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Tottenham Hotspur icon Aaron Lennon is reportedly back coaching at his boyhood club Leeds United.

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The former winger is among the most successful players to have been produced by the conveyor belt of youth talent in LS11.

He made his senior debut for Leeds as a 16-year-old but was sold to Spurs two years later amid financial difficulties at Elland Road.

A decade in North London and 21 England caps followed, as did spells with Everton, Burnley and Kayserispor.

Initial spell back at Leeds United

Lennon hung up his boots in 2022 and in May 2024, appeared to back where it all started.

He was part of the coaching team as Leeds’ under-18s faced Manchester City in the FA Youth Cup final, but did not end up staying in the role.

In an interview with Spurs’ media team, Lennon explained: "I did my ‘B’ coaching licence last season and started on my ‘A’. I was coaching Leeds’ under-18s last season (2023/24), which I really enjoyed.

“I decided not to do that this season though as I’m due to become a dad again any day now. We already have a three-year-old, so it’s the time to just enjoy being a dad.

"I’ve been doing some punditry as well, which I have really been enjoying. I’m looking to do more of that this season and also take up the coaching again when the time is right."

Back for a third time

According to Leeds Live, Lennon has returned to Thorp Arch to take on a coaching role in the under-18s set-up.

Many of the players in Leeds’ under-18s squad may well have watched Lennon in the Premier League as they grew up and he has a wealth of experience to pass on.

The jet-heeled wideman made over 400 appearances in England’s top flight, scoring 36 goals and registering 58 assists.

Lennon has followed Jonny Howson in becoming a former Leeds player now looking to nurture the next generation of talent at Thorp Arch. Howson took on a player-coach role in the under-21s squad in the summer following the expiry of his contract at Middlesbrough.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ahead of Fulham in the race for Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney.

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The 23-year-old has developed at a frightening speed since his burst on to the scene during the 2022/23 campaign.

He has become a talismanic figure in Middlesbrough’s midfield, delivering displays that have singled him out as one of the division’s top talents.

However, his meteoric rise has been a double-edged sword for Middlesbrough. Speculation regarding his future has been persistent, with a clutch of Premier League clubs having been linked.

There was even talk of interest from Porto earlier this year, although a switch to Portugal did not materialise.

Hayden Hackney’s Premier League admirers

According to TEAMtalk, Fulham are showing interest in the former England Under-21s international.

However, Manchester United and Tottenham are both believed to have raced ahead of the Cottagers in the hunting pack.

As Hackney continues to progress, it is thought only the bigger clubs will be able to lure the midfielder from the Riverside.

The Red Devils and Spurs have reportedly kept a close eye on his progress, with a view to potentially making a move in 2026.

Middlesbrough’s chances of keeping their star man

Losing Hackney would be a blow for Middlesbrough having invested so much in his development. Fans could end up finding solace in the fact a hefty fee would be required to secure his signature.

As for the club’s chances of retaining their coveted asset, promotion may be required. Middlesbrough currently sit top of the Championship table and may need to stay there to fend off suitors.

This season, Hackney has appeared in all eight of Middlesbrough’s league fixtures. He has taken his total appearance tally in the club’s colours to 122 and taken his goal tally to 11.

Leeds United will again be without the key trio of Daniel James, Willy Gnonto and Lucas Perri for Saturday's Premier League visit of Tottenham Hotspur.

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The news on James' ankle injury was revealed by his Wales manager, Craig Bellamy, but forward Gnonto and goalkeeper Perri have not recovered from the problems which have kept both out recently.

Harry Gray, who is yet to make his senior debut, but has been an unused substitute in recent matches, is also a doubt to face his brother Archie's side.

Gnonto has missed the last two games, and Farke confirmed the Italy international does not need surgery.

"I have to confirm that Daniel James will be out for a few weeks," said the Leeds manager.

"He sadly has rolled his ankle in training, so the doctors say he's likely out for four to six weeks. So that means realistically we would just expect him back after more or less the November international break.

"If he was perhaps available even before for one or two games, it would be a nice little bonus and a surprise.

"But he's definitely out for a few weeks. That's of course not great news.

"Willy Gnonto will also miss this game.

