Into the last four of the Carabao Cup after a 5-1 thumping of West Ham United at Anfield and second in the Premier League with the chance to go top with victory over Arsenal up next, it's fair to say that Liverpool have so far bounced back from last season's disaster in style. The Reds look far closer to their ruthless best under Jurgen Klopp and are vying for silverware once more at Anfield.

What has helped contribute towards their return to the Premier League title race is their recruitment. Those in Merseyside did well in the summer to rebuild Klopp's midfield and have reaped the rewards ever since. Now, Liverpool could repeat that transfer trick to add the cherry on top of what has been an excellent rebuild.

Liverpool transfer news

Swapping the likes of Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita and Fabinho for Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo was a stroke of genius by Liverpool's recruitment team, who wasted no time before making some drastic changes in the summer.

This followed the first time that Liverpool failed to qualify for the Champions League in a full season under Klopp, highlighting just how desperately needed some changes were. And more could be on their way, with one particular Serie A star reportedly eyed.

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are eyeing a move to sign Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella, who is in the middle of contract negotiations with the Italian giants.

So far, the contract talks are yielding minimal progress, and with the door still ajar, the Reds and Newcastle United are circling. Barella's current contract comes to an end in 2026, and while that hasn't stopped Inter from beginning early attempts to secure his future at the San Siro, they may be forced to cash in at some point if he does not pen an extension.

"Creative" Barella can complete Liverpool

As much as Liverpool did well in the summer to rebuild their midfield, adding Barella would finally complete the job once and for all. The Italian has the ability to play as a central, attacking and defensive midfielder, and could act as the perfect foil for Mac Allister in the middle of the park. Indeed, Barella's stats show that he's more than capable of outperforming both Curtis Jones and Ryan Gravenberch.

Player

Progressive Carries

Progressive Passes

Tackles Won

Blocks

Nicolo Barella

31

136

12

9

Curtis Jones

5

25

5

7

Ryan Gravenberch

21

38

4

7

When linked with a move to Liverpool, praise from Steven Gerrard doesn't get much better. The Reds legend had nothing but good things to say about Barella, saying back in May: "He's creative, he can nick important goals. I watched him against England in Naples and he was involved in all parts of the game. He did really well against the England midfield – Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice. He's at a good age as well, coming into his prime."

That said, given the rumours, it will be interesting to see whether Liverpool decide to act when the January transfer swings open or Barella decides to stay put in Serie A.

Tottenham Hotspur have placed the recent five-match slide in the Premier League firmly behind them by responding with two convincing victories in succession.

Despite a raft of injuries and suspensions, Ange Postecoglou's side will still be confident that they can defeat an in-form Everton team at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium this afternoon, with three points certain to move them ahead of Manchester City in fourth place, temporarily at least.

Should a positive result be achieved then it will be crucial that Dejan Kulusevski is performing at the standard that has captured the awe of the Spurs support across recent weeks.

Dejan Kulusevski's stats this season

Kulusevski ebbed and flowed from form last season but has made some remarkable progress this term, currently boasting five goals and two assists in the Premier League.

Not a bad return, but direct contributions do not tell the full story for Kulusevski, who is a non-stop running machine and an absolute menace for opposition defenders, averaging 2.3 key passes and 4.3 ball recoveries per game and completing 83% of his passes.

Sky Sports' Jamie Weir has been particularly impressed by his recent performances, saying: "Dejan Kulusevski really is a special special player. Works so hard, covers every blade of grass. Hell of an engine on him, and just so much heart."

While James Maddison's ongoing injury absence has been a big setback for Postecoglou's Spurs revolution, Kulusevski is producing increasingly influential efforts, and he will be sure to have his say against Everton.

While the 23-year-old might be the creative engine, it could be Richarlison who plays the most important part this afternoon, with the Brazilian firing himself into form across recent weeks.

Richarlison could dismantle Everton

It's fair to say that Richarlison hasn't been great since signing for Tottenham from Everton for £60m in 2022, only scoring one goal across the duration of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.

