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Thomas Frank has the responsibility of leading Tottenham Hotspur to the next level, after taking the reins from Ange Postecoglou earlier this summer.

The Dane will have some adaptations to make in North London, needing to evaluate the options at his disposal before making any key decisions on the futures of multiple players.

There’s no denying that the new boss will need backing from the board if he is to build on the Europa League triumph and make the Lilywhites serial winners, as stated in his first interview.

However, to have the funds he desires, he will likely have to move on numerous players already on the books, freeing up key wages and budget to enable him to dip into the transfer market.

With the current transfer window now in full swing, numerous players have been mentioned with a potential switch to join Frank’s side, handing the supporters a reason to be excited about the new era.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Bryan Mbeumo is a player who has been firmly linked with Spurs over the last couple of weeks, unsurprisingly so given his spell under Frank at Brentford.

However, a move now seems extremely unlikely, with the Cameroonian wanting a move to join Manchester United, with the Red Devils already submitting two bids for his signature this window.

His rejection has led to other targets being considered in North London, with Inter Milan wing-back Denzel Dumfries on their radar, according to FC Inter News.

Their report claims that the Lilywhites have made an enquiry to land the Dutch international, who’s set to be available for a fee in the region of €25m (£20m) this summer.

It also states that fellow Premier League sides Chelsea and Manchester United have also asked for further information over a deal for the 29-year-old star.

Why Spurs’ £20m target would be a better signing than Mbeumo

Frank’s ability to transform Brentford into an established Premier League outfit was mainly down to the talents of Mbeumo, with the winger often producing the goods within the final third.

After Ivan Toney’s departure to Saudi Arabia last summer, the 25-year-old claimed the responsibility of leading the line for the Bees – something which he managed to achieve throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

He managed to score 20 times in England’s top flight last season, leading to major interest in his signature over the past couple of months – arguably being one of the most sought-after stars this window.

However, now that a move to North London appears all but over, it’s allowed Frank to focus on other talents, with Dumfries just one of the players he’s set his eyes on during the off-season.

The wing-back wouldn’t be a direct alternative for Mbeumo after missing out on his signature, but he does hand an excellent versatile option to the squad ahead of 2025/26.

He can play at full-back or on the right side of midfield if needed, having the talent at both ends of the pitch, as seen with his tallies throughout last season.

The “world-class” star, as labelled by StatMuse, registered 11 goals and five assists across all competitions, with five of his efforts coming in the Champions League semi-finals against Barcelona.

Games played

29

Goals & assists

9

Pass accuracy

77%

Tackles won

72%

Duels won

5.2

Touches in opposition box

4.6

Aerial success rate

72%

He’s demonstrated he can thrive in forward areas despite his defensive role, also being able to do so in Europe’s biggest club competition – something that will be vital next season for Frank’s side.

The Dutch star has also won 72% of the tackles he entered throughout the last campaign, winning 5.2 duels per 90 and offering the Lilywhites a real dominant option at both ends.

Dumfries would also be a much cheaper option for the hierarchy this summer, having the talent to operate in any right-sided role required, potentially being an important squad option throughout 2025/26.

There’s no denying a move for Mbeumo would’ve injected serious quality into the frontline, but a move for the Inter star would improve multiple areas, handing Frank the depth he needs, given the quantity of competitions the side are in next year.

He'd be Frank's next Mbeumo: Spurs in talks for "sensational" £40m talent

Tottenham Hotspur could hand Thomas Frank a star who could match Bryan Mbeumo’s achievements.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jul 3, 2025

It’s not hard to work out that Arsenal’s most significant area of need this summer is up top.

While Mikel Arteta’s squad could certainly do with more options out wide and even in midfield, adding a new striker to the side could be the difference between finally getting over the line or ending another campaign without major silverware next season.

After all, the North Londoners produced the best defence in the Premier League this year but only the third-best attack, which helps to explain the abundance of links to top-quality strikers that have been impossible to ignore in recent weeks and months.