"His calf problems are not sorted. He's not back in team training so there's no chance to involve him. He will sadly just be back after this upcoming international break.

"There are a few question marks over Harry Gray because he reported some problems with his hip flexor right after he played on Monday (for the under-21s).

"We're not sure at the moment if he will be available for Saturday."

Perri is progressing, but Karl Darlow will retain his place at the weekend.

"Lucas Perri was back in team training yesterday (Wednesday),” confirmed Farke. “That's definitely good news.

"I think the international break will be beneficial. We have two more weeks of training and I expect him to be available on the other side of the international break."

Saturday's game will kick off at 12.30pm, and is live on Sky Sports.

Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk has reportedly been looked at by Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion.

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The 26-year-old has spent the entirety of his senior career at Elland Road, amassing 164 appearances and lifting the Championship trophy twice.

His partnership with Joe Rodon in the heart of defence was crucial in Leeds’ last promotion-winning campaign and he has managed to fend off competition for his spot this term.

Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw both arrived at Elland Road in the summer, but have been unable to dislodge Struijk or Rodon.

Interest in Leeds United defender

According to reporter Graeme Bailey, Struijk’s progress has not gone unnoticed. Tottenham and Brighton are both said to have cast an eye towards the former Netherlands youth international, while it has also been suggested Brentford could make a move.

Bailey told Leeds United News: “I never got a feeling he was going to leave. [Daniel] Farke made him feel wanted. I don’t think that’ll [new contract] be far off. He’s a fabulous player. He does attract interest. You know, Leeds have to be careful.

“We know the likes of Brighton have looked at him in the past and you know, if they lose a Jan Paul van Hecke, would they look at Struijk? We know that Tottenham looked at him as well.

“Left-sided centre-backs are worth their weight in gold. If Brentford lose Nathan Collins they could come in. Leeds will be looking to extend him because there’s an awful lot of clubs who would take him.”

Pascal Struijk’s career to date

Struijk joined Leeds from Ajax in 2018, initially cutting his teeth in what was then known as Leeds’ under-23s side.

He soon moved into the senior set-up and has since established himself as a senior figure at first-team level.

Despite being born in Belgium, Struijk represented the Netherlands at youth level and made their provisional senior squad for the 2022 World Cup.

He did not make the final cut but a continuation of his development in the Premier League could propel him into contention.

A GAME against his parent club could be Damola Ajayi's chance to shine in north London on Wednesday.

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The 20-year-old playmaker is yet to start a League One game for Doncaster Rovers since joining on loan from Premier League Tottenham Hotspur in the summer.

But like many managers, Grant McCann has used cup ties to rotate his squad, and Ajayi has kicked off all three of Doncaster’s so far this season, scoring in the 4-0 League Cup first-round win at Middlesbrough.

So with Spurs giving permission for him to play against them, and with fellow No 10 Harry Clifton Doncaster's only confirmed absentee for Wednesday's third-round game, the stage is set for the youngster.

McCann says Ajayi’s failure to start a league game should not be taken as a lack of faith in the skillful forward, whose only other senior goal was for Spurs en route to last season's Europa League success – just an indication of the adjustment he is having to make for League One football.

"He's really impressive, Damola," said McCann. "Every game he's played in he's got better.

"He's understanding what he needs to play at this level. Me and Damola speak all the time and I was saying to him about (under-) 21s football.

"We'd love to have a 21s team here but 21s football is a bit, 'you have it, we have it, you have it, we have it.'

"Damola's probably got thrust into it (league football) a wee bit, though he's had a sample of first-team football. So, he's just figuring it out.

"He will get many opportunities to be in our team for sure this season. We didn't bring him here just to sit on the bench all year.

"He's getting better all the time, Damola.

"He was excellent last week when he played against a strong Lincoln team (in a behind-closed-doors friendly) who were similar to us really, just the lads who haven't been in their team. They've got a strong group down there.

"He's going to have a good loan here for sure. We just need to keep working with him.

"It was good of Tottenham to give us the green light on that."

McCann has told his players they have nothing to fear.

"Nobody in the country will give us any hope of going there and doing anything,” he said. “There's no pressure at all on us and hopefully we play our game and see how it goes.”

Right-back Jamie Sterry is a doubt with a stiff back.

