Newcastle United are pushing to complete the signing of a player who Eddie Howe has worked with in the past, according to a fresh transfer claim.

Newcastle eyeing new goalkeeper this summer

The Magpies have enjoyed a season to treasure, thanks to their memorable EFL Cup triumph last month, and there is also still hope that they can finish in the top four in the Premier League, sealing a return to the Champions League in the process.

New signings will be needed to aid Howe moving forward, and it looks like a new goalkeeper at the top of the summer wishlist at St James’ Park, as Newcastle look for a long-term replacement for Nick Pope and Martin Dubravka. Burnley stopper James Trafford has been consistently mentioned as a leading option, following an impressive season at Turf Moor.

The Clarets have conceded just 12 goals in 40 Championship matches in 2024/25 to date and Trafford has started 39 of those matches, highlighting why he is seen as one of the most promising young ‘keepers in the country.

Former Liverpool goalkeeper Kamil Grabara has been mentioned as an alternative option for Newcastle, with the Pole now plying his trade at Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, and current Reds ace Caoimhin Kelleher is also a name who has been thrown into the mix. Now, another target has emerged for the Premier League outfit.

Newcastle pushing to sign "phenomenal" player

According to Football Insider, Newcastle are “weighing up” spending £25m on Southampton ‘keeper Ramsdale this summer, with Howe a “big fan” of the England international. Ramsdale effectively became available for purchase this weekend, as he has a relegation clause in his Saints contract.

The Magpies boss worked with him during their time together at Bournemouth, and he could be viewed as the right man to replace Pope between the sticks.

Ramsdale has indeed experienced a disappointing first season at Southampton, officially suffering relegation from the Premier League on Sunday after Saints’ 3-1 defeat away to Tottenham.

The 26-year-old surely won’t be entertaining the idea of playing in the Championship next season, however, having been lauded by Arsenal legend David Seaman in the past: “People forget he’s only 24. So that is amazing for me because I didn’t join Arsenal until I was 26 – what he’s doing now at 24 is just phenomenal. He’s making big saves all the time.”

England

5

England Under-21s

15

England Under-20s

5

England Under-19s

12

England Under-18s

2

While Ramsdale’s time at Arsenal ultimately didn’t work out, with Mikel Arteta preferring David Raya, he is good enough to be an astute signing for Newcastle, especially as Howe rates him highly and knows him so well.

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At 26, he is still young for a goalkeeper and could develop far more in the coming years, and his ability on the ball is arguably more natural than Pope, which could be a benefit for Newcastle, allowing them to shine more as a ball-playing team from the back.

Leicester City will soon be back in the Championship and have now lined up a potential replacement for Ruud van Nistelrooy who would be open to taking over at the King Power Stadium.

Leicester City boss Ruud van Nistelrooy's uncertain future

Truthfully, Leicester City have struggled to adapt to the Premier League and their relegation against Liverpool earlier this month proved to be something of an inevitable end result.

Ruud van Nistlerooy has been unable to turn the tide since taking over from Steve Cooper, with a return of three victories, two draws and 18 defeats across all competitions certifying that his side will return to the EFL Championship after a year in the top-flight.

The former Netherlands international is under contract until 2027, but there are naturally some doubts over his position at the club following a dismal run of results.

Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl is said to be on the Foxes’ list and has been evaluated internally by their hierarchy. Meanwhile, England Under-21 boss Lee Carsley has also emerged as a potential candidate.

Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior could be targeted by Leicester City following his sterling work at the BlueCo-owned Ligue 1 outfit, though he is also attracting interest at Southampton, who have their own vacancy to fill.

Leicester City now eyeing Europa League striker with 10 goals this season

The Foxes have their eye on a 20-year-old forward who’s been on the scoresheet regularly this season.

ByDominic Lund Feb 20, 2025

The bigger picture in the East Midlands can be altered with the right appointment. Sales will happen this summer, but there is still the makings of a talented squad to work with for whoever is chosen to lead the Foxes in the Championship.

In light of this, another progressive candidate has come to the table and may be open to taking the job at the King Power over the next few weeks.

Leicester City set for tussle over top target Russell Martin

According to The Sun, Russell Martin is Leicester City’s first choice to fill their managerial vacancy, and he is now said to be keen on being installed as their new manager should an approach be made for his services.

