All posts by h716a5.icu

Manchester United’s season isn’t over just yet, not if Ruben Amorim can help it, although the same can’t be said for Marcus Rashford, with the exiled Englishman looking set to miss the remainder of the campaign through injury.

Currently on the books at Aston Villa, following his February loan switch to the Midlands, the 27-year-old will have to watch on as his parent club bid for Europa League glory – eight years on from playing a vital role in lifting that same trophy under Jose Mourinho.

In what was just his first full season in the senior ranks at Old Trafford, the then-youngster notably came alive in the knockout stages, racking up five goals and assists in total, including a stunning, crucial free-kick away to Celta Vigo.

That impact had followed on from Rashford’s emergence onto the scene a year earlier in the final few months of the 2015/16 season, having ended that campaign with eight goals in just 18 first-team games under Louis van Gaal’s watch.

Perhaps his prime years, however, came during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign, with the academy graduate registering 26 goal contributions in 31 Premier League games in 2019/20, followed by a further 24 in 37 top-flight outings in the following season.

2024/25*

24

7

3

2023/24

43

8

6

2022/23

56

30

11

2021/22

32

5

2

2020/21

57

21

18

A brief resurgence did occur in 2022/23, amid the forward’s 30-goal heroics, although recent years have showcased far too much inconsistency, with the Three Lions star now looking set for a permanent summer exit. A potential youthful replacement appears to have already been lined up…

Latest on Man Utd's search for a forward

Alongside the widely reported move for Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, the signing of a new centre-forward appears hot on the agenda for Amorim and INEOS this summer, with Rasmus Hojlund having scored just four league goals in 2024/25 thus far.

As outlined by GIVEMESPORT, the Red Devils have identified Liam Delap and Victor Osimhen as the prime candidates in the search for a new number nine, albeit with boths deals said to be ‘complicated’.

Indeed, there are doubts over whether the £30m-rated Delap is keen on moving to Old Trafford at this point in his embryonic career, while as for Osimhen, there are concerns regarding the Nigerian’s potential wage demands and willingness to actually feature for the club.

Transfer Focus

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

With that in mind, alternatives to their pair are now being drawn up, with the report outlining that one of those whom INEOS are also ‘keeping tabs’ on is Eintracht Frankfurt sensation, Hugo Ekitike.

Previously on the books at Paris Saint-Germain – having also been heavily linked with Newcastle United in past – the Frenchman has dazzled in Germany this season, hence the interest in him from those in Manchester.

One major obstacle would be the 22-year-old’s reported £80m price tag, although if any kind of leeway can be found, then he may come onto United’s radar in a more concrete manner.

Why Hugo Ekitike is like a prime Rashford

Following a difficult few years under the Manchester United microscope, Rashford had looked like getting back to his best in a Villa shirt of late, prior to his recent cruel injury blow.

Indeed, the experienced forward notably scored his first league goal for the Villans with a breakaway goal on the counter against Brighton and Hove Albion, evoking memories of his goal against Arsenal at the start of 2022/23, or his second strike in the 4-0 thrashing of Chelsea on the opening day of 2019/20.

Against Paris Saint-Germain, meanwhile, the resurgent striker was also breathtaking at times as Unai Emery’s side bravely crashed out at the quarter-final stage, with Rashford teeing up Ezri Konsa following a stunning solo run down the right flank.

That speed and skill showed shades of the Rashford that United fans had seen in years gone by, with the polarising talent having looked almost “unstoppable” in his pomp – as noted by Erik ten Hag.

In many ways, the aforementioned Ekitike is showing exciting similarities to that prime version of ‘Rashy’, not least in his ability to sparkle off the left or in his usual centre-forward berth.

This season, in particular, has been a fruitful one for the former PSG starlet, as he has already registered 22 goals and a further ten assists in 45 games for Frankfurt across all fronts, including 15 goals and six assists in the Bundesliga.

He is then not too far off emulating Rashford’s best-ever Premier League tally, which came, as alluded to previously, in 2019/20, amid his record of 17 goals and nine assists during that Covid-impacted campaign.

