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Manchester United have now reportedly submitted a huge offer to sign a much-needed attacking addition who would instantly make any potential Bryan Mbeumo rejection an afterthought.

Man Utd still chasing Bryan Mbeumo

For a moment it looked as though Manchester United were out on their own in the race to sign Mbeumo only for Tottenham Hotspur to burst onto the scene. With Thomas Frank now by their side, the Lilywhites have reportedly matched Brentford’s asking price and could instantly reunite Mbeumo with his former manager.

The new Martial: Wilcox ramping up move to sign "next Mbappe" for Man Utd

Man United are pressing to bring in a centre-forward with shades of Anthony Martial.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 16, 2025

United haven’t simply stepped aside, however. Reports are now claiming that they’ve reached an agreement on personal terms with the talented winger and club chiefs believe that they will complete a move to land his signature this summer.

There was always likely to be interest in Mbeumo following yet another excellent campaign at Brentford. At just 25 years old, there may not be a better time to move than this summer, but he must still get his next decision right.

As for United, whether it’s Mbeumo or another option, signing an attacking reinforcement seems to be at the very top of their wishlist. The Red Devils suffered going forward last season, with both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund at the centre of those struggles which culminated in a 15th-place finish.

Ruben Amorim will be desperate for some added firepower and if it’s not Mbeumo, then rumours suggest that it could yet be an excellent alternative.

INEOS already proved that they’re willing to spend when they welcomed Matheus Cunha for around £63m and now they could spend more than ever amid reports that they’ve submitted a hefty £120m+ bid for one particular talent.

Man Utd submit shock offer to sign Barcelona star Raphinha

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United have now submitted a shock €150m (£128m) offer to sign Raphinha from Barcelona this summer. The Spanish giants have reportedly been left surprised by the bid, but their financial situation could yet force them to consider it.

It would instantly be one of the standout deals of the summer if Manchester United made it happen. The Brazilian winger is one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or this year and would instantly ensure that the Red Devils forget all about Mbeumo.

With 59 goal involvements in 57 appearances, it’s no surprise that Raphinha has found himself in Ballon d’Or conversations and, as talented as Mbeumo is, there is no denying that the Barcelona star is the standout option.

The winger earned plenty of deserved praise last season, including from Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, who told reporters: “He has good dynamics with the ball and he has had an extraordinary match. His offensive and defensive dynamics, and his good technique, are something special. I have never had a player like him and he helps us a lot.”

With all eyes on their Premier League return, Leeds United are reportedly looking to get their summer business underway by securing a double swoop for two Ligue 1 talents.

49ers aiming to back Leeds in transfer market

Whilst the 49ers group have been busy completing their takeover of Scottish giants Rangers, they’ll still be focused on ensuring that Leeds have a side capable of avoiding the drop at the first time of asking. In doing so, the Whites would become the first promoted side to keep hold of their Premier League status in the last six attempts. That’s the extent of the task at hand for the 49ers and Daniel Farke’s side.

Chairman Paraag Marathe is ready to back Leeds in the transfer market this summer, however, having told reporters last month when asked about potential business: “I’m not really ready to go into that, but yes, your speculation is probably right.

“It’s going to be a mix of seeing if there are inbounds along with outbounds. And that’s probably, that’s probably accurate, but really not ready to go into more detail than that. But we are looking at maximizing what we can do, and so that involves the whole bag, ins and outs.”

Just who arrives is the big question. The transfer window is now open and those at Elland Road will be desperate to see the 49ers get their business underway as soon as possible.

To that end, Dara O’Shea could be one to watch. Recent reports revealed that Leeds are interested in signing the Ipswich Town star and granting him an instant return to the Premier League following relegation.

49ers spend £90m: AI predicts 5 players Leeds United will sign this summer

It’s set to be a busy few months at Elland Road.

2

By
Charlie Smith

Jun 7, 2025

Back in the top flight, the impressive defender would be an impressive first pick. He ticks the box for experience both in the Premier League and now a relegation battle. On a personal note, O’Shea himself will be desperate to avoid the drop for a second season on the bounce.

He’s not the only target on Leeds’ radar, however. The 49ers are also reportedly targeting a double swoop to land a Ligue 1 duo this summer.