But he clearly welcomed Postecoglou's summer appointment and demonstrated discernible improvements, with a return of five goals and three assists from 15 appearances across all competitions this season.

As per FBref, the 26-year-old ranks among the top 7% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 6% for tackles, the top 7% for interceptions and the top 1% for blocks per 90, highlighting his creative threat and the defensive contribution that has prompted Spurs reporter Alasdair Gold to dub him a "nuisance" for rival players.

Returning from groin surgery at the end of November, Richarlison has been shifted back to a centre-forward role and has responded with a couple of excellent displays, scoring three times from two matches.

This rekindled Midas touch in front of goal will be important against a resilient Everton backline, and the menacing Richarlison will only be too happy to score at his former club's expense.

With Kulusevski and Heung-min Son pulling the strings behind him, the 5 foot 10 Richarlison could produce another sublime goalscoring display to continue a budding resurgence that could pay dividends for the Lilywhites down the line.

Birmingham City supporters will be feeling extremely confident about their team’s chances of settling back into the Championship life well next season.

The second tier hasn’t always been the smoothest stomping ground for the Blues, with relegation depressingly coming their way at the end of the turmoil-ridden 2023/24 season, but after accumulating a record 111 points last season on the way to lifting the League One title, Chris Davies’ men will feel ready to take the difficult division by storm now.

A couple of new signings would certainly do the trick in helping Birmingham to manage the step-up with ease, as the likes of Bright Osayi-Samuel and Demarai Gray look set to join the assured St. Andrew’s camp very soon.

Away from all that speculation, however, a new signing was unveiled just yesterday, as ex-Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper James Beadle moves back into the Championship with the Blues on loan, away from parent side Brighton and Hove Albion.

More new signings after Beadle expected

Arguably, Birmingham were well-stocked in the goalkeeper department, but with the 20-year-old just fresh off collecting nine clean sheets for the Owls in the demanding division, it was evidently too tantalising a transfer to refuse.

It will be a case this summer of boosting their personnel all over the pitch ahead of the daunting step-up hitting them in the face, with faces such as Gray potentially joining and adding lots of experience in the division, having lined up 72 times in the Championship across his varied career to date.

Yet, Birmingham have had success when shopping in Europe’s top leagues too – as seen in defensive colossus Christoph Klarer coming in from Germany last summer – and this approach could pay off again in Birmingham landing Alaves star Carlos Vicente.

Indeed, a fresh report from a Spanish outlet indicates that Davies and Co. have put forward an offer of around £8.5m to land the exciting right winger, alongside Greek giants Olympiakos lodging their own bid.

Transfer Focus

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

Birmingham have been before when splashing the big bucks to win a Spanish attacker, with Vicente perhaps going on to be Davies’ very own Jota, after the former £6m winger managed to wreak havoc in the second tier with the Blues.

How Vicente can be Davies' own Jota

Jota would sour his time with Birmingham when he eventually moved on to cross-city nemesis Aston Villa, but the ex-Brentford forward was a joy to behold for Blues fans at the peak of his powers at St. Andrew’s.

In total, the now-retired attacker – who funnily enough bowed out of his playing days on the books of Vicente’s Alaves – would tally up a mightily impressive eight goals and 11 assists for the West Midlands giants, with the £8.5m target now hoping to follow in Jota’s footsteps in making similar waves in the Championship for Davies’ men.

Games played

37

Goals scored

5

Assists

5

Shots*

1.0

Key passes*

1.7

Big chances created

9

Total duels won*

4.8

In the same fashion as Jota before he became a well-known name in England, Vicente has been starring in Spain for some time now, as seen in his sparkling 24/25 output, leaving him with a sturdy five goals and five assists from 37 La Liga clashes.

Away from just those standout numbers, however, Vicente looks even more ready for the demands of the Championship when glancing at the number of duels he’s won, winning 4.9 duels per game last season in the Spanish top-flight. Even when Jota was performing at his maximum for the Blues during the 18/19 season, he would only average 3.1 on the contrary.