Non-penalty goals

0.55

0.37

Assists

0.24

0.24

Shot-creating actions

3.68

3.24

Pass completion

75.8%

75.3%

Progressive passes

1.92

4.22

Progressive carries

3.41

3.58

Successful take-ons

1.88

2.04

Touches in attacking penalty area

7.21

5.18

Progressive passes received

7.80

8.51

Described as “one of the best strikers out there” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, Ekitike does mirror the United outcast in a range of attacking metrics too, when comparing those two seasons, with the Frankfurt talisman also something of a monster in that left channel.

That quality was on full display as the in-demand marksman netted in fine fashion against Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League, running at his man from that left flank, before unleashing a delightful finish into the far corner.

It is difficult not to see an element of Rashford at his best when witnessing Ekitike in full flow, with the France U21 international potentially representing the perfect successor to the Red Devils’ 138-goal enigma.

United were his “favourite club” as a child, by the way…

The next Di Maria: Man Utd lodge offer to sign "world-class talent"

Man Utd appear to be ramping up their search for new faces, ahead of the summer window – including the next Angel Di Maria

ByRobbie Walls Apr 30, 2025

Aston Villa are looking to retain key stars to avoid coming into conflict with PSR regulations, and could have hatched a crafty plan to retain key man Emiliano Martinez, according to a report.

Aston Villa looking to build squad depth under Unai Emery

Unai Emery has done a job to be proud of at Villa Park this season that looks likely to end in some form of continental qualification, but he may be left with food for thought ahead of the summer.

Despite their rude financial health, Aston Villa are at the centre of a PSR storm, and rumours are beginning to do the rounds regarding whether they will have to sell a star player or two to avoid an overspend.

Some will argue the Villans are at an unfair disadvantage compared to the traditional ‘big six’ when it comes to transfer leeway, while others can’t help but point out their wage-to-revenue ratio as a counterpoint.

Nevertheless, Aston Villa appear undeterred by recent noise and are pursuing Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin as a potential arrival to supplement an engine room brimming with talent.

By the same token, Las Palmas star Alberto Moleiro is another talented star on Emery’s list. The Spaniard is believed to have personally requested that he is brought in amid a £51 million release clause in his contract.

Besiktas now willing to sell "dynamic" star as Aston Villa eye summer swoop

The Villans could finally get their man.

ByTom Cunningham May 8, 2025

Still, the lingering question of sales has created an unwanted tension among supporters with the window around the corner, which could be magnified if Aston Villa fail to claim Champions League qualification.

However, there could be light at the end of the tunnel following news that there is now a crafty plan in motion to prevent a headline-grabbing departure.

Aston Villa set to put quartet up for sale

According to The Athletic, Aston Villa are set to put Emiliano Buendia, Alex Moreno, Leander Dendoncker and Kaine Kesler-Hayden up for sale to prevent having to part ways with Emiliano Martinez this summer.

The quartet are out on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, Nottingham Forest, Anderlecht and Preston North End respectively, and are not expected to feature as part of Emery’s plans moving forward in the West Midlands.

Emiliano Buendia

£37,500 per week

Alex Moreno

£35,000 per week

Leander Dendoncker

£35,000 per week

Kaine Kesler-Hayden

£7,000 per week

Martinez is reported to earn £150,000 per week, signifying that his wages would be protected with a little to spare as Aston Villa would be saving around £6m every year if they were to successfully offload the four players mentioned.

Of course, shifting spare parts doesn’t come easy, but NSWE’s strong negotiation skills are likely to come in handy when fielding interest from suitors.

While speculation continues to linger, Aston Villa supporters can take some peace of mind from the fact that they are now likely to retain arguably their most important asset in the summer window.

Attackers have usually been the players to capture the hearts of the Manchester United fanbase over the last few years, catapulting the side to various levels of success.

Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ruud van Nistelrooy are just three attackers who have started at Old Trafford since the turn of the decade – helping the club win countless Premier League titles.

The Portuguese star has undoubtedly gone on to achieve massive things in the professional game, banking the Red Devils a huge profit after leaving in a £80m deal back in the summer of 2009.

However, fast-forward to the present day, Ruben Amorim doesn’t have such talent at his disposal within the final third, contributing to their lowly Premier League standing.

