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Fulham have a good chance of signing an “incredible” midfielder this summer, with it now looking increasingly likely he leaves his club, according to reporter Christian Falk.

Cottagers keen to strengthen in multiple areas

The Cottagers have been inconsistent in recent weeks, which has hampered their European push somewhat, but they are likely to look back on this campaign as a success regardless, given that they are on course for a top-half finish in the Premier League.

However, Marco Silva may fancy his side’s chances of qualifying for Europe next season, should he make the right additions to the squad in the summer transfer window, and targets have been identified in a number of key areas.

Amid doubts over Antonee Robinson’s future, Werder Bremen’s Felix Agu could be brought in to bolster Silva’s options at left-back, while Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters has emerged as an option on the opposite side of the defence.

Fulham now planning to hand massive new contract to "great" £50m player

This would be fantastic news for Marco Silva.

By
Henry Jackson

Apr 19, 2025

Panathinaikos striker Fotis Ioannidis and AC Milan forward Samuel Chukwueze are among the targets in attacking areas, with the west Londoners also keen to strengthen in the engine room, according to BILD reporter Falk.

Speaking to BILD, Falk has now revealed Fulham have a good chance of bringing Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha back to Craven Cottage this summer (via Sport Witness), but there could be competition from their London rivals.

West Ham United are also in the race for Palhinha, who is now looking increasingly likely to leave Bayern at the end of the season, given that he has struggled to force his way into the side since completing a €51m (£44m) move last summer.

Falk believes the Portugal international could be keen on a move back to England, adding: “I think he would consider, if an offer comes in, whether it makes sense for him to perhaps return to the British Isles.”

"Incredible" Palhinha could reignite career at Fulham

The 29-year-old may have struggled to make a name for himself in the Bundesliga, but he put in some top performances during his time at Craven Cottage, with journalist Kyle Bonn once comparing him to Manchester United midfielder Casemiro.

Silva knows he can depend on the 6-foot-3 colossus, given their time working together, and he has continued to impress at times when given the opportunity at Bayern, ranking highly across some key defensive metrics over the past year.

It is promising news that Fulham could stand a good chance of signing Palhinha this summer, and they should be well-positioned to beat West Ham to his signature, given that they have vastly outperformed their London rivals in the Premier League this season.

Chelsea will take a commanding lead back to Stamford Bridge after they hammered Legia Warsaw 3-0 away from home in the Conference League on Thursday evening.

The Blues heavily rotated their squad for the trip to Poland and one of the young players who came in scored their first goal for the club, as Tyrique George opened the scoring.

Noni Madueke added two goals to his seasonal tally in the second half with two strikes that were assisted by Jadon Sancho, which has left Enzo Maresca’s side in a terrific position ahead of the second leg.

The Conference League is the last chance for Chelsea to win a trophy before the end of the 2024/25 campaign, whilst they continue to compete for Champions League qualification from their Premier League season.

Despite the comfortable win, there were some negatives to come out of the trip to Legia Warsaw, as centre-forward Christopher Nkunku saw his penalty saved.

Chelsea’s strikers have failed to consistently perform across all competitions this season, and it is an area for concern ahead of the summer transfer window.

Why Chelsea need a new centre-forward

Nkunku’s missed penalty against Legia Warsaw means that he has now scored one goal in his last 18 appearances against Premier League level or Conference League teams.

The France international has also failed to register a goal or an assist in any of his last six matches in all competitions, as the ex-RB Leipzig man has been unable to prove his worth to the team in a centre-forward position.

Nkunku has not done enough with his chances this season to seriously push Nicolas Jackson for the starting role in the Premier League, with a return of five goals from 5.58 xG and seven ‘big chances’ missed in the Conference League this term.

Neither Jackson nor the French flop, however, have delivered ruthless performances in front of goal in the top-flight, leaving Maresca without a reliable goalscorer in the number nine position for all of his first season at Stamford Bridge.

As you can see in the table above, both of Chelsea’s strikers have underperformed against their xG in the Premier League and missed more ‘big chances’ than they have managed goals scored.

These statistics show that the Blues lack a number nine who can make the most of the high-quality opportunities that the team can create for the striker in Maresca’s system, as they have racked up more than 16 xG between them.

This is why Chelsea should make signing a new centre-forward a big priority to bolster their squad in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Chelsea open talks to sign Premier League striker

According to journalist Simon Phillips’ Substack, Chelsea have opened talks to sign Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The report claims that the Blues have ‘reopened’ discussions over a deal to bring the England U21 international to Stamford Bridge to compete with Jackson and Nkunku for a starting spot in the team next season.

Transfer Focus

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

It states that the Premier League giants are ‘very serious’ about getting a move over the line for the former Manchester City star and that they want to get it done before the Club World Cup kicks off in the middle of June.

