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Leeds United are back in action once again this evening as they prepare to travel to Oxford United in the Championship for the first of their two Easter matches.

The Whites play after Sheffield United face Cardiff City earlier in the day and this means that they could go eight points clear of third place with a win, if results go their way.

Daniel Farke has already shown that he is willing to make bold selection decisions ahead of big games, having already played a blinder by dropping Illan Meslier recently.

Why Illan Meslier was dropped by Leeds

The French dud was dropped by the German head coach after making two crucial mistakes in the 2-2 draw with Swansea at Elland Road at the end of last month, dropping a cross onto Harry Darling for the first goal and being beaten too easily for the second strike.

Meslier conceded 2.73 more goals than expected and made three errors that directly led to goals in the Championship before finally being taken out of the team in favour of Karl Darlow.

The English shot-stopper has prevented 0.56 xG in his three appearances since he came into the XI, without making a single error, and provided a solid presence between the sticks.

His ability to claim crosses and take danger out of situations has been appreciated by the fan base, as shown by the post from reporter Beren Cross above.

Farke could, now, repeat the trick he played by dropping Meslier by dropping another regular starter in Joel Piroe, whose performances have dipped of late.

Why Joel Piroe should be dropped

The Dutch centre-forward started the 2-1 win over Preston North End and came off the pitch without a goal or an assist to show for his efforts for the eighth game running.

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

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Piroe started all eight of those matches, returning zero goals and zero assists, and has only scored one goal in his last ten starts in the Championship for Leeds.

The left-footed forward was described as “anonymous” by reporter James Marshment in February, and that is one of the issues with his performances for the Whites because the striker does not offer enough in his general play without goals to go with it.

24/25 Championship

Joel Piroe

Appearances

42

xG

15.06

Goals

15

Key passes per game

0.8

Pass accuracy

77%

Ground duel success rate

33%

Aerial duel success rate

18%

Dribble success rate

31%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Piroe is regularly dominated by Championship defenders in duels on the ground and in the air, whilst he does not excel as a passer, creator, or dribbler in possession.

This means that the former Swansea City attacker has been a lightweight in the Whites starting XI in the past eight matches as a starter, because of his poor all-round displays as well as his lack of impact in the final third.

Therefore, Farke could repeat his Meslier trick by ruthlessly ditching Piroe from the team to unleash Patrick Bamford, who recently came off the bench to win six of his nine duels against Middlesbrough.

The English number nine could provide more physicality at the top end of the pitch, as the Dutchman has been too easy for defenders to play against, as Leeds look to get their Premier League promotion over the line in the coming days.

Related Farke already his next Rutter in Leeds "weapon" who's shining out on loan

Daniel Farke may have his next Georginio Rutter in this Leeds star who is out on loan.

Posts ByDan Emery Apr 16, 2025

The campaign is still a month away from completion, although attention at Manchester United is swiftly turning toward the summer transfer window and the need to bolster Ruben Amorim’s ranks.

While it would be foolish for anyone of a United persuasion to be too optimistic regarding the impact of potential new signings, amid the club’s wretched recruitment record over the last decade or so, it is difficult to argue that this side is in need of major surgery once again.

With departures expected to reach double figures, ahead of next season, there is likely to be something of an overhaul at Old Trafford, with drastic improvement needed amid the Red Devils’ place in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

Much could depend on whether or not Champions League qualification is secured, via Europa League glory, although regardless of what occurs on the continent, it looks as if the INEOS regime are already closing in on the signing of wantaway Wolverhampton Wanderers man, Matheus Cunha.

The latest on Man Utd's move for Cunha

It’s fair to say that Cunha can’t have done much more to catch the eye of those at Old Trafford this season. Indeed, during Wolves’ 2-0 win over United on Boxing Day, the Brazilian was simply sensational for the hosts, having scored directly from a corner, while also teeing up Hwang Hee-chan for the second of the day.

That was followed by the 25-year-old’s impact in Sunday’s 1-0 win for the Old Gold, as it was actually his surging run which earned the free-kick that Pablo Sarabia duly converted.