The summer transfer window presents a huge opportunity to strengthen such a department ahead of 2025/26, with countless players already touted with a switch to the North West.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

Even though the transfer window is yet to open, the centre-forward position has been the one with the most interest, with various players in the frame to switch to United.

Liam Delap has been the name at the top of the list over the past few weeks, with the Amorim’s side said to be in pole position to trigger his £30m relegation release clause this summer.

However, he’s not the only forward who’s been strongly linked with a switch to Old Trafford, with Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo also on their radar, according to one Spanish outlet.

Their report claims that the Red Devils are preparing a £65m bid for the Cherries forward, who’s managed to register 11 goals and six assists across all competitions this campaign.

It also states that the interest in the 25-year-old has come directly from the manager, with the boss seeing the Ghanaian as the perfect attacking option to transform his side.

Why United’s £65m target would be perfect alongside Cunha

Matheus Cunha has been another name on the lips of United supporters over the last couple of months, with the Wolves attacker appearing to edge closer to a move to join the club.

The Brazilian international has been a key target in recent times, with various reports claiming that Amorim’s side are willing to trigger the £62.5m release clause within his current deal at Molineux.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed talks were still at an advanced stage between the club and the 25-year-old, with the prospect of no European football no issue to Cunha.

His tally of 15 goals and six assists in the league this season would certainly improve the current situation, operating in an attacking midfield role should he complete a switch to the Theatre of Dreams.

Cunha’s figures of two chances created and 2.1 successful dribbles per 90 showcase the threat he poses in attacking areas, handing Semenyo the ammunition to succeed alongside the Brazilian international.

The Cherries attacker has also thrived in England’s top-flight throughout 2024/25, which could see him form a deadly partnership with the current Wolves gem based on their respective figures.

Semenyo, who’s been labelled “sensational” by Sky Sports’ Sue Smith, has registered 3.6 shots per 90 this campaign, along with 1.2 shots on target per 90 – highlighting the threat he poses with the ball, offering the side a needed eye for goal.

Games played

35

Goals & assists

14

Pass accuracy

78%

Shots taken

3.6

Shots on target per game

1.2

Dribbles completed

55%

Aerials won

1.9

Touches in opposition box

5.9

He’s also completed 55% of the dribbles he’s attempted, along with 1.9 aerials won, handing Amorim an all-round option to run the channels and play off should they need a focal point.

The Ghanian’s impressive figures don’t stop there, averaging 5.9 touches per 90 in the opposition box per game – handing the Red Devils a ‘fox in the box’ type forward they’ve been missing.

£65m would be a huge fee for another forward from the Premier League, but Semenyo has proven over recent months that he’s more than capable of stepping up to the task at Old Trafford.

The prospect of a partnership between him and Cunha under Amorim’s guidance is certainly an exciting one, potentially playing a key role in leading the side back to their former glory.

A new Sancho: Man Utd plot move for another "monster" PL star after Cunha

Man Utd are believed to be interested in signing another Jadon Sancho…

ByRobbie Walls May 15, 2025

This summer is huge for Leeds United if they are to maintain their Premier League status after securing promotion from the Championship at the end of the season.

The Whites secured the title after registering a total of 100 points, edging out Scott Parker’s Burnley on goal difference on the final day of the campaign.

However, Daniel Farke has a massive task on his hands to keep them in the top-flight, with each team promoted in the last two campaigns all dropping back to their second tier at the first attempt.

If the club are to avoid being the next team on that list, investment is desperately needed in the squad at Elland Road to try and be competitive in what’s becoming a tricky division to perform in for newly-promoted outfits.

With the summer window rapidly approaching, the hierarchy have wasted no time in making moves in the transfer market to hand the manager with the tools he needs to survive in 2025/26.

The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new signings this summer

With the gap growing year-on-year in the Premier League, quality and experienced additions are needed to help Leeds be on the right side of the dotted line come May 2026.

The likes of Kyle Walker-Peters, Vladimir Coufal and Sean Longstaff have all been linked with a move to Elland Road – with all three having key experience in England’s top-flight.

However, a younger option has also been thrown into the mix in the form of Manchester City’s James McAtee, that’s according to TEAMtalk’s latest update.

Their report claims that the Whites have returned with an enquiry to land the 22-year-old after previously trying to make a move to sign him on loan last summer.

