Brentford are keen to bank maximum value on their star forward, the £60m-rated Bryan Mbeumo, this summer, meaning Newcastle United have hope yet in pipping Manchester United to his signature.

However, Mbeumo has intimated his desire to sign for Old Trafford, and thus Eddie Howe and his transfer coterie will need to turn toward alternative targets.

Having already missed out on Man United-bound Matheus Cunha, a bounce-back is needed, for sure. And Newcastle might just be centring on the perfect new forward.

Newcastle lining up new forward

Though Tynesiders will be relieved to hear The Athletic’s David Ornstein declare there’s “no chance” Alexander Isak will be leaving the club this summer, the need for more firepower is evident.

That’s why, as per Sky Sports report Rob Dorsett, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro is on Newcastle’s shortlist, with Howe in particular desperate to bring in such an attacking profile.

The 24-year-old is expected to leave the AMEX this summer – amid admirers in the Premier League and in Europe – and Brighton will do business if their €70m (£59m) valuation is met.

Why Joao Pedro would be perfect for Newcastle

Though Pedro attacks from a central berth, and Mbeumo is a principally right-sided forward, he could regardless fill in a hole at St James’ Park, should Callum Wilson depart at the end of his contract later this month.

Joining Brighton from Watford in a deal just shy of £30m in June 2023, Pedro has scored 30 goals and provided ten assists across 70 appearances in all competitions.

Across his two years on the south coast, the former Hornets star has converted 19 goals in the Premier League, only missing 17 further big chances, as per Sofascore.

Moreover, Pedro drifts out to the left before arcing inward, suggesting Howe could utilise the Brazilian across central and wide berths, maximising his dynamic and skilled approach and indeed his suitability at Newcastle, with the manager apt to field such flexible players as Anthony Gordon across different parts of the frontline.

Joao Pedro – Career Stats by Position

Position

Apps

Goals

Assists

Centre-forward

119

34

18

Left winger

40

14

0

Attacking midfield

27

8

1

Right winger

5

0

0

Data via Transfermarkt

As per FBref, he also ranked among the top 1% of Premier League forwards this season for assists, the top 17% for passes attempted and shot-creating actions, and the top 12% for progressive passes per 90. Such qualities have led the data-driven site to draw him against the two aforementioned forwards.

Yes, the £50k-per-week star’s creativity and ball-playing skills are not unlike those of the dynamic Mbeumo and indeed Cunha, whose exploits with Wolverhampton Wanderers have led journalist Nathan Juddah to describe him as a “maverick” and a “flawed genius”.

Pedro’s countryman, indeed, created 13 big chances in the English top flight, and given United only finished eighth for big chances created this term, you can see why Howe is demanding such a profile.

Moreover, his discussed clinical quality aligns with that of Mbeumo, who has been hailed as “one of the best wingers in the Premier League” by The Athletic’s Jay Harris after scoring 20 top-flight goals across the year.

This player, a veritable conglomeration of Newcastle’s desired profiles, would be perfect for Newcastle, aiding Isak and, through his “magical” talent on the ball, as has been noted by Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard, he might just hit the ground running.

Related Newcastle eyeing "scary" £44m Delap alternative who's outscored Mbeumo

Eddie Howe wants to sign some new forwards at Newcastle this summer.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jun 3, 2025

Manchester United’s rebuild this summer is certainly needed, looking to make amends for the 2024/25 campaign, which saw the club finish in 15th place.

Such a finish for the Red Devils’ stature is unacceptable and something in which Ruben Amorim must transform if he is to keep his job at Old Trafford.

The Premier League has often been such a successful competition for the club, but one they have failed to win since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, spanning well over a decade ahead of 2025/26.

Matheus Cunha has already agreed to make the move to join Amorim’s squad, costing £62.5m from Wolverhampton Wanderers, looking to make a huge improvement to the front line in the North West.

However, it appears as though outgoings are needed during the off-season, with multiple players having to be sacrificed to make way for new additions.

