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Newcastle team news vs Arsenal

Liam Kennedy has dropped a ‘big summer’ Newcastle United claim on Elliot Anderson after news of his ineligibility was confirmed.

The Lowdown: Not eligible

As per Newcastle World, Anderson is not eligible to play against Arsenal and Burnley in their remaining two Premier League fixtures.

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He has returned to St. James’ Park after his loan spell at Bristol Rovers, but guidance from the top flight has stated that while he is now able to train with the first team, he will not be allowed to feature for them, as only in ‘exceptional circumstances’ – like the early recall of a goalkeeper – should a player be able to return to first-team football outside of a transfer window.

The Latest: Kennedy reacts

Taking to Twitter, Newcastle World journalist Kennedy has given his reaction to the revelation, claiming that while it is a ‘shame’, there could still be a ‘big’ summer ahead for Anderson:

“It’s a shame, but not even sure Eddie Howe would use him, especially when you look back at his selection policy against Cambridge in the FA Cup earlier this season. Could be a big summer for the lad.”

The Verdict: Shame indeed

Indeed, it is a shame that the Toon Army will not be able to see Anderson play for them in their remaining two games.

The 19-year-old scored eight goals and made a further five assists in 21 matches in total in League Two, including three goal contributions on the final day which helped the Gas remarkably win promotion (Transfermarkt).

Nonetheless, with the North East club now comfortable in the table, it would have been a good time to see what Anderson can do as Eddie Howe ponders keeping him in his squad for the next campaign.

In other news, find out which ‘insane’ star NUFC could sign this summer here!

Everton eyeing move for James Tarkowski

Everton are reportedly set to try and tempt Burnley defender James Tarkowski away from the Lancashire-based side this summer.

What’s the word?

According to Football Insider sources, the Toffees are keen to bolster their defensive ranks with a move for the Englishman in the upcoming transfer window, with the 29-year-old set to be available on a free transfer this summer once his existing deal ends, having rejected ‘multiple’ offers of an extension from the Clarets.

The report suggests that the Merseysiders’ new director of football Kevin Thelwell is a ‘big admirer’ of the central defender and recently watched the £19.8m-rated man in action during the Turf Moor outfit’s 1-0 win over Wolves, with a move on the cards should Frank Lampard’s men avoid relegation.

His current side had held firm in January despite reported interest from Newcastle United, although will now seemingly be helpless in preventing him from departing, owing to his contract situation.

Keane replacement

As stated above, any move for the £50k-per-week ace is seemingly dependent on the Goodison outfit staving off the drop, albeit with the irony being that it is Tarkowski’s Burnley who could well be the side to condemn to a first relegation since 1951.

There is still a scenario in which both sides remain in the division – with Leeds United having also been sucked into the survival scrap – yet it would appear that the player’s future will be intertwined with that of both his current and potential future club’s.

Should Lampard prove successful in keeping his side in the top-flight, however, turning to the 6 foot 1 centre-back would no doubt be an astute purchase, with the club in desperate need of quality additions at the heart of the defence.

At present, the leaky backline have conceded 55 Premier League goals so far this season – the sixth-worst record in the division – with both former boss Rafa Benitez and his successor struggling to settle on a central defensive pairing.

One man who has come under fire far too often is, ironically, Tarkowski’s former club teammate Michael Keane, with the 29-year-old having made two errors leading to goals so far this term, while he also formed part of a defensive united that was dubbed “Championship level” by pundit Jamie Carragher following the 5-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur back in March.

Former England stopper Paul Robinson has also been heavily critical of the former Manchester United man this season, insisting that he “suffers from lapses in concentration”, with that a factor in the club’s tumble down the table.

In Tarkowski, however, Thelwell has seemingly identified an ideal replacement, with the former Oldham Athletic man having registered a mightily impressive record of 5.4 clearances, 1.5 interceptions and 1.9 tackles per games so far this term, having also previously been labelled a player with “an array of qualities” by pundit Matthew Upson.

