Leeds United are interested in signing the FC Midtjylland winger Aral Simsir at the end of the season.
The 23-year-old has been exceptional this season, scoring 11 goals and 18 assists in all competitions. He is set to secure a big move in the summer, and Leeds could use his creativity, goals and unpredictability in the final third.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Leeds United and Crystal Palace are closely monitoring his development and are expected to make a move in the summer.
It will be interesting to see which of the two clubs can get the deal done. Both clubs need more quality on the flanks, and Simsir would be a super long-term acquisition. He is a young player with a lot of potential and the technical attributes to succeed in the Premier League. He will look to hit the ground running in the Premier League if the move goes through.
Simsir will look to establish himself as a regular international for Turkey, and they move to the Premier League will certainly help him.
Leeds are currently fighting for survival in the Premier League, and it will be interesting to see if they can secure safety. It will help them attract top talent in the summer.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace recently won the FA Cup and the Community Shield. They will be an attractive destination for the 23-year-old.
It will be interesting to see which of the two clubs can get the deal done.
FC Midtjylland will not want to let a key player like him leave easily, and they could demand a premium for his signature.
The 25-year-old has previously admitted that he would love to play for Liverpool in future, and that will certainly give the defending champions an edge in the transfer race. They could use more quality in the middle of the park, and Gomes would be a superb acquisition. He will add control, composure and defensive cover to the team. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool can get the deal done.
Manchester United are also interested in the player. They will need to replace Casemiro in the summer, and the 25-year-old Brazilian would be ideal. Manchester United have carried out extensive checks on the player this season, and they will hope to win the race for his signature.
Meanwhile, clubs like Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham have also made enquiries about his situation. It is clear that the 25-year-old will be a player in demand at the end of the season. It will be interesting to see where he ends up.
Gomes deserves to compete at a high-level and joining a big club would be ideal for him. He should look to join a team that offers regular opportunities and lets him fight for trophies.
Wolves are likely to demand a premium for him, and it remains to be seen which of the aforementioned clubs would be prepared to pay up.
Chelsea are interested in signing the South American defender Mateo Del Blanco at the end of the season.
According to reports, Chelsea are interested in the 22-year-old left back, and they have been monitoring his performance for Union de Santa Fe for quite some time. Del Blanco can operate as a full back as well as a wing back.
He has impressed with his performances at both ends of the pitch, and he could prove to be a quality, long-term investment for the club. Chelsea have shown a willingness to invest in talented young players in recent windows, and it seems that they want to add more quality to the pool of young talent already at the club.
The opportunity to join a Premier League club will be exciting for the young defender. It would be a huge step up in his career, and he would get to test himself in England. Chelsea is among the biggest clubs in the world, and Blanco will find it difficult to turn them down.
The player is reportedly valued at €4 million, and he would be a very affordable acquisition for Chelsea. It will be interesting to see if the Blues follow up on their interest with an official offer to get the deal done.
According to journalist Renzo Pantich, Chelsea are hoping to sign the player and send him on loan to Strasbourg so that he can continue his development with regular football. If he manages to impress in France, he will be given the opportunity to succeed in future. It remains to be seen how the situation develops. The journalist claims the player ‘will be bought by Chelsea‘ in the summer.
Chelsea have the financial muscle to get the deal across the line, and Union are unlikely to be able to stop him from leaving if the Blues are serious about getting the deal done.
Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbery-Hall has done quite well since the £25 million move to the club in the summer of 2025.
He struggled to make his mark at Chelsea, but he has shown his quality at Everton and turned his career around. His impressive performances at Everton have attracted the attention of clubs like Aston Villa and Manchester United.
According to a report from SportsBoom, the player would cost around £50 million if the Premier League clubs are willing to come forward and sign him in the summer. The midfielder has six goals and five assists in the league this season, and Manchester United could use more creativity in the final third.
The player is considered “untouchable” at Everton, and it will be interesting to see if the Red Devils can convince the Toffees with an attractive offer. If they submit an offer exceeding £50 million, Everton might have to make a difficult decision because of their financial situation.
Meanwhile, the player would have to be offered a contract worth around £150,000-a-week as well.
Aston Villa are monitoring his situation as well, and they could use more creativity in the final third. It will be interesting to see if they are prepared to make a move for him. They are pushing to secure European qualification for the upcoming campaign, and they might be able to fund the move with revenue from the Champions League.
Dewsbury-Hall has previously failed to prove himself at a big club like Chelsea, and it remains to be seen whether he is ready to take on a new challenge and join a club like Manchester United in the summer. They are among the biggest clubs in the world and the opportunity to join them, could be hard to turn down.
Chelsea are looking to improve the attacking unit with the signing of Konstantinos Karetsas of the season.
The 18-year-old attacker has caught the attention of clubs like Real Madrid and PSG with his performances for KRC Genk.
The player has three goals and 17 assists to his name this season, and the Greek international could prove to be an excellent long-term investment for Chelsea. He can operate as an attacking midfielder as well as on the flanks.
Chelsea could use more creativity in the final third, and Karetsas could add a new dimension to their attacking unit. He will add pace, flair and unpredictability to the team as well. It will be interesting to see if Chelsea comes forward with an offer to secure his signature. Clubs like Real Madrid and PSG are monitoring his development as well, and they have the financial means to sign him.
According to a report from HLN, the player will cost around €45 million in the summer. Chelsea have the financial muscle to afford him, and it remains to be seen whether they are prepared to pay the asking price for the talented attacker. The demand might seem steep for an unproven talent like him, but Karetsas could justify the investment in the future.
He would be a long-term asset for Chelsea, and they might be able to groom him and help him fulfil his potential in future.
The opportunity to move to the Premier League will be exciting for the youngster. It would be a huge step in his career, and regular football in England could bring out the best in him. However, he must seek gametime assurance before moving to the Premier League. Sitting on the bench at a big club could be detrimental to his development.
Crystal Palace are looking to improve the midfield unit in the summer, and they are keen on Nicolo Barella.
The 29-year-old has done quite well in Italy, and the opportunity to move to the Premier League could be interesting for him. Barella is at the peak of his career, and this could be his final opportunity to try out a new challenge.
Crystal Palace is preparing a formal proposal to get the deal done, and they could offer around €70 million (£60m) in order to sign the player. It will be interesting to see if they can convince the Italian international to join the club. They are not the only Premier League club interested in the player, and Newcastle United are among them, according to reports from Spain.
They are hoping to hijack Barella’s move to the London club with a £40 million offer. It will be interesting to see which of the two clubs can get the deal done.
Crystal Palace need more creativity and control in the middle of the park, and the 29-year-old could make an immediate impact. He is a top-quality player who has proven himself for club and country. He has the physicality and technical attributes to succeed in English football as well. Similarly, Newcastle could use a player with his quality as well. Bruno Guimaraes has been heavily linked with a move away from the club, and Barella could be a quality alternative.
It will be interesting to see if the Italian is willing to join either club.
Barella plays for one of the biggest clubs in the world, and he might prefer to join a team where he can compete for league titles and the UEFA Champions League. The move to Crystal Palace or Newcastle might come across as a step down for him.
Manchester United are interested in signing the Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes at the end of the season.
The Brazilian has been exceptional for joining the club, and Manchester United are hoping to secure a signature. According to ESPN, Manchester United are yet to submit an offer for the player, and they would have to pay around €80 million in order to get the deal done.
The report further claims that Casemiro is pushing behind the scenes to get the transfer across the line. He will leave Manchester United in the summer, and it will be interesting to see if he can help them sign Guimaraes before his departure.
The Newcastle star will certainly help Manchester United improve. He will add control and creativity to the team. The opportunity to join a bigger club will be exciting for him. He has proven himself in the Premier League with Newcastle, but he deserves to compete at a high level.
Manchester United are working hard to secure Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign, and they need quality players at their disposal in order to compete for trophies next year. Guimaraes has been suggested to the Manchester United hierarchy by Casemiro, and his word is valued at the club. It will be interesting to see if the Old Trafford outfit can get the electro line.
Newcastle have an ambitious project as well, and they are competing in the UEFA Champions League this season. They might not secure Champions League football for the upcoming campaign, but they will still look to secure football in some capacity and fight for trophies. Losing their best midfielder will not be a part of their plan. It remains to be seen whether Manchester United can convince them to sell the player with an attractive offer.
Manchester United are looking to strengthen the defensive unit by signing Nathan Collins from Brentford.
According to TeamTalk, the 24-year-old Republic of Ireland international has emerged as a genuine target for Manchester United, and they are looking to accelerate matters in order to sign the player.
The 24-year-old has not just impressed with his defensive qualities, but his leadership has been excellent as well. Liverpool, Chelsea, and Tottenham are also monitoring the player and have scouted him regularly. However, Manchester United are actively exploring a move for the player.
It will be interesting to see if Brentford is willing to sanction his departure. They paid a club record fee of £23 million to sign the player in 2023, and they will look to make a substantial profit if a big club comes calling. The report claims that at least £55 million may be required to get the deal done.
Manchester United have the financial muscle to pay up for him, and they should be in a position to get the deal done, especially if they secure Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign. They need to improve defensively if they want to fight for major trophies.
Also, Harry Maguire is in the twilight stages of his career, and they need to plan his succession. They need a quality defender with leadership skills. Collins could be the ideal addition for them.
The defender could be attracted to the idea of joining one of the biggest clubs in the world. He has proven himself at Brentford, and this is the right time for him to take on a bigger challenge. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.
Arsenal and Manchester City are interested in signing the Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi.
The young defender is highly rated across Europe, and Barcelona have no plans to let him leave. He has a €500 million release clause in his contract, and Barcelona are under no pressure to sanction his departure.
According to reports from Spain, the player’s market value is €80 million, and he has a long-term contract with the Spanish club until 2029. Arsenal and Manchester City are very keen on him, and they are preparing financial strategies to tempt the player’s representatives. It will be interesting to see if they can offer him a lucrative contract and force him to consider an exit.
Arsenal already have the best defensive unit in the Premier League, and it seems that they are looking to improve further. There is no doubt that Cubarsi would be a super long-term acquisition. He has all the attributes to develop into a world-class player in the future. Meanwhile, Manchester City are looking to bring an upgrade on Nathan Ake.
It will be interesting to see which of the two clubs comes forward with an official proposal. They have the resources to pay €80 million for him, but it seems unlikely that Barcelona will sanction his departure. They are looking to build a formidable team for the future, and losing one of their best young players would be a major blow. It would send the wrong message about their ambitions as well.
The Spanish champions are likely to keep hold of the young defender beyond this summer. Arsenal and Manchester City might have to move on to other targets.
Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has been ruled out of the upcoming matches and is set to undergo hernia surgery.
Gianluca Di Marzio has confirmed that the player will be sidelined for several weeks, and his season might have ended prematurely. The Italian journalist claims that the blow has come at the worst possible time for Tottenham, who are fighting for their survival in the top flight. They will be without their best goalkeeper for the remaining matches of the season.
Antonin Kinsky put on a horror show recently when he was handed an opportunity in the UEFA Champions League. But Tottenham will have to rely on him in the coming matches now. It will be interesting to see if the young goalkeeper can bounce back strongly and help his team secure survival in the top flight.
Meanwhile, the injury below could prove to be costly for the player as well. It will hamper his World Cup preparations, and it remains to be seen whether he can return to action quickly.
It has been a disastrous season for Tottenham, and they will be desperate to survive. A club of their stature should have been fighting for European football and domestic trophies. Instead, they find themselves scrapping for a place in the Premier League next season. Losing an important player at this stage of the season could prove to be devastating for them. They have already had more than their fair share of injury problems this season.
Vicario has had his fair share of criticism, but the Italian remains the most reliable keeper at the club. His injury will certainly affect Tottenham in the remaining matches of the season.
Enzo Fernandez has been linked with a move away from Chelsea, and clubs like Real Madrid are keen on him.
However, the 25-year-old is a key player for the Blues, and they do not want to lose him. Manager Liam Rosenior has held a private meeting with the player regarding the player’s comments and the team’s form in recent weeks. He has revealed that the player is committed to Chelsea, and his recent comments regarding his future were taken out of context.
Fernandez recently claimed that he will assess his future after the World Cup, which fuelled speculations that he could leave Chelsea.
Rosenior told reporters (h/t GOAL): “Yeah, I think I had a great conversation with Enzo at length this morning before training, not just about his comments, just how he was feeling, how as a team we can improve. He’s one of the captains of the club. What I would say is that he made it really, really clear to me how happy he is here at this club, how much he wants to win, how passionate he is for us to be successful. And he also said that in translation and in emotion, things get misconstrued in what he said. So for me, he’s fully committed to this group, he’s fully committed to winning here at this football club.”
It will be interesting to see if Chelsea can keep him at the club beyond this season. He is one of the best players at the club, and he is one of the leaders of the dressing room. Losing him would be a blow for them, and they cannot afford to let players like him leave the club if they want to fight for major trophies. They will look to bridge the gap with elite clubs next season, and they need to hold onto their best players.
Newcastle United are reportedly interested in both Chelsea strikers Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson, according to TEAMtalk.
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The Magpies could do with strengthening up front after a disappointing season in which they have failed to replicate the success of their previous campaign.
Newcastle won the Carabao Cup final and qualified for the Champions League last term, but have suffered since selling Alexander Isak to Liverpool.
So far, Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa haven’t performed well at Newcastle, so bringing in someone like Jackson or Delap could be a good move.
Still, some NUFC supporters might also be slightly underwhelmed, as both players have largely flopped at Chelsea.
The 23-year-old scored 12 goals in 37 games for Ipswich last season, standing out as a top performer even if the club ended up getting relegated.
This season, Delap has managed just one league goal in 21 appearances for the Blues, and it could lead to speedy exit.
Newcastle might bank on Delap getting back to his best, but it would certainly be a gamble, and even if he has some potential, he’s currently a long way from being someone who could replace a world class forward like Isak…
Newcastle clearly need a striker and Delap is young enough that he could still turn his career around, but there’s not really enough there to suggest he’s at the level Eddie Howe’s side really need.
The Senegal international has also been pretty underwhelming on loan at Bayern Munich, but in fairness to him he’s struggled for playing time due to being behind Harry Kane in the pecking order.
Here’s how we scored him for Newcastle – slightly above Delap. Do you agree with our verdict? Let us know in the comments!
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has not confirmed one way or another if it will be David Raya or Kepa Arrizabalaga starting the Carabao Cup final.
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The Gunners take on Manchester City at Wembley this Sunday with the first piece of silverware of the season up for grabs, and it could also prove a crucial part of this season’s title race between these two clubs as well.
Man City manager Pep Guardiola has already confirmed he’ll be playing backup goalkeeper James Trafford against Arsenal, but Arteta simply said “we’ll see” when asked about who’ll start in goal for his side.
Raya is Arsenal’s established number one ‘keeper for the biggest games, but Kepa has been the team’s cup goalie so far this season, but it seems Arteta isn’t ruling out bringing in Raya for this hugely important match.
Mikel Arteta on Arsenal’s goalkeeper to take on Manchester City
Watch below as Arteta responded to a question about Kepa vs Raya, and gave little away, though he did add that it doesn’t make a big difference as they’re both quality players with a lot of experience at the highest level…
Arsenal fans will probably be hoping Arteta doesn’t take any risks given the importance of this game, with Raya surely the safer option.
The Spanish shot-stopper has been superb during his time at the Emirates Stadium, and surely deserves the chance to start in a game that could finally see the north London giants lift their first trophy since 2020.
Then again, it’s also important to keep players happy, and it would clearly show a distinct lack of faith in Kepa if he were to be left out of this game having played all of the other Carabao Cup matches previously.
Arsenal are reportedly calm and in a positive mood ahead of this weekend’s Carabao Cup final clash against Manchester City.
The Gunners will arguably be the favourites to lift the trophy at Wembley this Sunday, with Mikel Arteta’s side currently top of the Premier League and into the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
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By contrast, Man City have not been at their best, having dropped points in two league matches in a row to fall further behind Arsenal, while they were also knocked out of Europe by Real Madrid this week.
Speaking on YouTube, Independent journalist Miguel Delaney provided some insight into how Arsenal now seem to be in a better mood than their opponents ahead of this big game.
Arsenal calm ahead of Manchester City cup final showdown
“Arsenal are the team that are in the better mood where nothing has, as yet, gone you’d say very badly wrong they feel in a good place now as a team,” Delaney said.
“From what I’m told, the mood in the camp is one where the final is almost actually being downplayed a bit.
“There’s a calmness which marks such a contrast from you know one of the major characteristics of this season which is how every single Arsenal game or almost every single game has been ramped up.”
Only time will tell how this affects Arsenal’s performance at the weekend, but for now the club’s fans will surely be pleased to hear this positive update.