Leeds chasing double swoop for Fofana and Abdelli

As reported by Ouest France, the 49ers and Leeds are now chasing a double swoop to sign Yahia Fofana and Himad Abdelli from Angers this summer. The former would be an instant upgrade on Illan Meslier at just £8m, whilst the latter would offer plenty of leadership from midfield following his captaincy of the French side in recent years.

Having been dropped by Farke at the back end of last season as Leeds secured promotion, Meslier’s place remains in question and the arrival of Fofana could see the Frenchman exiled altogether at Elland Road.

Alongside Fofana, Abdelli would make an impact in his own right. The midfielder completed the same amount of progressive passes as £100m+ Liverpool target Florian Wirtz last season and two more than Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers. He was a standout in Europe’s top seven leagues on that metric and could now be on his way to Elland Road.

Setting their sights on weakening their top four rivals ahead of next season, Aston Villa are now reportedly seriously interested in signing an attacking star who has already scored at Villa Park before.

Aston Villa still reeling from UCL disappointment

11 days on from their defeat against Manchester United which cost them Champions League qualification, Aston Villa will still be collecting themselves and wondering what might have been. Their first reaction, of course, was anger directed at PGMOL and referee Thomas Bramall. Those in the Midlands took aim at the decision to use the 35-year-old in such an important game after Morgan Rodgers’ effort was controversially ruled out.

The Villans released a statement on the matter not long after their fate was confirmed at Old Trafford, which read in part: “Aston Villa can confirm the club has written to the PGMOL to raise concerns over the selection process of match officials following today’s game with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Aston Villa now ready to offer major deal to sign £50m Mozambique winger

He could replace Marcus Rashford.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 4, 2025

“With such high stakes surrounding today’s fixture, the club believe a more experienced referee should have been appointed. Of the 10 referees to officiate across the Premier League today, Mr. Bramall was the second least experienced.

“The decision to disallow Morgan Rogers’ goal, which would have given the club a 1-0 lead with 17 minutes remaining in the match, was a major contributing factor to the club not qualifying for the Champions League.”

11 days on, that anger may have turned into major disappointment, but Villa must simply move on and turn their focus towards the transfer market. Already, their sporting director, Monchi, has reportedly set his sights on the likes of Lucas Chevalier and even a Premier League rival in a bid to improve Unai Emery’s side and weaken another.

Aston Villa seriously interested in Jackson

According to Simon Phillips, Aston Villa are now seriously interested in signing Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea this summer and face competition from the likes of Atletico Madrid in pursuit of the forward’s signature.

Having lost Jhon Duran in the January transfer window, the Villans have been without a natural backup for Ollie Watkins for the last six months but could finally solve that problem when the summer arrives. Villa Park have already had a glimpse of Jackson’s goalscoring prowess too, given that he scored at Villa Park in Chelsea’s 3-1 FA Cup win in the 2023/24 campaign.

The Senegal international has shown signs of his quality since then in the 2024/25 season, in which he scored 13 goals in all competitions and earned impressive praise from Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.

The Italian told reporters in November: “He is doing very well with us. Since we started, he has been open minded in what we ask him, and sometimes we require different things from him.

“He’s has an open mind and wants to learn and he’s doing very well, not just in goals and assists, but also the way he works off the ball. The way he presses, he is always aggressive and we are very happy.”

Until the official announcements are uploaded, Florian Wirtz beaming into the lens as he confirms his ecstasy at having signed for the Premier League champions, Liverpool fans would be forgiven for holding onto their jubilation.

According to German reports, Bayer Leverkusen have on Monday morning rejected Liverpool’s second official bid for Wirtz, worth around €130m (£110m).

The negotiations were never going to be easy, even if this saga is moving forward with comparative swiftness. Wirtz is “probably the best midfielder in the world”, according to former Werkself striker Patrick Helmes, but all parties anticipate a resolution in the coming days or weeks.

With Jeremie Frimpong already completing his move from Leverkusen to Anfield and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez in advanced talks to sign for Liverpool, things are looking good on Merseyside.

However, there’s even more for sporting director Richard Hughes to do ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Liverpool's attacking transfer plans

Darwin Nunez got lost in the celebrations as Liverpool won the Premier League, and these will be the memories he takes with him as he leaves this summer.

