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Sunderland winger Lynden Gooch has been discussing his future at the club following the Black Cat’s play-off final success over Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday. 

The lowdown: Mr Versatile

Having started out as predominantly a right-winger with capabilities of playing on the opposite flank, Gooch has been transformed over time into the ultimate utility man.

This season, the 26-year-old USA international has featured on both wings in each of a wing forward, wide midfield and full-back capacity.

After playing 90 minutes as a right-sided full-back in the 2-0 play-off final victory at Wembley, Gooch has addressed his next move as his contract at the Stadium of Light nears its conclusion…

The latest: Gooch unsure of Sunderland future

Speaking after the match, as quoted by The Northern Echo, the four-cap American admitted to being unsure as to where his future may lie.

Gooch said: “I don’t know where I’m going to be next season so we’re going to have to wait and see. If this is my last game for Sunderland then there is not a better way to go out.

“I’ve got a meeting with him (Alex Neil) on Tuesday and we’ll see what happens. It is what it is. I’ve give everything for the club in my ten years as a pro. We’ll see what happens. If it’s my last game then happy days, I can go out on a high. If not, then I’ll continue to represent the club as best I can.

“This is my fourth time here with Sunderland playing here and it is a difficult occasion. I was trying to help the young lads as best I can. It’s not easy, it’s Wembley. It’s amazing being on the winning side. I know what it’s like being on the losing side. It’s an amazing feeling for sure.”

The verdict: Sunderland should keep him

Signed in 2012 from Santa Cruz Breakers, Gooch broke into the first team at Sunderland in 2016/17 and has since represented the club in the Premier League, Championship and League One.

A superb servant at the Stadium of Light, the American was recently praised by ex-Sunderland striker Stephen Elliott for a ‘terrific’ display against Cambridge United, during which the 26-year-old provided one assist and made seven key passes in an 8.1-rated performance from Sofascore.

Overall this season, Gooch provided six assists in 45 appearances, and he is likely to remain an integral part of Alex Neil’s plans should the club and player come to an agreement regarding a new deal. Given how much he has contributed on Wearside, hopefully the Black Cats can persuade him to stay for another while yet.

In other news, James Copley was left stunned by this development ahead of the play-off final

Newcastle United ‘would love’ to sign Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer, claims journalist Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Calvert-Lewin links

According to The Telegraph, the Magpies are plotting to make a bid for the 25-year-old in the upcoming transfer window.

Valued at £37.8m by Transfermarkt, the striker has endured a difficult season in Merseyside, having missed 16 games due to a fractured toe at the start of the campaign.

However, it appears that the England international is back to his goal-scoring ways, having netted twice in his last two games, including the winning-goal in Everton’s famous comeback against Crystal Palace, which secured the Toffees’ Premier League safety.

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The Latest: Jones’ claim

Jones has now backed the Telegraph’s report, claiming that Newcastle are keen on adding Calvert-Lewin to Eddie Howe’s ranks.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, he claimed: “I mean, it’s an ideal one for them to look at. Calvert-Lewin’s somebody they like.

“They want to have a British core to them if they possibly can; they want to have players that have got Premier League pedigree. And Calvert-Lewin, as a young player on the fringes of the England side, is somebody they would love to get in.”

 The Verdict: Great signing

The arrival of Calvert-Lewin at St. James’ Park would provide Howe with a lethal aerial threat within the box, who could thus be exploited by the Magpies’ high-pressing wide players.

According to FB Ref, the striker ranks in the 95th percentile for aerials won, for which he averages 5.4 a game in the Premier League (via WhoScored), giving plenty of evidence as to why Alan Shearer once said he ‘absolutely batters’ defenders.

Hailed by former Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti as a “fantastic striker”, and with Graeme Souness’ assertion that the 25-year-old plays with “sauce” and “swagger”, it is clear to see Calvert-Lewin’s quality.

This would be a great signing for Newcastle.

In other news: Newcastle United: Italian source makes Thomas Strakosha claim

Celtic hero James Forrest has signed a new deal to keep him at the club until the summer of 2025, reliable journalist Anthony Joseph has confirmed.

The Lowdown: Forrest a Celtic ‘legend’

The 30-year-old has enjoyed an incredible Hoops career, making a total of 444 appearances for the club and registering 97 and 98 goals and assists in that time, respectively.

Forrest has also achieved amazing team success during his time at Celtic, winning a remarkable ten Scottish Premiership titles, also being described as a club ‘legend’ by Paddy McCourt.

While the winger’s future has been a little unclear of late, there has been a major development regarding the situation.

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The Latest: Forrest signs new deal

Taking to Twitter, Joseph of Sky Sports confirmed that Forrest would remain at Parkhead for another three years, having signed a new deal:

“James Forrest has signed a contract extension with Celtic until 2025.”

The Verdict: First of many?

This is a wonderful piece of news to add to a hugely positive week, following Celtic’s glorious title win, as Ange Postecoglou’s first season in charge ends now with his first piece of summer business.

At 30, Forrest still has a number of years left in him at this level and he can continue to use his quality and experience to good use, barring any more injury troubles, having been hailed as ‘amazing’ by teammate Mohamed Elyounoussi.

The Scot has 20 appearances in the Champions League too, chipping in with two assists and one goal, so he will believe he can use his know-how to help Celtic leave an imprint in the tournament.

With such a huge step-up to the group stages of Europe’s elite competition, look for Ange to add even more high-level players following the completion of this early business.

In other news, Celtic are reportedly interested in signing an Eredivisie player. Find out who it is here.

Everton are reportedly now closing in on a deal for a new sponsor for their 2022/23 kits as their relegation fight continues at Watford on Wednesday.

The Lowdown: Cazoo ties ended

It was reported back in March that the Goodison Park faithful will end their sponsorship deal with Cazoo at the end of the season.

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The car dealers have been sponsoring the Blues’ shirts since the summer of 2020, but the Merseyside club will now be looking for a new sponsor going into the new campaign.

The Latest: Terms agreed

As per The Liverpool Echo, the Toffees are now ‘closing in’ on a new shirt sponsor to replace Cazoo.

They have already ‘agreed terms’ with a new partner, although they have not yet been named.

However, this is only an agreement in principle, and could change if they end up relegated from the Premier League.

Nonetheless, the proposed deal is thought to be a ‘significant lift’ on what Cazoo were paying.

The Verdict: Needed

After cutting ties with Cazoo, the situation with the sponsor needed sorting out sooner rather than later.

It looks as if the Blues could be getting a better deal, which of course would be a big boost in the financial department, but a lot depends on their top-flight status.

Nonetheless, Frank Lampard and his team will be playing down any off-field developments as they look to secure all three points away at an already-relegated Watford side tonight.

In other news, find out what ‘huge’ EFC injury update has now emerged here!

Italian source Noi Biancocelesti has now shared an interesting transfer update involving Tottenham Hotspur and Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

The Lowdown: Conte wants him…

Spurs boss Antonio Conte, according to recent reports, is a really big fan of the Serbian international with links to the north Londoners starting to emerge in April.

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Regional news outlet La Lazio Siamo Noi claimed last month that the Lilywhites ‘could really make an attempt’ to sign Milinkovic-Savic in the summer window – but much will depend on their ability to qualify for the Champions League.

Both Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici are allegedly ‘crazy’ for the midfielder who is attracting serious demand.

The Latest: Milinkovic-Savic update emerges…

As per Noi Biancocelesti, an update has emerged with Spurs still firmly in the mix.

They say a ‘real auction has been launched’ for Milinkovic-Savic as Manchester United attempt to move, with The Red Devils even readying a £68 million bid which ‘would satisfy’ Lazio president Claudio Lotito.

However, Lotito is stalling due to more potential offers and interest from Tottenham who ‘would like to bring’ the 27-year-old to Hotspur Way – backing Conte with his signing.

The Italian is said to ‘dote’ on Serie A’s midfield machine and ‘knows him very well’.

The Verdict: Ambitious move…

Chairman Daniel Levy will have to sanction a big money bid to make this potentially ambitious Spurs move happen and one which would almost certainly break their transfer record.

The marquee Lazio ace would be a stellar addition though and one which would almost certainly appease Conte amid his own links to Paris-Saint Germain.

Called ‘extraordinary’ by AC Milan legend and Parma sporting director Demetrio Albertini, Milinkovic-Savic stands out as Maurizio Sarri’s most crucial player going by average match rating per 90 this season (WhoScored).

He’s also played more minutes than any Lazio player domestically, making the most tackles per match out of all of them in that time (WhoScored).

Milinkovic-Savic has also racked up an incredible ten goals and 11 assists going forward in the league, coming as a real midfield all-rounder who can seemingly do it all.

There is little wonder he will command a huge summer fee and Spurs will need to pull out all the stops to beat United to his Premier League signing.

In other news: Tottenham expected to move for ‘phenomenal’ £101m star after Conte request, find out more here.

Everton have seen a number of their players linked with moves away from Goodison Park following a difficult Premier League campaign this season and now a new update has emerged on a fan favourite.

What’s the latest?

According to Football Insider sources, there has been a development in Everton’s summer transfer plans with recruitment sources at Goodison Park revealing that the club would be willing to accept offers of at least £50m for Richarlison this summer.

The reports claim that Everton are confident they will be able to attract offers over the aforementioned transfer estimation.

Supporters will be fuming

Supporters of the Toffees will surely be infuriated with the news that the club will potentially cash in on one of their best players and prospects this summer, as he has proven he would be integral next season in helping Everton steady the ship if they were to stay in the Premier League.

Richarlison has been a loyal and consistent servant for Everton in the forward line offering up 51 goals and 13 assists in 148 appearances, with some incredibly important strikes, particularly this season. As a result, he’s kept the Toffees’ chances alive to compete for a place in the Premier League during a tough relegation battle.

Recently, the Brazilian forward has made the difference in his team securing four points with a last-minute equaliser against Leicester City two weeks ago, and a winning goal against Chelsea in front of the home fans on Sunday afternoon that has kept the side in contention to make the great escape from the bottom three.

His impact during his time at the club has ultimately attracted interest from other Premier League clubs, with Manchester United reportedly interested in the goal machine, however, the value he adds to Everton’s attacking threat should be priceless to Frank Lampard, and the manager should do all that he can to keep hold of one of his star players next season.

Ultimately, Everton’s future in top-flight football hangs in the balance with the side now two points deep into the relegation zone with just five games to go and the future of many players, including Richarlison, will likely remain undecided until their fate is sealed over the next few weeks.

AND in other news: Bye-bye DCL: Lampard must finally unleash Everton’s 19 y/o “exciting talent”

Manchester United moved up to ninth in the Premier League table and within two points of the Champions League places with a 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

The Red Devils claimed all three points at Anfield for the first time since January 2016 after a late header from Harry Maguire sealed the victory for the away side.

Bruno Fernandes volleyed a brilliant ball to the back stick for the England international to nod the ball back the other way into the far corner, just six minutes after Cody Gakpo’s equaliser.

Whilst it was Maguire who scored the winning goal, United had Senne Lammens to thank for the three points because of his performance in goal.

Why Senne Lammens won Man Utd the game against Liverpool

United have had their fair share of troubles with goalkeepers in recent seasons. Altay Bayindir conceded 0.84 more than expected and made one error that led to a goal in the first six matches of the Premier League season, per Sofascore.

Lammens, however, has come in from Royal Antwerp and looks to be a safe pair of hands. After a clean sheet against Sunderland, the Belgian giant made four saves and prevented 1.25 goals, per Sofascore, against Liverpool.

The pick of the saves came in the first half when he prevented British-record signing Alexander Isak from scoring by smartly sticking a foot out to keep the shot out of his net.

Chalkboard

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

Without his shot-stopping and calmness behind the defence, Man United may have only come away from Anfield with a point, or none, given how poorly Altay performed at the start of the season.

Whilst Lammens was a shining light in goal and should be considered undroppable, Mason Mount should be ditched from the starting XI by Ruben Amorim.

Why Man Utd should drop Mason Mount

The England international, who scored against Sunderland before the break, started as part of a fluid front three alongside Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, with Benjamin Sesko dropped to the bench.

It was a tactic that worked, to a point, as the movement across the front confused the Liverpool defence and created some promising moments, including Mbeumo’s goal.

Mount’s individual performance, though, suggests that the £66.4m signing from RB Leipzig should be brought back in to lead the line against Brighton next weekend.

Minutes

61

29

Shots

2

1

Big chances missed

1

0

Touches

19

19

Pass accuracy

58%

62%

Key passes

0

1

Big chances created

0

0

Successful dribbles

0

1

Duels won

1/3

4/6

As you can see in the table above, Sesko created more chances, completed more dribbles, and won four times as many duels, in roughly half as much time on the pitch.

The Slovenia international, who has scored two Premier League goals this season, offers a physical presence at the top end of the pitch that allows Mbeumo and Cunha to play off him, which they did not have when Mount and Cunha were rotating in the number nine role.

Mount played the role that was asked of him by Amorim and provided energy in the win over Liverpool, but his end product in and out possession was simply not good enough, as he had even fewer touches of the ball (19) than Lammens in goal (55), per Sofascore.

This is why the head coach should ruthlessly drop him from the starting XI in order to bring Sesko back in to lead the line against Brighton next time out, as the former Leipzig man is a natural number nine who can offer a greater threat in front of goal.

Forget Mainoo: Amorim has the next Pogba in "generational" Man Utd talent

Manchester United appear to have another elite-level star already within Ruben Amorim’s ranks.

2 ByEthan Lamb Oct 18, 2025

Everton felt the excitement as they waved goodbye to Goodison Park and geared up for a new chapter at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, led once again by David Moyes.

But that excitement has been tempered by a frustrating summer transfer window, with the Premier League season now up and running and Everton still in need of a few more faces.

The Toffees were defeated at Leeds United in their season opener, and while the likes of off-the-bench debutants Jack Grealish and Thierno Barry illustrated the start of a new-look Everton, there’s no question that the performance was flat, and that it’s imperative that something is done before the closure of the transfer window.

Everton hunting more signings

Everton’s one-goal defeat at Elland Road left a lot to be desired, and it’s clear that the club need more sparkle going forward.

Grealish will be billed as one of the principal providers in that regard, but the Blues could do with a few more signings to assist the England international.

Though Everton need right-siders and perhaps another forward too, Moyes is considering a move that would bolster his central ranks, and he’s peering over the edge of the Premier League and into the Championship.

Well, according to Football Insider, Everton are now working on a deal for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, though they face stiff competition from Crystal Palace in the race for the 23-year-old.

A move to Ipswich Town has already fallen through for the English talent, with a £20m fee agreed between the clubs, but personal terms proving insurmountable at the negotiating table.

What Hayden Hackney would bring to Everton

Hackney has completed 116 appearances for Middlesbrough since graduating from the club’s youth academy, establishing himself as one of the maestros of England’s second tier.

An all-action player, Hackney is calm and composed when against the ball and sharp and intelligent when in possession, with his natural-born creativity allowing him to influence from the deeper fathoms of the midfield.

Last season, he started 43 times in the Championship, completing 85% of his passes and averaging 1.5 key passes and 6.5 ball recoveries per game, via Sofascore.

Such vast ground-covering performances would add much to Moyes’ Everton side, and the Boro star might even prove the perfect midfield partner to restore Grealish to his one-time level, having been untouchable during that final year at Aston Villa in 2020/21.

Matches (starts)

26 (24)

Goals

6

Assists

10

Shots (on target)*

1.9 (0.7)

Big chances missed

4

Pass completion

83%

Big chances created

14

Key passes*

3.2

Dribbles*

2.5

Tackles + interceptions*

1.7

Total duels (won)*

8.9 (61%)

It was a truly remarkable year from the Three Lions star, one that saw him earn his record-breaking move to Pep Guardiola’s brood. However, Grealish has lost his sparkle over the past few years in Manchester and could rekindle that flame on Merseyside.

Everton aren’t blessed with the same depth of technical quality as Man City, but the Birmingham-born forward should have greater freedom to roam and make things happen, and with Hackney playing in balls from behind, the chances of a fluent system are only increased.

As per data from FBref, Hackney ranked among the top 5% of midfielders in the Championship last season for passes attempted, the top 1% for progressive passes, the top 8% for shot-creating actions and the top 9% for progressive carries per 90.

There’s no question that he bears the range of passing and the athleticism to add a dimension to Everton’s midfield, thus providing the fleet-footed Grealish with a constant supply line from which he can work his magic in and around the penalty area.

Hailed by former Boro boss Michael Carrick for his “immense” performance against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup during the 2023/24 season, Hackney has spent plenty of time developing his skills in the Championship and is surely now ready to take the leap forward into the Premier League.

His long, calculated passing puts him in a different category from Everton’s current midfield crop, and he would be the perfect kind of deep-lying playmaker to restore Grealish’s X-factor and ensure the Toffees make it a successful and exciting season.

Their new Stones: TFG begin talks to sign "special" £26m star for Everton

Everton still hope to make a few signings before the end of the summer transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 18, 2025

Nottingham Forest have now submitted a formal £25m+ offer for an “elite” midfielder, who has already struck an agreement on personal terms, according to a report.

Forest stepping up midfielder pursuit after Europa League verdict

The Tricky Trees have controversially been admitted to next season’s Europa League, as a result of issues surrounding multi-club ownership at Crystal Palace, with Eagles chairman Steve Parish putting out a strong statement after the verdict.

Parish said: “The decision by Uefa and followed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport shows that sporting merit is rendered meaningless. It appears that certain clubs, organisations and individuals have a unique privilege and power.”

Parish has previously suggested that Forest are to blame for Palace’s demotion, but Evangelos Marinakis is unlikely to care too much, given that his side are now set to embark on a Europa League campaign next season.

Consequently, Nottingham Forest may now also be better-placed to attract some exciting new players, and a new midfielder is of particular interest, with Manchester City’s James McAtee emerging as a major target.

Not only are Nuno Espirito Santo’s side eager to sign an attacking midfielder, but they are also looking to bring in a player capable of operating in a deeper role, with it recently being revealed they are in active talks over a deal for AC Milan’s Yunus Musah.

There has now been a new update on Forest’s pursuit of Musah, with a report from TEAMtalk revealing they have now tabled an official offer of £25.9m including bonuses, which is close to the Italian club’s asking price.

A dream for McAtee: Nottingham Forest plot swoop for "explosive" £40m star

The promising talent would be an excellent signing for Nottingham Forest.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 12, 2025

Milan are looking to hold out for just over £30m, which means the two clubs aren’t too far apart, and should a fee be agreed, personal terms could be a formality, as an agreement in principle has already been reached on a deal until 2030.

With a move to Napoli now off the cards, the midfielder is open to a move to the Premier League, and the Tricky Trees could even slightly increase their bid to get a deal over the line.

"Elite" Musah could excel at the City Ground

The 47-cap USA star clearly has all the attributes of a top midfielder, having received very high praise from football talent scout Jacek Kulig for his performances at international level.

Still only 22-years-old, the New-York born midfielder already has plenty of experience at the top level, making 80 appearances for AC Milan, while also featuring seven times in the Champions League last season.

With Forest set to embark on a Europa League campaign next season, Nuno could do with bringing in players who have experience in big matches, and Musah certainly fits the bill.

68 days on from the sacking of Philippe Clement, the search for Rangers’ new permanent manager goes on at Ibrox.

For now, Barry Ferguson remains in interim charge, and he will remain in situ for the rest of the season, most recently overseeing the Gers’ 2-2 draw in Paisley on Saturday.

This means the Light Blues have now won only three of their last eight Premiership outings, conceding at least twice in ten of 12 outings across all competitions since mid-February.

However, with the 49ers takeover seemingly imminent, could the new owners land their dream appointment, one that would reinvigorate the club captain?

James Tavernier's recent form at Rangers

Sunday’s Old Firm at Ibrox will be James Tavernier’s 510th appearance in a Rangers jersey, only ten men have accumulated more for the club, making him an undisputed, bona fide legend in Govan.

During Rangers’ title-winning season of 2020/21, Jordan Campbell of the Athletic exclaimed that Tavernier was ‘the best player in Scotland’, stating that he was ‘playing on a different level to the rest of the league’, adding that the ‘extraordinary’ right-back put in one of the most ‘impressive individual seasons’ in Scottish football history.

However, in more recent times, Tavernier’s place in the Rangers team has come under scrutiny.

The Englishman himself admitted “I started the season off slow”, not reaching his usual high level, with Joshua Barrie of the Rangers Review labelling his performance against Motherwell in November’s League Cup Final as “passive”.

In an attempt to combat his defensive lapses, interim manager Ferguson has shifted Tavernier around, deploying him at centre-back against Athletic Club in the Europa League at San Mamés, before also trialling him as a right-wing-back on occasion, as was the case last weekend.

Given the 33-year-old’s attacking output, the latter role certainly suits him, so could the current front-runner to be the next Rangers manager get the best out of the skipper?

The current favourite to be the next Rangers manager

According to a report by The Daily Record, Marco Rose is currently the ‘nailed-on favourite’ to become the next Rangers manager.

The 48-year-old German is out of work, having been sacked by RB Leipzig in March, but boasts a pretty impressive CV.

Lokomotive Leipzig

2012-13

30

30%

0

RB Salzburg

2017-19

114

72%

Austria Bundesliga x2 & ÖFB-Cup

Mönchengladbach

2019-21

88

47%

0

Dortmund

2021-22

55

59%

0

RB Leipzig

2022-25

128

56%

DFB-Pokal & DFL-Supercup

TEAMtalk notes that a move for Rose could be feasible because Rangers’ new prospective owners, 49ers Enterprises, led by Paraag Marathe, already own Leeds United, who have minority investment from Red Bull GmbH, with whom Rose already has a working relationship, having been employed in both Salzburg and then Leipzig for nigh on a decade.

So, would Rose be a good appointment, and what is his style of play? Well, Scottish football expert Kai Watson has already declared that “he’s a level above Gerrard,” another of Rangers’ shortlisted candidates.

Meanwhile, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout certainly thinks so, labelling him “one of the most promising coaches in world football”.

As further noted by Luis Kircher of Total Football Analysis, Rose likes his teams to ‘press hard and make quick transitions’, with ‘intensity’ and ‘committing players forward’ key aspects of his style.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

When asked about his playing philosophy, Rose himself stated “we want to be very active… when we lose possession, lots of sprinting. We want to win the ball high up the pitch”, believing this “is a style that continues to excite” supporters.

Often favouring a back three, but the principle is the same in a four, as outlined by Marcel Seifeddine of Total Football Analysis, the width in a Rose team often comes from the full-backs, not deploying wingers, instead utilising central number tens, with the full-backs overlapping.

This has allowed attacking full-backs such as Lutsharel Geertruida, Benjamin Henrichs, David Raum, Raphaël Guerreiro, Ramy Bensebaïni, Stefan Lainer and others to thrive under his stewardship.

Thus, not only would the appointment of Rose be a major coup for Rangers, it could be the ideal hire to reinvigorate an out-of-form Tavernier.

Rangers: "Outstanding" 4-4-2 manager explodes into race to replace Ferguson

A high-profile European coach is now among the main contenders to become the new manager of the Gers.

ByDominic Lund May 1, 2025