In the here and now, too, if Vicente does go on to be as successful as Jota donning Birmingham blue, Davies and Co. stand a better chance at him staying put, with their ex-number 23 never seeing the top half of the Championship when at St. Andrew’s.

The aim this coming season will be to reach those heights and achieve even more, as signings such as the £8.5m gem entering the building attempt to help make those dreams a reality.

Osayi-Samuel 2.0: Birmingham City in contact to sign “high quality" EFL ace

Birmingham City is really flexing its muscles during the hectic summer transfer window.

1 ByKelan Sarson Jul 1, 2025

Despite some initial positivity stemming from an impressive pre-season campaign and the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea fans have had to endure another miserable season of false dawns and poor performances.

The Blues are on a three-game winning streak across all competitions but find themselves tenth in the Premier League and closer to the relegation zone than top spot.

One of the most significant problems at Stamford Bridge is the side's inability to finish chances, so fans should be excited about the latest player touted for a move to west London: Napoli's Victor Osimhen.

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ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024 Chelsea transfer news – Victor Osimhen

According to reports in Italy, via Football Transfers, Chelsea have made the Nigerian superstar their number-one transfer target for 2024, and they are entirely unfazed by the new contract he signed at the end of 2023.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Blues view the €120m (£103m) release clause in Osimhen's latest contract as an invitation from the Serie A champions to launch a bid with Todd Boehly and Co readying a 'big summer assault'.

While it would be another outlandishly expensive transfer for the west Londoners, it might just be worth it to sign a goal-scoring "machine" and "Naploli's heart and soul", as dubbed by journalist Mina Rzouki.

Additionally, the prospect of seeing Osimhen and Cole Palmer in the same team should be all the convincing that Chelsea needs to once again dip into their seemingly endless piles of cash.

How Victor Osimhen and Cole Palmer could play together

In a season that has been generally quite miserable for the Chelsea faithful, there has been at least one undeniably positive development: the signing of former Manchester City youngster Palmer.

The 21-year-old has already scored eight goals and provided four assists in 12 Premier League starts, and if his teammates were more clinical, he'd have a lot more of the latter by now.

The Blues' primary striker this season has been Nicolas Jackson, and while the Senegalese international has looked good at times, and has racked up seven league goals already, he would have scored many more if his finishing was up to par.

The same problem exists with the Blues' backup striker, Armado Broja, as the Albanian has looked good at points, but hasn't delivered in front of goal, netting twice all term.

The poor finishing of the Chelsea pair is painfully apparent during games and even harder to ignore when comparing their underlying numbers to Osimhen's.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals

0.39

0.66

0.48

Non-Penalty Goals

0.45

0.43

0.23

Shots

3.63

2.80

2.54

Goal-Creating Actions

0.45

0.37

0.23

Shot-Creating Actions

1.91

2.98

1.39

Dispossessed

1.36

2.30

1.86

Aerial Duels Won

1.91

0.93

0.47

For example, Jackson generates a higher non-penalty expected goals figure than Osimhen – almost double, in fact – and yet when it comes to the number of non-penalty goals they score per 90, the 6 foot 1 Napoli star comes out ahead.

Now imagine it was the "natural talent" of Osimhen, as described by U23 scout Antonio Mango, getting on the end of Palmer's crosses, and not Jackson – the former City prospect could end the season with close to 20 assists.

Ultimately, it would be a massive investment from Chelsea to sign the Nigerian forward, but the partnership he could build with Palmer is surely reason enough for them to go for it.

Crystal Palace are interested in signing a new Premier League player who has enjoyed success against the Eagles in the past, according to Sky Sports.

Crystal Palace January rumours

Roy Hodgson has guided the Eagles to five top-flight wins this season, with Palace currently finding themselves six points clear of the relegation zone. A much-needed 3-1 win over Brentford brought an end to 2023, and with the January transfer window now open, Steve Parish and Dougie Freedman have the chance to bolster the Palace squad for the second half of the season.

