All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

After winning the Carabao Cup last season, ending Newcastle’s 56-year wait to win a major trophy, it looked as though the PIF project was coming to a head.

Qualification for the Champions League was then secured on the final day of the campaign and the Toon were ready to attack this transfer window with intent.

To their credit, Eddie Howe’s men haven’t been shy in the transfer window but they’ve simply been met with fierce resistance and a series of rejections.

Supporters came into this window with plenty of excitement but it’s been nothing shy of a nightmare. Their best player since Alan Shearer, Mr Isak, wants to depart and hasn’t been shy of letting his desires be known, releasing quite the angry statement on Tuesday evening ahead of the PFA awards.

Newcastle have, at least, welcomed Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale to St James’ Park, but a striker continues to elude them.

The latest on Newcastle's striker hunt

Crikey, what a summer, eh? Newcastle have missed out on a whole plethora of forwards in recent months, notably Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko who turned down the Magpies’ advances, instead signing for Liverpool and Manchester United respectively.

Transfer Focus

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

Work is currently being undertaken to bring Yoane Wissa to the north east but despite the player’s apparent desperation to make the move, Brentford are stubborn. After losing Bryan Mbeumo, Thomas Frank and skipper, Christian Norgaard already this summer, they are not keen on seeing their prized striker leave for cheap.

Newcastle are trying hard to sign him but with an alleged £60m price tag, obstacles have so far yet to be cleared.

Still, there are alternatives including the likes of Ollie Watkins, Nicolas Jackson and Wolves’ Jorgen Strand-Larsen.

Yet, according to French reporter, Julien Laurens, Sporting CP attacker Conrad Harder is also on their radar.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Transfer Talk podcast on Wednesday, he stated: “They’ve tried to find a replacement for him [Isak]. They like Conrad Harder at Sporting, but he is not as developed already compared to the others we mentioned already. Certainly no Premier League experience, unlike the other three [Wissa, Jackson, Larsen].”

Amid interest from Milan, reports in Italy have indicated that the Portuguese club are seeking a fee of £24m to sell this summer, although that does seem unlikely given they have already sold Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal.

Speaking of the Gunners’ new striker, Harder has already been described as “the next Viktor Gyokeres” by Scouted Football. Here’s why.

How Harder compares to Wissa and Watkins

It’s abundantly clear that Wissa is Newcastle’s leading target this month and while they would love to sign someone like Watkins too, that one feels more unlikely.

Yet, by landing a bargain deal for Harder before the transfer window slams shut on 1st September, they’d be acquiring a raw player but someone who is actually already more complete than the pair of them.

Harder had to play second fiddle to Gyokeres in Lisbon last term but he still caught the eye, with the 20-year-old scoring 13 goals and supplying ten assists across 54 appearances in all competitions. It’s worth noting that those involvements came from just 20 starts. Impressive work indeed.

The Dane does need to refine his skillset but it’s clear to see why he’s already being compared to Gyokeres. Slightly stockier, talent scout Jacek Kulig hails his “powerful finishing” and his “excellent top speed” while describing him as a “complete forward”.

So, what do the numbers say? Well, it looks favourable when comparing him to Watkins and Wissa.

Goals

0.46

0.59

0.55

Assists

0.53

0.12

0.28

Shots on target

1.58

1.27

1.25

Key passes

1.49

0.83

0.83

Progressive passes

1.26

2.07

1.07

Shot-creating actions

3.79

2.13

1.83

Successful take-ons

1.95

0.46

0.35

Progressive carries

2.41

1.85

1.90

Aerial duels won

2.64

0.93

1.80

It’s safe to say that the Sporting youngster isn’t as prolific as the more proven talents of Wissa and Watkins just yet.

However, in every metric besides progressive passes, the Denmark youth international has proven himself to be an incredible talent, undeniably showcasing that he’s more complete across a whole range of facets.

Harder is not just a goalscorer but he’s capable of creating goals on a regular basis, notably registering more key passes than Watkins, who actually finished as the Premier League’s leading assist maker back in 2023/24.

