Leeds United, Everton and Nottingham Forest are monitoring 23-year-old forward Liam Delap, who Chelsea value at up to £40m. (The i), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesVideo assistant referees should only be used to change "blatantly incorrect" decisions and clear missed incidents, say European refereeing officials.
Chief refereeing officers from all 55 European national football associations met last week with Uefa refereeing officials and a representative from the International Football Association Board (Ifab) to address recent changes to the game's laws.
Attendees said "lengthy, microscoping reviews" indicate VAR has gone beyond its original scope.
When VAR was added to the laws of the game in 2018 by football's rulemakers Ifab, its "philosophy" was "minimum interference - maximum benefit", with the intention of reducing "unfairness caused by clear and obvious errors or serious missed incidents" relating to goals, penalties, direct red cards and mistaken identity.
Uefa said that at its recent meeting that refereeing bosses agreed a return to those original aims is needed.
"It was reiterated that, in accordance with protocol, VAR must only intervene in situations of 'clear and obvious' error, ie. when a referee decision is blatantly incorrect or when the referee has missed a clear incident," Uefa said in a statement.
"VAR is not meant to re-referee the game, it is an essential support to the referees, who must remain at the centre of all decision-making.
"Lengthy, microscoping reviews are often a symptom revealing that the decision on the field was not clearly and obviously incorrect, and should therefore be limited."
Image source, Getty ImagesBBC Radio Leeds commentator Adam Pope spoke about James Trafford's potential transfer on the latest episode of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet: "There's a feeling something is imminent. At the back end of last week you thought things were moving forward.
"We've known for a while Trafford has been on the target list. I'm still pretty confident but Trafford is going to be in demand.
"Looking at their shape at the weekend (their friendly against Wrexham) and given Lucas Perri's ongoing situation, they clearly don't see him as going forward being there in that Leeds goal. He's still been linked with a move to Italy.
"The fact there's about seven teenagers out there between the sticks, they're having to still do something. They must remain pretty confident."
Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix flagged that the same jet that brought Noah Okafor to Leeds had been spotted leaving Manchester that morning: "The jet set off from Manchester this morning and landed in Leeds. It took 16 minutes. So let's read lots into that."
Image source, Leeds UnitedLeeds United have revealed their home kit for the 2026-2027 season.
The shirt features horizontal blue and yellow stripes and is described as a "modern design".
"Inspired by the club's iconic white, yellow and blue colours, the new strip celebrates 400 years since the signing of the Leeds Town Charter, honouring the city's rich history while looking ahead to an exciting new Premier League campaign," the club said in a statement.
Worn with white shorts and white socks, the shirt is described as, "a clean and timeless look synonymous with Leeds United".
Leeds United are set to agree a £40m deal to sign 23-year-old England goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City. (Athletic - subscription required), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesEnglish football is set to implement a trial to try to eradicate the goalkeeper tactical timeout this season, BBC Sport can reveal.
The Football Association, Premier League, English Football League, National League and Women's Super League have agreed on the measure, pending permission from the International Football Association Board (Ifab).
Earlier this year, Ifab decided against changing the law and invited leagues to volunteer for trials.
Pro Ref, led by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb, has been in discussions with the leagues to determine how to tackle the issue. It settled on a team having to remove an outfield player from the field.
If a referee signals that the physio can come on to treat a goalkeeper, the coach will have 10 seconds to nominate another player to leave the pitch for one minute, telling the fourth official of their choice.
If no player has been selected within 10 seconds, the captain must leave the field.
Episode 218 of Leeds United Podcast Don't Go To Bed Just Yet has landed.
The Whites continue to search for signings as they get their pre-season tour underway in the USA. Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs' bassist Simon Rix talk keepers, strikers and pirate ships.
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds
Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesLeeds United lost 3-2 in their pre-season opener to Wrexham at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
The Championship outfit opened the scoring inside the first minute when Wales international Kieffer Moore curled his effort into the far corner.
Joel Piroe responded just after the hydration break with a classy back heel into the back of the net and Wilfried Gnonto had his attempt saved by goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.
