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Aston Villa have been hindered this summer by the Premier League’s controversial Profit and Sustainability regulations, imposed prohibitively on Unai Emery’s plans this summer.

There’s no question that the focus is on returning to the Champions League and Emery crowning his era in the English Midlands with silverware, but that’s easier said than done.

Villa are into the Europa League, at least, having finished sixth last term, falling agonisingly short after a miserable and contentious loss at Old Trafford on the final day.

While the Premier League side have missed out on the bonanza that would have come through reprising their place in Europe’s elite competition, they have completed some shrewd signings, with Marco Bizot from Brest taking the number two spot between the sticks and the versatile Evann Guessand adding firepower across the frontline, having recently signed from OGC Nice.

Though another deal could yet be completed, it appears that much hinges on the future of Leon Bailey.

The latest on Leon Bailey's Villa future

The Athletic have confirmed that Bailey, 28, is in talks with Serie A giants Roma over a potential transfer away from Villa Park this summer.

The Jamaican winger only started 14 times in the Premier League last season as he struggled against injuries, which punctuated his campaign.

However, he was electric the term before, racking up 19 goal contributions across the top-flight campaign, and it’s clear that more quality is needed to ensure that Emery has enough firepower to tackle multiple fronts once again this year.

And should Roma secure their quarry, it appears the Villans have already lined up the perfect replacement.

Villa join race for Bailey replacement

According to journalist Sebastien Vidal, Aston Villa are ready to join the race for Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu, should Bailey complete his potential move to Roma in the coming weeks.

The 21-year-old Fatawu suffered an injury-hit 2024/25 season but managed to showcase his quality across the smattering of fixtures he appeared in.

Everton have also been reported to have a vested interest in the speedy winger, so Monchi and co will need to ramp up the gas if they hope to get this one over the line.

Why Emery wants Abdul Fatawu

Leicester signed Fatawu from Sporting Lisbon last summer after he played an instrumental role in achieving promotion from the Championship in 2023/24.

An athletic, pacy and combative winger, Fatawu has the perfect skill set for the Premier League, and given that he has burst onto the scene in the second tier, he could prove to be Villa’s next version of Morgan Rogers.

The ice-cold attacking midfielder was one of Aston Villa’s biggest success stories from last season, notching 30 goal contributions across all competitions as he played a crucial role in making Emery’s system tick. The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell had described him as a “machine” of an attacking midfielder for his labours.

However, he’d previously completed 61 matches in the Championship, and it’s for this reason that Villa could repeat their own trick by signing Fatawu from the King Power Stadium this summer.

Remarked by talent scout Jacek Kulig to have been “simply unplayable” at times across the 2023/24 Championship season, it’s regrettable from a Leicester standpoint that Fatawu was cruelly ruled out for the lion’s share of last season, especially when he showed great promise across his few outings in ther Premier League.

In fact, even though Fatawu has struggled for fitness over the past 12 months, he still ranks among the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe for progressive carries, the top 1% for successful take-ons and the top 15 for tackles won per 90 too, via FBref.

Indeed, looking at the Ghanaian’s performances across the past two years, you begin to see why Emery is invested in striking a deal over the next couple of weeks, adding not just creativity to his side but also some muscle and energy to his right flank too.

Matches (starts)

40 (33)

11 (6)

Goals

6

0

Assists

13

2

Shots (on target)*

1.9 (0.4)

1.2 (0.5)

Pass completion

80%

68%

Big chances created

32

2

Key passes*

1.7

0.5

Dribbles*

2.3

2.6

Ball recoveries*

3.7

3.5

Tackles + interceptions*

2.0

2.3

Duels (won)*

6.1

7.6

And though he’s only played once in the Championship this season, Sofascore also record that the rising prospect completed six dribbles and won a whopping 12 duels, underscoring his one-of-a-kind physicality.

This level of completeness at such an early stage of his career emphasises a likeness to the 23-year-old Rogers, for the England international won 4.7 duels and made 1.2 tackles per game in the Premier League last season, as also recorded by Sofascore.

But with a potent attacking threat at the forefront of his game, it’s clear that Rogers could find himself mimicked by Fatawu, should the Ghanaian succeed in earning his big move after two years with Leicester which have shown potential but seen him spiral back into the Premier League after frustration last season.

Given that Rogers also created 16 big chances in the top flight last term, partnered with his preferred position existing in the centre or out on the left, there’s no reason why Fatawu and Rogers could not cohabit in Emery’s starting line-up over the coming years, each sharing similar skills but bearing their own tactical identity.