Furthermore, he’s capable of dribbling with the ball on a regular basis, ranking highly for progressive carrying, and he can hold the ball up well, winning far more aerial duels per 90 minutes.

Newcastle fans will be holding out for a big-money striker, particularly with Isak’s future in doubt, but they could do far worse than bringing Harder to England.

Elanga will love him: £50m Wissa alternative is now a top Newcastle target

Newcastle are looking for a new striker this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Aug 21, 2025

Nottingham Forest are planning to bring in more fresh faces at the City Ground and could now be at an advantage in their pursuit of a renowned midfielder with Premier League experience.

Nottingham Forest look to press ahead after Dan Ndoye capture

Last week, Nottingham Forest’s capture of Dan Ndoye became the latest part of an excellent few days for the club after Morgan Gibbs-White’s contract renewal, signalling Evangelos Marinakis’ ambition to push the East Midlands club in the right direction.

Speaking on the Shut Up and Show More Football podcast, BBC Nottingham’s Colin Fray believes Ndoye will bring ‘bags of pace’ to the Tricky Trees after Anthony Elanga’s departure.

He stated: “I think this was their big target in terms of replacing Elanga. When he left, there really is no substitution for pace, especially when he’s got end product with it, but Dan Ndoye has bags and bags of pace as well so it does seem to be a direct replacement.

“(I’m) excited to see him, a big signing for Forest and one they were desperate to get over the line, and I don’t think it will be the last, I think they’ll be busy between now and the end of the transfer window.”

With Nuno Espirito Santo set to remain busy, contact has been made by Nottingham Forest to sign Douglas Luiz from Juventus. Labelled “underrated” by Paul Merson during his stint with Aston Villa, the Brazil international is aiming to put a frustrating year at the Old Lady behind him by seeking a swift exit.

Nottingham Forest discussing new bid for "special" £35m attacker with offer rejected

The Tricky Trees have set their sights on a new attacking midfielder, despite securing Morgan Gibbs-White’s future.

ByDominic Lund Jul 31, 2025

Inter Milan star Mehdi Taremi could also move to the City Ground as irons in the fire continue to burn, and there could now be a definitive sign of who their next arrival could be over the next few weeks.

Douglas Luiz expected to complete Nottingham Forest move

According to reports in Italy via Sport Witness, there is an ‘expectation’ Juventus midfielder Luiz will sign for Nottingham Forest despite a difference in the formula both clubs want to initiate to seal a deal.

Personal terms have already been agreed on a five-year contract worth £2.18 million a year, though the Turin outfit want an obligation for the Tricky Trees to buy the Brazilian for £34.8 million, while Forest are set on a loan deal with a purchase option.

Douglas Luiz’s Premier League record

Appearances

175

Goals

20

Assists

18

Still, Nottingham Forest want to pay just over £26 million in the event of a permanent transfer for the man in question, signifying that there is a gap in valuation that needs to be resolved. Luiz currently earns around £139,000 per week at Juventus.

Reports state there is an ‘expectation’ the proposed deal will eventually go through due to Juventus needing funds to bankroll their pursuit of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Morten Hjulmand.

Complications are still at play and work is to be done before everything is tied up. Now, it remains to be seen if Nottingham Forest can come to a club-to-club agreement on a purchase fee.

Manchester United’s hunt for a new striker has been far and wide so far this summer as Ruben Amorim looks to strengthen his squad ahead of 2025/26.

The 40-year-old has already added Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to his ranks, but the pair are set to operate in the number ten role behind the striker.

With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee only netting seven Premier League goals between them last campaign, it reinforces the need for a new talisman during the current window.

However, despite their success elsewhere in the market, a new striker has still eluded them to date, opening the door to added investment from the hierarchy.

Various players have emerged on their radar as of late, with a real importance on landing a new forward to help catapult the Red Devils back to the top of England’s top-flight.

Man United on the hunt to sign a new striker

Benjamin Sesko has been a player who’s emerged as a key target for United this summer, but they’re not alone, with Newcastle United also keen on the 22-year-old this summer.