Wrexham thought they would be going into half-time leading after Bailey Cadamarteri broke through United's defence on the halfway line and found the bottom corner, but Leeds leveled for a second time just before the whistle.
This time is was Sean Longstaff that found the top corner after an impressive first-half display.
The second-half was much quieter in comparison and more comfortable for Leeds.
But it was Wrexham who again went ahead as substitute Sam Smith found the bottom corner, moments from time.
Leeds searched for an equaliser until the final whistle, with new signing Harry Wilson coming the closest as he curled an effort from inside the box over the bar.
Daniel Farke's men continue their US tour against Sunderland in New Jersey on Friday, 31 July.
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked for your views on whether Manchester City's James Trafford would fit into the goalkeeping outfit at Elland Road, with Leeds United showing interest in the 23-year-old after the exits of Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier this summer.
Here are some of your thoughts:
Stephen: Trafford is an excellent goalkeeper who deserves the chance as number one. Meslier has gone to Arsenal and Darlow to Manchester United already, and Perri is apparently wanted in Italy, so we will even need another goalkeeper to challenge Trafford, who will obviously be number one. A tremendous signing, if we get it over the line.
Luke: This would be a top-tier signing for us. We have been crying out for a decent goalkeeper since Kasper Schmeichel years ago. He would make us so solid defensively and help us push for the European places.
Eric: A goalkeeper not used in the World Cup and rarely used as a second choice with his Premier League club? I cannot seem to raise any enthusiasm about this, so if we do get him then the proof of the pudding will be in the eating. Where is the proven striker that we desperately need? That is the more pressing question.
Pauk: I very much doubt we will get him. Other teams with deeper pockets will snatch him. He would be a great signing for Leeds, if we managed to pull it off.
Steven: If we are able to get the Trafford signing done, it would represent a real statement of intent and show that we really mean business. He is a quality goalkeeper and he really should be playing for a top-six side, but that's where we want to get to. Hopefully he can see this and he will play a huge part in getting us there. Let's keep everything crossed!
Leeds United winger Jack Harrison is closing in on a move to MLS side New England Revolution. (Athletic - subscription required), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Friday's full gossip column
In the 1980s, legendary players Allan Clarke, Eddie Gray and Billy Bremner all took charge of Leeds United.
Author and supporter Ian Hall chronicles the time in Revie's Boys when he says it was still a magical experience going to Elland Road despite the decade being a difficult one on and off the pitch.
Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
Hall: 'It was still like going to Disneyland'
Explore all Leeds United content on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesSo, Leeds United are in talks to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, just 12 months after he returned to Etihad Stadium on a five-year deal.
The Whites are looking for a new goalkeeper following the departures of Karl Darlow and Illan Meslier this summer.
Lucas Perri and Alex Cairns still remain in the squad, but the former lost his place in the side to Darlow in the second half of last season and the latter is firmly the third-choice shot-stopper.
Trafford, who was selected for England's World Cup squad but did not feature at the tournament, made 17 appearances for Pep Guardiola's side last season as they won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
However, the 23-year-old's playing time was restricted by the signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris St-Germain in a £26m deal.
How excited are you by the prospect of Trafford at Elland Road? Are there any other goalkeepers Leeds United should be looking at?
Get in touch with your views here
The team on Don't Go To Bed Just Yet have been discussing Leeds' new signing Tarik Muharemovic.
Watch the clip below and listen to the full podcast on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.
Image source, Getty ImagesPhil Parkinson is preparing for his sixth season as Wrexham manager
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson says every game on the club's pre-season tour of the US will have its own significance as his side prepare to face Premier League opposition.
Parkinson's men face Leeds United in Tampa on Sunday, 26 July before facing Liverpool at the iconic Yankee Stadium in New York four days later.
Their final pre-season game is against Parkinson's former club Sunderland on Sunday, 2 August in Philadelphia, hometown of Wrexham co-owner Rob Mac.
Wrexham have never met Leeds United in a competitive game, with the clubs meeting only twice in pre-season matches in 1964.
"I think they've all got a special feel to it really," Parkinson said.
"It's quite amazing, really, when you think we've never met Leeds United in a competitive game. It's a brilliant club.
