Tottenham Hotspur could be set to keep hold of Harry Kane as Manchester United are "prepared to explore other options" in the summer, per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Tottenham Hotspur transfer news – Harry Kane
Tottenham's all-time leading goalscorer has been linked with moves away from N17 before, but the recent links to United, coupled with his contract running down, felt different.
As dubbed by fellow striker Chris Wood (via Eurosport), the 'monster' has scored a ridiculous 280 goals in his 435 career appearances for Spurs, with 64 assists to boot.
This consistent output from the 6 foot 2 forward has led other clubs to monitor his situation, notably European royalty, Real Madrid.
The Spanish side have been reportedly interested in Kane since the departure of their own legendary striker, Karim Benzema.
The vacant number nine shirt at Los Blancos looked like the perfect opportunity for both Kane to move onto bigger things and for Spurs to avoid selling to a rival.
However, it appears like the Spanish club have pulled out of a potential deal because of the costs involved.
According to the Daily Mail, Spurs are looking for a fee of close to £100m for their number nine in the summer.
What has Fabrizio Romano said about Harry Kane to Manchester United?
Romano gave the update that United fans were dreading, and Spurs fans were hoping for this morning, the news that the Red Devils were prepared to cool their interest in Harry Kane.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: "Harry Kane is considered the perfect striker by Erik ten Hag. He is a big fan of Harry Kane. He considers Harry Kane as the perfect kind of number nine for the idea of football that he has, but we always said it's not going to be easy to negotiate with Tottenham.
"And today [Wednesday], we can confirm that Manchester United, after internal meetings, are prepared to explore other options for a new striker because they believe that Harry Kane is a really difficult target."
Romano goes on to explain the two major roadblocks that United see with this deal:"They believe that Tottenham have no intention of negotiating with Man United, they don't want to sell the player to Manchester United, and so the feeling at the club is that it's better to maybe look at some other option."
The second issue is price, with Romano adding:"The price, because they feel in any case, even if Tottenham would open the door for the exit of Harry Kane, it's too expensive."
How good has Harry Kane been for Tottenham this year?
England's captain and all-time leading goalscorer has had a frankly ridiculous individual season this year.
It has been massively overshadowed by the inhuman exploits of Erling Haaland at Manchester City and by the generally poor showing by Spurs as a whole, but as an individual, he has been unreal.
According to WhoScored, the Walthamstow-born striker has averaged a seriously impressive rating of 7.51 across his 38 appearances in the league this year.
His underlying statistics are fantastic as well.
According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, Kane ranks in the top 4% for progressive passes, the top 10% for shot-creating actions and the top 14% for expected goals, all per 90.
It's easy to understand why the club don't want to lose him this year, even if it means he leaves for free next summer.
For a brief moment it looked as if Manchester United had snatched victory at the death away to rivals Arsenal, as teenage starlet Alejandro Garnacho stepped off the bench to produce a simply clinical finish to quieten the home crowd.
Wearing the boots that his idol Cristiano Ronaldo had worn when terrorising the Gunners in that Champions League semi-final triumph in north London back in 2009, the 19-year-old appeared to have emulated his former teammate by stealing the headlines this time around, clinching what would have been a much-needed win for the Red Devils.
Alas, the tightest of offside calls ultimately cut the Argentine's celebrations short as Erik ten Hag and co were left to reflect on what might have been had Casemiro's pass been made a fraction earlier, or had the winger begun his run a split-second later.
Alejandro Garnacho
As it is, that composed finish counted for nothing in the end, albeit while having yet again illustrated to those at Old Trafford just what a talent they have on their hands, with the club having truly hit the jackpot when signing the Madrid native back in the summer of 2020.
How much did Man United pay for Alejandro Garnacho?
The teen superstar was snapped up during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's time in charge just under three years ago, with the then-Atletico Madrid youngster arriving alongside two other Spanish talents in the form of Real Madrid's Alvaro Fernandez and Barcelona's Marc Jurado.