Amorim’s side are said to be in talks with RB Leipzig over a move for the Slovenian international, after he registered 21 goals for the German side throughout 2024/25.

However, the youngster isn’t the only player in their sights, with Chelsea talisman Nicolas Jackson also a player they’re considering, according to The Independent.

They claim that United have held talks with Chelsea over a deal to sign the Senegalese international, but it could be an expensive addition, as they’ve placed an £80m price tag on his head.

Despite the price tag, the report states that the hierarchy are proposing a potential swap plus cash deal which could see bomb squad member Alejandro Garnacho move in the opposite direction.

Why United’s latest target would be a better signing than Sesko

As previously mentioned, Sesko has been targeted by United in recent weeks, but despite his excellent goalscoring record in Germany, the hierarchy must be cautious in any deal for his signature.

Whilst the Slovenian has showcased his goalscoring record, he could cost a pretty penny, with his current employers demanding £80m for his signature this summer.

Such a move could see a repeat for Hojlund, after the Danish international scored 10 goals for Atalanta the season before his own £72m move to Old Trafford.

The additions of Cunha and Mbeumo highlight the club’s recruitment strategy of investing money in players who have already proven themselves in England’s top-flight.

A deal for Sesko would go against their ethos during the current window, subsequently needing to avoid a move for the Leipzig star and prioritise a move for Jackson this summer.

Whilst the Senegalese international may not be many of the supporters’ first choice, his experience in the Premier League could be vital, whilst also being a cost-effective option should Garnacho be included in any deal.

He’s also managed to better Sesko in numerous areas during recent times, undoubtedly being a better addition for Amorim’s side during the off-season.

Games played

30

33

Goals & assists

15

18

Shot-on-target accuracy

45%

43%

Pass accuracy

76%

67%

Key passes made

1.2

0.7

Shot-creating actions

2.8

1.9

Progressive carries

1.9

1.7

Carries into opposition box

1.3

0.5

Jackson managed to achieve a higher shot on target accuracy rate last season, subsequently being more accurate with his efforts in attacking areas, leading to Pubity Sport labelling him as “sensational”.

He also managed to complete more passes, with more of which being defined as key passes, highlighting his all-round ability, which could allow the aforementioned new additions to hit the ground running in Manchester.

His dominance over Sesko is further reflected in his tally of carries into the opposition box per 90, being able to create chances out of nothing, undoubtedly being less reliant on players around him to have chances in front of goal.

If a deal can be agreed with Chelsea over a potential swap deal, it would be a superb piece of business by the club, offloading a player not in Amorim’s plans whilst landing a star who’d fill a key position in the side.

There’s no denying that the Leipzig star would be a solid option, but given the difference in stats and Jackson’s prior experience in England, the hierarchy should be going all out on a move for the Senegalese star.

Perfect for Mbeumo: Man Utd in talks to sign "unbelievable" £60m star

Manchester United are making moves to land a new forward who would star alongside Bryan Mbeumo.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 30, 2025

West Ham United have now made an approach to sign an “exciting” striker, who has been likened to former Arsenal man Olivier Giroud, according to a report.

Hammers closing in on deal to sign Wilson

With Michail Antonio set to leave this summer, despite undergoing rehabilitation at West Ham, Graham Potter will need to bring in a new striker, and Callum Wilson is now closing in on a move to the London Stadium, having agreed personal terms.

Wilson is available on a free transfer, upon the expiration of the Englishman’s Newcastle United contract, meaning he would be a low-risk addition to the squad, but there are likely to be some justified concerns over the striker’s injury record.

The 33-year-old has suffered persistent injury problems at Newcastle, meaning he was unable to score a single Premier League goal last season, so there are doubts over whether the veteran forward would be a good acquisition for the Irons.

Season

Games missed

2022-23

9

2023-24

28

2024-25

29

There may also be concerns about Wilson’s age, considering the Hammers are well-known to have had the oldest squad in the Premier League last term, and the ex-Newcastle striker is arguably in the twilight years of his career.

As a result, it would make sense to pursue a younger striker alongside Wilson, and a new report has revealed that West Ham have now made their first move to sign a new centre-forward.