Arsenal’s recent record against Man City
For a long time Arsenal seemed to struggle in their games against City, but Arteta has done a tremendous job to turn that around in the last couple of years.
AFC are now on a run of six games unbeaten against MCFC, and that includes a victory at Wembley in the 2023 Community Shield.
City can never be ruled out, though, after all the success they’ve had under Guardiola, which also includes beating Arsenal in the League Cup final back in 2018.
Manchester United still appreciate Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, who was a top target for previous manager Ruben Amorim, according to Fabrizio Romano.
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It seems Man Utd are still discussing their top midfield targets for the summer, with no final decision yet, but Romano has suggested Baleba remains one of the options under consideration.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano went through a list of players the Red Devils are looking at in that position, including Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali.
It is not yet clear if Baleba will still be one of United’s priorities as he was under Amorim, with Romano generally explaining that whoever the club’s new manager will end up being could be another significant factor when it comes to identifying transfer targets.
Fabrizio Romano on Manchester United’s ongoing interest in Carlos Baleba
United have been linked with Baleba several times, but it seems Amorim was key to this, even if others inside Old Trafford also like the Cameroon international.
Romano said: “We have to understand that in order to say ‘okay, Man United want his player because also the coach wants his player’. For example Ruben Amorim was big fan of Baleba at Brighton. (He) wanted Baleba now Baleba is still appreciated by people at Man United, of course, but in that case there was the manager pushing a lot to get Baleba, now it could be different so let’s see let’s follow the situation.”
At the same time, MUFC might also face a lot of competition for someone like Elliot Anderson, as reported by BBC Sport, so sometimes it’s worth keeping a lot of different players in mind.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed the surprise decision to start with James Trafford as his goalkeeper against Arsenal this weekend.
Man City take on the Gunners in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, and it seems Guardiola is prepared to stick with his cup ‘keeper even for this hugely important game.
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The Spanish tactician, speaking at his press conference today, was asked about starting with Trafford over his usual no.1 Gianluigi Donnarumma, and confirmed he would be doing so.
As per BBC Sport, Guardiola said Trafford would be starting and described it as a “big moment for the team.”
James Trafford’s difficult time at Manchester City so far
Trafford joined City from Burnley in the summer, but Donnarumma joined from Paris Saint-Germain not long after.
It perhaps looked initially like Trafford would be Guardiola’s first-choice ‘keeper this season, but it hasn’t worked out that way.
The 23-year-old is a fine talent who will probably feel he could be starting for a number of other Premier League clubs, so it will be interesting to see what he decides about his future this summer.
Still, for the time being Trafford will be given the chance to make himself a hero this weekend.
What about Arsenal’s goalkeeper for the cup final?
Interestingly, it also wouldn’t be too surprising if Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also neglected to use his usual no.1 ‘keeper for this game.
Kepa Arrizabalaga has played for Arsenal in all of their League Cup and FA Cup games so far, so that would probably suggest he’ll be in the starting XI on Sunday as well.
All in all, these decisions seem slightly risky, with Donnarumma performing superbly against Arsenal in last season’s Champions League semi-finals when he was still at PSG.
David Raya is also a top performer for AFC, so could be missed in this important game when silverware is up for grabs.
Fabrizio Romano has reported on Liam Rosenior’s job safety at Chelsea, with the Blues not looking likely to sack the manager any time soon.
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Chelsea are known for changing managers pretty frequently, having already gone through Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, and Enzo Maresca as permanent appointments under this ownership.
But it seems he’s not in immediate danger, with Romano acknowledging that it’s harder to take a big job like Chelsea without the benefits of a full pre-season to prepare.
Fabrizio Romano on Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea future
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano responded to uncertainty around Rosenior after Chelsea’s humiliating Champions League exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.
He said: “Obviously it was disappointing to see Chelsea going out of the Champions League like that. Paris Saint-Germain scored eight goals on aggregate against Chelsea in the Champions League. (It) was especially the Stanford Bridge one poor performance and so obviously many people (are) asking and trying to understand the situation around Liam Rosenior
“But at the moment despite all the questions I’m getting the answer I have is that Chelsea keep believing in their manager. Obviously we all know this is a results-based industry. So let’s see how it’s going to continue in the next months, but at the moment Chelsea show total commitment to the project they started with Rosenior.
“He arrived in January and it’s not the same when you arrive during the summer preseason start to do the market with the ideas of the coach as well.”
He added: “So the idea is to support Rosenior, is to trust Rosenior. Then again, he has to deliver as every single coach in the world. That’s the point.”
Speaking at a press conference today as he announced his latest England squad, Tuchel quite clearly left the door open for Dowman to join up with the Three Lions later on this summer.
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The German tactician was also full of praise for Arsenal for the way they’ve handled the 16-year-old’s development so far, explaining that it’s clear he’s in a good environment where he can stay grounded and keep on learning from the best.
Thomas Tuchel on Max Dowman
Speaking about a number of players who didn’t make his latest England squad, Tuchel made it clear he sees no reason to rush into selecting Dowman.
Still, the England manager definitely didn’t rule it out as something he could do when it comes to naming his final World Cup squad ahead of the tournament later this year.
“Well, he put himself in the spotlight no? With this amazing goal against Everton, and a crucial goal.”
“I think he is, at the moment, complete, and obviously a fantastic talent and an outstanding talent with this age. There cannot be a doubt about it.
“Everyone who tells me about Max praises him and is full of compliments about him. The reality at the moment is also that he competes for minutes – he’s not a regular starter for Arsenal.
“I think he’s in a fantastic environment, I think he’s in the best environment possible; in a competitive club, in a stable club, in a club where team work is the number one rule, this is how they play, this is how they function.
“So he learns from the very best, in the very best environment. And with these young guys, yeah, of course we know all these players and we see them as you do as well.
“At the moment I think he’s in a good place to fight for his position, fight for his minutes at Arsenal.
“We always have the chance to call him, maybe, up for the World Cup.
“The thing with young players is to keep their momentum, maybe, going and keep their excitement, and they have a level of fearlessness with them. So no need to call him up now and increase the pressure and increase all the noise that comes with it. But yeah, we have all options.”
Max Dowman making a name for himself
Dowman scored a memorable late goal for Arsenal in their 2-0 win over Everton, with the teenager coming off the bench in that match and almost single-handedly changing the game.
It’s not often you see a player so young playing with so much quality and intelligence, but Dowman looked very much at home at Premier League level.
The Englishman first fired in a dangerous cross that led to Arsenal’s opening goal for Viktor Gyokeres, before then running almost the length of the pitch to grab the second.
Even if he was faced with an open goal, Dowman showed tremendous skill to get himself into that position to punish Everton on the counter-attack.
In total, Dowman has played seven first-team games for Mikel Arteta’s side this season, and it’s easy to imagine he’ll get more minutes between now and May.
That could put him firmly in contention for a World Cup spot, and what a story that would be!
See below for a comparison of his stats in 2024/25 and 2025/26, with Salah simply not coming anywhere close to those previous heights that saw him play a starring role in the club’s success…
Mohamed Salah’s stats this season vs last season (DataMB)
Salah scored 34 goals in all competitions last season, but has a total of only 10 so far this term.
His previous lowest tally in a season was 23, while this could also quite conceivably be the first time he finishes a Premier League campaign without double figures for league goals.
All in all, it might not be the worst thing for LFC to part ways with Salah this summer, even if that old saying goes ‘form is temporary, class is permanent’.
Still, it seems Chelsea are keen to move to the front of the queue for El Mala’s signature by trying their luck with a €50m bid, according to Fichajes.
With nine goals and three assists this season, the 19-year-old has made a big impact and looks ready to make the step up to the next level.
Chelsea could do with Said El Mala transfer to give them something different in attack
It’s not been the best season at Stamford Bridge, so there could be room for further changes to Chelsea’s attacking options.
Jamie Gittens is one summer signing who’s been particularly disappointing, but many CFC fans will also have expected more from the likes of Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho.
Even Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian has gone off the boil after starting brightly, so there’s surely room for El Mala to come in and become a key player for Liam Rosenior’s side.
19/25 is a high score, with El Mala really ticking the boxes in terms of a pretty low transfer fee, good recent form, an age bracket that suggests his best is yet to come, and the fact that he improves a weak area of Chelsea’s squad.
It will be interesting to see if the west London giants can indeed get this deal done, but one imagines there’ll be plenty of interest in the Germany Under-21 international this summer, so probably a few more twists and turns in this saga yet.
Arsenal are reportedly intensifying their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen’s talented young forward Christian Kofane ahead of the summer.
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The Gunners want to move ahead of any potential competitors for Kofane’s signature, with the 19-year-old set to cost around €70m, according to Fichajes.
Kofane has caught the eye in the Bundesliga this season, contributing seven goals and four assists in total.
Arsenal eye Christian Kofane transfer in bid to reshuffle attack
Arsenal fans will no doubt be keen to see their club bring in a big name up front this summer, but there’s probably also room for a young talent like Kofane to come in and provide squad depth.
This could be the summer that we see players like Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard moving on, with neither player starting regularly for Arteta’s men this term.
That could mean Kofane can come in and fill that kind of role, perhaps with the view to developing into more of a regular starter once he gains more experience.
Arsenal like Christian Kofane’s versatility
Another good thing about Kofane is his versatility, with Fichajes claiming AFC like that side of his game.
The report adds that Chelsea could also be preparing contacts over the Cameroon international, while Leverkusen have turned down offers for him before.
Arsenal could also end up facing competition from big names like Real Madrid and Barcelona, according to Fichajes, so this saga remains at the early stages and could head in a number of different directions.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has provided an update on Mohamed Salah’s fitness as it looks like he’s going to be out of this weekend’s game against Brighton.
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The Egypt international has had a mixed season for Liverpool, but he’s looked better in recent times, scoring a sublime solo goal against Galatasaray in the Champions League this week.
However, Salah was unable to finish that game and it now looks like he’ll be out against Brighton and out of Egypt’s matches for the upcoming international break.
Arne Slot’s Mohamed Salah injury update
Speaking at his press conference today, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo, Slot said: “Unusual [he is injured], I think you expect the outcome so he is not available for tomorrow. Good thing for LFC is we go to international break, bad news for Egypt, he can’t go there.
“We hope with what Mo has shown in the past he can recovery faster than other players. He takes such good care of his body, he can be back earlier than others as history has shown. Only two weeks until we go again…”
So it’s not the worst news Liverpool fans could have heard, but it’s not ideal to be missing a key player like Salah at this important stage of the season.
It sounds like it might not be too long, so LFC supporters will hope he can return for the crucial period coming up in the race for the top four and the latter stages of both the Champions League and the FA Cup.
Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad has been confirmed this morning, with James Garner and Dominic Calvert-Lewin named as two surprise inclusions.
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According to the Athletic, the Everton midfielder and Leeds United striker have been selected to be given a chance in the latest international break as we get closer and closer to the 2026 World Cup.
The report also noted that big names from Manchester United were set be involved, such as Harry Maguire and Kobbie Mainoo.
Information about the official squad was leaked earlier this morning, prior to being officially confirmed at 10am.
England squad in full
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), James Trafford (Manchester City), Aaron Ramsdale (Newcastle United), Jason Steele (Brighton & Hove Albion)
Defenders: Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Lewis Hall (Newcastle United), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Djed Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Manchester City), Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan)
Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), James Garner (Everton), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, loan from Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur)
Manchester United and Liverpool are among the transfer suitors for Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson, as first reported here for the Daily Briefing.
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The 28-year-old’s Fulham future is in some doubt, with the player approaching the final two years of his contract, meaning this summer could be the club’s last chance to make decent money from selling him.
Still, it’s understood that one issue for the moment could be that Man Utd and Liverpool are unsure about paying his £30-40m asking price.
Antonee Robinson transfer being considered by Man United and Liverpool
United could do with an upgrade on Luke Shaw, who has performed well this season but who is not getting any younger and who has a poor injury record.
Robinson is valued by United due to his experience in the Premier League, but there’s the sense that £30-40m wouldn’t represent great value for money considering the player’s age.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are also exploring options at left-back after a slow start made by Milos Kerkez at Anfield since joining from Bournemouth last summer.
Some sources have given mixed indications about how much of a priority this will be, but Robinson is thought to be one of the names being considered to come in at least to replace Andrew Robertson as a rotation option alongside Kerkez.
Again, £30-40m would be a lot to pay for that kind of squad player, though, so Fulham might need to lower their demands for this deal to become realistic. It might also be in their interests to do so as the player’s value will only decrease further by next summer when he has just a year left on his contract.
However, Falk believes the deal may be more realistically affordable for Premier League clubs, which is a potential boost for Liverpool and Man Utd.
Lukeba also doesn’t necessarily look like someone who’d make sense as a priority for Bayern at the moment anyway, given that Dayot Upamecano recently signed a new contract at the Allianz Arena.
Christian Falk’s transfer info on Castello Lukeba
Discussing Lukeba and a possible move to the Premier League, Falk noted that Leipzig players often seem to end up in England, and at Liverpool in particular.
“It is TRUE: Bayern are monitoring Castello Lukeba,” Falk wrote.
“Max Eberl knows the player and likes the player. He has worked before at RB Leipzig. But, at the moment, it’s not true that FC Bayern will buy Lukeba in the summer.
“Things can change if Kim Min-jae is sold. Then they can invest the transfer fee, which is why Lukeba is still on the list.”
He added: “As you see, often RB Leipzig players end up in the Premier League. We’ve seen a lot of them – especially at Liverpool! Just look at Dominik Szoboszlai’s performances this season. This is one of the clubs that always focuses on such players.
“A while ago, Bayern bought Dayot Upamecano from Leipzig, and it was a good decision. But they can’t always do a deal like this, and we know Lukeba is an expensive player. So, perhaps there’s a deal in the Premier League to be found for the 23-year-old centre-half.”
Castello Lukeba looks ideal for Liverpool
LFC have a particular need for a new centre-back this summer as Ibrahima Konate comes towards the end of his contract, while Virgil van Dijk isn’t getting any younger and has arguably started to show signs of decline.
Lukeba would also surely get a similar score for Man Utd, though they already have decent depth in central defence, so arguably need him less.
The Frenchman may well favour Old Trafford over Anfield this summer, though, depending on how the ongoing battle for Champions League qualification pans out.
German football journalist Christian Falk has dropped an intriguing Manchester United transfer update this morning as the Red Devils remain interested in Alphonso Davies.
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The Canada international was also previously eyed by United and other big clubs when his contract situation was uncertain, though he ended up signing a new deal.
Still, even if Davies is one of the best left-backs in the world on his day, he hasn’t been as convincing in recent times, partly due to ongoing injury issues.
Christian Falk on Manchester United’s Alphonso Davies interest
Discussing the Davies to United links in today’s column, Falk said: “It is TRUE: Manchester United are interested in Alphonso Davies.
“They were at the table when questions were being asked as to whether he would sign a new contract at Bayern Munich. They’re still monitoring this player, but he’s, of course, since signed a new contract at the Allianz Arena, so it will be difficult to get him at the moment.
“But there are also discussions going on at the club as to whether they need a new backup player, given all the injuries Davies keeps picking up. Before, they thought they didn’t need a player on the left-hand side because Hiroki Itō can play there as well.
“However, if there were an offer on the table (and don’t forget it cost Bayern a lot of money to extend Davies), there would be a discussion. But I can say right now that there has yet to be a concrete offer from Manchester United. If there’s an offer, perhaps Bayern will consider it, as the injuries keep coming.”
Is Alphonso Davies still good enough for Manchester United?
United fans will likely be divided over whether or not a move for Davies is the right thing, but what does our Transfer Fit rating show?
See below as we scored Davies on key metrics and gave him a fairly medium overall rating of 15/25…
Alphonso Davies
TOTAL SCORE: 15/25
Transfer fee
**
Performance
**
Achievements
*****
Career phase
**
Squad need
****
Even if Davies has had a fine career as one of the top players in the world in his position, his recent form is less convincing and he probably wouldn’t come cheap.
Still, there are worse options out there, and MUFC do look like they need a new left-back as an upgrade on the ageing and injury-prone Luke Shaw.
West Ham United have reportedly learned that it will cost them as much as £38m to sign Axel Disasi permanently this summer.
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The French central defender has shone for the Hammers since joining on loan from Chelsea, but it seems the Blues are still keen to make big money from his sale.
Disasi joined Chelsea from Monaco for around £38m a few years ago, and it’s a bit surprising to see that the west London giants still value him in that price range.
This is despite Disasi mostly being pretty underwhelming during his time at Stamford Bridge, though he has improved since his loan move to the London Stadium.
What next for Axel Disasi?
Disasi has previously also had a loan spell at Aston Villa, while there was some interest from clubs like Napoli and Roma prior to his move to West Ham.
