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Leeds United will be without the in-form Noah Okafor for games against West Ham United and Brighton and Hove Albion, but the hope is that Daniel Farke will be available.

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The Leeds manager missed Friday's pre-match press conference with illness, but his assistant Edmund Riemer is hoping he will be back for Monday's game at Tottenham Hotspur, which could be the night his team book their place in next season's Premier League.

But Okafor is now aiming to be fit for the final game of the campaign, at West Ham United, and as a player not guaranteed of his place in Switzerland's World Cup squad, he will be anxious to do so.

Okafor has scored six goals in his last seven league but has been struggling with calf problems lately.

"I think as the manager already mentioned last week, Gabbi (Gudmundsson) will be out for this week and then we need to assess him on a daily basis, so hopefully he can be with us as soon as possible.

"Then we've got another one with Noah, who picked up a calf strain, so will miss the next two games.

"We are hopeful that he will be available back for the last game. He sustained an injury after the FA Cup game (against Chelsea) in the calf. It was the right calf where he got a contusion.

"In the Burnley game it was the left calf, so he will likely be out for the next two games.

"But we are hopeful that he will be back for the last game."

Pascal Struijk is a minor doubt for Monday, and as Leeds only left-footed defender without Gudmundsson, Leeds will be hoping the central defender pulls through.

"Pascal's not going to train today with us," said Riemer before Thursday's session.

"He has a hip contusion, he got a hit. He will train individually, but we are hopeful that he will be available."

As for Farke: "He's ill. He didn't sound too good, but I'm pretty sure he will be alright (for Monday's game)."

If Arsenal win at West Ham on Sunday, that will make Leeds mathematically safe from relegation. If not, the Whites will need to match the Hammers' weekend result against a Spurs team who are deep in the relegation battle themselves, but have been showing signs of life under new manager Roberto de Zerbi.

Middlesbrough, Crystal Palace, Millwall and Ipswich Town linked with Tottenham Hotspur’s Will Lankshear

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Middlesbrough are reportedly keen to land Will Lankshear on loan from Premier League strugglers Tottenham Hotspur.

The 21-year-old has been on the books at Spurs since 2022, when he completed a move to the capital from Sheffield United. He had previously been in the youth ranks of Arsenal before venturing up north for a stint with the Blades.

He has not yet managed to make a first-team breakthrough in North London but has just completed an impressive loan spell in the Championship.

The forward was unable to save Oxford United from relegation but did contribute 11 goals to their battle for survival in the second tier.

Middlesbrough linked with Will Lankshear

According to SportsBoom, Middlesbrough are looking to revive their interest in Lankshear having previously been linked with the England youth international.

It has been claimed Boro would like to take Lanskhear on loan and that Spurs would like a significant portion of his wages covered as part of a temporary agreement.

Millwall are also said to be keen on the marksman, while Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town are both thought to have enquired about his availability.

Middlesbrough and Tottenham Hotspur’s positions

A lot may depend on whether or not Spurs suffer relegation from the Premier League, as Lankshear could prove useful in the Championship.

Middlesbrough are also in limbo, unable to guarantee potential signings which division they would be playing in. Kim Hellberg’s men finished fifth in the Championship table and are gearing up to face Southampton over two legs at the semi-final stage.

Lankshear would arguably be a coup for Middlesbrough given he managed to reach double figures in a struggling Championship side.

However, if they reached the Premier League, there is every chance the Yorkshire club may look to a higher calibre of forward. Lankshear is undeniably gifted but still has a lot of developing to do, and would arguably be a risky signing for the top flight.

Fresh claim regarding interest from Leeds United, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur in Feyenoord’s Ayase Ueda emerges

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Leeds United have reportedly identified Feyenoord marksman Ayase Ueda as a key target for the summer transfer window.

The 27-year-old has been among Europe’s most impressive frontmen this season, weighing in with 26 goals across 39 appearances in all competitions.

A senior Japan international, Uedas has fuelled talk of interest from the Premier League with his exploits in the Netherlands and Leeds have been named among his admirers.

Leeds United identify Ayase Ueda as ‘key target’

Football Insider have now linked Leeds with the forward, claiming he has been identified as a key target for the West Yorkshire club.