The Toffees are in desperate need of more quality and steel in their backline and by staying in the division, they should have enough to be able to bring the Burnley man, labelled as being “a rock”, to Goodison.

In other news, £44m down the drain: Allardyce’s £69k-p/w disaster has rinsed Everton for 54 months

Aston Villa join race for Martinez replacement with five clean sheets in 25/26

Aston Villa have now joined the race to sign an “agile” Emiliano Martinez replacement, who has been in impressive form so far this season.

Villa eyeing new goalkeeper amid Martinez uncertainty

Martinez is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, but he has looked shaky at times this season, off the back of major interest from Manchester United during the summer transfer window, before they ultimately decided to bring in Senne Lammens.

The Argentinian was criticised for not doing more to prevent Lukas Nmecha’s goal in the 2-1 victory against Leeds United, although the performances against AFC Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers were much more encouraging.

That said, with the shot-stopper now 33-years-old, and Villa willing to accept January bids, potential replacements are now being identified, including Manchester City’s James Trafford and Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin.

According to a report from Sky Sports, a Bundesliga star is also of interest to Unai Emery’s side, namely Borussia Monchengladbach’s Moritz Nicolas, who wants to move to a top club next summer, given his ambitions to play in Europe.

A number of clubs are in the race for Nicolas, who stands at 6’3, including Villa, who view the colossus as a successor to Martinez, although the Argentina international remains under contract until the summer of 2029.

Aston Villa plotting £18m bid for "tremendous" defender, Martinez is a big fan

The Villans are planning a move for a new centre-back, who is also being targeted by Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.

ByDominic Lund Nov 27, 2025 "Agile" Nicolas in top form in the Bundesliga

The 28-year-old was nominated for Borussia Monchengladbach’s Player of the Season award last season, as a result of being the second-best goalkeeper in the Bundesliga in terms of xG prevented, conceding just 25 from an xG of 33.5.

After the nomination, the Monchengladbach star received plaudits from board member Roland Virkus, who said: “Mo is very agile for his height and is also really good with his feet.”

Having averaged a save percentage of 74.8% per 90 over the past year, the German places in the 81st percentile, when compared to other goalkeepers, which suggests he could be a solid replacement for Martinez, with the Villa goalkeeper averaging 71.1%.

Not only that, but the former Roda JC man has already amassed five Bundesliga clean sheets this season, including three in his last four matches, most recently making four saves to keep RB Leipzig at bay in a 0-0 draw.

Nicolas clearly has the quality to be Martinez’s successor, but Aston Villa should look to keep hold of their goalkeeper if possible, given that he is already proven in the Premier League, showcasing his quality by making three saves from inside the box against Wolves last time out.

Nottingham Forest now in talks to sell £26m recent Nuno signing this January

Nottingham Forest are now in talks to offload one of Nuno’s summer signings this January, as he has failed to make the desired impact at the City Ground.

Forest looking to offload Nuno signing after Dyche arrival

Evangelos Marinakis wasted little time appointing a successor to Ange Postecoglou, with Sean Dyche recently giving his first interview since becoming manager, in a journey that has come full circle, having started at Forest as a youth player.

Dyche will be under no illusions as to the size of the task at hand, with the Tricky Trees currently in the Premier League relegation zone, having already sacked two managers, while there is also European Football to contend with.

Indeed, the 54-year-old’s first match in charge will be against FC Porto on Thursday evening, with his side still looking for their first win in the Europa League, having suffered an extremely disappointing 3-2 home defeat against FC Midtjylland last time out.

The former Everton boss has just over two months to improve results before the January transfer window opens, at which point the manager may look to reshuffle the squad he has inherited and bring in some new recruits.

According to a report from Corriere dello Sport (via Sport Witness), a departure may also be on the cards, with it being revealed that Nottingham Forest have now entered talks to sell €30m (£26m) summer signing Arnaud Kalimuendo.