WHUFC will undoubtedly try to get Disasi’s price tag down, but one imagines it will still be a while before they can formalise their summer transfer plans anyway.
West Ham are currently battling to avoid relegation from the Premier League, so staying up will surely be crucial for them in pursuit of their top targets.
Disasi has previously expressed his happiness at West Ham but it’s hard to imagine he’d be happy to stay there if they were playing in the Championship.
Chelsea will also likely feel that plenty of other clubs could be able to offer decent money for Disasi even if a move to West Ham doesn’t work out.
The latest from iNews is that Livramento’s future at Newcastle is in some doubt as there’s been a lack of progress over a new contract for him at St James’ Park.
Do Arsenal need Tino Livramento and Sandro Tonali?
Livramento, however, looks like a solid piece of business for AFC, scoring 17/25 and ticking pretty much every box…
Tino Livramento
TOTAL SCORE: 17/25
Transfer fee
★★★☆☆
Performance
★★★☆☆
Achievements
★★★☆☆
Career phase
★★★★☆
Squad need
★★★★☆
Capable of playing both right-back or left-back, Livramento could be a useful option to ensure Arteta can continue to rotate his options at the back.
There could well be doubts over some Arsenal defenders this summer as well, with the likes of Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori, and Myles Lewis-Skelly not playing as much as they perhaps would’ve liked this season.
Newcastle facing another worrying transfer window
It would be bad news for Newcastle, however, if they saw another summer dominated by players possibly leaving.
Alexander Isak left to join Liverpool last year and it proved hugely disruptive, so they could do without lingering doubts over other key players like Tonali and Livramento.
Arsenal will undoubtedly hope to pounce for at least one of those, but it will be interesting to see how strong Newcastle can be in the face of that interest.
The report from iNews adds that Newcastle want four new signings of their own as well this summer.
Newcastle United could reportedly be set to make sweeping changes to their squad this summer, with four new signings eyed up.
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The Magpies could do with something of a squad overhaul after a below-par Premier League campaign and a humbling Champions League exit at the hands of Barcelona this week.
It’s not yet clear which specific names could fill those roles, but there could also be other changes as the report mentions speculation over the future of midfield duo Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.
Newcastle United need a strong transfer window
Newcastle could do with avoiding more big names leaving after the very troubling saga involving Alexander Isak and his move to Liverpool last summer.
That dragged on for much of the transfer window and disrupted Newcastle a great deal, so they’ll hope to avoid anything similar happening with Guimaraes and Tonali.
If they can keep their most important players and also strengthen with those four targets they want, then things could look a lot more positive at St James’ Park next season.
This NUFC project is a promising one, but the team still needs a lot of work to truly establish itself in the top four.
It will be interesting to see what calibre of player they can lure to the club now as they’ll most likely be without Champions League football next season.
At the same time, though, Newcastle have shown that they can compete and get into Europe’s top club competition from time to time, so that should assure some players that they’re joining a strong project with a big future.
Manchester United have made some calls to be informed on the situation of Newcastle United central midfielder Sandro Tonali, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano provided a major update on Tonali’s future as it looks like there’s a lot of interest in the Italy international ahead of the summer.
The Red Devils are joined by Manchester City and Juventus as potential suitors for Tonali, though it looks like the cost of the deal makes it complicated for Juve.
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With Man Utd, it seems Tonali is just one of several names on their list, according to Romano, though they have had some contacts to explore this option.
Fabrizio Romano on Man United’s interest in Sandro Tonali and what they could do in midfield
While it could still be a while before we know for sure what United will do in midfield, Romano explained that Tonali is one name the club like.
The Italian journalist also made it clear that MUFC may well make more than one midfield signing, and that further internal discussions will take place to decide on what kind of profile they’re after.
“Man United have several names on their short list for the midfielder. It’s not only one or two because this will depend on the budget,” Romano said.
“This will depend on who’s going to be the manager. This will depend on which kind of player Man United will want to sign. Could be one, could be two.
“So, there are several factors that are going to impact who is going to be the midfielder for Man United. is not only one name at the moment the list is including several names before they meet internally and they say okay let’s go for this one but for sure Manchester United made some calls to be informed.”
Romano clarified that United and City are the two clubs who have called to be kept in the loop about Tonali’s situation.
Romano also mentions that United are targeting Anderson, but it surely won’t be easy to win the race for his signature after his superb form this season.
According to the Daily Mirror, the Red Devils will not accept a second loan offer as they hold out instead for a permanent sale for the out-of-favour Rashford.
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However, Man Utd are instead prepared to take Rashford back and find another buyer for the England international.
Manchester United believe Marcus Rashford’s value has risen
Rashford has performed well during his stint at the Nou Camp, and it seems United now feel they could get as much as £50m for him, according to the Mirror’s report.
Barca would surely do well, in that case, to sign the 28-year-old for almost half that price, but it remains to be seen if they can be persuaded to do so.
Rashford has proven a useful squad player for Hansi Flick’s side, contributing a total of ten goals and nine assists in all competitions despite only starting 21 games.
It would surely be sensible for Barcelona to simply pay the £26m required to keep Rashford, but MUFC may well do better now if he comes back to Old Trafford.
What next for Marcus Rashford?
In truth, it perhaps seems hard to imagine anyone paying as much as £50m for Rashford, whatever United may believe about his value rising.
Some United fans might even be thinking that the club should simply bring him back anyway and reinstate him in their first-team squad.
Things ended badly for Rashford at United, but he’s got back to his best during his time away in La Liga, so perhaps that can help him return to his parent club fresh and full of confidence.
Either that, or the change of scene has done him good and he’d find himself in a bit of a slump again if he were to go back to playing for United.
Federico Chiesa is ‘almost certain’ to leave Liverpool at the end of the season, marking a swift conclusion to his time on Merseyside.
According to a report from Lewis Steele for the Daily Mail, the 28-year-old Italian international is set to be part of a significant clearing of the decks at Anfield as the club prepares for yet another period of transition.
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Despite joining with high expectations two years ago, Chiesa has struggled to cement a consistent place in the starting XI.
Steele noted that while fringe players like Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones face uncertain futures due to lack of minutes, Chiesa’s departure is considered a near-certainty.
With two years still remaining on his current deal, Liverpool will undoubtedly look to recoup the £12 million they invested in the winger to help fund future reinforcements.
Federico Chiesa could lead Liverpool summer exodus
The potential exit of Chiesa is merely the tip of the iceberg for a club that seems to be in a perpetual state of flux.
Last summer saw a staggering exodus, with the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, and Harvey Elliott all moving on, while the club sanctioned a massive £450 million spend on new arrivals.
However, the exodus isn’t limited to the playing staff. Steele reports that several “key figures” have unclear futures, including head coach Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes.
With stalwarts like Mohamed Salah, Ibrahima Konate, and vice-captain Andy Robertson also entering the final stages of their contracts or facing speculation, Anfield could be braced for another total overhaul.
Federico Chiesa is a fan favourite
Despite his lack of consistent game time, Chiesa remains a genuine fan favorite among the Liverpool faithful.
His work rate and infectious energy on and off the pitch has endeared him to the fan base, with his chant among one of most sung in the stadium.
While his stint in the Premier League may not have reached the heights many hoped for, his technical quality ensures that Liverpool should have no shortage of suitors as they look to balance the books this June.
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Chelsea want Elliot Anderson
They want to sign him as a replacement for Enzo Fernandez. The South American has been linked with a move away from Chelsea, and they will need to replace him properly. However, Fernandez is a creative central midfielder, whereas Anderson is a defensive midfielder. It remains to be seen whether Chelsea decides to bring in a creative midfielder as well. They will need to replace the goal and creativity from Fernandez if he decides to move on.
The player could cost around €100 million in the summer, and Manchester United are closely monitoring his situation, as per reports from Spain.
However, Chelsea are confident they can offer him a leading role, and it remains to be seen whether they can convince the player to join the club. On the other hand, losing Fernandez would be a blow for them. The Argentina international is a top-quality player and one of the first names on the team sheet at Chelsea.
Real Madrid are hoping to secure his signature, and it remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done. Convincing the player to move might not be too difficult for the Spanish club. Fernandez has proven himself in England, and he could be open to trying out a new challenge now.
Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu has been linked with a move away from the club at the end of the season.
The 23-year-old player has previously admitted he is a “huge Premier League fan” and would love to play in England. According to reports from Fussball Daten, the player could cost around €25 million in the summer.
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Tottenham keen on Noah Atubolu
The report claims that clubs like Tottenham Hotspur are interested in securing his signature. It will be interesting to see if the north London club decides to make a move for him. Chelsea were keen on the players as well, but they have been handed a transfer ban.
It is no secret that Tottenham need a quality goalkeeper in the summer. Guglielmo Vicario has been criticised for his inconsistencies, and Tottenham needs an upgrade. The Bundesliga goalkeeper could prove to be an excellent addition for them. The opportunity to play in the Premier League will be exciting for Atubolu, and he will look to make his mark in English football.
Tottenham are fighting for survival in the Premier League, and they need to improve the team in the summer. They need to plug the squad’s weaknesses, and a quality goalkeeper could make a big difference. It remains to be seen whether they can win the race for his signature.
Chelsea’s transfer ban will certainly be a huge boost for the north London outfit. They will fancy their chances of winning the race for Atubolu.
The player has previously admitted that he used to watch Chelsea often as a kid, and it is fair to assume that the Blues could have been the favourites to sign him if not for their current transfer predicament. Meanwhile, West Ham United are monitoring his situation as well. It will be interesting to see if they come forward with an offer to sign the player.
Naturally, his performances have attracted the attention of top clubs. According to a report from Fussball Daten, Frankfurt has an option to make them move permanently at the end of the season. However, should they choose not to exercise the clause, Nottingham Forest will look to sell him for a fee of around €35 million in the summer.
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Arnaud Kalimuendo set for England return?
The report claims that clubs like Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa could look to make a move for the French attacker. The 24-year-old has the physicality and technical attributes to play in English football, and he could be an asset to both clubs. They need more cutting-edge in the final third, and Kalimuendo could be a very useful addition.
After a disappointing time with Nottingham Forest, the player will be desperate to prove himself in English football. The opportunity to join Tottenham or Aston Villa will be exciting for him.
The report claims that both clubs are looking to bring in an “electrifying” attacker like Kalimuendo.
The asking price is affordable for the two Premier League clubs, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up. Aston Villa is pushing for Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign, and they could be an attractive destination for the French attacker.
On the other hand, Tottenham is fighting for survival in the Premier League. However, they are one of the country’s biggest clubs, and they have an ambitious project. It remains to be seen which of the two clubs can get the deal done.
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Insider says Tudor expected to be sacked
The ultimatum comes via prominent insider on X, who revealed on that the Croatian’s tenure is hanging by a thread.
He posted: “Igor Tudor will be called to a meeting if Tottenham lose to Nottingham Forest this weekend. He is expected to be sacked.”
The timing of the report is particularly striking given Tottenham’s slightly improved performance.
After a spirited draw at Anfield, Spurs recorded their first win of 2026 on Wednesday night with a battling 3-2 victory over Atlético Madrid.
While the result wasn’t enough to keep them in the Champions League, it served as a massive moral boost and marked Tudor’s first win since taking charge on February 14.
However, the board is reportedly looking at the cold reality of the Premier League table.
Tottenham currently sit in 16th place, only one point above the relegation zone. With only nine games remaining, the hierarchy feels that the “new manager bounce” has been too slow to arrive, and they cannot afford a slip-up against a direct relegation rival like Forest.
Tottenham will not be afraid of second managerial change
If Tudor is sacked, it would mark a ruthless streak from the Tottenham board.
Having already sacked Thomas Frank earlier this year, the club is reportedly prepared to do whatever it takes to avoid the catastrophic financial and sporting implications of relegation.
Sean Dyche is another name, a ‘firefighters’ manager who has good experience in taking over clubs in danger of relegation and helping them survive the drop.
For Igor Tudor, it appears tha Sunday’s clash at the City Ground could be a decisive one.
Liverpool are interested in signing Alessandro Bastoni during the summer transfer window, and they have made enquiries for him.
According to Spanish publication SPORT, the Italian outfit is prepared to sell the player for a fee in excess of €50 million, and Barcelona are also monitoring his situation. It will be interesting to see if Liverpool can win the race for his signature.
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The opportunity to join Liverpool could be exciting for him. Similarly, Barcelona are among the biggest clubs in the world, and the opportunity to play for them will be hard to turn down. Both clubs could provide him with the platform to fight for trophies. They could use a quality defender like him, and it remains to be seen where Bastoni ends up.
The report from the Spanish publication claims that the Italian defender prefers a move to Barcelona in the summer.
Liverpool certainly have more financial resources compared to Barcelona. They will be able to pay the asking price for him, and they can offer Bastoni a lucrative contract as well.
It will be interesting to see if Barcelona can stump up the cash and get the deal done in the coming months. Apart from his defensive skills, the 26-year-old is excellent on the ball and will help them build from the back.
Wolves star Joao Gomes has been identified as a top priority for Manchester United as the club’s hierarchy plots a major overhaul of the midfield this summer.
With Wolves currently facing a desperate battle against relegation to the Championship, the 25-year-old Brazilian is expected to be available for a cut-price fee of approximately £44 million.
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Gomes has been a rare bright spot in a difficult season for Rob Edwards’ side, producing standout performances in recent victories over Aston Villa and Liverpool.
He’d be eager to remain in the Premier League to boost his international prospects and would relish a reunion at Old Trafford with close friend Matheus Cunha, who made the same switch from Molineux last summer.
Man United looking to sign two midfielders to replace Casemiro
According to The Mirror, INEOS and the United recruitment team are reportedly in the market for two new midfielders ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
This follows the confirmed departure of Casemiro, who will leave when his contract expires in June, and the expected sale of Manuel Ugarte, who has struggled to adapt to the English game since his move from PSG.
Gomes sits at the top of a prestigious six-man shortlist which includes:
Gomes is widely regarded as the ball-winning engine that United’s midfield has lacked.
His playing style is defined by high-intensity pressing and elite defensive contributions; he currently ranks in the 92nd percentile for tackles and interceptions among Premier League midfielders this season.
Unlike Casemiro, who has struggled with mobility in his veteran years, Gomes possesses the recovery speed to cover large areas of the pitch.
His ability to turn a defensive win into an immediate counter-attack makes him a perfect tactical match for the transitional style favored by the United coaching staff.
Former teammate Matheus Cunha even likened his impact to a prime Casemiro, noting that having Gomes behind him makes the entire team feel more secure.
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez is a target for clubs like Real Madrid and PSG.
The 25-year-old has been exceptional in the Premier League, and it is no surprise that the big clubs are keen on him. He would be open to joining Real Madrid in the summer, and a move to PSG would be attractive for him as well.
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Chelsea plot new deal for Enzo Fernandez
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Chelsea have no plans to let the player leave in the summer and are prepared to offer him a bumper contract to convince him to stay. They would be willing to push past £400,000 per week, including bonuses, in order to keep the World Cup winner. It will be interesting to see if they can convince Fernandez to stay at the club.
There is no doubt that he’s one of the best players in his position in the world right now. He is still quite young, and he will only improve with coaching and experience. He has all the attributes to develop into a world-class midfielder.
Chelsea cannot afford to lose a player of his quality if they are serious about fighting for trophies. It remains to be seen how the situation develops. Real Madrid need a midfield controller who will add creativity and composure to the team. The Chelsea star would be ideal for them.
Similarly, PG are monitoring his situation as well. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and they recently won the UEFA Champions League and the League title. It remains to be seen whether the Chelsea star is prepared to take on a new challenge in the summer. The Blues are going through a period of transition, and they are not quite at the level required to fight for major trophies.
Tottenham need to bring in a quality manager in the summer, and it will be interesting to see if they decide to move for Hutter. He has shown his quality in France, and he could prove to be an excellent option for the north London club. The opportunity to manage in the Premier League will be exciting for him.
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Spurs keen on Adi Hutter
Tottenham are currently fighting for survival in the Premier League, and they will not want to be in this position once again. They will be hoping to fight for trophies next season, and they need a quality manager. They have been linked with multiple names in recent months. It will be interesting to see if they can bring in a manager who can unlock their true potential.
According to Rudy Galetti, they have already gathered information regarding the 56-year-old German manager, and they are planning to move in the summer. It remains to be seen whether he is ready to leave AS Monaco and move to England. It would be the ideal next step in his career. Joining an ambitious Premier League club will be quite tempting for him. Tottenham have more resources than the French outfit and will look to build a formidable team.
Despite their struggles, they have quality players, and the right manager could bring out the best in them. This could be an exciting challenge for the 56-year-old manager. It will be interesting to see how the situation develops over the next few months.