Whether Aston Villa manage to pull this one off remains to be seen, especially since Everton remain hopeful that they can strike a deal themselves.

But without a doubt, this is the kind of shrewd signing that could bear dividends in the long run, and if Bailey’s chapter in England truly is at an end, there are few better replacements currently on the market.

Emery's new Asensio: Aston Villa hold talks over signing £18m "wizard"

Aston Villa are looking to sign another attacker this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Aug 14, 2025

Sheffield United are now done with their summer schedule of pre-season fixtures as the main event of Championship action kicks off this coming weekend.

Bristol City arrive at Bramall Lane as the first test for Ruben Selles’ new-look Blades side, with the former Hull City manager hopeful that his team can relive their playoff magic and thump the Robins again – much like they did over two legs last season in the playoff semi-finals – before Wembley heartbreak ensued.

Fresh recruit Dijbril Soumare will be hoping he’s a part of a team this upcoming season that can dust itself down and bounce back from this agonizing promotion near-miss.

More new signings will surely be needed for Selles and Co. to be seen as promotion contenders to fear, as a new loan target now appears on the Blades’ shopping list, who could look to replicate Jesurun Rak-Sakyi’s standout stint last season.

Rak-Sakyi's heroics at United

While Chris Wilder would ultimately lose his job as the Blades tripped up to Sunderland at Wembley, there were still plenty of entertaining performers who called Bramall Lane home last campaign.

Rak-Sakyi certainly fits into this bracket, as the Crystal Palace youngster took to his fresh EFL environment like a duck to water, with the tricky winger standing out as a useful impact player all season long.

In total, the England U21 international would fire home a hefty tally of seven goals across 34 second-tier contests, despite only being an out-and-out starter for 22 of those clashes.

Two assists would also come his way, as the “devastating” youngster – as he has been labelled by U23 scout Antonio Mango – now attempts to make a name for himself in the Eagles senior picture.

This potential new Blades signing will be hoping he can retreat to Bramall Lane and come out the other side far more confident in his own ability, too, with Selles able to land his very own Rak-Sakyi in the process.

United's "special" next Rak-Sakyi

Selles has already utilised the loan market well, with Louie Barry joining the building from Aston Villa on loan, having worked with the Spanish head coach at Hull.

Up next, Liverpool starlet Lewis Koumas could be thrown into the first-team mix in South Yorkshire, with the Mirror previously reporting this month that the promotion nearly-men are monitoring the 19-year-old’s situation at Anfield, amid further interest coming from second-tier big boys Birmingham City and Wrexham for his loan services.

Much like Rak-Sakyi, Koumas had been thrust into the spotlight from a very early age, having made a perfect lasting impression on the Anfield masses when scoring this delightful effort last year on his first-ever senior start on Merseyside.

Former Reds boss Jurgen Klopp would even go as far as to declare the 19-year-old as “special” off the back of this dream moment, with Koumas also delivering the goods away from his boyhood club last season while cutting his teeth on loan at Stoke City.

Games played

49

Games started

31

Minutes played

2873

Goals scored

6

Assists

3

Playing with the same trickery and flair that the Palace attacker is known for, Koumas would go on to pick up a reasonable six goals and three assists in all competitions for the Potters, with his game potentially taken to that next level in a promotion-chasing camp, as opposed to a Stoke side languishing near the drop zone.

That hefty amount would still be collected despite the 19-year-old only starting 31 of his 49 contests, with Koumas perhaps ready to be the next blistering option United can depend on from the bench, much like Rak-Sakyi before him.

Further dubbed as being “fearless” by Welsh legend Craig Bellamy, there will be a hope that the promising Welshman takes to the pressures of Bramall Lane well, as Selles attempts to steer his side back up to the Premier League to rectify their playoff misery.

Once cost £20m: Sheffield United can land dream Moore replacement for free

Sheffield United could secure a dream replacement for Kieffer Moore by snapping up this free agent.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 4, 2025

Chelsea have recently been handed a boost in their pursuit of an attacker, with it being revealed he would love to move to Stamford Bridge despite interest from Arsenal.

Blues looking to sign new attacking midfielder

Enzo Maresca has already made major improvements to his squad this summer, with new striker Joao Pedro playing a major role in the Club World Cup triumph, scoring the third goal in his side’s 3-0 rout of Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

However, the Blues are by no means done, with a new attacking midfielder also of interest, and there are three main options on the shortlist.