It’s not set in stone, but the Uruguayan is expected to leave this summer, with interest rising from Spain and the Saudi Pro League.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike has been touted as the man to replace him, but Chelsea also have a vested interest in the forward and are considered by BILD reporter Christian Falk to be leading Liverpool in the race.

Believe it or not, even more change may be afoot. Luis Diaz enjoyed a productive campaign, scoring 17 goals and providing eight assists across all competitions, but he has reportedly emerged as a priority for Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr. Barcelona also maintain a long-standing interest.

Liverpool have utilised the dynamic forward’s qualities across wide and central berths this season, and if he was indeed to be sold, the club would surely need to bring in an out-and-out striker as a matter of urgency.

Liverpool enter race for new striker

According to Sky Sports, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is on Liverpool’s shortlist of targets at centre-forward with the Anfield outfit ‘looking’ at him alongside widely reported names like Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig.

Interest in Alexander Isak also remains, but he’s off the cards after Newcastle United qualified for the Champions League.

Osimhen has just completed a successful season-long loan with Galatasaray after efforts from Chelsea and Saudi suitors fell through last summer, and there’s no way back for the Nigerian in Naples after an acrimonious divorce.

Napoli would be allegedly looking for a £60m fee, so a deal could certainly be agreed in the coming months, especially if FSG succeed in offloading Nunez.

Why Liverpool should sign Victor Osimhen

Osimhen is one of the finest finishers in the game, hailed for his “world-class status” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley. He’s tenacious, layered and physical, surely the perfect fit for Slot’s Liverpool system.

Though he was forced away from Europe’s top-five leagues this season, Osimhen’s time in the Turkish Super Lig has proved a clinical success, instrumental in Galatasaray winning the league and the Ziraat Turkish Cup.

Aged 26, this would be the time for him to try his hand at Premier League football, and FSG chiefs must seriously consider prioritising him over Sesko and Ekitike, who are both talented but raw and undeveloped.

As per FBref, Osimhen ranked among the top 3% of centre-forwards across Europe in 2024/25 for goals scored, the top 1% for touches in the attacking penalty area, and the top 4% for shot-creating actions per 90, emphasising his elite-level threat.

Sesko, who has a £70m release clause in his contract, and the £84m-rated Ekitike, conversely, still have something to be desired in regard to their prolific output. Across 48 matches this year, Frankfurt’s man bagged 22 goals from 48 matches, while Sesko has posted 27 goals from 64 appearances in the German Bundesliga since signing for Leipzig two years ago.

Coined by analyst Ben Mattinson a “transitional monster” and a “beast in the air”, Osimhen is the real deal, all right, and would provide Liverpool with a ridiculous focal point from which Salah, who turns 33 this month, can ease his burden and the inbound Wirtz can forge a deadly partnership.

That’s not to say Ekitike and Sesko couldn’t make their mark too, but Liverpool are set to undergo some rather drastic changes in the offensive department, and a striker proven to be one of the best in the world would be a sure-fire way to ensure Slot’s finely-woven system remains in place.

Osimhen, furthermore, is more than just a goalscorer. His nifty footwork, swift-limbed and purposeful with his passing and link-up play, suggests there’s a real player in there who could, by turns, make the net bulge himself and feed Salah and co.

Given that, at £60m, Osimhen would come at a cheaper price than Liverpool’s other major striker targets, it feels like a bit of a no-brainer, one that could see the Reds retain their Premier League title and maybe get their mitts on some silverware across other fronts.

One thing’s for certain: all three transfer targets would prove to be upgrades on Nunez, who has sadly fallen by the wayside in Slot’s set-up, and Liverpool cannot afford to have a misfiring number nine fronting the project once again.

Regarded as “the best striker on the market” by data journalist Statman Dave, Liverpool need to make this one happen; Osimhen might just prove to be the final piece of the puzzle for an Anfield side looking to consolidate their position at the very top of the global game.

An amazing Mane repeat: £40m star has now "agreed" to sign for Liverpool

Liverpool are set to bid for another star after signing Jeremie Frimpong, and he could be a Sadio Mane repeat.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 2, 2025

Newcastle United are said to have made contact with a huge club over signing a player who Eddie Howe has hailed as “very good” in the past.