Now onto 14 league goals for the season, Cunha appears all but certain for a Molineux exit this summer – following prior January interest – having already outlined his desire to “take the next step” in his career.

As widely reported, that ‘next step’ looks set to lead the former Atletico Madrid man to Manchester, with positive talks having been held regarding the forward’s potential contract at the Theatre of Dreams.

That move for the £62.5m sensation could represent the first piece of business in a potentially hectic summer for the Red Devils.

Man Utd readying offer for new midfielder

Alongside that interest in the Wolves ace, it would appear that United are also keeping a close eye on Ipswich Town starlet, Liam Delap, with the Englishman set to be available for £30m amid the Tractor Boys’ impending relegation.

Transfer Focus

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

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Elsewhere, meanwhile, reports in Spain have suggested that Amorim and co could also go back in for a long-term target, in the form of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, with the Dutchman said to be ‘back on the Red Devils’ radar’.

As per the report, United are ‘willing to present a proposal’ in order to entice the LaLiga giants into a summer sale, with the Premier League said to be ready to ‘test the limits’ of Barca’s resolve.

The 27-year-old was famously linked with the Old Trafford side back in the summer of 2022, during Erik ten Hag’s first window in charge, albeit despite an agreement on a fee, a deal for the former Ajax midfielder couldn’t get over the line amid issues regarding personal terms.

There may be a feeling of De Jong’s chance having come and gone, although United should still jump at the opportunity to land such a statement signing.

How De Jong could fit in at Man Utd

There could well be a fresh look to Amorim’s 3-4-3 set-up next term, with a new goalkeeper and centre-forward seemingly set to be prioritised, while Cunha would likely line up in one of the two number ten berths.

The Wolves talisman has already thrived in a similar system under Amorim’s compatriot, Vitor Pereira, in recent months, with his overall record in England’s top-flight now standing at 39 goals and assists in just 77 games.

What the one-time RB Leipzig man will need, however, is quality service from those around him, hence why bringing De Jong into the fold could be a dream scenario.

Likely to operate as part of the midfield two – potentially alongside Bruno Fernandes or Manuel Ugarte – the Netherlands international is simply a master at progressing play, as emphasised by the fact that he ranks in the top 9% of European midfielders for progressive passes, and the top 16% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

Also ranked in the top 1% for pass completion, the experienced metronome has rightly been lauded as “one of the best midfielders in the world” by former boss, Xavi Hernandez, ensuring he would be a worthy upgrade in Amorim’s ranks.

Frenkie de Jong – compared to European midfielders

Stat

Record (per 90)

Ranking

Non-penalty goals

0.12

Top 25%

Assists

0.12

Top 28%

Shot-creating actions

2.59

Top 36%

Passes attempted

82.09

Top 4%

Pass completion

93.8%

Top 1%

Progressive passes

7.17

Top 9%

Progressive carries

2.09

Top 16%

Passes into final third

9.20

Top 3%

Tackles (in attacking 3rd)

0.49

Top 10%

Stats via FBref

As stated, that forward-thinking ability that De Jong provides would ensure he is the ideal figure to pick out the likes of Cunha ahead of him, as indicated by the fact that he also ranks in the top 3% for passes into the final third, at an average of 9.21 per 90.

What also sets the 5 foot 11 maestro apart is just how effective he is at regaining possession too. As evidenced last season – considering he has only started seven league games this time around – De Jong averaged 2.2 tackles per game, having also recovered the ball 5.9 times per game in LaLiga.

For context, United’s ball-winning monster, Casemiro, has only recovered 3.9 balls per game in the Premier League this term – albeit while enjoying a far superior record with regard to tackles made (3.5).

For De Jong to then have such quality both in and out of possession would ensure he can comfortably cope in a midfield two, with United having the chance to acquire two players entering their peak years, in the form of him and Cunha.

Related After Cunha: Man Utd in talks to sign a "monster" upgrade on Delap

Man Utd could be set to land another sparkling forward this summer, alongside Matheus Cunha

Posts ByRobbie Walls Apr 22, 2025

After taking the reins back in November, Ruben Amorim has injected the feel-good factor back into Manchester United – helping the side qualify for the Europa League final.

