‘Leeds and Premier League rivals learn Middlesbrough’s asking price for Finn Azaz’

Leeds are among a number of Premier League clubs interested in Finn Azaz, with Middlesbrough expected to demand a hefty sum for the midfielder.

Daniel Farke’s side were promoted to the Premier League after winning the Championship, topping the table on 100 points.

Manor Solomon scored a 95th-minute winner against Plymouth, to ensure that the Elland Road outfit pipped Burnley to the title, with Scott Parker’s side going up in second.

In the play-off final, Sunderland beat Sheffield United 2-1 at Wembley, with Tommy Watson’s injury-time winner firing the Black Cats back to the top flight.

Manor Solomon scored a 95th-minute winner against Plymouth, to ensure that the Elland Road outfit pipped Burnley to the title, with Scott Parker’s side going up in second.

In the play-off final, Sunderland beat Sheffield United 2-1 at Wembley, with Tommy Watson’s injury-time winner firing the Black Cats back to the top flight.

Middlesbrough expect big fee for Azaz

Azaz moved to Middlesbrough from Aston Villa in January 2024, and he has impressed during his time at the Riverside.

This season, the Ireland international racked up 12 goals and 11 assists, and was the league’s seventh top scorer despite playing as a number 10.

According to the You Are My Boro podcast, Premier League clubs will need to stump up at least £15million to prise the midfielder away from Teesside.

Host and Chief Sports Writer Scott Wilson said: “(£15m) was the number that came into my mind, I don’t think you sell him for less than that.

“I think if a club comes in and offers you £8m-£10m for Finn Azaz, that’s not going to turn your head.

“His numbers are very good, and it still feels like he’s a player that has plenty of development potential.”

Leeds set for busy summer

Football Insider Verdict

Both Leeds and Bournemouth are rumoured to have an interest in Azaz, who came up through the ranks at West Brom before being bought by Aston Villa.

Farke’s side are clearly in the market for a number ten, after it emerged that Leeds are interested in Gustavo Hamer, who was part of the Sheffield United side beaten in the play-off final.

It will be a test for any of the promoted teams to stay up next season, as in the previous two campaigns, all three coming up from the Championship have been immediately relegated.

Football Insider exclusively revealed that Leeds could spend £100m over the summer, in an attempt to buck the trend and avoid the drop back down to the second tier.

It’s all well and good spending the money, but if the recruitment isn’t top quality, then Farke will have no chance trying to compete in the Premier League, so the Yorkshire side must get the incomings right.

‘West Ham ready to sell Mohammed Kudus after big-money deal agreed’

West Ham could be set to sell Mohammed Kudus after a big-money deal has already been agreed at the London Stadium. 

The Ghana international, who is under contract until 2028, is understood to have a release clause that will be active for the first 10 days of July.

Under the terms of the clause, the 24-year-old could join European sides for £80million, Premier League clubs for £85million and Saudi teams for £120million.

However, Football Insider revealed on 30 May Kudus will block a move to Saudi this summer as he wants to stay in Europe.

The winger enjoyed a strong start to life in east London after joining from Ajax for £38million in 2023, having registered 14 goals and nine assists in the 2023-24 season.

He was unable to continue that form into the latest campaign after recording five goals and four assists as West Ham slipped down the Premier League table.

Graham Potter’s side ended the season in 14th place after several players failed to impress at the London Stadium.

West Ham ready big summer overhaul

West Ham are preparing for another big overhaul this summer as they look to compete higher up the table next season.

It has been revealed the Hammers have completed the permanent signing of Jean-Clair Todibo from Nice for £32.8million.

The obligation-to-buy clause was activated in the 25-year-old’s loan agreement after the east London club secured their Premier League status.

That is a significant amount of money gone from the transfer budget at the start of the window for a player who largely underwhelmed during his loan spell.

The centre-back started in just 22 of his 29 appearances, with the Hammers struggling defensively throughout the campaign.

Although West Ham aren’t facing any immediate profit and sustainability (PSR) issues, the Todibo deal means the club could have to sell players before they can buy this summer.

Kudus is likely to be at the top of that list due to the money his sale could generate.

West Ham plan to accept Mohammed Kudus offer

Former London Stadium scout Mick Brown told Football Insider West Ham will accept offers for Kudus this summer.

Aside from captain Jarrod Bowen, the Ghanaian is the Hammers’ most sellable asset and there has been plenty of interest in securing his services.

Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle United are understood to be among the clubs keeping a close eye on his situation at the London Stadium.

It feels almost inevitable West Ham will cash in on Kudus if they receive a reasonable offer that allows them to strengthen their squad this summer.

Youri Tielemans reacts to Nottingham Forest star Matz Sels’ message

Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans has reacted to a message shared by Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels.

Sels helped Forest secure a Conference League spot by maintaining 13 clean sheets in 38 Premier League appearances this term.

Meanwhile, Tielemans notched a return of five goals and 10 assists in 53 outings across all competitions this season as Aston Villa reached the Champions League quarter-finals and FA Cup semi-finals.

The Premier League duo will hope to be named in the Belgium lineup for their World Cup qualifier against North Macedonia on Friday, 6 June.

Aston Villa ace Tielemans reacts as Nottingham Forest’s Sels shares message on international duty

After their trip to North Macedonia on Friday, Belgium host Craig Bellamy’s Wales on Monday, 9 June in a match that pits Sels and Tielemans up against fellow Premier League stars such as Brennan Johnson.

Taking to Instagram [4 June], the Nottingham Forest goalkeeper posted a photo in international training, captioned: “Back to work!”