Championship final preview! 'Spygate' fallout, key battles and who will prevail at Wembley?
Simeon Gholam is joined by Luke Chambers and Gary Weaver to look ahead to the Championship play-off final between Hull and Middlesbrough, on the Your Site Essential EFL podcast.
The panel assess the strangest build-up to a play-off final in history following the 'Spygate' drama and Southampton's expulsion, before looking ahead to the clash at Wembley.
What next for Southampton?
The Independents Miguel Delaney and The Times Martin Hardy discuss the news that Southampton's appeal against their expulsion from the Championship play-off final as a result of the 'Spygate' scandal has been dismissed.
'I want a new challenge' | Bernardo Silva explains exit and reflects on City career
Bernardo Silva says opening the door to Manchester City's new generation is one of the reasons behind why he has decided to bring a nine-year stay at the Etihad to an end.
The 31-year-old announced in April that he will be leaving City at the end of his current deal.
It brings an end to a trophy-laden spell in Manchester that has included six Premier League titles, a Champions League and multiple FA Cups and Carabao Cups.
Asked why now felt like the right moment to leave City, Silva said:
"It's a mix of things, in terms of trophies, in terms of what I personally achieved here, it's never enough, but I feel that we won a lot, our generation.
"It's time for these young guys to have their moment, and for me personally, it's an opportunity to go a bit closer to my family.
"It's been quite a long time, 12 years, that I've been apart, and quite far away, and I want to be a bit closer to them.
"Also, I want a new challenge, even though I love the football club, and I loved the nine years here, I feel it's the right moment for me to have a
Inverness in advanced talks to sign Aberdeen's Shinnie
Latest from Your Site News' Anthony Joseph:
Inverness Caledonian Thistle are in advanced talks with Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie.
The 34-year-old is out of contract in the summer, with the Dons offering him a two-year deal which includes potential coaching experience.
Shinnie is believed to be looking for improved terms on the Dons deal, but its understood the club feel their offer is fair for this stage of his career.
This could pave the way for an emotional return to Inverness, where he spent six years and won the Scottish Cup in 2015.
Your Site News understands the newly promoted Championship club have made Shinnie an offer, and talks have reached an advanced stage.
Watford in talks with Frederiksen as search for new boss continues
Latest from Your Site News' Anthony Joseph:
Watford are in talks with Lech Poznan boss Niels Frederiksen over their managerial vacancy.
Its understood that the club have been given permission to speak to the Danish manager.
Frederiksen, 55, has led Poznan to back-to-back Polish top-flight titles.
Watford are in search of a new boss after parting ways with head coach Ed Still at the end of the season.
Dundee trigger one-year extension in Koumetio deal
Dundee have triggered a one-year contract extension clause in defender Billy Koumetios contract.
The move will keep the 23-year-old, who joined from Liverpool in August 2024, at Dens Park until next summer.
Motherwell in talks to extend Gordon and McAllister deals
Motherwell are in talks with defender Liam Gordon and 18-year-old Zander McAllister over new deals.
The Fir Park club also confirmed seven players are leaving, including Kofi Balmer, Zach Robinson and Dylan Wells, while Stephen Welsh returns to Celtic after his loan spell.
That list includes previously announced Andy Halliday, who is retiring, plus Sam Nicholson, who is joining Livingston, and Callum Slattery, whose deal is over.
Olly Whyte has also signed a new contract at the club.
Atleti enter race for Bernardo Silva
Latest from Your Site News' Lyall Thomas:
Atletico Madrid are another club understood to be in the mixfor Bernardo Silva on a free transfer.
Your Site News reported in April that Barcelona and Juventus remain among the clubs who want to sign the Manchester City captain, who is set to leave the Etihad when his contract expires in the summer.
The 31-year-old has long been linked with moves to Saudi Arabia or MLS in the United States too.
One source has told Your Site News his dream is to play for Barcelona, however he has not yet made a decision.
Bees keen on signing El Mala
Latest from Your Site News' Lyall Thomas:
Brentford are keen on FC Koln winger Said El Mala.
They are one of a number of clubs who like the 19-year-old and exploring the chance to sign him.
El Mala been very impressive in the Bundesliga this term with 13 goals. He has even been tipped for a surprise inclusion in Julian Nagelsmann's Germany squad for the World Cup.
Brentford, who could yet have European football to offer next season, want to strengthen this summer with new wingers, midfielders, centre-backs and a left-back. They have already signed young centre-back Jannick Schuster from Red Bull Salzburg.
Atletico want Cucurella this summer
Latest from Your Site News' Lyall Thomas:
Atletico Madrid want to sign Marc Cucurella from Chelsea this summer.
The left-back is of long-term interest to Mathieu Alemany, who wanted him at Barcelona and is now the sporting director at Atletico.
Barca retain an interest in the player too but plan to make the loan deal of Joao Cancelo from Al Hilal a permanent switch.
That is in part because the focus of Barcelona's ability to spend will be on a new number nine following the departure of Robert Lewandowski.
Atletico striker Julian Alvarez is Barca's dream target for the position - and who they sign may have implications for Marcus Rashford.
Rashford is keen to stay at Barca and the club are interested in a second loan arrangement. They have a 26m option to buy him in the current loan but are currently reluctant to use it.