It has been suggested Feyenoord are reluctant to lose such an important figure but that their resolve could be weakened by a big offer.

Everton and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be chasing a deal for Ueda, who featured for Japan in their 1-0 win over England in March.

Ueda would add a different dimension to the Leeds attack, which was strengthened by the arrivals of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha last summer. Joel Piroe, last season’s top scorer has been pushed down the pecking order and it would not be a surprise to see him depart in the coming months.

‘Leeds written all over him’

Back in December, European football expert Andy Brassell suggested Ueda as a potential option for Leeds. During an appearance on talkSPORT, he said: “I wonder if a bottom-half Premier League team has a dart for him next summer or maybe even as early as January, depending on where they’re at.

“He’s kind of got Leeds written all over him. There’s a lot to like about them, but where are the guys putting it in the back of the net?

“There are big question marks over the sustainability over the period of a season for both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha. If you’re Feyenoord and a Premier League club come in with a proper offer, I think it’s quite hard to say no. However ambitious [Feyenoord boss] Robin van Persie is, I think a big offer tempts you.”

A move to Elland Road would unite Ueda with his international teammate Ao Tanaka, who has been on the books in LS11 since the summer of 2024.

Leeds United have moved to the brink of Premier League safety - but are not there just yet.

Daniel Farke’s side brushed off their FA Cup semi-final heartbreak to make an emphatic return to Premier League action, brushing off already-relegated Burnley.

Anton Stach, Noah Okafor and Dominic Calvert-Lewin all got in on the act under the Elland Road lights, firing the Whites to a 3-1 victory.

After a Friday night (May 1) win, Leeds were left to watch the rest of the weekend’s action unfold. West Ham United saw their survival hopes dented in a London derby, losing 3-0 to Brentford.

However, Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest both managed to take strides towards survival by defeating Aston Villa and Chelsea respectively.

Further up the table, AFC Bournemouth saw off Crystal Palace and Manchester United were 3-2 victors over Liverpool. Newcastle United defeated Brighton & Hove Albion, Wolverhampton Wanderers held Sunderland to a 1-1 draw and Fulham were beaten by Arsenal.

In the final fixture of the Bank Holiday weekend, Everton and Manchester City played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Following the latest twists and turns in the Premier League, data experts Opta have rebooted their supercomputer to predict how the final table will look.

Leeds United warned of Pascal Struijk risk amid links to Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham and more

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Leeds United have been warned it would be a risk to sell “captain-esque” defender Pascal Struijk.

The 26-year-old has spent the entirety of his senior career on the books at Elland Road having arrived from Ajax’s academy as a teenager in 2018.

He finished his footballing education at Thorp Arch, eventually graduating from the youth set-up into the senior squad. A former Netherlands youth international, Struijk has amassed a total of 193 appearances across all competitions for the Whites.

There has recently been talk of interest from Premier League rivals, with Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham among those to have been linked.

However, former Whites winger Jermaine Pennant believes it would be a risk to part with Struijk this summer.

Jermaine Pennant’s Pascal Struijk verdict

He told The Yorkshire Post: “He came from the academy, so there's a lot of profit you would get to sell him. I don't think you'd be selling him on the cheap.

“If there is a replacement who is just as good, who is a little bit cheaper, then I think that could be a good plan for business for the club. But in saying that, it's a risk.

“Players come to the Premier League who are not Premier League proven. We know that Struijk is now. We've seen it week-in, week-out, he's a very instrumental person in this Leeds team.

“He's like a captain-esque figure in that team. If you don't need to [sell], then in my eyes, you've got to keep him. But if you're struggling for PSR (profit and sustainability), then it's not a bad idea.”

Competition for minutes in Leeds United’s defence

Struijk saw competition for minutes at centre-back intensified last summer, when Leeds struck deals to sign Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw from Udinese and Wolfsburg respectively.

Neither of those players have made as many appearances as Struijk has this term, although Bijol has seen considerably more action than Bornauw.

Reports have indicated Leeds are desperate to retain Struijk, a player they have invested plenty into over the years. The club have nurtured him from an unproven and raw prospect into an established first-team figure.