Newcastle already pushing for summer signings

The Magpies are already being linked with new signings under the assumption that they will qualify for next season’s Champions League, with Dinamo Zagreb attacking midfielder Martin Baturina mentioned as a potential target this week. He has scored twice and registered one assist in Europe’s top club competition in 2024/25.

Newcastle need to target a new striker this summer, in order to provide more competition for Alexander Isak, especially with Callum Wilson expected to leave the club. Liam Delap is one possible option to come in, having suffered relegation from the Premier League with Ipswich Town and not wanting to play in the Championship next season.

At the other end of the pitch, the Magpies continue to target goalkeepers, with Espanyol ace Joan Garcia seen as an alternative option to the likes of James Trafford and Caoimhin Kelleher. He has even quite bizarrely been compared to Lionel Messi, with Manolo Gonzalez saying: “It’s like when Barcelona had Messi. There were tough matches, and Messi would resolve them. Well, we have that in goal with Joan Garcia.”

A centre-back is also required for Newcastle before next season gets underway, in order to add freshness to a key area of the pitch, and now a new update has emerged regarding a potential addition there.

Newcastle make contact with AC Milan over Thiaw

According to The Boot Room‘s Graeme Bailey, Newcastle have made an approach to AC Milan over the signing of centre-back Malick Thiaw this summer, in a possible £25m transfer.

They are “one of several clubs” believed to be in the race to snap up the 23-year-old, with Milan “prepared to listen to offers for some of their regular starters” ahead of the upcoming window.

Newcastle have been linked with a move for Thiaw for several weeks, and it now appears as though they have cranked up their efforts to bring him in.

The German could add quality in and out of possession for the Magpies, having enjoyed a 93.4% pass completion rate and averaged 3.5 clearances per game in Serie A this season.

Meanwhile, Howe has shown his admiration for Thiaw, too, saying of him: “There’s no updates on that. I’m always reluctant to comment on these things, but he’s a player I know about, of course I do, from our games in the Champions League against Milan and yeah, he’s a very good player, but that’s it.”

Newcastle now planning face-to-face talks to sign "unbelievable" £30m star

The Magpies are set to hold discussions over a deal for a forward.

By
Dominic Lund

May 21, 2025

At 23, Thiaw could be the young centre-back that Newcastle crave this summer, coming in as a mainstay alongside Sven Botman, with Fabian Schar and Dan Burn not getting any younger.

Chelsea are prepared to open talks over re-signing a former “leader”, who one source describes as the perfect player for Enzo Maresca’s dressing room.

Enzo Maresca makes "very important" Conference League claim

The west Londoners take a commanding 4-1 lead into their Conference League semi-final second leg against Djurgardens tonight, and all signs point towards Chelsea easing past Jani Honkavaara’s side as they look to confirm a spot in the final on May 28.

Chelsea hold extensive talks to sign £38m ex-Fulham star who Mourinho wants

The Stamford Bridge legend is a long-time fan.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 7, 2025

Maresca has a golden chance to win his first piece of silverware as Chelsea manager during his debut season in charge, and a lot of expectation is riding on him, as they’ve been backed as solid favourites to lift the trophy since the beginning of 2024/2025.

While Chelsea have much grander ambitions in the long-term, being knocked out of the Conference League at this stage would arguably be a disaster, and Maresca says winning the competition is “very important” for many reasons.

“Very important, very important for sure, 100 per cent,” said Maresca on Chelsea’s Conference League ambitions.

“For different reasons but the main reason is because we want this club winning trophies. In this moment we are in the Conference so we have to try to win the trophy in the competition that we are.

“So yeah, it’s important personally, but for me, it’s much more important for the club, for the fans. We said many times that it’s the only trophy that Chelsea didn’t win in the past and Chelsea can become the first club in Europe to win all the European competitions so it’s also good for the club.”

It would also end the campaign on a high, even if Chelsea’s race for Champions League qualification is taking centre stage right now.

The club’s ambitions to compete in Europe’s most prestigious competition will also have a knock-on effect when it comes to summer transfers, and it is believed the signing of a new centre-back is a top priority for Chelsea ahead of next term.

Bournemouth starlet Dean Huijsen and Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi are among Chelsea’s rumoured central defensive targets, but according to Football Transfers, they now have their eyes on a possible reunion with Antonio Rudiger.