Indeed, according to a report from Football Insider, the Hammers have now made an approach to sign FC Metz striker Idrissa Gueye, but there is likely to be stiff competition for the 18-year-old’s signature.

Scouts sent: West Ham now enter race to sign £12m Richard Rios alternative

The Hammers aren’t the only club interested…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 26, 2025

Within England, the likes of Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion have enquired over a deal for Gueye, while there is also plenty of interest from abroad, with giants Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund joining the race.

Amid the widespread interest in the teenager’s signature, Metz are hoping to receive a fee of around £17m, meaning he would be a relatively low-cost addition to Potter’s squad.

Gueye could be "exciting" signing for West Ham

Scout Ben Mattinson clearly believes the starlet could go on to achieve big things, having lauded him as “exciting”, and the Metz ace has already started to catch the eye in Ligue 2.

Metz achieved promotion to Ligue 1 last term, and the one-time Senegal international made a real impact, amassing five goals and one assist in 17 appearances during the regular season.

Metz director has also spoken fondly of the Senegalese gem, likening him to former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, who remains the all-time leading goalscorer for the France national side.

West Ham could certainly do with bringing in a young striker this summer, given that Niclas Füllkrug is now 32-years-old and Antonio is set to exit the London Stadium, and Gueye could be an exciting long-term addition to Potter’s squad.

Leeds United are now making progress in their pursuit of a £50m striker, and there is a feeling he would be keen on a move to Elland Road this summer, according to a report.

Leeds set sights on new striker after Nmecha

With Daniel Farke looking to bolster his forward line, Leeds have already snapped up Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer this summer, although the Hamburg-born striker wasn’t exactly prolific during his four seasons with Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.

Season

Bundesliga appearances

Goals

2021-22

25

8

2022-23

16

4

2023-24

3

1

2024-25

19

3

As a result, the Whites are also working on bringing another striker through the door this summer, with it recently being revealed they are set to make a £17m bid for Besiktas centre-forward Semih Kilicsoy, and a meeting with the Turkish club has been penciled in.

However, it would be a risk for Farke to bring in Kilicsoy as his new starting striker, given that he is only 19-years-old and unproven outside Turkey, and it could be a smart move to bring in a centre-forward who already has Premier League experience.

Last month, it was revealed that Leeds are interested in signing Fulham star Rodrigo Muniz, and there has now been a new update on their pursuit of the striker.

Personal terms done: Leeds in talks to land bigger signing than Longstaff

Leeds United have agreed personal terms with a star who would be a bigger signing than Sean Longstaff.

ByDan Emery Jul 17, 2025

According to a report from Leeds United News, the 49ers have now made progress in their pursuit of Muniz, and there are positive signs that he would be keen on making a move to Elland Road this summer.

Although the deal is still some way off completion, the 49ers are hopeful that it will be possible to lure the centre-forward away from Fulham, with the Brazilian now among their top targets.

However, it may take a sizeable offer to get a deal over the line, with previous reports revealing the Cottagers are set to hold out for a fee of £50m.

"Dangerous" Muniz impressing at Craven Cottage

The 24-year-old has now spent two full seasons in the Premier League, during which time he has maintained a solid, if not spectacular goal record, netting 17 goals in 57 appearances.

Marco Silva is clearly happy with how his forward has adapted to life in the top flight too, with the Fulham manager saying: “He’s getting stronger which is really difficult for the defenders to deal with. We know that if we provide for him inside the box then he’s really dangerous as well.”

It would be a real statement of intent if Leeds were able to steal a striker from an established Premier League side, especially considering Tottenham Hotspur are also keen, so it is exciting news that the deal is now progressing.

Liverpool have sold Jarell Quansah. Liverpool’s defensive graduate has played his part over the past few years, replacing Joel Matip after the Cameroonian’s knee injury and then going on to win titles and cement himself as a first-team star.

Praised by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his “complete package”, Quansah is the perfect profile for a modern centre-back; however, he struggled to replicate his form under Arne Slot’s last wing, on the backfoot from the offing after his half-time substitution last August, the new coach bemoaning his side’s success in the duel during his opening match in the dugout against Ipswich Town.