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ByCharlie Smith Feb 1, 2024

Hodgson admitted last month that winter window additions could be on the cards, with those behind the scenes seeing how the squad has been depleted due to injury.

“I would think perhaps we are in that position a bit more than some other clubs. But in terms of the work that goes on behind the scenes, which is orchestrated by Doug Freedman, and lots of people are scouting, and by Steve Parish himself, that's definitely an ongoing process.

“I know that the people in that position would like in January to provide some sort of reinforcements because they've seen how the squad has been depleted."

Reports have claimed that Palace would like to sign a new central midfielder and left-back before the month is out, and in attack, a new target has merged in West Ham’s Danny Ings.

Crystal Palace eyeing Danny Ings move

According to Sky Sports, Crystal Palace are keen on signing Ings from West Ham this month. Wolves are also credited with an interest, whereas Southampton looked at a deal but Ings would prefer to stay in the top flight. However, they add that due to the Hammers’ injury issues in the final third to Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen, a transfer is looking unlikely at this stage.

With Antonio and Bowen out, Ings is currently the only available senior centre-forward available to David Moyes, with teenager Divin Muamba also on the books.

Therefore, should a move to Selhurst Park materialise, Palace may need to wait until the Hammers bring in an attacker of their own, meaning a move across London could happen later in the month.

If it does happen, the 31-year-old, who has been labelled as “clinical” in the media, could be a shrewd addition who would offer Hodgson’s side plenty of top-flight experience.

Ings may have played just 423 minutes of football this season, failing to score or provide an assist, but he has netted 70 times in 215 Premier League fixtures, five of which have come against Palace.

Danny Ings record vs Crystal Palace

Appearances

13

Wins

4

Goals

5

A move for the Englishman could therefore be one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks, but Parish and Freedman may need to play the waiting game for now.

Manchester United and Erik ten Hag have done their best to be rid of Jadon Sancho this month, yet the Englishman is not the only winger who should seemingly be shown the door in 2024.

18 months on from arriving from Ajax, £86m enigma, Antony, continues to have supporters tearing their hair out, with the Brazilian trickster still doing little to justify that eye-watering transfer fee.

A return of no goals or assists this season in 21 games in all competitions makes for grim reading for the 23-year-old, with it becoming increasingly difficult for Ten Hag to justify his continued faith in the floundering forward.

Games

Goals

Assists

Total G/A

65

8

3

11

82

12

6

18

63

10

7

17

74

9

9

18

34

4

12

16

63

13

11

24

53

7

6

13

With reports already circling that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co could be seeking to move on Antony – among others – in the near future, it is worth considering just who could come in to ease the club's attacking woes in 2024.

So, with that in mind, here are five possible replacements for the Sau Paulo native that Ratcliffe and Ten Hag could acquire, either in January or this summer…

1 Leroy Sane

It would certainly be an ambitious move for United to target former Manchester City man, Leroy Sane, yet reports at the tail-end of last year indicated that the German speedster was being considered by the Old Trafford outfit.

The 27-year-old currently has just 18 months left to run on his existing deal at Bayern Munich, putting his long-term future at the Allianz Arena into doubt, despite having emerged as a key figure under Thomas Tuchel this season.

Arguably the Bundesliga side's "best player" so far in 2023/24, according to teammate Harry Kane, the one-time Schalke man has racked up eight goals and a further ten assists in just 16 league outings – frankly terrorising defences from either wing.

A two-time Premier League champion, Sane scored 25 goals and provided 28 assists in just 90 games during his time in England's top flight, with such sparkling form at the Etihad even earning comparisons to a fellow left-footer – Ryan Giggs – as per pundit Stephen Warnock:

“Leroy Sane is the closest thing we’ve seen to Ryan Giggs in years. His ability to glide past players makes it look effortless."

Whether the one-time City man would be willing to burn some bridges with his previous employers by joining United remains to be seen, although if the £86m-rated dynamo is interested in a move, the Red Devils should certainly pounce.