Among that trio of deals, the latter man is no longer on the books at the Theatre of Dreams after signing for Espanyol this summer on a permanent deal, with elegant left-back, Fernandez has been sent out on loan to Granada, despite the injury crisis involving Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
As for Garnacho, the wing wizard – who cost a measly £420k at the time – has already established himself as a prominent figure in Ten Hag's first team ranks, having chalked up 39 senior appearances since making his debut as a stoppage-time substitute at home to Chelsea back in April 2022.
It is fair to say that since making that move under Solskjaer's watch the forward's valuation has soared dramatically, with it hard to underestimate just what a bargain capture he was for the Red Devils.
What is Garnacho's market value?
Not only was 5 foot 11 gem signed alongside Fernandez and Jurado, but he was also part of a summer influx that included the acquisitions of both Amad Diallo and Facundo Pellistri, with the pair joining from Atalanta and Penarol, respectively.
In the case of Amad, the Ivorian gem – who didn't actually arrive in Manchester until January 2021 – has gone on to make just nine appearances for United following his £37m switch, with the 21-year-old currently valued at just €15m (£13m), according to CIES Football Observatory.
As for Pellistri, the diminutive winger was snapped up by Solskjaer and co from his native Uruguay on a £9m deal, although like the man above the 21-year-old's impact has also been rather limited, having been restricted to just 12 first-team outings over the past three years.
Goal vs Real Sociedad (Europa League – 03/11/2022)
Assist vs Aston Villa (Carabao Cup – 10/11/2022)
Assist vs Aston Villa (Carabao Cup – 10/11/2022)
Goal vs Fulham (Premier League – 13/11/2022)
Assist vs Bournemouth (Premier League – 03/01/2023)
Assist vs Everton (FA Cup – 06/01/2023)
Assist vs Manchester City (Premier League – 14/03/2023)
Goal vs Leeds United (Premier League – 12/02/2023)
Goal vs West Ham (FA Cup – 01/03/2023)
Goal vs Wolves (Premier League – 13/05/2023)
Stats via Transfermarkt
That has ensured that the Montevideo-born speedster is now worth as little as €5m (£4m), with those two rather costly deals having paled in comparison to the low-cost addition of the sparkling Garnacho, who is now said to be worth €50m (£43m) – as per CIES.
Such a stellar figure represents an increase of roughly 10,138% since his move from Atleti, with that signing seemingly one of the few astute transfer moves that United have made in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
Why is Garnacho worth that much?
There may even be those of a United persuasion who believed that the £50k-per-week talent is worth even more than that £43m figure, particularly with the fleet-footed dynamo having only recently signed a new contract extension until the summer of 2028.
That bumper new deal had come amid reports that Real Madrid were sniffing around in the hope of prising the in-form ace from Old Trafford, with Los Blancos having previously captured Ronaldo from the club back in 2009.
Such interest in Garnacho's talents has emerged due to his apparent likeness to the Portuguese icon, having been described as being like a "young Cristiano" by treble winner Paul Scholes after being handed his full senior debut against FC Sheriff in the Europa League last season.
That competitive first-team bow had come after the player had shone in academy ranks during the 2021/22 campaign, notably firing the club to a first success in the FA Youth Cup since 2011, after scoring seven times and providing just three assists in just six games in the competition.
The two-cap international was particularly instrumental in the showpiece victory over Nottingham Forest after scoring twice on the day in front of a record-breaking home crowd, having proved just why he is seemingly a man for the big occasion.
How many goals has Garnacho scored for Man United?
Described as a "full-back's nightmare" by MUTV pundit Febian Brandy, Garnacho soon kicked on from that FA Youth Cup success despite enjoying little involvement during last season's pre-season tour, having been punished by Ten Hag for being late to team meetings.
A stunning winner at the death in the EFL Trophy win over Barrow early last season seemingly illustrated that the dynamic menace was destined for a more a prominent role in the first-team, with that chance soon coming against the aforementioned Sheriff.