Target

Current club

Asking price

Morgan Rogers

Aston Villa

£90m

Eberechi Eze

Crystal Palace

£68m

Xavi Simons

RB Leipzig

£67m

The west Londoners have recently held talks over a deal for Simons, but there could be fierce competition for his signature, with Tottenham Hotspur also keen, while fellow London rivals Arsenal are thought to have made an approach of their own.

That said, despite the major interest from elsewhere, Maresca’s side should be well-positioned to win the race for the RB Leipzig star, as per a new update from journalist Simon Phillips.

Phillips said: “Arsenal are interested in Simons as said, but our sources have heard they are focusing on Eze still but if they cannot get that over the line then Simons is the backup for them.

Chelsea ready swap offer to sign "unstoppable" £90m England international

The Blues are willing to use one of their players as a makeweight in negotiations for an attacker.

ByDominic Lund Jul 20, 2025

“Sources feel Chelsea could have come in and snapped Simons up by the time that happens anyway. So this one is certainly brewing up and all connected.

“Further to this, our sources have heard that Simons ‘would love to join Chelsea’ this window, so there would be no problem on the player side. Chelsea, expected to make more enquiries on Simons this week now.”

"Game-changer" Simons could be statement signing for Chelsea

Scout and writer Jacek Kulig lauded the Leipzig attacking midfielder as a “game-changer” last season, and it is clear to see why, with the Dutchman impressing for both club and country.

The Netherlands international picked up a goal and an assist in a very impressive performance against European champions Spain in March, while also regularly finding the back of the net and setting up his teammates in the Bundesliga.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Bundesliga

25

10

7

DFB Pokal

3

1

1

It is little wonder the 22-year-old is very keen on sealing a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, with Maresca’s side recently being crowned Club World Cup champions, and Champions League football on offer next season.

Having already proven they have what it takes to compete against the world’s best teams, the signing of Simons could elevate the Blues and help them compete for even more major honours in the 2024-25 campaign.

49ers Enterprises and new sporting director Adam Underwood have suffered a major blow as one of Leeds United’s top targets is now pushing other clubs to bid for him, according to a new report.

Leeds agree deal to sign Sean Longstaff

The Whites have already made four new additions ahead of the 2025/26 season, but that could soon be five. The Athletic’s David Orstein reported on Tuesday night that Leeds have agreed a deal in principle with Newcastle United to sign Sean Longstaff.

Biggest talent since Gray: Leeds make contact for "world class" £34m star

Leeds are looking to add young talent to their sqaud

ByJoe Nuttall Jul 16, 2025

The midfielder is in the final 12 months of his contract at St James’ Park, and the Magpies have now agreed to sell him to Leeds for a deal worth £12 million plus £3 million in add-ons. The Championship title winners could be set to finalise the deal fairly soon, as Fabrizio Romano has reported that Newcastle have given Longstaff permission to undergo his Leeds medical after he agreed to the transfer way back in June.

Longstaff’s imminent arrival at Elland Road will see him battle the likes of Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev as Daniel Farke’s midfield options. Longstaff, who is the product of Newcastle’s academy, will bring vital Premier League experience to Leeds’ midfield, having played over 170 games in the Premier League, scoring 10 goals and recording nine assists.

Leeds target now pushing other clubs to bid

As the Whites close in on the signing of Longstaff, they are also in the market for a new striker, and they have now learnt the price tag of one of their key targets. According to CalcioStyle, Leeds have seen a bid worth 25 million euros (£21.6 million) rejected by Lecce to sign striker Nikola Krstovic.

The report adds that while Lecce have rejected Leeds’ bid, they have also gone back, stating that they want 40 million euros for their player, which is roughly £34 million. In a further blow to Leeds, Krstovic is said to be pushing to stay in Italy and is looking for big clubs to make an offer for him.

Leeds do have hope, as Lecce are open to selling the player, as they want to have cash to fund their transfer plans, but everything is on hold at the minute, as they try to find a replacement and Krstovic hopes for a move from a major Italian club.

Apps

74

Goals

19

Assists

7

It goes on to add that AS Roma are one team that are interested in signing the striker, but as things stand, their priority is to strengthen their midfield.

The 25-year-old, who has won 24 caps for Montenegro, has been at Lecce since 2023. In his first season at the club, he scored seven goals in 35 Serie A games, a tally that he was able to surpass last season with 11 goals and five assists in 37 league games.