2 Michael Olise

News broke last week that Ratcliffe was eyeing up a move for Michael Olise as one of his first signings at Old Trafford, with reports indicating that the Crystal Palace starlet has a release clause in his contract that comes into effect this summer.

While still just 22, the England-born, France U21 international has sparkled in the Premier League of late, notably contributing 11 assists last term to emerge as the real creative hub in the side at Selhurst Park.

A return of two goals last season also included a breathtaking, stoppage-time free-kick in the 1-1 draw with Ten Hag's side, with that moment of magic halting what momentarily looked like a possible title charge for the Red Devils at the time.

Although there are reports that the Eagles star may favour a move to rivals Arsenal instead at the end of the season, he would certainly be a worthy candidate to replace Antony on the right-hand side.

3 Johan Bakayoko

United fans would no doubt dread the prospect of snapping up another left-footed youngster who is thriving in the Eredivisie – amid Antony's woes – yet PSV Eindhoven's Johan Bakayoko has warranted Ten Hag's interest amid his sparkling displays of late.

Still only 20, the Belgian sensation already has 17 goals and assists to his name in just 27 games in all competitions this season, with broadcaster Jack Collins describing him as an "absolute handful for defenders", as a result of his devastating showings in the Europa League.

Likened to Chelsea's Noni Madueke – who was also previously on the books at PSV – and described as a 'physical phenomenon' by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the fleet-footed ace could well represent a wildcard option for United to consider this year.

4 Donyell Malen

There have been suggestions that the Old Trafford side have held internal talks regarding a potential loan-to-buy offer for Borussia Dortmund gem, Donyell Malen, with the Dutchman part of the same agency as the likes of Ten Hag, Sofyan Amrabat and Rasmus Hojlund.

Formerly part of Arsenal's youth set-up – prior to shining at PSV – the 24-year-old could be deserving of a return to English football, having caught the eye this season with six goals and two assists in all competitions.

While hardly prolific, the wideman – who can also play through the middle – did previously sparkle during his stint in Eindhoven, recording 79 goals and assists in just 116 games across all fronts.

Like Bakayoko, the 5 foot 11 marksman may not be the high-profile replacement for Antony that some may be craving, although he is certainly a figure of "incredible potential", as hailed by Dortmund's sporting director, Sebastian Kehl.

5 Serge Gnabry

And finally, sticking with the Bundesliga, United could look to Sane's teammate Serge Gnabry to oust Antony in 2024, with the one-time Arsenal man having already proven himself against Premier League opposition in recent years.

Despite being cast off by the Gunners in 2016 – after also making just three appearances for West Bromwich Albion while on loan at the Hawthorns – the 28-year-old has gone on to blossom in his native Germany, boasting a haul of 82 goals in 229 games for Bayern to date.

Capable of playing on either wing, like Sane, the one-time Werder Bremen ace has been a thorn in the side of English opposition in the Champions League in recent years, memorably scoring four in a 7-2 thrashing of Tottenham Hotspur in 2019, while also scoring twice against Chelsea later in that same season.

Gnabry was also on the scoresheet as Tuchel's men ran out 4-3 winners over United in the group stage earlier in the current campaign, with Ten Hag and co having seen first-hand the impact he can have in the final third.

A player of vast experience and proven quality, Gnabry would undoubtedly be a vast improvement on Antony.

Before December, Eddie Howe's worst-ever period at Newcastle United came right at the beginning of his tenure, as his side picked up merely five points from a possible 21 in his first seven matches in the St. James' dugout.

However, after spending around £400m throughout his spell in charge, the Magpies have now lost seven of their last eight matches in all competitions and Monday's defeat at Anfield against Premier League leaders Liverpool piled further pressure on the manager.

Newcastle's 4/10 man was a bigger villain than Dan Burn vs Liverpool

Newcastle have now suffered seven defeats in their last eight games in all competitions.

ByAdam Scully Jan 2, 2024

Nevertheless, with the January window now open, Howe could add to his squad in an attempt to stop the rot and has reportedly set his sights on one player from a league rival.