It also states that Pep Guardiola’s side have placed a £35m price tag on his head ahead of the upcoming window, with Nottingham Forest said to be edging Farke’s side in the hunt for his signature.

Why Leeds’ £35m target could be Farke’s next Buendia

During Farke’s previous rodeos in securing promotion from the second tier, he often relied on Argentine midfielder Emi Buendia, who starred during his spell under the German.

The attacking midfielder spent three years playing under his management, undoubtedly playing the best football of his career when playing for him at the Canaries.

He registered 59 combined league goals and assists during his three years at Carrow Road, undoubtedly being the manager’s shining light and main source of creativity.

Buendia was even linked with a switch to link up with his former boss at Elland Road during the January transfer window, but a move never materialised with the 28-year-old moving to Bayer Leverkusen on loan instead.

However, he could be about to land his next version of the star this summer with a deal for McAtee, with the City ace having the tools to produce the goods in Yorkshire.

The 22-year-old, who’s been labelled “special” by current boss Guardiola, has scored seven goals across all competitions this campaign, able to hand the Whites the added threat in the final third.

His underlying stats have been just as impressive, registering 3.9 shots per 90, with 1.9 of which on target – highlighting his impressive nature in front of goal.

Games played

27

Goals scored

7

Pass accuracy

84%

Shots taken

3.9

Shots on target

1.9

Chances created

1.2

Touches in opposition box

5.8

He’s also managed to provide the goods for other teammates in the final third, completing 84% of the passes he’s attempted to date – creating 1.2 chances per 90, able to create carnage just like Buendia did under Farke’s guidance at Norwich.

Whilst £35m could be a huge fee for such a young talent, it’s a deal worth pursuing for the Whites, having the potential to burst onto the scene and explode under the manager’s guidance.

McAtee has already demonstrated with limited minutes at the Etihad this season that he’s capable of producing the goods, potentially taking his game to the next level with consistent minutes under Farke in Yorkshire.

Huge Byram upgrade: Leeds make contact to sign £15m-rated star for free

Leeds United could land an upgrade on Sam Byram by signing this Premier League defender.

1 ByDan Emery May 15, 2025

Manchester United’s Europa League final woes have not only exposed the task at hand for manager Ruben Amorim moving forward, but have also put the decisions of the previous regime even further under the microscope.

Indeed, on Wednesday night, goalkeeper Andre Onana couldn’t keep out Brennan Johnson’s scruffy effort, with the Cameroonian hardly inspiring much confidence in a season in which he has made five errors leading to a goal in Europe and in the Premier League combined.

In attack, meanwhile, the decision to start Mason Mount failed to work out, with the Englishman producing an ineffective performance in which he was restricted to even fewer touches than Onana, with just 25 in total.

Ahead of the ex-Chelsea man, Rasmus Hojlund was even more peripheral as he recorded just 15 touches of his own, with the Dane again firing a blank in a season in which he has scored just ten times in total.

The common thread between that trio? Well, they were all signed in what now looks like a sliding doors summer for the Red Devils in 2023. Fresh off the back of a promising first campaign under Erik ten Hag that yielded a third-placed finish and Carabao Cup success, the club needed to kick on again with marquee moves.

The likes of Harry Kane were touted, although Hojlund and co arrived instead – the Old Trafford side are still paying the price for that decision…

Analysing Hojlund's two seasons at Man Utd

For all the talk of Kane, for a fleeting moment it looked like the correct call had been made by plumping for the youthful Hojlund, with the £64m signing – rising to £72m – enjoying an impressive cameo on debut against Arsenal.

Unleashed off the bench, the promising speedster ran Gabriel and William Saliba ragged, playing his part in the eventually disallowed ‘winner’ from Alejandro Garnacho, while drawing a clumsy foul from the former that surprisingly didn’t result in a penalty.

That bright start culminated in a standout Champions League group stage run that yielded five goals, including a breakaway effort against Galatasaray that even sparked comparisons to a certain Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Frustratingly, however, it took until Boxing Day for Hojlund to notch a first top-flight goal for the club, albeit with that breakthrough sparking a run of seven goals in just six games at the turn of the year.

