ham and Newcastle United are all said to have made bids in the region of €40m (£35m) for the midfielder, via his agent Mateja Kezman.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Hailed as ‘sensational’ by journalist Josh Bunting, the 28-year-old’s main strength is his ability inject end product from midfield, weighing in with 11 assists in the Serie A last season, while he also picked up the same number of goals.

It has been yet another strong season playmaking-wise for the Lazio ace, currently on eight assists in the Italian top flight, now ranking in the 97th percentile for assists per 90 compared to other midfielders in the past year.

After missing out on Caicedo in January, the Gunners brought in Jorginho, however he does not offer much in the way of attacking threat, averaging 0 non-penalty goals and 0.06 assists per 90.

Milinkovic-Savic is a very different type of player, with a proven track record of finding the back of the net, and Mikel Arteta should undoubtedly pursue a summer deal.

Leeds United boast one of the country’s most prestigious academies, with a youth system that nurtures talent and a pathway to the first team that has been most recently paved by the likes of Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood and Crysencio Summerville.

That’s not to mention the acquired youngsters from abroad, such as Wilfried Gnonto, who has captured the imagination this season since his summer move.

Despite the club not being where it wants to be in the Premier League, it remains an attractive place to be especially for those looking to gain a standing in the game.

With some of their recent transfer missteps too, it seems like the academy could be the only facet of the Yorkshire outfit which can truly be relied upon. January saw Jesse Marsch welcome three new faces into the first team, but it was a window largely dominated by big-money moves that dwarfed that of the Whites’.

Anthony Gordon was one in particular that raised eyebrows, as Everton seemingly stole an astronomical £45m fee from Newcastle United to tempt away their academy graduate. It marked the continued success of a rival academy, and a feat Javi Gracia might look to emulate by enlisting Sean McGurk into his squad.

Who is Sean McGurk?

The 19-year-old wide man bares many similarities to the 21-year-old scouser, with both of them having been born in Liverpool.

Gordon burst onto the scene for a struggling Toffees side, and offered flashes of brilliance but remained incredibly raw. Despite that, he remained branded as the club’s ‘starboy’, with Everton’s official account confirming as such.

McGurk seems to suffer from a similar issue but remains immensely talented. Journalist Lee Sobot even took to Twitter to dub him “a bag of tricks” after some “lovely footwork” for the U21s.

This season the teenage sensation seems poised to surpass his four goal contributions from last year, as he already boasts three from the left wing. Whilst his numbers are not incredible, the threat he poses with his unparalleled trickery is sure to frighten any full-back.

His emergence into the first team could be imminent, especially given the underperformance and injury woes of Jack Harrison and Luis Sinisterra respectively.

Should he successfully break through into the first team at Thorp Arch, perhaps he could offer even more output than the seven senior goals for the Blues that Gordon boasted to eventually command a similarly astronomical fee for the Whites.

Manchester United are showing interest in the potential summer signing of the Ajax star Mohammed Kudus.

Could Manchester United sign Kudus in the summer?

The 22-year-old midfielder currently has just over two years remaining on his deal with the Dutch side and has previously played under Erik ten Hag.

Indeed, the Ghanaian has already racked up 42 appearances under the current United boss where he was able to return five goals and four assists.

Speaking on TalkSport, insider Alex Crook has discussed the Red Devils’ potential plans for the summer transfer window and admitted the 22-year-old’s name continues to crop up in conversations.

He said: “The other name that keeps coming up is that of Mohammed Kudus. Played at the World Cup, he’s known to Erik ten Hag from Ajax.”

What does this mean for MUFC’s interest in Harry Kane?

Kudus has proven to be an incredibly versatile player during his time in the Eredivisie with the 22-year-old having already played four positions this season.

However, the majority of his game time has come as a centre-forward this season in which he has been able to return nine goals and two assists from his 16 appearances (via Transfermarkt).

In all competitions and across all positions, the Ghanaian has been able to provide Ajax with an impressive 17 goals and four assists this season.

In comparison to the likes of reported target Harry Kane, there is a fairly significant difference in their league returns with Kane having scored eight more (18) than Kudus (10) in their respective leagues.

And considering United are in need of a solid striker who will provide them consistent goals, it does feel as if – although still young – Kudus could provide a big gamble.

The Ajax forward could provide United with versatility given he is able to play as an attacking midfielder and a winger, however, United are well stocked in those departments already.

Even physically, the two forwards would offer something completely different with Kane significantly bigger than the Ajax man who measures under the 6ft mark.

