Manchester United have reportedly reignited their interest in signing West Ham United’s French centre-back Issa Diop.
What’s the word?
That is according to a fresh report from Foot Mercato, who claimed that Ralf Rangnick is keen to acquire the 25-year-old’s services on behalf of new Red Devils boss Erik Ten Hag.
David Moyes’ side would reportedly be prepared to let Diop depart in the summer for around €15m (£13m).
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Upgrade on Maguire
United have struggled in all areas this season, although it is their defence which has perhaps let them down the most.
With 52 league goals conceded this season, averaging a total of 1.5 conceded per match, the Red Devils have the sixth-worst defence overall in the current top-flight campaign.
Unsurprisingly, no defender has stood out for United, although Harry Maguire has been isolated for his performances by the media this season for some high-profile mistakes.
It is no wonder that Rangnick, who is set to take up a consultancy role with United next season, is eyeing up a move which would offer great value towards the club’s ambition of bolstering their defensive depth.
Diop, who has been described as a “rock” by Sam Tighe on Twitter, is not as tried-and-tested as Maguire when it comes to receiving the ball under pressure, although he does boast a record of zero errors per 90, which highlights his quality on the ball in stark contrast to the £80m liability.
The French centre-back has become something of a forgotten man when it comes to the Premier League, starting just 29% of West Ham’s top-flight games this season, although it is worth pointing out that injuries have played a massive part in him missing so much action.
As such, it may leave some of the United fanbase wondering exactly why Rangnick want to sign the £13m-rated Diop.
His performance in the Europa League clash against Lyon demonstrated exactly what the 6 foot 4 talent is truly about. He played an outstanding game at left centre-back which saw him make six clearances and three recoveries, all whilst maintaining his composure in possession as he achieved a respectable 86% pass accuracy.
Most importantly, he played a vital role in West Ham’s clean sheet in the second leg of that Europa League quarter-final in France as the Irons advanced to the last four of the tournament.
He could well prove to be a more reliable upgrade on Maguire at United, as evidenced by his lack of errors, although Ten Hag may prefer a left-footed centre-back.
In other news – Fewer touches than De Gea: Man Utd flop with just 12 passes must never play again
Manchester United have now expressed in signing an “outrageous” striker, who’s been “on fire” this season, scoring a brace against Paris Saint-Germain.
Man Utd keen on new striker amid doubts over Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee may have scored his first Premier League goal of the season in the 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace at the end of November, but the striker’s goalscoring record since arriving at Old Trafford leaves a lot to be desired.
Season
Appearances (all competitions)
Goals
2024-25
49
7
2025-26
9
1
Despite the Dutchman’s struggles in front of goal, Ruben Amorim wants to keep hold of him, as he values the forward’s versatility, but the manager is at odds with the club, who are open to sanctioning a January departure for a fee of around £35m.
Aston Villa are named as potential suitors for Zirkzee, alongside a whole host of other clubs from England and Italy, meaning United will have a decision to make in the January transfer window.
Should the Netherlands international move on, Amorim may want to bring in a replacement, considering Benjamin Sesko wasn’t exactly tearing up the Premier League prior to his recent injury, scoring two goals in 11 games.
According to a report from Caught Offside, Man United have now expressed an interest in a striker who has been much more prolific in front of goal this season, namely RC Strasbourg star Joaquin Panichelli.
The race for Panichelli’s signature is heating up, with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Aston Villa also being credited with an interest, but Chelsea are currently in pole position, given that Strasbourg are a part of BlueCo.
That relationship gives the Blues an advantage in the race for the centre-forward, who has put in some top-quality performances since his arrival at Strasbourg in the summer…
"Outrageous" Panichelli "on fire" in Ligue 1
Scout Jacek Kulig has hailed the Argentinian for the impact he’s made in France, having only arrived from Spanish side CD Mirandes during the summer.
The South American is now on ten goals in 19 matches in all competitions, with perhaps his best performance coming in Strasbourg’s 3-3 draw against PSG back in October, during which he bagged a brace.