The latest on United’s move to sell players this summer

Over the last few days, it’s been confirmed that Bruno Fernandes has rejected interest from Saudi Arabia in favour of staying at United during the summer window.

It was reported that the Portuguese midfielder had been offered a deal in the region of £700k-per-week from Al-Hilal, wanting to stay at the top level of European football at this stage of his career.

However, the same can’t be said for striker Rasmus Hojlund, with the Danish international who looks set to depart Old Trafford during the off-season, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato.

The report claims that Serie A side Inter Milan are advancing a move to sign the 22-year-old, after preliminary talks were held between the club and his representatives.

Another report has reported that the Red Devils will demand a fee in the region of £40m this summer to part ways with the forward, who has only scored four league goals this campaign.

Why United’s £40m star would’ve been incredible with Mbeumo

It’s become clear over recent days that Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo has chosen a move to join United over the likes of Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

The 25-year-old, who scored 20 league goals this campaign, has been a man in demand over recent weeks, understandably so given his form in England’s top-flight.

He looks set to cost a fee in the region of £60m this window, looking to be the next big-money addition during the Amorim era, linking up with Cunha in the final third.

The Cameroonian’s ability in attacking areas would undoubtedly change the club’s fortunes, something which could’ve benefited Hojlund if he were to stay at the club.

Whilst it’s undeniable that he’s been a disappointment after his £72m switch from Atalanta, Mbeumo’s talents could’ve enabled him to recapture his impressive form in front of goal.

The Bees’ winger has created 1.8 chances per 90 this campaign, whilst completing 1.3 crosses per 90 – evidently being able to offer opportunities for those around him.

He’s also registered seven assists, further demonstrating the creative ability he possesses, making him an all-round threat for the Red Devils in the final third.

1.

Paul Pogba

Juventus

£89m

2.

Antony

Ajax

£86m

3.

Harry Maguire

Leicester City

£80m

4.

Jadon Sancho

Borussia Dortmund

£75m

5.

Romelu Lukaku

Everton

£74m

6.

Rasmus Hojlund

Atalanta

£72m

7.

Ángel Di María

Real Madrid

£70m

8.

Mathue Cunha

Wolves

£62.5m

As for Hojlund, he’s managed to win 1.4 aerials per 90 this campaign, highlighting his ability to thrive in the air – something which Mbeumo certainly would’ve aided him with.

There’s no denying that his time at Old Trafford has been hugely disappointing, only registering 26 goals across his two-year stint, which seemingly appears to be coming to a close.

Mbeumo would’ve aided him in his attempts at turning around his fortunes in the side, but given the rumours around his future, it appears Amorim has already lost faith in the Dane.

Such a departure could raise funds for the club to complete a deal for Thomas Frank’s star man, who could operate behind the striker or even as the player at the top end of the pitch, especially with Hojlund’s pending move back to Italy.

Better signing than Cunha: Man Utd eye move for PSG Ballon d'Or contender

Manchester United could land a bigger signing than Matheus Cunha by bringing in this PSG star.

ByDan Emery Jun 3, 2025

Leeds United are now “one to watch” in the race for an “outstanding” Premier League midfielder, according to reporter Ben Jacobs.

Leeds need rebuild to avoid the drop next season

Ex-goalkeeper Paul Robinson has made it clear his former club will need to overhaul their squad this summer if they are to avoid an instant return to the Championship next season, saying: “Leeds are going to have to replace players.

“They came out of the Premier League with a similar squad, and players in that squad weren’t good enough. To mention two: Brenden Aaronson and Junior Firpo weren’t good enough for the Premier League.”

Firpo could now be heading for the exit door, with Kostas Tsimikas being identified as a potential replacement for the left-back, while the Whites are also looking at upgrades on Aaronson in attacking midfield, with Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia of interest.

Not only is Daniel Farke keen to bring in a new playmaker, the manager is also keen to strengthen in defensive midfield, as revealed by Jacobs in an interview with GiveMeSport, with the reporter stating Tottenham Hotspur’s Yves Bissouma is now a target.

