Leeds-linked Zion Suzuki responds to Ao Tanaka's heartbroken message
Leeds United's Ao Tanaka and potential new club teammate Zion Suzuki are likely on their way home after being knocked out of the World Cup.
Japan made it to the round of 32 before being knocked out by Brazil in very frustrating circumstances, having finished second to the Netherlands in Group F.
It was not the most exciting of tournaments for Leeds' No.22, who was dropped against the Netherlands and Brazil, but came on as substitute in the latter.
With Illan Meslier being sold and Karl Darlow not signing a new contract, Suzuki has been heavily linked with a move to Elland Road, as well as Aston Villa and Chelsea.
Football Insider understands that the Whites hold an "edge" over the Villans, and fans will be very interested in his latest social media activity.
Social media can often reveal a lot about potential moves during summer transfer windows, and those at Elland Road may be getting a little ahead of themselves.
Ao Tanaka faces the love after World Cup disappointment
Of course, no Leeds fan will want to see any of their players heartbroken, but Tanaka couldn't help but air his feelings after this summer's disappointment.
Taking to Instagram (3 July), after being knocked out of the 2026 World Cup, Tanaka wrote: "Face it all. I just wasn't good enough.
"I am very grateful to my respected teammates and staff, and to those who have always supported me."
His teammates flooded to the comments, with Crystal Palace's Daichi Kamada and Southampton's Yukinari Sugawara sending messages of support, as well as Suzuki sending two fire emojis.
It isn't much, but it is still likely to send some fans wild with expectation.
Should Leeds United be concerned by Aston Villa's interest?
As already revealed, Leeds have a better chance of securing the goalkeeper's signature, but nothing is ever certain in football.
Liverpool have already hijacked Newcastle United's move for Victor Munoz, while Manchester City have done the same with Arsenal's move for Jeremy Monga.
There is a very real possibility that Villa accelerate a deal out of nowhere, with Emi Martinez's future rather unclear at Villa Park this summer.
Multiple clubs are eyeing the Argentine star, and with Marco Bizot far from an ideal replacement, a move for Suzuki would make sense.
If the Whites want to sign the Japanese international, they'll need to move quickly. His stocks have risen rapidly during the World Cup.