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.

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.

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

After a slow start to the summer transfer window for Arsenal, they look as though they’re closing in on sealing two signings.

Kepa Arrizabalaga’s move from Chelsea to the Emirates Stadium won’t exactly be met with much fanfare considering he’s there to play second fiddle to David Raya, but it’s an important move nonetheless.

At just £5m, the Gunners have found a replacement for Neto and due to the price, it frees up money to spend elsewhere, hopefully on a wealth of attacking reinforcements.

The other arrival will see another Spaniard in the form of Martin Zubimendi head to North London. At just over £50m, that move is certainly a more exciting ones but he’s not the only midfielder who could arrive.

Arsenal looking to sign another midfielder after Zubimendi

Last summer, it looked as though Zubimendi was going to head to Liverpool. Sadly for the Anfield side, he did not. Whether or not he regrets that decision based on Arne Slot’s title success is unknown.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Well, a year on, he will now finally head to England, but it won’t be the red of Liverpool he’ll be donning. Instead, it’s the red of Arsenal.

The Gunners first made their move to sign the Spain international last January when they signalled their intentions to trigger his £51m release clause at Real Sociedad. Since then, an agreement has been tied up that will see the club spend a tiny bit more than that exit clause so they can pay it in instalments.

Zubimendi was reportedly in London over the weekend to wrap up the formalities of his move.

Yet, he could well be joined in the middle of the park next season by Brentford’s Christian Norgaard. That’s according to a number of sources, notably the Athletic’s David Ornstein.

He reported on Wednesday afternoon that Arsenal are “exploring” a deal to sign the Dane and have lodged their first offer, believed to be around €11m (£9m).

Fabrizio Romano furthered those claims by revealing on social media that the 31-year-old “wants to join Arsenal” this summer, so much so that personal terms have already been agreed between player and club.

Since then, BBC Sports’ Sami Mokbel has revealed that an agreement could be reached at £15m, including add-ons. A move appears to be advancing quickly, with Ornstein later reporting on Wednesday evening that the Gunners are now in the process of ‘finalising’ a deal to sign the player. A medical is also in the process of being planned.

Why Norgaard would be a good signing for Arsenal

With Jorginho having left the Emirates on a free transfer, heading to Flamengo, and Thomas Partey increasingly unlikely to sign a new deal, Arsenal need two midfielders.

Zubimendi ticks one box and in the form of Norgaard, although this would be a surprising move, it certainly makes a lot of sense.

Like Kepa, Arsenal would not be spending a bucket load on improving the squad and thus, would be leaving room to spend where it really matters this summer; on a new striker.

So, what could Norgaard offer to Mikel Arteta’s midfield? Well, like the departing Jorginho and Partey, he’s got a wealth of experience and, pivotally, he’s played in England for a long time now.

He signed for Brentford back in 2019 and has since gone on to feature 196 times for the Bees, playing 122 times in the Premier League.

34 of those top-flight outings came in 2024/25 where he scored five goals and also supplied four assists.

A holding midfielder who also chips in with goals and assists, there is reason to believe that Arteta could be signing a more experienced version of Declan Rice here.

Arsenal podcaster, Alex Moneypenny, who has appeared on Sky Sports and BBC Sport, outlines the Dane’s qualities perfectly. He’s a “search and destroyer”, a midfielder who specialises in “progressive passing”.

That’s backed up by the numbers with Norgaard ranking among the best holding midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive passing distance. In fact, he ranks almost identically to Zubimendi in this category.

The ability to turn the ball over from deep or in more advanced areas certainly makes him like Rice, as does the ability to progress play. Captain of Brentford too, he’s got the natural leadership skills that Arsenal’s record signing boasts.

But, what do the statistics say?

Goals

0.16

0.13

Assists

0.13

0.22

Goal-creating actions

0.42

0.32

Pass success rate

82%

83%

Progressive passes

4.92

6.11

Passes into final 3rd

4.38

4.36

Tackles

2.52

1.69

Succesful take-ons

0.22

0.42

With the benefit of playing further forward and taking set-pieces, Rice does better Brentford’s captain for assists and successful take-ons. It’s in the passing department where they are most alike.

They complete a similar percentage of their passes per 90 minutes and there’s not a huge difference between the number of those passes that are progressive in nature.