Leeds United’s fight for Premier League survival

The Whites will be less vulnerable to bids if they manage to retain their Premier League status, a feat they are incredibly close to achieving.

Regarding Leeds’ survival hopes, Pennant said: “They've cemented that (safety). I think that win at Manchester United was absolutely humongous.

“I can't see the teams around them winning more than what Leeds will do in the next four or five games - especially at Elland Road as well. I think, in my eyes, 90 per cent Leeds United will be playing in the Premier League next season.

“I think that is the be-all and end-all. If they win that, they're safe. Leeds could easily go on and draw the rest of their games and be safe. The teams around them are not firing. They're going to drop points themselves.

“West Ham have got Arsenal, they're not going to get points there. If I'm in the Leeds dressing room, I'm not really worried about relegation. I really don't think they're going to [go down]. A win or draw against Burnley, I think would be good enough.”

Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion reported as admirers of Feyenoord star Ayase Ueda

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Leeds United are tracking Feyenoord marksman Ayase Ueda ahead of the summer transfer window, according to a report.

The 27-year-old forward is enjoying a goal-laden campaign at Feyenoord, for whom he has registered 26 goals this season.

Leeds United named among admirers of free-scoring Feyenoord star

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds have sent representatives to watch the free-scoring Japan international in action. A move to Elland Road would unite Ueda with his international teammate, midfielder Ao Tanaka.

However, the Whites could face a transfer tussle as Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion are said to have done the same. Tottenham Hotspur, meanwhile, are thought to have conducted checks on him.

Spurs could see their hopes of landing Ueda dented by relegation, with the club currently sat 18th in the Premier League table.

Ayase Ueda mooted as potential option for Leeds United

Back in December, European football expert Andy Brassell mooted Ueda as a potential transfer option for Leeds. During an appearance on talkSPORT, he said: “I wonder if a bottom-half Premier League team has a dart for him next summer or maybe even as early as January, depending on where they’re at.

“He’s kind of got Leeds written all over him. There’s a lot to like about them, but where are the guys putting it in the back of the net?

“There are big question marks over the sustainability over the period of a season for both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha. If you’re Feyenoord and a Premier League club come in with a proper offer, I think it’s quite hard to say no. However ambitious [Feyenoord boss] Robin van Persie is, I think a big offer tempts you.”

Leeds United’s forward department

Ueda would arguably add a different dimension to the Leeds attack and his relentless nature could make him an ideal fit for Daniel Farke’s system. He is under contract at Feyenoord until 2028 and if his form continues, his price tag will only increase.

Leeds have been linked with a raft of attacking players of late, suggesting the top end of the pitch could be an area of focus for recruitment chiefs.

The likes of AZ Alkmaar’s Troy Parrott, Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Haris Tabaković and Swansea City’s Žan Vipotnik have all been reported as potential targets.

On the possible outgoings front, there have been doubts over the futures of Wilfried Gnonto and Joel Piroe. The former has been used mostly as an impact substitute and the latter has barely featured.

It was a tough weekend for Leeds United, who exited the FA Cup at the semi-final stage and watched their Premier League rivals pick up points.

The Whites visited Wembley and suffered a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea, but the blow was not softened by helpful results elsewhere.

Nottingham Forest completed a stunning 5-0 rout of Sunderland, West Ham United overcame Everton and Tottenham Hotspur picked up a win at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Leeds still sit 15th, but their lead over the clubs below them is now smaller. Daniel Farke’s side sit one point above Forest, four above West Ham and six clear of Tottenham.

They will return to action under the lights at Elland Road on Friday (May 1), when already-relegated Burnley will be the opposition in West Yorkshire.

Further up the table, Arsenal were 1-0 victors over Newcastle United and Liverpool saw off Crystal Palace. Fulham secured a home win over Aston Villa and Manchester United defeated Brentford 2-1 under the Monday night lights.

Following the latest twists and turns in the Premier League, data experts at Opta have predicted how the final table will look.

The end of the Premier League season is in sight but there is still plenty to be decided before the curtain comes down on the campaign.

Burnley have had their relegation confirmed and Wolverhampton Wanderers look set to follow suit, but a tense battle to avoid finishing in 18th is playing out.