However, there’s only so much success the 40-year-old can achieve with the players who were at the club after he took over from former boss Erik ten Hag.

The attacking department is the area in need of desperate attention in the coming months, with the hierarchy needing to back the manager with funds if he is to improve the lack of goals currently plaguing his centre-forwards.

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee are the two senior options at his disposal, but the pair have only netted a combined tally of seven goals in the Premier League after costing the Red Devils upwards of £100m.

If they are to take the next step under Amorim, a new striker is a must during the upcoming window, potentially ending the spells of either of the aforementioned talents in the process.

An update on United’s pursuit of new strikers this summer

Even though the summer window is yet to be open, United have already wasted no time in targeting new talent to strengthen the current first-team squad.

Liam Delap was once seen as the Red Devils’ main target for the centre-forward role, especially considering his £30m relegation release clause – but look set to face tough competition from Nottingham Forest in the coming months.

The 22-year-old will certainly remain on the shortlist, but potentially not at the top, with Moise Kean now the club’s main priority, according to one Spanish outlet.

The report claims that Amorim believes he is the perfect option to fit into his 3-4-2-1 system at Old Trafford, having the right profile given positioning, pace and clinical nature.

Kean, who’s netted 23 goals in all competitions this season, is said to cost a fee in the region of £42m, given the release clause in his contract at Serie A outfit Fiorentina.

Why United’s £42m target would be unplayable with Amad

Amad Diallo has been a shining light for United this campaign in what’s been a year to forget in the Premier League, often providing the goods within the final third.

The Ivorian has registered 10 goals and seven assists across all competitions, with his latest coming against Brentford after his recent three-month injury lay-off.

His underlying stats at Old Trafford have been just as impressive, with his output handing other attacking options around him the ammunition to be a success at the club.

Amad has registered 2.2 chances created per 90 this campaign, whilst also completing 2.1 dribbles – often liking to take the ball into attacking areas at any given opportunity.

Such tallies could fall perfectly into the hands of transfer target Kean, who could well turn out to be the attacking saviour the Red Devils have been crying out for over the past few months.

The Italian, who’s been labelled “sensational” by content creator Elliot Hackney, has resurrected his career in the last couple of months after flat-lining following his breakthrough at Juventus.

The 25-year-old currently sits as Serie A’s second top scorer, registering 1.6 shots on target per 90 – benefiting from Amad’s service within the final third should he move to Manchester.

Moise Kean’s stats for Fiorentina in Serie A (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

30

Goals & assists

20

Shots on target

1.6

Pass accuracy

72%

Successful dribbles

1.5

Fouls won

1.8

Aerials won

57%

Touches in opposition box

4.7

Stats via FotMob

He’s also completed 72% of the passes he’s attempted, whilst also completing 1.5 dribbles per 90, having the tools to return the favour to the Ivorian in the final third should he need to.

Kean’s talents don’t stop there, winning 51% of the aerials he’s contested, notching 4.7 touches in the opposition box per game – handing the manager the ‘fox in the box’ style forward he’s lacked since he joined the club.

The £42m fee touted would be an excellent deal for the club, potentially getting themselves a bargain and a player who can provide the goods for the club for many years to come.

The thought of the Italian forming a partnership with Amad is certainly an exciting one, handing the club the platform to recapture their success endured in previous years.

Related The new Amrabat: Amorim must axe 4/10 Man Utd man who lost the ball 15x

Manchester United booked their place in the Europa League final last night, setting up a clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

Posts 6 ByEthan Lamb May 9, 2025

Potentially in a position to spend again at long last this summer, Newcastle United have now reportedly joined the race to sign a £51m striker who’s already received high praise from Alan Shearer.

Newcastle preparing for crucial Arsenal clash

There were stages in the first half of the season in which it seemed like Newcastle could miss out on Champions League football, as though their transfer failure was going to catch up to them. Now, however, with the Carabao Cup under their belt, the Magpies could finish as high as second in the Premier League. In fact, if they beat Arsenal this weekend, then Eddie Howe’s side will go above the Gunners and into the top two.

Related Newcastle battle Arsenal to sign star for less than £50m after scouts sent

What a signing he could be for the Magpies.

Posts ByHenry Jackson May 17, 2025

Howe is well aware of the importance of his side’s trip to The Emirates this Sunday, too, as they look to take a major step towards Champions League qualification. He told reporters in his pre-match press conference: “It’s not done yet. The picture can change game to game and I think we’ve got to be really focused on our next game and trying to win it.

“We have been, our preparation has been good and the focus is there from the players. Nothing is achieved until it’s achieved. We have to be single minded in that and not get distracted.”

Premier League’s UCL race

Points

Games Played

Liverpool (C)

83

36

Arsenal

68

36

Newcastle United

66

36

Chelsea

66

37

Aston Villa

66

37

Manchester City

65

36

Nottingham Forest

62

36

Those at St James’ Park need no reminder about the impact that Champions League football could have on their summer transfer window, either. A place among Europe’s elite could help convince Alexander Isak to stay put amid interest from the likes of Arsenal, whilst also helping to attract key upgrades for Howe in the coming months.

Newcastle join race to sign "superb" Pedro

The Magpies could even attract a Premier League rival with Champions League football to offer. According to Caught Offside, Newcastle have now joined the race to sign Joao Pedro, who Brighton & Hove Albion have valued at a hefty €60m (£51m) amid interest from Tyneside as well as Liverpool, Aston Villa and others.

Whilst a deal to sign the forward won’t come cheap, Pedro would provide Newcastle with an instant fail-safe in the event that Isak departs. The Brazilian, who has scored 10 goals and set up another six this season, has the potential and quality to replace the Swede in the long-term. What’s more, he’s also already got a fan in the form of Newcastle legend Shearer.

The iconic goalscorer sung Pedro’s praises on Match of the Day after he scored in Brighton’s 2-1 victory over Bournemouth in November, saying: “He was superb today and they just edged it in those forward positions. They are really strong with him, Rutter, Mitoma and Welbeck. Their understanding and they linked really well today in Rutter and Joao Pedro.”

The approval of Shearer certainly goes a long way in Newcastle, but whether it’s enough for PIF to make their move for Pedro remains to be seen this summer.

A new report has claimed that Everton are interested in signing an “insane” player in the summer transfer window, following an impressive season for his current club.

Everton feeling more "together" ahead of big summer

Goodison Park has now officially hosted its final game for the men’s team, following the Blues’ 2-0 win at home to Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday.

It’s now all change at Everton this summer, ahead of the move to Bramley Moore Dock, and a big transfer window is needed, in order to avoid another relegation battle. David Moyes is certainly in bullish spirits about the next chapter in the club’s history, saying after the Saints game.

“I think more the feeling that there might be a club which is ­coming back together. Signs that before there was a real break-up, of a sort of love affair with the supporters, the ­players, the club, the owners. So we’re all trying to get back. We’re obviously all looking forward to it. If we can take what we had today to the new stadium, it’ll be something.”

It is clear that plenty of surgery is required in Everton’s squad ahead of the summer, with several players leaving, and top-quality options needed to come in. Now, a new transfer rumour has emerged regarding one such figure.

Everton want to sign "insane" Coventry defender

According to Football League World, Everton are “looking” at Coventry City right-back Milan van Ewijk, seeing him as a potential addition this summer. The 24-year-old is also thought to be wanted by Fulham, with a move to the Premier League possibly appealing after his side were beaten by Sunderland in the Championship playoffs last week.

Van Ewijk could be an ideal option for Everton ahead of next season, at a time when they need to bring in a new long-term right-back to replace the likes of Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman.

The Dutchman has been a key man for Coventry throughout this season, making an impressive 47 starts in the Championship, bagging six goal contributions (two goals and four assists) along the way.

Related Saved by Ndiaye: Everton flop who won 30% duels must be axed after Goodison

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Posts ByKelan Sarson May 18, 2025

Journalist Henk Spaan hailed Van Ewijk’s performances against Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final last season, calling it “insane”, while Coventry manager Frank Lampard has admitted there is no surprise that top clubs are interested in him.

“He’s an attacking full-back and with all the natural attributes he’s got I think he can get even better as well because there will and are things we work on with him to improve all the time. So it’s no wonder when he’s playing this way that teams will look at him.”

This sums up why Van Eijk could be such an eye-catching addition for Everton, helping give Moyes’ team an extra attacking dimension next season.

Liverpool will not stand in the way of a “special” player leaving the club at the end of this season, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Trophy lift awaits as Liverpool begin summer planning

The Reds’ season has effectively been done and dusted for weeks now, having won the Premier League title last month, but Sunday’s visit of Crystal Palace promises to be a memorable afternoon at Anfield.

Liverpool’s campaign comes to an end this weekend, and once the Palace match is over, they will lift the trophy in front of their adoring supporters, who were robbed of the chance to celebrate properly when they were crowned champions back in 2019/20.

Virgil van Dijk will become the latest Reds captain to hoist the trophy aloft, officially bringing an end to a sensational first season at Anfield for Arne Slot, who has defied expectations and won a huge trophy straight away, having taken on the daunting task of replacing Jurgen Klopp.

With Palace winning the FA Cup final against Manchester City last weekend, this promises to be one of the happiest occasions for two sets of supporters in memory, with the result ultimately meaningless in the grand scheme of things. When the dust settles, though, attention will turn to Liverpool’s transfer business, and a key exit rumour has emerged regarding one player.

Liverpool open to Harvey Elliott sale

Writing on X, Plettenberg claimed that Liverpool are happy to sell Harvey Elliott this summer, with his future still very much up in the air and talks already opened with interested parties.

Elliott has had a frustrating season, with his only two starts in the Premier League coming after the title was won, with Slot struggling to see him as a key man.

The 22-year-old may feel that he has reached a point in his career where he needs to start regularly, and his natural talent could be such an asset for another team, having been described as a “special” player by former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor last December.

For all of Elliott’s technical expertise, however, he lacks the dynamism of the Reds’ other midfielders, from Ryan Gravenberch to Dominik Szoboszlai, and this continues to work against him.

Harvey Elliott’s 2024/25 Premier League stats

Total

Appearances

17

Starts

2

Minutes played

355

Goals

1

Assists

2

Shots per game

1.0

Key passes per game

0.6

Dribbles per game

0.2

The idea of the £40,000-a-week midfielder staying at Liverpool is certainly no bad thing, considering what a good squad player he is, but he has now reached a point where a move away could be the most beneficial outcome for everyone.

Everton have room for manoeuvre in the transfer market and could use their newfound stability to their advantage in pursuit of a Premier League star who has had a glittering career, according to a report.

Everton set to freshen up in attacking areas

With Beto emerging as the main force behind Everton’s climb up the table under David Moyes, there is plenty of work to be done in the window as the Toffees go about restructuring across their front four positions.

Jack Harrison and Armando Broja were among several loanees to depart following the conclusion of their loan spells. Meanwhile, Dominic Calvert-Lewin appears destined to follow by leaving the club once his contract expires.

After missing out on Liam Delap to Chelsea, plenty of other contenders to add another option through the middle have begun to crop up amid Everton’s move to the newly-named Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Villarreal star Thierno Barry is on Moyes’ radar this summer and has a release clause of £34 million inserted into his current agreement at the La Liga outfit.

In addition, Fenerbache forward Oguz Adyin is being tracked by Everton and is capable of playing on either flank or through the middle, indicating that finding versatility may be the order of the day for the Friedkin Group.

Related Everton enter race to sign England full-back who can play on both flanks

He could be a brilliant addition for David Moyes.

Posts ByHenry Jackson Jun 7, 2025

Sourcing a reliable stream of goals is one thing, though many would argue that despite the Toffees being an extremely tough nut to crack, a lack of creativity was their undoing last term.

Seeking to negate a common theme of recent years, Everton have now received encouragement in pursuit of a solution to that problem.

Everton could sign Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City

According to Graeme Bailey in conversation with Everton News, Everton could have a plausible chance of signing Jack Grealish from Manchester City on a loan basis with an option to buy as long as they can find a way to foot part of his £300,000 per week wages.

He explained: “Grealish is the highest paid English player in the Premier League – over £300,000-a-week – what would and could Everton afford, maybe half at best – but who covers the rest.

Has Jack Grealish been a success at Manchester City?

Appearances

157

Goals

17

Assists

23

Transfer fee upon arrival

£100 million

Trophies won

3x Premier League, 1x FA Cup,

1x UEFA Champions League,

1x UEFA Super Cup

1x FIFA Club World Cup

“City know they will need to cover some wages, so it is not impossible – indeed, a loan with an option makes things plausible and the chance to stay in the North West, I wouldn’t rule Everton out. They are still in the market for a Richarlison, so imagine him and Grealish heading into the new stadium – would raise a few eyebrows for sure.”

Everton aren’t the only club circling to sign the Three Lions international, who has previously been labelled “excellent” by Paul Dickov.

Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa all keen on Grealish if the price is right, indicating that he still has more to give at the elite level.

Even in a disappointing campaign from a personal standpoint, the 29-year-old created 24 chances on Premier League duty as the Citizens claimed a place in next season’s Champions League.

Needing more minutes to stake a claim for England’s 2026 World Cup squad, Everton could be the ideal destination due to their dearth of options out wide.

Arsenal are reportedly working to recruit some high-profile targets behind-the-scenes, and a significant update has now dropped on one of them, courtesy of a Sky Sports reporter this morning.

Arsenal identify new winger and striker as priority targets

Two items at the very top of sporting director Andrea Berta’s to-do list over the coming months are signing a new winger and striker.

Related Arsenal confirm "very popular" 22-year-old has now joined another club

He’s officially left north London.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jun 11, 2025

Injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus during the second half of 2024/2025 left Mikel Arteta desperately short of options up front, whilst adding further weight to the opinions of many critics that the addition of a prolific centre-forward is long overdue.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Mikel Merino did pretty well to cover the aforementioned duo as an emergency striker, but Berta and the recruitment team are eager to ensure that Arteta won’t be left in a similarly precarious position next season, when they’ll be looking to mount a far more successful Premier League title challenge.

Arsenal’s need for more goals is evident by their numbers from last term, with Arteta’s side scoring just 69 in total across their top flight campaign, a far cry beneath the 91 and 88 they’d managed in the two seasons prior.

Berta has laid the groundwork over deals for both Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, according to the BBC and reporter Sami Mokbel, but it appears the latter centre-forward is taking priority right now.

Arsenal are believed to be advancing in talks for Sesko, with Leipzig demanding around £70 million for their star striker as the Gunners look to find middle ground in negotiations.

Arteta and co also want to add further quality out-wide.

Leandro Trossard is about to enter the final year of his contract, while Bukayo Saka’s three-month injury lay-off midway through last season highlighted the need for Berta to bring in an alternative to the England international.

Leroy Sane pulls U-turn over joining Arsenal after Galatasaray agreement

One of their widely reported top targets is out-of-contract Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane.

Man City once valued the 70-cap Germany international at around £137 million during his time at Eastlands, but he’s now set to leave Bavaria for zero transfer cost.

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal held talks with Sane as far back as April, and more recent reports from this week, via CaughtOffside, claim that the 29-year-old has spoken to Arteta about a move to the Emirates Stadium.

Sane apparently had an offer to join Arsenal on the table, and was thought to be very keen to work with Arteta again and join the Gunners (CaughtOffside).

A contract extension at Bayern was still on the cards as well, until very recently, with the ex-Premier League star informing Vincent Kompany’s side that he won’t be signing a new deal after all.

Now set to leave on a free, while Sane was believed to favour a move to Arsenal, he’s now apparently pulled a U-turn.

Instead, Turkish Süper Lig champions Galatasaray are closing in on a deal for Sane, according to Sky Germany’s Plettenberg in a “breaking” update this morning.

Sane’s top-level experience and proven record of goals and assists from the last few seasons arguably make him one of the bargains of the summer, but he’s still very pricey in terms of salary.

Reports suggest that the former Schalke sensation is demanding a big “mega-money” contract, with Galatasaray seemingly set to pay him big-money.

Sane is close to the twilight phase of his career at nearly 30, and they have other high-profile wide targets to turn to as alternatives – ones which could prove better value for salary in the long run.

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal to sign a very fast England youth international, according to The Athletic.

Tottenham and Levy making transfer moves ahead of Frank’s first season

Spurs and Daniel Levy decided to part ways with Ange Postecoglou, despite the Australian ending their long wait for a trophy by winning the Europa League last season.

New manager Thomas Frank is the man tasked with improving Tottenham’s Premier League displays, and he has already been backed in the transfer window with the permanent addition of Mathys Tel.

The Frenchman spent the 2024/25 season on loan at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and has now sealed a £30 million permanent switch from Bayern Munich that was reportedly approved by Frank himself. Talking after signing Tel, Frank said:

J League sensation Kota Takai is also heading to north London this summer, with Tottenham agreeing on a £5m deal to sign the 20-year-old Japanese defender.

Tottenham’s first 5 Premier League fixtures

Date

Tottenham vs Burnley

August 16

Man City vs Tottenham

August 23

Tottenham vs Bournemouth

August 30

West Ham vs Tottenham

September 13

Brighton vs Tottenham

September 20

Tottenham hope Takai will compete as a first-team player, following in the footsteps of Lucas Bergvall, Destiny Udogie and Pape Sarr, and by the looks of things, another exciting youngster will be on the way to Spurs this summer.

Tottenham agree deal to sign England youth international

According to The Athletic, Tottenham have also agreed a deal to sign teenage striker Oliver Boast from Leeds United.

Called ‘one of Leeds’ prized academy assets’, Boast has said yes to a move to Spurs, with Tottenham and Levy set to pay a seven-figure fee for the 16-year-old instead of going to a tribunal.

Boast is currently behind Harry Gray, the younger brother of Archie Gray, in Leeds’ academy pecking order, so will instead link up with Archie and other talents at Spurs.

Already an England youth international at U16 level, Boast is described ‘as a modern No 9, who can lead the line and can play as a lone striker’. It is added that the forward’s ‘speed has been described as one of his best attributes, as he runs off the shoulder of the last man and gets in behind opposition defences’.

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As per Transfermarkt, Boast scored 10 goals in 21 appearances for Leeds’ youth sides last season, and you’d expect he will go straight into Spurs’ U18 side for the 25/26 season, looking to catch the eye of Frank and break into the first-team set up over the coming years.

Liverpool aren’t messing about this summer, pulling in high-level signings from every which way. However, this is not so much scattergun spending as the product of calculated, expeditious planning.

Florian Wirtz, for example, was brought in from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m, the British record, after Jeremie Frimpong’s £29.5m release clause was activated. Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez has since finalised his move to Merseyside.

While Wirtz is the cream of the crop, heralded as a “generational talent” by Bundesliga commentator Dan O’Hagan, Liverpool still need a striker, especially as uncertainty around Luis Diaz’s future continues to rumble on.

Why Liverpool need a striker

Arne Slot led Liverpool to the Premier League title last season without a focal frontman. Well, without an in-form central striker, at least. Such were Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez’s woes that Diaz was redefined as a false nine, almost exclusively used on the left wing by Jurgen Klopp.

Liverpool’s Frontline in 24/25 (Prem)

Player

Apps

Goals

Assists

Mohamed Salah

38

29

18

Luis Diaz

36

13

7

Cody Gakpo

35

10

5

Diogo Jota

26

6

4

Darwin Nunez

30

5

3

Federico Chiesa

6

–

1

Data via Transfermarkt

So then, it seems pretty justified that Slot wants a new centre-forward, especially as Nunez is currently in the process of signing for Napoli, a move that’s definitely not done yet.

And with Diaz also facing rumours of a summer exit, FSG are perhaps going to need to dip into the coffers once again. Slot’s Colombian star, who is 28, is frustrated that Liverpool are prepared to run his contract down, expiring in two years, instead of cashing in or discussing a renewal, and would consider leaving as Barcelona and Saudi Arabian suitors circle.

We all know Alexander Isak is the glinting jewel in the eyes of Liverpool’s overlords, but Newcastle United aren’t really willing to part with their star man, pricing him at an exorbitant £200m.

Luckily, Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, knows his stuff and has already earmarked an exciting alternative.

Liverpool eyeing Isak alternative

As per transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are interested in signing Benjamin Sesko this summer, having done their due diligence on the RB Leipzig striker.

Newcastle are ready to make Isak the highest-paid player in their history, so it makes sense that Hughes has turned toward Sesko.

The Slovenian star is only 22 but has made waves in the Bundesliga over the past couple of years. It must be said that Arsenal are leading the race, with Sesko valued between £68-85m, but Liverpool may yet shift the odds by tabling an official offer.

Why Liverpool want Benjamin Sesko

Sesko isn’t the only striker on Liverpool’s radar. In fact, Bailey’s above-mentioned report reveals an interest in Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres too, but the 27-year-old Sweden international would be the wrong choice for FSG to make.

Now, Sesko is still loading on the striking scene, but he’s already revealed himself to be a sensation in the making in Germany, hailed as a ball-striking “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson after scoring 39 goals and adding eight assists across 81 Leipzig appearances.

Athletic, powerful and rangy, Sesko has all the properties to become a superstar on Premier League shores, even dubbed “the new Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Benjamin Sesko – Senior Career Goals so Far

Club

Season

Apps

Goals

RB Leipzig

24/25

45

21

RB Leipzig

23/24

42

18

RB Salzburg

22/23

41

18

RB Salzburg

20/21

37

11

RB Salzburg

20/21

1

0

FC Liefering

20/21

29

21

FC Liefering

19/20

15

1

Data via Transfermarkt

Manchester City’s goalscoring talisman needs no introduction, and if Liverpool could get their hands on their own version, Slot would move one step closer to defending his Premier League title.

It might seem that Gyokeres would be the better pick for the Merseysiders; he’s scored 97 goals across 102 matches for Sporting, after all.

However, this isn’t so. Liverpool, let’s not forget, signed Nunez after his 34-goal campaign with Portuguese giants Benfica in 2021/22, and for a towering £64m fee (the full £85m payment has not been reached).

Nunez’s prolific streak over on Iberian territory hasn’t translated to life in the Premier League, where life is tougher, the opponents stronger, the pace faster. A maverick though he is, Nunez has struggled to bring it all together, not just profligate but prone to drifting through games.

The 6 foot 4 Sesko might not be the finished article, but he’s definitely got more about him from an athletic standpoint, ranked among the top 11% of centre-forwards across Europe last season for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

Of course, to discredit Gyokeres’ qualities simply because he walks the same ground as Nunez before him would make a feeble argument, but he’s 27 and has yet to prove himself in one of Europe’s big five leagues, whereas Sesko has demonstrated his qualities in Germany, scoring incredible strikes such as this one against Bayern Munich.

Furthermore, Sesko only failed to convert ten big chances in the Bundesliga last term, as per Sofascore, scoring 13 times. This illustrates a natural-born goalscoring prowess, of course, but also composure and the level-headedness required to hit the ground running in the Premier League. Gyokeres, for comparison, missed 23 big chances over in Portugal.

With a Haaland-esque style of play and several years of invaluable experience cutting his teeth in Germany’s top flight, Sesko is ready to make the leap over to England and start expanding his potential on the European stage.

While Sesko is raw, an uncut gem, he’s a jewel all the same, and one who would arrive at an Anfield side both fronted by an elite coach in Slot and thick with incredible creative players such as Wirtz and Mohamed Salah.

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