Hutter averages 1.78 points per match across his career, and he could help Tottenham bounce back.
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Arsenal and Man United want Sandro Tonali
The player is highly sought by Arsenal and Manchester United, and it will be interesting to see if they are prepared to pay the asking price for him. €100 million is a lot of money for a defensive midfielder. Arsenal need an upgrade on Christian Norgaard, and Manchester United will need to replace Casemiro.
Tonali is one of the best players in his position in the Premier League, and he could make a big impact at Arsenal or Manchester United. Joining a big club would be exciting for the player as well. However, the asking price could complicate any potential move.
Clubs in Italy are also interested in the player. It will be interesting to see how the situation develops.
The Italian International is entering the peak years of his career, and this is the right time for him to join a bigger club and fight for major trophies. It will be interesting to see whether Newcastle can convince him he can fulfil his ambitions with them. Arsenal and Manchester United are likely to be in the UEFA Champions League next season, making them attractive destinations for the player.
Tonali is well-settled in the Premier League, and he could make an immediate impact at Arsenal or Manchester United. It will be interesting to see where he ends up eventually. Newcastle must keep players like him at the club if they are serious about fighting for trophies.
Mathys Tel has revealed that a series of “clear-the-air” talks in the dressing room sparked the tactical and emotional shift that led to Tottenham’s spirited, albeit bittersweet, 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid.
While the result wasn’t enough to overturn a massive first-leg deficit, the win marked a significant turning point for a squad that has spent much of 2026 in a state of freefall.
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The young Frenchman, who has become a focal point of the Spurs attack during this turbulent period, insists that the players have finally found the spirit of determination required to fight for the club’s Premier League survival.
Mathys Tel on talks behind the scenes
Speaking after the game, Tel explained that the players recognised a desperate need for better communication.
“I think conversation in the dressing room. After every loss we just keep talking to each other and something changed. We are talking because maybe before we didn’t speak enough. But now with the situation we talk more, more, more, and we are more about the details.”
Tel emphasised that the squad has moved past individual frustrations to operate as a singular unit under interim boss Igor Tudor.
“We’re together. We’re just a team now. I can feel it. I trust my teammates, I trust the manager, I trust everybody. If we stick together, we will do it.”
Tottenham still have a mountain to climb
Despite the Champions League exit, the 3-2 win serves as a vital moral boost for a side that had failed to record a single victory in nine previous attempts.
It also represents Igor Tudor’s first win since taking charge, providing him with much-needed leverage as he prepares for a defining week in the dugout.
Spurs currently sit in 16th place, just one point above the relegation zone.
The mountain to climb begins this Sunday against Nottingham Forest in what has been dubbed a relegation six-pointer.
However, the resilience shown at Anfield followed by the high-scoring win against Diego Simeone’s side suggests that Tottenham may finally be waking up.
With senior figures reportedly speaking up more in tactical meetings, the club is hopeful that these details will be the difference between a historic drop and a miraculous escape.
Arsenal and Manchester City will have to compete with Newcastle United for Rodrigo Mora in the summer.
The 18-year-old playmaker has impressed with Porto, and Newcastle is prepared to break their transfer record in order to sign him. They would be willing to pay €100 million in order to sign the playmaker, according to reports from Spain.
They will also face competition from Arsenal and Manchester City. It will be interesting to see which of the three clubs can get the deal done.
Mora is a promising young player with a bright future, and he could add creativity and technical ability in the final third. The opportunity to play in the Premier League will be exciting for him. Newcastle might be able to provide him with regular opportunities, and the move could be ideal for the youngster. He should look to join a club where he will play every week. Newcastle could groom him into a future star and help him fulfil his potential.
Porto will find it difficult to reject the offer if €100 million is presented in the summer. It is a significant amount of money for a largely unproven player. Even though he is a tremendous talent, he has done nothing to justify the price tag.
It seems unlikely that Arsenal or Manchester City will pay that kind of money for him. They need creativity in the final third, but they will also look to improve other areas of the squad. Spending €100 million on Mora will not be a part of their plan. It will be interesting to see if Newcastle can submit a concrete proposal and get the deal done.
Chelsea have already begun work on replacing unsettled midfield star Enzo Fernandez ahead of this summer.
Sources in the industry have told me this afternoon that Chelsea chiefs are carrying out extensive work on three main targets for that position, and others could soon come into the equation too.
As reported earlier this season, one name Chelsea really like is Elliot Anderson, though there’s an awareness that Manchester City and Manchester United may already be further ahead in the running at the moment.
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As I also mentioned in that report, there are some sources close to Chelsea who’ve felt for some time that a Fernandez exit shouldn’t be ruled out, and it seems the Argentine’s future is now more uncertain than ever.
Speaking to a few more well-placed sources, who’ve asked to remain anonymous to protect relationships, it seems there have been doubts about Fernandez for some time.
Looking at the 25-year-old’s contributions on the pitch, it’s fair to say that, despite some moments of quality, he’s not quite been consistent enough to justify the big fee CFC paid for him.
“Chelsea ideally don’t want to sell, but they’re also realistic about Enzo’s situation ahead of this summer,” one source told me. “It’s been a topic of discussion for some time, so they’ll be prepared.”
Chelsea to invest in young midfield talent
As is the way under this Chelsea ownership, the club will once again look at elite young talents in midfield if it comes to having to replace Fernandez.
Anderson is high up on Chelsea’s list, as confirmed by multiple sources, but keep an eye as well on AZ Alkmaar sensation Kees Smit, and Wolves teenager Mateus Mane.
As already mentioned, Anderson has been heavily pursued by the two Manchester clubs and would cost £100m or more, so that’s far from a straightforward deal for Chelsea.
Still, I’m told that plenty of people inside the club are actually optimistic that the squad would be in “much better shape” if they were able to bring in Anderson as a potential upgrade on Fernandez.
Smit and Mane are a bit less experienced and more raw, but are still well-liked by Chelsea’s recruitment team, with the Blues possibly open to signing one of them along with a slightly more proven name (but still ideally in the under-24 age bracket).
Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has been linked with a move away from the club at the end of the season.
The 25-year-old has been outstanding for Chelsea since joining the club, and he is on the radar of clubs like Real Madrid, PSG and Manchester City. According to reports from Spain, the player is feeling restless at the London club, and he’s prepared to force an exit in the summer.
Manchester City have already begun strategic moves to sign the South American, and it will be interesting to see if they are prepared to pay a premium. Pep Guardiola rates the player highly, and he believes that Fernandez would be a quality addition in the middle of the park.
Manchester City need more creativity in the middle of the park, and the 2022 World Cup winner could make a big difference. He will add control, creativity, drive and goals to the team. He is still a young player with a lot of potential, and he could improve further.
Chelsea values the player at around €150 million, and it remains to be seen whether Manchester City is prepared to break the Bank for him.
Fernandez is well settled in the Premier League, and he could make an immediate impact at Manchester City if he joins the club. The opportunity to join Real Madrid could be quite exciting as well. They are among the biggest clubs in the world, and South American players tend to prefer a move to La Liga. He has already shown his quality in England, and he might now prefer a new challenge. It remains to be seen how the situation develops.
Jude Bellingham has been linked with a move away from Real Madrid at the end of the season, and he could be on his way to the Premier League.
According to reports from Spain, the player is very highly rated across Europe and clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United are interested in securing his signature. The England international has not been at his best in recent months, and it will be interesting to see if Real Madrid is willing to sanction his departure. Chelsea and Manchester United are leading the race for his signature, and the player could cost around €150 million.
Both clubs need more quality in the middle of the park, and there is no doubt that Bellingham would be an excellent addition. He will add control, creativity and goals to the team. The opportunity to move to England could be exciting for him as well. He has been linked with a move to the Premier League consistently over the last few years.
Meanwhile, the asking price is quite significant, and the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United will need to improve other areas of their squad as well. It will be interesting to see if they are willing to break the Bank for him.
It would be a Premier League record transfer, but the player has the potential to transform either team. He is a world-class player and still quite young. He will only improve with coaching and experience. Bellingham is designed to be a superstar, and he could make a big difference for both teams.
Manchester City reportedly look to be the clear frontrunners for the potential £80m transfer of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson.
But that seemingly won’t stop Manchester United from pursuing the England international, according to BBC Sport.
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Anderson has been in superb form for Forest this season, and now also looks like a near-certainty to start for England barring any surprise World Cup news this summer.
It seems clear that Anderson could shine at City or United, having produced some terrific stats with his Premier League performances throughout this campaign.
All-rounder Elliot Anderson would be a dream signing for most top clubs
See below for Anderson’s stats that show just how well he contributes in so many different metrics, with the 23-year-old showing himself to be the kind of all-rounder that could carry the best sides to success…
Elliot Anderson stats against other top PL midfielders (DataMB)
Anderson looks ideal to replace someone like Rodri at the Etihad Stadium, with MCFC perhaps in need of a younger player in that role now after the Spaniard’s recent injury problems.
As reported here for the Daily Briefing, Chelsea also have a long-standing interest, even if our information is that City and United look more likely for the moment.
Where should Elliot Anderson go?
Anderson will likely have a long list of options this summer, but he’ll have to pick carefully for this important next step in his career.
The former Newcastle youngster has flourished at Forest and will need to continue playing regular first-team football, which is probably more likely for him at United than at City.
Even if Anderson looks more than good enough to replace Rodri, it won’t necessarily be easy, while there’s also Nico Gonzalez to compete with.
Kalvin Phillips is a name for Anderson to keep in mind, as he looked superb for Leeds United before really struggling and seeing his career go majorly downhill at City.
Then again, a lot of big names have also gone backwards at MUFC in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, so perhaps keeping other options like Chelsea in mind wouldn’t be the worst idea.
A lot of Chelsea players are reportedly “fed up” and some have even spoken to their agents about potentially leaving Stamford Bridge, according to Simon Phillips.
Although no specific names are mentioned in the report, it makes sense that a decent chunk of Chelsea’s players are not entirely happy with how things are going right now.
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The Blues were thrashed by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League over two legs, losing 8-2 on aggregate to exit the competition at the last-16 stage.
Liam Rosenior recently replaced Enzo Maresca as manager and has had a mixed start, but generally looks a little out of his depth in such a big job this early in his coaching career.
Chelsea players unsettled
Phillips cites sources in his piece saying “a lot of the players are confused, fed up, ready to clock out and not get injured for the World Cup, with some asking agents to get moves already”.
This seems far from ideal for Chelsea as they really need to turn things around between now and the end of the season, as there’s still plenty to play for.
Rosenior’s side can still qualify for next season’s Champions League if they finish strongly in the Premier League, while they have a relatively easy-looking path to the FA Cup semi-finals as they take on Port Vale in the next round in April.
Who could be leaving Chelsea?
Ultimately, CFC won’t just allow key players on long-term contracts to leave, but there’ll perhaps be one or two who’ll be looking for a way out.
Big names like Manchester City and Real Madrid were mentioned as potential suitors, but one imagines the west London giants would demand huge money for the Argentina international.
Manchester United’s midfield could look very different next season as Casemiro comes towards the end of his contract, while doubts linger over the future of both Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte.
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The Red Devils have been linked with a host of big names in that area of their squad, so much so that it’s not out of the question that their entire midfield three could be made up of new signings next season.
Just a few days ago we took a look at how Man Utd could line up next season if they land just three of the main names they’re being linked with, but their list of targets actually seems to be even longer.
? How Manchester United could line up if they land their DREAM midfield targets for this summer! ? pic.twitter.com/ZF60lGn5uS
Manchester United’s midfield transfer targets ranked
1) Elliot Anderson
Elliot Anderson
TOTAL SCORE: 19/25
Transfer fee
*
Performance
*****
Achievements
***
Career phase
*****
Squad need
*****
Although Elliot Anderson would not come cheap, he’s been arguably the outstanding midfield player in the Premier League this season, and looks a certain to start as a key player for England at the World Cup. He loses points for his steep price, which has been reported by the Telegraph and others as £100m or more, but there’ll surely be plenty of top clubs who’ll see that as a price worth paying.
2) Adam Wharton
Adam Wharton
TOTAL SCORE: 19/25
Transfer fee
*
Performance
*****
Achievements
***
Career phase
*****
Squad need
*****
Pretty much on a par with Anderson, there’s surely going to be a big move in store for Adam Wharton this summer. He’s really looked the part at Crystal Palace and even if he’s slightly behind Anderson in the pecking order for England, fans of United and other big clubs would surely be really happy to sign him this summer, even if again he’s unlikely to move for anything other than a massive fee.
With reports that Man United will do their best to keep Bruno Fernandes, as per the Daily Mail, it also surely makes sense for them to plan something big in the event of his departure. Well, names don’t come much bigger than Jude Bellingham, who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford by Spanish outlet Fichajes, even if they also state that Real Madrid are not keen to sell.
4) Mateus Fernandes
Mateus Fernandes
TOTAL SCORE: 15/25
Transfer fee
***
Performance
***
Achievements
*
Career phase
*****
Squad need
****
Mateus Fernandes has been linked with United by talkSPORT in recent times after a hugely impressive season with West Ham. His transfer fee probably won’t be as high as some of the names on this list, especially if the Hammers get relegated, and he’s young enough that he’ll keep on improving, even if he’s also relatively inexperienced compared to some of the club’s other rumoured targets.
5) Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno Guimaraes
TOTAL SCORE: 13/25
Transfer fee
*
Performance
***
Achievements
***
Career phase
**
Squad need
****
A report from Reuters claims United are in advanced talks over signing Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle. While the Brazilian is undoubtedly a top player, it’s perhaps debatable if he’d really be the absolute best option out there considering he’ll be turning 29 early next season.
6) Morgan Gibbs White
Morgan Gibbs White
TOTAL SCORE: 12/25
Transfer fee
*
Performance
***
Achievements
*
Career phase
***
Squad need
****
Probably not quite the level United need, but Morgan Gibbs White has had another fine season for Nottingham Forest and looks like he could make an impact at a bigger club. A perfectly solid addition for United if they can’t land slightly more glamorous targets.
7) Sandro Tonali
Sandro Tonali
TOTAL SCORE: 11/25
Transfer fee
–
Performance
**
Achievements
**
Career phase
***
Squad need
****
We recently gave Tonali to Man Utd a score of just 11/25 and we’re sticking with that – the big transfer fee that would likely be required just doesn’t look justified. The Italy international has been a key performer for Newcastle, but he’s not exactly someone with any outstanding qualities to really improve this MUFC squad.
8) Joao Gomes
Joao Gomes
TOTAL SCORE: 10/25
Transfer fee
**
Performance
*
Achievements
**
Career phase
**
Squad need
***
At the lower end of medium, Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes could be an option worth looking at, but it’s also hard to see him being quite good enough after a season where he’s been part of a Wolves side who look certain to get relegated after some really poor form.
9) Carlos Baleba
Carlos Baleba
TOTAL SCORE: 9/25
Transfer fee
–
Performance
**
Achievements
*
Career phase
***
Squad need
***
At one point this would have been higher, and it could still be again, but Carlos Baleba’s form has really gone downhill this season. Brighton would probably still want a big fee for a young player who obviously has a lot of potential, but it would be a big gamble at this moment in time.
10) Tyler Adams
Tyler Adams
TOTAL SCORE: 9/25
Transfer fee
**
Performance
*
Achievements
*
Career phase
**
Squad need
***
We’ve reported on Tyler Adams being someone United and other big clubs are looking at as he’d possibly be available on the cheap this summer. While that could mean he’s a useful backup option, it’s hard to see him as someone who should be high up on the list of a club as ambitious as United.
A heartwarming video has captured the moment Liverpool starlets Rio Ngumoha, Amara Nallo, Trey Nyoni, and Kieran Morrison reacted in pure awe to Mohamed Salah’s stunning goal against Galatasaray.
The four academy prospects, who were warming up on the touchline as second-half substitutes, were caught on camera as Salah unleashed a trademark curling effort into the top corner to seal a 2-0 victory at Anfield.
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The footage, shared by Nick Collins, which has since gone viral on X, shows the youngsters stopping their warm-up drills in unison the moment the ball left Salah’s boot.
Ngumoha, Nyoni and Nallo all immediately had their hands to their mouth in disbelief as they shared shocked looks with each other that perfectly summed up the magic of the Egyptian King.
Nallo, Rio, Nyoni and Morrison reaction to Mohamed Salah’s goal.
Salah looked back to his best despite missing early penalty
The goal was a moment of pure redemption for Salah, who had endured a difficult opening 45 minutes.
In the dying seconds of the first half, the Egyptian saw a tame penalty saved by Galatasaray’s goalkeeper, a miss that seemed to reflect on his recent struggles in front of goal.
However, Salah emerged for the second half with a point to prove. After providing a clinical assist for Hugo Ekitike and playing a key role in Ryan Gravenberch’s strike, he finally found the net himself in the 62nd minute.