DONCASTER Rovers manager Grant McCann admits that he is delighted to see Thomas Frank get an opportunity of one of English football's ‘top five or six clubs’ at Tottenham Hotspur - even if he does not want to witness too much of his tactical acumen on Wednesday night.

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Rovers make their first-ever visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for a third-round clash in the EFL Cup, with Rovers being two divisions and 48 places below Spurs in the current league pyramid.

On the last occasion that McCann pitted his wits against Frank in the capital, it was a level playing field in the Championship back in August 2019, when McCann's Hull City’s side drew 1-1 against Brentford, with the Dane's outstanding feats with the Bees over a number of years earning him the Spurs job.

McCann, back at Rovers for a second spell, said: "He did an unbelievable job at Brentford and they just got better every year and their recruitment was outstanding and everything behind the scenes at that club was set up to go and hopefully produce at the top end of the Premier League.

"It's nice to see him get an opportunity at a big club. I am not saying Brentford aren't, but they are not one of the top five or six clubs, I would say. He's certainly deserved that.

"It doesn't surprise me. I remember playing against him and his teams when he was at Brentford and in the old Brentford stadium when we went there and I think we drew and Jarrod Bowen scored. I remember sitting in the office afterwards and having a beer with him and he's just a genuine guy.

"I've sort of kept in touch with him a wee bit on and off over the years. He was speaking to me about when he signed (Keane) Lewis-Potter from Hull and things like that when I was at one of the Football League awards (nights).

"He's a really good guy and it doesn't surprise me how well he is doing. He's got a really hood way about him and his teams are really exciting and good to watch.

"It looks like he's changed the way (he plays) and he's adaptable in terms of how he plays. It was a bit of a 3-5-2 at Brentford and now it's more of a 4-3-3 and expansive at Tottenham.

"It just shows his capabilities and he can adapt to what he's got."

You have to go back almost half a century to December 1975 for the last time Rovers called it at Spurs. They lost 7-2 in a League Cup quarter-final tie at the old White Hart Lane.

While Spurs are sure to rotate personnel, Doncaster still face a huge ask to record a cup shock against a squad which is littered with quality players.

Asked which players stand out for him, McCann, whose side will be backed by 3,900 visiting fans in North London, added: "Yes, all of them!

"They have got some top players, they really have. Just watching the games and how quickly they move and break in transition...

"It will be a really good, fascinating game and one where we have to be at our very, very best to get anything. We will go and enjoy it.

"It will be a special occasion and hopefully we will put on a really good show on and enjoy it, playing in a top, top stadium.

"I have been there once myself and it's an unbelievable place, it really is. Just coming into the place, it's amazing. I am really looking forward to the challenge."

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed a fresh loan challenge for Leeds United and Sheffield United-linked winger Manor Solomon.

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The 26-year-old had been linked with a move back to Elland Road, having spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan in LS11.

There was also talk of interest from Sheffield United before Crystal Palace made a move in the dying embers of the summer window.

However, a proposed switch to Selhurst Park collapsed late on and Solomon has now moved overseas.

New move for Manor Solomon

La Liga outfit Villareal have confirmed the loan capture of the Israel international, who did not appear set for regular minutes at his parent club.

He will spend the entirety of the 2025/26 campaign in Spain, with the hope he can prove his worth to Spurs.

In a statement, his parent club said: “Manor Solomon has joined Villarreal CF on loan for the 2025/26 season.

“Joining us in July, 2023, Manor made his debut for us the following month as we ran out 2-0 winners over Manchester United in the Premier League. He has made six appearances in our colours to date.

“The 26-year-old spent last term on loan at Leeds United, making 41 appearances and scoring 10 goals as they earned a return to the top flight by clinching the Championship title. To date, Manor has 44 caps to his name for Israel, scoring on seven occasions.”

Contrasting deadline days

Sheffield United may not have signed Solomon, but did end the summer window with a flurry. Among the later arrivals were ex-Sheffield Wednesday defender Mark McGuinness and former Rotherham United winger Chiedozie Ogbene.

Leeds, meanwhile, had a nightmare deadline day as they missed out on the signing of Welsh wideman Harry Wilson.

The 28-year-old appeared close to joining the Whites from Fulham, only for the deal to fall through.