Despite ultimately ending 2023/24 as the top scorer for Ten Hag across all fronts, injuries and a lack of consistency saw him slip out of the starting lineup as the campaign progressed, with the Dutch coach opting for a strikerless system in the FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City.

Perhaps, on reflection, Amorim should well have attempted a similar tweak in recent weeks, with Hojlund coming to the end of a simply wretched campaign that has yielded only four league goals.

In truth, as last season showcased, the 22-year-old does appear more effective in Europe, although even then his impact has largely come in bursts, notably netting four times across successive outings against Bodo/Glimt and Viktoria Plzen.

A streaky striker, and an expensive one at that, the former Atalanta man could be set for a swift return to Serie A this summer by all accounts, having failed to live up to expectations and the burden of being United’s leading number nine.

For all the frustration over what now looks like a costly mistake, it’s fair to say that Hojlund – who has 26 goals in 94 games – isn’t the biggest transfer misfire of the last decade or so…

Man Utd's bigger mistake than Hojlund

Dishing out £64m on a player who had scored just ten goals in Italy the year prior remains a simply headscratching decision, although so too does forking out £86m to sign Antony a year earlier.

Reportedly valued at around £25m at one stage, amid prior interest during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure, the Brazilian was earmarked as a key signing for Ten Hag in the summer of 2022, amid their prior relationship at Ajax.

With that window quickly heading to a close, and United losing their opening two games under the new boss, the desperate decision was made to plump for Casemiro and then Antony at the death, with the latter man arriving on deadline day.

Despite a lively start, which yielded three goals in his first three league appearances, the 24-year-old has been simply a disaster since then, with pundit Micah Richards notably highlighting his “lazy” approach in the dismal 7-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.

An at-times headless and petulant presence on the pitch, Antony was also dubbed “embarrassing” by club legend Gary Neville for kicking out at Jeremy Doku in the final knockings of the 3-0 Manchester Derby defeat last term, a moment that could well have resulted in a red card.

Antony

96

12

5

17

Anthony Elanga

55

4

4

8

Amad

63

13

11

22

Jadon Sancho

83

12

6

18

Alejandro Garnacho

144

26

22

45

Dan James

74

9

9

18

Angel Di Maria

34

4

12

16

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

63

13

11

24

Memphis Depay

53

7

6

13

Of course, there has been the odd bright moment – such as his Europa League efforts against Barcelona and Real Betis – yet those have been few and far between, with the exiled winger racking up just 17 goals and assists in 95 games for the club to date. To put that into perspective, even Jadon Sancho boasts a better return, with 18 goal involvements in 83 games.

Like Sancho, Antony is now something of a forgotten man after being shipped out on loan, with not even his mini-revival at Betis enough to spark hope of a fresh start in Manchester next season, despite scoring eight times in just 24 games in Spain.

As revealed by the MEN, even while a review of the current campaign and Wednesday’s showpiece defeat is likely to take place, the priority at present is cashing in on Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Antony, with funds needed to spark yet another rebuild at Old Trafford.

Hopefully, lessons will have been learned from the bumper deals for the likes of Hojlund and Antony, with INEOS now needing to ensure that they can at least claw back some sort of substantial fee for Ten Hag’s dismal duo.

Not just Hojlund: 4/10 dud must now never play for Man Utd again

Man Utd’s grim season ended with a whimper in Bilbao on Wednesday evening

1 ByRobbie Walls May 22, 2025

Arsenal are expected to be one of the busier English sides during the summer window after missing out on this year’s Premier League title to Liverpool by 10 points, and sporting director Andrea Berta is set for a key role.

Andrea Berta tipped for influential summer at Arsenal

Spanish football expert and reliable journalist, Guillem Balague, shared an intriguing bit of information about Berta following the Italian’s arrival at N5.

£50m star could now reject Arsenal move and sign new deal after talks

He also snubbed an exit last summer.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 4, 2025

Following 12 productive years at Atlético Madrid, where he played a key role in shaping Diego Simeone’s quality current squad, Balague said that Berta is widely considered one of the best sporting directors in football by those within the beautiful game.

“You have to say that he was the architect of the Atletico Madrid that won the league twice, got to the Champions League final twice, won the Europa League,” Balague told TNT Sports.