Chelsea ready to open talks over bringing back Real Madrid star Antonio Rudiger

According to their information, the Blues have made contact with their ex-defender’s camp “in recent days” to be informed on his future at the Bernabeu – as they lay some groundwork over a potential deal.

The Germany international, while generally satisfied with life at Real, has apparently become “increasingly difficult” to deal with, and one source describes his situation as “tense” amid clashes with those in his inner circle.

The reasons for Rudiger’s dissatisfaction are kept vague, but this has apparently alerted Chelsea. Indeed, as well as reaching out to the £238,000-per-week defender’s representatives, it is believed Chelsea are “ready to negotiate” re-signing Rudiger if they get the green-light from him or Real.

The 32-year-old, despite some drama behind-closed-doors, has been described by an FT source as “exactly what the dressing room needs”. Rudiger’s experience could also be vital for Maresca’s very young squad, and he’s already a proven Premier League defender.

“He’s a leader, a warrior, exactly what this Chelsea dressing room needs,” said the source.

“There’s no fear about his personality. If anything, that fire is what we’re missing.”

At 4.15pm on Saturday afternoon, Arsenal fans were given a pretty large surprise.

With the Gunners gearing up for their Champions League semi-final second leg in Paris on Wednesday, it was expected that Mikel Arteta would rest heavily. He did not.

The likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Declan Rice all featured in the lineup with only two changes made; Jurrien Timber for Ben White and Mikel Merino for Thomas Partey.

While the starting XI was surprising, the end result was perhaps not. After all, the way in which Arsenal dropped points typified their season.

Arteta’s side led Bournemouth 1-0 through Rice but the Cherries fought back in the second half courtesy of some lapse defending. The equaliser came from Antoine Semenyo’s long throw which found Arsenal-linked Dean Huijsen inside the area who headed home.

The second was not great either. From a set play, the ball found Evanilson at the back stick who forced the ball home with what looked to be an elbow. VAR adjudged it to have been a legal play, however.

While it was an off day as far as defending set pieces are concerned, it was another off day for skipper Martin Odegaard.

Martin Odegaard's performance vs Bournemouth

In midweek, Arsenal needed their leaders to stand up.

Rice was once again impressive, driving his side forward whenever he got the chance. Saka also made life difficult for PSG but ultimately couldn’t find a way through. Nonetheless, neither player hid.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The same could not be said of Odegaard who left the pitch having lost five of his eight duels and having not had a shot.

He coasted through the game with very minimal influence, slowing Arsenal down in transition and ultimately making the side a poorer one.

Well, the visit of Andoni Iraola’s men on Saturday was a time for the Norwegian to right his wrongs, and he began the game in fine groove, playing in Rice for the opening goal of the game.

It was classic Odegaard, jinking past his marker and sliding the ball past the final line of the defence for the club’s record signing to get on the end.

Sadly, that was about as good as it got for the midfielder who was once again slow in transition and indecisive on the edge of the box, refusing to shoot when he got the opportunity to do so.

Club captain, one has to question whether he deserves a place in the team on Wednesday night. Many fans will suggest he doesn’t.

Still, he wasn’t the only big underperformer in the final third for the Gunners.

Leandro Trossard's performance in numbers vs Bournemouth

Arsenal’s attack since Kai Havertz got injured at the back end of the winter has not been firing on all cylinders.

In fact, even since Saka returned, the final third has been a problem for Arteta.

Their failure to strengthen in the January transfer window has certainly come back to haunt Arsenal with Mikel Merino largely used as the makeshift centre forward since his two-goal haul against Leicester.

From that moment onwards, the Spaniard has been excellent, perhaps even better than Leandro Trossard. The Belgian scored 17 goals last term but despite a run of three goals in his last four outings, has struggled in all honesty.

There is a reason Arteta enjoys playing with Merino and Havertz up top and that’s because they can hold the ball up well, acting as a focal point and duel winner.

Despite Trossard’s technical skill, he is not that profile. The Belgium international simply doesn’t offer enough as an outlet and he summed that up not only against PSG, where Arsenal struggled to get out of their own half in the first 20 minutes, but also at the Emirates on Sunday.

The truth is that the former Brighton man, signed for £27m, has served his purpose; this could well be one of his final starts in Arsenal red.

In all honesty, this wasn’t his worst performance of the season but while Odegaard did register an assist, Trossard did little to dig his side out of the hole his team found themselves in.