SHEFFIELD United have completed the signing of Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga, with the 26-year-old signing a three-year deal.

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Tanganga’s arriva follows on from the addition of ex-England striker Danny Ings and the pair will be available for Saturday’s Championship trip to Middlesbrough.

The centre-half was not involved in the Lions’ win at Bramall Lane last weekend due to speculation over his future, with Millwall boss Alex Neil, speaking afterwards, stating that things had ‘moved on’ with the player.

On heading to United, Tanganga, who started his career at Spurs, said: "Sheffield United is a big club with a lot of history. I am just excited to be here, and I can't wait to get started.

"The club was so close last season, it's a great group of players. Sometimes in your career you have to make certain decisions, and I think this one is the right one for me.

"I've spoken to the manager and he's shown me the way he wants to play and how he sees me playing and fitting into the team.

"The players here are amazing, I've seen them, I've played against them and, like I said, I'm just excited to get started.”

"After leaving (Spurs) it was important that I went somewhere where I had that platform to play week in, week out. Millwall gave me that, and that's all I wanted to do. I just want to continue that up here now at Sheffield United."

Leeds United and Burnley have reportedly shown interest in ex-Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur forward Timo Werner.

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A senior Germany international, Werner cost Chelsea a reported £47.5m when he made the move to England from RB Leipzig in 2020.

He notched 23 goals in 89 appearances across two years at Stamford Bridge, eventually returning to RB Leipzig in 2022.

Werner was back in London last season for a loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur but after just three goals in 41 outings, has returned to his parent club.

Interest in Timo Werner

According to German outlet BILD, the 29-year-old has been the subject of enquiries from newly-promoted Premier League outfits Leeds and Burnley.

Clubs in France, Italy, Turkey and Saudi Arabia are also believed to have shown interest, with Werner’s future currently up in the air.

The report claims he is no longer in the frame at RB Leipzig, suggesting a move could materialise.

Leeds United’s forward department

Leeds have bolstered their frontline with two free transfer signings this summer, recruiting Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The latter recently made his Whites debut against Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup, missing his penalty in the shoot-out won by the Owls.

Joel Piroe is also at Daniel Farke’s disposal, as is the highly-rated teenager Harry Gray. Patrick Bamford remains under contract but has been frozen out, while Mateo Joseph is out on loan at Mallorca in Spain.

Leeds have also signed the versatile Noah Okafor, who can operate up front or out wide, but debuted on the wing against Arsenal.

Leeds do need to strengthen in the final days of the window, although it has been suggested they are chasing a winger and an attacking midfielder rather than another frontman.

Farke’s men will return to action on Saturday (August 30), hosting Newcastle United at Elland Road.

Leeds United promotion-winner Manor Solomon could reportedly leave Tottenham Hotspur.

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There is less than a week to go until the transfer window slams shut, but it is not yet clear where Solomon will spend the campaign.

He was loaned to Leeds last season, breathing life into his career after an injury-plagued period.

The 26-year-old was a key figure for the Whites and scored the goal that clinched the Championship title for the club.

There has been talk of a move back to Elland Road, although it has quietened in the latter stages of the window.

Manor Solomon exit mooted

According to The Athletic, the Israel international could potentially leave Spurs alongside fellow fringe player Bryan Gil.

Solomon impressed in West Yorkshire last term, but faces stern competition for minutes in Thomas Frank’s squad.

A move away from the club could be beneficial for his career, as a season spent as a bit-part player could slow his development.

Leeds United in need of strengthening

Leeds are believed to be in the market for another winger, with Largie Ramazani widely expected to depart on loan before the deadline.

Valencia are thought to be working on a deal to sign the Belgian wideman, who only arrived at Elland Road last summer.

It remains unclear whether Leeds would explore a deal to re-sign Solomon, but the Whites certainly need to strengthen in the dying embers of the window.

Following the end of his loan stay at Leeds, Solomon said: “After nearly a year without football, I couldn’t have asked for a better comeback season and a better ending.

“I really don’t know what the future holds, but I do know that Leeds United will forever be in my heart.

“Thank you again, fans, for the unforgettable past few weeks and all your incredible support and love throughout the entire season. We are the champions.”