On the flip side, Rangers have shortlisted the 39-year-old as a candidate to take over from Barry Ferguson, creating a scenario where whoever makes the first move could land the former Southampton and Swansea City boss.

Russell Martin’s managerial record – would he be a good choice for Leicester City?

Games managed

252

Wins

101

Draws

56

Defeats

95

Intriguingly, he has lost every match when in the dugout against Leicester City, but his promotion-winning campaign with Southampton last term may be of interest to the Foxes as they seek a return to the Premier League in 2025/26.

Neither themselves or Rangers are in an immediate rush to make an appointment, so it remains to be seen how things will play out for the former Scotland international, who has previously been praised by Pep Guardiola for his brave tactical framework.

Ultimately, timeframes aren’t important for Leicester City, they will take their time before coming to a conclusion over who is the right man to take them forward.

Celtic were crowned champions of Scotland for the fourth time in as many seasons when they beat Dundee United 5-0 at Tannadice Park at the end of last month.

The Hoops ran out 5-0 winners against the Tangerines away from Parkhead to clinch the title, thanks to two goals apiece from Adam Idah and Nicolas Kuhn after an own goal from Ryan Strain.

Brendan Rodgers has now won the league title in both of his seasons since returning to Glasgow in the summer of 2023 to replace Ange Postecoglou in the dugout at Celtic Park.

The Northern Irish head coach will be aiming to make it a hat-trick next season, but he will have to do it without one of his star players for a significant portion of that campaign.

Jota hobbled off in the win over Dundee United, and it has since been confirmed that he suffered cruciate ligament damage, which is set to keep him out of action for between six and nine months.

This means that the Portuguese dynamo, who joined from Rennes in January on a permanent deal, could miss a significant chunk of the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

Why losing Jota to injury is a big blow for Celtic

Losing Jota to a long-term knee injury is a big blow for Celtic because he is a top-quality forward who has proven, across two spells, that he can make a huge impact at the top end of the pitch in Scottish football.

The Hoops reportedly splashed £8m to sign the winger from Rennes in January, 18 months on from his £25m move to Al Ittihad from Parkhead, to bring him back for a second stint in Glasgow.

As you can see in the graphic above, Jota provided a consistent threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals for the Scottish giants in his first two seasons at the club under Postecoglou in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns before his big-money exit.

The 26-year-old talent scored four goals, created three ‘big chances’, and registered two assists in seven starts in the Scottish Premiership this season, prior to his injury.

Goals

0.63

Top 3.8%

Expected Goals

0.48

Top 5.8%

xG on target

0.67

Top 3.8%

Shots on target

1.42

Top 3.8%

Assists

0.32

Top 19.2%

Expected Assists

0.37

Top 7.7%

Chances created

1.89

Top 25%

As you can see in the table above, Jota ranks highly among his positional peers in the division as both a goalscorer and as a creative threat from the left wing, which illustrates just how impressive he has been since returning to Celtic.

These statistics, along with his form from his first two seasons at the club, speak to how much of a blow it is to lose him for up to nine months, because Rodgers has lost a fantastic talent who can score and create goals consistently.

Celtic, however, could land a perfect replacement for Jota in the upcoming summer transfer window by swooping for one of their reported targets.

Celtic's interest in £7m forward

The Daily Record recently reported that the Hoops had an interest in Sarpsborg forward Sondre Orjasaeter, and that they tried to sign him at the start of the year to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

It was also claimed that the Norwegian outfit value the winger at around £7m, but it remains to be seen whether or not the Bhoys are willing to splash that kind of cash on him this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

Back in the January transfer window, 67HailHail reported that the Scottish giants made an offer of £4.4m to sign the impressive youngster, only for the bid to be turned down by Sarpsborg, who value him at £7m as aforementioned.

Celtic must react to the news of Jota’s long-term injury blow by reigniting their interest in Orjasaeter to bring him to Parkhead as a perfect replacement for the Portuguese winger in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Why Sondre Orjasaeter would be the perfect Jota replacement

Positionally, the 21-year-old talent could be an ideal signing to come in for Celtic because he is a right-footed forward who predominantly plays off the left flank, like Jota.