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Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior may be reluctant to part ways with the 23-year-old, given just how highly he spoke about his talisman earlier this season, saying: “He is a top player, we’ve done quite a bit of work with him during the pre-season to try to make him run less.”
The French club are under no immediate pressure to cash-in, with Panichelli contracted until 2030, but it could be worth Man United testing the waters with an offer, considering Zirkzee’s struggles.
One of Europe’s hottest strikers is drawing interest from Newcastle United, but his release clause stands at a whopping £87m.
Champions League football affecting Newcastle
The Magpies are still waiting to fully fire this season, grinding their way to a vital late 2-1 win at home to Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday, securing a much-needed three points at St James’ Park.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football, club legend and record scorer Alan Shearer said that the addition of Champions League football is playing a part in Eddie Howe’s side failing to fire domestically.
“Yeah, I think it is. I think even if you’ve got the biggest of squads, to play European football with the emotion, how draining it is and everything else. Yeah, it does [have an impact]. There’s no doubt about it.
“The game after a European week, you’ve just got to get the result no matter how you get it. You’ve just got to get it. So Newcastle did that. So it was a big three points and hopefully they can get their league season going now.”
Newcastle would love to add more attacking firepower to their squad, even though Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa have come in for Alexander Isak, and a huge talent has now been mentioned as a transfer target for 2026.
Newcastle eyeing "one of Europe's most prolific players"
According to a report from Caught Offside, Newcastle United are in the mix to sign Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, who has a reported £87m release clause in his current contract. Sources in the agents industry have confirmed the 21-year-old is wanted by the Magpies, as well as rival Premier League sides Tottenham and Nottingham Forest.
Aghehowa is a player with a massive future in the game, so Newcastle signing him in 2026 would feel like a major statement of intent by the club.
Still only 21, the Porto star has already scored 35 goals in just 55 appearances for his current club, which is stunning return, and he has won three caps for reigning European champions Spain, so could be pushing to lead the line for them at next summer’s World Cup.
In fact, such is Aghehowa’s brilliance, scout Jacek Kulig has even described him as “one of Europe’s most prolific players”, highlighting the level he is playing at.
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While a new striker isn’t necessarily essential for Newcastle, given Woltemade and Wissa coming in during the summer transfer window, the latter is now pushing 30 years of age, so the Spaniard could be considered a long-term option alongside Woltemade at St James’ Park.
Manchester United have faced managerial uncertainty recently and Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on developments that could follow at Old Trafford.
Manchester United pressure on Ruben Amorim eases a little
Supporters of Manchester United will be the first to tell you that this season hasn’t all been plain sailing so far. However, Ruben Amorim looks to have bought himself more time after helping to deliver a competent 2-0 victory over Sunderland.
After some turbulent results, the Red Devils rounded off the international break with a display that showed signs of recovery, alongside some excellent performances, notably from Senne Lammens. Optimism will now start to flow ahead of the Premier League return.
ESPN FC pundit Steve Nicol took time to praise Amorim’s side for their ‘comfortable’ performance, claiming that the win was the first match in a long time where nobody would’ve been able to ask any questions of Manchester United.
He stated: “I bet you, Amorim wishes every Saturday could be like this. I can’t remember the last time we watched Manchester United, home or away, where there wasn’t at some stage, some sort of drama, whether it’s giving a lead away, or whether it’s a comeback or or whether it’s just rubbish.
“I mean, for the first time ever I can remember in recent memory, there’s nothing to say about this Man United side. It was comfortable. As soon as Mount scored, they never looked in any danger.”
Nevertheless, consistency needs to be the focus for Manchester United after the break; otherwise, there will be a return of familiar rumours linking other managers to Amorim’s role at the club.
Speaking of which, Romano has now delivered an update on one man who could be a candidate to succeed the former Sporting boss if he does end up being relieved of his duties.