One of those goalscorers heavily touted for a move to the Emirates has been Viktor Gyokeres, but if recent reports are to be believed, the club could now be looking at someone else, someone who’d be an even better signing.

Arsenal's striker search

Given Arsenal’s aforementioned lack of goals this season, it’s not been a surprise to see the club linked with a plethora of potentially game-changing strikers this summer, like Benjamin Sesko and Ollie Watkins.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could be available for around £68m and racked up a tally of 27 goal involvements in 45 games this season, while the latter might cost £40m and produced 17 goals and 14 assists in 54 games for Aston Villa.

On the other hand, it’s not entirely clear how much Gyokeres could cost the North Londoners, as following his falling out with the Sporting CP board over a supposed gentleman’s agreement, reports have emerged claiming he could cost as much, if not more than £68m.

The uncertainty around the Swedish international could make signing him particularly complicated this summer, and while that’s not ideal, fans shouldn’t worry too much, as it now appears as if the North Londoners are looking at another free-scoring forward, someone who’d be a better signing than former Coventry City star, Hugo Ekitiké.

Yes, according to a recent report from the German publication BILD, Arsenal are now interested in the Eintracht Frankfurt star.

The report has revealed that the Frenchman is now a serious option for the Gunners and that should Gyokeres or Sesko prove too expensive or difficult to sign, their interest in the 23-year-old will only grow.

However, there is one problem: the German outfit want €100m for their star attacker, which is around £85m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Ekitike’s ability and potential, it’s one Arsenal should fight for, even if he ends up costing more than Gyokeres, as we reckon he’d be the better signing regardless.

Why Ekitiké would be a better signing than Gyokeres

Now, it’s easy to understand why Arsenal might want to sign Gyokeres this summer, as his form at Sporting has been nothing short of miraculous over the last two years.

For example, since joining the Portuguese giants in the summer of 2023, the Stockholm-born dynamo has scored 97 goals and provided 28 assists in 102 appearances, which comes out to a frankly absurd average of 1.22 goal involvements per game.

If anything, numbers like that make it hard to believe any other striker in world football would be a better signing for the Gunners this season, but there is one massive caveat when it comes to the Swede’s monster numbers, which is the league he’s been playing in.

While the likes of Sporting, Benfica, and Porto are all considered ‘big’ clubs, the overall level of the Portuguese top flight is relatively poor.

In fact, according to Opta Analyst, it’s the eighth best league in world football, coming in behind the Belgian Pro League and the Championship.

Moreover, according to the same date, 11 of the 18 teams in the competition are League One level or below, which makes it hard to gauge how well Gyokeres would do in the Premier League, especially when he has never played a minute in one of Europe’s top five leagues, despite being 27 years old.

In contrast, Ekitiké has made 52 appearances in Ligue 1 and 47 in the Bundesliga, and this season, he’s been incredibly effective when leading the line.

In 48 appearances, totalling 3644 minutes, the 23-year-old gem, whom journalist Graeme Bailey once dubbed the “next Mbappé,” scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of 1.41 goal involvements per game.

Now, is he seemingly less effective than Gyokeres? Yes, but not only is he putting up great numbers in a top-five European league, but he’s doing so at a relatively young age.

Appearances

48

Minutes

3644′

Goals

22

Assists

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

Minutes per Goal Involvement

107.17

Therefore, Arsenal can feel more assured of the kind of output they can expect from Ekitiké while also anticipating further improvement in the coming years, and this is the main reason he’d be a better signing than the Sporting star.

Better move than Norgaard: Arsenal agree personal terms to sign £17m phenom

The exciting prospect could develop into something special at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 30, 2025

Newcastle United are confident that they will keep Alexander Isak in the squad this summer, but a new striker is being chased all the same.

Eddie Howe wants more firepower in the attacking third, with Callum Wilson ageing and out of contract, and William Osula, 21, drifting through his maiden year as a Magpie.

Well, The Telegraph understand talks with Brighton & Hove Albion are on the brink of kicking off for the transfer of Joao Pedro, who is valued at £60m and who the Seagulls are willing to sell this summer.

