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Russell Martin accepted full responsibility after another dismal Rangers performance ended with a 1-1 draw at Falkirk, but it may not be enough to save his position at Ibrox.

When striker Bojan Miovski tapped in after 41 minutes, the travelling supporters again turned their ire on the Gers boss and there were repeated chants against the former Southampton manager before and after John McGlynn’s side deservedly levelled in the 73rd minute through substitute Henry Cartwright.

Afterwards Gers fans sat down to attempt to stop the team bus leaving but they were dispersed by police. Images showed that Martin was escorted out of another part of the stadium by security guards before reportedly leaving in a car.

The Ibrox side are in eighth place with one win in seven William Hill Premiership fixtures, 11 points behind leaders Hearts and nine behind Celtic and Martin, who described the chants as “character building”, was asked if he was getting enough from the players.

He said: “They’re giving us everything they’ve got. I think they’re really trying. So I have to take responsibility for it, not them.

“There’s been some really honest discussions with them in the dressing room, some frustration with them and each other, but ultimately I’m the one in charge of the team, so I have to accept responsibility. We haven’t had enough wins on days like today, so it’s been a frustrating period.”

Kris Boyd slams "embarrassing" thing Martin had Rangers do in Sturm Graz defeat

It was another night to forget.

ByTom Cunningham Oct 3, 2025

Martin conceded the backing of the Ibrox board is not infinite but remains confident that he can get it right.

He said: “I think it’s the same everywhere. Just this club is intensified and the scrutiny is much higher, the noise is much louder.

“So every draw we’ve had has felt like a defeat because of the stature of this club and what it means and what we have to try and fight for.

“So I can’t answer your question really, you’d have to ask the people above me.

“I feel that the players and the staff are really behind me. I felt really supported by everyone else above me as well, and I can’t dictate whether that changes or not.

“I have to just try and focus on winning football matches (and we can do that) because of what I see every day with the players, how invested they are in it, how hard they run.

“If I felt any differently, I would feel differently here. It probably wouldn’t hurt as much, but I know they’re really trying.”

Martin "on the brink" of Ibrox sack

And Ben Jacobs reports on Sunday evening that Martin “is on the brink of being sacked” the Gers board “expected to make an imminent decision”.

Steven Gerrard and Danny Rohl are both “appreciated” in Glasgow’s South side having been on the shortlist before Martin took charge.

Former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham has claimed Ruben Amorim “obviously doesn’t appreciate” one of his brightest players.

Amorim looking to put own stamp on Man Utd squad

Amorim has made it abundantly clear that he is not willing to change his three-at-the-back system, despite it not yielding the results he would’ve been hoping for, with Man United making a slow start to the Premier League campaign.

The summer transfer window presented the 40-year-old with his first real opportunity to put his own stamp on his squad, and he opted to strengthen in attacking areas for the most part, with Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha among the most high-profile signings.

However, one position in which Amorim was ultimately unable to strengthen is central midfield, which he could look to rectify in January, amid links with the likes of Al-Hilal’s Ruben Neves and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba.

United’s interest in a new central midfielder comes amid Kobbie Mainoo receiving very little game time, with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes predominantly being given the nod in the engine room.

Now, Sheringham has claimed that Amorim is simply not a fan of Mainoo.

Mainoo should be given chance against Brentford

It is clear the £70m-rated midfielder isn’t held in the highest of regards by the United boss, having failed to start a single Premier League game this season, but the 20-year-old should be given the opportunity to prove himself against Brentford.

It is very difficult for any player to show what they can do if they only appear as a substitute, and the trip to the Gtech Community Stadium could be the perfect chance for the Englishman to make a statement, given that Casemiro is suspended.

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4 ByDominic Lund Sep 23, 2025

However, it remains to be seen whether the midfielder is given the nod, given that he is clearly below Manuel Ugarte in the pecking order, with the Uruguayan being brought on at half-time after Casemiro saw red against Chelsea.

With a place in England’s World Cup squad next summer on the line, it is little wonder Mainoo is agitating for a move, and he is likely to grow even more frustrated if he’s once again benched against Brentford.

Sheffield United are preparing for another campaign in the English second-tier and now reportedly leading the race to bring a renowned central defender to Bramall Lane.