His trademark curling finish was his 50th career goal in the Champions League proper, making him the first African player in history to reach the half-century mark in the competition.
It was a defiant response to critics, though the night ended on a bittersweet note as he was substituted shortly after with a suspected minor injury.
Big test against PSG next
While the victory over the Turkish champions provides a much-needed morale boost, a significantly larger hurdle remains on the horizon.
Liverpool must now prepare for a titanic quarter-final clash against the reigning champions PSG, who advanced after an 8-2 aggregate demolition of Chelsea.
Liverpool have reportedly moved into pole position in the race to sign Eduardo Camavinga, with the Real Madrid midfielder emerging as one of the most intriguing names ahead of the summer transfer window in 2026.
According to TEAMtalk, the Merseyside club are actively exploring a deal, while several Premier League rivals remain firmly in the picture.
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At just 23, Camavinga is already regarded as one of Europe’s most complete midfielders, and his potential availability has alerted multiple top clubs looking to strengthen their squads for the upcoming season.
Real Madrid are open to offers for Camavinga
Despite being a valued member of Real Madrid’s squad, Camavinga’s role at the Santiago Bernabéu has not always been guaranteed.
The French international has often been used as a rotational option, occasionally deployed out of position at left-back or in a deeper midfield role.
With Madrid continuing to evolve their midfield around younger stars such as Jude Bellingham and others, reports suggest the club could be open to serious offers in the region of £70 million.
While there is no urgency to sell, the Spanish giants are believed to be willing to listen if the right proposal arrives.
Importantly, Camavinga is understood to prefer a move to a club competing in the UEFA Champions League, a factor that could significantly shape the outcome of any transfer battle.
Liverpool have a vision for the future of their midfield
Eduardo Camavinga of Real Madrid looks on (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Liverpool’s interest is closely tied to their ongoing midfield rebuild. After multiple changes over the past few seasons, the club are keen to add a player who combines defensive intelligence, ball progression, and tactical versatility, qualities that Camavinga possesses in abundance.
Under their current project, Liverpool are prioritising players capable of operating in high-intensity systems, and Camavinga’s ability to press, recover possession, and drive forward with the ball makes him an ideal fit.
While Liverpool are believed to be leading the race, they face stiff competition. Manchester United and Chelsea have both reportedly made contact with the player’s representatives, signaling their intent to be part of the conversation.
United, in particular, are searching for midfield reinforcements amid uncertainty surrounding several senior players, while Chelsea continue to target young, high-upside talents as part of their long-term strategy.
Pio Esposito’s agent has confirmed that Arsenal are interested in signing the Inter Milan sensation, but has swiftly moved to shut down any talk of a move to North London.
The 20-year-old striker, who has become one of the most talked-about talents in Serie A this season, is reportedly a primary target for Mikel Arteta as he looks to bolster his attacking options for the 2026/27 campaign.
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Arsenal interest confirmed but Pio Esposito is happy at Inter Milan
Speaking to Radio CRC (quotes via The Mirror), Esposito’s agent, Mario Giuffredi, was unequivocal about the player’s future.
Giuffredi said: “Despite Arsenal’s interest, our plans are clear. He’s happy at Inter and will be the future of the Nerazzurri for the next 10 years. The boy is in love with Inter.”
The agent’s comments effectively pour cold water on Arsenal’s hopes of a summer swoop. Esposito, who only recently extended his contract at the San Siro until June 2030, is viewed by the Inter hierarchy as an “untouchable” asset.
Pio Esposito eyed by Arsenal and Manchester United
Despite the firm stance from his camp, Arsenal are not the only Premier League club monitoring the situation.
Arteta is said to have been impressed by Esposito ever since his impressive second-half cameo against the Gunners in the Champions League earlier this year.
But Inter president Beppe Marotta has publicly ruled out selling his prized asset. He said:
“Inter do not want to sell him and we are not a club that makes player trading its main business. He’s a product that grew up in the youth academy, and we’re guarding him like a treasure. We’ll talk about his transfer again in the future, but it’ll be a very distant future.”
Esposito’s incredible numbers
The 20-year-old has enjoyed a standout campaign, making 39 appearances while contributing eight goals and six assists across all competitions this season.
He previously spent two years on loan at Spezia Calcio, where he netted 22 goals in 79 appearances, further underlining his development.
Club
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Spezia Calcio
79
22
3
Inter Milan
41
9
7
Inter Milan Primavera
34
15
3
Inter Under 17
24
21
3
Inter Under 18
16
2
1
Inter Milan UEFA U19
8
1
–
Total
202
70
17
Across his career so far, Esposito has recorded an impressive return of 70 goals and 17 assists in 202 appearances at all levels.
Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool are reportedly monitoring the rapid rise of Bournemouth winger Rayan, as the teenage attacker continues to make a strong impression in English football.
Scouts from both clubs have been closely following the 19-year-old’s performances and have been left highly impressed by his early impact, according to TEAMtalk.
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Rayan has quickly adapted to life in the Premier League following his move from Brazilian side Vasco da Gama in the January transfer window.
Despite his age, the winger has shown confidence and maturity, attracting attention from some of the biggest clubs in England.
Rayan has experienced a breakthrough arrival in England
Rayan’s move to Bournemouth earlier this year came as part of the club’s strategy to invest in emerging talent with high potential.
He was brought in as a replacement for Antoine Semenyo, and while expectations were initially cautious, the young Brazilian has exceeded them in a short period.
His performances have been characterized by explosive pace, direct dribbling, and a fearless attacking approach, making him a constant threat to opposition defenders.
Rayan’s ability to take on players in one-on-one situations and create opportunities has quickly made him one of Bournemouth’s most exciting attacking outlets.
Such performances have not gone unnoticed, with scouts from Liverpool and Manchester United reportedly attending matches to assess his development firsthand.
Rayan of Bournemouth in action (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
Both Liverpool and Man United are believed to be in the market for dynamic wide players as part of their long-term squad planning.
Liverpool, in particular, have been linked with several wingers as they prepare for a possible transition in their attacking line.
Meanwhile, Man United are looking to add depth and versatility to their forward options as they continue their rebuilding process.
Rayan’s profile, young, technically gifted, and already performing in the Premier League, makes him an attractive target for clubs seeking future stars.
Reports suggest that Rayan’s contract includes a release clause in the region of €100 million, which would make any potential deal a significant financial commitment.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, are under no immediate pressure to sell and are likely to resist interest unless a substantial offer is made.
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Tielemans has become an important figure at Villa Park, and his decision to stay shows both his personal ambitions and the club’s upward trajectory in recent seasons.
Tielemans is focused on Premier League ambitions
At 28, Tielemans is at a stage in his career where many players begin to consider offers from emerging leagues.
However, reports suggest the midfielder believes he still has unfinished business in the Premier League and is eager to continue competing at the highest level in Europe.
Since joining Aston Villa, Tielemans has re-established himself as a key contributor in midfield.
Known for his composure, passing range, and ability to dictate the tempo of games, he has provided both creativity and stability in Emery’s system.
His experience, gained during his time at Leicester City, where he famously scored the winning goal in the 2021 FA Cup final, continues to be a valuable asset for Villa as they aim to compete for European qualification.
Midfielder has confidence in the Aston Villa project
Youri Tielemans in action for Aston Villa (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
Tielemans’ commitment also shows the progress Aston Villa have made under Unai Emery.
The club has developed into a competitive side capable of challenging for European places, and players are increasingly buying into the long-term vision.
Villa’s ability to retain key players like Tielemans is seen as a positive sign for their continued development.
The Saudi Pro League has been actively targeting high-profile players from Europe in recent years, offering significant financial incentives to attract established talent.
Tielemans is understood to be among the players identified by clubs in the region as a potential signing.
However, despite the financial appeal, the Belgian international is reportedly not convinced that a move at this stage of his career.
Crystal Palace could reportedly be planning new contract talks with Jefferson Lerma in order to secure his future at Selhurst Park.
The 31-year-old has been a key player for Palace in his three seasons at the south London club, having previously also shone at former team Bournemouth.
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Palace need to ensure they can keep a lot of this squad together ahead of what could be a pretty chaotic summer as manager Oliver Glasner has already confirmed he’ll be leaving.
On top of that, there will surely be interest in key players like Adam Wharton and Jean-Philippe Mateta, while Marc Guehi left for Manchester City in January and Eberechi Eze made the move to Arsenal last summer.
Can Crystal Palace keep hold of Jefferson Lerma?
CPFC surely need to avoid losing too many key members of this squad all at once, with former Premier League scout Mick Brown discussing Lerma’s future with Football Insider.
“He’s versatile enough to play in midfield or at the back, always puts in a solid performance and has plenty of experience in the Premier League.
“I expect they will be planning to extend his deal and keep him at the club beyond the end of the season, because there’s already enough players who might be leaving.
Liverpool director Richard Hughes is a top target for Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, as has now been confirmed by the reliable Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano addressed recent claims that Hughes’ Anfield future could be in doubt due to interest from Saudi clubs.
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It seems there is truth to the stories, with Romano suggesting it’s going to be something to watch, but it’s not yet clear if a move will definitely happen due to Hughes being happy at Liverpool.
Hughes previously impressed in a similar role at Bournemouth before moving to LFC in the summer of 2024, but now it’s not clear how much longer he’ll be staying.
Fabrizio Romano on Richard Hughes’ Liverpool future
Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes
Speaking in his latest YouTube post, Romano said: “According to reports in Saudi Arabia, and I can confirm that it’s true, that Richard Hughes, Liverpool director, is attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, especially from Al-Hilal.
“So, Richard Hughes is now the clear favourite to become the future director at Al-Hilal. The point is the timing and when this is going to happen.
“Because Richard Hughes remains absolutely and totally committed to Liverpool project and he’s very happy at the club.
“So, he remains completely focused on the Liverpool project, but the interest from Saudi is true.
“So, they are trying from Saudi to find a solution for Richard Hughes, for now, for the future.
“Let’s see if they are going to be able to find a way to appoint Richard Hughes, but I can confirm the admiration, I can confirm the interest. Let’s see what Richard Hughes decides to do.”
Hughes has a big role in Liverpool transfers, so it certainly seems like it would not be ideal for the club to have to replace him.
As previously reported here, though, Hughes hasn’t always got things right, such as when he overruled Arne Slot over the sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich.
And although Hughes helped Liverpool secure statement signings such as Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike last summer, it would probably be fair to say they’ve not quite had the impact that many would have hoped.
Sometimes change is good, so perhaps this is an opportunity for Liverpool to bring in someone who could improve their recruitment, even there’d be some short-term pain in terms of working to find a replacement.
According to SportsBoom, Conventry City are interested in signing Aston Villa star Ross Barkley and the Premier League side are open to letting him leave.
Manager Frank Lampard is keen to reunite with the experienced midfielder if promotion is secured, viewing him as a key addition to strengthen the squad for top-flight survival.
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Coventry sit top of the Championship, holding a comfortable nine-point gap over third-placed Ipswich Town with just eight games remaining.
With automatic promotion firmly within reach, the club has already begun planning for life in the Premier League.
Lampard is targeting for experience in his team
Lampard’s influence is central to Coventry’s transfer thinking. The former Chelsea manager is understood to be prioritizing players with Premier League experience, recognizing the challenge newly promoted teams often face in avoiding immediate relegation.
Barkley, now 32, fits that profile perfectly. The midfielder has enjoyed a long career in England’s top flight, representing clubs such as Everton, Chelsea, and Aston Villa, and has also earned caps for the England national team.
Lampard is familiar with Barkley from their time together at Chelsea, where the midfielder enjoyed some of his most productive spells. That existing relationship is believed to be a key factor behind Coventry’s interest.
For Barkley, a move to Coventry could offer the chance to play a more prominent role, particularly in a team built around his experience and leadership.
Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade is reportedly set to be named in the latest squad for the German national team despite his difficult situation at St James’ Park.
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Woltemade started well when he joined Newcastle from Stuttgart in the summer, and he had been on the radar of big clubs like Bayern Munich prior to his move to the Premier League.
Still, there’s no doubt that Woltemade’s recent form has dipped quite considerably, with the 24-year-old on an awful run of just one goal in his last 21 games in all competitions.
It seems, however, that Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann is still giving Woltemade his backing, according to the Shields Gazette.
Nick Woltemade’s World Cup hopes given a boost
Woltemade still seems to be in Germany’s plans as Nagelsmann is expected to name him in his latest squad, which will be confirmed later today,
Newcastle fans will surely be surprised that Woltemade has managed to keep himself in contention, though, after such a dry spell in front of goal for Eddie Howe’s side in recent times.
If Woltemade can’t turn his form around quickly, there’s surely still a big risk that he’ll ultimately miss out on the summer trip to North America.
It will also be interesting to see what happens with the Germany international’s situation in the summer transfer window, as Bundesliga clubs might still be keen on him even if it hasn’t quite happened for him in English football so far.
Arsenal and Liverpool are the only two Premier League clubs to make it as far as this season’s Champions League quarter-finals.
The Gunners are set to take on Sporting Lisbon in their next game on the 7th of April, with the return fixture at the Emirates Stadium set to take place eight days later on the 15th of April.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have been drawn on the other side of the bracket as they take on reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain.
If the Reds get past PSG they’d take on either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, while success for Arsenal against Sporting will set them up for a semi-final against either Barcelona or Atletico Madrid.
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So, in theory, we’re looking at a possible Arsenal vs Liverpool final, but how likely is that?
Champions League quarter-finals in full and predictions
Arsenal vs Sporting Lisbon
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid
Liverpool vs Paris Saint-Germain
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich
Arsenal are one of the best teams in Europe this season and were arguably a little unlucky when they were beaten by eventual winners PSG in last season’s Champions League semi-finals.
Mikel Arteta’s side will now be big favourites to beat Sporting, but Liverpool are having a difficult season and also face a far tougher tie, with PSG surely the favourites to progress to the semis again.
Here’s our best effort at predicting the outcome of these Champions League quarter-finals…
Arsenal to beat Sporting
Provided Arsenal don’t get complacent or suffer an injury crisis, this is surely the best tie the north Londoners could have hoped for. They beat Sporting 5-1 away from home in the league phase of the competition last season, and should be too good for them again here.
Prediction: Arsenal to go through.
Arsenal CL record
Played
Wins
Draws
Losses
2025/26
10
9
1
0
Barcelona should get past Atletico
These games really can go either way, but Barcelona look the real deal at the moment after the way they absolutely dismantled Newcastle. Of course, Atletico did a pretty good job in that first leg win over Spurs, but were somewhat less convincing in the second fixture against what is a far weaker team.
Prediction: Barcelona to go through.
PSG too strong for Liverpool
Liverpool came back well against Galatasaray, winning their second leg 4-0 after a surprise 1-0 defeat in the away leg. Perhaps Arne Slot’s men will find that extra level in Europe after a disappointing domestic campaign, but the reality is that they’ve fallen some way behind with the changes to their squad this season. PSG beat them last term and they’re more than good enough to do so again.
Prediction: PSG to go through.
Bayern to edge it against Real
Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich have been outstanding this season and probably the best team in Europe alongside Arsenal. Harry Kane is on fire, Michael Olise has taken his game up a level, and they’re really well-rounded in every department. While it’s unwise to ever bet against Real Madrid in this competition, they’ve not quite been at their best this season, so we can see Bayern just about getting through a close tie.
Prediction: Bayern to go through.
Will we see a Premier League winner in the Champions League?
All four other English clubs, Manchester City, Chelsea, Tottenham, and Newcastle, exited the Champions League this week.
We’re currently predicting Liverpool to go out at the next stage of the tournament, but Arsenal should reach the semi-finals for the second year in a row.
Beyond that, however, the gruelling Premier League schedule and tough opponents each week make it harder for English sides in Europe.
We’ve seen that illustrated clearly by both Chelsea and Newcastle in particular, as they both fell apart rapidly in the latter stages of their respective away fixtures against PSG and Barcelona.
PSG in particular have a real edge from the fact that Ligue 1 really isn’t that competitive, meaning Luis Enrique can quite conceivably rest players for domestic games in order to keep them in peak condition for their European matches.
So, if you want a really early prediction for the final, don’t be too surprised if it’s Barcelona against either one of PSG or Bayern.
Who do you see as Champions League favourites? Let us know your predictions in the comments!
According to Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid are set to enter the race to sign Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
The Spanish giants hold long term interest in the midfielder and now they are ready to revive interest in the Brazilian midfielder to strengthen their midfield.
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As reported by Reuters, Manchester United are currently in ‘advanced talks’ with the Newcastle United star to bring him to Old Trafford.
However, the entry for Real Madrid could change things in the transfer saga and Red Devils now face a strong battle from the European giants.