The Guardian recently reported that Delap has a clause in his contract that will allow him to leave Ipswich for £30m this summer if the Tractor Boys are relegated from the division. They are currently placed in 18th and are 12th points adrift with seven matches to go.

This suggests that it could be a fairly reasonably priced deal for Chelsea to complete this summer, which is one of a number of reasons why the Blues should ensure that they win the race for his services.

Why Chelsea should sign Liam Delap

As well as his price tag, the club should swoop to sign Delap from Ipswich because he could supercharge Cole Palmer by providing the England international with the clinical number nine that he has yet to have in a Chelsea shirt.

The Tractor Boys star has outperformed Jackson and Nkunku in the Premier League this season, in what is his first season in the top-flight after loan spells with Stoke City and Hull City in the Championship in recent years.

As you can see in the graphic above, Delap has scored three more goals and missed seven fewer ‘big chances’ in comparison to the Senegal international, outperforming his xG by roughly three goals.

The 22-year-old marksman, who joined Ipswich from Manchester City last summer, has also shown that he can do it against some of the top teams in the league, as shown by the goal against Aston Villa in the clip below.

Delap has proven himself to be a Premier League-grade centre-forward who can excel in front of goal by outperforming his xG, which suggests that he would thrive alongside a creative talent like Palmer.

As you can see in the table above, the Chelsea superstar has created a staggering 37 ‘big chances’ for his teammates since the start of last season, but has only been rewarded with 18 assists for his efforts.

This suggests that Palmer has suffered as a result of the underperformance of Chelsea’s strikers – Nkunku and Jackson – and that is why he could be supercharged by the signing of a clinical forward like Delap.

The left-footed playmaker’s assist tally could balloon next season if he has a striker, like the £30m-rated star, who can outperform his xG instead of underperforming, to create ‘big chances’ for on a regular basis.

Contact made: Chelsea plot move for "world-class" ace who'd be Desailly 2.0

Chelsea could repeat their Marcel Desailly masterclass by raiding AC Milan once again.

By
Dan Emery

Apr 7, 2025

It is now down to the club to push to win the race for Delap in the summer transfer window and the latest report on them opening talks to sign him is a step in the right direction.

Leeds United are looking like they will have a huge fight on their hands to avoid relegation this season. Their first campaign back in the Premier League is not going to plan, with Daniel Farke’s side just one point clear of the drop zone at the moment.

The underlying numbers do not make for good reading if you are a Leeds fan, either. The West Yorkshire outfit have massively underachieved according to their expected points, which is 15.49xPTS, over four more than they actually have.

In attack, they’ve only scored ten goals, although Farke has continued to pick a similar front three across the season. That means Brenden Aaronson has kept his place in the side.

Aaronson’s disappointing form this season

As an attacking unit, Farke’s Leeds side have certainly left a lot to be desired. The Whites’ lack of form in front of goal has been an issue, as has the fact that they are struggling to create a substantial number of chances.

Aaronson is certainly someone who has underperformed. The USA international only has one goal and one assist this season, but has been one of Farke’s most trusted lieutenants.

He’s played all 11 games in the top flight this season, and has started all of the last eight.

In terms of output for the 54-cap American international, he’s only managed one goal and one assist so far this term.

Perhaps that is because he is playing on the right wing despite being a number ten by trade, but Leeds fans must surely be expecting better numbers.

As far back as last season, there have been question marks surrounding Aaronson’s ability.

Former Leeds defender Jon Newsome said, “I don’t think he’s at the level in my honest opinion,” implying the Whites could do better in that area of the pitch.

They might have the perfect Aaronson replacement already at the club, in a player who is thriving out on loan.

The on-loan Leeds star who could break into the first team

Perhaps Leeds can make better use of their talent in and around the first team squad, if not this season, then in years to come. Farke has shown trust in up-and-coming youngsters in the past, with Archie Gray a prime example a few seasons ago.

Another player who could fit that bill next season, when he returns to the club, is on-loan star Joe Gelhardt. The 23-year-old attacker is excelling in the Championship for Leeds’ Yorkshire rivals Hull City this term.

The versatile attacker, who can play on the right, as a number ten or at centre-forward, has seven goals and two assists in the second tier for the Tigers this season.

His form in recent weeks has been particularly impressive, with Gelhardt racking up seven goal involvements in just six games.

The Liverpool-born forward has certainly received lots of praise for his excellent form in a Hull shirt this season. Their boss, Sergej Jakirovic, described him as a “special” footballer and said that “he can reach the Premier League” one day.

