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Leeds United should be one of the Premier League clubs targeting Tottenham striker Will Lankshear if they want to sign a forward with a similar profile to Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Lankshear’s loan spell at Oxford United has concluded after the end of the Championship season last weekend.

He was unable to help the U’s avoid relegation to League One, but won plaudits throughout the campaign for his impressive individual performances.

Several unnamed top-flight clubs are tracking his availability ahead of the summer if Spurs do not see a place for him in their squad.

Leeds’ transfer plans are bound to include signing a striker, and Lankshear himself has shown why they should be one of the teams eyeing a move.

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Leeds should be in the mix for Will Lankshear after Dominic Calvert-Lewin comparison

Lankshear bagged 12 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions for the U’s, and won their Young Player of the Year award for his impressive performances.

He is now regarded as a top-end Championship forward who would clearly thrive in a much stronger side than relegation-threatened Oxford.

The 21-year-old has now proven himself in the second tier, and a new report from PA claims that numerous Premier League sides are ready to pounce if Tottenham let Lankshear leave this summer.

Any decision on his long-term future at Spurs will not take place until they know which division they will be in next season, but Leeds should be in the mix for his signature based on his own view of his playing style.

According to The Sun, back when Lankshear was set to leave Arsenal’s academy in 2021, he chose to join Sheffield United because he valued their ‘track record of successfully moulding other physical centre-forwards such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin.’

The similarities between the pair are pretty striking, as they are both imposing, aerially dominant figures who are adept with their back to goal and can find the net regularly.

Leeds’ style of play under Daniel Farke is pretty set in stone after such a successful second half of the season playing 3-5-2, yet Calvert-Lewin’s back-ups have left a lot to be desired.

Neither Lukas Nmecha nor Joel Piroe have consistently impressed this season, and they are both different profiles to Calvert-Lewin, which works as a disadvantage for Leeds.

Lankshear’s arrival at Elland Road would clearly make a lot of sense, so the Whites should be in the mix to sign him this summer if Spurs allow an exit.

Which other strikers have Leeds been linked to ahead of the summer?

It is clear that Leeds will be eyeing at least one centre-forward signing this summer, with more goals on the agenda, having drawn the second-most amount of games in the Premier League this season.

Sources have told Football Insider that Ayase Ueda is a key target for the Whites as he shines at Dutch club Feyenoord.

Juventus’ Lois Openda has also been linked to Leeds, with Piroe expected to leave following an unsuccessful campaign in the top flight.

Lankshear would be a much cheaper alternative to those linked, but his potential could be worth investing in if Leeds are given the green light by Tottenham.

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Tottenham’s decision makers can not be taking any credit for the hire of Roberto De Zerbi after back-to-back Premier League wins.

That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking to Football Insider, who has called this season a “comedy” for Spurs.

De Zerbi’s Spurs are now unbeaten in three league matches, and a 2-1 win at Aston Villa last time out lifted them above the relegation zone.

With three league games remaining, Spurs hold a one-point advantage, and a superior goal difference, over 18th-placed West Ham.

Spurs hired De Zerbi at the end of March with the north London club in the relegation zone, following the disastrous reign of interim boss Igor Tudor.

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Tottenham chiefs ‘breathing a sigh of relief’ at Roberto De Zerbi hire

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – reminds Spurs that they are not safe yet, and there is still work to do for De Zerbi.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness does praise De Zerbi for rallying the squad, which has been hit by numerous injuries this season.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Spurs are breathing a sigh of relief after every 10 minutes when they haven’t let goals in.

“The executives can’t take any great credit for the comedy that’s been this season at all and the way things have been handled. So I don’t think there’s any credit to be taken, and Spurs are nowhere near safe yet.

“As we know from last weekend, one swing of a win and a loss for West Ham and Spurs can put things in a completely different situation. So there’s no credit to be taken. But De Zerbi is acquitting himself with credit and that has been well received the way he’s got the players and I still maintain the injuries they’ve had to face have been absolutely incredible, and I feel very bad for them about that.

“But still, De Zerbi is getting credit, and he does deserve that credit for at least rallying the threadbare squad he’s got to make a fight of it.”

Tottenham’s owners must be prepared for cash injection

Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson told Football Insider that Spurs’ owners would have to inject £100million into the club if they are relegated to the Championship.

That is due to a predicted drop in revenue of around £200m in the Championship, with broadcast and commercial income set to decrease.