It is unclear what sort of fee Tottenham would be looking to receive for Bissouma, who they signed from Brighton & Hove Albion for £25m back in 2022, but he has been on the north Londoners’ discard list for quite some time, indicating that a deal could be possible.

Leeds make contact to sign free agent star who scored 23 goals this season

The Whites are looking for some attacking flair after claiming promotion to the top-flight.

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 2, 2025 Bissouma could be "outstanding" signing for Leeds

The 28-year-old has fallen down the pecking order under Ange Postecoglou, often appearing as a substitute in the latter stages of the season, but his previous exploits in the Premier League indicate that he could be a solid signing for Leeds.

During his time with Brighton & Hove Albion, the Malian was lauded as “outstanding” by Statman Dave, and he has continued to impress defensively in more recent times, with the tough-tackling midfielder outperforming his positional peers across some key metrics over the past year.

Bissouma – last 365 days

Average per 90

Tackles

3.09 (91st percentile)

Interceptions

1.39 (83rd percentile)

Clearances

2.65 (92nd percentile)

Ahead of his side’s return to the Premier League, it may also be wise for Farke to bring in players who are proven in the top flight over a sustained period of time, and the Ivory Coast-born midfielder certainly ticks that box, having made 191 Premier League appearances.

It remains to be seen whether Bissouma would be willing to move to a newly-promoted side, fresh off the back of winning the Europa League with Spurs, but the prospect of receiving more game time could be appealing to the central midfielder.

After another season of failing to pick up any silverware, Arsenal need a massive summer.

Mikel Arteta has done a brilliant job taking the team from midtable mediocrity back in 2019 to perennial challengers today, but to make that final step up, the board must back him with some serious signings.

Fortunately, that seems to be what’s happening, as the last few weeks have seen the club linked with a number of incredible internationals, with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo perhaps being the most exciting of all.

However, if recent reports are to be believed, Arteta might be going down a different route with a player who might just be a bigger prospect than the Brazilian.

Arsenal transfer news

Before getting to the star in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other truly exciting players Arsenal have been linked with in recent weeks, such as Morgan Rogers and Eberechi Eze.

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 cost up to £100m this summer, but with a tally of 14 goals and 15 assists in 53 appearances from midfield and out wide, it would be hard to argue that’s not a fair valuation.

Likewise, while £68m is a lot of money, Eze has proven that he’d be more than worth the investment, as in 42 games for Crystal Palace this season, he has scored 14 goals, provided 11 assists and won the FA Cup.

However, for a signing to be considered a ‘bigger prospect’ than Rodrygo, they’ll have to be someone younger and with immense potential, someone like Nico Williams.

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Athletic Bilbao ace.

The report has revealed that Arteta has now held personal talks with the Spanish international, and while Chelsea are also keen to sign him, these talks appear to have made the Gunners the current frontrunners for his signature.

To complete the deal, the North Londoners will still have to activate the winger’s release clause, which currently stands at about £50m, but even then, it would be more than worth it to sign a player who’s arguably a bigger prospect than Rodrygo.

Why Williams is a bigger prospect than Rodrygo

So, the first thing to say is that Rodrygo is a simply sensational footballer, and if Arsenal signed him, then we’re sure he’d do a brilliant job for them.

However, given their tendency to focus on younger players in the past, the Gunners might opt instead to sign Williams, and while that could upset some fans, we’d argue that they’re simply going with the bigger prospect in this scenario.

The first argument for this viewpoint is that the Bilbao ace is two years the Real star’s junior, and yet he’s already established himself as a key man for one of Spain’s biggest clubs and the national team for that matter.

Moreover, while he’s not been as prolific as the Brazilian this term, he was near enough unstoppable last season, which might be an indication of how he’d fare in a better team, such as Arsenal.

For example, in just 37 appearances, totalling 2729 minutes, the 22-year-old “nightmare for defenders,” as analyst Ben Mattinson described him, scored eight goals and provided 18 assists, which came out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.42 games, or every 104.96 minutes.

