All posts by z3u9t.icu

Tottenham Hotspur are now plotting a move for an “elite” Premier League defender, who Micky van de Ven knows very well, according to a report.

Spurs looking to sign new centre-back

There has been a great deal of speculation surrounding the future of Cristian Romero, as the 27-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid, but Thomas Frank has now indicated the defender is set to remain at N17.

That said, perhaps given that his predecessor, Ange Postecoglou, was left very light on options in defence at times last season, Frank remains keen on bringing in another centre-back, and AFC Bournemouth’s Illia Zabarnyi has now emerged as a target.

Spurs are ready to shell out over £60m to get a deal for Zabarnyi over the line, but with the Bournemouth defender keen on joining PSG, Frank may be forced to move on to alternative options, and a different Premier League centre-back is now on the shortlist.

That is according to a report from France (via TEAMtalk), which states Tottenham are now eyeing a move for Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix, less than one year after the defender’s £18m move to Selhurst Park.

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The way in which Lacroix has been able to adapt to the Premier League has caught Spurs’ eye, and the move would reunite the defender with former Wolfsburg teammate van de Ven, with the pair playing alongside eachother on 29 occasions in Germany.

With the 25-year-old contracted until 2029, however, Palace remain in a strong negotiating position, and there could be a great deal of rival interest, with the likes of Borrusia Dortmund and various Serie A clubs also keen.

"Elite" Lacroix could be excellent acquisition for Spurs

Hailed as an “elite defender” by journalist Tobias Kröger, the Palace star was a mainstay in Oliver Glasner’s side last season, making 35 appearances in the Premier League, while also starting in the victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

During his first season in England, the Frenchman’s defensive abilities were on display on a regular basis, with winning back possession his forte, suggesting he could now be ready to make the step-up to one of England’s biggest clubs.

Statistic

Average per 90

Tackles

1.96 (83rd percentile)

Interceptions

1.56 (89th percentile)

Clearances

5.98 (81st percentile)

Glasner is also clearly happy with the addition of the former Wolfsburg man, with the Palace boss saying: “It is great recruitment. The new players who came in this year, like Maxence Lacroix, like Daichi Kamada, showed an outstanding performance today and also at the Emirates.”

As such, Lacroix could be a solid signing for Tottenham, but it may be difficult to prise him away for Palace, given that the centre-back remains contracted until 2029.

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.

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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

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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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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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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.

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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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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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BySean Markus Clifford May 30, 2025

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.

In an ideal reality, West Bromwich Albion would find themselves competing in the upcoming Championship playoff final after Tony Mowbray’s return had gone down as a rip-roaring success.

Unfortunately, that script hasn’t come to life, with Mowbray actually finding himself out of a job again after a dismal run of just five wins from 17 games led to the Baggies falling short of those coveted playoff spots.

West Brom do have plenty of time on their hands to assess who they would like to bring in as the 61-year-old’s successor now as the ongoing search shows no real signs of coming to a halt.

West Brom's list of manager targets

It’s been nearly a month since Mowbray was abruptly axed from the Hawthorns hot seat, meaning plenty of names have been linked to fill the vacancy.

Indeed, faces such as Stockport County manager Dave Challinor have been tipped to take on the reins, alongside ex-Southampton boss Russell Martin potentially getting back on the horse after his Saints dismissal.

Moreover, former Manchester United coach turned Minnesota United manager Eric Ramsay has also been regularly thrown about as a successor to Mowbray, but there’s one other name that looks to be the likeliest option away from any other rumoured bosses.

Indeed, journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed recently that West Brom still ‘really like’ Tottenham Hotspur background figure Ryan Mason, with his young and fresh approach one factor that ticks a lot of boxes for the Baggies hierarchy.

Ramsay is the same age as Mason – with both the fresh-faced managers only being 33 years of age – but the Spurs coach arguably has more experience of the hustle and bustle of the English game, meaning he might well be viewed as an upgrade on the left-field Minnesota boss.

Why Mason is an upgrade on Ramsay

There is a logic behind West Brom wanting to go down the route of appointing a youthful new manager, having been burnt by the experienced Mowbray returning and ultimately failing.