His best moment came in the first half when he stooped low to meet a header that Kepa Arrizabalaga did well to keep out. That was his only shot on target in the game.

Beyond that, it was a supremely underwhelming display from the 30-year-old, registering 37 touches, which was 11 fewer than goalkeeper David Raya.

He also only won five of his nine duels and gave away the ball on ten occasions, once every 3.7 touches of possession.

While it’s safe to say that no one in Arsenal’s attack really covered themselves in glory, Trossard certainly did little to help this weekend. It says it all that Arsenal look better with a midfielder as their 9, rather than him. Expect the attacker to be back among the subs in Paris in a few days time.

Big Odegaard upgrade: Arsenal eye up move for a "future Ballon d'Or winner"

Martin Odegaard is under fire after a poor run of form for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 30, 2025

Glasgow Rangers’ 2024/25 is over following their Europa League defeat in midweek to Athletic Club at the quarter-final stage.

Having been knocked out of the Scottish Cup in February, plus the fact Celtic are runaway leaders of the Premiership, the final five league games will be dead rubbers for the Ibrox side.

While Philippe Clement was to blame for many reasons, the transfer activity, both in the summer and winter windows, has a lot to answer for regarding the club’s dismal campaign.

Out of all the arrivals to join the club this season, only a few have gained pass marks. Robin Propper could have made that list, yet he has endured a poor season.

Robin Propper's dismal season in numbers

The Dutch defender had played over 100 times for FC Twente, even captaining the side, before making the move to Ibrox last summer.

On the surface, it looked as though he could be a solid signing, especially given his age and the experience gained over his career.

Fast-forward nine months, and it couldn’t have gone any worse. Propper has failed to truly acclimatise to the physical nature of Scottish football, being regularly outpaced and outfought by opposition defenders. As he admitted himself, he “maybe underestimated” the quality of the Premiership.

In Europe, the centre-back has won just 44% of his aerial duels while losing possession 6.7 times per game, and overall, he hasn’t been the best of signings.

Despite this, Propper – who was sent off against Athletic in the first-leg stalemate – may not even be the worst defensive signing Clement made this term. That honour could go to Rafael Fernandes, who, with every passing week, looks an extremely strange signing.

How Rafael Fernandes has performed for Rangers

A few winter arrivals were expected by the Ibrox faithful, but only Rafael Fernandes made the move to Rangers, much to the disappointment of the supporters.

The 22-year-old defender signed on an initial six-month loan deal, having the option to make it permanent, but given how little he has featured, this shouldn’t be exercised.

Indeed, the youngster has played a total of 91 competitive minutes for the Gers spread across four appearances.

His first start for the club came against Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup, and it soon turned into a disaster. He lasted only 60 minutes as the Light Blues suffered a shock defeat.

Since then, Fernandes has started only one more game – against Aberdeen last week – and it doesn’t look like he will feature much in the closing weeks.

Across his three league outings, Fernandes won just 25% of his total duels contested, along with committing one foul per game and making zero tackles each match.

He hasn’t exactly had many chances to make an impact at the club, but even when he has been on the pitch, Fernandes hasn’t done himself many favours, that’s for sure.

It was a weird signing in the first place, and when the season finishes, Rangers should say thanks before allowing him to return to Lille.

Rangers trio worth £5m to leave Ibrox after Athletic Bilbao defeat

Barry Ferguson’s side crashed out of Europe on Thursday.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 19, 2025

Newcastle United have now joined Manchester United in the race to sign a £30 million rising star, according to a new report.

Newcastle chasing midfield signings ahead of busy summer

The Magpies are solely focused on the remaining games of the Premier League, as they know if they win all their games, they will be playing Champions League football next season. Securing another season in that competition would likely see Newcastle’s transfer budget for the summer change, and Eddie Howe will already have his eyes on potential new recruits.

Mega-money Harvey Barnes upgrade: Newcastle want to sign £62m forward

Newcastle are hoping to strengthen in the transfer market this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 23, 2025

Signing a midfielder may become somewhat of a priority in the summer, depending on what happens to Sandro Tonali. Tonali has now been linked with a move to Barcelona and others, as the Spanish giants see him as someone who can replace Frenkie De Jong, should he not agree to a new contract.