“That’s him working alongside Simeone in a very discreet way. He doesn’t give interviews, doesn’t give press conferences. We don’t know personally much about him, but certainly he’s a top negotiator and considered one of the best in the business.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

“They went for him because he wants to create, alongside Mikel Arteta, a winning culture. This is a guy that’s done very well in the context of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

“They have more money, and yet he managed to get that extra bit that Arsenal doesn’t seem to get.”

This summer window is imperative for Arsenal, and Berta has the almighty task of reshaping their squad to mount a much more convincing Premier League title challenge next season.

Their lack of a prolific striker was a serious achilles heel over the course of 2024/2025, especially factoring in Kai Havertz’s and Gabriel Jesus’ injury lay-offs, with Arsenal said to be working on moves for both Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

According to the BBC’s Sami Mokbel, Arsenal are currently working to confirm the frameworks of both deals, before deciding which striker to formally pursue.

Arsenal "only" club to hold "concrete talks" for Benjamin Sesko

As Mikel Arteta’s side take their time to weigh up which deal is best for the club, Gyokeres or Sesko, Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg suggests Arsenal are in pole position for the latter.

While Man Utd have expressed an interest, Plettenberg writes that Arsenal are the only club to hold “concrete talks” for Sesko so far, meaning Berta is facing little competition in pursuit of the Slovenian as things stand.

Called an “extremely quick” striker, Sesko is fresh off the back of a career-best Bundesliga campaign, scoring 21 goals in all competitions and bettering his tally of 18 from 2023/2024.

While these numbers appear modest, Sesko’s physical attributes and potential to improve at just 22-years-old make him a very tempting potential signing, with his release clause set at around £70 million.

Promotion up to the Premier League will surely be Ryan Mason’s main, intimidating task when he shortly steps into the West Bromwich Albion dug-out.

After all, Regis Le Bris managed to guide Sunderland up to the promised land during his debut campaign at the Sunderland helm, meaning the 33-year-old will be hoping that the good luck that rubbed off on the Frenchman comes his way too.

He would love to use his Tottenham Hotspur connections to feel more comfortable in his new surroundings. Indeed, rumours continue to swirl that Mason could soon add North London starlet Mikey Moore to his ranks on loan this summer.

West Brom's ongoing pursuit of Moore

Of course, adding Moore to the camp would be an exciting purchase to kick off Mason’s new regime.

The 17-year-old Spurs attacking prodigy will surely be champing at the bit to test himself out on loan away from his boyhood employers, considering a bumper 36 goals and assists combined have now come his way in the U18 and U21 ranks.

He even broke his senior duck last season when galloping forward in the Europa League up against Elfsborg, with the challenges of the Championship now his potential next onward destination to strut his stuff even more.

However, it could be argued that the Baggies aren’t in desperate need of reinforcements down either the left or right wing – which is where Moore predominantly operates – with both Tom Fellows and Mikey Johnston top-drawer options on these flanks already. Between them, the entertaining duo can boast 41 goal contributions and counting in the second tier.

Therefore, adding in the teenage sensation might not be deemed the most urgent priority, irrespective of Moore’s familiarity with Mason.

On the other hand, swooping in for some centre-back reinforcements will be judged as a must, with this new, defensive colossus potentially West Brom’s chosen target.

The defender who could be a better signing than Moore

West Brom’s transfer activity this time around is already playing out like their business from last summer, with centre-back brute Semi Ajayi allowed to leave the Hawthorns for nothing, much like Cedric Kipre before him.

With Mason Holgate also only on the Baggies’ books on loan, that leaves the potential promotion chasers light on numbers in this department, which is where Liverpool titan Nathaniel Phillips, who has been linked with a move to the club, could come to the rescue.

Whilst Phillips has impressed infrequently for the Reds – as seen in his impressive tally of seven clean sheets from 17 Premier League clashes – it’s his expertise of the Championship when chucked out on loan away from Anfield that will instantly stick out for Mason and Co, with this headed effort last campaign for Derby County just one key contribution he managed during his memorable loan stint.

In total, the one-time Premier League title winner has now amassed 67 appearances at the daunting level, with his tag as a “monster”, as he was once labelled by Jurgen Klopp, clear for all to see last season when bravely battling away for the relegation-threatened Rams.