So, while a move of this nature is hardly going to blow supporters away, he’d be a steady pair of hands just like Jorginho was. If he hits the ground running like Rice did too, fans will soon take to the Bees star.

Better than Williams: Arsenal open talks to sign ex-Spurs player for £50m

The dynamic winger could provide Arsenal with another avenue of attack next season.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 24, 2025

The transfer window hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Newcastle United in recent times, with the Magpies notably enduring a protracted saga involving Marc Guehi last summer, prior to also seeing a bid rejected for Anthony Elanga on Deadline Day.

Fast forward almost 12 months, and little has changed in that regard, with a fresh bid for that man Elanga having been swiftly knocked back by Nottingham Forest, with moves for Burnley’s James Trafford and Brighton’s Joao Pedro also proving difficult to get over the line.

With a return to Champions League football looming, Eddie Howe and co can ill-afford another messy summer, having thus far only secured the capture of Spanish teenager Antonito Cordero on a free transfer from Malaga.

Keeping hold of the likes of Alexander Isak, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes may be viewed as almost as key as any potential incoming, but the Tynesiders are in need of a squad capable of challenging, not just a starting XI.

With that in mind, there may be reason for encouragement amid the news that Newcastle are in the mix for an exciting Premier League talent.

Latest on Newcastle's transfer search

For all the frustration over the Magpies’ lack of business thus far, it is to their credit that the club are seeking to pursue proven, ready-made Premier League talents, in the form of Pedro and Elanga.

Whether that duo to eventually arrive at St James’ Park remains to be seen, although they would provide Howe with the ability to make an instant impact in the top-flight, without the need for any period of adaptation.

The same could also be said of Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, with journalist Graeme Bailey reporting that Newcastle are among a raft of Premier League clubs to have made a move for the 22-year-old.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Indeed, the suggestion is that contact has been made after an initial enquiry was lodged, with the Carabao Cup winners said to be watching developments closely, amid the prospect of the England U21 star sealing a departure from Anfield.

Not only would Newcastle have to fend off rival English suitors for his signature, but they may also need to contend with the looming presence of Jurgen Klopp, with the German keen to take Elliott to RB Leipzig.

For whoever does ultimately nudge ahead in that race, the suggestion is that the playmaker would command a fee of more than £40m, with two years left on his existing deal.

Why Elliott would be a good signing for Newcastle

That potential £40m fee may have a few eyebrows raised, should any suitor cough up to meet the asking price, not least with Elliott having started just two league games last term under Arne Slot.

With that being said, Newcastle have previously reaped the rewards of a similar investment, having forked out what at the time looked to be an eye-watering £45m sum for Elliott’s former England youth colleague, Anthony Gordon.

Indeed, the promising forward had scored just seven times in 78 games at Everton, prior to making the switch in January 2023, with the Magpies gambling on his potential, rather than his record at the time.

Despite enduring a trickier 2024/25 campaign, which yielded just nine goals and seven assists in all competitions, the 24-year-old was an electric force the previous season, notching 28 goals and assists in total.

That had come after an initially quiet first six months at St James’, with Gordon appearing to be revived by his performances at the U21 European Championship in the summer of 2023, having scored twice en route to England’s glory.

Elliott, currently something of a bit-part player at club level, has also taken on a talismanic presence for the Young Lions this time around, with the versatile left-footer having scored five goals amid the surge to the final.

That return included a stunning, solo effort against the Netherlands in the semi-final, with the one-time Fulham starlet only rubberstamping why he is a simply “special” talent, in the words of former Reds striker, Neil Mellor.

Games (starts)

6 (6)

Goals

5

Assists

0

Big chances created

0

Key passes*

1.7

Pass accuracy*

82%

Tackles & interceptions*

1.2

Balls recovered*

4.0

Successful dribbles*

0.7

In a similar manner to Gordon on the Blue half of Merseyside, Elliott hasn’t exactly pulled up any trees at Anfield to date, with 35 goals and assists in 147 games, although he has shown more than a flicker of his quality.

Ranking in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, as per FBref, Elliott has illustrated what he can do when given a rare outing, with a new home perhaps what is needed for his brilliance to be truly unlocked.

Gordon, once released by Liverpool as a teenager, has dazzled in his new home on Tyneside. Why can’t his compatriot do the same?

Pedro & Elanga upgrade: Newcastle showing huge interest in £40m "machine"

Newcastle are hoping to sign several new forwards in the transfer market this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 27, 2025

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 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.

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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.”

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.

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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.

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.

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.