So, Howe and Co. are looking at potential midfield additions should Tonali leave, and it’s been reported that the Magpies are interested in signing Alexis Saelemaekers from AC Milan.

The midfielder, who can also play on the wing, is out on loan at Roma, and he is expected to be made available for a sale this summer, with Milan looking to get around £17 million.

He is not the only midfielder under consideration, as Newcastle are also interested in signing Matteo Guendouzi from Lazio, as Howe is a big fan of his and tried to sign the Frenchman last year.

Newcastle join Man Utd in race to sign Liam Delap

As well as looking at strengthening their midfield, the Premier League side are also looking at potential new forwards. According to The Telegraph, Newcastle are now keen on signing Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.

The report states that the club’s recruitment team have been tracking Delap since his days at Manchester City, and he is now a player who is of major interest to them ahead of an ambitious summer transfer window. It goes on to add that the Magpies are aware of Delap’s £30 million release clause, and they believe this is good value for money for a player who can play alongside Alexander Isak – not replace him.

Newcastle play Ipswich this weekend, and it is seen as an opportunity for them to take a closer look at the striker live in action. Delap, who has been described as “incredible” by Alex Howell, is also of interest to Manchester United, with it being reported that the Red Devils have already made an offer to sign him from Ipswich, as he is their top transfer target for strengthening their forward line.

However, Newcastle will hope they have an advantage in this race, as Delap, who is represented by CAA Stellar, has the same agent as young forward William Osula. Therefore, previous work with the agency could help them when completing a deal for the Ipswich striker.

Looking to make an instant statement, new sporting director Hugo Viana is now reportedly pushing for Manchester City to sign a Premier League rival he’s been tracking since 2021.

Viana already targeting Man City incomings

If there was any remaining doubt about whether Manchester City will be busy this summer then news of Kevin de Bruyne’s pending exit should have put that to bed. The Blues could yet miss out on Champions League football for the first time under Pep Guardiola and are more desperate for an overhaul than ever before during the Spaniard’s incredible reign.

De Bruyne’s departure could be the beginning of a ruthless period at the Etihad, in which several stars are shown the door. Recent reports indicated that joining De Bruyne is likely to be Kyle Walker, who has spent the second half of the campaign on loan at AC Milan in what could yet become a permanent deal.

Pep identifies "world class" star as Man City's dream De Bruyne replacement

After Kevin De Bruyne announced he will be leaving Manchester City, Pep Guardiola is targeting a “world-class” Premier League star to replace him.

By
Ben Gray

Apr 11, 2025

Meanwhile, there remain doubts over whether Jack Grealish, Bernardo Silva and Ederson will still be at the club come August, making room for the incomings that Viana has already set his sights on.

On that front, the biggest name mentioned so far has been Florian Wirtz, who would instantly replace De Bruyne at Manchester City. The German has made history at Bayer Leverkusen under Xabi Alonso, but may decide to move on when the summer transfer window arrives following another excellent individual campaign.

The attacking midfielder isn’t the only name on City’s shortlist though. After all, they’re in need of a major overhaul. Names like Morgan Gibbs-White and AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders have also been mentioned in recent weeks in two deals that would steal plenty of headlines. Meanwhile, not done there, Viana has also reportedly set his sights on signing a top six rival in the Premier League.

Viana pushing Man City to sign Udogie

According to Fabrizio Romano for GiveMeSport, Viana is now pushing for Man City to sign Destiny Udogie, who he has been tracking since the full-back’s Udinese days in 2021. Now at Tottenham Hotspur, the defender has impressed many even as the Lilywhites have rapidly declined under Ange Postecoglou and could now receive the ultimate escape route as a result.

At Spurs since 2023, the left-back has often earned the praise of his manager, who told reporters following a 2-2 draw against rivals Arsenal in Udogie’s debut season: “Destiny getting booked early, it could have made it difficult, but the way he dealt with it, in the end I thought he was the dominant player on that side of the pitch. He finished really strong and had to contend with having a yellow card.”

Given how Guardiola has struggled to solve his left-back problem since Josko Gvardiol has been forced into central defence amid injury concerns, Udogie should be near the top of City’s wishlist.

Adding key depth down that side and depth that could push Gvardiol all the way would certainly go a long way for a City side who will be desperate to reclaim their crown next season.