It’s the events of Liverpool’s triumphant 2024/25 season that have led to Quansah’s sale, but the 22-year-old can certainly hold his head high after winning the Carabao Cup and Premier League, notching 58 Reds appearances in total.

Beginners luck? Not likely. This is a wonderful talent who has now been signed by German club Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £35m. Liverpool have inserted a buyback clause.

Liverpool are having a fantastic transfer window, but they may yet have to contend with further exits to ruffle things up in Slot’s squad. Indeed, Luis Diaz is also being chased by one of the German Bundesliga’s heaviest hitters.

Why Luis Diaz could leave Liverpool

There’s a lot to be excited about if you’re of a Liverpool persuasion, but there’s no question that selling Diaz would be met with a measure of concern.

Bayern Munich have seen a formal approach rejected for the Colombian winger after Barcelona’s rebuffed bid at the start of June.

While Diaz’s contract expires in two years, there have been no concrete negotiations pertaining to a renewal. This has left the 28-year-old frustrated, for he earns a comparatively modest wage of £55k per week.

For FSG’s part, they are happy to run down Diaz’s contract, waiving any chance of banking a healthy fee and instead profiting from his performances on the pitch.

After all, Diaz is coming off his best campaign in a Liverpool shirt, notching 25 goal contributions and providing invaluable support as a makeshift centre-forward.

But there remains an interest in a long-term successor all the same.

Liverpool in talks to sign new winger

According to The Independent, Liverpool are one of the clubs in contact with Lyon winger Malick Fofana, although FSG know work is to be done if they are to win the race, for Nottingham Forest have had an official bid accepted already.

Lyon have been provisionally relegated from Ligue 1 for financial troubles, thus widening the opportunity for suitors to sign Fofana, 20, this summer.

He won’t go cheap though. The French giants have slapped a €60m (£51m) price tag on their rising star, and that figure may yet soar as Lyon seek to hold out and drum up as much interest as possible.

Why Liverpool should sign Malick Fofana

Sporting director Richard Hughes has been tracking Fofana for a while, and his style of football suggests he would be an ideal addition to emulate the success Diaz has enjoyed on Merseyside.

Fofana, who has already made his international debut with Belgium, has been praised for his “explosive” style of play by analyst Ben Mattinson, bearing pace and physicality that isn’t too far away from Diaz’s robust skill set.

Joining from Belgian team Gent for a fee rising to €22m (£19m) in January 2024, he’s certainly shown himself to possess a clinical eye, scoring 15 goals and supplying seven assists across 62 appearances, of which only 29 have been starts.

The majority of those contributions came last term, with Fofana’s 11-goal and six-assist haul marking the beginning of a prolific journey that could see him emulate Diaz at Liverpool.

Goals

0.47

0.48

Assists

0.21

0.15

Touches (att pen)

6.08

6.18

Shots taken

1.84

2.52

Shot-creating actions

3.38

4.34

Progressive passes

2.44

3.95

Progressive carries

6.72

3.98

Successful take-ons

1.41

2.17

Ball recoveries

3.38

3.92

Tackles + interceptions

1.84

1.69

When looking at how the two wingers ranked up across all competitions in 2024/25 for their respective clubs, there’s perhaps a curious point to be made regarding Fofana’s (and in sequence Diaz’s) output, more creative and marginally more prolific than his counterpart.

Add his unrelenting ball-carrying into the bargain and you’ve got a wide forward capable of playing the role which Diaz plies so effectively for the Anfield outfit. In March, Fofana freed himself from his teenage years; the best is yet to come.

But that’s not to say he hasn’t shown his quality against heavy hitters. Only a few months ago, he racked up an assist against Manchester United in that extraordinary Europa League knockout tie. The Red Devils went through but the Belgian winger added to his earlier success in the competition with an impactful off-the-bench performance.

Did we mention that across his 16 Ligue 1 starts last season, the left-sided, right-footed forward scored five goals, missing only four big chances, created six big chances and won 54% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore. Combative and creative, he’s the full package.