Romano: Man Utd are on good speaking terms with Gareth Southgate
Communicating on his YouTube channel, Romano confirmed that Manchester United hold an excellent relationship with Gareth Southgate, though he conceded that they are heading into the international break feeling far more comfortable with Amorim at the helm after Saturday’s triumph.
He said: “Man Utd were not going to sack Amorim even if Man Utd were going to lose the game against Sunderland. Even in that case, he was not going to be fired. That was the plan of Man Utd unless completely crazy things happened, like losing, I don’t know, 3 or 4 or 5-0. But, for example, losing the game, I don’t know, 1-0, 2-1, 3-2, something like that – Amorim was not going to be fired.
“I spent basically the last 10 days telling you that Gareth Southgate was in the media, but there was never a concrete negotiation between Man Utd and Southgate or his representatives. There is a very good relationship between Southgate and INEOS, but never a negotiation. And Man United wanted to show their support to Amorim.”
Amorim was always likely to gain an extended crack of the whip off the back of a victory. Still, Southgate would be an astute plan B option should results begin to head south over the coming months.
The 55-year-old retained a 59.8% win ratio in charge of England and has previously been labelled “ruthless” by John Stones. On the flip side, the main concern over him taking over at Old Trafford would be the fact he hasn’t managed in the Premier League since 2009.
Middlesbrough fans will remember him well for stabilising the club in the top flight. Nevertheless, managing Manchester United is an entirely different kettle of fish, an honour Amorim seems set to retain for now.
West Ham United have more than one potential successor for Graham Potter on their managerial shortlist, as pressure grows on the tactician following a very lacklustre start to the 2025/2026 season.
The managers under consideration by West Ham as Potter exit likely
Reports of a potential sacking for Potter are not going away any time soon, and some suggest that the 50-year-old could be shown his P45 if West Ham suffer defeat against Crystal Palace on Saturday (Hammers News).
If that is the case, David Sullivan and the boardroom are believed to be assessing multiple candidates to succeed Potter, including some very intriguing names.
9. Sam Allardyce
30.7%
10. Julen Lopetegui
30%
11. Gianfranco Zola
27.8%
12, Graham Potter
27.3%
13. Avram Grant
18.9%
via StatMuse
Former West Ham and Chelsea star, Frank Lampard, who’s now doing a stellar job at Coventry City and nearly guided them to Premier League promotion last season, has been linked this month.
Meanwhile, it is also reported that West Ham have their eyes on free agent Nuno Espírito Santo, who’d arguably come as the best option considering his excellent work at Nottingham Forest last season.
Nuno was shown the door thanks to a public fallout with Evangelos Marinakis, but guided Forest back to European football for the first time since 1995 after a fairytale 2024/2025 season.
José Mourinho is off the table after agreeing to join Benfica (Fabrizio Romano), though Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna was an apparent guest of the West Ham boardroom last weekend during their 3-0 London derby defeat to Tottenham.
However, in the last 24 hours, news has come to light that Sullivan favours a return for ex-boss Slaven Bilic, who could now re-join the Irons after leaving Saudi Arabian side Al-Fateh last year.
West Ham discuss appointing Sean Dyche amid Slaven Bilic interest
That is according to GiveMeSport’s Ben Jacobs, who reported via X that Bilic is joined on West Ham’s radar by former Everton and Burnley boss Sean Dyche, with internal discussions held.
The tactician helped to briefly steady the ship at Everton and performed wonders at Burnley in the Premier League for years, despite a serious lack of funds or squad investment compared to their top-flight rivals.
Would Sean Dyche be the right manager for West Ham?
If Dyche were to come instead of Bilic, the London Stadium would undoubtedly see a very well drilled, committed and hard-to-beat side.
There are question marks, though. Dyche’s style of play is often criticised as too pragmatic, which was a regular complaint of David Moyes’ methods during his final year in charge, and West Ham supporters may crave more expansive football after years of grinding results.
He has also never managed a squad with genuine top-six ambitions, so expectations could test his limits, not to mention the toxicity and fan unrest surrounding West Ham right now.