Borson would expect Spurs to win the Championship comfortably, even if multiple star players were to leave the club this summer.

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Roberto De Zerbi must fix Tottenham Hotspur discipline problem, Premier League safety depends on it

Roberto De Zerbi has fixed several problems since arriving in North London, but Tottenham Hotspur are far from Premier League safety.

Spurs have moved one point clear of the relegation zone after claiming a 2-1 win at Villa Park on Sunday, 3 May, pushing West Ham into 18th with just three games of the season remaining.

There is now a growing confidence that the Lilywhites will still be playing Premier League football next term, but there remains plenty of time for twists and turns before their fate is sealed.

Tottenham still have to play Leeds United, Chelsea and Everton, but what became clear against the Villans is that the manager needs to address some foolish decisions from some of his players.

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Tottenham must cut out stupid cautions in the Premier League

Spurs finished the game with five yellow cards to Villa’s two after 90 minutes at Villa Park. Samuel Barrott was the man in charge, and had it been someone else, cautions might have been flying.

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While yellow cards are a normal part of the game, Randal Kolo Muani was booked for delaying the restart after just 27 minutes, and Mathys Tel was punished for kicking the ball away.

Although Conor Gallagher was also carded for delaying the restart, his happened in the sixth minute of added time, stopping Unai Emery’s side from taking a quick free kick and allowing his teammates to reset.

On another day, Muani and Tel’s decisions could have landed them in hot water, especially given the temperature of the game at Villa Park. Spurs’ discipline could still come back to bite them.

Premier League survival is now in the hands of Roberto De Zerbi

Supporters from up and down the Premier League were predicting Spurs would drop this season, with very few able to predict where any points would come from in the end-of-season run-in.

With just three games left, however, the onus is now on West Ham to flip the script, having moved into the relegation zone ahead of a difficult clash with table-toppers Arsenal on Sunday, 10 May.

Football Insider understands that, whatever happens, West Ham are backing Nuno Espirito Santo, which would suggest that those behind the scenes are resigned to playing Championship football next term.

Spurs and De Zerbi have Premier League safety in the palm of their hands, but one small mistake from any of the players and it could be the most disappointing end to the campaign.

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Micky van de Ven: Man United in hot pursuit of deal to sign Tottenham star

Micky van de Ven is growing increasingly likely to leave Tottenham this summer with Manchester United the latest club to join the race for his signature.

The 25-year-old could seek a move away from North London regardless of whether they remain in the Premier League after another miserable season so far.

Spurs moved above West Ham and out of the relegation zone with a win last time out, but survival may not be enough to keep their best players.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that United are interested in signing Van de Ven as they aim to bolster their defensive options.

Concerns about some of their current centre-backs have forced them to assess their options in the market, and Van de Ven could be an ambitious target for Man United.

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Could Micky van de Ven quit Tottenham for Man United?

Football Insider exclusively revealed in March that Van de Ven is unhappy at Tottenham and their attempts to extend his contract have proved unsuccessful.

While Spurs remain in control over his future, as his current deal is set to run until 2029, there is no shortage of clubs looking to prise him away.

After Man United secured qualification for next season’s Champions League, they are determined to bolster their squad, with Van de Ven now in their sights.

“Persuading players to join Man United has never been a problem,” Brown told Football Insider.

“But being in the Champions League next season will be a big boost to the club financially and in terms of going and getting players to improve the squad.

“There are a few priority positions in the team, and one of them is at centre-back.

“They’ve got Harry Maguire for another year, but who’s going to play alongside him? They’ve got the young lads, Heaven and Yoro, who have been very impressive.

“But the senior players, Martinez and De Ligt, they’re not sure about because of the injury issues they’ve had and they’ve struggled with consistency.

“Going into next season, they want an experienced and reliable centre-back alongside Maguire, and that’s why Micky van de Ven is somebody I’m told they’re looking at.

“He might leave Tottenham even if they stay in the Premier League because he wants to play at a higher level, and Man United can offer him that.

“He would be an ambitious target but he’s somebody they like in a position they need to strengthen, so it’s something they have to look at.”

Which other clubs could move to sign Van de Ven?

Despite emerging interest from Man United, they are not alone in their pursuit of Van de Ven and will face rival interest both in the Premier League and abroad.

Football Insider revealed in March that Liverpool are keen to sign Van de Ven and were handed a boost as Barcelona may be unable to meet Spurs’ demands.

Arne Slot is believed to be a big admirer of the defender, and the addition of a new centre-back has become a priority for Liverpool after a disappointing season.

Barcelona, meanwhile, are also aiming to strengthen at the back as they close in on the La Liga title, but their financial issues may prevent them making a move.

Premier League clubs are believed to be in strong positions financially compared to their European rivals, but Van de Ven’s likely destination is still unclear.

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Sunderland ‘confident’ of Robin Roefs staying put despite Tottenham plan for deal

Sunderland are “confident” of keeping goalkeeper Robin Roefs despite Tottenham Hotspur adding him to their summer shortlist, sources have told Football Insider.

The Black Cats have fielded interest in their first-choice stopper in recent months, and Spurs are the latest member of the Premier League elite to join the race to sign him ahead of next season.

The Lilywhites have earmarked the 23-year-old as a strong candidate to become their number one for next season, but sources say that Sunderland are set to make it difficult for them to strike a deal.

Regis Le Bris’ side have made strong progress on the pitch this season, and their hope is that their long-term project will convince Roefs that he is in the right place for his development.

Tottenham’s interest in Roefs comes as part of their bid to find a new goalkeeper for next term, but they are expecting it to be difficult to tempt him into a move without the offer of European football.

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Who else is on Tottenham’s goalkeeping shortlist?

Football Insider revealed Tottenham’s interest in Roefs on Monday, as they have become the latest club to earmark him as an ideal target.

The North Londoners are well aware that any remote chance of landing the Dutchman this summer will evaporate if they are relegated from the Premier League, but they gave their hopes of survival a huge boost by winning at Aston Villa last time out.

Roberto De Zerbi and Co. are looking to revamp their options between the posts with Guglielmo Vicario on his way out, and they have a number of top-flight glovemen on their radar at the moment.

Tottenham have considered both Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen and Manchester City’s James Trafford in recent weeks, while Roefs has now become the latest to join their list.

The position has been unsettled for Spurs this season, and has been one of the many problems that they faced in the squad amid what has been a dismal campaign in the league.

Roefs would provide a strong and highly-rated option to act as the last line of their defence next term, but any attempts to sign him are set to meet resistance from Wearside.

Tottenham eyeing discounted Joao Palhinha deal

Football Insider revealed last weekend that Tottenham want to re-negotiate their purchase clause for Joao Palhinha before making an attempt to sign him permanently this summer.

The Portuguese arrived on a season-long loan from Bayern Munich last summer, with the option for that move to be turned permanent for £25million included as part of the initial deal.

The 30-year-old has been in and out of the team throughout the campaign, but returned to start in the crucial victory over Aston Villa last weekend.

Tottenham remain interested in the idea of keeping him long-term, but they will only act on that interest if Bayern are willing to sanction a reduction in that £25m agreement.

The Lilywhites are expected to try and enter negotiations with the German giants in the coming weeks, but it will need co-operation from both parties if a fresh deal is to be struck.

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James Tavernier: Rangers star eyes ‘big pay-day’ as Tottenham move ruled out

James Tavernier is eyeing a significant pay-day with his next club as he prepares to leave Rangers ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 34-year-old has been linked with a move to a number of Premier League clubs including Tottenham, but they have no plans to make a move as things stand.

Concerns about his age have put English clubs off of a move, but are not expected to cause any major issues as the right-back eyes a move elsewhere.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Tavernier could land a significant pay packet if he makes the move to Saudi Arabia.

A number of clubs in the Middle East, as well as in Greece and Turkey, are keeping a close eye on the right-back while Rangers are accelerating their transfer plans.

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Could Tottenham complete a deal for James Tavernier?

Football Insider revealed on 28 April that Tavernier could snub a Premier League move despite reports claiming a number of English clubs are interested in him.

The Rangers captain will turn 35 in the early stages of next season and top clubs are unwilling to make the move as he begins to wind down his career.

Instead, a move to Saudi Arabia is most likely as things stand, and they will be boosted by the news that the likes of Tottenham are not joining the race.

“James Tavernier has had a fantastic career,” Brown told Football Insider.

“He’s done a brilliant job for Rangers over a period of time, scoring and creating so many goals from right-back and always being a key part of that side.

“He’s very highly regarded in the game, but I would be very surprised if any Premier League club made a move for him let alone a club like Tottenham.

“He’ll be 35 by the end of the year, and I can’t imagine many clubs are going to their sporting directors saying lets bring in this 35-year-old right-back.

“Being available on a free makes it more of an option than it may have been otherwise, but regardless, I don’t see any top club looking to bring him in at this stage.

“I think at his age and after deciding to leave Rangers, Tavernier is going to be looking for a big pay day in Saudi Arabia or somewhere like that.”

Where could Tavernier go after leaving Rangers?

Interest in Tavernier’s situation is not only coming from the Saudi Pro League, with clubs across Europe set to join them in their pursuit of the right-back.

A number of clubs in Turkey and Greece are hopeful of luring him in, having been long-term admirers despite missing out when he previously opted to remain at Ibrox.

Football Insider revealed on 24 April that Panathinaikos are interested in Tavernier and could make a move to bring him to Greece when the window opens.

Rafa Benitez is believed to be keen to land the right-back this summer, but amid concerns about his job security at the moment, the deal could become complicated.

That will come as a boost to his other suitors, however, as Tavernier continues to assess a number of options and will make a decision in the summer.

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Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a move for Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs if they remain in the Premier League this summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The Lilywhites are in the market for a new first-choice shot-stopper this summer, and the 23-year-old is seen as a strong option and someone that the recruitment team admire.

The North Londoners have also considered moves for Manchester City’s James Trafford and Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen in recent months, and sources say that Roefs has now been added to their shortlist of options.

However, Sunderland are likely to try to resist a sale ahead of next season, as they are reluctant to lose the Dutchman after a hugely impressive debut campaign in the Premier League.

Tottenham’s transfer plans are heavily dependent on their ability to survive relegation, and a move for Roefs will immediately become out of reach if they fall into the Championship.

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Who else is being linked with Robin Roefs?

Tottenham gave their hopes of Premier League survival a huge boost on Sunday night, when they won 2-0 away at Aston Villa to climb out of the relegation zone.

West Ham’s 3-0 defeat to Brentford had left the door open for Roberto De Zerbi’s men, who took full advantage to put themselves in a strong position heading into the final three games of the season.

Spurs’ renewed hope of beating the drop has coincided with them outlining Roefs as a key target for their summer business, but they are certainly not alone in their interest.

Football Insider revealed at the start of March that Chelsea are chasing Roefs, as they look to find the solution to a position that has been problematic for them in recent seasons.

The former NEC Nijmegen stopper is also on the radar of both Liverpool and Manchester City after his debut campaign in England, as he has been a crucial factor behind Sunderland’s promising season.

Tottenham are now also viewing Roefs as a strong option this summer, but it is already clear that a deal will not come cheaply for any of the interested parties.

How much would Tottenham have to pay for Roefs?

Football Insider revealed back in February that Sunderland are expecting bids in excess of £50million to come in for Roefs this summer, such is the level of interest that has built up.

The Black Cats only paid £11.5m to sign him last summer, but it already looks inevitable thay they will net a significant profit on him whenever he does move on.

That could be this summer if Tottenham are to get their way, but that will only be a possibility if they can get themselves over the line on the pitch in the coming weeks.

De Zerbi’s men have breathed new life into their fight for survival with back-to-back wins, but they still have plenty of work to do if they want to have any chance at landing some of their top targets this summer.

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Morgan Rogers may have to be sold by Aston Villa this summer so that the club can afford a complete rebuild of the squad.

The winger has been one of Villa’s best players this season, and this form has been noticed by other clubs.

As a result, a £100million summer move has been touted in the upcoming transfer window.

However, Villa have made it clear that they do not want to sell the England international, especially with a Champions League campaign potentially on the horizon.

Nevertheless, the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday exposed how bad Villa’s depth is, and a major rebuild is needed.

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Aston Villa lack quality players in their depth

Villa’s performance against Spurs was simply awful.

For a club that had only won one Premier League game in 2026, Unai Emery’s side did little to threaten them.

Much of this is down to the manager rotating the team ahead of the Europa League semi-finals on Thursday.

However, it also showcased how poor some of these players are, with stars like Ross Barkley and Ian Maatsen having awful games.

With Champions League qualification looking likely, Villa simply need to improve the overall quality of the squad if they are going to balance Europe with domestic football next season.

As a result, selling Rogers may have to happen, with the money then being used to buy several quality players who can provide depth throughout the squad.

Who is interested in Morgan Rogers?

Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Bayern Munich are eyeing Rogers this summer transfer window.

The Bundesliga outfit have a “concrete” interest in the Aston Villa winger, 23, as they lay the groundwork for more marquee captures.

The German giants have had plenty of success in buying stars from the Premier League in recent years, with Harry Kane and Michael Olise being big hits.

Rogers is open to a move to the Bundesliga and may even prefer the transfer over a fellow Premier League side.

Manchester United and Chelsea are also reportedly interested in the winger, as they aim to also improve their team.

However, it remains to be seen how the Rogers saga will unfold, with Villa clearly keen to keep hold of their biggest star as it stands.

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Tottenham have not been able to overcome their mounting injury list this season as they look to secure their Premier League status.

That is according to ex-Everton, Aston Villa, and Aberdeen chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that Spurs have been “unlucky” with injuries.

Xavi Simons is the latest Spurs player facing a long spell on the sidelines following an ACL injury he picked up against Wolves.

Spurs have been missing James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski throughout the season, whilst captain Cristian Romero will also be missing the final matches of the campaign with a knee injury.

Spurs’ injury list is a blow to manager Roberto De Zerbi as he looks to keep the club in the top flight, with their win at Wolves last time out their first league victory of the calendar year.

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Tottenham ‘have had the rough end’ of injuries this season

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that injuries have played their part in Spurs’ poor form this season.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks that the north London club have had “real problems” dealing with the amount of injuries that players have been suffering.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “I checked into this. There’s a Premier League injuries website that looks at the injuries for each team.

“There are 18 clubs that have got six or less injuries at the moment or players on the actual injury table. Spurs have got 10. They’re the biggest and the highest by far, and they’ve had this problem all season.

“Thomas Frank had it, and Spurs have been really unlucky with injuries this year and that’s a lot to do with it and that’s got to be said even right from the start with Maddison. That was a blow to them straight away, and they’ve had real problems, and that shouldn’t be forgotten.

“We know it’s all part of the game, other clubs have to do it, but as I say, when you look at the number of injuries on that website, it did strike me clearly that Spurs have had the rough end of this by far.”

Tottenham keen to agree permanent Joao Palhinha deal

Midfielder Joao Palhinha has managed to stay away from any long-term injuries at Spurs during his loan spell from Bayern Munich.

The 30-year-old has appeared 29 times for Spurs this season, and the club want to agree a permanent deal with Bayern Munich this summer.

Sources have told Football Insider that Palhinha is likely to stay at Spurs if they survive Premier League relegation.

Spurs want to negotiate a lower fee with Bayern Munich than the £25million option to buy included in his loan agreement.

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Joao Palhinha is likely to stay at Tottenham Hotspur beyond this season if they can renegotiate the terms of his loan deal and survive relegation from the Premier League.

Palhinha’s quality has been questioned by fans and pundits throughout this season as Spurs have struggled near the bottom the top flight.

The 30-year-old Bayern Munich loanee has popped up with some key moments in their battle for survival, though, with a late winner against Wolves last weekend to keep them close to safety.

Tottenham hold a £25million option to buy Palhinha this summer, but as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, they want to lower that figure before signing him permanently.

The next month will be vital to Tottenham’s transfer plans, and he is not likely to stick around if they suffer relegation to the second tier.

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Tottenham want to sign Joao Palhinha for less than £25m if they stay up

Palhinha was regarded as one of the best holding midfielders in the Premier League during his time at Fulham, but his stocks have fallen in the last two seasons.

Spurs’ fanbase remains divided over signing him this summer, with the club aiming to lower his transfer fee before securing his services permanently if they survive relegation.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Right now, Palhinha’s future remains uncertain. It probably will depend on whether Spurs can secure Premier League safety.

“They do have an option in there to sign him on a permanent basis from Bayern Munich as part of that loan deal.

“I think they paid a decent loan fee with that option (to buy) in there for around £25million. So for Spurs, if they can renegotiate that and get it on lower terms, it’s maybe a deal that they will be interested in.

“If Spurs stay up and they can renegotiate that buy option, then there’s a real opportunity that Palhinha could extend to stay.”

Coventry City line up James Maddison move after Championship promotion

Maddison has spent the entirety of this season on the sidelines after tearing his ACL, but is currently closing in on a return to action when Tottenham need him most.

The 29-year-old is one of several Spurs stars facing an uncertain future as they battle against relegation, with an exit looking likely if they do go down.

Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Coventry want to sign Maddison this summer as they prepare to return to the top flight under Frank Lampard.

Maddison was born and raised in Coventry and started his career at the club as a youngster, so a move could appeal, but it remains to be seen if it would be financially viable.

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