The teenager truly announced his arrival to the wider world just prior to the World Cup break back in November, however, having clinched victory for Ten Hag's side in added time away to Fulham, latching onto Christian Eriksen's threaded pass before calmly slotting home
That eye-catching burst and finish remains one of just five goals that Garnacho has scored to date, albeit with those efforts notably including a late winner in the FA Cup against West Ham United, as well as away to bitter rivals Leeds United at Elland Road.
The emerging Red Devils poster boy also provided the assist for Marcus Rashford's clincher in the Manchester derby victory back in January and he currently has five assists in total from his 39 outings so far, indicating just what a weapon he can be from the flanks.
Of course, the next step is for Garnacho to establish himself as regular fixture in the starting XI, although it would be no surprise if that promotion was to occur sooner rather than later, thus helping to bolster his already sizeable market value.
Chelsea talks are ongoing to sign Brighton star Moises Caicedo this summer and the player is "ready to agree" personal terms, according to reliable journalist Nizaar Kinsella.
Who will join Chelsea this summer?
Mauricio Pochettino, after Chelsea's lacklustre and regrettable 2022/23 Premier League campaign, is aiming to transform the west Londoners back into a major force.
The Blues couldn't even muster a top-half finish last season and ended the campaign without any silverware, coming just two years after they were crowned champions of Europe.
Despite owner Todd Boehly and co spending north of £520 million on transfers since the summer of 2022, it appears Chelsea have work to do if they wish to reach the heights of Man City or Arsenal.
Pochettino's arrival also marks the beginning of a new era, though, and Chelsea are apparently working to back the Argentine this summer.
Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson, after drawn-out negotiations, is now reportedly set to become a Chelsea player with reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano even giving his famous "here we go".
Meanwhile, it has been reported that Caicedo of Brighton is another firm transfer target.
Chelsea are apparently favourites for the Ecuador international and reliable reporter Kinsella of The Evening Standard has shared a promising update.
Writing for the outlet, Kinsella claims that the Stamford Bridge side are "making good progress in negotiations" and Caicedo is "keen" to join Pochettino.
The 21-year-old is also "ready to agree personal terms", with the player side proving to be no issue, though club-to-club talks over a transfer fee are proving more complicated.
After already rejecting a £60 million bid from Chelsea, it is claimed that Brighton are holding out for a fee closer to £100 million for their prized asset.
Caicedo, though, has a verbal agreement with Roberto De Zerbi for his manager to stand aside and green-light an exit – if a suitable offer arrives that is.
What's been said about Moises Caicedo?
Averaging more tackles per 90 than any Brighton player last season, the South American star has proven to be a capable midfield enforcer and rock solid in the middle of the park (WhoScored).
Enrico Castro-Montes, a vying football historian of Ecuador, has also detailed just how highly-rated Caicedo is in his homeland. Indeed, the midfielder is apparently seen as a cross between N'Golo Kante and Paul Pogba.
"Caicedo covers the whole field. He is much more eye-catching," said Castro-Montes (Het Niuewsblad via Sport Witness).
"There will be a lot of pressure on Caicedo’s shoulders. His nickname in Ecuador is ‘La Joya’, the jewel. In his own country, he is really seen as the crown jewel of a new generation.
"That’s also how they describe him in Ecuador: a cross between Kanté and Pogba."
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in making a move for Southampton talisman, James Ward-Prowse this summer, with the Englishman facing an uncertain future at St Mary's following the club's recent relegation.
What's the latest on Ward-Prowse to Spurs?
According to the Daily Mail, the Lilywhites – as well as the likes of Aston Villa and West Ham United – are said to be admirers of the 28-year-old, with the Saints already said to be preparing themselves for offers from Premier League clubs after their drop into the second tier was confirmed at the weekend.
As per the report, the influential midfielder's current deal – which is set to run until 2026 – does not contain a relegation clause, with the south coast unsurprisingly still keen on keeping hold of the long-serving asset despite the prospect of life in the Championship.
That being said, however, the piece goes on to add that the playmaker's reported £100k-per-week salary could prove rather 'pricy' for the newly-relegated side next season, with that potentially opening the door for the likes of Spurs to pounce.
Should Spurs sign Ward-Prowse?
Aside from the search for a new permanent manager at N17, the major concern for Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will be the uncertainty surrounding Harry Kane's future at the club, with the 29-year-old the subject of interest from Manchester United with just a year left on his existing contract.
The hope will be that the club's record goalscorer will opt to stay put in north London beyond the end of this season, with the signing of Ward-Prowse, in particular, potentially set to be a key factor in tempting the England captain to remain in the capital.
The additon of his compatriot could well represent a dream signing for Kane such is the midfielder's ability to provide quality service, with talkSPORT pundit Darren Ambrose going as far as to suggest that if "you sign James Ward-Prowse, Harry Kane stays".
Tottenham's Harry Kane
As Ambrose claimed, the arrival of the "set piece master" – as hailed by broadcaster Maximiliano Bretos – could give Spurs' talisman "an extra ten goals a season" due to his deliveries, with that likely to be a mouthwatering prospect as far as Kane is concerned.
Lauded as the "perfect player that Spurs need that goes from defence to attack" – according to Ambrose – Ward-Prowse would be a real asset to his Three Lions colleague as he arguably has the "best delivery in the league", in the words of teammate Jan Bednarek.
The Portsmouth-born gem – who is valued at around £17m by CIES Football Observatory – has notably created nine big chances this season as a marker of his devastating, creative brilliance, with that a better record than what the current midfield pairing of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (five big chances) and Oliver Skipp (zero big chances) have achieved combined for Spurs this term.
As such, it is clear to see that the 5 foot 8 sensation would represent a "great fit" for the club – as per journalist Pete O'Rourke – and potentially for Kane, with Levy needing to ensure that a deal is wrapped up sooner rather than later for the "unbelievable" talent, as hailed by ex-Saints man, Oriol Romeu.
Fulham and manager Marco Silva appear to be pursuing a late move for Arsenal defender Rob Holding as news emerges before deadline day.
Who will Fulham sign?
The west Londoners have undergone a fairly solid start to this new Premier League campaign, having sealed a win, draw and loss over their trio of opening league games.
Their most impressive results have come most recently, though, with Fulham sealing a dramatic late draw away to title contenders Arsenal courtesy of a last gasp equaliser from midfielder Joao Palhinha.
Fulham have also just knocked high-flying Tottenham out of the Carabao Cup second round, as Tete's decisive spot-kick sealed a penalty shoot out win and their place in the draw's third-round on Tuesday night.
There is clearly momentum to build upon with these results as Silva's side attempt to improve on last year's mid-table finish, and they have been tipped to be one of the busier clubs over these last few days of the transfer window
Indeed, having already sealed deals for Calvin Bassey, Raul Jimenez, Adama Traore and Timothy Castagne, Fulham are believed to also be chasing late deals for Sevilla striker Lucas Ocampos and Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi.
Speaking late last month, Silva highlighted the need for further additions, with former star striker Alexandar Mitrovic since joining Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
"Unfortunately, we need many still. We have some important players injured,” Silva said.
“I hope they can come sooner. We have just two full backs, we need a midfielder too and we have just two wingers so we need another two wingers."
According to a report this week, Fulham also want to bolster their central defensive ranks once more after the signing of Bassey, coming as Tosin Adarabioyo remains linked with a late exit.
Holding, who will be allowed to leave Arsenal amid "significant" interest across Europe, is one player being targeted by Fulham for this role.
This information comes courtesy of 90min, who claim that Fulham have already approached Arsenal over signing Holding in the form of an enquiry.
Arsenal defender Rob Holding.
As well as Fulham, clubs from La Liga, the Bundesliga and Ligue 1.are also eyeing a late move before September 1, with Holding now entering the final year of his Arsenal deal which expires in 2024.
The Englishman's contract, though, contains an optional clause to extend it by a further 12 months.
How good is Rob Holding?
Holding has struggled to fight his way into Arteta's plans this season, with Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Ben White all ahead of him.
However, the 27-year-old has been praised for his influence and value behind-the-scenes. Journalist Charles Watts, speaking after Holding stepped in for the injured Saliba last term, called him a "very valuable" member of the dressing room.
"Clearly, people who were there [at the Emirates] said he played well," said Watts last season.
"And he's no Saliba, there's no doubt about it, but as a squad player, I think he's a very valuable, and really, really influential figure behind the scenes. Everyone loves him at Arsenal.”
Perhaps a second chance to assert himself on the pitch at Fulham is needed.
Leeds United remain on the search for a new manager after the club decided to part ways with Sam Allardyce following their relegation from the Premier League.
The Telegraph recently reported that former Norwich City head coach Daniel Farke is on their shortlist to replace the former England boss. The German chief left Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach at the end of the 2022/23 campaign.
He is a proven Championship winner who could come in and provide the Whites with the lift they need to secure an automatic promotion straight back to the top-flight.
Farke won the second tier in both 2018/19 and 2020/21 and amassed a staggering 57 wins and 191 points combined to help the Canaries back to the big time, with the second one coming off the back of a relegation from the Premier League in 2019/20.
Would Daniel Farke be a success at Leeds?
The 46-year-old head coach could be a success at Elland Road as the club currently have a player who could be his next version of Norwich legend Teemu Pukki in Georginio Rutter.
During Farke's two title-winning campaigns with the Yellows, the Finland international plundered an eye-catching 55 goals and 14 assists in 84 appearances.
The experienced centre-forward led the promotion charge for the German chief with his astonishing ability in front of goal, which was aided by the 33-year-old's intelligent movement to run off the shoulder of defenders and race onto through balls.
Leeds forward Georginio Rutter.
Rutter, who failed to score in 11 Premier League matches for Leeds, has not showcased the same prolific form in England as of yet but the 21-year-old has the potential to be Farke's next Pukki.
Talent scout Jacek Kulig previously hailed the "powerful" French striker's "great" movement of the ball and his "blistering pace", whilst he described the former Rennes starlet as "clinical" in front of goal.
The £36m club-record signing has previously displayed his quality at the top end of the pitch. During the 2021/22 campaign, Rutter scored eight goals from seven expected goals (xG) for Hoffenheim, which shows that the exciting youngster outperformed the level of chances that were being sent his way.
Therefore, Farke could unearth the £70k-per-week dynamo's full potential at Leeds as the promising centre-forward has a similar style of play to Pukki – as they both use their excellent movement and speed to generate openings in front of goal – and the head coach has proven himself capable of designing a system to get the best out of that type of striker.
This means that Leeds could end up with their own version of the prolific Championship marksman by appointing the former Norwich boss to help Rutter find his feet on the pitch.
Chelsea have brought in a couple of big-name signings so far this window, with Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku undoubtedly bolstering their attack, but at least one more new forward could be en route to Stamford Bridge.
Who have Chelsea signed recently?
Confirmation of Nkunku's arrival from RB Leipzig had long been expected when it finally arrived last month, with that swiftly followed by the arrival of Jackson from Villarreal.
Kai Havertz and Mason Mount have both departed since the end of last season, however, while David Datro Fofana has been loaned to Hertha Berlin and Joao Felix has returned to parent club Atletico Madrid.
New head coach Mauricio Pochettino could therefore do with another player who can play in the forward line, and 90min suggests that man could be Egyptian winger Ibrahim Adel.
The Blues are said to be keeping tabs on Adel, who plies his trade for Egyptian side Pyramids, but a number of other Premier League clubs – Liverpool among them – may also be tempted to make a move.
Who is Egyptian winger Ibrahim Adel?
Adel had been relatively unknown given he has first four years in senior football in his homeland, but he is now on the radar of numerous elite clubs after being named Player of the Tournament at the recent Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations.
The versatile winger has scored 20 goals across 60 Egyptian Premier League appearances in the past three seasons, giving him a nice rounded average of a goal every three games.
While that number may not exactly jump out, particularly given the level he is playing at, the 22-year-old showed at the U21 AFCON that he is one of the hottest talents outside of Europe.
Liverpool winger Mo Salah.
Comparisons with Mohamed Salah may seem lazy, but there is more to them beyond the fact they are both simply Egyptian.
Indeed, Salah was not much younger than Adel when making his first appearance in one of Europe's top five leagues with Chelsea at the age of 21.
Salah made 36 appearances in his homeland for Al Mokawloon prior to joining Basel and then Chelsea, scoring 11 goals. That tally highlights that a player's goal return early in their career cannot be a sole indicator of what is to come.
Adel, who at 5 foot 10 is an inch taller than Salah, has already been capped four times by his country at senior level and has played alongside the Liverpool superstar.
Pyramids director of football Mahmoud Fathallah previously described Adel as a "huge talent for [the club] and for Egyptian football", but it remains to be seen how long the African side can keep hold of their prized asset.
With a history of signing emerging Egyptian talent in Salah – albeit from a European side, rather than directly from Al Mokawloon – Chelsea could be about to do so again.
Unlike with Salah, the Blues will just be hoping it is they who reap the rewards should that happen, rather than one of their domestic rivals.
Leeds United have been handed a boost after learning that one of their players could feature for his country tonight despite an injury scare, according to a reliable journalist.
Leeds injury news
The Whites currently have Stuart Dallas on the sidelines with a longer-term injury as it stands, whereas Sam Byram who, despite being out with a hamstring problem, is expected to return to domestic action early next month so it won't be too long before he's back in contention.
On a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur, Djed Spence is another who has recently been in the treatment room and he remains a doubt ahead of Friday evening’s game vs Rotherham United in the Championship, but there has been some more positive news regarding another senior squad member.
During last Thursday’s 7-0 victory over San Marino, Wilfried Gnonto was forced off the pitch for Italy’s U21s whilst holding his thigh which will have caused initial concern among supporters because it looked like he had sustained a problem.
Daniel Farke’s left-winger first put pen to paper last summer from FC Zurich and he’s since gone on to make a total of 39 senior appearances to date (Transfermarkt – Gnonto stats), and if the following update is to be believed, the 20-year-old luckily shouldn't have to wait long to make his 40th outing despite his scare.
Wilfried Gnonto available for Italy
Taking to X on Monday, Leeds reporter for The Yorkshire Evening Post, Joe Donnohue, stated that Gnonto has seemingly avoided a serious injury and could feature for Italy’s U21s vs Ireland this evening.
He wrote: “Understand Gnonto has remained with the Italy squad and could feature tomorrow night. Appears the 20 y/o has escaped any sort of significant damage and should be available for #LUFC this weekend, all being well.”
Leeds United forwardWilfried Gnonto.
Leeds handed huge boost over Gnonto
Whilst Gnonto has only started six games this season in the Championship (WhoScored – Gnonto stats), Leeds will know that he’s still capable of performing at a high standard, therefore, it will come as a massive boost for Farke to know that he hasn't suffered a serious injury.
The Verbania native has posted 10 goal contributions (five goals and the same number of assists) in 39 first-team appearances following his arrival, posing a threat to the opposition’s defence regardless of whether the end product isn’t always there.
The Elland Road outfit’s £20k-per-week earner (Leeds salaries), currently ranks in the 99th percentile for progressive carries (FBRef – Gnonto stats), highlighting his desire to push his team as high up the pitch as possible by using his pace to dribble past his marker.
Gnonto’s versatility to operate everywhere across the frontline and also in three roles in the midfield is another attribute that makes him a “nightmare” for defenders to deal with, according to football talent scout Jacek Kulig, so the fact that he isn’t set for a spell on the sidelines is a big plus for the club in West Yorkshire.
Leeds United were relegated from the Premier League on Sunday afternoon as they fell to a disappointing 4-1 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, on a day when they simply had to win.