In contrast, the Osasco-born ace scored 18 goals and provided nine assists in 52 appearances, totalling 3777 minutes, which came out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.92 games, or every 139.88 minutes.

Moreover, and this may surprise some people when we compare their underlying numbers from the start of last season to today, it’s the Spaniard who actually comes out on top despite playing in a weaker team and being younger.

For example, he comes out ahead in metrics such as non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive carries, key passes and passes into the penalty area, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons, goals per shot on target and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, signing either player would make a massive difference to Arsenal’s attack this season.

Still, based on their ages and performances over the last two campaigns, it looks like Williams is the bigger prospect.

He's like Isak: Arsenal plan talks to sign £105m Gyokeres alternative

The free-scoring forward would be perfect for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 22, 2025

Over the years gone by, the Manchester United faithful have been blessed with countless attacking talents who have led them to numerous triumphs domestically and continentally.

Cristiano Ronaldo, George Best and Wayne Rooney are just three players from separate times who have starred at Old Trafford – with the latter remaining their record scorer to this day.

However, current boss Ruben Amorim unfortunately doesn’t have the same luxury, with main striker Rasmus Hojlund’s drought of 21 games without a goal earlier this season showcasing the problems they’ve faced.

The Dane has struggled to provide value for money after costing £72m back in the summer of 2023, with a move away from the club potentially on the cards before the end of the transfer window.

Any funds generated from such a move could allow the manager to land a new talisman who could offer the huge presence needed in their hopes of a revival in 2025/26.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new talisman

With Matheus Cunha already arriving, but likely to operate in a number 10 role, Amorim will want the hierarchy to hand him added funds to make the big-money addition he craves at the top end.

Viktor Gyokeres has been one of the main targets in recent months, but a deal for the Swede appears to be dead in the water after it was confirmed he’s only interested in a move to Arsenal.

Such a turn of events over the last few days has seen a new name enter the mix, with Victor Osimhen the latest striker in their sights, according to one GOAL journalist.

He claims that the Red Devils have already made contact with the Nigerian’s representatives after he scored 37 times in 41 appearances on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli this season.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

Furlan also states that they face competition from PSG, Chelsea and Arsenal for his signature, after he rejected a big-money move to Saudi Arabia earlier this summer.

Why Osimhen would be a better signing than Ekitike for United

In their hunt for a new striker, United have stumbled across Eintracht Frankfurt talisman Hugo Ekitiké in an attempt to improve the options at Amorim’s disposal.

The Frenchman has starred in the Bundesliga throughout 2024/25, registering 23 combined goals and assists in his 33 league outings – but he could cost a pretty penny this summer.

He’s also on the radar of fellow Premier League sides Arsenal and Chelsea, but any interested party will have to fork out a fee in the region of £84m to land the talisman.

There’s no denying he’s a quality player, as seen by his impressive tally this campaign, but such a fee may prove to be too expensive – especially when considering the other options on the table.

Osimhen would certainly be a better signing, with the stats from their respective campaigns highlighting why the hierarchy should pursue a move for the Nigerian’s signature this summer.

The Napoli ace, who’s been labelled “the best striker on the market” by Statman Dave, has massively outscored Ekitike, whilst also posting a higher goal per shot on target rate – showcasing his clinical edge in the final third.

He’s also managed to win more aerials than the Frankfurt star, handing Amorim the focal point he needs in the attacking areas, subsequently offering a different dimension to the Red Devils’ attack.

How Osimhen compares to Ekitike in 2024/25 so far

Statistics (per 90)

Osimhen

Ekitike

Games played

30

33

Goals & assists

31

23

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Shot-on-target accuracy

52%

38%

Aerials won

4.6

1.8

Aerial success rate

64%

45%

Take-on success

60%

44%

Stats via FBref

Whilst he’s likely to command a higher pay packet to prise him to the North West, it’s a price worth paying given the difference between the quality of the two options.

If the club are to have any chance of returning to their former glory in the near future, top-level talents are required, with Osimhen just the man to do that given his record within the final third in recent seasons.