Stepping into the Premier League while still finding his feet as a professional would make Fofana a risk for Liverpool to make, but an educated one at that. He wouldn’t be expected to perform with the slick intensity that Diaz brings, not from the offing, but there’s no question he has the tools to replace and maybe even improve upon Slot’s South American sensation.

Liverpool’s boss has already demonstrated an incredible coaching aptitude on English soil, lifting the likes of Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo (who adds perfect competition on the left flank).

This is a talent of immense potential, and with so many clubs queuing up, Liverpool might want to take their shot before it’s too late.

Dream Diaz upgrade: Liverpool "discussing" move for "world-class" £85m star

Liverpool could be ramping up their pursuit of a new forward…

ByRobbie Walls Jul 2, 2025

The 2024/25 Premier League season was disappointing for West Ham United with the Hammers coming 14th in the Premier League.

Whilst they were never in any real danger of relegation, they would have been hoping for a much better performance across the board. They lost 17 games in total in the top flight.

It could be all change for Graham Potter this summer with some big outgoings on the cards. One of those is Mohammed Kudus, who, as recently as the 6th of June, was reportedly offered to Chelsea, according to Sky Sports.

If someone as prominent as Kudus does leave the London Stadium this summer, they will, of course, need a replacement.

West Ham's potential Kudus replacement

It does indeed seem like Kudus could be on his way out of West Ham this summer and considering his performances since moving to the English capital, he will be hard to replace.

Fortunately, the Irons seem to have someone in mind already.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, if the Ghanaian attacker does leave West Ham in the next few weeks or months, they could be set to replace him with Anderlecht attacking midfielder Mario Stroeykens.

A report from Belgian outlet Votebal Belgie suggests that he has been on the Hammers’ ‘wish list for some time’.

In fact, they are already believed to have made a bid for the talented 20-year-old.

The report suggests West Ham made an £8.5m offer, which was promptly rejected by the Belgian giants. Instead, they could ask for as much as £17.1m to make a deal happen.

Why Stroeykens would be a good signing

Belgium U21 international Stroeykens has certainly made a big impression for Anderlecht last season. After coming through the club’s youth academy, the attacking midfielder has gone on to become a key player.

Last season in all competitions, Stroeykens featured 39 times across all competitions, contributing to five goals and seven assists. After starting the season strong with nine goal involvements in 13 league games, he suffered from a ligament injury, which slowed his progress.

The 20-year-old, who was born in Zellik, just outside of Brussels, would also bring European pedigree to the London Stadium. He played 430 minutes in the Europa League last term, both scoring and assisting in that time. The goal he scored was a sublime effort, showing his excellent technical quality.

Replacing the 24-year-old Kudus would not be easy for Stroeykens. The Ghana international has impressed for the Hammers in the 80 appearances he has made, scoring 19 times and registering 13 assists.

His first season in Claret and Blue saw him score and assist 23 times, including five goals in nine Europa League appearances. However, last term was not as fluid, with the Hammers’ number 14 managing just nine goal involvements.

Despite the struggles Kudus endured last season, there is no doubt about his importance to Potter’s side when at his best. That leaves Stroeykens with a big job to replace him, but as football scout Antonio Mango said, he is a “creative force” and can certainly look to match the output of the Ghana star.

The underlying stats via FBref suggest that the Belgian youngster, who tends to operate as a number 10, can indeed step up in Kudus’ absence.

For example, last term he averaged 1.54 key passes and 6.63 progressive passes each game, compared to 1.08 key passes and 2.74 progressive passes per 90 minutes for the Hammers star.

Goals and assists

0.41

0.28

Key passes

1.54

1.08

Progressive passes

6.63

2.74

Shot-creating actions

4.02

3.72

Goal-creating actions

0.77

0.35

Ball recoveries

5.21

4.79

Those stats highlight the creativity that Mango was talking about. They certainly suggest that Stroeykens has the ability to step into Kudus’ boots and take on some of the creative burden that will be there if, or when, he leaves.

For just £17m, this could be a brilliant addition for the Hammers, who will be hoping Stroeykens can become a key player for the club in the long term.

Free transfer: West Ham in contact to sign £100k-p/w star who Potter loves

The Hammers could land themselves a bargain.

2 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 15, 2025

Chelsea transfer chiefs are in the market for new attackers whilst Enzo Maresca’s men tackle their Club World Cup campaign, with the Blues looking to provide their manager with extra firepower ahead of a crucial second season for him.

Tottenham hold talks to sign £65m star, but his club prefer he joins Chelsea

Spurs are set for a transfer tussle with their London rivals.

6 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 20, 2025

Maresca won his first piece of silverware by smashing Real Betis 4-1 in the Conference League final, and before that, he guided Chelsea to a top five Premier League finish which gifted them a spot in next season’s Champions League draw.

The Italian’s first season in the Chelsea dugout was an undoubted success, and he could still add to their celebrations with a potential Club World Cup triumph in America.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Winning the CWC could bring a seismic financial windfall of nearly £100 million to Cobham’s coffers, so despite the tournament’s controversy, it is little surprise that sides taking part are serious about performing well.

A portion of their final earnings from the CWC could be put towards Chelsea’s recruitment drive, and it is widely believed that they’re prioritising the signing of a new winger in particular.

Chelsea are back in talks to sign Borussia Dortmund forward Jamie Gittens as their top target for this position, despite having as many as three bids rejected for the Englishman before the pre-CWC transfer deadline (Florian Plettenberg).

As negotiations re-open for the Englishman, there are suggestions that Chelsea could even bring in two wingers this summer, especially if they end up selling Noni Madueke, which is seen as a real possibility (Simon Phillips).

Jadon Sancho’s return to Man United and news of Mykhailo Mudryk’s potential four-year ban for allegedly violating anti-doping rules has exacerbated Maresca’s need for a new forward, while Chelsea also remain on the hunt for a second striker after Liam Delap.

Chelsea hold talks over Brighton star Joao Pedro

One man who’s on Chelsea radar, and can play out wide, in attacking midfield or up front, comes in the form of Brighton star Joao Pedro.

The Brazil international bagged 10 goals and seven assists for Fabian Hurzeler’s side across all competitions last term, prompting rumoured interest from Chelsea and Premier League rivals Newcastle United.

According to Standard Sport, Chelsea have held talks over Pedro, and those conversations are continuing behind-the-scenes as BlueCo look to reinforce Maresca’s squad with further attacking additions.

This follows a report from talkSPORT that Newcastle are fearful of a Chelsea move for the 23-year-old, with there being concerns inside St. James’ Park that they could hijack their deal.

The sticking point will likely be Pedro’s £70 million valuation, but according to ex-Premier League chief scout Mick Brown recently, the player has spoken to friends about potentially joining Chelsea this summer, so there could be a willingness on the player’s side.

“I hear he’s spoken to people around him about a move, and he would be interested in Chelsea,” Brown told Football Insider.

“He wants to make a step up from Brighton as they’re going to miss out on European football again. It’s just a case of whether they decide he’s the right man for the job.”

Everton have plenty of work to do in the transfer window and could now swoop for an experienced defender who enjoys a pre-existing relationship with David Moyes, according to a report.

Everton confirm exits to pave way for incomings

Making their gratitude known, Everton have confirmed six senior players have left the club upon the expiry of their contracts – Abdoulaye Doucoure, Ashley Young, Joao Virginia, Asmir Begovic, Mason Holgate and Neal Maupay.

Releasing a short statement on their departures, the club noted: “Everyone at Everton thanks the departing players for their commitment and service and wishes them all the best for the future.”

Dominic Calvert Lewin’s future at Everton remains uncertain as the Toffees continue to liaise on new deals for the England striker and Michael Keane.

Expert Keith Wyness has claimed that the former’s offer of a new contract is bonus-related, which has led to a feeling of dissatisfaction and could spell the end to his spell on Merseyside.

