All posts by n8rngtd.top

Chelsea’s prospering Cobham academy has birthed a plethora of outstanding talents over the last decade, which has both saved on transfer fees and brought in hundreds of millions of pounds to the Stamford Bridge coffers.

Chelsea poaching world football's brightest young starlets

However, while the west Londoners are famed for their ability to nuture top-quality prospects, BlueCo have not been shy when it comes to poaching world football’s most elite rising stars from elsewhere.

Earlier this year, Chelsea sealed a double-deal for Geovany Quenda (18) and Dario Essugo (20), with the latter officially announced as a new Blue earlier this week and eligible to play at the Club World Cup later this month.

In the short-term, Essugo is viewed as a natural back-up option to Moises Caicedo, with his ball-winning skills and athleticism set to be a real asset to Chelsea (Ben Jacobs).

This comes amid their £30 million deal for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, who is debatably England’s most exciting young striker, especially after a productive season at Portman Road where he bagged 12 Premier League goals for an otherwise dismal side.

BlueCo’s transfer policy of signing younger players has been evident since their takeover in 2022, with Chelsea fielding the youngest team in Premier League history for a single campaign by average age.

The youthful nature of Enzo Maresca’s squad has prompted calls for Chelsea to bring in more experienced players to help balance out the team, and this could be imperative considering they’ll be a Champions League team next season.

However, the abundance of talent in their set-up is something to be greatly admired, and Brazilian starlet Estevao arrives in London this summer with a fearsome reputation.

Chelsea completed a deal for the 18-year-old last year, and he will fully link up with Maresca’s squad after their participation in the CWC.

Willian says Estevao could be Chelsea's own Lamine Yamal

Speaking to ESPN Brasil, former Chelsea star Willian has lavished praise on the teenage talent. In a glowing endorsement, Willian says that Estevao could be Chelsea’s answer to Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal.

“Without a doubt, he has a lot of potential, a lot of quality,” Willian said.

“The player has the advantage of still being so young, but with great potential like Lamine Yamal, they have a similar style.

“I hope that he can be very successful here in England playing for Chelsea, he can win many titles, score a lot of goals with the Chelsea jersey, and he will help to win titles over the years.

“My advice is that he dedicate himself to the fullest. In England, football is quite different to what he is used to. When he gets here I think he needs some extra work at the club.

“I’m sure he has a very good head. There’s no need to argue about his quality.”

Newcastle United will not be signing Bryan Mbeumo this summer, as the Brentford winger has reportedly decided instead that he wants to join Manchester United, who finished 15th in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur.

You have to say, the Red Devils’ ability to attract high-class players is very much intact, but Newcastle have some pull of their own, having finished the 2024/25 campaign as Carabao Cup winners, crossing the Champions League gateway too.

There’s also a desire to retain the biggest stars. The Athletic’s David Ornstein has confirmed the Magpies will keep hold of Alexander Isak, but Anthony Gordon’s future is more uncertain.

In light of Liverpool’s resurfaced interest, Newcastle appear keen on bagging themselves a new left-sided forward.

Newcastle eyeing Mbeumo alternative

The Mbeumo situation is certainly a puzzling one. The Toon can offer Champions League football and a place in the forward line next to man of the moment, Isak.

However, the Cameroon international wants something else, and that’s fair enough. So, where will Newcastle turn to next?

As per Football Transfers, Newcastle have joined Tottenham and Aston Villa in the race for Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, who is expected to leave Pep Guardiola’s side this summer.

Spurs appear to have the lead, having opened communications with the Three Lions star’s representatives, but Newcastle may feel they can offer the 29-year-old an agreeable salary.

Transfer Focus

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

City would be willing to cash in for a fee of around £43m, a fee far lower than the £100m it took to prise him away from Villa Park.

Why Newcastle should sign Jack Grealish

Last summer, Liverpool came knocking for Gordon when it became clear that Newcastle were fretting over compliance with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations.

Newcastle found alternative ways to swerve the financial bother, but fresh reports suggest that Liverpool are interested in signing the £80m-rated England star once again, with Luis Diaz being targeted by the Saudi Pro League.

Selling him and bringing in Grealish could be a shrewd move, but there’s potential for both players to operate together at the same time, especially as City’s man plays a bit like his fellow countryman, and thus could slot right into the St. James’ Park system.