It is easy to see how he could end Aaronson’s Leeds career next season, if he is given the chance to shine in a Leeds shirt. His underlying numbers this term are superior to the American’s. For example, he averages 0.8 goals and assists per 90 minutes compared to just 0.4 for Aaronson.

Gelhardt – previously lauded as a “human wrecking ball” by Marcelo Bielsa – has never really been given a consistent chance at first-team level for the Whites. He’s only played 57 games across five seasons, with ten goals and assists in that time.

However, his performances this season will surely make Farke sit up and take notice.

Aaronson simply has not cut it in the Premier League, and with a talent like Gelhardt on their books, perhaps it is time Leeds give the 23-year-old a chance to shine next season.

Worse than Perri: Leeds dud is one of their worst signings in PL history

Leeds United have dropped some transfer clangers when looking back at their summer business.

By
Kelan Sarson

Nov 11, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur returned to winning ways on Saturday, marking their first victory in the Premier League since the final weekend of October.

It was a win that lifted huge pressure off the shoulders of Thomas Frank, who, despite being in the dugout for a matter of months, was already facing questions and scrutiny about his job.

It’s another big week for Spurs who face Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday evening before coming up against Nottingham Forest next Sunday.

Heading into those games, Frank has received some positive and negative injury news.

The latest injury news out of Spurs

French forward Randal Kolo Muani has started to find his feet in Spurs colours in recent weeks, notably bagging against PSG in the Champions League.

However, he was withdrawn during the weekend’s win over Brentford and was spotted limping as he left the stadium.

Fortunately, he trained on Monday and looks set to play a part in Europe this midweek.

For James Maddison, things continue to look tough. The attacking midfielder featured on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football for their coverage of Wolves vs Manchester United and he may have to get used to off-field duties for now.

There is no specific time frame,” Frank began. “It will be a long time unfortunately before he [Maddison] is available.”

Spurs star will now miss the rest of 2025

While there is more positivity about Spurs heading into this week’s run of fixtures, there has been bad news on the injury front for Italian full-back Destiny Udogie.

The young defender has attracted criticism in recent weeks for his displays but missed the win against Frank’s former employers due to injury.

Speaking about the problem, the manager said: “Destiny picked up a hamstring injury at the end of the Newcastle game, so he’s out until January unfortunately.”

Ahead of their clash with Slavia Prague, a late call will be made on Brennan Johnson’s fitness but Yves Bissouma is set to miss out once again after his latest off-field controversy.

The Mali midfielder has not been seen in Spurs colours under Frank after he was dropped from the UEFA Super Cup squad for persistent lateness.

To make matters worse for Bissouma, a report at the weekend showed footage of the Spurs man allegedly inhaling nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas.

Commenting on the matter this week Frank said: “It’s an internal matter that we are dealing with at the moment and when we have dealt with that, then I will comment on it.”

Spurs flop "needs to wake up", he's fast becoming the new Ryan Sessegnon

A number of Tottenham stars have flattered to deceive this season.

2

By
Angus Sinclair

3 days ago

The Blue Jays beat the Mariners in Game 7 of the American League Championship Series on Monday night. While Toronto had a celebration for the ages, Seattle fans were forced to dutifully turn their attention to the Seahawks who thankfully beat the Texans in the second game of a double-header with Jaxon Smith-Njigba single-handedly trying to remind local fans what its like to have a basketball team.

For some fans it was a tricky balancing act keeping tabs on Game 7 because they had football tickets. Most people kept an eye on their phones, but at least one fan brought a tablet to stream the Mariners game while cheering for the Seahawks.

Of course as we've all learned after cutting the cord, streams can be unreliable or just delayed, which is how you get this guy holding up his tablet, still holding out hope the Mariners can rally in the top of the ninth while a large graphic broadcasts the result of the game confirming that no, they didn't.

That's a tough look. The entire country looking right at him, knowing he's seconds away from disappointment and sports depression, watching his final moments of optimism before it's gone forever.

Another challenging question about retention for RCB is around fast bowler Yash Dayal, who has not played any cricket since IPL 2025 final

Nagraj Gollapudi14-Nov-20258:48

Chatter: Will ownership change result in new name for RCB?