Sheffield United look for further additions after Louie Barry

After a quiet start to the window, the Blades made their fourth signing after bringing in Louie Barry on loan following his excellent spell at Stockport County last term.

The 22-year-old forward also spent time at Hull City and can’t wait to get started in Yorkshire, as he stated: “The first time I had conversations about it, I just couldn’t wait to come here. The season is three weeks away, and I know we have a couple of friendlies before, but I am just buzzing to get started.

“I’ve been at Villa, playing games, training and working hard just for whatever will come next. As I say, when a club like this comes calling, you can’t turn it down and I can’t wait to get into it.”

Addressing their issues in central defence has also become a priority for Ruben Selles, with Le Havre defender Ettiene Youte Kinkoue a Sheffield United target with the competitive season now only a couple of weeks away.

Undoubtedly, winning promotion from the EFL Championship has to be the priority at Bramall Lane this term. Losing out in the playoff final provoked feelings of heartbreak, but a fresh opportunity will soon be here to make amends.

Sheffield United’s summer signings under Ruben Selles

Name

Club arrived from

Louie Barry

Aston Villa (loan)

Ehije Ukaki

Botev Plovdiv

Mihail Polendakov

Septemvri Sofia

Tyler Bindon

Nottingham Forest (loan)

Familiar faces like Bindon will help Selles to get his feet under the table. However, there is a collective appetite among supporters to see experienced new additions join his squad to give them a fighting chance, which could be the case if recent developments evolve.

Sky Sports: Sheffield United lead race to sign Rob Holding

According to Sky Sports Premier League, Sheffield United and Colorado Rapids are ‘leading the race’ to sign Crystal Palace defender Rob Holding this summer.

The £45,000 per week earner is expected to leave Selhurst Park following two years on the books, and a return to Yorkshire could now be on the cards after his loan spell at the Blades last term, where he made 11 appearances in total.

Previously, Holding has been labelled “brilliant” by Mikel Arteta and him coming in on a permanent deal would offer Selles a wealth of top-level experience, given he has featured in just shy of 100 Premier League matches.

Time is of the essence with the Championship kick-off now around the corner, so it will be intriguing to see if Sheffield United can force this one over the line.

The Russell Martin regime is in full swing at Rangers, with the Ibrox side having already confirmed seven new signings this summer, with 21-year-old Djeidi Gassama the latest of those to arrive.

Following what was a largely miserable 2024/25 campaign for Rangers, excluding an encouraging Europa League run, a real overhaul is needed for the Light Blues, as they bid to close the gap at the Premiership summit.

The defensive unit, in particular, looks set to undergo noticeable change, with Martin having already brought in Emmanuel Fernandez, Nasser Djiga and Max Aarons thus far, with veteran centre-back Leon Balogun having departed on a free transfer.

With John Souttar attracting interest from abroad, alongside Turkish full-back, Ridvan Yilmaz, there looks likely to be further upheaval before the window is out, ensuring there could be a much-needed fresh look to the Gers’ backline next season.

While Martin’s free-flowing brand of football will put greater emphasis on the attacking ranks to shine, having a solid base to build from will be crucial, with recent reports indicating that a deal for experienced centre-back, Conor Coady could be in the works.

Capped ten times for England, the 32-year-old would be a worthy addition to the Ibrox dressing room, albeit with Martin and co perhaps having their eyes fixed on a far more exciting centre-back signing.

Latest on Rangers' search for a centre-back

Reports late last week revealed that the Gers were still showing an interest in bringing Coady to Glasgow, with that coming following prior claims that Rangers were actually in advanced talks for the one-time Wolverhampton Wanderers man.

A deal for the £75k-per-week star – who has a year left on his contract at the King Power Stadium – may not be too far from completion, albeit with the Gers still keeping their options open for potential alternatives in the centre of defence.

Indeed, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Old Firm side are among the clubs interested in signing Xavier Mbuyamba from Dutch outfit, Volendam, with Gent also in the mix.

Transfer Focus

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

Romano reported that the 23-year-old – who was previously on the books at both Barcelona and Chelsea – is available for a fee of just €500k (£434k), having failed to agree to a new contract with his current side.

It is claimed that clubs in England are also keen on the former Celtic target, with the race now on to see if Rangers can secure the signature of a potentially game-changing signing.