Given United’s strength in depth out wide, it does feel as if it could potentially be a decision between Kudus or Kane (or an alternative striker).

And considering the experience Kane has to his name, he does feel like the more sensible option for United although he would bring his own issues as he turns 30 in the coming months.

Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is eyeing a return to Spurs, but the club’s hierarchy are apparently divided.

The Lowdown: Conte exit inevitable?

After the club’s last 16 Champions League defeat to AC Milan, Antonio Conte’s days at Spurs could be more and more numbered.

The Italian was already linked with a potential exit upon the expiry of his current deal, which is set to run out at the end of this Premier League season.

With it being unlikely Spurs are going to take up the 12-month extension option, there have been many names mentioned as Conte’s possible successor, including Pochettino.

The Latest: Spurs chiefs split over Pochettino…

According to The Evening Standard, Pochettino is in fact eyeing a return to Spurs, with there being little issue in terms of the Argentine’s desire.

However, it is also believed that the Tottenham hierarchy are ‘split’ over whether to bring him back to N17.

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The Verdict: Perfect manager…

Already knowing the club and holding a good relationship with the Spurs fanbase, we believe Pochettino is by some way the standout candidate to take over.

Currently a free agent, the move would represent a low risk one financially and the South American would also return to N17 with some medals under his belt – including a Ligue 1 title with PSG.

Pochettino now also has experience managing some of the biggest names in football like Lionel Messi and Neymar.

The 51-year-old encourages open, expansive attacking football and a philosophy which could steer Spurs away from Conte’s more pragmatic approach.

Out-of-favour Liverpool centre-back Nat Phillips will be put up for sale by the club at the end of the season, according to a latest transfer rumour.

The Lowdown: Phillips out of favour

The 25-year-old has found himself almost completely out of favour at Anfield this season, with Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez all ahead of him in the pecking order.

In fact, Phillips has only managed one start in the Premier League throughout the campaign, which came against Crystal Palace all the way back in August.

The Englishman is currently contracted to Liverpool until the summer of 2025, although it is difficult to see him becoming even close to being a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s plans any time soon.

The Reds could instead decide to cash in on the defender, with a fresh update suggesting that will be the case.

The Latest: Defender up for sale

According to Football Insider, Liverpool have decided to put Phillips ‘up for sale this summer’, having originally been ‘close to leaving’ during the January transfer window.

He only stayed on because of the Reds’ mounting injury problems at the back but he now looks almost certain to depart at the end of the season instead.

With Van Dijk and Konate now back fit, Phillips has been ‘told again that he is free to find a new club’.

The Verdict: Right time to move on

It would be a big surprise if the centre-back was still a Liverpool player at the beginning of this season, with this latest update arguably the biggest sign yet that he will depart.

In terms of his own growth as a footballer, Phillips needs to find a new challenge – a club where he is considered a key player who is part of the starting lineup week in, week out.

He is good enough to be representing either a lower-ranked Premier League side or a top-end Championship outfit, having done such a good job for Liverpool in 2020/21, being hailed as ‘absolutely insane’ by Klopp for the impact he made during another injury-hit period.

Phillips should depart Anfield as a popular figure, having always given his all and got the best out of his arguably limited ability – he had a superb average of 5.6 aerial duel wins per game in the league in 2020/21 – but it is time for him to try something new and come in as a key man elsewhere.

Leeds United Supporters Trust have shared their frustration at an off-field fixture update for the Whites.

The Lowdown: Two fixtures changed

The Whites secured a crucial Premier League victory on Saturday afternoon at Wolves, with Javi Gracia’s side winning 4-2 at Molineux. The result took Leeds up into 14th place and two points clear of safety after beginning the day in 19th position.

There was an off-field update prior to the game at Wolves, though, which has an impact on the club’s fixtures with Crystal Palace and Bournemouth in April. Leeds’ home meeting with Palace has been moved back to Sunday 9th April with a 2pm kick-off, while the trip to Bournemouth is now scheduled for Sunday 30th April with another 2pm kick-off.

The Latest: Supporters Trust fume

Leeds United Supporters Trust were quick to react to the news on Twitter after the club shared the update on their official website on Saturday morning, describing the change to the Bournemouth game particularly as ‘madness’.

‘What on earth is the rationale for moving the Bournemouth game to a different day when it’s not on TV? Madness when travel is already booked for so many! Football is for fans blah blah blah blah!’

The Verdict: Huge month

Of course, this update isn’t ideal for supporters who have already made travel plans for those games, with short notice for the Elland Road clash against Palace specifically.