United are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign him for €80 million but Real Madrid, who have a history of signing top players from the Premier League, are ready to break the hearts of United fans.
Man United currently head edge in the race
The Premier League giants have already established contact with the midfielder and they are wasting no time to add quality midfielders to their team.
With INEOS looking for a busy summer transfer window ahead, arrangements are being made to sign a new midfielder, or perhaps two, to strengthen their squad so they can compete for the top honours next season.
As Casemiro prepares to say goodbye to the Premier League, United are making plans to replace him and coincidentally, they are targeting another Brazilian midfielder.
Bruno Guimaraes in action for Newcastle (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Since the departure of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, the Real Madrid midfielder has been weak and they have struggled a lot, as seen in their performances.
Guimaraes is the type of player who can add strength, work rate, passing quality and movement in their midfield.
Newcastle United have no intention of letting their star player leave the club, particularly after losing Alexander Isak last summer, however, they cannot offer him Champions League football.
Manchester United are in ‘advanced talks’ with to sign Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, according to Reuters.
The source has claimed that the Red Devils are stepping up their interest in the Brazilian midfielder who could cost around €80 million.
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The Premier League giants have been linked with several midfielders in the last few months including Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Wolves’ Joao Gomes, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and others.
It is clear that a new midfielder is on the agenda at Old Trafford with INEOS looking to strengthen their midfield.
Bruno Guimaraes has been crucial for Newcastle United
The Brazilian midfielder has impressed at St. James’ Park since his move from Lyon.
He has experience in the Premier League, something Man United value after their successful
signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Guimaraes is a leader in the middle of the park who is equally good with his defensive work rate along with his line breaking passes to start attacks.
The midfielder could now consider a move away from Newcastle as he looks for Champions League football, something he is more likely to get at Man United next season due to their league position.
Metric
Value
Expected Goals (xG)
4.82
Expected Assists (xA)
3.65
Total Shots
32
Shots on Target
17
Chances Created
38
Successful Tackles
50
Progressive Carries
74
Touches in Opposition Box
45
Bruno Guimaraes’ stats this season
Why are Man United targeting a new midfielder?
Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes in action (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
They are losing Casemiro in the summer, who has been crucial for them this season.
The Brazilian icon has already announced he is going to leave at the end of the season.
Midfield is an area where United have struggled this season. There is a huge gap in their starting line up in the midfield area.
Although they do have Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte, the former is too young and still developing while the latter has been woeful in his time at Old Trafford.
Martin Odegaard has been missing in action for Arsenal in recent weeks, and he’s now also been left out of Norway’s squad for their upcoming pre-World Cup friendlies.
The Gunners captain is one of the best midfielders in the world on his day, and if not for some rotten luck with injuries he’d surely be one to watch with the Norwegian national team at the 2026 World Cup this summer.
Still, there must now be some doubt about whether Odegaard will definitely make it to the tournament after repeated fitness issues all through this season.
Norway’s World Cup schedule
There’ll surely be plenty of Norway fans starting to think about placing bets on how well their national side will fare at the World Cup and they can also look into a Norway casino guide for other online gaming options.
Unfortunately, fans travelling to the US might be disappointed to learn that Las Vegas won’t be hosting any games, though there should still be some other destinations for poker and other pass-times to keep supporters busy in-between matches.
Norway are in Group I along with France, Senegal, and an as-yet undetermined playoff winner, with some of those final slots yet to be confirmed for the tournament.
Still, Norway finished top of their qualifying group and kick-off their World Cup on June 16th, before then taking on Senegal on the 22nd and France on the 26th.
Two of Norway’s games are being played in the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, and the other is in the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.
Martin Odegaard’s recent injury woes
Odegaard has had five separate injuries that have limited him to just 28 games in all competitions for Arsenal this season, and it’s not clear if he’ll be able to play for them in this weekend’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City.
See below for the various issues that have kept Odegaard out of the Arsenal side for so much of this season and which could yet see him miss his country’s first World Cup in 28 years…
Arsenal have coped well without Odegaard as Eberechi Eze has stepped up in his absence, but Norway’s World Cup squad would surely be significantly weakened without their star midfield player.
There’d still be Erling Haaland up front, but Odegaard is needed to pull the strings and to provide the Manchester City striker with the kind of service he needs.
Arsenal are among the clubs interested in an ambitious potential transfer for Barcelona wonderkid central defender Pau Cubarsi.
As first reported here for the Daily Briefing, it’s important to start by saying that Barcelona are obviously very keen to keep their star centre-back, who at 19 years of age is already one of the best in Europe in his position.
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Cubarsi is protected by a €500m release clause in his Barca contract, which runs until 2029, so this would not be an easy deal for suitors to do this summer, even if eyes are very much on his situation as no new deal in the next year or two could change things dramatically.
Arsenal, City, Chelsea & Bayern eyeing Pau Cubarsi
“While it’s not necessarily a realistic one for the moment, there’s a lot of love for Cubarsi at Arsenal, City, Chelsea, and Bayern,” one source with close ties to the agents industry told me.
“I can’t name names, but a recruitment official from one of those clubs praised Cubarsi for his ‘near-flawless decision-making’ and ‘intelligence beyond his years’.”
It’s understood that there has not yet been any formal or informal contact between clubs and Cubarsi or his representatives, but it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that they could soon try to establish a connection there.
If there’s any indication at all that Cubarsi stalls over a new contract, then that could be the moment for clubs to get involved and make him aware of their interest.
Barcelona’s plan for Pau Cubarsi
Still, sources close to Barcelona insist that there is no concern over Cubarsi’s situation, and plans to improve his contract soon.
It is also understood that the Catalan giants will likely end up offering him the captain’s armband in the coming years to highlight even more just how important he is to the team.
This is Cubarsi’s third season as a first-team regular at the Nou Camp, while he also has ten caps for the senior Spanish national team.
In short, everything is very much in place for Cubarsi with his current club, and there’s no current sign of him exploring other options, but as ever with these things, the situation could always change at any moment and there’ll be big clubs ready to pounce if they do.
Anfield was absolutely rocking on Tuesday night as Liverpool completely dismantled Galatasaray 4-0, overturning a tricky 1-0 first-leg deficit to confidently march into the Champions League quarter-finals.
After a bumpy spell in the Premier League recently, Arne Slot’s men desperately needed a massive statement performance, and they delivered exactly that.
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With goals from Dominik Szoboszlai, Hugo Ekitike, Ryan Gravenberch, and the Egyptian King himself, Mohamed Salah, the Reds secured a 4-1 aggregate victory to set up a mouth-watering last-eight clash with defending champions Paris Saint-Germain.
But amid all the celebrations, a late injury scare for Salah has left fans holding their breath.
Slot confirms injury to Liverpool star Salah
Despite the vintage second-half masterclass, Salah’s night ended on a slightly concerning note.
Shortly after his wonder goal and rattling the crossbar, the winger signaled to the bench and asked to be substituted. He walked off to a massive ovation but looked slightly uncomfortable.
Speaking to the media after the final whistle, Slot confirmed the situation but kept his cards relatively close to his chest regarding the severity of the issue.
“Mo Salah asked for a substitution. He felt something… so let’s see where he is for the weekend,” Slot revealed, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.
Mohamed Salah of Liverpool acknowledges the fans (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Liverpool are heading into a season-defining stretch of games, and losing their talisman right now would be a massive, unwanted headache.
While the 4-0 win over Galatasaray proves that the attacking depth is clicking, Salah remains the ultimate difference-maker on the big stage.
For now, the Anfield faithful will be sweating on the medical team’s updates over the next 48 hours.
Liverpool have three tough matches in three different competitions next. They travel to Brighton in the league, to Etihad Stadium for the FA Cup quarterfinal and to Paris to face PSG in the Champions League.
They need Salah fit as soon as possible to hold any chance of winning silverware this season.
Manchester United are reportedly ready to launch an audacious €120m bid for the transfer of Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham.
The England international has been one of the top players in world football in his position for some time now, and one imagines many Man Utd fans would love to see him at Old Trafford.
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It will be interesting to see if any other outlets pick this up, but for now transfer rumours linking him with the Red Devils come from Spanish site Fichajes.
Their report claims that United could be prepared to pay €120m to bring Bellingham to the club this summer, though they add that it’s unlikely Real Madrid would let him go.
Jude Bellingham to Manchester United transfer might not be as crazy as it sounds
While this wouldn’t be an easy deal to do, and Fichajes aren’t everyone’s idea of a top tier source, this story might not be as crazy as it sounds.
We know Bellingham was wanted by United in the past, with BBC Sport reporting on them giving the player a tour of their training ground when he was still a youngster.
Since then, Bellingham has kept on improving and has the qualities to make an impact with MUFC, though his form has also taken a bit of a dip this term, partly due to injuries.
What this could mean, however, is that even if Real would probably ideally keep faith with the 22-year-old for a bit longer, there might be a price that could tempt them.
But should Man United splash the cash on Jude Bellingham?
Whether United should make a big bid for Bellingham is another question, though, and in this era of tighter Financial Fair Play regulations, it might not be worth the risk.
Fichajes make it clear that United could pay €120m or even slightly higher for Bellingham, but there would also be his high wages to take into account, and there are probably players out there who’d offer similar qualities without costing quite as much.
Then again, this is a position the club could do with strengthening in, and it may be that a marquee signing of this stature is required if Bruno Fernandes leaves, though the Daily Mail report that they’re doing what they can to keep the Portuguese superstar.
If Bellingham’s form improves and he gets over his injuries, it’s easy to see that score going higher in the near future, but then that would also hit his transfer fee score.
Time will tell how much substance there is to this story, but there are reasons this shouldn’t be entirely dismissed.
Speculation surrounding Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City has intensified following reports that the Spanish manager has held urgent discussions with senior club officials.
Guardiola is seriously considering stepping down at the end of the current season, prompting concern within the club’s hierarchy, according to a source on X.
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While no official decision has been announced, the situation has quickly become one of the most significant talking points in European football, given Guardiola’s transformative impact on Man City over the past decade.
Guardiola’s legacy at Man City
Since arriving at the Etihad Stadium in 2016, Guardiola has overseen one of the most dominant periods in English football history.
Under his leadership, Manchester City have secured multiple Premier League titles, domestic cups, and the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League triumph.
His ability to evolve systems and develop players has been widely praised, turning City into a consistent force both domestically and in Europe.
However, after nearly a decade at the club, questions about long-term motivation and the desire for a new challenge have occasionally surfaced in recent seasons.
Reasons behind Guardiola’s uncertain future at Etihad
Pep Guardiola applauds the Manchester City fans (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Although the exact reasons behind Guardiola’s reported considerations remain unclear, several factors could be influencing his thinking.
His team’s performance this season could be one of the reasons.
The Spanish manager has been knocked out of the Champions League at the Round of 16 stage by Real Madrid, who won 5-1 on aggregate against the Premier League giants.
City are also second favourites in the Premier League title race with Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal sitting in a convincing position at the moment.
Another possible reason could be Guardiola needing a break from football management.
Managing at the highest level for an extended period often brings intense pressure, and Guardiola has previously spoken about the mental demands of elite coaching.
Additionally, the natural cycle of squad evolution and the challenge of maintaining dominance year after year may also play a role.
City’s leadership is keen to convince Guardiola to continue, recognising his importance to the club’s long-term ambitions. The board is believed to be engaged in discussions aimed at addressing any concerns and outlining a clear vision for the future.
Chelsea and West Ham United are reportedly planning to hold talks over a permanent transfer deal for Axel Disasi to move to the London Stadium.
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The French centre-back is currently performing well on loan with the Hammers, and it seems unlikely that there’ll be a first-team role for him back at Stamford Bridge any time soon.
According to Football Insider, this now means Chelsea and West Ham are set for discussions over making Disasi’s move permanent, though it’s not necessarily going to be straightforward.
The report suggests that one issue could be Chelsea’s asking price, as they’ll want to make back as much as possible of the £38m they spent signing Disasi from Monaco.
West Ham would surely struggle to afford that, and it doesn’t really look like good value for money anyway, even if the 28-year-old has done well during his time with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
West Ham need survival to secure Axel Disasi transfer
Unsurprisingly, it also seems that West Ham surviving in the Premier League will be key to them keeping hold of Disasi, according to Football Insider.
Disasi likely won’t be keen on playing in the Championship, and he’d surely have other offers to consider if WHUFC were to end up getting relegated.
Disasi previously also had a loan spell with Aston Villa, and there’d surely be a lot of clubs out there who’d be interested in him.
However, Man United have now joined the intense competition to sign the versatile Newcastle attacker due to the future permanent departure of Rashford to Barcelona.
Man United are looking to invest more in attack
Rashford has spent this season on loan at Barcelona and the La Liga giants are interested in making the move permanent.
After consistent struggles at Old Trafford, he opted for a move to La Liga where he has regained his form and has impressed the Spanish champions.
With him leaving permanently, Man United are naturally looking for a replacement and Gordon has caught their attention.
The Red Devils invested in attacking signings like Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo last summer.
They want to invest more this summer to get back to the top of English football and compete regularly against teams like Arsenal and Manchester City.
Manchester United’s search for their next permanent manager has taken an intriguing turn, with Roberto De Zerbi reportedly emerging as one of the leading candidates eager to take the reins at Old Trafford.
According to TEAMtalk, former Brighton and Marseille manager De Zerbi is ready to take the Man United job at the end of the season.
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However, INEOS and the United senior officials find themselves facing a major conundrum ahead of the summer transfer window, largely thanks to the phenomenal recent performance of Michael Carrick.
Stepping in as caretaker manager, Carrick has accumulated a staggering 22 points from a possible 27.
This remarkable run of form has put the Red Devils in pole position, just behind Arsenal and Manchester City, to secure lucrative Champions League qualification for next season.
De Zerbi is keen in Premier League return
If United chiefs do opt against handing Carrick the full-time gig, they will not be short of elite suitors.
The Italian tactician earned a stellar reputation during his time with Brighton in the Premier League.
The 46-year-old guided Marseille to a second-placed finish in Ligue 1 last season.
However, he was unable to replicate that form this term, leaving the French giants in February following a heavy 5-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and a Champions League exit against Club Brugge.
It is hardly surprising considering how the Red Devils have played under Carrick.
They look like a proper team again, a team that can attack, play beautiful football and entertain the fans at Old Trafford, something Man United have been famous for.
However, those two managers will be available only after the World Cup in the summer this year.
All eyes will be on the Old Trafford hot seat in the summer.
Borussia Dortmund are reportedly confident that they could convince Manchester United misfit Jadon Sancho to join them for a third spell.
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Sancho is currently on loan at Aston Villa and will surely be leaving Man Utd this summer as he comes to the end of his contract after a pretty miserable spell at Old Trafford.
Still, the 25-year-old has previously shone at Dortmund, first as a youngster, and later when he returned there for a brief loan spell.
What next for Jadon Sancho after nightmare Man United spell?
Sancho needs to get his next move right after a really difficult time since first joining United from Dortmund back in the summer of 2021.
At that time, the England international looked like one of the biggest talents in the game, but his career has really gone downhill since then.
Sancho did well when he returned to BVB on loan, but he’s struggling on loan at Villa this season and was also underwhelming during a loan stint with Chelsea last term.
Returning to Dortmund could be ideal to help Sancho revive his career, as he’s so often looked happiest and at his best with the German side.
At the same time, his form has dipped so much that it’s also possible he’ll have to move somewhere like Saudi Arabia if he wants to keep earning the kind of money he’s on now.
The Mail have previously reported that Sancho earns around £250,000 a week, and it certainly makes sense that Dortmund would be highly reluctant to pay that, as surely would plenty of other clubs in the Premier League and elsewhere in Europe.
That could limit Sancho’s options slightly, but he surely needs to focus more on football now than on his earnings.
Rashford has impressed since joining Barca on loan from Man Utd this season, but it seems the Catalan giants are still unsure about paying his £26m asking price.
That’s according to a report from the Daily Mail, which states that Barcelona are confident they can persuade United to simply allow the England international to join them on loan again.
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It’s slightly surprising that Barcelona aren’t prepared to spend a relatively low fee on making Rashford’s move permanent, and it also seems far from ideal from United’s point of view to miss out on a sale.
Still, the Mail suggests the La Liga club are optimistic they could do it, and MUFC may end up favouring this over trying to find another buyer for Rashford.
Marcus Rashford’s loan spell at Barcelona in numbers
Rashford looked far from at his best towards the end of his time at United, but he’s performed well at the Nou Camp even if he hasn’t always been an automatic starter.
The 28-year-old has a total of ten goals and nine assists in all competitions so far this season, which is a very decent return considering he’s only been named in Hansi Flick’s starting XI 21 times. In the Champions League this has translated to a goal every 97 minutes on average.