Why Rangers need to sign Mbuyamba

As has already been explored, there is certain merit in bringing in a ‘leader’ like Coady, with the Englishman the type of figure who can replace the likes of Balogun, and Connor Goldson before him, as the centre-piece of the defence.

That said, the ageing star would be more of a short-term fix than a long-term solution, having also been part of a dismal Leicester side that slumped to relegation last time out, after making 22 Premier League appearances in 2024/25.

Mbuyamba, however, could be a star both for now and for the future, having previously been hailed as an “elegant and dominant centre-back” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who also likened him to ex-Manchester City captain, Vincent Kompany.

For those in the Premiership, a more interesting comparison has been drawn in the past between the 6 foot 5 Dutchman and his high-profile compatriot, Virgil van Dijk, with Sky Sports stating back in 2023 that such likeness has been noted by ‘coaches and media in Holland due to his similar playing style and huge potential’.

That link to Van Dijk had come amid claims that Celtic were interested in signing the then-21-year-old, although two years on, it might well be Martin and Rangers who manage to finally bring Mbuyamba to Glasgow.

While he was operating in Holland’s second tier last season, the in-demand defender did enjoy a fine campaign in all, having showcased his brilliance in both boxes, after scoring five times in 34 league outings, while providing one assist and creating five ‘big chances’, as per Sofascore.

Defensively, the towering ace also helped to keep 12 clean sheets, while averaging 2.8 tackles and interceptions per game. That dominance also saw Mbuyamba win 61% of his total duels.

Games (starts)

34 (34)

Goals

5

Assists

1

Big chances created

4

Key passes

0.4

Pass accuracy

86%

Tackles & interceptions

2.8

Dribbled past

0.2

Total duels won

61%

As for Coady, while he was operating at Premier League level, the one-time Liverpool man scored once, while averaging just 1.2 tackles and interceptions per game, alongside winning just 45% of his total duels.

That represents a noticeable drop off from his final season at Wolves in 2021/22, with the then-Old Gold skipper – who was operating as part of a back three at the time – scoring four goals, while averaging 1.5 tackles and interceptions and winning 53% of his total duels.

The dream squad Rangers can build: £19.5m quartet & "sublime" star all sign

Rangers will be eyeing plenty more signings this summer

4 ByRoss Kilvington Jul 5, 2025

Whether, at 32, Coady is merely now on the decline, or perhaps better suited to life in a back three, is up for debate, but either way, his recent woes should have alarm bells ringing for those at Ibrox.

As for Mbuyamba, the former Netherlands youth international still appears to be a player on the rise, with it an exciting prospect to consider whether or not “the new Van Dijk” – as described by journalist Tom Maston – could flourish under Martin’s watch.

On the evidence of his recent form, Coady has already hit his ceiling as a player. Mbuyamba’s potential is yet to be truly explored…

Sima repeat: Rangers working to agree deal for "fearless" star this week

Rangers could repeat their Abdallah Sima blinder by signing this star this summer.

ByDan Emery Jul 15, 2025

The 2025/26 Premier League season is just around the corner, with defending champions Liverpool set to kick things off against Bournemouth on Friday, August 15.

The Reds will be looking to make it back-to-back titles under Arne Slot after splashing the cash in the transfer market, whereas Arsenal are aiming to go one better following three successive second-place finishes.

Other storylines to look out for are Ruben Amorim’s first full season as Man Utd manager, whereas Thomas Frank is the new boss at Tottenham following Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal.

AI predicts the 2025/26 Premier League table

Who are the winners and losers from AI’s table?

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 7, 2025

Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland are the three newly promoted sides looking to stop the recent trend of going straight back down, and Everton have now moved to their new £800m stadium.

With the fixtures now out, AI predictor tool ChatGPT has forecasted the scores for the opening weekend of the Premier League season, with 24 goals in total.

AI predicts Round 1 of the 2025/26 Premier League Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth Friday August 15

Starting off the new campaign at Anfield, Liverpool have been predicted to comfortably see off Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth.

The Cherries had a solid season in 24/25, finishing ninth, however, ‘the champions should start strongly, especially at Anfield’, continung their recent dominance againt their visitors.

Bournemouth 0-2 Liverpool

February 2025

Liverpool 3-0 Bournemouth

September 2024

Bournemouth 0-4 Liverpool

January 2024

Bournemouth 1-2 Liverpool

November 2023

Liverpool 3-1 Bournemouth

August 2023

Aston Villa 1-2 Newcastle Saturday August 16

On Saturday lunchtime, Aston Villa take on Newcastle, with the two teams both ending on 66 points in 24/25.