Should he leave, Everton have identified Galatasaray’s Baris Alper Yilmaz as a potential replacement to strengthen their forward line. Youssef Chermiti and Beto remain as striking options after Armando Broja’s loan deal concluded.

Everton now ready to open talks in complex deal to sign £15.6m-a-year star

The Toffees mean business.

1 ByTom Cunningham Jun 11, 2025

Defensively, Kyle Walker-Peters is a free transfer target for the Toffees following his exploits in the Premier League with Southampton last term, illustrating that a wealth of financial muscle isn’t necessary to attract quality reinforcements.

The Friedkin Group definitely have money to spend at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but there is an acknowledgement that they will need to be careful to adhere to PSR requirements.

Inexpensive deals in some areas may be a necessity in the infancy of their reign, so it won’t come as a surprise to hear that another free agent is being lined up to bolster Moyes’ backline.

Everton line up move for Vladimir Coufal

According to Football Insider, Everton are eyeing a free transfer move for Vladimir Coufal after his successful spell at West Ham United came to an end.

Fulham, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leeds United, Burnley and Sunderland are also keen on the Czechia international, who Moyes is keen to reunite with following his five years at the London Stadium.

Vladimir Coufal’s Premier League season in numbers (Fotmob)

Duels won

66

Tackles won

15

Aerial duels won

23

Recoveries

39

Cross accuracy

32.1%

In what turned out to be a disappointing season for the Hammers, Coufal made 25 appearances across all competitions and still has more to give in the English top-flight at 32 years of age.

Jake O’Brien has filled in on the right side of defence amid Everton’s transition to a back three at times under Moyes, though it would make sense to recruit a reliable operator amid veteran right-back Young’s departure.

Competition is high for his signature. Still, Coufal and Moyes have already enjoyed success together, so there is no reason to suspect that the Scot couldn’t get the best out of the Ostrava-born man at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Manchester United have now made an approach to sign a £59m striker who Ruben Amorim personally wants INEOS to bring in this summer, according to a report.

Man Utd eyeing new striker as Scholes backs Hojlund

Perhaps surprisingly, Paul Scholes has insisted that Man United should keep hold of Rasmus Hojlund beyond the summer, despite the striker’s very poor goal record in the Premier League last season, finding the back of the net just four times.

Speaking on The Overlap, Scholes suggested that Hojlund needs more support at striker, and cannot be expected to lead the line for United by himself at just 22-years-old.

However, despite receiving the backing of a club legend, it is looking increasingly likely the Danish forward could be on the move this summer, with a new report suggesting the Red Devils are now in talks over a sale.

Consequently, Ruben Amorim may well need to bring in a new striker before the new season starts, and a report from GiveMeSport has now revealed that Man United have made contact over a deal for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.

Amorim is said to be desperate to reunite with his former player, who he worked with during his time at Sporting, and an initial approach has now been made, in order to assess whether a deal will be possible this summer.

The United boss was left unhappy with the initial decision to identify Liam Delap as the leading striker target, but with the Englishman moving to Chelsea, Gyokeres appears to have moved up the shortlist, and the Sweden international will be available for a fee of £59m.

"Incredible" Gyokeres could be real coup for Man Utd

The Sporting star could be considered an ambitious target, considering a number of Champions League clubs are also in the race for his signature, including Arsenal and Napoli, and it would be a real coup if the Red Devils are able to get a deal done.

Benjamin Sesko has also been identified as a target for United, but the 27-year-old has been far more prolific than the Slovenian in front of goal, albeit in a weaker league.

International teammate Emil Forsberg was also left impressed by his compatriot back in November, praising the strides he has taken in recent times: “He is incredible. He is constantly developing and doing what he is good at.”

Talks opened: Man Utd making moves to sign "fantastic" £25m prime target

The Red Devils are stepping up their pursuit of a 25-year-old, who is now one of their key targets.

ByDominic Lund Jun 5, 2025

Amorim will be well-aware of Gyokeres’ abilities, having worked with him at Sporting CP, and he has proven he could be the answer to Man United’s attacking problems, so it is a positive development that an approach has now been made over a deal.