Related Huge Hojlund upgrade: Wilcox opens talks to sign "new Mbappe" for Man Utd

Ruben Amorim wants to sign a new centre-forward this summer.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jun 15, 2025

Since taking the job at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has generally gotten it right when it comes to the transfer market.

For example, while he’s overseen the arrival of his fair share of duds like Willian, Raheem Sterling and Nuno Tavares, he’s also helped sign some special talents like Declan Rice, Gabriel Magahele, David Raya and Jurrien Timber.

However, there is one player who divides opinion perhaps more than any other: Kai Havertz.

To some, the German is an underrated lynchpin without which the attack falters, while others view him as an overpriced makeshift forward who can’t be trusted to finish his chances in the moments that matter.

Yet, it might not matter which side of the aisle you find yourself on next season, as recent reports have heavily linked the club with someone who’d likely be a massive upgrade.

Arsenal's striker search

Given Arsenal’s lacklustre form in front of goal this season, it’s hardly been a surprise to see the club linked with a host of talented strikers in recent weeks, from the well-known Benjamin Sesko to the more under-the-radar Nick Woltemade.

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 has been heavily linked with a £67m move to the Emirates for some time now, and while that is a hefty outlay, there is a lot to like about the 6 foot 5 speedster, like his tally of 27 goal involvements in 45 games this season.

Woltemade, on the other hand, would only cost the club £42m this summer, and while he produced just 20 goal involvements this year, he did so in just 33 games across all competitions.

Yet, while both players would likely help the Gunners’ frontline next season, they both feel like players for the coming years, not someone who’d be an instant and sizable upgrade like Viktor Gyokeres.

Yes, according to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal are still very much in the race for the Sporting CP star.

Bailey revealed that not only are the Gunners still interested in the Swedish international, but they also held direct talks with his camp on Wednesday.

A price is not mentioned in the story, but other reports from this week have claimed that the former Coventry City striker could be available for around £67m.

While that is undoubtedly a lot of money, this is a deal Arsenal should be going all out to complete, as Gyokeres would be a monumental upgrade on Havertz.

How Gyokeres compares to Havertz

So, if Arsenal are able to get Gyokeres this summer and, in turn, spend the sort of money it reportedly cost to do so, then it seems incredibly unlikely that he’d be coming in to sit on the bench.

Therefore, the Sporting star would be in competition with Havertz for a starting berth in the team, and based on how they stack up against one another, we think it’s a competition he’d win with ease.

For example, in 52 appearances this season, totalling 4248 minutes, the Stockholm-born “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored a simply sensational 54 goals and provided 13 assists, which works out to an average of 1.28 goal involvements every game, or every 63.40 minutes.

In contrast, the Gunners’ number 29 scored 15 goals and provided five assists in 36 appearances, totalling 2809 minutes, which comes out to a decent but far less impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.8 games, or every 140.45 minutes.

Unfortunately for the former Chelsea ace, the comparison is just as one-sided when we take a look under the hood at their respective underlying numbers.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.88

0.58

Non-Penalty Goals + Assists

1.17

0.61

Progressive Passes

2.11

2.95

Progressive Passes Received

10.5

5.79

Progressive Carries

4.27

1.44

Shots

4.11

2.80

Shot on Target

2.10

1.11

Key Passes

2.06

1.11

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.00

0.52

Shot-Creating Actions

4.75

2.25

Goal-Creating Actions

0.84

0.15

Successful Take-Ons

1.79

0.48

For example, the 27-year-old comes out way ahead in the vast majority of relevant metrics, including but not limited to expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive carries, shots and shots on target, key passes and passes into the penalty area, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Havertz is a great player and someone who’ll be an incredibly useful asset to the squad next season, but from every angle, it’s clear that Gyokeres is the vastly superior goalscoring number nine.

Therefore, Arsenal should do all they can to sign him this summer.