Indeed, the £45k-per-week powerhouse would end his sterling season with six duels won on average across his 32 Championship clashes. To add context, the departing Ajayi would only win 3.3 himself across the same period.

Therefore, adding in the “intelligent” Phillips – as Klopp also glowingly described him – could really enhance Mason’s defensive options as he goes about building a promotion-worthy team.

Whereas, when it comes to the promising Moore, there’s no guarantee he would instantly upset the apple cart at the Hawthorns on his arrival and push into the first team mix, which is why Phillips would be an even better signing.

West Brom in talks to sign their best striker since Maja for £0

West Bromwich Albion could be about to land their best striker since Josh Maja with this summer purchase.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 9, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are in the market for a forward this summer and have now made a formal approach to land a striker who models his game after one of the best forwards in the world, according to a report.

Tottenham Hotspur's hunt for attacking reinforcements

Thomas Frank has already tied up deals for Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel since walking through the door in N17. However, you get the impression there is plenty more to come given they will be playing Champions League football next term.

Looking to provide strength in depth across the front four positions, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo are prominent Tottenham targets, while West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus has also been mentioned in dispatches.

With a managerial change coming into play, Daniel Levy has outlined that he has full faith in new boss Frank to deliver success after carrying out a rigorous search for Ange Postecoglou’s successor.

He explained: “Whenever you have a new coach, it’s always a fresh start. [They] always have different ideas but we want to build on the success of winning a trophy last season.

“One of the things that stood out to me with Thomas was that he is clearly highly intelligent, a great communicator, super human being plus all the technical aspects which are obviously important.”

Tottenham now want to sign "combative" £20m La Liga ace ahead of Man Utd

The Lilywhites could have an instant advantage.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 22, 2025

Boca Juniors striker Miguel Merentiel could also be on Spurs’ radar after an excellent start to the Club World Cup, signalling that eyes and ears will be on all potential markets from the Lilywhites this summer to extract a fair rate of value for money.

Fundamentally, bolstering the offensive areas will give Frank the depth required to progress his side, so it won’t come as any surprise to hear Merentiel isn’t the only South American star the club is seeking to add.

Tottenham launch formal approach for Ian Subiabre

According to reports in his homeland via Sport Witness, Tottenham have launched a formal approach for River Plate’s Ian Subiabre to ascertain details about his current situation.

Chelsea previously had a meeting with his agent, Claudio Caniggia, though they eventually baulked due to his release clause that is mooted to amount to around £22.4 million.

Ian Subiabre at River Plate – how has the youngster fared since breaking through?

Appearances

16

Goals

1

Assists

0

Mainly used as a substitute, Spurs haven’t been deterred and could look to make an offer that includes a future sell-on percentage for the Argentina Under-20 international, who has scored three times in six matches at that youth rank.

Describing Julian Alvarez as a player he models his game on, it remains to be seen whether his release clause will be met or if a transfer fee would be structured via alternative means.

River may entertain bids after the Club World Cup and haven’t ruled out a departure in this case, meaning Spurs could well add another talented youngster to the ranks.

Visitors bounce back from 58 for 6 on back of 82-run seventh-wicket stand with Adam Hose