Rashford has often had to make do with a place on the bench, but he’s had a positive impact as a super sub in this Barca side, and his versatility also makes him a useful option in that kind of role, as he can be brought on as a winger or a striker depending on the situation.
As the graphic below shows, he’s clearly no Lamine Yamal or Raphinha, but it would surely make sense for Barcelona to try to keep him around for a bit longer if possible…
Marcus Rashford stats vs Lamine Yamal and Raphinha (DataMB)
Mohamed Salah picked up an injury against Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League earlier today, and manager Arne Slot has now provided an update on the situation.
The Liverpool manager is still unsure whether the Egyptian International will be available for the weekend against Brighton, and Liverpool are waiting to determine the true extent of damage.
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Mohamed Salah was injured against Galatasaray
Slot on Salah’s fitness: “He asked for a substitution. He felt something so let’s see where he is for the weekend.”
Salah injury report
Salah asked to be subbed off around the 73rd minute and went straight to the tunnel.
I’ve looked at the minutes prior to the substitution and nothing clearly stands out. He seemed to be moving freely and had a few high-pace actions.
Salah asked to be substituted late in the second half after feeling a problem with his groin. He has not been at his best this season, but he remains a key player for Liverpool, and they will need him on the pitch for the remainder of the season. They are already without Alexander Isak.
The Egyptian International scored an exceptional goal and set up another for his teammate Hugo Ekitike. He could play a key role in their push for UEFA Champions League qualification for the upcoming campaign. It remains to be seen whether he can return to action at the weekend.
Meanwhile, Liverpool booked their place in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League after a stunning 40 win in the second leg of the knockout rounds against the Turkish outfit. They were beaten in the first leg, but turned up the style at Anfield to secure a comfortable victory.
They will face PSG in the next round of the competition, and it remains to be seen whether they can get past the French champions. They were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League last season by the French outfit, who went on to win the tournament. Liverpool will certainly look to avenge that defeat here.
Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing the Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella.
The 29-year-old Italian International has done quite well for Inter Milan, and he has shown his quality at the international level as well. He has been a key player for club and country over the years, and it will be interesting to see whether he’s willing to move to the Premier League now.
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Nicolo Barella set for Premier League switch?
He’s at the peak of his career, and this could be the right time for him to take on a new challenge. According to a report from SportsBoom, Newcastle are looking to add more quality and depth in the middle of the park, and the Italian has been identified as a target.
Manager Eddie Howe is an admirer of the Italian, and Newcastle could test the resolve of the Italian club with a £40 million offer in the summer. It remains to be seen whether they can get the deal done. They have an ambitious project and the resources to sign the player. However, they must convince him that they can provide him with a platform to fight for trophies.
We have therefore given the potential Barella-to-Newcastle deal a Transfer Fit rating of 21/25, which makes him a strong fit.
Meanwhile, they will face competition from Crystal Palace as well. The Eagles are keeping tabs on the Italian as well. However, it might be difficult for them to convince the player. They are not at the level required to fight for trophies, and Oliver Glasner is set to leave the club in the summer as well.
It remains to be seen what the player decides if a concrete proposal is presented at the end of the season. Newcastle need more control and creativity in the middle of the park, and the Italian would be an exceptional acquisition. It will be interesting to see if Sandro Tonali can convince his compatriot to join the English club.
Manchester United are hoping to sign Wilfred Ndidi from Besiktas at the end of the season, and they would be prepared to execute a swap deal.
According to a report from Sporx, Manchester United have been monitoring the 29-year-old for a long time, and they are looking to get the deal done in the summer.
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Man United eye swap deal to sign Wilfred Ndidi
They would be prepared to send Altay Bayindir to the Turkish club as part of the swap deal. They have already held discussions, and it will be interesting to see if the two clubs can finalise an agreement.
The opportunity to join Manchester United will be hard to turn down for him. It would be a huge step up for him, and he would get to compete at the highest level. Manchester United are well placed to secure Champions League qualification next season and could push for trophies.
Manchester United are one of the biggest clubs in the world, and the opportunity to play for them can be quite tempting. The 29-year-old has the physical and technical attributes to play in English football, and he could be the ideal replacement for Casemiro. The Brazilian will leave the club at the end of the season, and Manchester United needs to replace him. They need more physicality and defensive cover in the middle of the park. The Nigerian is an experienced player who can make an immediate impact.
Bayindir is unwanted at Old Trafford, and if they can use him to improve a key area, it could be a deal worth doing.
Arsenal are interested in signing the AC Milan attacker Raphael Leao at the end of the season.
The player has reportedly fallen out of favour with manager Max Allegri, and their relationship has deteriorated. Arsenal are looking to capitalise on the situation and secure his signature.
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Arsenal could use Rafael Leao
They are aware that they need to make a statement signing to improve the wide areas. The 26-year-old is a reliable performer, and he could add a new dimension to the Arsenal attack. His explosive pace and flair will help Arsenal going forward. He will help create opportunities for his teammates and find the back of the net as well. Leao has 10 goals this season.
It seems the arrival of the Portuguese international could depend on Gabriel Martinelli’s departure. The Brazilian has been inconsistent, and he has been linked with an exit. Arsenal are prepared to bring in an upgrade on him, and it remains to be seen how the situation develops.
Meanwhile, there are internal tensions over the future of the Portuguese attacker, and Milan are likely to cash in if a solid offer comes in. He has the physicality and technical attributes to thrive in the Premier League, and he could be an asset for Arsenal. This is the right time for him to take on a new challenge, and moving to the Premier League would be ideal. He has shown his quality in France and Italy. He will look to make an impact in English football now.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are keen on acquiring the services of Real Madrid midfield sensation Eduardo Camavinga.
The French international’s future has become an interesting talking point, as he hasn’t been at his best in recent seasons, and Real Madrid are now considering cashing in on him this summer. Multiple top clubs are keeping tabs on his situation, and there could be a bidding war for his services.
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Mikel Arteta wants Eduardo Camavinga at Arsenal
According to a report from Spain, Arsenal have entered the race for Eduardo Camavinga’s signature. The Gunners want to further bolster their midfield and believe the French international’s arrival could significantly strengthen their midfield rotation.
While they already have Declan Rice, Martín Zubimendi and Martin Odegaard in the centre of the park, Arteta feels Camavinga could give him more tactical flexibility. His arrival would provide much more competition for players like Mikel Merino and Eberechi Eze.
Since he is only 23, signing him will help them in the short and long run. His ability to feature in any role in the centre of the park, as well as a full-back, could certainly help the Spanish manager.
We have therefore given the potential Camavinga-to-Arsenal deal a Transfer Fit rating of 21/25, which makes him a strong fit.
Meanwhile, Camavinga can seriously consider the chance to join Arsenal, as he will play an important role on a team looking to dethrone Manchester City in English football.
Newcastle United, Arsenal, and Chelsea are all keeping tabs on Christian Kofane ahead of a potential transfer this summer.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Christian Kofane is attracting a lot of interest from across Europe following his sensational rise. While he has a long-term contract at the German club, they might still struggle to keep hold of him.
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Premier League trio are after Christian Kofane
According to a report from SportsBoom, Newcastle United, Arsenal, and Chelsea are all keen on acquiring the services of the 18-year-old Cameroonian striker. Other top clubs from across Europe are after his signature, which could lead to a bidding war.
Kofane joined the Bundesliga giants from Albacete for just €5 million. The fee certainly seems like a massive bargain, as his value has skyrocketed since moving to Germany. The teenager has been involved in 38 games in all competitions and has contributed towards 15 goals (7 goals, 8 assists).
While he has had limited game time, Kofane has made quite an impact, and now every top club is after him. Scouts from the biggest clubs in Europe consider him an elite-level attacking prospect.
Arsenal are also monitoring him, considering him an ideal fit for Mikel Arteta’s team. Meanwhile, Chelsea are set to establish direct contact with the German club, as they look to make him a part of their project.
While all three English clubs are keen on his signature, other clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona could make things difficult for them. With his contract running until 2029, Bayer Leverkusen want a minimum of €60–€70 million for the teenager. They are hoping for a bidding war, as it would further increase the price.
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Chelsea turn down Liam Rosenior request
Following their dreadful performance against the French giants, manager Liam Rosenior requested that the club bring in more experienced players. But according to a report from SportsBoom, Chelsea’s hierarchy are set to ignore the 41-year-old’s plea.
While the manager wants more experienced heads, the club will continue to stick with their policy of betting on young stars with massive potential. They prefer experimenting with potential rather than bringing in proven players.
Rosenior certainly accepts the club’s transfer policy under the BlueCo, which is why he agreed to become their manager mid-season following the sacking of Ezno Maresca. He was already aware of what he was getting into.
However, following the humiliation at the hands of PSG, the 41-year-old feels the need to have a few more experienced campaigners in his squad. The Ligue 1 outfit completely exposed them. It was quite clear that a lack of experience on big European nights had played a part in their downfall.
As a result, Rosenior is pushing the club to sign proven players. He feels their inconsistency could be rectified by signing experienced heads, but the club doesn’t share his view. They will not accept his request and will stand by their guns.
Liverpool seem willing to fork out €80 million to sign Sporting CP attacking mainstay Luis Suarez this summer.
The Colombian striker has taken his game to the next level since joining Sporting CP last summer. He has been in red-hot form, and his performances haven’t gone unnoticed. Multiple top clubs are now after his signature.
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Liverpool want Luis Suarez this summer
According to reports from Spain, Liverpool are among the clubs keen to sign Luis Suarez ahead of next season. The Reds could trigger his massive €80 million release clause to bring him to Anfield.
On the back of his impressive performances for UD Almeria, Suarez made the move to Sporting last summer. He came in to replace Viktor Gyokeres and has certainly lived up to the expectations. In his 41 matches across competitions, he has 32 goals and seven assists.
While the Reds forked out a fortune on forwards last summer, things haven’t gone according to plan for them. They are now looking for a more proven option in the final third and believe Suarez can help their cause.
His mobility, ability to attack space in behind and clinical finishing make him a perfect fit for their system. As a result, the Merseyside club are willing to break the bank to secure his services. It will be interesting to see if they do actually trigger his release this summer.
West Ham United assistant manager Paco Jemez admits he will leave the club if offered the job at his former club, Rayo Vallecano.
Since joining West Ham United at the start of the year, Paco Jemez has helped significantly bolster the Hammers’ chances of survival in the Premier League. With him assisting Nuno Espirito Santo, the London club have collected 12 points more than relegation rivals Tottenham Hotspur and eight more than Nottingham Forest.
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Paco Jemez could leave West Ham for Rayo Vallecano
While the 55-year-old Spanish tactician is completely focused on helping West Ham survive the drop, he recently admitted that he would pounce on the opportunity to once again manage Rayo Vallecano.
While speaking to SER Podcast, Jemez said via Hammers News, “When Rayo doesn’t have a coach and needs someone, and I think I’m the right person, it [only] takes me half a second to get there!”
Since he agreed to assist Nuno at the London club, the former Rayo Vallecano manager was asked whether he would like to have the Portuguese as his number two at the Spanish side. He laughed off the suggestion, saying:
“He’d have to return the favour, wouldn’t he?! The day I ask him, he’ll have to return it!”
Jemez has managed the La Liga outfit on two occasions between 2012 and 2020. He has done wonders for them in the past. The Madrid-based outfit enjoyed a best-ever La Liga campaign under the West Ham assistant as they finished eighth. More importantly, they recorded the fourth-highest possession stats in Europe’s major leagues, behind only Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.
Given the kind of work he has done in the past, many believe Jemez is the spark that has ignited West Ham’s chances of survival. His work ethic and intensity have transformed the mood inside the camp, and everyone seems to believe that they can actually avoid the drop.
While he is loving life at the London club, the 55-year-old was quick to admit that he won’t take half a second to accept the Rayo Vallecano job. The Hammers are certainly glad to have him on their bench and would be hoping that the Spanish club do not come forward with an offer for their assistant manager.
Wrexham are plotting a raid on Sunderland to sign their academy sensations Finn Geragusian and Jenson Jones.
Wrexham have had an emphatic rise in English football. They have secured three consecutive promotions and are now eyeing a fourth via the Championship play-offs. While their first team has been doing wonders, they are looking to strengthen their youth setup by signing some bright prospects from rival clubs.
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Wrexham are keen on Finn Geragusian and Jenson Jones
According to a report from TEAMtalk, the Red Dragons are interested in acquiring the services of Sunderland duo Finn Geragusian and Jenson Jones. They have made quite a name for themselves with impressive performances at the youth level and have caught the attention of the Wrexham recruitment staff.
While everything seems to be going as planned in the first-team setup, the Championship club’s ownership wants to strengthen its youth setup. They want to build a system that can help them stand up to the big boys. They believe bringing in top talent from rival clubs’ academies could fast-track the process.
Their recruitment staff have been closely monitoring several young prospects, and the Sunderland pair of Geragusian and Jones are among them. They rate them quite highly, and Wrexham are now considering making formal approaches for the duo.
18-year-old Geragusian is regarded as one of the most exciting young talents to have come up the ranks at Sunderland in recent years. The left-footed striker has already been called up to the club’s first-team squad, and he has been doing wonders for Armenia at the youth level.
As far as Jones is concerned, the teenage full-back has also managed to impress the scouts with his consistent performances at the youth level. Developed at Sunderland’s Academy of Light, the 19-year-old full-back is believed to have a very bright future. While he prefers to play as a right-back, he can also feature on the left and in central midfield. His versatility and consistency stand out.
Leicester City attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss is set to join VfB Stuttgart on a permanent basis.
Following Leicester City’s relegation to the Championship last season, the Moroccan international wasn’t keen on playing in the second division. While rival clubs Crystal Palace and Newcastle United were ready to offer him an opportunity to stay in the Premier League, the Foxes were not ready to let him join an English club.
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Bilal El Khannouss to join VfB Stuttgart permanently
VfB Stuttgart spotted an opportunity and secured his services on loan last summer. The 21-year-old has been doing wonders for the German outfit, and according to Bild via SportWitness, Bilal El Khannouss will not be returning to Leicester. His move to Stuttgart will be made permanent in the summer.
His loan move to the Bundesliga had a conditional obligation and as per the report, it has been triggered. The Moroccan international has been involved in 32 games for the German outfit and has even contributed towards 12 goals.
The buy obligation was dependent on the number of appearances and since it has been triggered, Leicester will now receive €18 million. Given their financial difficulties, it is a massive boost for them.
The Foxes had received €3.5 million as a loan fee last summer, which means they have recouped €21.5 million out of the reported €24.3 million they paid to sign him from Genk. The final fee could rise further depending on bonuses, and Leicester have also secured a buy-on clause.
While the Championship outfit won’t receive any payment until the summer, it does help their cause as they can borrow against it. The Moroccan international is set to sign a deal until 2030, which includes a salary worth €3 million.
Manchester United are reportedly one of the main clubs in the mix for the potential transfer of Eintracht Frankfurt left-back Nathaniel Brown this summer.
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And they’ve been given a boost as it seems Eintracht need to sell players due to financial issues, with Brown available for an asking price of around €60m, according to Sport Bild, as cited and translated by Sport Witness.
Man Utd could be joined by Real Madrid and Barcelona in the race for the Germany international’s signature, however, while he’s also been linked with other Premier League clubs in the past.
Should Manchester United sign Nathaniel Brown for €60m?
It’s never easy to know whether or not a transfer will work out, but Brown is clearly highly regarded and arguably not too expensive for an in-form player of his age group.
United also look in need of a new left-back as an upgrade on the ageing and injury-prone Luke Shaw, and with Patrick Dorgu recently playing in a more attacking role.
We have therefore given the potential Brown to MUFC deal a Transfer Fit rating of 19/25, which makes him a strong fit…
Man United could be favourites for Nathaniel Brown
While it’s early days yet, there could be a variety of good reasons to think United would be the favourites to sign Brown.
The 22-year-old would surely see a move to Old Trafford as one that ticks a lot of boxes, especially if they end up qualifying for the Champions League, which now looks likely.
It’s also easier to see a pathway to becoming a starter at United than at Liverpool or Arsenal, who have a number of other left-backs.
Meanwhile, Real and Barca may also be interested, but Premier League clubs have often been able to out-spend major European clubs in recent times, so that could see Brown choose United for higher wages, while United might also find it easier to meet Frankfurt’s demands for the player.
The latest FIFA World rankings have been released and are now being updated in real time so you can keep track of the world’s best national teams ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
There are some interesting recent moves in FIFA’s ranking via their official website, with Morocco all the way up three places to 8th in the world.
Meanwhile, Belgium and Germany are down one place, but there’s no change nearer the top as the usual suspects are positioning themselves as favourites.