Tottenham Hotspur currently occupy that spot and were pegged back in a 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion at the weekend. West Ham United, hovering precariously above the drop zone, failed to take advantage of Tottenham’s plight on Monday night (April 20) as they were forced to settle for a point at Crystal Palace.

Nottingham Forest eased their relegation fears with a 4-1 rout of Burnley at the weekend and Newcastle United’s struggles continued with a loss to Bournemouth.

Further up the table, Manchester City have beaten Arsenal and Burnley to move top of the tree. Brentford played out a goalless draw with Fulham, Aston Villa saw off Sunderland and Liverpool were 2-1 victors over Everton in the Merseyside derby. Before Chelsea’s Tuesday night (April 21) loss to Brighton & Hove Albion, they were edged out by Manchester United at the weekend.

Following the latest twists and turns, data experts Opta have rebooted their supercomputer to forecast how the final Premier League table will look.

Tim Sherwood tells Tottenham Hotspur which Leeds United player they could have done with having in their ranks

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Tim Sherwood has identified Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu as a player Tottenham Hotspur could have done with this season.

It has been a dreadful season for Spurs, who sit precariously in the Premier League relegation zone with five games to go.

They are one point adrift of 17th-placed West Ham United and a staggering eight points behind 15th-placed Leeds.

Tim Sherwood lauds Leeds United star

Sherwood, who has represented Spurs as a player, coach and manager, has lauded midfield anchor Ampadu as someone who would have benefited Leeds’ rivals.

He told Sky Sports News: “Looking through their (Leeds’) group of players, at the beginning of the season, would Tottenham have taken many of them? I would have said no.

“But in hindsight, now, when you look at it, you look at someone like Ethan Ampadu, who looks to me like not only a good player, he’s a very, very good player, but he’s also a leader.

“He’s someone who wants to stand up. He’s not old but he’s got a lot of experience, he drives his teammates forward and that is what you need in this situation, you need someone willing to stand up and pull others in the correct direction with you and that’s what Ethan Ampadu has done. He’s not alone but he is dragging them to safety in this league.”

Ethan Ampadu’s time at Leeds United

Ampadu joined Leeds from Chelsea in the summer of 2023 after the Whites suffered relegation from the Premier League. He had been regularly loaned out by the Blues, finding competition for minutes stiff within the Stamford Bridge ranks.

The 25-year-old has blossomed in West Yorkshire, endearing himself to the Elland Road faithful with his whole-hearted approach and technical quality. The Wales international has made a total of 120 appearances for the club, scoring on three occasions.

He is player who would most likely attract interest if Leeds tumbled out of the Premier League, but Farke will be hopeful of keeping his captain if survival is secured.

Sherwood believes a win over Burnley on May 1 will make sure of Leeds’ safety.

He said: “Daniel Farke has done an absolutely magnificent job. To win at Old Trafford, to go there with Manchester United doing so well, and to get that result, in the manner of how they played...

“I think that win against Burnley, which will come up, will be them over the line.”

Tense battles are playing out at both ends of the Premier League table, with clubs fighting for silverware and survival.

Leeds rounded off a hectic weekend in the top flight by visiting their bitter rivals Manchester United and emerging as 2-1 winners. A brace from Noah Okafor gave the Whites a half-time lead and a Casemiro header did not spark a comeback.

It was a win they needed considering West Ham United had thumped rock-bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0 under the Friday night lights. However, fears at Elland Road had been eased by Tottenham Hotspur’s 1-0 defeat to Sunderland.

Nottingham Forest also failed to win but they did manage to grab a point at the City Ground against Aston Villa. Burnley remain 19th in the table and saw their woes worsened by Brighton & Hove Albion, who put the Clarets to the sword with a Mats Wieffer double.

Further up the table, Arsenal’s title hopes were dented by a 2-1 defeat to AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City claimed a 3-0 win away at Chelsea. Crystal Palace edged past Newcastle United, Brentford drew with Everton and Liverpool were 2-0 victors over Fulham.

Following the latest twists and turns in the Premier League, data experts Opta have deployed their supercomputer to generate a fresh prediction for how the final table will look.