Sunderland are back in the Premier League and have now engaged in talks over a signing that would send out a signal of intent to their competitors, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Sunderland find out the latest in pursuit of Clement Bischoff
In the modern day, club chiefs speaking out on the availability of a player or their current situation isn’t an uncommon practice at this time of year.
Subsequently, it will come as no surprise to hear that Brondby sporting director Benjamin Schmedes has addressed rumours surrounding Sunderland target Clement Bischoff amid links between both parties.
He stated: “Clement has one year left on his contract, and that puts us in a situation where we’ve had strong discussions for a long time. But nothing is official yet, so there’s no agreement.
“We’re in dialogue, and we’ll see where it ends. Noah has two years left, so it’s a different case.”
Making strides ahead of their official Premier League return, Clermont Foot midfielder Habib Kieta is also on Sunderland’s radar and QPR, Stoke City and Crystal Palace are also believed to be in the running for his signature.
Sunderland in advanced talks to sell "fantastic" 22 y/o in permanent deal
Would moving him on be the right decision?
ByHenry Jackson Jun 22, 2025
Inevitably, beating the drop will be the immediate priority for Sunderland in 2025/26. While Jobe Bellingham’s sale will enable money to be spent, they will need to invest wisely to compete with other financially secure competitors in the grand scheme of things.
Nevertheless, Sunderland hold a pull that is rare for a promoted side due to their rich history in the English top-flight, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see someone like Jordan Henderson return to the North East if a deal were right for all parties.
Letting their presence be known to others, the Black Cats are now reportedly plotting a swoop for an international goalkeeper that would make headlines.
Romano: Sunderland in active talks to sign Marcin Bulka
Taking to social media platform X, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Sunderland are in ‘active talks’ to sign OGC Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka as part of their ambitious project to stay in the Premier League.
Despite being ‘approached’ by several other clubs, the Black Cats are the only side mentioned in the conversation and it remains to be seen whether further developments will occur down the line.
Labelled “superb” by PSG boss Luis Enrique, the Poland international kept eight clean sheets in 40 appearances last term and recorded a save percentage rate of 75.8% in Ligue 1.
Admittedly, Sunderland will need to rely on their goalkeeper next campaign to have a realistic chance of staying in the top-flight, so bringing someone of Bulka’s calibre in would certainly help, even if that puts Anthony Patterson’s future as number one in doubt.
What might have gone down as the worst season in a generation for Tottenham Hotspur will now be recognised as one of the best.
Under an immense amount of scrutiny and pressure, Ange Postecoglou and his side managed to get the better of Manchester United on Wednesday night and, in the process, win the Europa League.
Their victory in Bilbao now means they’ll be playing in the Champions League next season, which should, in turn, help them attract the best talent in what has to be a massive summer of transfers.
Fortunately, Daniel Levy and Co already seem to be looking to add some genuine quality to the squad, although one of the recent stars touted for a move to N17 could spell trouble for James Maddison.
Tottenham transfer news
Before getting to the star in question, it’s worth reviewing some of the other players linked with Spurs over the last few weeks, such as Daizen Maeda and Eberechi Eze.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former played under Postecoglou at Celtic and could be available for just £25m, which would make him a seriously tempting option, as in just 50 appearances for the Hoops this season, he has scored 33 goals and provided 12 assists.
A little closer to home now, and Eze will be available for around £68m thanks to the release clause in his contract.
While that is a lot of money, he’s certainly worth it, as in 42 appearances this term, the Englishman has scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists.
However, there is another younger and just as exciting international who has now been touted for a move to the white side of North London: Xavi Simons.
Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Spurs are ‘dreaming of signing’ the RB Leipzig star, and in exciting news, the Lilywhites believe ‘they can convince’ him to join them.
However, he would cost around €80m, which is about £67m, and there are plenty of other interested parties, with reports from earlier this week claiming Arsenal are keen on the Dutchman.
It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Simons’ immense ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, even if it could be bad news for Maddison.
How Simons compares to Maddison
Now, while Simons is a versatile attacker who can play off either wing, he’s also more than capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, and with Brennan Johnson scoring as many goals as he has this season and Mathys Tel potentially remaining at the club in the summer, there is a strong chance Spurs view the Leipzig ace primarily as a number ten.
Netherlands'XaviSimonscelebrates scoring their third goal
Therefore, one of his main competitors for game time next season would be Maddison, but who comes out on top when we compare them?
Well, when it comes to their raw output, which is ultimately the most important metric of all, the former Paris Saint-Germain gem comes out on top.
For example, since the start of last season, the Flying Dutchman, whom one analyst dubbed “one of the best 10s in the world,” has scored 21 goals and provided 23 assists in just 76 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.72 games.
In contrast, since joining the club ahead of last season, the Lilywhites number ten has scored 16 goals and provided 21 assists in 75 appearances, which comes out to a reasonable but comparatively less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.02 games.
Appearances
43
30
Goals
10
4
Assists
15
10
Goal Involvements per Match
0.58
0.46
Appearances
33
45
Goals
11
12
Assists
8
11
Goal Involvements per Match
0.57
0.51
Furthermore, besides being more productive than the former Leicester City star, the Amsterdam-born “superstar,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is also six years his junior, meaning he’s likely to get better still and has a better fitness record.
For example, he has suffered just one injury in his career to date, which saw him miss 15 games for club and country, whereas the Englishman has suffered 18 injuries, which have seen him miss 67 games for club and country.
Ultimately, while Maddison is a great player, Simons is clearly superior and, therefore, Spurs should do what they can to sign him this summer.
Spurs' 18-year-old "monster" is going to be better than Romero & Van de Ven
The tremendously exciting youngster could be special for Spurs.
Arsenal have asked about signing an “important” Real Madrid player amid their reliably reported talks for Brazil international Rodrygo, but negotiations over the latter are proving far from straightforward.
Rodrygo to Arsenal talks stall due to wage demands
As reported by Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, a very reliable source when it comes to transfer news, Arsenal have been in discussions with all parties over a summer deal for the 24-year-old.
Arsenal offer "game-changer" a five-year contract worth nearly £30m to join
The north Londoners are moving ahead with ambitious summer plans.
ByEmilio Galantini May 28, 2025
Rodrygo bagged 13 goals and 10 assists over 50 total appearances under Carlo Ancelotti during 2024/2025, but his future at the Bernabeu is far from certain amid Arsenal’s serious interest.
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
It’s been reported that the South American is dissatisfied with his role in the squad, as he wants to be used in his preferred role on the left-hand-side rather than on the right, which is where he’s been forced to play due to the presence of Vinícius Jr and Kylian Mbappé (Ben Jacobs).
Sensing an opportunity, sporting director Andrea Berta commenced work to potentially tempt Rodrygo with a north London move, amid the club’s serious pursuit of a new winger who could provide further cutting edge in the final third.
However, since beginning talks, the transfer has hit a snag due to Rodrygo’s salary demands, prompting Berta to look at alternatives like Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma.
The Japan international isn’t Berta’s only different option for the wide area, though, with another Real Madrid star under consideration at the Emirates.
Arsenal ask about conditions for Arda Guler deal
That man is Turkish attacking midfielder Arda Guler, who started Real’s last six La Liga games of the season and gradually became a more imperative player for Ancelotti during the latter stages of 24/25.
The 20-year-old bagged five goals and nine assists in 42 total appearances by the end of Ancelotti’s final campaign in charge, with the Italian branding him an “important” player in the squad.
Ancelotti also tipped the versatile forward to have a big future at the Bernabeu, leaving little surprise he’s on Berta’s shortlist of attacking targets for Arsenal.
That is according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who reports for The Boot Room that Arsenal have asked about the conditions of a deal for Guler. Whether they’ve approached Real themselves or the player’s agents isn’t exactly stated, but it is believed Los Blancos won’t sell him under “any circumstances” this summer.
Other forwards attracting Berta’s attention come in the form of Nico Williams, Rafael Leao, Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho, Ademola Lookman, Bryan Mbeumo and Mohammed Kudus, as per TBR, with Arsenal seemingly in hot pursuit of a star new wide player.
Arsenal are now preparing a bid for a midfielder who has “enormous potential”, and they believe he would be a perfect fit for Mikel Arteta’s system, according to a report.
Gunners pursuing a midfielder
Arteta will undoubtedly be very pleased with Declan Rice’s performances recently, with the Englishman scoring two remarkable free-kicks to put the Gunners in a very strong position to reach the semi-final of the Champions League.
However, the manager is keen to strengthen his midfield even further this summer, with the Spaniard and new sporting director Andrea Berta looking to bring in a partner for Rice, and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi remains one of the key targets.
The north Londoners are set to trigger Zubimendi’s £51m release clause, having already reached an agreement on personal terms, but there is set to be stiff competition for the midfielder’s signature, with Real Madrid also keen.
Arsenal now among favourites to sign £39m forward after Sane blow
The Gunners are switching to a different option.
ByEmilio Galantini Apr 13, 2025
The Real Sociedad maestro is not the only La Liga midfielder on the shortlist, however, with a new report from Spain revealing Arsenal are now leading the race for Valencia’s Javi Guerra, who has emerged as a key player for the Spanish side this season.
Guerra’s performances have attracted the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs, but the Gunners are currently in the driving seat, and they are now preparing to make a considerable offer for his services.
Valencia's JaviGuerrain action with Atletico Madrid's Samuel Lino
Having closely followed the maestro’s performances, the north Londoners are convinced he would be a perfect fit for Arteta’s system, but it could be tricky to get a deal over the line.
Valencia are reluctant to sanction the midfielder’s departure, given his emergence as an important player, but there is an awareness it will be difficult to keep hold of him, amid widespread interest in his signature.
"Explosive" Guerra could has "enormous potential"
The youngster has established himself as a key player for Valencia this season, making 30 appearances in La Liga, during which time he has picked up two goals and three assists, and there are signs he could get even better.
Valencia director Miguel Angel Corona clearly believes the central midfielder is a future star, saying: “We are fully aware that we have a player with enormous potential for the future and the ability to perform at a good level now.”
Freelance scout Ben Mattinson has also given an overview of the Valencia star’s abilities, while praising him for a solid display against Celta Vigo earlier this season.
Guerra could be an excellent addition for Arsenal in midfield, so it is exciting news they could soon formalise their interest by making a huge bid.
The 2025 summer transfer window could be another busy one for Tottenham Hotspur and Ange Postecoglou, with attacking reinforcements potentially on the agenda for Spurs.
Timo Werner extended his loan spell from RB Leipzig for the 2024/25 season, but things haven’t gone to plan for the German in north London.
Used primarily as a left-winger by Postecgolou, Werner has failed to impress back in England and even came in for criticism from the Spurs boss following a Europa League clash with Rangers.
“When you’ve got 18-year-olds [in the squad], it [that performance] is not acceptable to me,” said Postecoglou.
“I said that to Timo, he’s a German international. In the moment we’re in right now – it’s not like we’ve got many options – I need everyone to at least be going out there and trying to give the best of themselves. His performance in the first half wasn’t acceptable.”
10 strikers who could replace Richarlison at Tottenham
The Brazilian has been linked with an exit.
ByCharlie Smith Apr 4, 2025
Recently, journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed that Spurs have not changed their minds about turning down the chance to sign Werner permanently, with the forward even set to leave parent club RB Leipzig upon his return.
But who could come in as a replacement for Werner? We’ve looked at 10 wide forwards Spurs could target in the summer.
1 Jamie Gittens Borussia Dortmund
The latest Englishman starring abroad is Jamie Gittens of Borussia Dortmund. A U21 international for the Three Lions, Gittens is a former Chelsea and Man City academy ace and has been linked with Spurs in the past.
Previous reports have even claimed that Daniel Levy is willing to offer €100m for Gittens – equivalent to £83m – so it looks as if he is one of the top wide targets in north London.
2 Bryan Mbeumo Brentford
Bryan Mbeumo celebrates for Brentford
Bryan Mbeumo has been a Premier League star for Brentford in recent years, and following the departure of Ivan Toney, he has stepped up as the main man for the Bees.
It does look as if he could be on the move, though, and Tottenham are one of the clubs who have been heavily linked with a move for the Cameroon international.
Mbeumo mainly plays off the right, though, so Postecoglou may need to tinker things if he is to be Werner’s replacement.
3 Tyler Dibling Southampton
With Southampton being relegated to the Championship, Tyler Dibling could be a player in demand this summer after impressing for the Saints.
Still just 19 years of age, Dibling, who is left-footed, can play as an attacking midfielder, winger or centre-forward. Spurs were thought to be in pole position to sign Dibling in January, so it wouldn’t be a shock if they were working on a summer deal behind the scenes.
4 Antoine Semenyo Bournemouth
Antoine Semenyo scores for Bournemouth
Bournemouth have been enjoying an excellent 2024/25 season under Andoni Iraola, with Antoine Semenyo one of the Cherries’ main stars on the south coast.
The Ghana international has impressed playing on both the left and right wings, and was loosely linked with a £50m move to Tottenham towards the end of 2024.
He could be another attacker to keep an eye on should Spurs go down the route of proven Premier League stars.
5 Rayan Cherki Lyon
Rayan Cherki in action for Lyon
If Spurs want to shop abroad for a wide forward to replace Werner, Rayan Cherki of Lyon could be an option.
They were apparently offered Cherki for £20m in January due to Lyon’s financial problems, although there are ‘personality’ concerns regarding the 21-year-old.
There is no denying his talent, though, with Cherki a two-footed and versatile winger who appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €35m Transfermarkt valuation.
6 Johan Bakayoko PSV Eindhoven
PSV Eindhoven's JohanBakayokoin action
Tottenham may look to revisit their interest in Johan Bakayoko of PSV Eindhoven if they are in the market for a wide forward this summer.
Linked with a move to Spurs in 2023, Fabrizio Romano called Bakayoko an “elite talent”, with the Belgium international going on to impress in recent months.
He scored 14 goals for PSV during the 2023/24 season while registering the same number of assists, he has been at it again in 2024/25 with 11 goals to his name at the time of writing.
7 Barış Alper Yilmaz Galatasaray
Capable of playing anywhere across the front three is Barış Alper Yilmaz of Galatasaray, who has been mooted to make the move to the Premier League in 2025.
A Turkey international, Spurs showed interest in Yilmaz in 2024 when he was dubbed as the next Gareth Bale. The 24-year-old has enjoyed the best goalscoring season of his career in 2024/25, so he may be a wise option to replace the German.
8 Jack Grealish Man City
A left-field shout for Spurs could be to look at somebody like Jack Grealish of Manchester City.
The England international has struggled at various points after his £100m move from Aston Villa, and there were rumours that his representatives are looking for a move away from the Etihad.
Any transfer could come at a fraction of the price City paid, so Spurs may feel they could get the best out of Grealish in north London.
9 Takefusa Kubo Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo
Japan international Takefusa Kubo has been impressing for Real Sociedad since 2022 and can play on either wing or as an attacking midfielder. The 23-year-old was also linked with Spurs towards the end of 2024 in a potential £50m transfer.
Kubo has already played under Postecoglou during a loan spell with Yokohama F. Marinos, so who knows, the Australian could be keen on a reunion.
10 Antonio Cordero Malaga
Antonio Cordero appears to be a star in the making and looks likely to be on the move in 2025, with his deal set to expire in the summer.
Tottenham have been heavily linked with a move for Cordero and have even held talks over a transfer. However, Newcastle United were thought to be leading Spurs for the 18-year-old, so Levy and co may need to act fast if they want the left-winger.
Nottingham Forest are having a brilliant campaign under Nuno Espirito Santo and there is every chance their progress could secure Champions League football, which is bound to appeal to prospective summer targets.
Nottingham Forest could enjoy a transformational summer window
At the beginning of the season, there wouldn’t have been too many Premier League fans who would’ve had Nottingham Forest on their bingo card to finish in the Champions League slots.
Nevertheless, the Tricky Trees have put themselves in a remarkable position with nine matches left to play, potentially paving the way for an exciting market period at the City Ground.
Pushing their level of ambition to the limit, Nottingham Forest have made contact with Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres’s representatives. The Sweden international is viewed as an ideal long-term replacement for prolific marksman Chris Wood.
Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham is also of interest to the East Midlands-based outfit. Securing a mercurial return to Europe’s top table doesn’t seem to be enough for Espirito Santo, so it is no surprise he is aiming to cement their status as one of the most exciting sides in the English pyramid.
While their efforts in the Premier League could reap significant rewards, Nottingham Forest still find themselves in contention for the FA Cup and evidence that silverware is achievable at the City Ground is only likely to further their scope for savvy recruitment.
Nottingham Forest in ongoing talks over signing record £60m+ star for Nuno
He could be a fantastic addition this summer.
ByHenry Jackson Mar 23, 2025
Undoubtedly, the temptation to shell out big fees for premium talent will be on the mind of Evangelos Marinakis. However, value for money appears to be king under Espirito Santo’s reign if their latest target’s contract situation is anything to go by.
Nottingham Forest position themselves for cut-price Yoane Wissa deal
According to Football Insider, Nottingham Forest are set to reignite their attempts to sign Brentford’s Yoane Wissa and could land the in-form frontman for a ‘reduced price’ of between £15-20 million, as per Pete O’Rourke.
The Democratic Republic of Congo international will enter the final year of his deal at the Gtech Community Stadium this summer and is viewed internally as ‘smart business’ should the Tricky Trees manage to push an agreement over the line.
Yoane Wissa’s excellent season for Brentford
Appearances
30
Goals
15
Assists
2
Shot-creating actions (Premier League)
49
Non-penalty Expected Goals (Premier League)
13.6 XG value
Labelled “remarkable” by Bees boss Thomas Frank, he has also managed to create 17 chances and take 117 touches in the opposition’s penalty area this campaign on league duty, illustrating his capacity to bring others into play.
Stepping forward to fill the void left by Ivan Toney’s departure, Wissa has proven himself as a Premier League starter and may be cashed in on by Brentford to avoid the scenario where he departs on a free transfer in 2026.
Seizing their opportunity, Nottingham Forest will now hope to convince the 28-year-old that committing his future at the City Ground is the best course of action in light of the club’s upward trajectory.
West Ham United have now initiated first contacts over a summer deal for a “remarkable” striker, who is attracting a lot of attention from the Premier League, according to a report.
Hammers lacking an out-and-out striker
Back-to-back wins against Arsenal and Leicester City at the end of February have almost certainly staved off any lingering fears about relegation, with Jarrod Bowen bagging the only goal of the game to secure an impressive 1-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium.
However, the Hammers have since gone on to score just one goal in their last two games, with Graham Potter having to make do without an out-and-out striker, given that Niclas Füllkrug and Michail Antonio are out injured.
As such, while Bowen is enjoying another impressive season in front of goal, Potter has identified the need to bring in a new striker this summer, and Strasbourg’s Emanuel Emegha is among the targets, having regularly been amongst the goals in Ligue 1 this term.
West Ham now racing to sign £30m star who's part of best defence in Europe
The Hammers have set their sights on a new centre-back.
ByDominic Lund Mar 17, 2025
Potter has also told the West Ham board he wants them to sign Lille’s Jonathan David, but with Arsenal and Barcelona in the race for the Canadian’s signature, it could be difficult to get a deal done, and the manager may have to move on to other targets.
One option could be Fiorentina’s Moise Kean, with a report from Italy revealing the Hammers have now initiated first contacts over a deal for the Italian, but there may be fierce competition for his signature.
Fiorentina'sMoiseKeancelebrates after the match
A number of Premier League clubs have expressed an interest in Kean, including Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United, although the transfer is still in the preliminary stages.
Fiorentina are protected by a €52m (£44m) release clause in the striker’s contract, but it is unclear whether they would insist on receiving the full amount.
Kean enjoying "remarkable" Serie A campaign
It is clear to see why some top Premier League clubs are coming forward for the Italy international, given his extremely impressive record in front of goal this season.
Serie A
26
15
Conference League qualifiers
2
2
Conference League
5
2
Italian Cup
1
1
CBS’s Marco Messina has also lauded the Fiorentina marksman for his “remarkable” all-round performances, suggesting he offers a lot more to his team than merely goals.
That said, while the former Everton man was undefeated against West Ham during his time with the Toffees, there will still be concern about his previous stint in the Premier League.
Kean scored just four goals in 39 games for Everton, and while it is clear he has made improvements to his game since then, his goal record in England casts doubt over whether a £44m fee is justifiable.
Still looking to replace John Eustace, who controversially chose to take the Derby County job, Blackburn Rovers are reportedly set to hold talks with a former Premier League manager this week.
Blackburn seeking Eustace replacement
Whilst Eustace was suffering a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Queens Park Rangers on his Derby debut, Blackburn were rubbing salt in his wounds by simply picking up where they left off – securing a 2-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle.
The credit for that result deserves to go the way of David Lowe, who has stepped up to take interim charge and continued Blackburn’s push to finish inside the Championship’s top six.
Whilst it’s certainly not a case of no Eustace no party for Blackburn, they’re still in need of a replacement and that search has already seen various names mentioned, including Lowe’s.
The interim boss has undeniably made a solid first impression and may well be considered a candidate should those at Ewood Park fail to land a former Premier League manager.
Blackburn learn compensation fee to appoint 44 y/o as Eustace's replacement
Blackburn could be close to finding a replacement for John Eustace.
ByBrett Worthington Feb 16, 2025
According to the Lancashire Telegraph, Blackburn are now set to hold talks with Gary O’Neil this week. The manager was sacked by Wolverhampton Wanderers back in December and has been out of work ever since, perhaps leaving the door ajar for a Championship move.
Going from Eustace to O’Neil would certainly be quite the move. The former Wolves and Bournemouth boss is a manager of Premier League quality and guided those in the Midlands into the top half at his best. Now, by stepping down to the Championship, he could take a historic club back to the top flight at long last.
In a crucial week for their managerial search, Blackburn should go all out to secure O’Neil’s signature.
"Great" O'Neil would be impressive coup
By appointing O’Neil, not only would Blackburn be taking a key step towards promotion but they’d also be preparing for life in the Premier League. The former Portsmouth player kept Bournemouth up when not many, if any expected him to do so then took Wolves back into the top half before ultimately struggling in the current campaign amid a lack of reinforcements and a frustrating list of injury concerns.
Previously praised by Jamie Carragher for the “great” job he did at Bournemouth, O’Neil could arrive at a Blackburn side ready to earn a place in the play-offs. Sat as high as fifth and inside the top six by four points, those in Lancashire have 13 games to keep hold of their place and grab their chance to eventually set a date at Wembley come May.
It won’t be a routine job and following Eustace will take some doing, but a former Premier League manager should be more than capable of creating history. Blackburn belong in the Premier League and many will say the same for O’Neil to create a match made in heaven as talks commence this week.
Tottenham Hotspur will be wanting to right the wrongs of this season’s failure in the Premier League, which saw the club finish just one place above the relegation zone.
Despite winning the Europa League, it was the Lilywhites’ lowly league standing that spelled the end for Ange Postecoglou in North London, subsequently being sacked after two years in the role.
Daniel Levy wasted no time in appointing Thomas Frank from fellow top-flight side Brentford, but it’s crucial that the Dane is handed time to transform the side next campaign.
Alongside the players currently on the books, additions are also needed during the current window to help the 51-year-old in his quest for success during his tenure in charge.
Work appears to be conducted behind the scenes to help the new manager in the market, which could see moves made for various targets this summer.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new signings this summer
In recent days, Spurs have appeared to be stepping up their efforts to land Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo this summer, after it was confirmed the club are set to make a bid for his services.
He’s not the only attacker on their radar, with OGC Nice striker Evann Guessand another option under consideration ahead of Frank’s debut campaign at the helm.
Antoine Semenyo scores for Bournemouth
However, another name has now entered the mix, with one Spanish outlet claiming that the Lilywhites hold serious interest in a move for Boca Juniors striker Miguel Merentiel.
The report claims that the 29-year-old’s agent is aware of interest in the forward after he scored a tremendous solo effort against German champions Bayern Munich at the ongoing Club World Cup.
It also states that no formal offer has yet been made, but the hierarchy are monitoring a move for the Uruguayan, who has netted 43 goals in the last three campaigns.
Why Spurs’ latest target could be Frank’s answer to Gyokeres
Spitting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres has been one of the most sought after talents throughout this summer window, looking almost certain to leave the Portuguese outfit ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick
Various sides across the globe have been touted with a move for the 27-year-old’s signature and, unsurprisingly so given his record of 54 goals in his 52 outings this season.
Manchester United appeared to be the most likely destination given his previous stint under Ruben Amorim, but it now looks as though the Swede is pushing for a move to join North London rivals Arsenal.
Such a move will likely hand Mikel Arteta’s side an added attacking threat next season, with Spurs needing to make a move to land their own talisman this window.
Frank could land his own version of Gyokeres in the form of Merentiel, with the Boca talisman labelled as a similar player to the goalscoring sensation, according to FBref.
When comparing the pair’s respective stats, the Uruguayan has managed to match or better the Swede in various key areas, looking to be a shrewd addition for the Lilywhites this summer.
Merentiel, who’s been labelled “incredible” by journalist Johannes Skiba, has matched the Sporting star for goals per shot on target, but bettered him for shot-on-target accuracy – taking advantage of more opportunities that fall his way.
Games played
22
33
Goals & assists
10
46
Shot-on-target accuracy
62%
52%
Goals per shot on target
0.4
0.4
Passes into final third
1.7
0.5
Take-on success
60%
45%
Carries into final third
1.6
1.3
Progressive passes made
3.2
2.1
He’s also completed more progressive passes and completed more passes into the final third, having the all-round ability to provide those around him rather than relying on teammates creating chances for him in the final third.
The Boca star’s talents are further demonstrated with his take-on success and carries into the final third, showcasing his desire to take the ball forward at any given opportunity – therefore handing Frank’s side an added threat.
It’s unclear how much a deal for the 29-year-old would cost this summer, but it’s evident that he has all the tools needed to thrive in the Premier League.
If he can add further goals to his game in North London, he would be an excellent option for the Lilywhites in their quest to be competitive in Europe and England’s top flight next campaign.
Big Johnson upgrade: Spurs open initial talks to sign £70m "monster"
Tottenham are hoping to sign a right-sided forward this summer.
It’s only ten days now until Birmingham City know their exciting full set of Championship fixtures ahead of the eagerly anticipated 2025/26 campaign.
Chris Davies will be praying that his super-confident Blues side can win on the opening day to get their season off to the best possible footing, with a hope in the air that Birmingham can thrive in the second tier after making League One promotion look like clockwork.
To help make their transition up a league as smooth as possible, Birmingham will be prepared to spend in the transfer market to upgrade their team, with a deal potentially back on the cards for a former star to return to St. Andrew’s.
Birmingham still interested in former ace
As per a new report from Birmingham Live’s Alex Dicken, a spectacular reunion deal for Demarai Gray to return to the West Midlands shouldn’t be written off just yet.
Dicken states that Birmingham are believed to still possess an interest in the entertaining 28-year-old winger, but he also reveals that there are many obstacles in the newly promoted side’s way in trying to get a statement deal over the line.
The obstacles include his lavish £76k-per-week wage at Saudi employers Al-Ettifaq – as per Capology – on top of the fact Dicken states that a number of Premier League clubs are also eyeing up the former Everton attacker.
But, Birmingham – who could seal Gray’s signature for £8m – have been successful in the past when going after outlandish deals deemed too unlikely to happen.
That was seen in Jay Stansfield’s £15m deal last summer – with Gray’s potential arrival onto the scene also perhaps culminating in him striking up an enthralling attacking duo with another target on the Blues’ ever-extending shopping list in Joe Gelhardt.
Why Gray could be brilliant alongside Gelhardt
Both Birmingham targets have shown flashes of their excellence at the very top of the English football pyramid, with Gray’s sublime strike against Arsenal just one of 19 goals the Jamaica international notched up in the Premier League.
Still in the infancy of his career, Gelhardt does still have eight-goal contributions next to his name in the elite division when he was deemed the next big thing coming out of Leeds United’s esteemed academy, meaning the pair together at St. Andrew’s could bring about a sense of class to proceedings, having tasted such lofty heights previously.
Leicester City
169
13
14
Birmingham
78
8
4
Everton
75
12
6
Al-Ettifaq
50
4
5
Bayer Leverkusen
12
1
2
Looking at the table above, Gray could also gift Gelhardt chances galore to score from if the pair are to don Birmingham blue together very soon, with the experienced 28-year-old forward up to 31 assists now from his varied playing days.
Even when he hasn’t been firing on all cylinders at current employers Al-Ettifaq, a frustrated Gray has at least been trying to carve out openings, with a healthy four big chances created by the ex-Blues attacker in Saudi Pro League action last season, despite no assists coming his way.
Whilst his teammates in the Middle East might not be finishing off his moves, Gelhardt could soon be the perfect companion to Gray based on his impressive Championship numbers last campaign with Hull City, with a promising five league strikes picked up from only 19 starts, while also spurning just one big chance.
With the aforementioned Stansfield also close by, both the “electric” winger – as he’s been glowingly labelled in the past by journalist Scott Saunders – and Gelhardt could really enhance Birmingham’s attacking numbers ahead of their second-tier adventure officially kicking off.
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