Newcastle open talks for sought-after star

Pedro, 23, is proven in the Premier League and has the dynamic faculties to complement Isak, rather than outright replace him. However, there may be an even bigger fish Howe could add to the Tyneside pond.

As per transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Newcastle have held talks with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, putting their name in the hat as Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all tussle for the striker’s signature.

Ekitike might be the talk of the town, but it doesn’t seem like any suitor would be willing to meet the Bundesliga club’s €100m (£85m) valuation of the 22-year-old. Saying that, the player’s entourage have informed the relevant parties that a reduced figure may yet be agreed.

Newcastle agreed an initial £26m deal to sign Ekitike when he was at Stade de Reims way back in 2022, but he rejected their interest when Paris Saint-Germain came calling.

What Hugo Ekitike would bring to Newcastle

Newcastle might have felt the force of Ekitike’s rejection in the past, but he was a teenager who had been presented with a proposal to remain in his homeland with the cream of Ligue 1’s crop.

PSG didn’t work out for him, only scoring four times across 33 senior showings before being rehoused in Germany with Frankfurt, but it’s here where the striker has found his feet, with his first full campaign at the club ending with 22 goals and 12 assists across all competitions.

His displays have actually led analyst Ben Mattinson to praise him as “one of the best strikers out there.”

As far as Pedro’s concerned, Ekitike is the superior player, and if Bailey’s on the money (quite literally) with his claims that Frankfurt’s £85m demands might be slashed, putting every effort into convincing the Frenchman feels like a no-brainer.

Goals scored

0.53

0.46

Assists

0.28

0.28

Shots taken

4.00

1.94

Shot-creating actions

3.55

3.33

Touches (att pen)

6.88

5.64

Progressive passes

1.86

3.60

Progressive carries

3.27

3.05

Successful take-ons

1.83

1.34

Ball recoveries

3.06

2.73

Tackles + interceptions

0.81

1.16

As you can see, the two forwards are matched up rather well, but Ekitike clearly has the edge, outperforming his South American counterpart across most relevant metrics.

Indeed, should you strip away Pedro’s penalties in the Premier League last season, he would rank among the bottom 21% of the division’s forwards for goals scored per 90.

Oh, Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard has praised the Brighton man’s “magical” ability on the ball, but Ekitike might just be ‘Europe’s most elegant striker’, so say the Bundesliga, in any case.

But the proof is in the pudding, and Frankfurt’s number nine passes the eye test, all right. There’s a certain lightness to his dribbling, with an underlying creativity that would see him hit the ground running on English pitches, in Howe’s system.

Pedro is a talented footballer, but Ekitike is simply that bit better, and Newcastle have got to aim for the stars as they go from strength to strength.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig believes Ekitike “could reach world-class striker levels.” Pedro is a talented guy, but is the same scale of potential also applicable to him?

This is a tough case, with Frankfurt proving stubborn in their appraisal of the striker and rival interest against top-drawer outfits making PIF’s task difficult.

But just imagine if they pull it off; it would remind the footballing world that there’s a new superpower on the block.

Schar upgrade: Newcastle among favourites to sign "unbelievable" £40m star

Newcastle will be looking to improve their defence this summer

ByRoss Kilvington Jun 16, 2025

Premier League bound Burnley are now starting to turn their attention towards the transfer window, and they are keen on signing a Liverpool star who could replace the exit-linked Maxime Esteve in a record deal.

Esteve set for possible Burnley exit this summer

The 23-year-old joined the Clarets on a permanent basis last summer after joining on a loan deal six months before. While the Frenchman was unable to stop Burnley from being relegated to the Championship in the 2023/24 season, he was exceptional in this campaign, playing 46 times in the Championship as Scott Parker’s side won automatic promotion to the top flight.

Esteve started every single league game, during which he impressively made five clearances per outing, and not only was he a key player in Burnley keeping 30 clean sheets but he also boasted a 91 per cent pass accuracy, building play from the back.