Kalimuendo hasn’t hit the ground running since being signed in the summer, with the 23-year-old still yet to start a match, and his time at the City Ground may already be coming to an end, with the Tricky Trees open to a loan departure, which would include a purchase option.

A January exit could be on the cards, with AS Roma named as the team that have entered discussions with Forest, given that sporting director Frederic Massara knows the striker well from their time together at Rennes.

Immediate concern for Dyche at Nottingham Forest after Marinakis decision

It probably isn’t what the new manager wanted to hear.

ByCharlie Smith Oct 21, 2025 Kalimuendo must improve ahead of January

On paper, the signing of the Frenchman made perfect sense, given his goal and assist record in Ligue 1 since making a breakthrough at Lens during the 2020/21 season.

Season

Ligue 1 appearances

Goal contributions

2020/21

28

12

2021/22

32

12

2022/23

30

12

2023/24

30

14

2024/25

33

21

However, the former Rennes man has been unable to force his way into the plans of either Nuno or Postecoglou, appearing for just 65 minutes across five substitute appearances in the Premier League.

Once described as “prolific” by scout Jacek Kulig, the centre-forward has been nothing of the sort since arriving at Forest, and he may continue to struggle to get into the team in the coming weeks, given that Dyche is well-known to be a big fan of Chris Wood.

It seems a little early to sanction Kalimuendo’s departure, as it often takes players time to adapt to life in the Premier League, but the grace period can only last so long.

Chelsea "love" £70m attacker and "will push" to hijack Real Madrid's move

Chelsea “love” an attacker with a “left foot made of gold” and “will push” to hijack Real Madrid’s move, it has been revealed.

Blues looking to sign new attacking midfielder

In Cole Palmer’s absence, the Blues struggled against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, succumbing to a 3-1 home defeat, with Andrey Santos failing to create any big chances prior to being replaced by Josh Acheampong after 54 minutes.

Enzo Fernandez, on the other hand, put in a more impressive performance, scoring his side’s only goal, but the Argentina international has been called into question for his creativity in the past.

With Palmer not fully-fit, Enzo Maresca’s side have put in some poor displays recently, succumbing to a 2-1 defeat against Manchester United, following the England international being forced off with a groin injury just after the 20-minute mark.

Cole Palmer facing several weeks out as journalist details "new" Chelsea injury

The England star was hauled off early in to their defeat at Man United.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 23, 2025

As such, there is arguably a lack of depth in attacking midfield, which Maresca has now set out to rectify, with Chelsea joining the race for Real Madrid target Nico Paz, according to transfer journalist Mark Brus, in a report for Caught Offside.

Brus’ source said: “Chelsea love Nico, Chelsea will push for sure. Real Madrid are confident, but Como will try to negotiate a new contract for him to remove the buy-back clause. They believe they could then sell him for as much as €80m (£70m).”

Should Paz sign a new deal with Como, it could pave the way for a move to Stamford Bridge, but Real Madrid remain confident about re-signing the attacking midfielder, and they currently remain in control of his future.

Paz could take career to next level at Stamford Bridge

Real Madrid may be ruing the decision to let the Argentinian leave in the first place, given the impact he’s made at Como, chipping in with six goals and nine assists in his first Serie A campaign, and he has since made a flying start to the new season.

The Spain-born star has amassed six goal contributions in his opening five league games, showcasing that he could soon be ready to take his career to the next level by signing for one of Europe’s top clubs.

Lauded as having a “left foot made of gold” by football scout Jacek Kulig, the starlet also fits the bill age-wise, given that he is just 21-years-old, and the Blues are well-known to have a policy of signing young players.

Paz ticks every box for Chelsea, and with Maresca clearly in need of players to provide competition for Palmer’s starting spot, he could be the ideal addition to the squad.

Watch out Grealish: Everton brewing teen star who outscored Ndiaye in 24/25

In January 2023, when Anthony Gordon forced his way out and signed for Newcastle United in a £45m deal, Everton supporters were livid.