ECB Reporters Network06-Jun-2024Notts Outlaws suffered their third defeat in three North Group matches as Worcestershire Rapids repeated their 2023 Vitality Blast victory at Trent Bridge to make it two wins from three.The Rapids recovered from 58 for 6 to finish on 154 for 8 after New Zealand seamer Nathan Smith hit a career-best 51 not out from 35 balls, sharing an 82-run seventh-wicket stand with stand-in skipper Adam Hose, who hit 36 from 37 after being dropped on nought.Kiwi left-armer Ben Lister (2 for 20) and leg spinner Calvin Harrison (1 for 14) were the pick of the Outlaws bowlers.With their biggest batting hopes back in the hut inside the powerplay, Notts were never really in contention in the face of some disciplined bowling and sharp fielding from the Rapids, Will Young top scoring with a modest 25. Seamer Tom Taylor took 2 for 23.After Joe Clarke remained still to win a toss as the Outlaws captain in this format, Hose opted to bat but after a flying start to a powerplay made up of six overs of pace, the visitors stuttered to 42 for 3 in the absence of the injured Brett D’Oliveira.The first two overs yielded 25 but then Olly Stone removed both openers in the space of four balls, Matthew Waite top-edging to short fine leg, Ed Pollock losing his middle stump to a peach. Dillon Pennington missed out when Hose was dropped behind the stumps but had Josh Cobb caught on the leg-side rope.Three wickets lost in as many overs then plunged the Rapids into serious trouble. Ethan Brookes risked a second run on a misfield and paid the price, Rob Jones, on his Rapids Blast debut, hoicked Lister to fine leg for 1 and Harrison bowled Taylor to leave Rapids six down in the ninth.Yet Hose and Smith batted smartly, the latter passing his previous best of 38 when he hammered Lister over long-on for his second six, and were not parted until Lister bowled the former with a slower ball in the 18th. Lyndon James picked up the wicket of Hayden Walsh in the last over but the Rapids had something to defend.And that defence started superbly as danger men Clarke and Hales were out in single figures, the former chipping tamely back to the bowler before Hales found Brookes on the square-leg boundary, When Haynes, one of three former Pears in the Outlaws side, was leg before to Adam Finch, Notts were 29 for 3 from 5.3 overs.By the halfway point, seven wickets remained intact with 94 still needed but Matt Montgomery and Young, who had added 44 in six overs, were out to consecutive balls, the former hitting straight to extra cover off Taylor, who then fortuitously diverted a James drive to run out Young at the non-striker’s end.When James holed out to deep midwicket in the 15th, the required rate was up to 13 runs per over. Harrison was a little unlucky to be run out, stumbling as he tried to recover his ground as Tom Moores send him back, after which Moores and Stone flung the bat gamely but were always destined to fall well short.

Leeds United have now approached a La Liga club over a deal to sign a 24-year-old defender alongside their now confirmed move for Jaka Bijol, according to a new report.

Leeds announce Jaka Bijol as second summer signing

The Whites earmarked Bijol as one of their top transfer targets this summer, and on Saturday it was confirmed that they have got their man. Fabrizio Romano reported that Bijol had signed his contract and the deal was given his trademark “here we go”, with the club since confirming a five-year deal until 2030.

It is claimed that the newly promoted side are going to pay Italian outfit Udinese £19 million to sign Bijol, although the announcement reports an “undisclosed” fee. The 26-year-old played 34 times in Serie A last season, which is the most he’s played in a single campaign in Serie A since joining the club back in 2022.

He has become Leeds’ second signing of the summer, as they made their first addition last week, bringing Lukas Nmecha in on a free transfer from Wolfsburg.

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Bijol will join the likes of Joe Rodon, Maximilian Wober, Pascal Struijk and Ethan Ampadu as the Whites’ recognised centre-back options. But that list could soon be extended, as the Championship title winners are now looking to bring in another new defender.

Leeds approach Real Betis over Natan signing

According to ABC (23rd June, Page 71), relayed by MOT Leeds News, Leeds have now asked Real Betis about the conditions of a deal to sign Natan this summer.

Natan joined the Spanish side on a loan deal last summer from Serie A winners Napoli. Real Betis had the option to make the deal a permanent switch, which they have triggered this summer. However, Leeds are now already working to find an agreement which could see Betis cash in on the 24 year-old immediately.

The Brazilian played 31 times in La Liga last season, helping the team keep four clean sheets while he was on the pitch, as well as averaging 1.1 tackles per game. Natan also played 15 times in the UEFA Conference League, as Betis made it all the way to the final before losing out to Chelsea.

Apps

31

Starts

23

Goals

1

Clean sheets

4

Passing accuracy per game

35.8 (89%)

Interceptions per game

0.9

Tackles per game

1.1

Balls recovered per game

2.4

Ground duels per game (won)

1.5 (62%)

Aerial duels per game (won)

2.2 (68%)

Natan’s potential arrival at Elland Road could see a complete overhaul to Leeds’ central defence for next season, as the Brazilian could be paired with Bijol right from the off – it feels hard to believe he would leave a starting role in La Liga for a spot on the bench.

Natan has never played in English football, but he would bring experience of playing at a high level with Betis and Napoli as well as European experience, which can surely only benefit the Whites in their quest for survival.