"Obviously going to New York to play Liverpool, an iconic stage and it's going to be something special.
"Then going to Philadelphia, a stadium we've been to before and a really good arena for football and playing against Sunderland.
"Obviously, me and Steve [Parkin] were there for a short period, but that's kind of irrelevant really.
"It's going to Rob's hometown and putting on a show for him and his family as well."
Image source, Getty ImagesWe asked you to tell us one player you would like to move on this summer and one realistic target you want Leeds to bring in before the transfer window shuts.
Here are some of your suggestions:
David: Out - Joe Piroe, for his own sake. He is not going to play much football for Leeds. In - James Trafford. We need a top goalkeeper with experience in England. There are going to be more than one player going both ways.
Mac: Would it not be a good idea to go for John Stones? Sound defender with lots of experience and out of contract.
James: James Trafford. Keeper is absolute priority.
Steve: Lucas Perri out, Nick Pope in.
Andrew: Would love to see Leeds go all out and sign James Trafford.
Dan: Move Brenden Aaronson on, would love to see us sign Emi Buendia.
Harry Gray has more on his plate than most 17-year-olds - and he seems to be taking it all in his stride.
The Gray name is football royalty in Leeds, thanks to his great uncle Eddie. His grandfather Frank also played for Leeds - and his father Andy began his career at Elland Road.
Harry's older brother Archie was a Whites prodigy who has since moved to Tottenham for big money. Now, big things are expected of the teenage forward.
He's beloved by Leeds fans. When he joined Rotherham United on loan in January, there were many wishes of success from West Yorkshire.
Some even questioned why he wasn't being used by Leeds at the time in the Premier League rather than being sent out on loan.
It was a challenging move. The Millers struggled, suffered a cluster of injuries, changed managers and were eventually relegated. Welcome to proper football, Harry.
Yet these are the kind of experiences Leeds want him to have on loan.
Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield at Wednesday's training camp in Budapest, Hungary, Gray admitted he had a 'welcome to League One' moment when he was elbowed by a Stockport defender seconds into his Rotherham debut.
"I enjoy it," he said. "It's so much better and more competitive, and something on the line every game. It's what I enjoy, a bit of pressure."
He's not a big talker but what he does say carries a maturity. You can tell he's been around the game, and people within the game, his whole life.
When asked about the big difference between academy football and the EFL, his answer focuses not on himself, but the people in the stands.
"You're playing for people that work every week to come and watch you play," he said.
"You've got to excite them and then ultimately that gives you some joy. But however many fans are watching, they're getting that (joy) as well."
There are other things about Gray that have clearly carried some thought. He says he follows Scotland rather than England. It's a contrast to his brother, he says, who is an England fan.
Gray insists he wants to focus on the here and now with Wednesday rather than future ambitions for Leeds when he returns to Elland Road next summer.
"Who knows what could happen... a year's a long time in football," Gray added. "All I care about now is getting promoted here."
Wednesday will have competition for places in attack next season. The club is keen to add a 'number nine' and a player for the wide right position.
Louie Barry has already joined from Aston Villa. The focus at the moment seems to be on forwards.
Yet successful teams often have a productive loan player in their ranks.
Gray is young - he doesn't turn 18 until October - but there is plenty of evidence on the training pitches here in Hungary, and the pedigree he has built within the Leeds United set-up, to believe he has a big future.
A year at Wednesday, getting among the goals, and possibly helping the Owls bounce back in their new era, could be the perfect launchpad for his career.
Image source, Getty ImagesLeeds United have confirmed defender Max Wober has left the club after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract.
The Austria international joined Leeds in 2023 from RB Salzburg and featured 19 times in his debut season across all competitions.
Wober made eight league appearances for the club in the Championship title-winning campaign of 2024-25, scoring one goal, before joining Bundesliga side Werder Bremen on loan for the 2025-26 season.
Image source, Getty ImagesLeeds United captain Ethan Ampadu believes new signing Harry Wilson can bring something "very special" to the team through his contributions in attacking areas.
