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Viktor Gyokeres is a player who has been on Manchester United’s radar over the last couple of months, after previously playing under Ruben Amorim at Sporting CP.

The Swede has been a man in demand not just from the Red Devils, but from multiple sides all across Europe, with a big-money move expected during the off-season.

Amorim’s side have constantly been monitoring his situation in Portugal, but it appears as though they are set to miss out on any deal to land the 27-year-old talisman.

He’s previously stated his desire to join Arsenal if he were to move to the Premier League this window, leading to the Red Devils exploring other options within the market.

Numerous names have been mentioned as options for the centre-forward position this summer, with multiple players in their sights, which could see other players depart this window.

The latest on United’s centre-forward department this summer

Dušan Vlahović is a player who’s been constantly on their radar over recent weeks, with United in talks with Juventus over a deal for the Serbian international.

Victor Osimhen has been another name mentioned in the last few weeks, but the Nigerian could cost a pretty penny, with his current side, Napoli, demanding £64m to sell him during the off-season.

However, if they are to land any of the aforementioned stars, they may have to sell some current stars, with Rasmus Hojlund edging closer to a departure, according to Man United Source.

They claim that the Danish forward has agreed personal terms with Serie A side Inter Milan over a move to the San Siro this window, with negotiations at an early stage.

They also state that the player himself is pushing for a move to the Italian giants after scoring just four times in the Premier League throughout 2024/25.

Why one United star could be a repeat of Elanga

Anthony Elanga left United back in the summer of 2023, departing in a £15m deal to join Nottingham Forest and ending his stint at Old Trafford, which once held so much promise.

The Swede has taken his career to the next level since departing the Red Devils, with the winger reaching new heights under the guidance of Nuno Espírito Santo.

He featured in every single Premier League outing last season, notching a total of six goals and 11 assists, helping the Reds secure a place in the Europa Conference League.

However, it appears as though he’s set to leave the City Ground in favour of a switch to join Newcastle United, with a £55m deal being mooted for the 23-year-old’s signature.

The Red Devils are due a 15% sell-on from any deal this summer, but given his rise away from Old Trafford, it was a huge mistake in allowing him to depart a couple of years ago.

Such a deal could be repeated this summer with Hojlund, with the Dane potentially recapturing his best form if he secures a permanent move away from Amorim’s side.

The 22-year-old, who’s valued at £70m by CIES Football Observatory, is worth more than Gyokeres, who’s only worth £68m despite his recent goalscoring exploits.

1.

Paul Pogba

Juventus

£89m

2.

Antony

Ajax

£86m

3.

Harry Maguire

Leicester City

£80m

4.

Jadon Sancho

Borussia Dortmund

£75m

5.

Romelu Lukaku

Everton

£74m

6.

Rasmus Hojlund

Atalanta

£72m

7.

Ángel Di María

Real Madrid

£70m

8.

Mathue Cunha

Wolves

£62.5m

Whilst he only managed four league goals last campaign, his first year at the club demonstrated serious quality, registering 16 goals across all competitions, proving he can cut it at the top level.

Selling him would undoubtedly bank them some immediate cash, but given his tender age, he has bags of time to develop and prove why the club spent £72m on his signature.

However, as seen with Elanga, prematurely offloading young talents is a huge risk, potentially selling a player who could star for the Red Devils in the years ahead.

It remains to be seen if he will complete a deal to join Inter Milan this summer, but given the latest update, it appears he’s edging closer to a move – with his departure one the hierarchy will rue if he can replicate the Swede’s achievements.

He's better than Watkins: Man Utd in talks to sign "world-class" £26m star

Manchester United appear to be making moves to land a new striker this summer.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jul 4, 2025

After scouts completed their “due diligence”, Leeds United have now reportedly opened talks to sign a Champions League-level midfielder for Daniel Farke this summer.

49ers pushing on after signing Bijol

Back in the Premier League and ready to end the trend of promoted sides heading straight back down to the Championship, Leeds have already welcomed both Lukas Nmecha and Jaka Bijol this summer. The latter, costing around £19m, particularly stands out as one to watch after swapping Udinese for Elland Road in a big-money move.

After putting pen to paper, the central defender told Leeds’ official website: “This is a big day for me, for my family and I’m happy to be here. Maybe the biggest one of my career so far, but I’m ready for it.

“I work for it and that’s why I’m here, because it’s a big challenge for everyone. It’s a big challenge for me, for the club, and we’re getting ready for it together. I think the club and myself are ready for the Premier League.

“I can promise that I will give everything, that I will give everything in every training as well to be ready for the first game of the season and then just go from there.”

After Bijol: Leeds join race to sign £17m star who's the new Hernandez

Leeds may finally have their new version of club legend Hernandez

ByJoe Nuttall Jun 25, 2025

Not resting on their laurels, however, the 49ers have since set their sight on further reinforcements such as Habib Diarra who would hand Farke a midfield boost. And it seems as though midfield is the ongoing focus at Elland Road with “due diligence” complete and talks now open to sign a Champions League star this summer.

Leeds open talks to sign Douglas Luiz

According to former Premier League scout Mick Brown, Leeds have now opened talks to sign Douglas Luiz from Juventus this summer as he desperately looks to make his way back to the Premier League just one year on from leaving Aston Villa.

Brown told Football Insider after claiming that Juventus want to sell the Brazilian: “So Leeds may well be interested after speaking to his agent, but they have to know what they’re getting.

“If they want somebody to get on the ball and help them progress, he can do that. If they want somebody who’s combative and willing to battle in the middle, they’ll look elsewhere. Their scouts will have done their due diligence on him, they’ll know what he can and can’t do, and then it’s up to them to make a decision.”

The former Manchester United scout Luiz as “talented” before revealing Leeds’ talks to secure his signature in the coming months. As signings go, welcoming the former Villa star back to the Premier League would be quite the statement from the 49ers and would instantly negate their need to sign another midfield reinforcement.

Tottenham Hotspur’s long-awaited trophy finally came at the end of this season, but attention has quickly turned to the 2025/26 campaign, with work needing to be done to sustain the success.

Ange Postecoglou led the Lilywhites to a Europa League triumph, but it wasn’t enough to save his job in North London, as Daniel Levy relieved the Aussie of his duties.

He subsequently appointed Thomas Frank, handing the Dane the responsibility of building on the European victory and making the side a competitive Premier League outfit.

He will need to make a quick start to life at the club to prove the owner made the right decision in opting for a change, potentially coming under huge pressure should he fail to deliver.

However, if he is to be a success in the role, he will need backing within the current transfer window, handing him the platform for success during his first season at the helm.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Over the last couple of days, Lyon star Georges Mikautadze has emerged as a key target for Spurs, with the club expected to make an offer for the Georgian forward after their relegation to Ligue 2.

Rodrigo Muniz is another player on their radar this window, but will cost a pretty penny during the off-season, as Fulham are demanding £50m for the Brazilian forward.

However, if either of the players are to move to North London, they will need to be provided with opportunities in the final third, with Xavi Simons a player in their sights, according to GIVEMESPORT.

Their report claims that the RB Leipzig star is keen on a move to the Premier League this window, but the German outfit are demanding a fee in the region of £60m to part with their star man.

It also states that the Lilywhites have registered a keen interest in the 22-year-old, who managed to register 10 goals and seven assists in the Bundesliga this campaign, with contact already taking place as the north Londoners have been ‘updated on Simons’ situation by his representatives’.

Why Spurs’ £60m target would be a better signing than Eze

Over the last couple of years, Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has been constantly on Spurs’ radar, but they’ve never been able to complete a deal for his signature.

This window remains no different, with Frank already targeting the England international and considering making a move to take the star to North London.

His stock is undoubtedly higher this time around, after netting the winner in the FA Cup final this campaign, securing the Eagles’ first major trophy against Manchester City at Wembley.

However, he does currently have a £68m release clause in his contract, but could face huge pressure to land his services, as North London rivals Arsenal have also entered the race.

As a result, the Lilywhites hierarchy should shift their attention to a move for Simons, with the Dutch international a better option for Frank’s outfit this window.

He would provide the side with a younger and cheaper option, but when comparing the pair’s respective figures from 2024/25, he’s also managed to outperform him in key areas – subsequently making him a higher-quality addition.

Simons, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by OptaJohan, has completed more of the passes he’s attempted, and posted more progressive passes per 90 – handing other attackers at the club the chance to bolster their own tallies.

Games played

25

34

Goals scored

10

8

Progressive carries

3.6

2.4

Progressive passes

5.9

3.3

Shot-on-target accuracy

46%

27%

Pass accuracy

79%

74%

Passes into final third

3.3

1.7

Carries into final third

3

1.6

The youngster has also starred with his ball-carrying, registering nearly two times more carries into the final third per 90, showcasing his desire to get forward at any given moment.

Given his age, price tag and difference in figures produced, a deal for Simons should be a no-brainer this window, offering Frank the elite-level talent he craves within the final third.

It would be an expensive addition for the hierarchy, but ultimately, it’s one that’s needed if the club are to reach the next level during the Dane’s tenure at the club.

There’s no denying that Eze is a hugely talented player, but it’s evident that there is a tendency for more expensive fees to be touted for English stars, subsequently making Simons the better option this window.

A better signing than Semenyo: Spurs leading race to land £25m sensation

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making strides in a move to land a new talent for Thomas Frank.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 27, 2025

Newcastle United, like every other Premier League side, found out their fate with the new fixtures getting released on Wednesday morning.

The Magpies will be hoping to start the campaign strongly, looking to build momentum heading into their Champions League campaign and get themselves into the top four.

It will not be an easy start for Eddie Howe’s side. They face Aston Villa away from home, followed by a visit from champions Liverpool as their first game at St James’ Park. To end August, the North East outfit have a trip to Elland Road to face Leeds United.

Howe will need his biggest players to step up and perform at the start of the season, and they might well be adding someone to the squad this summer who can help with that.

Newcastle’s latest transfer target

It is no secret that the Magpies are looking for a new attacker this summer, due to a need to strengthen and a lack of clarity on Anthony Gordon’s future. One Liverpool insider recently revealed that the Reds are ‘in active contact’ with the winger over a move.

Transfer Focus

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

Names like Brighton’s Joao Pedro and Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga have both been touted but Newcastle could actually look to bring a Manchester United attacker to St James’ Park instead.

Caught Offside report that Marcus Rashford is ‘being eyed up’ by Howe’s side. The Toon side are said to be ‘names to watch in the Premier League’ as the race for Rashford’s signature goes on.

It remains unclear whether this will be a loan deal or a permanent move. Aston Villa, one of the other sides interested in Rashford, had a £40m buy option in his loan contract, so he may well be valued at the same price by United. Other interested parties included Tottenham Hotspur and European giants Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan.

Why Rashford would be a good signing

After a tough first half of the 2024/25 campaign for Rashford, he really made a strong end to the season during his short stint at Villa Park. The 27-year-old reminded the world why he is such a deadly attacker.

In 17 games for the Villans, the England international scored four times and grabbed six assists. What makes that even more impressive is the fact that he played just 940 minutes, the equivalent of 10.4 full 90-minute games, leaving him with a rate of almost one goal involvement per game.

Of course, let’s not forget the sensational career Rashford has had at Old Trafford. The Wythenshawe-born superstar scored 138 goals and registered 79 assists in 426 games for his boyhood club.

The winger was once described as a “big-game player” by Statman Dave. That is good news for Newcastle, who need that kind of quality with the start to the season they have. They have been on the receiving end of it too. He scored against the Magpies in the 2023 Carabao Cup final.

If the Magpies do sign Rashford, he would arguably be a perfect replacement for Gordon. The Newcastle star scored and assisted 16 goals in 42 games last season, fewer than Rashford’s 20 in 41 games for both United and Villa.

Last season, there were several standout moments for the winger, who could soon depart to Anfield, it seems. He scored in both legs of their Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal, but did miss the final against Liverpool, after a red card in the Premier League.

Their numbers on FBref stack up well with each other, too. For example, Rashford last season averaged 3.55 shot-creating actions per game, compared to Gordon’s 3.74. This shows that both wingers are constantly involved in chances, even if they don’t end up being the one who has the shot, which is a good trait for an attacker to have.

Goals and assists

0.57

0.41

Expected goals

0.3

0.3

Key passes

1.77

1.89

Take-ons completed

1.14

1.41

Shot-creating actions

3.55

3.74

Losing Gordon would be a huge blow for Newcastle, but if they were to sign Rashford as his replacement, he’d be the perfect alternative. The goals and assist numbers from the United star were better last season, and he would keep the same level of directness Gordon offers.

Whether this is a £40m move or a loan deal, it could be the type of signing that keeps Howe’s side as true competitors across all competitions.

He'd be a dream for Isak: Newcastle likely to see bid accepted for £50m ace

Eddie Howe has his sights on a current Premier League winger for Newcastle.

3 ByRoss Kilvington Jun 17, 2025

Crystal Palace are now showing interest in an “amazing” player, who is “expected” to leave his current club this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Palace eyeing centre-back amid Guehi uncertainty

Marc Guehi’s Palace future has been a hot topic for quite some time now, with a number of Premier League clubs believed to be keen on the centre-back, including the likes of Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and former employers Chelsea.

There may have been feint hope that qualification for the Europa League could tempt Guehi into signing a new deal to remain at Selhurst Park, but there are now doubts over whether the Eagles will even be allowed to play in the competition next season.

The 24-year-old will, of course, be eager to play European football at this stage of his career, so the recent developments are likely to be a concern, although UEFA are yet to make a final decision on the matter and the feeling is Palace will be allowed entry onto the continental stage.

That said, the England international could depart regardless, meaning Palace could be faced with the very difficult task of replacing him this summer, and Romano has now revealed one of the targets they have in mind.

In a recent update on X, the transfer expert has revealed that Crystal Palace have now started to “show interest” in Juventus defender Tiago Djalo, who is “expected” to leave the Italian club after spending the 2024-25 season on loan at FC Porto.

The Eagles are said to have a three-man shortlist of centre-back targets for the summer, and Djalo is among them, but their interest appears to be tentative at this stage, given that they are yet to make any formal moves.

"Amazing" Djalo needs fresh start at new club

The 2024-25 campaign was far from ideal for the 25-year-old, featuring just eight times for FC Porto in the Liga Portugal, which is unlikely to have impressed parent club Juventus, and he is in need of a fresh start at a new club this summer.

Despite failing to make an impact in Portugal, there are some signs the Portuguese defender could be a solid signing for Oliver Glasner’s side, having once been lauded as “amazing” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Talks held: Crystal Palace open discussions to sign UCL "gladiator" for £0

The Eagles have swooped in to sign a Champions League player, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer.

ByDominic Lund May 29, 2025

Moreover, the £24k-a-week centre-back showcased his passing and dribbling ability while on loan at Porto over the past year, although he was less impressive from a defensive point of view.

Djalo Statistics 24/25

Average per 90 (vs other centre backs)

Pass completion

93.8 per cent (99th percentile)

Progressive carries

1.76 (99th percentile)

Passes attempted

67.16 (90th percentile)

In truth, however, it will be a tall order for Palace to find any defender capable of replacing Guehi, and it would be a real gamble to pursue a move for Djalo.

Chelsea look certain to enjoy a busy summer transfer window, especially if Enzo Maresca can guide them to the Champions League next season.

While the squad is filled with quality in several areas, a lack of depth, plus a shortage of a truly world-class centre-forward has impacted the Blues at times this term.

The Stamford Bridge side have scored 63 times in the Premier League this term, a tally bettered by the likes of Brentford (ninth) and equalled by Tottenham Hotspur (17th) throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

As such, adding goals to his side will be Maresca’s main priority once the summer transfer window opens in just a couple of weeks.

Chelsea have been linked with their fair share of targets, no doubt about that, but how much will the manager be willing to spend to bolster his first-team squad?

Chelsea’s search for a new striker

One name that is on the list is Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap. Following his club’s relegation from the top flight back into the Championship, his release clause drops down to £30m, which makes him an attractive prospect.

Newcastle United and Manchester United are also keen, but is the talented Englishman a player who could spearhead a potential title challenge? That much remains to be seen.

Another target, and one with a higher ceiling than Delap, is Benjamin Sesko. Chelsea have been routinely linked with a move for the RB Leipzig frontman following his exploits on the continent.

Elsewhere, Victor Osimhen remains a target, although he could be an expensive signing should he make the move to London in the summer.

Finally, Alexander Isak is a player who has also been mentioned with regard to a move to the capital. The Newcastle striker is arguably one of the finest players in the top flight, and signing him would signal a major statement of intent.

Isak is approaching the peak years of his career. But if the Blues wish to sign a striker who is just like the Swede, but a few years younger, then they could turn to the Bundesliga.

Chelsea eyeing move for Bundesliga striker

It appears as though Maresca will stop at nothing in order to bring in someone who has a track record for scoring goals.

Transfer Focus

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

According to French news outlet RMC Sport, it is claimed that several clubs have made contact with Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike with regard to a potential move.

Chelsea are certainly in the hunt, although they face some stiff competition from the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool ahead of the transfer window.

Due to his strong performances that have led Frankfurt to third place in the Bundesliga, thus securing Champions League qualification, Ekitike is now valued at €100m (£85m), which represents a massive change of fortunes from just 18 months ago.

Back then, he was struggling to make inroads at PSG. Now he is one of the most desirable forwards in Europe.

He has proven his worth in a top-five league. Would a move to Chelsea help him continue his development?

Why Chelsea must sign Hugo Ekitike this summer

Nicolas Jackson has endured a campaign to forget, scoring just 12 goals all season. Marc Guiu is the only other senior centre-forward in the first-team squad and while he netted six goals and showed a lot of promise prior to injury, he isn’t at the level to lead the club’s attack consistently.

Making a move for Ekitike, therefore, is of the utmost importance to Maresca over the next few weeks, that’s for sure.

Analyst Ben Mattinson delivered some high praise on the Frenchman in March this year, saying: “A move in the summer seems inevitable and rightly so, Ekitiké is one of the best strikers out there ready to explode.”

You might say he has already exploded. Throughout the 2024/25 season, Ekitike has scored 22 goals and registered 12 assists in all competitions for Frankfurt.

He ranked sixth in the top flight for goals and assists (23) for the club, while also ranking third for shots per game (3.5) and fifth for big chances missed (16). This last stat is something that will get better with age, as his abilities in the penalty area should improve over the coming years.

Given how well he has performed in the Bundesliga, especially compared to players such as Harry Kane, Ekitike is finally looking like he will fulfil his potential.

The sky is certainly the limit. If he made the move to London, Ekitike could become Maresca’s own version of Isak, especially considering the pair of strikers share similar sorts of qualities.

Why Ekitike could be a younger version of Alexander Isak

According to WhoScored, both Isak and Ekitike like to dribble, while they can count key passes and dribbling as their main strengths. As per FBref, the Newcastle centre-forward is the fifth-most comparable player to the French sensation, across Europe’s top five leagues.

The pair have also registered similar statistics across a range of attacking metrics domestically this season, including goals and assists (23 vs 29), shots on target per 90 (1.55 vs 1.32), shot-creating actions per 90 (3.55 vs 3.07), touches in the opposition penalty area (196 vs 186) and successful take-ons (52 vs 42) for their respective teams.

Metric

Isak

Ekitike

Goals

23

15

Assists

6

8

Shots per game

2.9

3.5

Big chances missed

18

16

Goal conversion percentage

24%

13%

Key passes per game

1.6

1.3

It is evident that the two are extremely similar not only in their playing style but also in their attacking output in 2024/25.

Like Isak, the Frankfurt striker has an insatiable eye for scoring at every possible opportunity. That’s not to say he is selfish, however, as the youngster can also create opportunities for his teammates with ease, evidenced by his 12 assists across the whole season.

He might cost the club around £85m, but as someone who has the potential to get better and better as time goes on, it may turn out to be a wise investment.

Of course, securing a place in the Champions League is imperative. If so, one of the continent’s most in-demand strikers could be on their way to London.

Chelsea already have a bigger talent than Enzo Fernandez in £18m "monster"

Reports have suggested that Chelsea might lose Fernandez to Real Madrid this summer

1 ByJoe Nuttall May 22, 2025

Liverpool have “made contact” with a rival Premier League attacker over a move to Anfield in the summer transfer window.

Liverpool in need of Nunez and Jota upgrade

The Reds are expected to have one of their busiest summers in years, with upgrades needed in various positions, despite their Premier League title win.

In attack, a new centre forward is badly needed, with neither Darwin Nunez nor Diogo Jota representing the solution in that area now. The former simply hasn’t kicked on enough in three seasons, while the latter is an injury-prone player who cannot seem to stay fit for a whole season.

Eintracht Frankfurt ace Hugo Ekitike has been linked with a move to Liverpool various times, and could stand out as the most exciting No.9 option this summer, especially considering Newcastle United look highly unlikely to allow Alexander Isak to leave.

Brighton attacker Joao Pedro has also been mentioned as an option for the Merseyside, as has Bayer Leverkusen superstar Florian Wirtz, who could potentially be used in a false nine role, even though it isn’t his most common position. Now, a big claim regarding the Reds signing another attacking player has emerged.

Liverpool make contact with Premier League attacker

According to Foot Mercato‘s Santi Aouna on X, Liverpool have made contact with Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku over a summer move to Anfield.

There would have to be question marks about Liverpool signing the £195,000-a-week Nkunku, considering he hasn’t exactly been a roaring success in a Chelsea shirt since arriving from RB Leipzig in 2023, only making nine starts in the Premier League this season.

Signing the 27-year-old would feel like a gamble by the Reds – one they don’t need to take – even though Thierry Henry has admitted he loves watching him play, and he has been lauded by former Chelsea and England centre-back Gary Cahill, who hailed him as a “very strong” player.

If Richard Hughes and Arne Slot truly feel that Nkunku is the best option to bring in this summer, they need to be trusted, but given his injury record and form at Chelsea, it would be a surprise if that was the case.

A better signing than Wirtz: Liverpool ramp up move for "the next Mbappe"

Liverpool’s primary goal this summer remains signing a new centre-forward.

ByAngus Sinclair May 16, 2025

Liverpool would be far wiser to look to sign Ekitike, who is five years his junior and seemingly on an upwards trajectory, following a great season for Frankfurt that has seen him score 15 goals in 30 Bundesliga starts.

Former Tottenham Hotspur managing director, Fabio Paratici, has reportedly pushed one manager to chairman Daniel Levy, and the tactician in question has now officially left his club.

Ange Postecoglou still expected to leave Tottenham this summer

Spurs are gearing up for their most important clash of the 2024/2025 season on Wednesday, with Ange Postecoglou’s side taking on fellow Premier League underachievers Man United in a blockbuster Europa League with everything on the line.

Tottenham in transfer talks with "superstar" who's confirmed he's leaving

Spurs sense a serious opportunity to strengthen their squad.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 17, 2025

The victor will seal a place in next season’s Champions League draw, and for the north Londoners, it also represents an unmissable chance to clinch their first piece of major silverware in nearly two decades.

Son Heung-min

7.00

Pedro Porro

6.98

James Maddison

6.98

Dominic Solanke

6.85

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

After a torrid domestic campaign of record-breaking lows, where Tottenham have even lost their highest number of Premier League games in a single season, and currently sit a lowly 17th in the table, Europa League glory could hand supporters something to smile about at long last.

Postecoglou could even save some face and make good on his early-season statement that he ‘always’ wins trophies during his second season in charge.

However, regardless of what happens in the Bilbao final, the consensus is that Postecoglou is likely to leave Spurs at the end of the season.

Tottenham have been linked with a host of managers to replace the 59-year-old ahead of 2025/2026, with Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Marco Silva (Fulham), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Thomas Frank (Brentford), Scott Parker (Burnley), Jürgen Klopp (Head of Global, Red Bull), Niko Kovač (Borussia Dortmund) and Edin Terzić (free agent) all mentioned by reports as potential successors to Postecoglou within the last month.

Ex-Sky presenter Richard Keys also recently claimed that Tottenham held talks with former Barcelona boss Xavi, so there appears to be a number of options under consideration by Levy.

There is another readily-available option following a significant development this week – ex-Ajax boss Francesco Farioli.

The highly-rated young tactician, who guided Ajax back to the Champions League, also suffered heartbreak at the end of the Eredivisie season – having blown a seismic nine-point lead to surrender the Dutch title to PSV Eindhoven.

Francesco Farioli exit confirmed after Fabio Paratici tells Tottenham to hire him

Reports in the English media recently claimed that Paratici recommended Farioli to Levy and Tottenham, with the club now handed a chance to appoint the 36-year-old.

In an official statement published on Monday, it has been confirmed that Farioli has decided to leave Ajax. The Italian informed officials of his desire to leave, just one year after taking charge, and Spurs have the chance to move for him without having to negotiate with Ajax.

Farioli is very popular within Premier League circles, and some media sources even suggest that he’s shot to the top of their managerial shortlist. Dutch media have also branded Farioli as an “amazing” tactician, and the general Ajax reaction to his exit has been one of disappointment.

“I find this incredibly disappointing. Francesco and his staff have been a great help to us,” said Ajax director Alex Kroes.

“It’s been an intense season filled with many memorable moments, and we achieved our goal: qualifying for next season’s Champions League. Francesco also played a key role in enhancing the high-performance culture at Ajax, for which we are extremely grateful. This summer was already set to be a challenging transfer window, and it has now become even more so. It is up to us to ensure that a strong new coaching team is in place when pre-season preparations begin on 26 June.”

Big summer ahead for Everton, and no mistake. David Moyes transformed the Merseyside mood when replacing Sean Dyche in January, but results in the Premier League have lulled of late.

This is understandable, but it does shine a light on the urgent need for impactful first-team additions, especially with so many players approaching the end of their Toffees contracts.

While fans are hungry to see attacking additions, Everton aren’t restricted in their scope for signings, with one of the Championship’s finest midfielders recently added to The Friedkin Group’s shortlist.

Everton chasing EFL star

As per TEAMtalk, Everton have added Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer to their shortlist of summer targets as Moyes looks to strengthen his midfield.

Joining United from Coventry City for a reported £15m fee in 2023, the 27-year-old has showcased sustained quality as a playmaker and a combative midfield presence besides.

Striking a deal with the third-place Championship side will be more difficult if they are promoted to the Premier League, but if not, Everton will be sure to make their move.

What Gustavo Hamer would bring to Everton

Five days ago, Hamer was named the Championship Player of the Season for 2024/25, a worthy winner after a fantastic campaign as the centrepiece of the Blades’ promotion push.

Though a late-season dip has pulled Chris Wilder’s team away from the automatics, they are well placed to triumph through the play-offs, especially with Hamer pulling the strings, having scored nine goals and supplied seven assists in the second tier this term, playmaking from deep or out on the left.

Hailed for his “unbelievable” quality by former teammate Oli McBurnie, Hamer ranks among the top 1% of positional peers in the Championship this year for progressive passes, the top 6% for passes attempted and the top 4% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

He’s also Prem-proven, having held his own for United in the Premier League last season, posting four goals and six assists across 34 matches, averaging two key passes per game and creating ten big chances, as per Sofascore.

A dead-ball specialist but so much more, Hamer could even shape into Everton’s next version of Ross Barkley, blessed with the same kind of robustness and gifted ability that the former Toffees youth graduate produced in his early years as a senior star on Merseyside.

Barkley left Everton for Chelsea way back in January 2018 for a £15m fee and he’s since been on something of a rollercoaster, but the argument’s there for Goodison Park remaining his most prosperous ground to this date, with former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger claiming in 2014 the rising talent was “one of the best” he had ever seen.

Still having devoted more time to Everton than any other club – by far – Barkley carried the kind of X-factor that Hamer would restore to Moyes’ team, combining with the likes of Iliman Ndiaye to create something special.

Everton

179

27

25

Chelsea

100

12

11

Luton Town

37

5

6

Aston Villa

50

7

2

OGC Nice

28

4

2

Sheffield Wednesday

13

4

0

Leeds United

4

0

1

Abdoulaye Doucoure, who is out of contract this summer, would likely need to leave to make way for Hamer, but this would be a trade-off worth committing to, with the Malian 32 years old and Everton’s highest earner at £130k per week.

Hamer’s capacity to play off the left, something Barkley has done at times throughout his career, only strengthens the case for his transfer to Bramley Moore.

Everton have some exciting attacking midfielders in their ranks, but Hamer might just take the cake if he’s welcomed to the fold this summer.

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Celtic are on the verge of a domestic treble and could have some exciting signings lined up moving into next season under Brendan Rodgers at Parkhead.

Celtic eye flourish to campaign ahead of summer window

The Scottish Premiership title is destined to reside in Celtic’s trophy cabinet, and the Bhoys could ratify their fourth successive league triumph by claiming a point against Dundee United on Saturday.

Rodgers led his side into the Scottish Cup final against St Johnstone at Hampden last weekend, setting up a showcase occasion with Aberdeen that could see the Irishman become the first manager at Parkhead to win three trebles in charge.

Casting an eye to the summer, there is every reason for the Irishman to be backed as Celtic scale up for the task of navigating Champions League qualifiers.

Crystal Palace Jesse Derry has become a Hoops target after opting not to sign an extension at Selhurst Park, though he would likely be a developmental capture at Lennoxtown.

Soon-to-be free agent Danny Ings is also admired by Celtic, albeit it remains to be seen whether the former England international could emerge as a potential arrival.

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With a place in Europe’s premier competition not a guarantee ahead of next campaign, additions will need to be finalised swiftly to ensure they have an adequate bedding-in period at the reigning champions.

Complacency also can’t be allowed to creep in amid a renewed domestic challenge from Rangers, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see a squad refresh at Celtic involving movement in both directions.

Tapping into that school of thought, Prutton has predicted that the Bhoys could come up trumps in their pursuit of an attacking livewire.

Celtic backed to seal deal for Stoke City winger Million Manhoef

Recently, Celtic’s interest in Stoke City winger Million Manhoef came to light, and the Bhoys found out they may need to pay £10 million to prize the Dutchman away from the bet365 Stadium.

Now, Sky Sports pundit David Prutton has claimed Celtic would be a “tremendous” move for Manhoef should circumstances align this summer, per Football League World.

Million Manhoef EFL Championship statistics – 2024/25

Goals

5

Assists

5

Chances created

49

Successful crosses

23

Successful dribbles

49

Touches in opposition box

117

Prutton stated: “I think firstly, you can instantly see the attraction of what being a Celtic player would be. Never having had the privilege of being north of the border playing, but knowing people that played for both sides of that particular divide, their description and their passion for it is all-consuming.

“So, I think swapping a club that’s perennially bottom-half in the Championship, which again, from Stoke’s point of view needs to be addressed ASAP; a glaring gulf between a team as we saw on Monday in Leeds heading back to the Premier League, and a team in Stoke that were once part of the Premier League furniture is there for all to see.

“A chastening reminder for Mark Robins about the job that needs to be done at Stoke, and if Million is not going to be part of that, then if he ends up at Celtic, it’s a tremendous move for him.”

Ultimately, Celtic’s potential to play Champions League football may be the deciding factor for Manhoef, who now has plenty to consider ahead of the summer.

Moving north of the border may give him a unique shop window, but Burnley, Sheffield United, Genk and Club Brugge are also mooted to be in the hunt for his services.