The Magpies qualified for the Champions League ahead of the Villans on goal difference and ChatGPT says ‘Newcastle’s quality edges them in a tight game’.

Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle

April 2025

Newcastle 3-0 Aston Villa

December 2024

Aston Villa 1-3 Newcastle

January 2024

Newcastle 5-1 Aston Villa

August 2023

Aston Villa 3-0 Newcastle

April 2023

Brighton 2-1 Fulham Saturday August 16

One of three 3pm kick-offs, Brighton have been backed to get off the mark at home to Fulham with a 2-1 win, the same scoreline from the 24/25 season.

‘Home advantage and attacking flair give Brighton the edge’ under Fabian Hürzeler, according to AI.

Brighton 2-1 Fulham

March 2025

Fulham 3-1 Brighton

December 2024

Fulham 3-0 Brighton

March 2024

Brighton 1-1 Fulham

October 2023

Brighton 1-0 Fulham

February 2023

Sunderland 0-1 West Ham Saturday August 16

In what is sure to be an electric atmosphere at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland may not have their fairytale start back in the Premier League for the first time since 2017.

The Black Cats may even be handed late heartbreak against the Hammers, as ChatGPT says ’West Ham are likely to snatch a late winner’.

Sunderland 2-2 West Ham

April 2017

West Ham 1-0 Sunderland

October 2016

West Ham 1-0 Sunderland

February 2016

Sunderland 2-2 West Ham

October 2015

West Ham 1-0 Sunderland

March 2015

Tottenham 2-0 Burnley Saturday August 16

Thomas Frank’s first Premier League game in charge of Tottenham comes against Scott Parker’s Burnley following the Clarets’ 100-point haul in the Championship.

Spurs ‘should have enough to see off Burnley’ and record a comfortable 2-0 win, according to ChatGPT.

Tottenham 2-1 Burnley

May 2024

Tottenham 1-0 Burnley

January 2024

Burnley 2-5 Tottenham

September 2023

Tottenham 1-0 Burnley

May 2022

Burnley 0-1 Tottenham

February 2022

Wolves 1-3 Man City Saturday August 16

The first Saturday evening fixture of the new campaign sees Vitor Pereira’s Wolves take on Pep Guardiola’s Man City.

The Sky Blues will have a relatively new look about them following a summer rebuild, however, they ‘should be too strong for their hosts’ and a 3-1 victory for City has been predicted.

Man City 1-0 Wolves

May 2025

Wolves 1-2 Man City

October 2024

Man City 5-1 Wolves

May 2024

Wolves 2-1 Man City

September 2023

Man City 3-0 Wolves

January 2023

Chelsea 2-0 Crystal Palace Sunday August 17

Following a busy summer at the Club World Cup, Chelsea don’t have much time off and are set to take on Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge first up.

Enzo Maresca’s side finished in the top four in 24/25, whereas Crystal Palace won the FA Cup under Oliver Glasner. It could be a tight game, but ChatGPT says Chelsea will ‘dominate at home against their south-london visitors’.

Crystal Palace 1-1 Chelsea

January 2025

Chelsea 1-1 Crystal Palace

September 2024

Crystal Palace 1-3 Chelsea

February 2024

Chelsea 2-1 Crystal Palace

December 2023

Chelsea 1-0 Crystal Palace

January 2023

Nottingham Forest 1-1 Brentford Sunday August 17

Nottingham Forest earned European football in 24/25 following a brilliant Premier League campaign, whereas Keith Andrews is the new man in charge of Brentford after Frank’s departure.

They may play out the first draw of the season, as ChatGPT says ‘two well-matched sides could share the spoils’ in a 1-1 draw.

Nottingham Forest 0-2 Brentford

May 2025

Brentford 0-2 Nottingham Forest

December 2024

Brentford 3-2 Nottingham Forest

January 2024

Nottingham Forest 1-1 Brentford

October 2023

Brentford 2-1 Nottingham Forest

April 2023

Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal Sunday August 17

The biggest game of the opening weekend sees Arsenal travel to Old Trafford to take on Man Utd, so it’s no surprise it has been given the Super Sunday 4:30pm slot.