Ampadu and Wilson are team-mates at international level for Wales and the midfielder was asked by BBC Radio Leeds about whether he helped convince the attacker to make the switch from Fulham to Elland Road.
"I don't think he needed my convincing to join," Ampadu said. "I think he knew what an amazing club this is, what a great time he can have here. I like to think my message or two might've aided him in that direction. I think whenever I've spoken to him in the past the Welsh lads on camp have spoken glowingly about Leeds.
"All the conversations he's had with the manager and club have gone in the right direction. Because I know him quite well and I know him on the pitch, I'm grateful that we've got him in.
"I think everyone saw more last year, I think maybe because he was coming to the end of his contract that gets people talking about you in a different way but his quality, his left foot, the way he works for the team, the way he works for himself, I think all Leeds fans are going to appreciate the hard work he does and the goals and assists is very special and what helps results."
Ampadu also touched on how the Leeds team will have to change this coming season after achieving their goal of staying in the Premier League.
"I think you always have to try to adapt," he said. "You always have got to lean on what worked and you've also got to adapt on what you can improve, so I think any way we can do that is going to be done.
"I think collectively as a team we want to improve no matter which way it is, that's why we have pre-season. It's one of the most demanding leagues in the world, so we know the physicality has got to be there again. We've got to try and outrun teams again and make sure we're hard to play against and then things adapt because you want to try and find ways to win."
Now the dust has settled on the 2026 World Cup, you can officially review your Predictor results for the tournament.
If you played more than four rounds, BBC Sport has done a deep dive into your predictions, tournament performance and compared you to other players.
Don't worry, though, Predictor isn't stopping at international tournaments! Pre-season has kicked off and there are plenty of friendlies and European qualifiers to keep us occupied before the new season gets under way.
So how do you fancy your chances of correctly predicting the scores for our six selected matches every week?
BBC Sport has launched a new weekly Predictor game to cover the 2026-27 season, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from six fixtures from across the leagues.
There will usually be a Friday deadline and the game will also feature streaks, so make sure to build it into your weekly football habits.
Lock in your first round of predictions before Friday, 24 July here
If you're wondering how to play, here are a few easy steps:
Click on the link above to take you to the selections page.
For every match, you either choose a winning team or select a draw - once your prediction has been submitted you won't be able to change it, so be sure to pick carefully.
Then wait for the results to roll in to see how you have done.
Share your results with your friends and family.
Every consecutive round you play adds one to your streak, but if you miss a round then your streak will reset to zero.
Mohamed Moallim
BBC Sport Journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesThe Premier League's financial landscape has changed dramatically over the past decade. Since 2016 total summer transfer spending has risen from £1.16bn to a record £3.19bn in 2025 – an increase of almost 175%.
On the surface, that suggests transfer figures are continuing to accelerate. Headline fees, though, tell only part of the story.
Research by Kieran Maguire and colleagues at the University of Liverpool suggests some of the Premier League's earlier record signings represented even greater investments when measured against clubs' buying power at the time.
Using Premier League broadcasting revenues as an index, Alan Shearer's £15m move from Blackburn Rovers to Newcastle United in 1996 remains the league's biggest transfer relative to clubs' spending power. Rio Ferdinand's £29.1m move to Manchester United in 2002 and Juan Sebastian Veron's £28.1m arrival at Old Trafford in 2001 also rank above any of this summer's blockbuster deals.
The same model suggests Trevor Francis' £1m move from Birmingham City to Forest in 1979 – English football's first £1m transfer – would equate to about £173m in today's market.
That does not mean the fees paid for Morgan Rogers, Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali were modest. Rather, it reflects how dramatically Premier League revenues have grown, allowing clubs to spend sums that would once have been unimaginable.
When Jack Grealish became Britain's first £100m footballer when joining City from Villa in 2021, the transfer marked another turning point in the evolution of the market.
Only five years later, nine-figure deals are no longer viewed as extraordinary. They have become a familiar feature of Premier League transfer windows.
The next milestone may not be far away.
While no Premier League club has yet paid £200m for a player, football's financial ceiling continues to rise and the first transfer of that magnitude no longer feels beyond the realms of possibility.