On top of that, the likes of Liam Manning – who is only six years older than Mason – managed to steer Bristol City to the playoffs just this season, whilst the equally blooming Danny Rohl improved on a near escape from relegation at the helm of Sheffield Wednesday by guiding them to a comfortable mid-table finish.

Whilst both of those figures will likely go on to achieve far more in their careers, Mason does hold an advantage over both of them currently – on top of also bettering Ramsay in this department – with the 33-year-old gaining experience on the job of what it’s like to be an interim boss of a Premier League team with Spurs.

Whilst Ramsay does have an impressive 24 wins under his belt in charge of Minnesota, he has no experience of what it’s like to be thrown into the deep end of Premier League action, having only ever watched from afar when situated at the Red Devils.

On the contrary, Mason has briefly shone when handed the reins of the North Londoners, with six wins collected during some testing and turbulent times after some notable managerial exits.

He could be what West Brom needs, therefore, to recover from the popular figure of Mowbray flopping, with Ange Postecoglou even going out of his way recently to label Mason as “outstanding” for his work at the Premier League side.

Clearly, the Baggies need to think somewhat outside of the box to bring success back to the Hawthorns after the tried and tested route of Mowbray unravelled.

Whilst Ramsay would fit that unorthodox label, he might well flounder attempting to adapt to the Championship. Whereas, the time could be just right for Mason to prove himself after a worthwhile education at Spurs.

Free transfer: West Brom in talks to sign 21 y/o with same agent as Fellows

He’s out of contract at the end of June.

ByCharlie Smith May 15, 2025

Chelsea are in ongoing negotiations over the signing of an “incredible” forward, and it is believed winger Jadon Sancho could now be used as leverage to make a deal happen for the player.

Chelsea targeting new winger for Enzo Maresca this summer

A new winger is believed to be one of BlueCo’s main transfer priorities this summer.

£200k-a-week Chelsea ace could now join De Zerbi with sale real possibility

It would be a big decision.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 29, 2025

This year, there will be two separate windows for Chelsea to conduct transfer business, with one open from June 1st to June 10th. This will allow them to sign players before their Club World Cup campaign, which is seen as important by many, given the prize money available.

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

Chelsea could obtain a £97 million windfall by winning all of their group stage games and the tournament itself, based on various factors, so it is clear to see why Stamford Bridge officials won’t be taking their participation lightly.

It could be very lucrative indeed for Enzo Maresca’s side, prompting reports that the west Londoners will be active when the pre-CWC transfer window opens.

One of the key items on their agenda is bringing in an exciting new wide player (Simon Phillips), with uncertainty surrounding the long-term futures of Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and Sancho.

Mudryk is currently serving an on-field ban after testing positive for banned substances, while there are suggestions Chelsea are open to selling Madueke as Eddie Howe’s Newcastle and Aston Villa consider deals.

Chelsea are obliged to sign Sancho on a permanent deal from Man United, after triggering his £25 million clause, with the Blues now guaranteed to finish above 15th in the table.

Chelsea could still opt out of this by paying a £5 million penalty to United, but it now appears they could hatch a different plan for Sancho, involving top target and Borussia Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens.

Chelsea could offer Jadon Sancho in "separate" swap deal for Jamie Gittens

Chelsea opened talks to sign Gittens earlier this week, as per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, and now TEAMtalk have shared another update.

The outlet claims Chelsea are in “active talks” to sign Gittens, and preferably want a deal for the Englishman finalised before the CWC commences. While Gittens is valued at around £35 million, they have ways to bring the overall cost down.

Dortmund loanee Carney Chukwuemeka is also valued at £35m, and could head the other way permanently to cancel out the fee needed for Gittens. However, so soon after triggering his £25m clause, TT write that Chelsea could offer Sancho in a separate deal for Gittens as well.

While both transfers would be apart from one another on paper, this is essentially a swap deal, just not in the traditional sense, and it is a further example of just how common player-trading is becoming in the market now – as clubs seek to navigate their way around PSR.

Gittens has been a mainstay for Dortmund this term, despite his very young age, with the 20-year-old scoring 12 goals and assisting five others across 45 appearances in all competitions.

He could well be worth all of this effort, with ex-Dortmund boss Nuri Sahin describing him as an “incredible” one-v-one attacker.