FBref record the pair as similar players, with Grealish ranking among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and progressive carries, the top 13% for progressive passes and the top 8% for shot-creating actions per 90. Gordon-esque indeed.

His technical crispness and fleet feet certainly offer some semblance to that of Gordon, whose assertive and electric style of play has led him to declare himself “a nightmare for anyone I play against.”

Grealish has fallen from grace, somewhat, at the Etihad Stadium, only starting 17 Premier League games across the past two terms. That £100m figure paid to Aston Villa looks rather steep in hindsight, to be sure.

But there’s no denying he was incredible in his final season at Villa Park, his boyhood club, hailed as a “magician” by Premier League icon Ashley Cole. Certainly, he outperformed Gordon’s 2023/24 campaign, when the Toon talent was crowned Player of the Year after leading Howe’s troops through injury purgatory.

If Newcastle can eke out the same degree of quality from Grealish on Tyneside next season, they could have an incredible new weapon on their hands.

And given Howe’s masterful coaching, he’s got a great chance at achieving just that.

Move over Delap: Newcastle teen is one of the "best prospects in the world"

Newcastle may find a new teenage superstar burst onto the scene next season.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 3, 2025

Manchester United are closing in on their first signing of the upcoming summer transfer window, as Matheus Cunha is set to join on a permanent deal.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the Brazil international is poised to arrive at Old Trafford for a fee of £62.5m to bolster Ruben Amorim’s options at the top end of the pitch.

Cunha is set to arrive as a proven Premier League star after his impressive performances for the Old Gold in the 2024/25 campaign, with a return of 15 goals and 13 ‘big chances’ created in the top-flight to steer them clear of relegation trouble.

The former Atletico Madrid star has shown that he can score goals at an impressive rate, whilst also creating high-quality chances for his teammates, and could hit the ground running in Manchester next term.

He also played as one of two number tens behind a central striker for Wolves, which means that he will be a perfect fit for Amorim’s attacking set-up.

United are also in the market for a new centre-forward to play ahead of Cunha, but it does not look like there is going to be a reunion between Amorim and Viktor Gyokeres.

The latest on Viktor Gyokeres to Man Utd

According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, a deal for the Sweden international is ‘almost off the table’ for Manchester United in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The journalist claims that the former Coventry City star is not eyeing up a move to Old Trafford, but it is unclear if that has anything to do with the fact that the Red Devils will not be playing European football next season.

Amorim signed Gyokeres for Sporting in the summer of 2023, from the Sky Blues, and the impressive marksman scored 66 goals in 68 appearances in all competitions under the Portuguese head coach.

The news that the 26-year-old superstar is looking unlikely to return to England to sign for United this summer may come as a blow to supporters who may have been excited by the prospect.

As you can see in the table above, Gyokeres has been incredibly prolific during his time in Portugal, mostly under Amorim, with 68 goals in 66 league matches for Sporting.

However, the Manchester United head coach could find his next version of the striker if the latest update on their pursuit of a Premier League forward pans out.

Man Utd expected to sign English striker

According to The Telegraph, Manchester United are ‘widely expected’ to win the race to sign Ipswich Town centre-forward Liam Delap in the summer transfer window, and he could arrive as their second signing after Cunha.

The report claims that the Red Devils are likely to sign the England U21 international from the Tractor Boys after they were relegated from the Premier League, one year on from his move to Suffolk from Manchester City.

Transfer Focus

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

It reveals that Nottingham Forest are also interested in signing the former Hull City loanee ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, but it is expected that the young marksman will opt for a move to Old Trafford instead.

Fabrizio Romano revealed earlier this month that the striker has a release clause in his Ipswich Town contract that will allow clubs to sign him for just £30m this summer, which could make him a bargain addition for United.

If Delap, as expected, ends up joining Manchester United before the end of the summer transfer window, Amorim could mould him into his new version of Gyokeres.

Why Liam Delap could be the next Viktor Gyokeres

The obvious goalscoring quality aside, one of the Swedish star’s best attributes is his physicality in the number nine position, with his running power and his raw strength to hold off opposition players.