Amorim and Arteta could both be under pressure if they don’t get off to a good start, with a ‘tightly contested Super Sunday ending in a stalemate’ predicted.

Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal

March 2025

Arsenal 1-1 Man Utd (p)

January 2025

Arsenal 2-0 Man Utd

December 2024

Man Utd 0-1 Arsenal

May 2024

Arsenal 3-1 Man Utd

September 2023

Leeds 1-2 Everton Monday August 18

Rounding off the opening weekend in the first Monday Night Football sees Leeds host Everton at Elland Road.

The Championship title winners under Daniel Farke haven’t been used to losing many games in recent years, however, ChatGPT says ‘Leeds may feel the pressure returning after a two-season absence’, with Everton backed to come away with a narrow win.

Everton 1-0 Leeds

February 2023

Leeds 1-1 Everton

August 2022

Everton 3-0 Leeds

February 2022

Leeds 2-2 Everton

August 2021

Leeds 1-2 Everton

February 2021

Chelsea have managed to pull off some impressive business this summer and could now be about to repeat the trick as they look to bolster their forward line, according to a report.

Chelsea continue their pursuit of a striker after Delap deal

Liam Delap will be left to lead the line in Chelsea’s bid for the Club World Cup up until the semi-final, providing they manage to get there, after Nicolas Jackson’s straight red card against Flamengo on matchday two of the group stage.

Losing control at a crucial time, his reckless lunge has prompted some to question whether he has the discipline to feature as Enzo Maresca’s starting striker long-term or whether further intervention in the transfer market is needed at Stamford Bridge.

Former referee Keith Hackett has gone to the extreme of claiming Jackson should be banned for five matches at a minimum amid recent events stateside.

He stated: “There is no place in football for this type of challenge the reaction and speed of the issuing of a red card was a terrific piece of officiating. The referee’s prompt showing of the red card ensured that it reduced any possibility of a mass confrontation. This unacceptable action by the offender should result in a minimum five-match ban.”

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike has been on Chelsea’s radar and is joined by Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani, who is enjoying an impressive spell on loan at Juventus.

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ByCharlie Smith Jun 13, 2025

Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if the West London-based giants have the financial capacity to power on with either pursuit without the need for any bargaining chips along the way.

Speaking of which, Chelsea could have an intriguing plan up their sleeve to land one of the Premier League’s most exciting marksmen.

Chelsea could use makeweight in pursuit of Joao Pedro

According to Si Phillips, Chelsea could offer Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in exchange for Brighton & Hove Albion striker Joao Pedro and there is a ‘strong chance’ BlueCo may use this mode of operation to try and acquire the Brazil international.

Despite only joining the club last summer, the £80,000 per week earner was predominantly used in the Europa Conference League, though he did manage 31 outings across all competitions, scoring four times and laying on three assists.

On the other hand, Pedro, who has previously been labelled “amazing” by Slaven Bilic, managed a respectable ten strikes and seven assists in 30 outings.

The opportunity to trade with the Seagulls may be edged along due to the likes of ex-Brighton employee Paul Winstanley. Former Watford man Pedro is also wanted by Newcastle, albeit they may opt to pivot towards Liverpool’s Diogo Jota in their own search for a number nine.

Chelsea would love a clear run at signing the forward, though it should be taken into account that their attempt to perform a part-exchange means Brighton aren’t willing to let him leave on the cheap and more work on this front may be required.

Tottenham Hotspur have kickstarted their transfer plans after announcing Thomas Frank as their new manager to replace Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs went public with their decision to appoint the 51-year-old on Thursday evening after days of talks, with Frank swapping the Gtech Community Stadium for north London in what is his most high-profile job to date.

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Spurs apparently agreed a deal for him in January.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 13, 2025

Frank is tasked with maintaining the momentum garnered from Spurs’ historic night in Bilbao last month, when Postecoglou guided the club to their first major trophy in 17 years with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Man United in the Europa League final.

Now that the Dane is confirmed as Tottenham’s choice to succeed Postecoglou, it is believed the tactician is already starting to have a say in the Lilywhites’ transfer activity ahead of his first full season in charge of a Premier League ‘big six’ side.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Frank has personally recommended Eberechi Eze to the Spurs hierarchy, according to GiveMeSport, and Sky Sports shared on Friday that they could inflict more misery on United by hijacking their move for Bryan Mbeumo.