Dyche isn’t helped by his ties to Millwall either, with the tactician making 75 appearances for West Ham’s bitter rivals during his playing career and earning real admiration at The Den.
That being said, he is highly-rated by his managerial peers, like Tottenham boss Thomas Frank.
Time was, FSG were routinely criticised for their purportedly hesitant approach to first-team strengthening. Who’s railing against Liverpool’s owners now?
Certainly not those of a Reds persuasion, but there’s no question that many of Liverpool’s rivals have watched on and groaned at the ruthless attack on the market, pulling in not just numbers but players who have the potential to win Arne Slot more silverware over the coming years.
Liverpool manager ArneSlotlooks on before the match
Liverpool will enter the 2025/26 campaign as the defending Premier League champions, having won last year’s title at a canter. It will be a new season carrying all the newfound permutations and curveballs, but while pre-season predictions often fall flat, many will expect the Reds to be right up there in the thick of the title battle.
While fans have become acquainted with a trio of thrilling additions over the past few weeks, Liverpool still remain keen on a host of players.
Alexander Isak is the name on everyone’s lips, as Liverpool need a new striker, but it doesn’t seem that likely that Slot will get his mitts on the Sweden star.
The latest on Liverpool's striker search
Liverpool are trying to offload Darwin Nunez, who has been the focus of negotiations between the Reds and Serie A champions Napoli, but the two clubs are struggling to find common financial ground.
Liverpool'sDarwinNunezreacts
When the Uruguayan does take his leave, Liverpool will need to sign a replacement, especially as Slot was left wanting after a season of inconsistency and disappointment from his central strikers: Nunez and Diogo Jota.
Alexander Isak would be the dream, but at £200m the Newcastle United talisman is quite simply too expensive. That’s why alternative names have bobbed up, with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike both of a vested interest to the Anfield side.
Liverpool will need to get it right, bagging themselves a goalscorer capable of leading the line toward title-winning endeavours for many years. But it will have to be within financial parameters; FSG will want bang for their buck.
All this said, Liverpool have signed Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a British-record £116m fee, and the German should have enough about him to elevate any number nine Liverpool bring in.
However, there’s another man whose name hasn’t been discussed with the same intensity as the aforementioned, but who is very much in the race and could prove to be Liverpool’s most exciting capture of the summer window.
Liverpool shortlist Isak alternative
According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool have shortlisted Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as they prepare for Nunez’s potential sale.
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhencelebrates after the match
Though it is the Naples side that want Liverpool’s number nine, any dealings between the two clubs will be separate. Osimhen is expected to leave after returning from a loan spell with Galatasaray, relationships having previously broken down.
The 26-year-old might have his faults, but he’s an elite-level goalscorer who would come at a cheaper price than the likes of Ekitike and Isak, also on the shortlist, with previous reports suggesting a figure in the £64m ballpark.
What Victor Osimhen would bring to Liverpool
Osimhen might not have envisaged a move to Turkey for the 2024/25 campaign, but he passed his stop-gap test with flying colours, notching 37 goals across 41 matches in all competitions, winning the Super Lig title.
Remarked to be “the best striker on the market” by Statman Dave, Osimhen hasn’t exactly struggled to prove himself on other stages, either, so destructive and deadly in Serie A, and with nine goals and an assist across just 17 Champions League outings too.
He’s also a proven trophy winner, leading I Partenopei to the league title in 2022/23 before an injury-hit follow-up year. Such exploits established the Nigerian international’s “world-class status”, as has been said by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley.
24/25 – Galatasaray
41
37
8
23/24 – Napoli
32
17
4
22/23 – Napoli
39
31
5
21/22 – Napoli
32
18
6
20/21 – Napoli
30
10
3
While Liverpool were sent into a frenzy when they captured Wirtz, one of the most sought-after players in the world, replacing Nunez with Osimhen could work out to be an even more exciting deal.
Indeed, adding such an out-and-out striker to the ranks might just prove the difference-maker as Liverpool chase down hordes of trophies next season and beyond.