Similarly to the Hoops number seven, Orjasaeter is also a slim winger who uses his pace, agility, and technical ability to drive his team up the pitch by taking on opposition defenders.

The Sarpsborg star has averaged 2.3 completed dribbles per game in the Eliteserien in the 2025 campaign, and averaged 2.4 completed dribbles per match in the 2024 season.

No Celtic player, meanwhile, has completed more than 1.9 dribbles per match. This suggests that Orjasaeter could come in as the dribble king for Rodgers on the flanks, consistently taking on full-backs to create dangerous moments in the final third.

The £7m-rated Celtic target’s form in the Eliteserien – Norway’s top-flight – since the start of last year also suggests that he has the quality to make a big impact when he gets into those dangerous positions.

Appearances

28

4

Goals

5

0

Big chances missed

5

1

Big chances created

12

4

Key passes per game

1.9

1.8

Assists

5

1

Dribbles completed per game

2.4

2.3

As you can see in the table above, Orjasaeter has created 16 ‘big chances’ in his last 32 appearances in the league for his club, an average of one every other game.

Meanwhile, with 35 league games on the board for Celtic this season, Alistair Johnston (15) is the only player with more than 11 ‘big chances’ created for the Hoops this term.

This suggests that the Sarpsborg magician has the potential to be Celtic’s main man for creativity if he can carry that form over to Scottish football for Rodgers next season and beyond.

Therefore, Orjasaeter could be the perfect replacement for Jota for many reasons, including his position, his style of play, his dribbling skills, and his creativity, which is why the club must press ahead with a swoop for him in the summer transfer window.

Worth more than Maeda: Celtic have struck gold on "immense" star

Celtic have hit the jackpot on this star who is now worth even more than Daizen Maeda.

1 ByDan Emery May 3, 2025

Aston Villa’s season now rests on finishing inside the top five spots in the Premier League with an FA Cup semi-final heartbreak still fresh, on top of crashing out of the Champions League to the might of Paris St. Germain.

Of course, finishing inside those coveted few positions will be a hard feat to pull off, with Chelsea and Nottingham Forest also vying for a place amongst Europe’s elite alongside Unai Emery’s Villans.

But, when Villa are at their free-flowing, dangerous best, they can hurt any side that comes their way in the top-flight. Amazingly, however, the West Midlands giants could become even more of an entertaining outfit to watch if they were to land this top-drawer attacking midfielder shortly.

Aston Villa's early transfer targets

It’s not only incomings that are the talk of the town at Villa Park at the moment, with Emiliano Martinez reportedly being looked at by clubs out in Saudi Arabia, alongside Morgan Rogers taking up space on Chelsea’s ever-growing shopping list.

Rogers leaving might well have sparked Villa’s curiosity in looking for fresh blood in the number ten spot, with 18-year-old Sverre Nypan being looked at as one for the future, alongside Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer deal.

Football Insider has revealed that Villa are looking to snap up the Premier League veteran as an alternative to landing loan star Marco Asensio permanently.

The Villans are exploring a move for the former Chelsea man as it could prove far cheaper than the deal needed to lure Asensio to England for good, considering the need to cover the Spaniard’s wages, alongside a transfer fee.

After all, the 33-year-old would be able to gift Emery and Co some class as an ageing operator in midfield, on top of perhaps being the best switch Villa have signed off on since De Bruyne’s fellow compatriot Youri Tielemans entered the building back in 2023.

Why De Bruyne could be their best signing since Tielemans

Before delving deeper into why he could be held in such high esteem, Villa have picked up some top talents since Tielemans’ arrival almost two years ago.

Rogers’ signing sticks out as a memorable one – among the likes of Amadou Onana joining for big bucks – considering Chelsea will have to splash out far more than the initial £8m Emery and Co paid for his services, off the back of his 16 goal contributions in league action this season.

Even the loan moves for the likes of Asensio, Marcus Rashford and Donyell Malen have caught the eye, although a bargain deal for De Bruyne would surpass even that trio, considering his status as the “greatest” Premier League midfielder of all time, according to Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp.

Much like the City number 17’s potential switch, Tielemans would also join the Villa ranks in 2023 as a free transfer pick-up, with the Villans capitalising on Leicester City’s dire relegation situation to land the exceptional midfielder.

Ever since joining, the 75-time Belgium international has pulled the strings for his employers on a regular basis, leading to Tielemans amassing 25 goal contributions and counting from 97 overall contests.

The “unique” De Bruyne – as described by Pep Guardiola – has still managed to show flashes of his excellence for City this season, even as his team’s form on the pitch has been unexpectedly choppy, meaning he might well link up with Tielemans to devastating effect if a deal is signed off on.

Indeed, the six-time Premier League title winner has still been able to register a healthy five goals and eight assists in all competitions. To add context, Tielemans is only one ahead of his potential new teammate’s numbers for the campaign, despite being six years younger.

Games played

417

Goals scored

107

Assists

177

Premier League titles

6x

FA Cups

2x

League Cups

5x

Champions Leagues

1x

Man City Player of the Season

4x

Premier League Player of the Season

2x

A man of De Bruyne’s “unbelievable” pedigree – as he’s been hailed in the past by Guardiola himself – doesn’t just his lose his star-quality overnight, with Emery perhaps the perfect manager to get the 5 foot 11 ace back to his ridiculous best, having worked wonders when reviving Rashford’s own career.

Therefore, if everything goes to plan and De Bruyne can prove his age is merely a number by showing off his world-class ability, this would go down as the best switch signed off on since Tielemans’ arrival onto the scene.

Aston Villa may already be close to signing an "elite" Rogers replacement

Aston Villa will be considering who they can swoop in for if Morgan Rogers departs the club.

ByKelan Sarson May 1, 2025

A new club have emerged in the race to sign an “excellent” Wolves player permanently in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh claim.

Wolves exit rumours emerge

Wanderers will be looking for plenty of incoming transfer business at the end of the season, but doubts surround the futures of several current players.

Matheus Cunha is the most high-profile Wolves hero who looks the most likely to move on this summer, with the Brazilian far from without suitors. A number of top clubs are keen on snapping him up, and Vitor Pereira will know that he has a battle on his hands to keep hold of him.

Elsewhere, Tommy Doyle has also been linked with leaving Molineux before next season gets underway, with journalist Graeme Bailey explaining the situation: “It seems Doyle is increasingly likely to go. There’s a lot of Championship interest in him, we’re going to see a fair few Championship players go, so there’s plenty of opportunities for quite a few teams [to sign him]. He’ll find a club, he’ll be alright, it’s just he’s not particularly suited to Vitor Pereira’s system, that’s just how it is.”

Fabio Silva is currently out on loan at Las Palmas and seemingly doesn’t have a long-term future, with prevuous suggeston they were ready to sell for £25m. Now, a new update has dropped regarding the Portuguese attacker, having reportedly held talks with Eintracht Frankfurt earlier this week.

"Excellent" £17m Wolves ace in talks to join new club

According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg on X, VfL Wolfsburg have now held talks to sign Silva from Wolves this summer, providing competition for Frankfurt. Interestingly, Wolves’ asking price has dropped from £25m to £17m.

This summer definitely feels like the right time for Wolves to sell Silva, even though Stuart McCall hailed him during a loan stint at Scottish Premiership giants Rangers, saying:

“The one thing Silva has done well today, because he’s not been on the ball much, is his movement. It has been excellent. Lovely ball, really nice finish.”

As mentioned, the 22-year-old has been a huge disappointment for Wolves overall, scoring just five goals and registering only six assists in 72 appearances for Wanderers. Given the money they spent on him, that is a dismal return, and while he is still a young player, it is hard to see him ever being good enough for the Premier League.

Ivory Coast star likely to move in summer amid Everton and Wolves interest

Both sides are interested in bringing him to the Premier League.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Apr 19, 2025

If Wolves could get the £17m that they crave for Silva’s signature this summer, it could end up being seen as good business, even if it is a loss on what they paid Porto for him initially back in 2020.

A position often heavily scrutinised in Enzo Maresca’s system at Chelsea are his wingers, who are tasked with holding the width in the early stages of build-up, pinning opposition fullbacks and looking to isolate them 1v1 at any given chance.

However, the profiles of wingers Chelsea currently have at their disposal aren’t the exact archetype Maresca would favour, apart from Noni Madueke who fits the bill.

Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho are slightly different in style, therefore offering a plan B when needed.

Chelsea looking to improve their attack

Adding another direct type winger who is more akin to Madueke on the opposite side could take Chelsea to another level next season, giving them directness on both flanks to force the issue and create high xG chances.

Transfer Focus

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

So, it will come as no surprise to learn they’re after one of the finest wingers in European football right now.

Indeed, according to reports from Spain, Chelsea are one of three teams who are ‘ready to make a move’ for Barcelona forward, Raphinha, with the Blues identifying the Brazilian winger as a “priority target”. The other two clubs interested are Manchester City and Saudi side Al Hilal.

The Blues were in for Raphinha back in 2022 prior to his move to Barcelona, with the Brazil international opting to join the Spanish outfit instead after leaving Leeds United for a fee of around £55m.

Raphinha has made 49 appearances for the Spanish giants in all competitions this season, scoring 30 goals, providing 21 assists and totalling 3,952 minutes played.

Barca are still on for the treble this season, and achieving this could see the 28-year-old become the front-runner for the Ballon D’or.

How Raphinha could benefit Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer has found himself in a bit of a rut this second half of the season, still having 14 goals and nine assists in 39 appearances this campaign, but going without a goal for the past three months, last scoring against Bournemouth back in January.

This campaign has been very different for the 22-year-old star, often being man-marked and focused on by opposition pressing schemes, limiting his time and space on the ball.

One thing that could help to open up those alleys of space Palmer loves to operate within is the addition of more relentless runners, something the Blues have missed at points this season. This is where Raphinha comes in.

Goals

0.68

0.39

Assists

0.48

0.22

xG

0.56

0.52

xAG

0.48

0.30

Progressive Carries

3.24

4.66

Progressive Passes

3.31

6.26

Progressive Passes Received

10.8

5.28

Shots Total

3.68

3.60

Key Passes

3.03

2.49

Shot-Creating Actions

5.49

5.80

Successful Take-Ons

1.61

1.44

When looking at the Brazilian’s underlying numbers alongside Chelsea’s central creator, you can see the former receives 10.8 progressive passes per 90. This is a big indicator that he is a focal point and outlet for Barcelona, often looking to penetrate the opposition’s defensive line with runs in behind.

This is exactly what Palmer needs in order to stretch the spaces between the opposition’s first two lines of contact, the first being their forwards/midfielders in the pressing unit, and the second being the defensive line.

Raphinha has even been labelled as “the best player in the world” this season by Statman Dave, and his incredible willingness to be direct and run beyond is one of his key characteristics as a player. Not to mention he’s scoring by the bucket load and creating heaps of goalscoring opportunities for his teammates.

Palmer has looked at his best when linking up with Nicolas Jackson and Madueke this season, Chelsea’s two most relentless runners in the front line, willing to run in behind in order to create space for the England international.

As a result, another with Raphinha would only benefit the England international, making it harder for teams to cut off his preferred zones of space.

Chelsea have signed "future Ballon d'Or winner" who's going to stunt George

Tyrique George could find his first team minutes at Chelsea are halted by the emergence of this sensational forward.

4 ByKelan Sarson Apr 22, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Liverpool target who could be their own Alvarez

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How Rodrygo compares to Alvarez in LaLiga (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Rodrygo

Alvarez

Games played

30

34

Goals & assists

11

17

Progressive carries

5.3

2.7

Progressive passes

5.1

3.1

Pass accuracy

86%

74%

Passes into final third

3.1

1.5

Take-ons completed

2.3

1.1

Carries into final third

4.1

1.8

Aerials won

30%

29%

Stats via FBref

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

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

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

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

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair May 9, 2025

West Bromwich Albion have reportedly made contact with the representatives of a soon-to-be free agent ahead of a potential move to The Hawthorns.

West Brom seek new manager ahead of summer transfer window

The Baggies endured a frustrating 2024/25 campaign, which went downhill following Carlos Corberan’s departure just before Christmas. Corberan left West Brom for Valencia and in the second half of the season, the Baggies would only win seven more Championship games, falling out of the playoffs and finishing 9th.

Tony Mowbray was appointed and sacked in 2025, with the club saying in their statement: “The club would like to place on record its thanks to Tony and Mark for their efforts – but has made the decision to part company following a series of poor results. Tony and Mark will forever be welcome at The Hawthorns and their contributions to the club winning the 2007-08 Championship title will never be forgotten.”

With the Baggies looking for a new permanent boss, a number of managers have been linked with the vacant role, including Tottenham Hotspur assistant Ryan Mason and Stockport County boss Dave Challinor.

Former Bournemouth and Wolves manager Gary O’Neil has also been mentioned as a potential target, and whoever comes in will be looking to make their mark in the transfer market.

He's Corberan 2.0: West Brom could hire "one of the best young coaches"

West Bromwich Albion will hope they can unearth their next Carlos Corberan with this managerial appointment.

ByKelan Sarson May 13, 2025

However, despite not having a permanent boss in place for the upcoming season, West Brom chiefs are already looking at new signings and have made contact over a move to sign Tottenham Hotspur youngster Jamie Donley on loan. The Northern Ireland international isn’t the only player the Baggies want, though, following a new transfer update.

West Brom make contact to sign Gora Diouf on free transfer

According to a report from Africa Foot, West Brom have made an approach to the entourage of FC Sion defender Gora Diouf.

Out of contract at the end of June and set to leave on a free transfer, Diouf is also being eyed up by Turkish clubs Trabzonspor and Samsunspor, who have also been in contact.

The 21-year-old is primarily a centre-back but can also play as a left-back if required and has been with the Swiss side since 2022.

Interestingly, Diouf is represented by well-known agency Wasserman who look after Baggies stars Tom Fellows and Mikey Johnston, something which could help West Brom in any potential transfer.

Games

37

Goals

2

Yellow cards

7

Red cards

1

Minutes played

2,547

A deal for Diouf looks like it could be one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks, and who knows, he could rival the likes of Torbjørn Heggem and Kyle Bartley, with Semi Ajayi out of contract in a matter of weeks as things stand.

This is it, then; Tottenham Hotspur’s season comes down to this.

Ange Postecoglou’s side take on Norwegian side FK Bodø/Glimt in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final and sit three games away from an incredible achievement.

However, to ensure they get to the final in Bilbao, the North Londoners will need to perform substantially better than they did on Sunday.

To ensure that happens, the manager needs to make some significant changes to the starting lineup, changes that should see Djed Spence and several others dropped.

The Spurs players who should be dropped

So, starting off, it should go without saying that Postecoglou should be looking to drop both Kevin Danso and Ben Davies for tonight’s game, as while they were not the worst offenders at Anfield, they are no match for Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.

Chalkboard

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

Likewise, while he’s undoubtedly going to have a big future at the club, Archie Gray should come out of the side, as he looked far from convincing on Sunday, earning a 3/10 match rating from the Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick and completing just 12 passes in the first half.

Finally, Spence should also come out of the team, as he was another player who had a seriously torrid time against Liverpool.

The usually impressive full-back earned a dismal 4/10 match rating from Kilpatrick, who wrote that he was poor in possession and was ‘ran ragged’ by Luis Diaz.

While it might sound harsh, it’s an opinion backed up by the statistics, as in 94 minutes, he amassed an expected goal plus assists figure of 0.05, made a single tackle, lost seven of eight duels, lost the ball 20 times, was accurate in 16 of 27 passes, misplaced 100% of his crosses and five of his six long balls, took a single shot off target and failed in 100% of his dribbles.

Minutes

94′

Expected Goals

0.02

Goals

0

Expected Assists

0.03

Assists

0

Tackles

1

Duels (Won)

8 (1)

Passing Accuracy

16/27 (59%)

Key Passes

0

Crosses (Accurate)

1 (0)

Long Balls (Accurate)

6 (1)

Dribbles (Successful)

3 (0)

Shots on Target

0

Shots off Target

1

In all, it was a dreadful attacking and defensive display from Spence, and given the importance of tonight’s game, one that should see him start on the bench.

The Spurs star who should replace Spence

While Bodø/Glimt have taken some impressive scalps en route to this game, it would be fair to say that they’ll be massive underdogs against Spurs, and as such the hosts will likely spend most of the game attacking.

So, with this in mind, it seems like the perfect game to start Pedro Porro ahead of Spence.

Now, it’s certainly true that the Spaniard has a defensive mistake in him – as we’ve seen on numerous occasions this season – but it is equally true that he’s an incredible passer of the ball, and when on song, an unreal outlet from the right-hand side.

For example, even though he’s not had the best of campaigns this season, the former Sporting CP star has managed to rack up an impressive tally of eight assists and three goals.

Moreover, FBref places the “titanic” ace, as dubbed by The Athletic’s former Spurs correspondent Charlie Eccleshare, in the top 1% of full-backs in the Premier League for crosses into the penalty area, the top 2% for key passes, passes into the penalty area, shot-creating actions and general crosses, the top 5% for touches in the attacking third, the top 6% for switches and more, all per 90.

Crosses into Penalty Area

0.95

Top 1%

Key Passes

1.97

Top 2%

Passes into Penalty Area

2.01

Top 2%

Crosses

6.98

Top 2%

Shot-Creating Actions

3.80

Top 2%

Touches in the Attacking Third

27.37

Top 5%

Switches

0.51

Top 6%

Blocks

1.61

Top 6%

Total Shots

1.35

Top 8%

So, if Postecoglou’s side are likely to have far more of the ball at home, then it makes far more sense to start someone whose primary strength is chance creation.

Ultimately, Spurs have the chance to essentially win the tie tonight, and the best way to do that is by starting their most dangerous players, including Porro.

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Arsenal have had some contact over signing an alternative to heavily-mooted striker target Viktor Gyokeres, according to reports, and it is believed the man in question would cost Andrea Berta a very affordable fee this summer.

Arsenal reportedly advancing on deal for Viktor Gyokeres

Multiple reports from Portugal this week indicate that the Gunners are making serious moves for Gyokeres already, with productive talks held ahead of Berta’s debut summer window at the Emirates.

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A Bola even reports that Arsenal are ready to offer the 26-year-old a four-to-five-year contract worth around £135,000-per-week, as they look to tempt Gyokeres with a blockbuster Premier League move after his scintillating 50-goal campaign.

Viktor Gyokeres stats by competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Primeira Liga

32

38

8

Champions League

8

6

Portuguese Cup

6

4

3

Allianz Cup

3

4

Supertaca

1

2

via Transfermarkt

That same outlet later shared information that Gyokeres has his “heart set” on a move to Arsenal, with Sporting demanding a fee of around £63 million to let their star striker leave, which comes as a major discount on his £84 million release clause.

Reports of this nature are understandably getting supporters excited, especially when factoring in Berta’s need to bring in a prolific centre-forward.

The former Coventry City star would be the ideal player to end Arsenal’s search for a proven front man, but the unpredictable nature of football transfer dealings means we cannot completely rule out the prospect of Mikel Arteta missing out on a move.

Chelsea are also on the look-out for a new striker, and there are suggestions of concerns within London Colney that their English counterparts could launch a hijack attempt by bidding closer to Gyokeres’ release clause (Corriere de Manha).

Some media sources suggest that Arteta actually prefers RB Leizpig starlet Benjamin Sesko to Gyokeres as well, so there could be many twists and turns still to come in Arsenal’s pursuit of a number nine.

Arsenal in contact over signing Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic

There are more alternatives to Gyokeres reportedly being considered by Arsenal, and one of them is Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic.

As per The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal are in contact to be kept informed on Vlahovic’s situation, even if he’s further down on Berta’s shopping list.

The Serbia international has hit double figures over his last two campaigns at Juve, and four of his 14 strikes in all competitions this season have come in blockbuster Champions League encounters, so he’s an option capable of performing on the biggest stages.

Vlahovic, after failing to agree a new contract, is also free to depart Turin, and his agents have been reaching out to numerous Premier League sides, including Arsenal, in an attempt to find a new club.

What’s more, Juve could green-light his sale for just £25 million, making Vlahovic one of the potential bargains of the summer.

“I’ve been saying it for a long time,” said ex-Juve striker Roberto Boninsegna about Vlahovic.

“He’s strong, massive, he fills up front, he’s a reference, he’s a ‘left-footer’ full of courage. A good centre-forward.”