Manager Slaven Bilic once hailed his physical qualities, saying: “He (Gyokeres) is a very strong striker, a player who can not only keep and hold the ball but he can hurt you. He can run into the channels and he’s strong.”

Delap, dubbed a “monster” by teammate Alex Palmer, is cut from the same cloth as Gyokeres as a physical, hard-working, centre-forward who does not give opposition defenders an easy afternoon.

Pundit Paul Robinson praised his physicality earlier this season, saying: “He (Delap) is a pest. He is a nuisance. He is always there on the shoulders of the centre-backs. He is making runs in the channels. He is always available. When it looks like he isn’t going to win the ball, he puts his body in between the player and the ball, somehow managing to win a free-kick or something for his team.”

The clip above illustrates the kind of raw power and pace Delap can provide in the number nine role for Manchester United, but the next step for him is to prove that he can score enough goals to fire a team to a title.

He has shown promise in that respect after an excellent year with the Tractor Boys, in spite of their relegation back down to the Championship.

As you can see in the table above, the England U21 international would already come in as a big upgrade on Hojlund as a goalscorer at Premier League level, after an impressive haul of 12 goals in his debut season in the top-flight.

Manchester United are set to sign an incredibly gifted creative talent in Cunha, who could provide Delap with the chances he needs to improve his output from 12 to closer to the likes of Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland, if he can remain consistent as an effective finisher.

Man Utd's "outrageously good" flop has been better than McTominay in 24/25

INEOS must terribly regret letting this player leave Old Trafford.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 25, 2025

That could, then, complete his transformation into becoming an elite Premier League centre-forward and Amorim’s next Gyokeres, as a clinical and physical centre-forward with plenty of time ahead of him to develop even further.

Manchester United are set for a summer overhaul and plenty of movement is expected in both directions over the next few months, especially in the goalkeeping department.

Man Utd set to make Cunha first summer signing

The Premier League has proven to be an unhappy hunting ground for Ruben Amorim, and it is now abundantly clear that changes will be on the way to restructure his side ahead of next season.

Any notion of a backdoor route to Champions League football via claiming the Europa League was put to bed by Tottenham Hotspur last Wednesday, who prevailed 1-0 in Bilbao courtesy of a scrappy first-half effort from Brennan Johnson.

Andre Onana, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire could all be held culpable for the goal, albeit lapses in concentration in key moments have been a central feature in the Red Devils’ failure to string together consistent results.

Further up the field, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund’s struggles in the Europa League final indicate that there will be plenty of work done to improve the spine of Amorim’s side.

Matheus Cunha is a prime target to freshen up the forward line and the Brazilian forward is set to make the move to Old Trafford from Wolves in a transfer that is expected to be worth £62.5m. The Red Devils look primed to trigger Cunha’s release clause as he looks likely to become the first summer signing ahead of Amorim’s first full season in charge.

Meanwhile, Alejandro Garnacho’s decision to demand a move to Real Madrid has let the cat among the pigeons regarding potential reinforcements.

Man Utd's "outrageously good" flop has been better than McTominay in 24/25

INEOS must terribly regret letting this player leave Old Trafford.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 25, 2025

Robust in his assessment of what may come this summer, Amorim believes his side will be able to avoid making the same mistakes once the new campaign commences.

He said: “We are going to avoid a lot of mistakes next season. Now is the time we can use all of that suffering to change things in the summer.”

Casting an eye to the window, Amorim could now be set to deliver on his promise by bringing in a high-profile figure between the sticks.

Man Utd well-placed to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez

According to Football Insider, Manchester United are well-placed to sign Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa if they can sell Onana during the summer window.

Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Saudi Pro League clubs are also in the mix to sign the Argentinian stopper, who could be available for between £35 million to £40 million after switching agencies.

Labelled “brilliant” by Alan Shearer, Martinez has kept 15 clean sheets in 52 appearances across all competitions this campaign, helping the Villans to put on a strong showing across several fronts.

Now, Manchester United have a task on their hands in convincing the former Arsenal man that a move to Old Trafford is the best course of action at this stage of his career. Onana leaving the club will also be crucial to making that notion a reality. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if that possibility will evolve into a done deal.

Liverpool’s attack has played a huge role in their Premier League success this campaign, allowing Arne Slot to claim the title during his first season at the helm.

Mohamed Salah has undoubtedly been the major contributing factor to the levels they’ve hit, notching 46 combined goals and assists in his 35 appearances to date.

Such a record has led to the Reds scoring 81 times in England’s top-flight, the most of any side in the division, certainly handing the manager something to build on in 2025/26.

However, despite the success, Slot has wasted no time in making reinforcements in the final third during the summer window, with incomings and outgoings expected.

With just a couple of weeks until the market opens, multiple players have already been touted with a switch to Anfield, strengthening the options at the Dutchman’s disposal.

An update on Liverpool’s hunt for new attackers this summer

A striker has been high on Liverpool’s wish list over recent months, with various names touted to potentially take the number nine spot after the summer window.

Liam Delap is the latest name thrown into the mix in recent days, potentially being a bargain option given his £30m relegation release clause within his current deal at Ipswich Town.

However, he’s not the only attacker linked with a switch to Merseyside over the coming months, with the Reds already making a move to sign Real Madrid star Rodrygo, according to TBR Football.

The report states that the club have already been in contact with the 24-year-old’s representatives over a switch to join the club, with the Brazilian open to a move to England.

It also claims that he’s unhappy with his lack of game time at the Bernabeu, with talks once again being held for his signature after trying to land the forward last summer.

The Liverpool target who could be their own Alvarez

Alongside Rodrygo, Liverpool have also been largely touted with a move to sign Atlético Madrid talisman Julian Alvarez during the off-season, subsequently improving the options at Slot’s disposal.

A deal for the Argentine could be tricky given the fact he only moved to the LaLiga side last summer from Manchester City in a deal worth in the region of £80m.

However, current Reds star Darwin Núñez has been rumoured to be a bargaining tool in such a transfer, potentially lowering the fee for any deal to see the 25-year-old return to the Premier League.

Such a deal may prove to be too expensive, with a switch for Rodrygo potentially allowing the club to land their own version of Alvarez – that’s if stats from 2024/25 are to be believed.

The pair are ranked as similar players by FBref, with the Real Madrid sensation outperforming the Atlético talent in various key areas, showcasing how much of a superb signing he would be.

The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “one of the best in the world” by boss Carlo Ancelotti, has managed more progressive carries and more carries into the final third per 90 – showcasing the threat he carries with the ball at his feet.

He’s also completed more take-ons and more passes completed per 90 – handing the likes of Salah the opportunity to further increase their own impressive tallies.

Rodrygo has also won more of the aerial duels he’s entered, handing Slot another all-round presence within the final third of making it back-to-back titles at Anfield.

It’s unclear how much a deal for Rodrygo would set the hierarchy back this summer, but his talents are evident for all to see, given the stats he’s produced during the current campaign.

Alvarez would undoubtedly be an excellent option for the club, but if they are unable to land the Argentine, it’s evident that other super options are available within the market during the off-season.

Huge Nunez upgrade: Liverpool plot big move for "the best CF in the world"

Liverpool desperately need to sign a new centre-forward this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 9, 2025

Fulham and Marco Silva are now interested in signing a “terrific” £30,000-a-week player as a possible alternative to the heavily linked Kyle Walker-Peters, according to Sky Sports.

Fulham stepping up transfer plans as they eye Walker-Peters deal

The Cottagers are still very much in the hunt for a European spot, but with only four games left in the league, they are running out of time to close the gap. Therefore, while they will want to finish the season as best as possible, attention from Silva and the club’s hierarchy may be slowly turning towards next season and what they hope to do in the summer.

Talks held: Fulham discussing move for £50m ace with 3 UCL goals this season

The Cottagers are in talks to sign a midfielder, who has caught the eye with his performances in the Champions League this season.

1

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 30, 2025

It was reported last week that Fulham made contact with Juventus regarding a deal for Nicolo Savona. The Italian has emerged on Fulham’s radar, but they are not alone in the race, as several other teams from England are also keen on signing the versatile defender.

He is not the only defender on their list of targets, as according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, the Cottagers are keen on signing Kyle Walker-Peters once his contract at Southampton expires. The Premier League side plan to open contract talks with his agents once the campaign comes to a close.

The transfer news doesn’t stop there for Silva’s side, as while Liverpool are in talks over signing Antonee Robinson, Fulham have put forward the idea of re-signing Harvey Elliott in a partial swap deal, who looks set to leave Anfield at the end of this season. The Englishman is looking for more regular game time, and a return to Craven Cottage could be on the cards.

Fulham add Ipswich star Ben Johnson to full-back shortlist

But strengthening in defence seems to be more of a priority for Silva, as the Cottagers have their eye on a player who could be considered an alternative to Walker-Peters. According to Sky Sports, Fulham are keen on signing Ben Johnson from Ipswich Town this summer.

He is one of a number of right-backs that the club are looking at, but it is reported that Johnson doesn’t have a release clause, and given he has three years remaining on his contract, he remains a key part of Kieran McKenna’s plans.

Johnson, who has been described as “terrific” by football scout Antonio Mango, joined the Tractor Boys in the summer transfer window on a free transfer after leaving West Ham. The England under-21 international, who can also cover at centre-back and left-back, has played 22 times in the Premier League for Ipswich so far, scoring one goal and registering two assists.

McKenna is likely to want to keep hold of Johnson, who is on a weekly wage of £30,000 at Portman Road, but the offer of staying in the Premier League and playing for a team that isn’t expected to be in relegation trouble may be too good to turn down.

There are only four games left of the Premier League season for Arsenal, and while the team and fans will be focusing on the Champions League, the club will be preparing for the summer.

In fact, it was only this month that Mikel Arteta told the media that the upcoming transfer window is set to be seismic, which is undoubtedly needed considering how poorly things have gone on the domestic front.

For example, on top of silly suspensions and some truly unlucky injuries, too many players have underwhelmed this season, such as Gabriel Martinelli.

The Brazilian might have stepped it up a bit in recent weeks, but it could be too little too late, as recent reports have linked the club to a superstar who could be the perfect upgrade.

Arsenal transfer news

With it looking set to be a mega summer for Arsenal, it’s worth going over some of the other stars who have been touted for moves to the club in recent weeks, such as Rafael Leao.

The AC Milan monster will supposedly be available for around £86m, which is probably a fair enough fee, as in 46 games this season, he’s scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists.

Another target who’d cost at least as much is Desire Doue.

Transfer Focus

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

The Paris Saint-Germain gem has been linked with several Premier League sides, including the Gunners, and it’s not hard to see why, as at just 19 years old, he has produced 25 goal involvements in 46 games this year.

However, in this instance, the player in question is someone the Gunners have already faced off against this season: Rodrygo.

According to reports from Spain, Arsenal ‘have set their sights’ on a few Real Madrid stars, including the Brazilian international.

Now, the report does say it would be a difficult deal to get done, but not impossible, although per reports from late last year, Los Blancos might demand up to £123m for their star.

It would be an incredibly costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given his incredible ability, it is one worth fighting for, especially as he could be a dream Martinelli upgrade.

How Rodrygo compares to Martinelli

So, the first thing to say is that while Rodrygo has made more appearances off the right in his career, he’s no stranger to playing off the left, and with Bukayo Saka in the squad, he’d almost certainly be tasked with playing there.

Therefore, his biggest competitor for game time would be Martinelli, but how do the pair stack up against one another?

Well, in terms of raw output, it’s a comfortable win for the Real star, who Carlo Ancelotti described as one of “the best players in the world” just last year.

For example, he’s racked up 13 goals and ten assists in 49 appearances, totalling 3245 minutes this season, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.13 games, or every 141.08 minutes.

In contrast, the Gunners’ number 11 has scored nine goals and provided six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3068 minutes, which is an average of a goal involvement every three games or every 204.53 minutes.

Then, when we take a look under the hood, at their underlying numbers, it’s another comfortable victory for the Los Blancos star.

For example, he comes out ahead in most relevant metrics, including but not limited to non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, passing accuracy and key passes, shot and goal-creating actions, shots and shots on target, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while he would cost Arsenal a fortune, it’s clear that Rodrygo would be a massive upgrade on Martinelli, and therefore they should go all out to sign him.

Their next Rice: Arsenal line up move to sign Chelsea's £43m "monster"

Arsenal could sign a player from Chelsea this summer.

1

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 25, 2025

Wolves manager Vitor Pereira is pushing to complete the signing of a £34m midfielder in the summer transfer window, according to a new update.

Wolves eye signings to look upwards next season

It has largely been a season of struggle at Molineux, but relegation from the Premier League to the Championship has been avoided following an extremely impressive spell under Pereira. The 56-year-old has worked wonders at Wolves since replacing Gary O’Neil as manager, averaging 1.75 points per game and steering his team well clear of the drop zone.

It’s now a case of Wanderers kicking on this summer and Pereira signing the right players to suit his style, and he has discussed how he hopes the summer will pan out: “I expect to go with Wolves to the next level, the next step. This is what I’m thinking about. We don’t need a lot of money, we just need to make the right decisions and have a plan. My focus is on this team and trying to get the best results possible until the end of the season. Keeping almost all of the players (is important) because we have a very good group. I want to work for another level, I want to take the next step with this club.”

Joao Felix has been mentioned as a potential replacement for Matheus Cunha if he leaves this summer, with a loan move for the Chelsea attacker mooted. The Brazilian has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United, which would be a blow, as the club look to charge up the table rather than looking over their shoulder next term.

Meanwhile, Wolves have been boosted by the news that rumoured transfer target Clement Akpa could leave Auxerre this summer. The 23-year-old left-back could be seen as a replacement for Rayan Ait-Nouri, should he leave Molineux at the end of the season.

Pereira wants Wolves to sign 22 y/o Brazilian midfielder

According to a fresh claim from Coluna do Fla [via Sport Witness], Wolves are interested in signing Flamengo midfielder Evertton Araujo this summer, with Pereira leading their interest. The Wanderers boss has worked with the 22-year-old in the past at the Brazilian club and seemingly considers him a strong target, with a £34m release clause existing in his current contract.

Wolves fans could be forgiven for not knowing a huge amount about Araujo, considering he isn’t plying his trade in Europe currently, but it’s easy to see why Pereira likes him. The Brazilian has racked up 38 appearances for Flamengo to date, also enjoying plenty of success in his career, including winning the Brazilian Cup last year.

Exciting Cunha replacement: Wolves want to sign £45m star on loan

Wolves could lose Matheus Cunha in the summer transfer window.

By
Connor Holden

Apr 24, 2025

At 22, Araujo is also still very much at the beginning of his career, with his 6 foot 1 frame hopefully helping him make a seamless switch to the Premier League, handling the pace and power of it. Predominantly a defensive midfielder, he could provide strong competition for the likes of Andre and Joao Gomes, improving Pereira’s squad depth.

Tottenham Hotspur are now pushing hard to sign an “incredible” midfielder, and they are confident they will win the race for his signature, according to a report.

Tottenham eyeing reinforcements in multiple areas

Barring an unlikely triumph in the Europa League, the 2024-25 campaign is likely to go down as a season to forget for Tottenham, with it looking increasingly likely they will finish in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

Injuries no doubt haven’t helped their cause, but the fact Spurs have fallen way below expectations indicates several reinforcements may be needed in the summer, and they are eyeing players in multiple positions.

A new striker is of interest, with Dominic Solanke and Richarlison suffering their fair share of injury problems this season, and the Lilywhites are now making moves to sign Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin, while they are also stepping up their pursuit of Lille’s Jonathan David.

Tottenham may green light move for "Levy character" to replace Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou’s time in north London could be coming to an end…

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 6, 2025

With Cristian Romero potentially in line to leave Tottenham this summer, a new centre-back may also be required, and they are incredibly keen on Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah, who is set to be available on a free transfer.

Tah is not the only free agent that Tottenham are eyeing, however, with a report from The Boot Room revealing they are determined to sign Lille midfielder Angel Gomes, whose contract is set to expire this summer.

Spurs are pushing hard to get a deal for Gomes over the line, having been leading the race for his signature for quite some time, and they are confident they will be able to strike an agreement.

London rivals West Ham United have also been linked with a move for the 24-year-old, but widespread reports state he has turned down a move to the London Stadium.

Signing "incredible" Gomes could be shrewd business

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has made it clear Tottenham will have to be clever with how they operate in the transfer market this summer, saying: “We cannot spend what we do not have, and we will not compromise the financial stability of this club,”

“Recruitment remains a key focus, and we must ensure that we make smart purchases within our financial means.”

As such, it would be financially prudent to pursue free agents this summer, and signing Gomes could be a shrewd bit of business, given how impressive he has looked in a Lille shirt, notably impressing with his long-range passing last season.

The England international has also been lauded as “incredible” by Carlisle United midfielder Callum Whelan, indicating he could be a fantastic addition for Tottenham, who may be in need of at least one new midfielder, with Yves Bissouma’s future in doubt.

Former allrounder credits friend and ex-team-mate for bringing him back to the sport he loves

ESPNcricinfo staff19-Oct-2025Andrew Flintoff has credited his friend and former team-mate Rob Key for creating the conditions that have allowed the England men’s set-up to flourish under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, and says that the team’s positive outlook is a key reason why he wanted to come on board as England Lions head coach.Speaking to the Beard Before Wicket podcast, Flintoff reiterated that Key’s friendship had been a crucial factor in his return to public life, following the horrific car-crash on the set of Top Gear in December 2022.However, it was Key’s vision for English cricket that persuaded Flintoff to make a full return to the sport in a coaching capacity, initially as a consultant for the men’s white-ball squad, and latterly as Lions coach, including for this winter’s tour of Australia, which will run parallel to the main Ashes campaign.The pair have been close friends since their days in the England Under-19 set-up, and Flintoff declared that Key was “England’s best captain never to a captain the side”.”His cricket brain works in a different way to a lot of other people,” he said. “He’s similar to Shane Warne and people like that, they see the game differently.”You’re always going to have your critics. You can go into Wetherspoons down the road, and there’ll be 15 people who know better than Pep Guardiola. Everyone’s got an opinion, but I think he enjoys being the one making the decisions. He loved playing, but by doing this job, he can make an impact, and he wants to do it his way.”I think what they’ve done – himself [Key], Brendon, Stokes, now Harry [Brook]’s taken over in one-day cricket – as a fan, it’s been amazing. The way they play and the players they pick, they seem really good lads from the outside. I suppose that’s one of the reasons I wanted to be involved in this.”English cricket’s going forward. We’re leading the way in a lot of respects, and I want to be a part of that. By doing the Lions, I’m getting a chance to get involved and hopefully bring the next lads through. I’m very much on the same page of what they’re trying to do with England, and I feel fortunate to be a part of it.”England head into this winter’s Ashes with Ben Stokes looking to cement his legacy as captain with a first series win in the country since 2010-11. Flintoff himself captained England to a 5-0 loss in the 2006-07 campaign, and while he recognised there were similarities between the two men as players, he insisted Stokes was on a different level as a leader.”I do see similarities, but as a leader, he’s incredible,” Flintoff said. “I captained England, and I was terrible. I really was. It wasn’t for me, but you see him … he’s got that atmosphere. He’s got that aura.Three lions: Steve Harmison, Rob Key and Andrew Flintoff celebrate England’s 2004 series win against West Indies•Getty Images

“One of the things which I prided myself on as a player was, when the game’s on the line, that’s when the best of me came out. And I see that with Ben. Playing against Zimbabwe in Harare, I’m probably not going to at be my best, you know, but in the big moments, that’s when I came alive, and that’s when Ben does.”Both players have been prone to bowling long, punishing spells as captain – with Flintoff once bowling more than 50 overs in a drawn Test against Sri Lanka in 2006.”I just ran myself into the ground,” he said. “I’ve seen him do that a little bit as well, but Ben’s got Baz and good people around him, just to save him from himself. I never had that.”Elsewhere in the interview, Flintoff recalled how Key had helped to coax him back into the public domain, first by inviting to attend the 2023 Ashes series in a private capacity, and then by offering him a chance to work behind the scenes with England’s squads.He admitted that he had been “bricking it” prior to his first involvement with the men’s squad, for their white-ball series against New Zealand in September 2023, at which stage he had still not been seen in public since his crash.However, the welcome he received from the squad reminded Flintoff that “actually, this is this is where I want to be, this is where I feel comfortable”.”Cricket did save me,” he added. “It got me out of the house, and it got me focused on something, but more importantly, surrounded by people who have got something in common. I genuinely love it. I love the culture. It’s so much fun.”