The disparity couldn’t be much greater. Since arriving at Liverpool for a towering £64m fee, Nunez has only scored 25 times in the Premier League, playing 95 matches in total.
Osimhen would bring a wholly different style, and a clinical shooting quality too. He scored 26 league goals for Galatasaray and only missed 25 big chances, as per Sofascore.
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhencelebrates scoring a goal that was later disallowed
Furthermore, Arsenal and Manchester United have both been locked in talks with the African sensation as they look to shore up their own frontlines, underscoring Osimhen’s attractiveness on the market.
When considering the partnership that could be forged between the striker and Liverpool’s new maestro Wirtz, fans will no doubt find themselves awash with excitement, but it’s Osimhen’s prowess in the final third which might elicit the loudest roars.
Napoli star Victor Osimhen
He’s hardly a static frontman, either, ranked last season among the top 18% of forwards across Europe for progressive carries and the top 4% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.
Liverpool need a striker, and while the overload of quality Slot has at his disposal suggests that a fair few marksmen worth their salt could play a prize-winning role for the outfit, Osimhen is a cut above and might prove to outperform even Wirtz if finally given a chance to shine in the Premier League.
A Mane repeat: Liverpool likely to finalise move for £40m "monster" soon
Liverpool have enjoyed a fantastic transfer window and it’s not slowing down.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is attempting to have his say on the club’s summer recruitment plans, and the Italian has his eyes on one player in particular to reinforce a key area of the squad.
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The west Londoners could make their next signing soon.
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Maresca’s side want to strengthen a number of areas before their manager’s second full season in charge at Stamford Bridge. Over the last week, Chelsea have been holding talks with Borussia Dortmund officials over Jamie Gittens, and it is believed by some that a deal could soon be done.
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
Alongside Gittens, Chelsea are reported to still be in the market for another centre-back, which perhaps indicates that at least one of Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Trevoh Chalobah, Renato Veiga or Tosin Adarabioyo could be sold.
Even after their £30 million deal for Liam Delap, there are many suggestions that Chelsea could look to sign a second new striker as well, following widely reported talks with Eintracht Frankfurt over a deal for Hugo Ekitiké.
As well as this, Chelsea could still bring in another goalkeeper. As per journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea are looking to sell both Djordje Petrovic and Robert Sanchez this summer, with a move for AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan not completely off the table despite failing to reach an agreement before the Club World Cup.
Barcelona keeper Marc-André ter Stegen has been linked in the past week too, so their hunt for a shot-stopper could still be one to keep an eye on.
Enzo Maresca asks Chelsea to sign Emiliano Martínez from Aston Villa
According to journalist Christian Martin, speaking to DSports, £150,000-per-week Aston Villa number one Emiliano Martínez is now said to have major admirers at Chelsea, including Maresca.
Best Young Player winner Argentina's Enzo Fernandez,GoldenBall winner Argentina's Lionel Messi,GoldenGlovewinner Argentina's EmilianoMartinezandGoldenBoot winner France's Kylian Mbappe pose
Maresca is “asking” Chelsea to make a move for Martinez, and goalkeeping coach Willy Caballero has also given his seal of approval to the potential transfer.
“They want him as their starting goalkeeper,” said Martin.
“Enzo Maresca is asking for him, Willy Caballero, who is part of the coaching staff and trains the goalkeepers, has already given his approval. For now, Chelsea is a very reliable and precise option.”
The Argentine World Cup winner boasts both top-level quality and proven experience on the biggest stages. After becoming a leader at Villa, there is every reason to believe the 32-year-old could be tempted by the prospect of Champions League football next season and becoming Chelsea’s new number one.
Unai Emery’s side are also under pressure from PSR to sell big-name players before the start of the next football financial year, which begins on July 1, so a deal could well be had here.
While the Premier League’s elite have been spending money by the bucketload – Liverpool and Manchester City, we’re looking at you – Arsenal have been idle.
Should we be surprised? Not really. Over the last two transfer windows, the Gunners have failed to improve their forward line and efforts to finally sign a striker so far this summer have been fruitless.
Two names dominate the headlines with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres at the forefront of their minds. The trouble is, both deals look complicated.
Reports from Sky Germany suggest that Arsenal are unwilling to pay RB Leipzig’s asking price for Sesko, while it was claimed in Portugal a few days ago that they have paused their efforts to sign Gyokeres, instead looking at Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
Signing a new centre forward isn’t the only thing on the agenda for Andrea Berta this summer.
Arsenal’s hunt for a new winger
Due to a number of factors, chiefly Bukayo Saka’s workload and the inconsistent form of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal need a new winger this summer.
Unfortunately, it now looks as though it’s unlikely that’ll be Athletic Bilbao’s Spanish sensation, Nico Williams.
The north Londoners have been interested in the 22-year-old for over a year now but the wide attacker is prioritising a move to Barcelona, his dream club, instead.
As a consequence, interested parties in the form of Arsenal and Chelsea have ‘cooled’ their interest in the words of The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
With that blow fresh in the mind, it looks as though Arsenal have been ramping up their efforts to sign Real Madrid star, Rodrygo.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
That’s according to journalist Ben Jacobs, who took to social media on Tuesday afternoon to reveal that Mikel Arteta and Co have a ‘genuine interest’ in the Brazilian.
Exploratory talks dating back to May have already been held with the player’s representatives but it will take a fee of around £77m to convince the Spanish giants to sell.
Real Madrid's Rodrygo
Madrid have a new manager in the shape of Xavi Alonso and it appears as though the former midfielder isn’t too keen on Rodrygo. Consequently, Arsenal should do all they can to convince the player to jump ship.
How Rodrygo compares to Nico Williams
Williams has swiftly been thrust into the limelight over the last year when aged just 21, he was one of the players of the tournament at Euro 2024 as his nation won the title.
The left winger was fabulous throughout, most notably scoring the opening goal in the final against England.
Since then, however, he’s failed to truly kick on, even if the frightening potential still lurks within.
Williams has never been a rampant goalscorer, finding the net on just five occasions in the league this season.
Rodrygo, on the other hand, would be capable of offering Arteta the added goals he needs his side to produce if they are to challenge for the title and Champions League.
Last season, Martinelli and Trossard managed to score just 16 goals between them in the 73 Premier League matches they featured in. Well, in his own last 73 LaLiga matches, Rodrygo has a better record than both players combined, scoring 20 times.
While 2024/25 wasn’t his best campaign, shoved out on the right-hand side to accommodate Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe, this is a player who is far more comfortable in front of goal than someone like Martinelli, and crucially, Williams too.
You only have to cast your minds back to 2022/23 when the Brazil superstar found the net 19 times, bettering Martinelli’s best season haul of 15, which coincidentally came in the same campaign.
Another string to Rodrygo’s bow is not just his versatility – able to play up front or on either flank – but his creativity.
Games
159
141
141
125
Goals
50
33
35
28
Assists
30
18
26
29
Goals per game
0.31
0.23
0.24
0.22
G/A per game
0.42
0.36
0.43
0.45
Analysing the data, Williams is also a particularly creative individual, thriving in that area more than his goalscoring.
However, Arsenal are still proficient creators of chances. What they need is someone capable of sticking the ball in the back of the net and Rodrygo has done that on a far more regular basis in all competitions since 2022 than Martinelli, Trossard and Williams.
Last term, no player in red and white reached double figures for goals. Kai Havertz was their top scorer with 15 and they ended the campaign with Mikel Merino playing as a makeshift striker.
On that evidence, Arsenal need a centre-forward, but they also need more contributions from elsewhere on the pitch. Madrid’s “world-class superstar”, as he’d been described by teammate Luka Modric, would certainly help in that regard.
He's shades of Nwaneri: Berta holds talks to sign £40m star for Arsenal
Arsenal are looking at signing one of Europe’s best young prospects this summer.
Brentford are keen to bank maximum value on their star forward, the £60m-rated Bryan Mbeumo, this summer, meaning Newcastle United have hope yet in pipping Manchester United to his signature.
However, Mbeumo has intimated his desire to sign for Old Trafford, and thus Eddie Howe and his transfer coterie will need to turn toward alternative targets.
Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates after the match
Having already missed out on Man United-bound Matheus Cunha, a bounce-back is needed, for sure. And Newcastle might just be centring on the perfect new forward.
Newcastle lining up new forward
Though Tynesiders will be relieved to hear The Athletic’s David Ornstein declare there’s “no chance” Alexander Isak will be leaving the club this summer, the need for more firepower is evident.
That’s why, as per Sky Sports report Rob Dorsett, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro is on Newcastle’s shortlist, with Howe in particular desperate to bring in such an attacking profile.
The 24-year-old is expected to leave the AMEX this summer – amid admirers in the Premier League and in Europe – and Brighton will do business if their €70m (£59m) valuation is met.
Why Joao Pedro would be perfect for Newcastle
Though Pedro attacks from a central berth, and Mbeumo is a principally right-sided forward, he could regardless fill in a hole at St James’ Park, should Callum Wilson depart at the end of his contract later this month.
Brighton forward Joao Pedro
Joining Brighton from Watford in a deal just shy of £30m in June 2023, Pedro has scored 30 goals and provided ten assists across 70 appearances in all competitions.
Across his two years on the south coast, the former Hornets star has converted 19 goals in the Premier League, only missing 17 further big chances, as per Sofascore.
Moreover, Pedro drifts out to the left before arcing inward, suggesting Howe could utilise the Brazilian across central and wide berths, maximising his dynamic and skilled approach and indeed his suitability at Newcastle, with the manager apt to field such flexible players as Anthony Gordon across different parts of the frontline.
Centre-forward
119
34
18
Left winger
40
14
0
Attacking midfield
27
8
1
Right winger
5
0
0
As per FBref, he also ranked among the top 1% of Premier League forwards this season for assists, the top 17% for passes attempted and shot-creating actions, and the top 12% for progressive passes per 90. Such qualities have led the data-driven site to draw him against the two aforementioned forwards.
Yes, the £50k-per-week star’s creativity and ball-playing skills are not unlike those of the dynamic Mbeumo and indeed Cunha, whose exploits with Wolverhampton Wanderers have led journalist Nathan Juddah to describe him as a “maverick” and a “flawed genius”.
Pedro’s countryman, indeed, created 13 big chances in the English top flight, and given United only finished eighth for big chances created this term, you can see why Howe is demanding such a profile.
Moreover, his discussed clinical quality aligns with that of Mbeumo, who has been hailed as “one of the best wingers in the Premier League” by The Athletic’s Jay Harris after scoring 20 top-flight goals across the year.
This player, a veritable conglomeration of Newcastle’s desired profiles, would be perfect for Newcastle, aiding Isak and, through his “magical” talent on the ball, as has been noted by Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard, he might just hit the ground running.
Newcastle eyeing "scary" £44m Delap alternative who's outscored Mbeumo
Eddie Howe wants to sign some new forwards at Newcastle this summer.
It’s been a tale of two halves for Everton this season.
The mood was dour when Sean Dyche’s side dragged themselves to the Premier League campaign’s midpoint, 16th after successive losses against Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth, their 15-goal haul better only than Southampton, a team that have since failed to pull themselves from the pit of the division, utterly miserable throughout.
A different trajectory for David Moyes’ Everton, though. The Scottish manager replaced Dyche shortly after those aforementioned defeats and has now sealed a 13th-place finish, far more optimism, far more fluency, and a new sense of hope that simply wasn’t there during the Farhad Moshiri era.
Everton manager DavidMoyes
However, Dyche left the club in a somewhat stable fashion. No doubt, he needed to go, but defensive foundations had been laid and solidified, and one or two positive additions were welcomed last summer – namely, the £15m signing of Iliman Ndiaye from Marseille.
Moyes will also thank his lucky stars for Jarrad Branthwaite, who has grown into his role as one of the country’s most talented defenders over the past few years.
Jarrad Branthwaite is Everton's biggest star
A formidable presence, Branthwaite might only be 22 years old, but he’s shaped into one of the most powerful and precise centre-backs in the Premier League.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
Described as an “absolute monster” by talent scout Jacek Kulig last season, Branthwaite has continued to prove himself Everton’s defender par excellence, more athletic and accurate than James Tarkowski and with an underrated technical side too.
Dyche and Moyes’ tactical approaches preclude fluid ball playing with the regularity that Branthwaite perhaps wants (he will be frustrated at having been left out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad), but interest from the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United make a telling comment on the high regard he is held in by possession-focused outfits.
Matches (starts)
35 (35)
30 (28)
Goals
3
0
Assists
0
1
Clean sheets
12
8
Touches*
52.2
51.9
Pass completion
80%
83%
Ball recoveries*
5.2
3.1
Tackles + interceptions*
3.3
2.1
Clearances*
4.5
6.3
Duels (won)*
5.3 (68%)
3.9 (63%)
As you can see above, he’s maintained a brilliant level across the past two campaigns, and it’s no surprise he was absent through injury during the 2024/25 season’s opening, when Dyche’s Toffees were at their nadir.
But would you believe it, he hasn’t actually been Everton’s best defender this season. Moyes will thank his stars for Branthwaite and Ndiaye and so on, but Jake O’Brien may well have been the most astute signing of them all.
Why Jake O'Brien has been even better than Branthwaite
When analysing the role O’Brien has played for Everton this season, it becomes clear that he’s been an instrumental part of the club’s success in steering away from relegation danger and erecting a framework for a promising new era under the wing of The Friedkin Group.
Jake O'Brien celebrates for Everton
Everton signed the Republic of Ireland international from Lyon last summer for a £17m fee, but he failed to make more than a smattering of appearances for Dyche, playing two cameos in the Premier League before Moyes’ first match in January against Aston Villa.
Since coming off the bench at Goodison Park on that day, the 24-year-old has started 16 top-flight fixtures, principally at right-back, missing just one game due to injury.
He’s scored crucial goals in 1-1 draws against Brentford and West Ham United and has kept four clean sheets, winning 55% of his duels and averaging 4.3 clearances per game, as per Sofascore. He hasn’t made a single error.
Typically a central defender, O’Brien’s emergence on the right has been something of a masterstroke from Moyes, with Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman, who have a combined age of 75, both approaching the end of their contracts and lacking the powerful physicality and mobility of this rising star, whose defensive roots actually align with Moyes’ vision too.
Hailed “an absolute revelation” for the Merseysiders by TNT Sports commentator Adam Virgo, O’Brien has indeed proved his positional dynamism, his roundedness and his willingness to provide his services in any way Moyes sees best fit, and to a high standard at that.
As per FBref, he ranks among the top 13% of Premier League full-backs this season for goals scored, the top 2% for clearances, the top 5% for aerial battles won, and the top 7% for long passes completed.
Everton's Jake O'Brien
That final metric, his ranged distribution, is an interesting one. The 6 foot 6 O’Brien might be perfunctorily categorised as a hulking defender, good in the air and solid against onrushing forwards, but lacking on the technical side.
However, this simply isn’t the case. His crisp forward passing opens up a dimension for Moyes, who is rooted in his pragmatic style but open to advanced tinkering, creating a layered style that has worked a treat for Everton as they prepare to transition to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Jake O'Brien
It’s probably fair to say that Everton would have been in a spot of bother, had Moyes failed to: a) recognise O’Brien’s potential as a moonlighter at right-back or b) find he had the Irishman in his squad to begin with.
O’Brien has been brilliant, adding a defensive dimension that has kept Coleman and Young on the back burner. With Nathan Patterson unreliable on the fitness and, consequently, form fronts, his performances have maybe even been instrumental.
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