A hybrid between Gabriel & Saliba: Arsenal join the race to sign £68m star

Arsenal could sign a defender who’s like Gabriel and William Saliba.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 12, 2025

Will Emi Martínez leave Aston Villa this summer?

According to a report by Football Insider, the Villans are under pressure to ‘sell a prize asset’ before 30 June to avoid breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules, claiming that Martínez is one of the most likely candidates to be sacrificed.

Well, there are plenty of suitors for the back-to-back Yashin Trophy winner.

Goal documents Manchester United’s interest, while The Telegraph claim that numerous Saudi Pro League clubs would be delighted to secure his signature.

Well, given, as noted by Jacob Tanswell of The Athletic, Martínez’s propensity to deliver ‘defining moments’ and ‘standout performances’, he will be a difficult man to replace, but have Aston Villa actually managed to identify an upgrade?

Aston Villa's first-choice Emi Martínez replacement

According to a report by John Townley for Birmingham Live, Aston Villa will ‘target’ a move to sign LOSC Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, should Martínez be sold.

French publication L’Équipe has previously noted that newly-crowned European champions Paris Saint-Germain are tracking the 23-year-old, with TEAMtalk claiming that he is valued at just £34m by les Dogues.

Chevalier joined Lille as a 13-year-old, making 127 appearances for the senior team, conceding exactly 127 goals and keeping 44 clean sheets in this time.

So, could he soon be swapping Northern France for the English Midlands?

Why Lucas Chevalier would be an Emi Martínez upgrade

During his three seasons as Lille’s number one, Chevalier has earned countless rave reviews.

Alongside Rayan Cherki of Olympique Lyonnais, they were the only non-PSG players to feature in Ligue 1’s team of the season.

Meanwhile, following les Nordistes’ stunning 1-0 Champions League victory over Real Madrid at Stade Pierre-Mauroy in October, Joel Domenighetti of L’Équipe described Chevalier’s display as ‘exceptional’, while Nick Hartland of Get French Football News labels him ‘one of the breakout stars’ from this season’s competition.

Described as “one of the most talented young goalkeepers in Europe” by scout Jacek Kulig, what makes him so good is that – in the words of Liam Tharme and Matt Pyzdrowski of the Athletic – he not only boasts ‘excellent reach’ and exceptional ‘handling’, but also that his ‘super-strength’ is his ‘accomplished’ in possession play.

So, how did the young Frenchman compare to the man he could be replacing between the Villa Park posts this season?

The table makes for interesting reading, considering the duo played a near-identical number of minutes this season across their respective domestic leagues and the Champions League

Appearances

48

49

Minutes

4,350

4,275

Goals conceded

53

57

Clean sheets

13

14

Post-shot xG – goals-conceded

+9.6

+4.7

Saves

123

144

Save %

74.9%

72.8%

% of crosses stopped

5.4%

11.3%

Ball recoveries

83

45

Errors leading to an opposition shot

4

8

Note: Martínez’s statistics are Premier League and Champions League only.

Across Europe’s top five leagues, the Frenchman ranks tenth for post-shot xG – goals conceded, while he is also 11th in this season’s Champions League for the same metric, a key figure as Lille upset the odds to finish seventh in the league phase.

Meantime, his save percentage ranks highly both domestically and in the Champions League, with his Ligue 1 figure of 74.6% a noteworthy amount higher than Martínez’s 69% in the Premier League.

This is not to denigrate​​​​​​​ Martínez in any way, given that former Aston Villa striker Chris Sutton believes the Argentine has been an “outstanding goalkeeper” and a “brilliant shot-stopper” since joining the club in 2020.

Nevertheless, if the Claret and Blue Army are able to sell the 32-year-old for a big fee and replace him with a 23 year old, this is surely an upgrade they should be looking to make.

Aston Villa book medical to sign forward who Emery feels can be next Duran

He’s agreed a four-year deal at Villa Park.

ByCharlie Smith Jun 1, 2025

Everton are beginning to make big changes after a positive end to the season and could now have an advantage in the race for a prolific striker, per a report.