The Toffees were in the throes of a relegation battle, after all, and Gordon was one of their own, handed his big break after graduating from the academy and featuring 65 times in the Premier League for the club before buying a one-way ticket to Tyneside.

It was a blow, but Everton staved off relegation, and then, in 2024, welcomed Iliman Ndiaye to the fold from Marseille in a £15m deal, and that has certainly proved to add flair and potency to the flanks.

No player scored more goals than the Senegalese winger last season, whose combination of pace and skills quickly established him as a fan favourite. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp marvelled that he brought a “dynamite” style to Goodison Park, while analyst Ben Mattinson noted that he “could play for any Premier League side”.

Iliman Ndiaye

37

11

Beto

34

10

Dwight McNeil

24

5

Abdoulaye Doucoure

31

4

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

26

3

Michael Keane

31

3

Any frustration around Gordon has long since passed, but this football club have a deep connection with their academy ranks, and might find a new homegrown hero, having welcomed a few to the senior stage over the years.

Everton's best academy graduates

Where else to start but with Wayne Rooney? One of the Premier League’s all-time greats, Rooney was handed his professional debut by Moyes during the manager’s iconic first tenure on Merseyside, starting with a bang and then signing for Manchester United for £30m when he was still only 18.

How the Toffees would like their next version of the Three Lions legend to join their ranks from Finch Farm.

There have been more, Leon Osman being a case in point. The 44-year-old was more of an unsung hero, a versatile midfielder, but he racked up 433 appearances for Everton and served dutifully for Moyes during his first term in office.

Ross Barkley was slated as Rooney’s natural successor, so impressive was his start to life at Goodison Park. Barkley came and went, and then Gordon did too, but Everton still seek their next big star from the youth ranks.

And though such talents are few and far between, Moyes might have a versatile attacking talent at his disposal who might even cause Jack Grealish to cast a glance over his shoulder.

Braiden Graham could be a star for Moyes

Grealish has made quite the start to his new career on Merseyside, having joined on loan from Manchester City this summer after falling from grace at the Etihad.

Four assists from as many matches and the Premier League Player of the Month award to boot emphasise just how impressive a start to this new chapter it has been for Grealish, so much so that he has moved Ndiaye out onto the right flank, a role he performed just once last season, and three times already in 2025/26.

It would take a special talent indeed to displace the silky Three Lions star, but Everton might just have such a player rising to the fore in 17-year-old Braiden Graham, who completed a move from Linfield in Ireland to Everton in July 2024, when he was only 16.

It would take only a couple of months for Graham to earn his first professional contract, proving to Everton his capacity to score and to assist across a number of attacking berths after ex-Linfield boss David Healy hailed his “incredible” potential.

Attacking midfield

8

6 (1)

Centre-forward

5

2 (2)

Left winger

4

3 (1)

Right winger

2

1 (0)

Centre-midfield

2

0 (0)

He scored eight goals across only 12 matches in the U18 Premier League last season, assisting two goals too, thus earning a promotion to the Premier League 2, nestled right underneath the big time.

At 17, he wouldn’t have been expected to offer more than support as he cut his teeth among older hopefuls, but eight games later, the Irish talent had five goals and an assist to his name. All told, 13 goals in all competitions last year saw him rise above Ndiaye as Everton’s top goalscorer, albeit at a lower level.

The fanfare is real, and Moyes will no doubt be interested in handing him a senior shot this season, perhaps in a domestic cup against lesser opposition, should the opportunity arise.

The right-footed teenager is still working out his best position, but he seems at his most fluent and dangerous when coming off the left flank and into the danger area, fearless on the ball and endowed with natural strength and balance.

His physical development continues to be the biggest hurdle yet to be leapt over, but that’s only natural given his age. Praised as “a good finisher” by Everton U21 boss Paul Tait, that advantage in goalscoring could see him offer something excitingly different to Grealish, who has never really been clinical in front of goal.

Grealish appears to be the cream of the crop right now, but Everton have got a whole load of creative forces who weren’t there af few years back.

What still appears lacking is a range of goalscoring threats. Up top, Beto currently lacks the clinical edge that comes to him in bursts, and Thierno Barry is unrefined within the English game.

Graham is a player who has the lot: goals, assists, pace, power, smarts. Whether he can transfer his youthful flair to the senior stage remains to be seen, but there’s little question that if he keeps going from strength to strength, he will come knocking on the 29-year-old Grealish’s door, with sights set on claiming that left-sided spot and adding a new dimension to Everton’s frontline.

Ancelotti sold Everton dud for £12m, now he's playing like Dewsbury-Hall

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall is shining at Everton, although one former flop is also impressing away from Merseyside.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 18, 2025 Slot drops early hint about Isak's likely Liverpool role against Everton

He surprised the Liverpool boss…

ByTom Cunningham Sep 18, 2025

Even better than Guehi: Newcastle now in talks to sign £43m "top talent"

Newcastle United have yet to make a signing so far this summer and it’s fair to say a large section of the fanbase are getting edgy.

Eddie Howe must bolster several areas of his squad ahead of next season, especially with Champions League football returning to St James’ Park once again.

Newcastle United manager EddieHowebefore the match

There hasn’t been a shortage of names linked. From Joao Pedro to Harvey Elliott, Howe is keen on strengthening his attacking options.

It is the defence which perhaps needs the most work, however. Could a deal for Marc Guehi be completed before the end of the window?

Newcastle's pursuit of Marc Guehi

The Magpies have been tracking Guehi for quite some time now, and it remains to be seen whether Howe will be able to make a concrete move to sign him.

Last season, the English centre-back ranked highly across a range of metrics when compared to his peers. Indeed, he ranked in the top 21% for ball recoveries (4.3) per 90 and in the top 20% for blocks (1.62) and in the top 22% for dribblers tackled (0.91) per 90.

Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts after the match

He also won an impressive 63% of his ground duels per game in the Premier League last term, suggesting that the defender would make for an excellent signing.

Accurate passes

43.1

Tackles

1.8

Interceptions

0.8

Total duels won

4.9

Possession lost

9.7

Ball recoveries

4.3

Yet, with Liverpool now in talks to land the Englishman, reportedly even closing in on a move, the Toon will have to turn to alternative options.

Newcastle's dream Guehi alternative

According to reports in Italy (via Sport Witness), Newcastle are locked in talks to sign Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini this summer.

The report states that Atalanta don’t want to sell the 21-year-old, but if an offer of around €40-50m (£34m – £43m) arrives, they might have to reconsider.

It won’t be cheap bringing the player to Newcastle, but he could be a dream Guehi alternative, that’s for sure.

The youngster only played six league games last term, but he still won 57% of his total duels per game, as well as averaging 1.3 tackles per game and succeeding with 85% of his passes.

Hailed as a “top talent” by none other than Fabrizio Romano back in 2022, Scalvini could come of age should he make a move to St James’ Park this summer.

While he didn’t play often last term, when compared to his peers during Atalanta’s victorious Europa League campaign in 2023/24, he sparkled across several metrics.

Not only did he rank in the top 2% for tackles per 90 (3.94), but he also ranked in the top 21% for progressive carries (1.31) and in the top 7% for ball recoveries (7.69) per 90.

Pitting those numbers against Guehi last term, Guehi only made 1.79 tackles, 0.65 progressive carries and 4.30 ball recoveries per 90 minutes.

Against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final that season, the Italian notably managed to keep the likes of Florian Wirtz and Victor Boniface quiet, winning three of his four duels and losing possession just once.

Should he make the move to Newcastle and replicate that performance on a consistent basis, Scalvini could perhaps be an even better signing than Guehi. That’s for sure.

The next Gordon: Newcastle have made contact to sign "special" £40m star

Newcastle are seeking to bolster their ranks ahead of their return to Champions League football

2 ByRobbie Walls Jun 29, 2025

Ipswich in race for sought-after "huge talent" who scored 12 goals in 24/25

Ipswich Town find themselves back in the Championship next term and could now pounce for one of the EFL’s brightest stars in their hunt for promotion, according to a report.

Ipswich Town look to replace Liam Delap

There were some encouraging signs in the Tractor Boys’ Premier League showing last season. Still, ultimately, they didn’t produce enough and find themselves in the second-tier desperate for another bite of the top-flight cherry.

Liam Delap’s £30 million move from Ipswich to Chelsea has given Kieran McKenna plenty of leeway in his hunt for a new centre-forward. At the same time, he will have also been encouraged by George Hirst’s maiden goal for Scotland against Liechtenstein last week.

Atlanta striker Emmanuel Latte Lath emerged as an early contender to replace Delap at Portman Road. Despite only joining Atlanta United in January, he could now be set for a quickfire return to English football.

Addressing their striker hunt, Craig Finbow believes Ipswich could look to recruit two forwards this summer in an attempt to freshen up their frontline before the close of play.

He stated: “It could well be two strikers that they look to get in and that will be the intriguing part. What do we do, do we potentially go abroad, do we go down the lower leagues?

Ipswich Town’s forwards in 2024/25 – how did they all fare?

Liam Delap

Appearances – 40 Goals – 12

George Hirst

Appearances – 29 Goals – 5

Nathan Broadhead

Appearances – 21 Goals – 2

“We’ve done that before with varying levels of success. I’d be quite excited to go abroad and find a striker from there.”

The Tractor Boys could do with some inspiration in front of goal as they head back to familiar waters, and they are now reportedly lining up a move for a shining star who can score and create.

Ipswich Town join the race to sign Kwame Poku

According to Football League World, Ipswich are the latest club to show an interest in Peterborough United forward Kwame Poku. However, they are faced with stiff competition to try and land his services.

Birmingham City are keen admirers of the Ghana international upon their return to the second-tier, while Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers are also lurking in pursuit.

Ipswich hold talks to sign "fantastic" £35k-p/w maestro who McKenna loves

The Tractor Boys are in discussions to sign a midfielder.

ByDominic Lund Jun 9, 2025

Dubbed a “huge talent” by former Colchester United boss John McGreal, Poku shone on either flank for Posh in their unsuccessful bid to win promotion, registering 12 goals and 11 assists in 31 appearances across all competitions.

With his contract at an end, the 23-year-old could walk out of the door at the Weston Homes Stadium for a sizeable compensation package due to being under the age of 24.

Poku is also said to have attracted interest from abroad, so it is fair to say Ipswich may need to work their charm on this one if they have designs on bringing the versatile attacker to Portman Road.

Tottenham hold "multiple meetings" with £8m manager after Guardiola praise

Tottenham Hotspur are set for a season-defining call over whether to stick or twist with manager Ange Postecoglou, who’s just guided the club to their first major trophy in 17 years whilst also enduring their worst ever Premier League season.

Daniel Levy makes Ange Postecoglou decision at Tottenham

The Australian’s side recorded a record-breaking 22 defeats in the league, which is their highest total in a single Premier League campaign, but their triumph in the Europa League was crucial in more ways than one.

Tottenham plotting bid to sign £195k-per-week France forward on loan

Spurs are eager to bolster their attacking options.

ByEmilio Galantini May 31, 2025

After beating Man United 1-0 during a tense final in Bilbao, Spurs won their first European piece of silverware since 1984 whilst putting an end to their 17-year wait for a trophy overall – giving Daniel Levy some major thinking to do when it comes to Postecoglou’s long-term future.

Reports suggest that Tottenham have started doing their due-diligence by opening discussions with managerial targets, in the event they do decide to sack Postecoglou, and an extremely reliable Spurs source, Paul O’Keefe, actually claims that Levy has already made his decision behind-the-scenes.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

O’Keefe has heard from his sources that the Lilywhites chairman knows what direction he wants to take with Postecoglou, but he’s yet to communicate his call to those within Hotspur Way.