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to release England allrounder Liam Livingstone ahead of the auction for IPL 2026.Livingstone, who was picked for INR 8.75 crore (US$ 1.04 million approx.) at the 2025 auction, scored 112 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 133.33 with just one half-century. He also picked up two wickets in the nine overs he bowled at an economy rate of 8.44. Since then, Livingstone captained Birmingham Phoenix in the Hundred, and was their leading run-scorer (241 at a strike rate of 155.48) and took the second-most wickets for them (seven at an economy rate of 7.36). He also scored 260 runs at a strike rate of 176.87 and returned six wickets in Lancashire’s run to the semi-finals of the T20 Blast.The presence of Australian power-hitter Tim David along with West Indies allrounder Romario Shepherd means RCB already have enough options for the finisher’s role. David had a strike rate of 185.14 for his 187 runs last IPL, while Shepherd scored 70 runs off the 24 balls he faced (strike rate 291.66) in IPL 2025. Releasing Livingstone, as a result, could help RCB head into the auction for the next season with a stronger purse.Related

• IPL 2026 live – Russell, Venkatesh Iyer, Pathirana, among big releases

• LSG set to retain Mayank, release Bishnoi

• Maxwell among players PBKS are set to release

The other potentially challenging question for RCB about retention concerns fast bowler Yash Dayal. The left-arm fast bowler from Uttar Pradesh, who picked up 13 wickets in 15 matches at an economy rate of 9.59 last IPL, played a major hand in RCB pulling through high-pressure moments across the season. In the final, Dayal finished with impressive figures of 3-0-18-1. However, he has not played any cricket since then and skipped the UPT20 League recently.The deadline to finalise releases is November 15.

Liverpool are in advanced talks to sign a 19-year-old speedster who’s even quicker than Mohamed Salah, according to reports.

Saudi still eyeing Salah move

When Salah finally ended any rumours by signing a two-year contract extension at Liverpool last season, it looked as though that would be that. Anfield’s Egyptian King looked destined to steal the headlines for at least another couple of years and perhaps even retire in Merseyside.

Things haven’t gone quite as smooth sailing since that new deal, however. Having been dropped by Arne Slot in Liverpool’s victory over West Ham United, serious questions have been asked about Salah’s place in Liverpool’s best side as they look to return to their most clinical form. And, as such, rumours surrounding his future have once again emerged.

This time last season, Salah was arguably the best player in the world. He was leading Liverpool’s shock title charge. One year on, though, he’s arguably becoming more disposable at Anfield than ever before.

Slot will be hoping that a recent blip is not the beginning of a steep decline, but it is something that Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes are already preparing for.

Ferdinand says he spoke to manager in the Middle East this weekend about joining Liverpool

Arne Slot is still under pressure.

By
Tom Cunningham

Dec 2, 2025

The Anfield chiefs already smashed their transfer record twice in the summer to reshape their attack around Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz. Whilst neither have been at their best quite as yet, their arrivals were sign of things to come.

Now, ahead of 2026, Liverpool are reportedly in pole position to sign Yan Diomande and add to their frontline once again.

Liverpool in advanced talks to sign Yan Diomande

According to Sky Sports’ Sacha Tavolieri, Liverpool are now in advanced talks to sign Diomande, forcing Barcelona to retreat in the race to sign the RB Leipzig winger.

Battling alongside Tottenham, the Reds could land their next top speedster in the new year. To put into context just how quick Diomande is, the Leipzig star has clocked a top speed of 35.98 KM/H in the Bundesliga season, which betters Salah’s 33.7 KM/H speed in the Premier League this time last year.

What’s more, only Oliver Burke has recorded a quicker speed than Diomande this season, showcasing exactly why he’s found himself on Liverpool’s radar.

As Leipzig’s managing director, Marcel Schafer, reiterated though, the winger is not just all about speed. The 19-year-old star is also a fine finisher with four goals so far this season and is an excellent dribbler.

In pole position for his signature, Liverpool should push on and secure Diomande’s arrival when 2026 arrives.

FSG could see £75m bid accepted to sign Liverpool their best LW since Mane

What are the major trends to emerge at the halfway point of the league stage of the women’s ODI World Cup?

Namooh Shah14-Oct-2025

Top-order turbulence

The most notable pattern at this World Cup has been the diminishing influence of top-order batters and their lack of partnerships. Across the first five wickets, batting pairs have averaged only 27.3 per stand, a steep decline from the 46.3 in the lead-up to the big event across India and Sri Lanka. After 15 century stands before the tournament, there have been just three in the World Cup, reflecting how teams have struggled to build a foundation up front.Through overs 1-10, across 26 innings, teams have scored at a strike rate of just 65 and averaged 27.9, compared to a strike rate of 83 and an average of 57.1 in similar pre-tournament conditions.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Rescue acts from the lower order

While the top has wobbled, the middle and lower orders have often come to the rescue. Partnerships for wickets six to nine have averaged 25.3, the highest in any women’s World Cup , surpassing the previous best of 19.0 from 2017.Teams have rebuilt and counterpunched late, leading to a clear pattern in scoring progression: strike rates rise from 65 in overs 11-30 to 80 in overs 31-40 and 112 in the final ten. The big rescue acts have been from Richa Ghosh and Nadine de Klerk, both from No. 8, in the India vs South Africa fixture.