Everton announce departures after victory at Newcastle United

In the immediate aftermath of an impressive triumph at Newcastle United last weekend, Everton have announced that loanees Jack Harrison, Armando Broja, Orel Mangala and Jesper Lindstrom have returned to their parent clubs.

Carlos Alcaraz is still in discussions over a permanent move to the Toffees, while confirmation on others is expected shortly as the end of the campaign enters full swing.

Ashley Young will leave the building before a new era begins at the Hill Dickinson Stadium that could see a spate of new arrivals to excite supporters ahead of pre-season.

In controversial fashion, Liverpool winger Ben Doak is a surprise target for Everton and could complete an unexpected move across Merseyside, breaking a 33-year record since the last time the two rivals conducted business.

Lindstrom and Harrison’s departures have left the Toffees light on the right-hand side, so it is reasonable to suspect there will be movement across the front four positions.

Moyes already has Everton's Doucoure replacement in future "top PL player"

With Abdoulaye Doucouré set to leave Everton after Sunday’s visit to Newcastle, does David Moyes already have a ready-made replacement?

By
Ben Gray

May 23, 2025

Centrally, Everton could now have a major advantage in their efforts to bring in a prolific striker following recent developments that have left the man in question impressed.

Liam Delap could join Everton after positive meeting

According to journalist Simon Phillips on Substack, Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap has been impressed by Everton’s pitch to him after a meeting over the England Under-21 international’s future, which still hangs in the balance.

His camp are set for a fresh round of talks with Newcastle United, and a decision on his next destination is expected this week as clubs battle to win the race for his signature amid his £30 million relegation release clause, but the striker was very happy after speaking with Goodison chiefs.

Exceeding his expected goals total, Delap registered 12 goals in the top-flight this term alongside two assists in 37 appearances, which is a fine total in a first debut season for a side that eventually got relegated.

There is plenty of competition for his signature, but a likely shot at being the leading Everton striker in competition with Beto would see the former Manchester City star gain plenty of opportunities to continue developing under David Moyes.

Delap clearly likes what he sees from the Toffees’ initial discussions over a move to Merseyside, so it will be intriguing to see if a deal can be thrashed out between all parties.

On their re-entry to the Premier League, Leeds United will know that their defence will have to be much firmer than when they last struggled in the top division.

Relegation at the close of the dismal 2022/23 season saw the Whites give up a league-worst tally of 78 strikes, with their respectable haul of 48 goals scored completely pushed to one side by their constant dire displays at the back.

Daniel Farke must be worried that his side will be equally as porous on their return to the top-flight, with Udinese centre-back brute Jaka Bijol now reportedly closing in on a deal to join the growing Elland Road ranks.

However, Leeds might not be done there with standout defensive additions, with a fresh report now linking the newly promoted side to a Premier League-ready left-back.

Leeds interested in move for £5m defender

Responding to the news that Junior Firpo won’t stick it out at Leeds, with the full-back heading in the direction of Real Betis, Farke and Co could now win a new left-back.

Well, according to Football Insider, they have revealed that Aston Villa figure Alex Moreno is now interested in the prospect of signing for Leeds.

While the player is seemingly keen, the Whites should be too, particularly because he’d tick plenty of boxes as they hunt down a cheap replacement for the departing Firpo.

It has been widely reported that Moreno could be available for around the £5m ballpark this summer, with Real Betis, Real Sociedad, and Sunderland all also keen on the 32-year-old, according to Football Insider.

This is a signing Leeds must persist with because Moreno could be an even better buy than Bijol walking through the door in terms of bolstering their defensive numbers, alongside the ageing full-back also being a major threat in attack like Firpo.

Why Moreno could be a better signing than Bijol

Whilst it’s paramount that Leeds find a suitable Firpo replacement, it’s arguably not the most pressing concern that the Whites hunt down plenty of new centre-backs.

After all, Farke already has Pascal Struijk, Ethan Ampadu, and Joe Rodon at his disposal in this position, with the imposing trio just fresh off collecting a combined clean sheet total of 55 during last season’s whirlwind promotion success.