The Brentford star was a key member of Frank’s squad last season, racking up 20 goals and nine assists in all competitions, and Sky claim that Mbeumo has suddenly become more intrigued by the prospect of a London move after his manager’s arrival at Tottenham.

Initial talks have also been held with Frank’s former side, so this move could now be one to watch.

The Cameroon international would be a stellar addition for Frank, and Tottenham are rumoured to be targeting a new winger to accompany Mathys Tel.

Frank wants to keep Tel at Spurs, according to TEAMtalk this week, with the Frenchman’s loan deal from Bayern Munich including a £45 million option to buy. Chairman Daniel Levy wants to negotiate a lower price tag after a mixed first six months at the club (Sport Bild), and Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, has now confirmed they’re currently in discussions.

Max Eberl confirms Tottenham talks over Mathys Tel

Speaking publicly, via Abendzeitung München and Sport Witness, Eberl admitted that talks are ongoing with Tottenham over Tel’s transfer.

“Mathys was at Tottenham for six months. He wanted to play in the U21 European championship with France, and we allowed him to,” he said.

“We’re talking to Tottenham, that’s no secret. We’ll see how that pans out.”

The 20-year-old scored three goals and notched one assist during his first 20 games as a Tottenham player, but former Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann is on record tipping Tel for a very bright future.

“He could become one of the best strikers one day. I have the vision that he can score 40 goals one day. But I would be happy with 10 goals in his first season,” Nagelsmann told reporters in 2022.

“He’s a young, talented player. He can play in multiple positions: as a centre-forward and on the wings. He’s very quick and strong with his body. He can hold up the ball well with his back to the goal.”

Aston Villa couldn’t turn down an offer of around £71m for Jhon Duran in January. The striker may have scored 12 goals in just 29 games for the club, but only seven of those appearances came in the starting XI.

It was unlikely the Colombian was going to usurp Ollie Watkins as Unai Emery’s main man.

While it made financial sense to sell, Watkins remains the only senior centre-forward at the club heading into the summer transfer market.

The Spaniard must bring in another one or two options in this department, especially if he wishes to lead the club to the Champions League once again.

Could he be targeting a young sensation who has enjoyed a fabulous season?

Aston Villa target Spanish centre-forward

A host of attacking players have been targeted recently. Tyler Dibling, the Southampton winger, has been linked with a big-money move to Villa.

Jadon Sancho is another wide option that Emery is showing interest in. Both of these talents would bolster the club’s wide options, but it is a more central player that the manager is desperate for.

According to Caught Offside, Villa are now chasing a move for FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa.

The Spaniard has spent a single season with the Portuguese giants, but his performances have certainly caught the eye of potential suitors.

They don’t appear in a rush to sell their prized asset, who has a release clause of €100m (£85m) inserted into his current deal.

Despite that, further reports from Spanish publication, Sport, suggest that they have already approached Porto to figure out whether a deal could be done.

Why Aston Villa must sign Samu Aghehowa this summer

Young, an eye for a goal and a desire to succeed in the Premier League. Aghehowa might just be the club’s next Duran.

While Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio came in for the final few months of the season, the club missed the goals and impact of Duran, particularly during the final 30 minutes of games.

Well, Aghehowa scored 25 goals across 42 games for Porto last term, a more than impressive return, especially given it was his debut season at the club.

The striker, who was described as “one of Europe’s most prolific players” by talent scout Jacek Kulig last season, also registered 2.7 shots per game in the league last term, while he also achieved a goal conversion percentage of 23% for Porto.

Put simply, once he gets the ball in the box, the youngster scores more often than not, just as Duran did. He would get more of a chance at Villa than the South American, however, despite Watkins’ stature as the main centre-forward.

Metric

League

Europa League

Goals

19

6

Assists

3

0

Goal conversion percentage

23%

33%

Scoring frequency

119 minutes

228 minutes

Shots per game

2.7

2

Much will depend on the fee Porto are demanding for their star player, but if it is affordable, then Emery must make this deal a priority.

If he manages to lure Aghehowa to the Premier League, he could sparkle for Villa next season and beyond.

Aston Villa join battle for "fantastic" midfielder in cut-price £8m deal

He’s a wanted man.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 8, 2025

Whilst England are lucky to have the likes of Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Phil Foden to choose from at the heart of their midfield these days, it wasn’t so long ago that Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes were all available in the engine room.