He could be Parker's next Cairney: Burnley looking at signing £12m star

Scott Parker could work his magic on this new potential Burnley star in the Premier League.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 3, 2025

His performances throughout the 2024/25 season have not gone unnoticed, as both West Ham and Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for the defender in the last couple of months. Now, a new report from French outlet L’Equipe has revealed that Palace hold a strong interest in Esteve and have made him a priority signing ahead of the new campaign.

However, they face competition from Bayern Munich, who are also interested, as manager Vincent Kompany is the one who brought the defender to Turf Moor.

Burnley keen on signing £25m Liverpool star Gomez

So, as Esteve is heavily linked with a move away from Turf Moor, the Clarets are assessing potential replacements, and according to Empire of the Kop, Burnley are interested in signing Joe Gomez from Liverpool.

The report states that Liverpool are open to letting their defender leave Anfield this summer and wouldn’t stand in his way if he made it clear he wanted to leave. The Premier League champions have set a price tag of £25 million for Gomez, who still has two years left to run on his current contract.

Liverpool’s position on Gomez has now alerted teams from the Premier League, with Burnley among the teams keen on a potential deal. However, the likes of Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Everton, West Ham, Bournemouth, Leeds United and Sunderland are also informed of his situation.

Apps

149

Goals

0

Assists

5

Burnley, as well as the other teams, believe they can sign Gomez, who has been dubbed “priceless” by former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman, for less than the £25 million quoted. Even still it would likely be a record deal for the Clarets, surpassing the £15m+ they spent on Zeki Amdouni.

Signing a new defender may become a high priority for the Clarets this summer if Esteve does depart, and the bonus of signing a player like Gomez is that not only does he have a wealth of Premier League experience, but he is someone who is very versatile across the back four, capable of playing both full-back positions to a high level.

The one factor that may go against Burnley is that Gomez, who has the same agent as current Burnley player Marcus Edwards, may prioritise a move to Newcastle or Villa, as they can offer European football next season.

As Rangers look to commence their summer business, the 49ers are now reportedly chasing a deal to sign an international defender for a bargain price in the coming months.

Rangers could rehire Steven Gerrard

Top of the 49ers’ list of priorities at Ibrox will undoubtedly be finding the next Rangers manager. With the Scottish Premiership season now over, the Gers will be desperate to put an end to any speculation and appoint what they hope to be a long-term appointment. A number of names on that front have already been mentioned too, but it’s Davide Ancelotti and Steven Gerrard who are seemingly the leading candidates.

What is quite the indication that Ancelotti is among the candidates is the fact that he hasn’t joined his father, Carlo Ancelotti, at the Brazil national team as he looks to get his own managerial career underway.

Meanwhile, Gerrard needs no introduction. The Liverpool legend ended Rangers’ long wait for another league title in 2021, but then jumped ship to join Premier League side Aston Villa. Since then, however, things have only gone downhill. Sacked by Villa, who have gone on to become a side battling for European football, Gerrard then joined Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq only to face the same fate that he suffered in the Midlands.

A free agent once more, Gerrard could now have the opportunity to head back to Ibrox and make up for leaving four years ago. Whether the Scottish giants are in the mood to offer a shot at redemption is the big question, however.

It’s an appointment that Rangers cannot get wrong after Philippe Clement, but one that they must conclude sooner rather than later. What the appointment of Gerrard would at least do is hand the Gers a potential advantage in the race to sign one of their summer targets.

Rangers chasing £1m George Bello deal

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Rangers are now chasing a deal to sign George Bello from Austrian club LASK this summer. The USA international is reportedly valued at just £1m and represents the type of deal that the Gers could afford in the coming months.

What’s more, Bello is represented by the same agency as Gerrard, John Souttar and Danilo, which could hand the 49ers an unexpected opportunity to simplify any potential contract negotiations this summer.

The left-back would certainly be an interesting addition. Having initially come through the Atlanta academy, Bello decided to join Arminia Bielefeld in 2022 before struggling to adapt in Germany. But he didn’t give up his stint in Europe from there, opting to join LASK in 2023 and getting back to his best level ever since.

A new left-back would be no bad thing for Rangers, either, with Neraysho Kasanwirjo set to return to parent club Feyenoord this summer and Jefte in need of competition down that side.

Whilst appointing a new manager – be it Gerrard, Ancelotti or another name – will be Rangers’ priority in the coming weeks, players like Bello will be ones to keep an eye on this summer.

Liverpool are planning to strengthen after Arne Slot’s side won the Premier League, especially since Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving to join Real Madrid and several fringe players have struggled to prove themselves reliable options in the coach’s eyes.

The transfer window hasn’t yet opened but the Reds have already moved to advance bids for a number of top targets, with sporting director Richard Hughes focusing on the full-backs to get the summer spending up and running.

It’s been reported Jeremie Frimpong has completed his medical as he closes in on a transfer as Trent’s direct replacement, set to challenge Conor Bradley for the top right-back berth. On the other flank, discussions with Bournemouth are ongoing for the signing of Milos Kerkez, who is valued at £45m.

However, though Liverpool are enjoying a flurry of action right now, there’s bound to be more to come when the transfer window is in full swing.

The gates will be busy, both for arrivals and departures.

Liverpool's summer plans moving forward

Expect sales. Darwin Nunez celebrated winning the Premier League with the squad but has flattered to deceive as Slot’s number nine, and the plan is for him to leave this summer, with clubs from Saudi Arabia and Spain allegedly interested.

Though he’s well-liked by the fanbase, Federico Chiesa may also be on the move, his first top-flight start coming just over a week ago at Brighton & Hove Albion. The Italian has been linked with a return to Serie A.

However, with Everton reportedly lining up a brazen bid for Ben Doak, who has finished a promising loan spell with Middlesbrough in the Championship, this might leave Mohamed Salah’s right side somewhat exposed, thinning out the ranks, especially as Harvey Elliott’s future is up in the air too.

Of course, Frimpong adds a dimension, and Liverpool may yet move for another forward, though this is more likely to arrive at centre-forward, with Hugo Ekitike and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres among the names touted to replace the departing Nunez.

The Anfield side may yet move for a centre-half too, having missed out on Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid. Lots to think about, but all this will wait until sporting director Richard Hughes finalises a deal for Florian Wirtz, for bagging his signature would mark an unstoppable marquee signing.

Liverpool closing on marquee signing

On Monday morning, Liverpool presented their first official proposal worth more than €100m (£85m) to Bayer Leverkusen as they look to get Wirtz over to Anfield.

Now, reports on the continent have confirmed the ensuing talks have been positive. Details pertaining to the structure of the package still need ironing, but all parties are unanimous in pushing the short-lived saga toward completion.

Wirtz was won over by Liverpool’s determination and conduct in fighting to beat Bayern Munich and Manchester City to his signing; make no mistake, this will be a stunning capture for Slot’s side.

Why Florian Wirtz is perfect for Liverpool

Wirtz is still in the early stage of his professional career but he’s already drawn plaudits for his staggering quality and tenacious pursuit of superstardom.

He leaves Bayer Leverkusen having played an instrumental role in their success over the past few years, hitting 122 goal contributions from 197 senior appearances after breaking from the academy, winning the Bundesliga Player of the Season for 2023/24 after helping Xabi Alonso toward an invincible title triumph, bagging the DFB-Pokal too.

The elite playmaker could even prove to be Slot’s own version of Philippe Coutinho, endowed with a flair and show-stopping quality that has been pursued by FSG to add a dimension to Liverpool’s title-winning squad.

24/25

31 (25)

10

13

23/24

32 (26)

11

12

22/23

17 (11)

1

6

21/22

24 (22)

7

10

20/21

29 (25)

5

6

Cast your mind back to those sparkling early days of Jurgen Klopp’s reign, when Coutinho sat in behind the iconic front three: Salah, Sadio Mane, Bobby Firmino.

It was a staggering stint for the club, lasting all of five months before Coutinho packed his bags and left for Barcelona in a deal worth £142m, leading to the transformative arrivals of Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker.

But Coutinho was in fine fettle indeed in the build-up, posting 12 goals and nine assists across just 19 matches in the Premier League and Champions League before taking his leave.

He supercharged Salah and co with so much battery that the Egyptian, 33 next month, is still performing at a world-renowned level to this day, and now could now retain his current standards across Slot’s second season, with the new Coutinho pulling strings.

Wirtz, hailed as a “generational talent” by sports media professional Cristian Nyari, has the blend of athleticism and potency to replicate that erstwhile iteration of Coutinho, perhaps the finest form the Brazilian has ever been in.

He’s maintained a similar level for the Werkself in Germany this term, and with Slot’s coaching and his inevitable growth as he continues his rise, only turning 22 three weeks ago, projecting his growth makes for an exciting thought.

Matches (starts)

14 (13)

31 (25)

Goals

7

10

Assists

6

12

Touches*

71.1

73.4

Shots (on target)*

3.9 (1.2)

2.5 (1.3)

Pass completion

79%

82%

Big chances created

7

17

Key passes*

2.9

1.8

Dribbles*

2.8

2.6

Tackles + interceptions*

1.9

1.3

Duels won*

5.6

5.2

Liverpool might be set to break their transfer record, but it’s going to prove a shrewd deal indeed. Wirtz is the real deal and he will provide this incredible football club with many memorable moments, just like Coutinho.

Not just Trent: World-class Liverpool star must not play for the club again

Liverpool are ready to make a series of sales in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 26, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers are in the market for a new striker this summer. According to recent reports from Italy, the Old Gold are keen on signing Lazio centre-forward Taty Castellanos.

Any move could cost the Molineux side a fee of around £29m. Unless Vitor Pereira sells a few players to raise funds, this might prove problematic.

It isn’t just a centre-forward that they need ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. Another midfielder would go a long way to seeing them finish in the top half of the Premier League table.

Wolves eye move for Premier League midfielder

The Old Gold have shown interest in Chelsea midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall of late, but they are also keen on bringing Liverpool starlet Harvey Elliott to the Midlands this summer.

According to GIVEMESPORT, Wolves are set to accelerate talks over securing the services of £50m-rated Elliott. The £40k-per-week midfielder has two years left on his current contract at Anfield, but having failed to establish himself in the starting XI this season, the door is ajar for Wolves.

He has plenty of experience in the top flight and would certainly give Pereira’s side something extra in the final third, as he could either operate on the right wing or as a number ten.

With the Portuguese manager eyeing a swoop for Castellanos to bolster his attacking department, the pair could form a dream duo next season.

Why Wolves must sign Harvey Elliott this summer

The Englishman made his debut for Liverpool during the 2019/20 season, just months after joining from Fulham.

Since then, he has amassed nearly 150 competitive appearances for the Reds, scoring 14 times and registering 19 assists.

This season, however, he has struggled for gametime. He has started only five times for the club, but has scored against PSG and PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.

In the Premier League last season, he showcased his attacking qualities, creating five big chances, averaging 1.1 key passes, and averaging 1.4 shots per game.

Goals

3

Assists

0

Big chances created

0

Shots per game

0.8

Goal conversion percentage

75%

Balls recovered per game

2.6

Via Sofascore

Adept at either finding the back of the net or generating chances, deploying him on the wing could see him shine with Castellanos.

Indeed, when compared to his positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues, Elliott ranks in the top 1% for progressive passes (9.41), in the top 9% for shot-creating actions (5.3), and in the top 12% for assists (0.34) over the previous 365 days.

These statistics indicate just how much of a threat he could be in the final third. Castellanos has netted 14 goals and grabbed eight assists for Lazio this term.

Should he move to England, Pereira will need players behind him who are capable of providing plenty of opportunities for the Argentinian striker.

By signing someone like Elliott, the club would be getting a solid, homegrown midfielder who can operate across several positions.

Much will depend on the sort of fee Liverpool are after, but if it is within their budget, Wolves must do all they can to bring him to the Midlands.

Ideal for Dewsbury-Hall: Wolves chasing move for "extraordinary" gem

Wolves look keen on signing a striker from Serie A.

1 ByRoss Kilvington May 17, 2025

A positive update has emerged regarding Leeds United completing the signing of an “extraordinary” new defender in the summer transfer window.

Leeds plotting to strengthen spine after promotion

The Whites are expected to sign an upgrade on Illan Meslier between the sticks this summer, with Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic mentioned as a possible option – Wolves stopper Sam Johnstone is seen as an alternative target.

Another goalkeeper who has been linked with a switch to Leeds is Liverpool ace Caoimhin Kelleher, with an enquiry reportedly made about his availability. With Giorgi Mamardashvili joining the Reds from Valencia, now looks like the right time for him to depart.

Indeed, 49ers Enterprises want to strengthen the team’s spine this summer, with reports suggesting Leeds will happily spend around £30m each on a new goalkeeper, centre-back, centre-midfielder and striker.

Sky Sports: Leeds willing to spend £90m on 3 more players alongside Beto

The 49ers look ready to splash the cash.

1 ByCharlie Smith May 8, 2025

Kalvin Phillips was once a hero at Elland Hero, arguably standing out as the best player at the club, and a return to the Whites has been rumoured recently. The 29-year-old has had a tough time of things in recent years and may feel that going back to his former club could be best for him ahead of next season.

Manor Solomon is of course a top target for Leeds, as Daniel Farke looks to sign him on a permanent basis after an impressive season on loan at the club from Tottenham. He scored 10 goals and registered 12 assists in the Championship in 2024/25.

Leeds boosted in pursuit of "extraordinary" Balerdi

According to The Sunday Mirror [via MOT Leeds News], Leeds’ pursuit of Marseille centre-back Leonardo Balerdi has received a boost ahead of the summer window.

The report backs that the Whites are set for a “major” summer of spending and the 26-year-old defender has now refused to rule out an exit at the end of the season: “I’m happy in Marseille and I’d like to bring something back here, so I have to focus to the last match. After that, I don’t know. I’d like the team to be in the Champions League, then I’ll ask myself about the future.”

Balerdi would be a fantastic signing for Leeds in the summer, boosting their defensive options significantly ahead of what promises to be a tough season back in the Premier League.

The Marseille captain has been a rock-solid presence at the heart of his team’s defence this season, making 26 appearances in Ligue 1 and averaging 2.7 clearances per game. He has also completed 94% of his passes, showing that he is strong in possession.

Manager Roberto De Zerbi has heaped praise on him: “Balerdi? I hope that the big European teams don’t realise that he exists. I say every night before going to sleep that I am happy that he is going under the radar of the big teams. He is an extraordinary player.”

Bigger coup than Solomon: Leeds weigh up move for "exceptional" £13m star

Leeds United might be about to land a bigger coup than Manor Solomon if they can snap up this midfield star.

4 ByKelan Sarson May 11, 2025

Balerdi is also a six-cap Argentina international, which is no mean feat considering they are World Cup winners with the likes of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez in their team, and Leeds should do all they can to sign him.

Aston Villa had an ideal chance to reach their first FA Cup final in a decade at the weekend. With Crystal Palace standing in the way, Unai Emery’s men let the occasion overawe them as the club slumped to a 3-0 defeat at Wembley.

Having been knocked out of the Champions League by PSG just 11 days prior, the FA Cup represented the last chance for the club to end a near 30-year wait for a major trophy.

Despite the result, Emery must gather his men for the crunch tie against Fulham this afternoon. A win is a must if the Midlands side wants to play in Europe’s premier club competition next term.

The Spaniard will certainly be making a change or two, especially in his attacking department…

Why Ollie Watkins should be dropped for Aston Villa

Ollie Watkins started the semi-final against Palace, yet delivered one of his poorest performances in a Villa shirt.

In a game of such high magnitude, the striker completed only eight passes throughout the match and lost possession seven times.

He failed to even register a single shot against the Eagles, while also failing with both his dribble attempts and winning just one of his seven duels.

Goals

15

Assists

7

Goal conversion percentage

19%

Shots per game

2.3

Big chances created

6

Big chances missed

24

It was a performance that the Englishman will be keen to forget, that’s for sure. Marcus Rashford looks certain to miss the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury, otherwise, he may well have started against Palace.

This leaves the door ajar for another January signing to be unleashed against the Cottagers today – Donyell Malen.

The Aston Villa star who could replace Watkins

It’s safe to say that Malen hasn’t quite enjoyed the start to life many expected of him after his £20m move from Borussia Dortmund in the winter transfer window.

Chalkboard

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

Indeed, across 14 games for the club, he has started just three times, scoring three goals in the process.

He might not start often, but Malen has recorded a goal conversion percentage of 25%, showcasing his finishing abilities.

Furthermore, he averages 1.1 shots per game as well as scoring once every 96 minutes. Perhaps he offers more coming off the bench against tired legs, but with Watkins performing so poorly last week, it is now time for Malen to shine.

When compared to peers across Europe’s big five leagues, the Dutchman ranks in the top 11% for touches inside the opposition penalty area (6.44) and in the top 1% for non-penalty goals (0.71) per 90 over the previous 365 days.

This suggests Emery must not have any reservations about unleashing him in the starting XI, that’s for sure.

Dubbed “very dangerous” and “extremely fast” by his former teammate, Mario Götze, the former Dortmund man has plenty to offer Villa over the next few weeks.

Having scored three Premier League goals since the start of April, another one or two this afternoon would help Villa get over the FA Cup disappointment and spearhead their charge towards a top-five finish.

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Leicester City now want an “unbelievable” 4-2-3-1 manager, who is also wanted by Southampton, to replace Ruud van Nistelrooy, according to Sky Sports.

Leicester's relegation piles pressure on Van Nistelrooy

The Foxes’ relegation to the Championship from the Premier League was confirmed on Sunday afternoon, in what has been a disastrous season for the club. They have just 18 points to their name after 33 games, winning just four games in total.

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He’s been in the Championship before.

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The club chiefs hoped that Van Nistelrooy’s arrival would springboard the club into staying away from the drop zone, but just three wins in 17 games have not been enough to keep them in the Premier League.

That means the Foxes now have to prepare for life back in the Championship, and according to Sky Sports, Van Nistelrooy is expected to meet with Leicester’s hierarchy this week to discuss his future.

The Dutchman is expected to remain in charge for the remainder of the Premier League campaign, but there are doubts as to whether he will stay going into the summer, as both sides are unsure about continuing the relationship going into the Championship.

Another concern for Leicester is that sacking van Nistelrooy before the end of June would cause problems for them meeting PSR obligations, as the Dutchman is under contract until 2027, and therefore, he would need to be paid off.

Leicester want a 4-2-3-1 boss who is also wanted by Southampton

So while the club chiefs weigh up what to do with van Nistelrooy, according to Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett, Leicester are now interested in appointing Danny Rohl as their new manager after drawing up a managerial shortlist.

Dorsett reports that the Foxes have already drawn up a list of candidates to possibly replace Van Nistelrooy, and Rohl is one name that is under consideration. As well as Rohl, Leicester are also interested in former England interim manager Lee Carsley and ex-Southampton boss Russell Martin.

Rohl, who has been dubbed “unbelievable” by player Josh Windass, is a manager who continues to impress in the Championship with Sheffield Wednesday, as finances and ownership at the club are making his job difficult. However, the German has managed to guide the Owls to mid-table in the second tier, 10 points above the relegation zone and 10 points adrift of the top six.

Games

87

Won

34

Drawn

17

Lost

36

The 35-year-old, whose preferred formation as manager is 4-2-3-1, will not be an easy man to get for the Foxes, as Southampton have made Rohl a top target in their search for a new boss.

Sheffield Wednesday is Rohl’s first job as a manager in England, but the work he’s done in guiding the club away from relegation last season and what he’s achieved in this campaign have now made him a highly rated coach in the second tier.