Reliable media outlets report that Postecoglou will learn his fate this week (ESPN), with the 59-year-old again suggesting he wants to remain at Spurs.

“I didn’t want us to just enjoy the moment,” said Postecoglou in an interview with Australian Story, during a family holiday in Greece.

“I also wanted us to think about what’s next, you know – don’t settle for this. We’ve got a taste of it now. My players have got a taste for it. The club’s got a taste for it. Well, let’s make sure we’re back here again.”

Tottenham hold "multiple meetings" with Brentford boss Thomas Frank

According to recent reports, Brentford boss Thomas Frank is becoming a more concrete target.

The “class” Dane’s contract includes an £8 million release clause, which Levy can choose to activate this summer. GiveMeSport’s Ben Jacobs reports that Tottenham have held “multiple meetings” with Frank, who’s a leading candidate to replace Postecoglou.

Frank has done a solid job with very little resources in terms of transfer investment, an undoubtedly attractive aspect of his CV to Levy, with Man City boss Pep Guardiola also calling him “one of the best”.

“They are an extraordinary team,” said Guardiola. “What they do always makes sense. Every corner is a headache. They are compact. This season, they have a high press. Thomas is one of the best.”

Man Utd working to sign Fenerbahce defender who Mourinho likened to Varane

Manchester United are now stepping up their efforts to sign Fenerbahce youngster Yusuf Akcicek, who Jose Mourinho has likened to Raphael Varane.

Man Utd set to strengthen spine this summer

There are a number of positions in the United team that need to be addressed by INEOS this summer, and while the forward line is an urgent priority, additions are needed right through the spine of Ruben Amorim’s set-up.

£90k-p/w star tells Man Utd he'd join regardless of Champions League football

A top INEOS target wants to move to United no matter the result of Wednesday’s Europa League final.

ByBrett Worthington May 21, 2025

Christian Eriksen looks set to leave Old Trafford after the final game of the season on Sunday against Aston Villa. The Denmark international is out of contract, and it appears there are no signs of a renewal.

Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Casemiro has also been mentioned as a player who could be allowed to leave this summer. The Brazilian was heavily linked with a move away in January, but nothing materialised, and since then, he has become an important player for Amorim, especially in Europe. But his £350,000-a-week wages could be a reason why the Red Devils decide to move him on.

Casemiro and Fernandes

Surprisingly, Kobbie Mainoo’s future at Old Trafford has come into doubt in recent months, with reports even claiming that Amorim is ready to sell the young midfielder, whose current deal expires in 2027.

Changes are also needed in defence, where Jonny Evans will leave and so too could Victor Lindelof, while Lisandro Martinez continues to struggle with injuries.

Man Utd chiefs want to sign £21m Fenerbahce star

According to Turkish Football, Man United are ready to make a move and sign Yusuf Akcicek, a young centre-back who has thrived under Jose Mourinho this season.

Fenerbahce's Yusuf Akcicek celebrates scoring their second goal with Fenerbahce's MilanSkriniar

The report claims that United now want to step up their efforts having scouted Akcicek closely during the Süper Lig season. Despite the fact the 19 year-old is under contract until 2028, Fener are open to the idea of selling Akcicek, but they will demand at least €25 million, which is roughly £21 million.

The teenager joined the Turkish giants from rivals Galatasaray’s academy in 2019, and has earned his place as a regular in matchday squads this season, with his manager even likening him to Real Madrid great and former Red Devil Varane.

It’s not just United who are interested in signing Akcicek, as Aston Villa are also believed to be interested in the youngster.

Apps

8

Starts

4

Touches per game

37.0

Passes per game (accuracy)

27.1 (93%)

Clean sheets

1

Interceptions per game

0.6

Tackles per game

1.1

Balls recovered per game

1.8

Clearances per game

2.8

Given the likes of Evans and Lindelof may leave United this summer, the Premier League side may see Akcicek as a player who can become their long-term replacement, and he could be brought in for a fairly reasonable price.

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