The current generation is special, but England’s last ‘golden generation’ still arguably had the most talent at their disposal in pursuit of a first honour since the 1966 World Cup.

It wasn’t just in midfield that the Three Lions were spoilt for talent. It’s a squad which also featured Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand and John Terry. And the list could go on.

Many have had their say as to why England were dumped out of the 2002 World Cup and then on penalties against Portugal at Euro 2004, including Lampard. The former England and Chelsea midfielder told reporters: “I think at times, we [the Golden Generation] were too rigid. I talk from my own personal experience of playing at World Cups against teams that were not at our level.

“I’m not talking about France and Italy, more teams like Ecuador, who were keeping the ball in midfield because they were outnumbering us in the centre of the park. The things that maybe me and Stevie [Steven Gerrard] were used to doing where we had numbers, now we are just trying to cover space and you get a bit mentally done with it in the game wondering why this is happening.”

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ByRoss Kilvington Mar 20, 2025

Outnumbered or not, there’s no denying the quality that England particularly had in the middle of the park. But finding the right balance between Lampard, Gerrard and Scholes often proved to be The Three Lions’ biggest problem, and that sparked a midfield debate which has rumbled on for decades since.

Rooney named Gerrard as his greatest ever England teammate

Having played with all three at international level and Scholes with Manchester United too, Rooney should be an expert in the age-old England midfield debate, and he delivered his official verdict to The Overlap in 2024.

Whilst praising all three, Rooney went on to reiterate that Scholes could not achieve what Gerrard did in a Liverpool side which often struggled to compete with the very top honours: “All were world-class players. Stevie could come to Manchester United and be a top player and do what Scholes could do. But I don’t think Scholes could do what Stevie did at Liverpool.”

Appearances

504

611

499

Goals

121

177

107

Assists

97

116

61

League titles

0

3

11

The numbers certainly don’t help to end the debate after Rooney’s verdict, but what they do highlight is England’s clear failure with all three at their disposal in a golden generation.

With an agreement for Tijjani Reijnders edging closer, another Manchester City target has now reportedly said yes to completing a move to the Etihad following talks with Pep Guardiola.

Man City pushing to sign Reijnders

Following their most difficult season yet under Guardiola, which still saw them finish as high as third to sum up just how high the Spaniard’s standards are, Manchester City are set to rebuild their midfield this summer. Already, the iconic Kevin De Bruyne has brought his incredible City career to an end, and he may not be the only one to depart in the coming months.

Jack Grealish looks likely to join the Belgian out the exit door. The England international was not included in Guardiola’s squad for the final game of the Premier League season against Fulham and the Citizens are now reportedly open to a loan exit for the midfielder. Amid interest from the likes of Everton, a departure would suit all parties.

What those exits will make room for, of course, is some much-needed fresh faces. And that looks set to include Reijnders. The AC Milan midfielder has been the subject of City’s interest in recent weeks and he has now reportedly said “yes” to completing a move to the Premier League giants.

With Rodri returning from injury this summer and Reijnders potentially arriving, Manchester City could put their midfield struggles behind them just one season after they emerged. It’s the type of ruthless operation which saw Guardiola and City become the first to win four Premier League titles in a row and the type that could see them enjoy an instant return to the top of English football.

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They’re seemingly not done after Reijnders, either. After missing out on Florian Wirtz, Manchester City have reportedly turned their attention towards an impressive alternative.

Cherki also "yes" to Man City move

According to Santi Aouna of Foot Mercato, Rayan Cherki has now said “yes” to Manchester City after holding talks with Guardiola. The talented Frenchman, with personal terms not a problem, looks increasingly likely to be on his way to the Premier League in a deal that could be worth €40m (£34m) this summer.

As Wirtz alternatives go, and bargain ones at that, Cherki is certainly an impressive option too.

Minutes

2,041

2,351

Goals

8

10

Assists

11

12

Key Passes

75

57

Whilst there has always been a concern about Cherki’s ability out of possession, his influence on the ball cannot be denied and Manchester City could be the perfect side for him as a result.

The Citizens are in possession more than most in the Premier League and that control would allow Cherki to flourish going forward. With Reijnders reportedly standing alongside Rodri behind the Frenchman too, City should not become as exposed in transition as they were this season which could prove to make all the difference.