Players at Elland Road were unsurprisingly booed off on a shocking end to a dreadful campaign, with Sam Allardyce's appointment doing little to stem the run of terrible results and schoolboy defending, as the Yorkshire outfit shipped 11 goals in just four games under the experienced Englishman.
While it will be difficult for Leeds fans to pick out any positives from a nightmare day at Elland Road, the performance of Adam Forshaw was a promising one on what was likely to be his final appearance at the club.
How did Forshaw play against Tottenham Hotspur?
The 31-year-old, who is out of contract next month, has spent much of the campaign sidelined through injury but showed his quality on a day when many Leeds players simply failed to show up.
As per Sofascore, the Englishman would earn a solid 7/10 rating for his performance, which was the joint-best of any Leeds player to feature in the game, with Georginio Rutter also earning a 7/10 from the bench after contributing the assist for Jack Harrison's second half goal.
The £20k-per-week asset saw plenty of the ball on Sunday afternoon, registering 93 touches and completing 54/62 passes, which was a dramatic increase on his season average of 18.4 passes per game.
Leeds United boss Sam Allardyce.
The former Middlesbrough man also contributed four key passes, which again is a significant increase on his season average of 0.7 key passes per game, and suggests that he was the chief creator on Sunday afternoon from midfield.
He could hardly be blamed for Leeds' defensive woes against an inspired Harry Kane, as he also contributed two tackles and one interception, which suggests that he was one of few players to actually do their job on the final day.
It was no surprise therefore that during BT Sport's coverage of the game, Gary McAllister described him as Leeds' "best player" and suggested that he was the only one who had "stood up" for the Yorkshire outfit in the first half.
While Leeds' multi-million signings showed little to no fight, Forshaw was one who put his all into the game, and it may just make the incoming manager consider whether he is worth a new short-term deal this summer, as he can leave Elland Road tonight with his head held high.
Chelsea may let Mason Mount leave Stamford Bridge this summer 'if he's not willing to commit' his future to the club and sign a new contract, according to journalist Paul Brown.
What's the latest transfer news involving Mason Mount?
As per Sky Sports, Manchester United are said to be the 'leading contenders' in the race to sign Mount if he is to depart his boyhood club in the summer.
The report states that Liverpool are also keen on his services while talks over a contract extension, with his current £80,000 per week terms set to run out in 2024, have not yielded an agreement from either party.
Mount is said to favour a move to Old Trafford over other potential destinations, as per The Athletic, which also include Arsenal, who are believed to be monitoring his situation.
Prospective new Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is an admirer of Mount and would like to keep him in SW6; however, he may be powerless to stop the Portsmouth-born star from leaving the Blues if no solution is found to extend his deal.
Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Brown has suggested that the notion of Mount leaving Chelsea is becoming a likely prospect by the day.
Brown told FFC: "Talks have clearly not gone well between him and the club. Talks have been going on for months and months and not really got anywhere at all and I think the owners would be willing to let him go if he's not willing to commit to the club. I just think it feels like a situation where he is probably going to leave. The new incoming manager might have a say in this. He might be able to sit down with Mason Mount and say, I want you in this team, this is the role you'll play, but it does feel like Mason Mount might be leaving this summer to me."
Should Chelsea keep or sell Mason Mount this summer?
Mount is a talented player and that is reflected in the calibre of sides interested in his services; nevertheless, his contract wrangle at Chelsea has gone on for far too long and they may have no choice but to sell him to avoid losing the England international on a free transfer in 2024.
This term, the 24-year-old has made 35 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea, netting three goals and supplying a further six assists, as per Transfermarkt.
Despite a difficult campaign collectively at Stamford Bridge, Mount has still been able to impose his presence in midfield and has won an average of 1.4 challenges in the Premier League, according to WhoScored.
FBRef also note that Mount has also been an effective provider of chances for his teammates, having successfully carried out 83 shot-creating actions in 2022/23.
Nevertheless, it looks as if someone else may be the beneficiary of his capabilities from next season unless there is a drastic change in progress surrounding his contract situation.