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Read on for the current top ten national teams in the world as we gain an insight into the favourites for this summer’s World Cup…
FIFA World Rankings
1) Spain – 1877.18 points
Having won Euro 2024, it’s no surprise to see Spain top of this list, with world class talents like Lamine Yamal and Pedri sure to make them a force to be reckoned with at the 2026 World Cup. Last time they won this trophy, they also went into the tournament on the back of success at the Euros two years before, so that’s a good omen for them as they look to lift this title for the second time.
2) Argentina – 1873.33 points
The reigning World Champions, Argentina will be looking to retain their crown this summer, and are only really behind Spain as the favourites. Lionel Messi is four years older now, though, and arguably a long way past his prime, so how crucial will that be for the South American giants?
3) France – 1870.00 points
On paper, possibly the best squad at the tournament. France’s team is absolutely packed with superstars, with Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, and William Saliba arguably the best players in the world in their respective positions right now, while even the reigning Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele won’t be guaranteed a starting spot. Les Bleus last won this trophy in 2018 and will now be eager to make up for defeat in the final of 2022.
4) England – 1834.12 points
Could this finally be England’s year? They’re certainly looking as strong as ever as they sit fourth in the world rankings, and they’ll hope that new manager Thomas Tuchel can be key in helping them go one step further than Gareth Southgate was able to take them.
5) Brazil – 1760.46 points
The team with the most World Cups, but no win since all the way back in 2002, can Brazil finally re-establish themselves as the big force of world football? There’s plenty of talent in this side, even if it’s not the Brazil of old, and manager Carlo Ancelotti has been a trophy-winning machine at club level, so could be the key to bringing a sixth World Cup to Brazil.
Most World Cup wins by country
Number of titles
Brazil
5 – 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002
Germany
4 – 1954, 1974, 1990, 2014
Italy
4 – 1934, 1938, 1982, 2006
Argentina
3 – 1978, 1986, 2022
France
2 – 1998, 2018
Uruguay
2 – 1930, 1950
England
1 – 1966
Spain
1 – 2010
6) Portugal – 1760.38 points
Messi finally lifted the World Cup in 2022, so can Cristiano Ronaldo do it with Portugal in 2026? His country are clearly not the favourites, but sitting in 6th in the world rankings shows that they’re up there with the best on their day. With a bit of luck, Ronaldo could finally get that one elusive trophy to end his career on the ultimate high.
7) Netherlands – 1756.27 points
Remarkably, the Netherlands have still never won the World Cup, but they sit 7th in the current world rankings as they continue to be up there with the finest teams in world football. This is not really as great a side as some of their previous ones, but you can never rule them out.
8) Morocco – 1736.57 points
Controversially named AFCON winners after January’s final defeat to Senegal was overturned, Morocco are progressing a lot and will be looking to build on their run to the semi-finals in the last World Cup.
Their golden era of having the likes of Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne at their peak has now passed, but 9th is a decent score here for Belgium, who still have a lot of talent in their squad that could take them on a decent run in the World Cup.
10) Germany – 1724.15 points
Germany haven’t been at their best for some time, despite a great history in World Cups, of which they’ve won four. It’s been tough replacing recent legendary figures like Thomas Muller, Toni Kroos, and Mesut Ozil, but they often seem to find a way to go far in major tournaments, so could do so again even if it’s not a vintage side.
Posting on X today, the reporter stated that this deal was nearly done due to smooth negotiations between the two clubs, who obviously have a good relationship due to both being part of the BlueCo group led by Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali…
? #ChelseaFC ?? Chelsea are closing in on Valentin Barco, who has shone at Strasbourg.
It seems Chelsea fans can start to get excited about this one as a deal could be done quickly, and this story comes just a few days after Fichajes also linked the 21-year-old with the west London giants.
Valentin Barco to Chelsea to replace Enzo Fernandez?
A lot could change between now and the summer, but perhaps Barco is being targeted to replace Enzo Fernandez amid question-marks over his future at Stamford Bridge.
According to Simon Phillips, five clubs are eyeing up Fernandez and one source even suggests there’s a 99% chance that the Argentina international will leave CFC this summer.
When analysing the Barco to Chelsea transfer recently, we scored it as just 13/25 with our Transfer Fit rating system, but we can now bump that score up a bit…
Valentin Barco
TOTAL SCORE: 17/25
Transfer fee
***
Performance
****
Achievements
**
Career phase
****
Squad need
****
We would now rate this at 17/25, adding points because Fernandez’s departure would increase Chelsea’s ‘squad need’ for the player, while smooth negotiations also suggest they’ll be getting this promising young talent for a favourable price.
Chelsea have previously used their relationship with Strasbourg to hire Liam Rosenior as manager, while Emanuel Emegha will join the Blues from the Ligue 1 club next season.
Newcastle drew 1-1 with Barcelona in their first leg tie at St James’ Park, and will tonight look to cause an upset at the Nou Camp.
It won’t be easy for Eddie Howe’s side, but they can perhaps take some confidence from that first leg, even if it wasn’t the result they wanted as Lamine Yamal snatched a 1-1 draw with a stoppage time penalty.
Newcastle United looking to reach Champions League quarter-finals
It remains to be seen if Newcastle can make that step up and get a big result tonight, but even if they do, they’ll have to hope the likes of Tonali, Willock, Joelinton and Burn are careful.
It would be a huge blow for the Magpies to get through to the quarter-finals but then find themselves without these key players.
Tonali has been in superb form this season and would surely be the biggest loss for the club if they were to go through tonight.
For now, though, his focus will surely just be on trying to help Newcastle achieve something special in this competition.
It’s not gone great for Premier League clubs so far, however, with Manchester City and Chelsea already both out, while Liverpool and Tottenham trail going into their second leg ties tonight.
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has backed goalkeeper David Raya to win Player of the season award after his impressive performances.
When an iconic, record-breaking striker starts campaigning for a goalkeeper to win top individual honors, you know he has been special.
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Following Arsenal’s comfortable 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday, which safely booked their ticket to the Champions League quarter-finals with a 3-1 aggregate win, Henry used his punditry platform on CBS Sports to give the Gunners’ number one his absolute flowers.
While the usual suspects like Declan Rice and Gabriel Magalhaes are constantly dominating the Premier League Player of the Season debates, Henry firmly believes the man between the sticks is the unsung hero keeping Arsenal’s historic season rolling.
“This guy should be in contention to be player of the season because of what he does for Arsenal every single time,” Henry stated on the broadcast, as reported by Metro.
Raya is a £27 Million masterstroke by Arsenal
Remember when Mikel Arteta’s decision to replace Aaron Ramsdale with David Raya sparked endless, heated debates across the Arsenal fanbase and media? Well, nobody is arguing anymore.
Securing the Spanish international permanently from Brentford for a reported £27 million is looking like a bargain now.
He has been consistent for the Gunners and some of the saves he has made this season have been absolutely world class.
Raya has been an absolute brick wall for Arteta’s side during this 2025/26 campaign.
With Arsenal currently sitting at the top of the Premier League, preparing for a Carabao Cup final, and pushing deep into both the FA Cup and Europe, Raya’s elite distribution and sweeping abilities have been the ultimate safety net.
Henry continued:
“It’s very difficult sometimes to see what a goalkeeper does but he cannot make you win the game. He can make you hope that you’re not losing it by making saves but he does that two to three times every single game. It’s just outstanding.”
Newcastle United are one of the clubs reported to have set their sights on FC Porto’s rising star Rodrigo Mora ahead of this summer.
The 18-year-old Portuguese playmaker is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about talents in Europe, and it’s no surprise that the heavyweights are starting to circle. Alongside Newcastle United, both Manchester City and Arsenal are reportedly keeping a very close watch on his development.
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Reports from Sports Boom suggest that our scouting department hasn’t just been keeping a casual eye on him—we’ve had scouts closely watching many of his games this season! The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with detailed reports already prepared for the recruitment team.
The belief is that official contact with FC Porto could be on the horizon very soon as we look to steal a march on our rivals in the race for Mora’s signature.
Rodrigo Mora transfer won’t come cheap for Newcastle United
Securing a talent like Mora won’t come cheap. It’s understood that his current release clause sits around the £60-70m mark. For a player who has already broken records as Porto’s youngest-ever professional and is making waves in the Europa League, that figure is increasingly being seen as fair value in today’s market.
While Mora is clearly settled at Porto for now, the lure of the Premier League is massive. He hasn’t made a definitive decision on the “right timing” for a move just yet, but if Newcastle come knocking with a clear project and a starting spot in the creative hub of our midfield, he might find it very difficult to say no!
The midfield overhaul at Old Trafford could be kicking off with a massive Premier League raid, and Newcastle fans won’t be happy.
Manchester United are ready to make a move for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali and the Italian is ready to make the move, according to journalist Christopher Michel.
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The demand of a new midfielder at United has increased and after tracking several midfielders, Man United are determined to step up interest in Tonali.
Midfield shake-up at Man United
It’s no secret that United’s engine room needs some serious attention heading into the transfer window.
With Casemiro leaving in the summer and general inconsistencies plaguing the middle of the park, bringing in a dynamic, elite-level operator is clearly a top priority for INEOS and the United hierarchy.
United haven’t just suddenly stumbled upon Tonali; they’ve been keeping tabs on the midfielder for a very long time.
I’ve heard that #MUFC are seriously working on a move for Sandro Tonali. And the Italian midfielder is apparently quite open to a move to Manchester. The club have been keeping tabs on him for a long time. Would he be a good signing?
Sandro Tonali waves to the Newcastle fans (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
This is where things are going to get incredibly complicated. Newcastle United didn’t just casually sign Tonali back in the summer of 2023, they made him their marquee addition from AC Milan in a blockbuster deal.
They are not interested in selling the Italian international midfielder, despite interest from several top clubs.
Even Arsenal are thought to be in the race to sign the midfield star but their interest is not as serious as United at this stage.
Furthermore, Newcastle are notoriously tough negotiators, and they are under no immediate pressure to sell their top assets on the cheap.
If Tonali really is open to the move, as the report suggests, United will still need to cough up a massive fee to even get the Magpies’ front office to pick up the phone.
The five clubs mentioned in the report are Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Al Hilal, and Al Nassr.
It seems Fernandez could ask to leave Chelsea despite being under contract on a long-term deal, with the Argentina international seemingly unsettled and open to a new challenge.
Is the time right for Chelsea and Enzo Fernandez to part ways?
Fernandez hasn’t quite lived up to expectations at Chelsea, and perhaps it would also be fair to say that the club won’t have lived up to the kind of project he thought he was joining.
The 25-year-old arrived from Benfica in a big-money move in January 2023, looking like one of the most exciting talents in world football.
It also seemed at that time like Chelsea’s new owners were building something really ambitious as they focused on elite young players for a long-term project.
By now, however, the likes of Fernandez were probably expecting CFC to be closer to really competing for the biggest trophies.
The nature of Chelsea’s Champions League exit will surely be a big concern, though, with PSG really thrashing them over both legs.
Perhaps Fernandez would now do well to consider another project, while Chelsea might also justifiably feel that they could do something a bit different in midfield.
For all of Fernandez’s qualities, he hasn’t really been consistent enough and perhaps a big offer could be tempting so the Blues can add to their budget and invest in a few positions this summer.
Manchester United are reportedly making it a top priority to retain club captain Bruno Fernandes as speculation surrounding his future begins to intensify ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to Daily Mail, the club’s hierarchy are fully committed to keeping the Portuguese midfielder at Old Trafford despite growing external interest.
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Fernandes remains one of the most influential figures in United’s squad, both as a leader and as a creative force on the pitch.
However, the presence of a £57 million release clause, applicable to clubs outside the Premier League, has introduced an element of uncertainty regarding his long-term future.
Bruno Fernandes’ importance to Man United
Fernandes has established himself as the heartbeat of Manchester United’s midfield. Known for his creativity, vision, and goal-scoring ability, the 31-year-old has consistently been among the club’s top contributors in terms of both goals and assists.
This season, has had 16 assists in the Premier League and may well go on to beat the record set by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne for assists in a single Premier League season.
Fernandes’ influence extends beyond statistics. As captain, he plays a crucial role in organising the team, setting standards in training, and driving performance levels during matches.
Even during challenging campaigns, Fernandes has remained one of United’s most reliable performers, often stepping up in key moments.
Clubs from leagues such as Saudi Arabia and top European competitions have previously shown interest in experienced, high-profile players, and Fernandes fits that profile.
However, the player himself has not made any immediate decision regarding his future. Reports suggest that Fernandes is expected to assess his options at the end of the season, taking into account both sporting and personal factors.
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The England international has had some good moments in a Leeds shirt since joining on a free transfer from Everton last summer.
However, it would also be fair to say that Calvert-Lewin has not quite been consistent enough, and that Daniel Farke could benefit from more of a goal threat up top next season.
Even if Calvert-Lewin has proven good enough to help Leeds fight against relegation, it would perhaps make sense for the club to think bigger as they’ll want to work their way up towards being more of a safe mid-table side before too long.
Leeds United tipped to sign upgrade on Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League scout Mick Brown explained why he thinks there is some concern behind the scenes at Elland Road about Calvert-Lewin’s reliability.
“There are still a few concerns about Calvert-Lewin,” Brown said.
“He’s done better than most people expected him to do since he’s joined Leeds, but he’s still not the type of striker you want to rely on as your source of goals.
“His record, even this season, tells you that he goes through peaks and troughs, so there are doubts about whether he can do it consistently.
“Calvert-Lewin has given Leeds enough to help them stay in the Premier League this season.
“But I’m told they are looking to sign a new striker, somebody with a bit more consistency in front of goal as a replacement for Calvert-Lewin when he’s not doing it.
“The way Leeds play as well, they could start them both up front together, but it would give them more options than what they’ve currently got.
“The only question now is about money and where they’re going to get the player they want. That’s something they’ll be working on behind the scenes.”
Leeds United building for the future as they near safety
Leeds are not safe yet, but they don’t currently look like being one of the more likely teams to get relegated this season.
The newly-promoted side are currently on a run of five games without a win, but their form earlier in the season has still put them in a reasonably strong position.
Leeds currently sit in 15th place, only three points above safety, but clubs like Tottenham and Nottingham Forest are currently in much worse form.
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The veteran England international is set to become a free agent this summer after four years at St James’ Park, but the club could still end up keeping him.
Trippier had fallen out of favour at one point, but he’s now back to his best and performing well in Howe’s side, leading the Magpies boss to change his mind about the player’s situation.
Could Kieran Trippier end up staying at Newcastle?
It remains to be seen if Trippier will definitely accept an offer to stay at Newcastle, having previously come close to moves to Turkish clubs which ultimately fell through.
The 35-year-old has had a fine career, most of which was spent playing in the Premier League, apart from a three-year spell at Atletico Madrid.
Perhaps Trippier will now be keen for a new challenge for what may be one of the final moves of his career.
Newcastle may still need Kieran Trippier
Still, it looks more and more like Newcastle still need Trippier, with some doubts over Tino Livramento’s future ahead of this summer.
The former Chelsea youngster is being linked with Arsenal and other big clubs, and it won’t be easy to replace him if he does move on.
It could therefore be simpler for NUFC to keep Trippier for at least one more year in case they struggle to find another replacement available on the market.
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As per my sources in the industry, Premier League clubs have now cooled their interest in Zirkzee as he’s not keen to stay in England, with Juventus, AC Milan, and Napoli on alert over potentially bringing him back to Italy.
One issue, however, is that these clubs are only looking to sign Zirkzee on loan, with his asking price of €35m looking too high.
Sources on Joshua Zirkzee’s transfer situation
“Zirkzee’s return to Serie A is gathering strength,” one source told me in a call this morning. “Premier League clubs have been made aware of his stance, so they’ve dropped their interest. Juventus, Milan, and Napoli are keeping an eye on his situation and could move.”
MUFC will no doubt hope to get a decent offer for the 24-year-old, but it may be that there’ll have to be some compromise somewhere.
It remains to be seen if that will be in the form of a loan with an obligation or option to buy, but the thing that’s clear is that Zirkzee will surely be leaving Old Trafford this summer.
Zirkzee impressed at former club Bologna and could still revive his career back in Italian football, but it’s certainly been an underwhelming spell for him with United.
The Dutchman scored 11 Serie A goals in his final season with Bologna, but has only five in 50 Premier League appearances across two seasons with Man Utd…
Joshua Zirkzee all comps
Games
Goals
Bologna 2023/24
37
12
Man Utd 2024/25
49
7
Man Utd 2025/26
20
2
Zirkzee doesn’t exactly look the most tempting option for clubs right now, but there’s always a chance that we’ll see the best of him again once he returns to an Italian club.
Other recent United flops and misfits such as Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay have done well at Napoli, while Antony has also revived his career since leaving United, albeit in La Liga with Real Betis.
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