These fixtures could be key in regards to Leeds’ Premier League status, though, with both Palace and Bournemouth battling at the bottom with the Whites. Two wins would be massive as the club look to avoid the drop, with Gracia’s side facing Arsenal after the return from the international break. A home meeting with Nottingham Forest follows before entertaining Palace, with Leeds looking to continue the feel-good factor under the Spaniard.

Aston Villa could well be plotting a summer bid to bolster their attack, as they seek to further back Unai Emery who has already impressed since joining in October.

The Spaniard entered Villa Park with the club in disrepute, floundering towards relegation under the struggling stewardship of Steven Gerrard.

Clearly out of his depth, thankfully for fans and players alike, he was put out of his misery, and since the Villans have become something of a barrier between the nine teams battling for safety and the rest of the league. They mark the safety point, and what half the sides in the division are striving to achieve.

With their place in the Premier League assured, it gives them the freedom to now look ahead at ways to progress further in the coming season.

One such name that has recently appeared is that of underperforming forward Tammy Abraham, who could be reborn with a move to the Midlands.

Would Tammy Abraham improve Aston Villa?

In a report by AS Roma Live, relayed by Sport Witness yesterday, the hulking Englishman has been touted with a romantic return to his former club where he starred in their return to the top flight.

Whilst the reported €40m (£35m) fee might seem lofty, the club does have form with spending big on those expected to transform their fortunes.

The 25-year-old recorded 25 goals in the Championship across just 37 games, where he would return to his parent club Chelsea to fire home 15 Premier League goals, silencing any scrutiny he might have received.

Even his move to Italy, which has faltered of late, showed initial promise, as his debut campaign saw him score 17 times in Serie A and a further nine as they won the Europa Conference League under Jose Mourinho’s tutelage.

Abraham even suggested that the Portuguese legend had turned him into a “monster”, teaching him how to “frighten defenders”. As a master of the dark arts, there is arguably no greater teacher to add some nastiness to someone's game than the Chelsea legend.

Finally, he could now be poised to come back to his homeland, to the club that gave him his platform for all the success he has enjoyed, to be the catalyst that truly helps them explode as a club.

Emery has already laid the foundation for success in the near future, with his experience and pragmatism sure to bear fruit sooner or later.

Should he add this 6 foot 3 finisher to his ranks too, then European football could start to become a real possibility given the quality they already boast.

Manchester United are determined to address their options at striker over the summer with Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen their two main targets.

Will Man United sign a new striker?

The Red Devils brought in Wout Weghorst over the January transfer window to add to their numbers following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo earlier in the season.

However, the Dutchman has failed to find his shooting boots since landing at Old Trafford having failed to find the back of the net in the Premier League (via Transfermarkt).

But it seems as if a permanent replacement for Ronaldo could be set to arrive over the summer with the Red Devils identifying their main targets ahead of the window.

Indeed, speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the two top priorities for United ahead of the summer are Tottenham Hotspur's Kane and Napoli's Osimhen:

"From what I understand, Man United's priority will be to sign an important striker in the summer, of course, but also a physical striker. So a striker that can also help on the physical point of view.

"This could be the idea and so I would keep an eye on many targets. We know the situation of Harry Kane, but Tottenham will fight to keep him, offering him a new contract – but he's really appreciated at Man United. And Victor Osimhen, these two strikers are the perfect kind of striker for Man United."

Should Man United sign Kane or Osimhen?

The Nigerian striker is naturally gaining a lot of attention on the back of his impressive 2022/23 campaign for Napoli as they look set to get their hands on the Serie A title.

In his 23 league appearances, the 24-year-old has provided a return of 21 goals and five assists with a further four goals coming in the Champions League (via Transfermarkt).

The England captain has offered a similar return for a struggling Spurs side with 21 league goals in his 28 top-flight appearances (via Transfermarkt).

What is also similar about the two strikers is neither would be made available in the summer for a cheap transfer with both Kane and Osimhen valued at over £100m.

So there will be huge pressure on United to select the right striker if they are to land either of these two in the summer given the finances that will be needed to get a deal over the line.

With this in mind, there would certainly be more confidence on the United side that Kane would be able to transition with ease to life at United having showcased consistent goal-scoring in England for years.

However, Osimhen could certainly prove a major gamble given this is his first campaign where he has netted more than 14 goals in the league (via Transfermarkt).

Both players have their pros and cons with their ages also a potential deciding factor with Spurs expected to demand over £100m for a striker who will be 30 years old in the summer.

Osimhen may be one of the most in-form strikers about, but whether he could convert his impressive 2022/23 form over to the Premier League may be a big gamble to take.