Of course, there’s no harm in adding Bijol to the building, considering the intimidating Slovenian just shone in a top-five European league, notably winning a high 4.8 duels per game, but Leeds only have a waning Sam Byram to call upon in the left-back spot as Firpo heads for the exit door.

Therefore, snapping up Moreno for only £5m feels like a no-brainer move to make and could perhaps be seen as a more urgent deal to get over the line than Bijol’s due to Leeds’ depleted options otherwise.

Games played

55

Goals scored

2

Assists

4

Big chances created

5

Wins

27

Goals conceded

46

Clean sheets

7

Tackle success %

67%

Whilst Moreno hasn’t always been the most stable defensive option in the top-flight with only seven clean sheets collected from 55 appearances to date, he has consistently shown off his class in attack to be a fitting stand-in for the loss of Firpo, with six goal contributions also picked up.

The ex-Barcelona defender did amass a far heftier 14 goal contributions last season, but the Dominican Republic international had struggled in the big time previously, with a lesser four goal contributions tallied up from 43 overall clashes.

Therefore, it could be deemed vital that Leeds seal a deal for the “pure class” left-back soon, as he was once glowing labelled by journalist Lee Clarke.

On the contrary, whilst Bijol would definitely boost Farke’s men in the heart of defence, they are already strong here. Whereas, Moreno would really enhance the Whites’ options on the left channel in the wake of Firpo’s expected exit.

Ampadu 2.0: Leeds ready to pay up for “tremendous” £1.2m star

Leeds United could be about to sign their next Ethan Ampadu with this summer purchase.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 14, 2025

The wicketkeeper-batter has signed a three-year deal and will be available for the entirety of every season

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Jun-2024

England wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings has become the first player to sign for the BBL under the new multi-year contract option with a three-season deal for Sydney Thunder, committing to the competition ahead of rival T20 leagues in the UAE and South Africa.Billings previously played two seasons for the Thunder in 2020-21 and 2021-22 before spending the next two campaigns with Brisbane Heat. He was one of a group of overseas players to leave the tournament early last season to take up a deal with the ILT20 and the BBL’s new multi-year option is an attempt to secure players for the duration by offering them security.Related

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The SA20 will again significantly overlap with the BBL when it starts in early January, while the ILT20 begins earlier next season so it creates an even greater clash.In return, under terms of signing a three-year deal, a player must commit to the entire BBL including the finals from the 2025-26 season, but Billings has gone a step further and will also be available throughout next season’s edition.”I love Sydney and in particular Western Sydney and the chance to come back to a family club that is so connected to their members and fans and the people from the area was too good an opportunity to ignore,” Billings said.”On the field we are pulling together a really good squad and the chance to work with such an accomplished coach as Trevor Bayliss again was very appealing.”The BBL is in such a great place these days, it’s well run, well supported and definitely the best tournament in the world staged at that time of the year. That’s why I have committed long term and to be here right until the end of the tournament each year.”Thunder finished bottom in last season’s BBL with just one win in 10 matches so are attempting to rebuild under new general manager Trent Copeland and former England coach Trevor Bayliss who recently signed a one-year extension.”The beauty of bringing a player the calibre of Sam Billings to the club is not just the elite skillset he brings to every facet of the game but also his leadership on and off the field,” Copeland said.Billings is the second Thunder signing confirmed in two days after the club secured highly-rated young batter Sam Konstas on a two-year deal. Konstas, 18, who made his New South Wales debut last season, was part of Thunder’s squad last summer but did not feature before heading to the Under-19 World Cup in South Africa where he helped Australia to the title.The WBBL has the same multi-year contract mechanism with New Zealand allrounder Amelia Kerr the first signed under the agreement as she moved to Sydney Sixers from Heat.Sydney Thunder BBL squad 2024-25: Wes Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings, Oliver Davies, Matt Gilkes, Chris Green, Liam Hatcher, Sam Konstas, Nathan McAndrew, William Salzmann, Daniel Sams, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha