Tag Futebol

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.

The captains event is tentatively scheduled around February 16 or 17 in Karachi

Nagraj Gollapudi22-Jan-2025

There is no clear answer to whether India captain Rohit Sharma will travel to Pakistan for the ICC’s official captains call to ring in the 2025 Champions Trophy. The captains event, which as per practice happens in the host country, is tentatively scheduled around February 16 or 17 in Karachi, but the BCCI is yet to get any official communication on it from the ICC.”It [Rohit travelling to Pakistan] has not yet been discussed. It is not on the agenda yet,” Devjit Saikia, the BCCI’s newly-appointed secretary, told ESPNcricinfo.It could not be confirmed whether the BCCI would need the Indian government’s permission for Rohit to travel to Pakistan.Related

Tickets for Champions Trophy final to go on sale only four days before match

Gaddafi redevelopment picks up pace as Champions Trophy nears

Champions Trophy 2025: Dubai to host all India matches, including the knockouts if India qualify

Hybrid model agreed for Champions Trophy and ICC events from 2024-27

Due to the climate of political tension between the two countries, India and Pakistan have played no bilateral series since 2012, but continue to meet at ICC tournaments. While Pakistan have travelled to India for ICC tournaments in this period, India have not played any international cricket in Pakistan since 2008.With the BCCI insisting that India would not travel to Pakistan for their matches, the ICC in co-ordination with the PCB, the tournament hosts, decided upon a hybrid model for ICC events until 2027, with Dubai named as the host of India’s Champions Trophy games.While there is no recent precedent for an India player visiting Pakistan in an official capacity, there is one involving BCCI officials. In 2023, Roger Binny and Rajiv Shukla, the BCCI’s president and vice-president, travelled to Lahore for an official PCB dinner during the Asia Cup, after being invited by the then PCB chair Zaka Ashraf.It is understood that the PCB has requested the ICC to ensure that, as per standard practice, all teams and captains are available for the Champions Trophy photoshoot, opening ceremony and other pre-tournament engagements. The ICC, it is understood, is still finalising logistics and travel dates for teams.Incidentally, the ICC did not organise a captains event ahead of the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup which was co-hosted by the West Indies and the USA. With teams playing warm-up matches in several countries, the ICC instead opted to do the official launch via a lighting projection show that featured all 20 captains beamed onto the Rockefeller Centre building in New York City. It is understood that like in the 2024 T20 World Cup, teams will have the option of playing up to two warm-up matches each depending on their arrival time for the Champions Trophy.Saikia: ‘BCCI will follow every uniform-related ICC rule’Saikia, meanwhile, has clarified that India will adhere to the dress code set by the ICC for the Champions Trophy, responding to media speculation that the BCCI had objected to the host nation’s name on their jersey. Player jerseys during ICC events usually include the tournament logo with the name of the tournament, host country and year below it.”BCCI will follow every uniform-related ICC rule during Champions Trophy,” Saikia told . “Whatever the other teams will do regarding the logo and dress code, we are going to follow in true letter and spirit.”

Liverpool are continuing to build a squad capable of fighting on all fronts this season and have now turned their attention to a defender who models himself on Virgil van Dijk, according to reports.

Liverpool set for return to action in FA Community Shield clash

After a summer that has yielded several statement signings at Anfield, Liverpool return to competitive action this weekend against Crystal Palace as they aim to win the FA Community Shield.

Speaking ahead of the tie, Arne Slot has confirmed the Reds won’t underestimate Crystal Palace as both sides take part in the curtain-raiser ahead of this season’s Premier League.

He stated: “It’s nice if you can start the season by winning something. We have a chance at the beginning of the season. We face a difficult Crystal Palace side. They have shown how hard it is to win a one-off game with them.

“Counter-attacks, set-pieces, long-balls to Mateta and individual quality of their forwards. Bilbao, AC Milan and Yokohama already gave us good competition (in pre-season). Palace hit the ground running again, it is still the same team. A good challenge for us to start the season.”

With Darwin Nunez heading for Al-Hilal, Liverpool are also expected to submit another bid for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, potentially lifting their attacking output into a different paradigm if they can force Eddie Howe into a sale.

Leeds racing to sign £35m Liverpool target who is "definitely" world-class

The Whites are battling it out for a world-class player, who has been made available by his current club.

ByDominic Lund Aug 7, 2025

Real Madrid winger Rodrygo is also on the Reds’ radar, offering scope for a landmark end to a window that has already seen Slot raise the floor of his squad with additions such as Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez.

Now, they could add to their defensive ranks with a signing that has previously expressed his admiration for their club captain.

Liverpool continue to push for Giovanni Leoni

According to Florian Plettenberg on X, Liverpool are courting Parma defender Giovanni Leoni and he is said to be “one to watch” on the market, though their focus still remains firmly on Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi.

Other Italian clubs could come to the table for the 18-year-old and he may indeed remain at his current employers, but the Reds indeed have him on their list and they are believed to be “closely monitoring” his situation.

Citing his biggest influences, Leoni has admitted he models his game on Virgil van Dijk, which would be something that could endear himself to supporters.

Last term, the Rome-born man registered a solitary effort in 17 Serie A appearances, though his arrival at Anfield would very much be deemed as a long-term project.

Big picture: A rich SA flavour to the CPL final

After having had to wait 11 years for a maiden CPL trophy, Guyana Amazon Warriors are now just one step away from winning back-to-back titles. Imran Tahir was targeted when he was appointed Amazon Warriors’ captain last season at 44 – Tahir said “everyone was sending jokes” about it – and having been retained as captain this year, he will be looking to lead Amazon Warriors to glory once again, in front of their home fans, in Providence.At 45, Tahir became the first overseas bowler to 100 wickets in the CPL and continues to rock the league with his variations and celebrations. He had joined Amazon Warriors in 2018 and has remained with the side for seven seasons, which is quite rare in the cutthroat world of franchise T20 cricket. Midway through this season, Tahir suffered an injury, but he recovered to forge a potent partnership with Gudakesh Motie, the local left-arm fingerspinner, and Moeen Ali, the English offspinner. The trio has been hard to get away, especially on the spin-friendly surfaces in Providence.Amazon Warriors have also loaded their side with spin-hitters like Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope and Moeen. After not playing a single game in the 2024 T20 World Cup, Hetmyer has reminded the world of his T20 pedigree, hitting 391 runs in 12 innings at an average of 43.44 and strike rate of 187.98 in this CPL heading into the final.Since the start of CPL 2023, Amazon Warriors have lost just four games at home, with two of those losses coming at the hands of St Lucia Kings, including the Qualifier 1 earlier this week. Despite losing tosses and losing key personnel – like Heinrich Klaasen even before the start of the tournament – Kings have remained a formidable force under Faf du Plessis, who, like Tahir, is a familiar face at the CPL.At 40, du Plessis is still going strong. This is his most prolific CPL in terms of runs – 384 runs in 11 innings at an average of 38.40 and strike rate of 148.83 – and if it culminates in a title, it could potentially raise his stocks ahead of the IPL retention deadline and player auction. Du Plessis’ stint in CPL 2023 was cut short by a tennis-elbow injury, but he has worked his way around that this season, dovetailing well with Johnson Charles, who has reinvented himself as a 360-degree batter.Related

• Noor: gun wristspinner who turned Kings' X-factor

• Johnson Charles switches his T20 fortunes

• Barbados to host maiden CPL final in 2026

• Russell, Pooran opt out of SL T20Is; Andrew bolts into ODI squad

While this is the St Lucia franchise’s third CPL final, this will be du Plessis’ first – he had suffered an injury before the title clash in 2021, when they lost to St Kitts & Nevis Patriots. However, he is used to the pressure that a final brings, having been part of Chennai Super Kings for a number of years in the IPL.Kings’ coach Daren Sammy also has some unfinished business: in his last match as CPL captain, he lost to Trinbago Knight Riders in the 2020 final. Can he and du Plessis upstage Amazon Warriors at their home ground and lead Kings to their first CPL title?

Form guide

Guyana Amazon Warriors WLWWW (last five T20s, most recent first)
St Lucia Kings WLWWWImran Tahir and Moeen Ali have produced vital breakthroughs for Guyana Amazon Warriors•CPL T20 via Getty Images

In the spotlight: Moeen Ali and Alzarri Joseph

Just over three months after in England’s T20 World Cup semi-final defeat to India in Providence, Moeen Ali is now on the verge of winning a title, in his first CPL stint, at the venue. He has bagged 14 wickets in nine innings at an average of 11.35 and an economy rate of less than five. With the bat, he has floated up and down the order and in the qualifier 2, he scored an unbeaten 44 to put Amazon Warriors in the final.In another spin-dominated CPL, Alzarri Joseph is the most successful fast bowler with 15 wickets in 11 innings. His ability to hit hard lengths and generate extra bounce have served him well, and on potentially slow surfaces in Guyana, he could take the conditions out of the equation and provide a point of difference to Kings’ attack. Du Plessis, too, trusts Alzarri to bowl the tough overs, having also worked with him at the SA20 (Joburg Super Kings) and IPL (Royal Challengers Bengaluru).

Team news: Who will open the batting for GAW?

Since the start of CPL 2023, Amazon Warriors have used 14 openers with only Rahmanullah Guraz and Saim Ayub, who has missed this season for national duty, getting more than five innings each at the top. It remains to be seen if Moeen will open alongside Gurbaz again in the final on Sunday. Amazon Warriors will also have to make a choice between the fingerspin of Kevin Sinclair and the pace of Shamar Joseph.Guyana Amazon Warriors (probable): 1 Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 2 Moeen Ali, 3 Shai Hope (wk), 4 Shimron Hetmyer, 5 Romario Shepherd, 6 Keemo Paul, 7 Dwaine Pretorius, 8 Raymon Reiffer, 9 Kevin Sinclair/Shamar Joseph, 10 Gudakesh Motie, 11 Imran Tahir (capt)Will Kings stick with Johann Jeremiah, who had made his CPL debut in Qualifier 1, or will they go back to Shadrack Descarte?St Lucia Kings (probable): 1 Faf du Plessis (capt), 2 Johnson Charles, 3 Roston Chase, 4 Ackeem Auguste, 5 Tim Seifert (wk), 6 David Wiese, 7 Johann Jeremiah/Shadrack Descarte, 8 Matthew Forde, 9 Alzarri Joseph, 10 Khary Pierre, 11 Noor Ahmad

Pitch and conditions: Spin to win?

Though the Providence pitch used for the last two games against Kings saw the ball come on to the bat better, the venue has traditionally rolled out slow tracks. Rain had interrupted Amazon Warriors’ chase in the first qualifier and though rain has been forecast for Sunday morning as well, the forecast is more promising for the evening. Dew could be a factor later in the night.Shimron Hetmyer has been in terrific six-hitting form in CPL 2024•CPL T20/Getty Images

Stats and trivia

• The team batting first has won seven of the ten games Providence has hosted so far this season.
• Hetmyer and Charles have hit 31 sixes each in CPL 2024. Only Nicholas Pooran (35) has smashed more sixes than them this season.
• Noor Ahmad has dominated right-hand batters in this tournament, taking 16 wickets against them in ten innings. While he has managed just three wickets against left-hand batters, he has tied them down, conceding at just 5.34 an over.

Quotes

“We gelled well together last year, and we knew we had to work hard to win the competition. Coming back and defending the title is a bigger challenge.”
“I feel like we’ve adapted well wherever we’ve played, bar two games at home where he were a little bit slow on reacting to those conditions.”

تحدث خوان لابورتا، رئيس نادي برشلونة عن موعد العودة مرة أخرى للعب على “سبوتيفاي كامب نو” خلال اليوم العالمي لإقليم كتالونيا.

وقاد لابورتا الوفد الرسمي خلال تكريم رافيل كازانوفا بالزهور، يوم الخميس الماضي، وكان بجواره المنضم حديثًا من نادي إسبانيول الحارس خوان جارسيا.

ويواجه برشلونة أزمة بسبب الإصلاحات التي لم تكتمل في ملعب “كامب نو” منذ الموسم الماضي، والذي كان من المقرر أن يعود الفريق للعب عليه مرة أخرى الموسم الحالي.

وخاض برشلونة جميع مباريات الموسم الماضي على ملعب “مونتجويك” بشكل مؤقت، لحين اكتمال أعمال التجديد في ملعبه التاريخي “كامب نو”.

اقرأ أيضًا | مدرب إسبانيول: الجماهير من حقها الاستهجان على جارسيا.. وفليك لديه صفة نادرة

وكان من المقرر إقامة مباراة برشلونة وفالنسيا يوم 14 سبتمبر الجاري على ملعب “كامب نو”، إلا أن بعض الإجراءات الخاصة بتسلم التصريحات اللازمة أعاقت ذلك.

وفي ضوء ذلك، خاض رجال فليك أول 3 جولات من بطولة الدوري الإسباني خارج الأرض بالاتفاق مع رابطة أندية الدوري الإسباني.

وجمع برشلونة 7 نقاط من أول 3 جولات بالبطولة بعد الفوز على ريال مايوركا وليفانتي وتعادلًا مثيرًا أمام رايو فاليكانو.

وقال لابورتا، في تصريحات نقلتها صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو”: “سنعود إلى كامب نو في أقرب وقت ممكن، نتطلع بشوق للعودة واللعب عليه”.

Over the years, Manchester United have landed countless young talents who have joined the club and made a huge impact on the first team at Old Trafford.

Amad Diallo is just one player who falls into that category, costing £37m from Atalanta back in 2020, before spending various loan spells at the likes of Rangers and Sunderland.

The Ivorian has now registered over 60 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring on 14 occasions – including the winner in the Manchester Derby back in December.

However, the off-season presents Ruben Amorim with an opportunity to invest in more young talents who can make an immediate impact for the Red Devils, whilst also keeping an eye on the future.

Numerous names have been mentioned as potential targets ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, especially as the club looks to return to their former glory.

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

Youngsters have been a key focus over the last couple of weeks, setting them up for potential long-term success, which aligns with the current project in operation.

Benjamin Sesko, Rodrygo and Yann Bisseck are just three names mentioned with a summer switch to join the Red Devils, all of whom are under the age of 24, having the ability to star in Amorim’s revival.

However, another name has been added to the mix over the last couple of days, with Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney the latest on their radar, according to GIVEMESPORT.

They claim that the Championship are willing to part ways with the 22-year-old after United’s interest, led by Jason Wilcox, demanding a fee in the region of £20m to sell the academy graduate.

The report also states that they face tough competition from the likes of Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, Spurs and West Ham for the midfielder, who made 43 appearances in the league last season.

Why United’s £20m star could be Amorim’s own Carrick

Midfielder Michael Carrick was a superb servant during his spell as a United player, racking up over 450 appearances for the club over a 12-year period at Old Trafford.

The Englishman joined the Red Devils way back in 2006 in a £13m deal from fellow top-flight side Tottenham Hotspur – a fee that would prove to be a bargain given his time at United.

During his time as a player, the now-43-year-old won five league titles, one Europa League and one Champions League, along with 11 other trophies – offering a consistent presence during Sir Alex’s reign.

He became known for his excellent work ethic and superb passing ability, which saw him register a total of 35 assists and 24 goals – an impressive tally from his deep-lying position.

However, in the present day, Amorim could be about to land his own version of the midfielder in Middlesbrough’s Hackney, with the youngster having the tools to follow in his footsteps.

The 22-year-old, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, has been able to learn from the United legend, after plying his trade under him for multiple years at the Riverside Stadium.

He’s also been dubbed a “young Carrick” by the Second Tier Podcast, further showcasing the potential he has to explode should he move to the North West this summer.

When delving into the youngster’s stats, he’s managed to impress with the ball at his feet, further indicating how he can replicate the 43-year-old’s achievements at the Theatre of Dreams.

Hackney has managed to complete 10.4 progressive passes per 90, with 8.6 of which going into the final third – handing those ahead of him the opportunity to impress at Old Trafford.

Games played

43

Goals & assists

8

Pass accuracy

84%

Progressive passes

10.4

Passes into final third

8.6

Tackles won

1.3

Blocks made

1.5

He’s also won 1.3 tackles per 90, whilst making 1.5 blocks per game – subsequently having the defensive talents to be the perfect deep-lying option in Amorim’s midfield.

£20m could prove to be an absolute steal for the Red Devils, signing a youngster who can easily cement his place at the heart of the side for many years to come.

However, given the interest from elsewhere, they will have to work tirelessly to avoid missing out on his signature and subsequently improving a divisional rival ahead of 2025/26.

McTominay repeat on the cards: Wilcox now happy to sell £34m Man Utd star

Manchester United could be about to sell a star who could follow in Scott McTominay’s footsteps.

3 ByEthan Lamb Jun 11, 2025

Manchester United’s business in the transfer market has left a lot to be desired over recent years, with many of their additions failing to make the grade in the Premier League.

Rasmus Hojlund is arguably the biggest example in the current squad, costing £72m from Atalanta back in the summer of 2023, but has struggled to make the desired impact.

The Dane has only scored four times in the league throughout 2024/25, leading to rumours over his long-term future at Old Trafford, with a return to Serie A on the cards this summer.

It’s crucial that the hierarchy back Ruben Amorim in the market over the coming months, but more importantly is that they hand him the right players to operate in his 3-4-2-1 system.

Matheus Cunha has been the first addition, but if the club are to have any chance of rising up the table next campaign, added reinforcements are needed to help the Brazilian within the final third.

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

A striker has been the priority of United so far this summer, especially after missing out on number one target Liam Delap to fellow Premier League outfit Chelsea.

Since his move to Stamford Bridge, the likes of Victor Osimhen, Dušan Vlahović and Jean-Philippe Mateta have all been touted with a move to join the Red Devils.

However, other forwards have also been on their radar, with Lyon winger Malick Fofana the latest player linked with a move to Old Trafford, according to French outlet L’Equipe.

Their report states that Jason Wilcox is considering making a bid for the Belgian youngster, who registered 16 combined goals and assists across all competitions – costing in the region of £38m.

It also claims that Chelsea are firmly in the race for his signature, with Amorim’s side once again facing the prospect of a transfer battle with Enzo Maresca’s side for a player’s signature.

Why United’s £38m target could be Amorim’s next Amad

Despite Hojlund’s failures within the final third this campaign, other players around him have managed to star, including Ivorian forward Amad Diallo.

The 22-year-old was seen as an outcast under former boss Erik ten Hag, but was handed the platform to impress after Amorim’s arrival in late November last year.

He’s since taken his career to the next level at Old Trafford, registering 19 combined goals and assists across all competitions in 2024/25, with his £36m transfer fee now looking somewhat of a bargain.

Amad even scored a hat-trick in the comeback win over Southampton and bagged the winner in the Manchester Derby at the Etihad, a feat that made him an instant hero among the fanbase.

Such a deal needs to be replicated going forward, with new target Fofana providing just that should he make a move to Manchester in the coming months.

He possesses a similar skillset, with both being nimble left-footed forwards who can operate off either wing, potentially operating in a wing-back role in Amorim’s system if needed.

When comparing his stats to those of Amad from the recent campaign, he’s managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, highlighting how much of an impressive addition he would be.

How Malick Fofana compares to Amad Diallo in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Fofana

Amad

Games played

29

26

Goals & assists

9

14

Shot-on-target accuracy

48%

36%

Progressive carries

6.3

5.1

Carries into final third

3.2

2.5

Take-on success

47%

46%

Crosses completed

4

1.9

Fouls won

2.1

1.3

Stats via FBref

Fofana, who’s been labelled “special” by journalist Zach Lowy, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has notched a higher shot-on-target rate, demonstrating his clinical ability in the final third.

He’s also managed to complete more progressive carries and more carries into the final third per 90, handing the side an added threat given his desire to get forward with the ball at his feet.

The Belgian’s trickery has made him a constant nuisance to opposition defenders, completing 47% of his attempted take-ons and winning more fouls per 90.

£38m in today’s market is a solid price for a 20-year-old star who could improve massively in the years ahead under Amorim’s guidance, offering the side a new star in attacking areas.

If he can replicate Amad’s success in the Premier League in the near future, it would be another bargain and an addition that could take the club back towards their former glory.

Related An Elanga repeat: Wilcox in talks to sell £105k-per-week Man Utd talent

Manchester United may be about to make a huge mistake in selling one first-team star.

Posts 2 ByEthan Lamb Jun 17, 2025

Incoming Rangers owners, the 49ers, are now plotting the statement summer signing of a “very talented” Brazilian, according to a report.

Gers stepping up summer transfer plans

There is still a lot of uncertainty at Ibrox, with the 49ers still yet to identify a permanent replacement for interim boss Barry Ferguson, although there have been some recent developments in the pursuit of a new manager, with an offer being submitted for Davide Ancelotti.

Should Ancelotti be appointed, the Real Madrid assistant is likely to have a big say in the Gers’ summer transfer business, but potential targets are already being identified, with recruitment chiefs looking to bring in players capable of bridging the gap to Celtic next season.

Scouts have been sent to watch Evagoras Charalambous in action for Anorthosis Famagusta, with the Light Blues keen on a new striker, while they are also expected to make a bid for Estoril defender Kevin Boma at the opposite end of the pitch.

He earns more than Diomande: Rangers must sell £2.2m flop this summer

Rangers will be keen on selling a few players this summer

ByRoss Kilvington May 12, 2025

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Rangers are also keen to bolster their options in the engine room this summer, with the 49ers now plotting the statement signing of Troyes midfielder Metinho to mark the start of a new era at Ibrox.

The central midfielder has spent part of the 2024-25 campaign on loan at FC Basel, where he has caught the eye, and there is a feeling a summer deal could be possible for the relatively low fee of £4m, or potentially even less, as his contract is due to expire next summer.

The 49ers are looking to bring in young players with high potential, who can kick on at Ibrox and be sold for a profit at some point down the line, and they believe the 22-year-old fits the bill.

"Very talented" Metinho likened to Pogba

Such is the Brazilian’s potential, he was once likened to ex-Manchester United man Paul Pogba by former Fluminense academy director Marcelo Veiga, who said: “People joke and sometimes call him Pogba due to his style, his appearance and because he plays with his head up.”

The Congo-born maestro has also impressed football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who once described him as “very talented”, and he has particularly caught the eye with his dribbling ability over the past year, while also ranking highly on some defensive metrics.

Statistic

Average per 90

Progressive carries

3.49 (99th percentile)

Successful take-ons

1.83 (98th percentile)

Interceptions

1.33 (76th percentile)

Clearances

3.16 (97th percentile)

As such, the South American is clearly a well-rounded player, who just needs to add more goals to his game to be a complete midfielder, having failed to find the back of the net this season.

Regardless, Metinho is clearly a promising midfielder, who could make an instant impact at Ibrox, so it is exciting news that Rangers could look to snap him up for a relatively low fee in the summer transfer window.

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.

Chelsea are now preparing a £60m swoop for an “insane” forward, who has put in some very impressive performances in the Champions League this season, according to a report.

Blues set sights on new striker

With Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku struggling in front of goal since the turn of the year, it has become apparent that Enzo Maresca will need to bring in a new striker in the summer transfer window, and a number of targets have been identified.

Talks have been opened over a deal for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, and there is a feeling the Blues could be willing to fork out a fee of £65m for the Sweden international, although they will face competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Newcastle United.

Chelsea contact £198,000-per-week Bayern Munich player who's keen to leave

The west Londoners have reached out to another target.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 19, 2025

Given Gyokeres’ huge price tag, however, it could be wise to consider alternative options, and it has recently emerged that Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap is set to be available for just £30m this summer, should his side be relegated from the Premier League.

Delap has been extremely impressive in front of goal in the Premier League this season, but according to a report from Spain, Chelsea have now set their sights on one of this season’s Champions League revelations, namely Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy.

The west Londoners are preparing a €70m (£60m) offer for Guirassy’s services, given that the striker has shone in the Champions League this season, most recently scoring a hat-trick against FC Barcelona in the quarter-final.

Serie A giants Juventus and Napoli are also interested in signing the Borussia Dortmund star, but Stamford Bridge is said to be his most likely destination this summer, with Maresca looking to bring in a striker who guarantees goals, amid concerns over Jackson.

"Insane" Guirassy could be huge upgrade on Jackson

Despite some promising signs near the start of the season, Jackson has been largely ineffective in front of goal this season, while Guirassy has been extremely impressive in both the Bundesliga and the Champions League throughout the campaign.

The Guinea international has amassed a remarkable 36 goal contributions in 40 appearances in all competitions, having been particularly prolific in front of goal in Europe, prior to his side’s exit at the hands of Barcelona earlier this week.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Bundesliga

25

15

3

Champions League

14

13

5

U23 football scout Antonio Mango has lauded the France-born striker as “insane” in the past, and his performances this season suggest he deserves to be playing in the Champions League next season, which is now extremely unlikely to be the case at Dortmund.

As such, it seems likely that a move to Stamford Bridge could appeal to Guirassy this summer, should the Blues manage to qualify for the Champions League, which underlines the importance of Chelsea having a strong end to the campaign.