Newcastle United transfer news – Andrey Santos

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Newcastle United have enquired to Chelsea about midfielder Andrey Santos, who is currently out on loan at relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest. It was previously reported that Chelsea were unhappy with the Brazilian's lack of minutes at the City Ground and were set to recall him from his loan this month, with the Magpies keen to bring him to the club.

After completing his move to Stamford Bridge last year for £18m from Vasco da Gama, Santos was sent out on loan to the Tricky Trees during the summer to acclimatise to English football. However, the youngster has played merely 97 minutes this season for Forest, including just seven minutes in the Premier League. Santos' last appearance for his loan club came away at Anfield back in October.

Now, the 19-year-old could be recalled from his disappointing stint in Nottinghamshire and may be an astute signing for Newcastle, particularly on loan as Howe recently admitted that FFP will be a constraint for the side this winter, meaning dipping into the loan market could be the way forward.

Andrey Santos' stats comparison vs Sean Longstaff

Newcastle's midfield has been a problem area for the club this season. This department has been left quite bare in recent months due to injuries and suspensions to the likes of Joelinton and Sandro Tonali, leaving Howe hamstrung with his decision to constantly deploy Sean Longstaff in the middle of the park. The boyhood Geordie has made 24 appearances in all competitions already this term.

The problem is, since Tonali was handed a season-ending suspension early into the campaign, Howe has been forced to keep Bruno Guimaraes in a deeper position as Newcastle's holding midfielder which has caused the creative and goalscoring burden to fall onto Longstaff. Unfortunately, the 26-year-old has managed merely five goal contributions this season, including three goals and two assists.

While Santos has yet to register an assist in his professional career, the 5 foot 11 teenager has still outscored Longstaff and was outperforming the latter's output from this term in several key metrics from his time with Vasco da Gama, particularly from a defensive standpoint.

Goals

0.21

0.15

Expected Goals

0.26

0.14

Assists

0

0.15

Expected Assists

0.02

0.14

Progressive Carries

0.85

0.61

Progressive Passes

2.98

5.34

Passes To Final 1/3

2.13

2.98

Tackles

3.19

1.68

Tackles Won

1.49

0.92

Attacking Third Tackles

0.43

0.31

Interceptions

2.34

0.46

Clearances

1.49

0.92

Aerial Duels Won %

43.8%

28.6%

Stats via FBref

While Longstaff has proven himself to be more productive in the attacking phase, Santos' defensive nous would be more beneficial for Howe's team, who conceded a Premier League record 7.27 xG against Liverpool on Monday, to be more resilient out of possession, hence why football scout Jacek Kulig once described Santos as a "pressing machine".

Having Guimaraes as the deep-lying playmaker, supported by Santos and Joelinton could be more advantageous for Newcastle right now.

Compared to all other number '8s' in Europe's top-five leagues this season, Joelinton ranks in the top 20% for tackles won per 90, the top 15% for interceptions per 90 and the top 17% for blocks per 90, having been converted into a box-to-box midfielder by Howe back in 2021.

Howe could potentially repeat this masterclass by signing another Brazilian gem – Santos – on loan for the remainder of the campaign.

With Thierno Barry already on his way, Everton and The Friedkin Group are now reportedly pushing to sign a World Cup-winning defender at a bargain price this summer.

Michael Keane "delighted" to extend Everton deal

The good news has kept coming for Everton following reports that they reached an agreement to sign Villarreal forward Barry, with Michael Keane officially putting pen to paper on a new deal. Whilst the Toffees failed to keep hold of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, they have managed to avoid the same fate in the defender’s case, who has signed a one-year extension.

After confirming his new contract, Keane told Everton’s official website: “I love Everton and have been massively proud to play for this club since the day I joined so I’m delighted to extend my stay here.

“The manager wants a competitive squad and I still feel I have a lot to give to Everton. We’ve been through a difficult few years but it’s an exciting time ahead for us as players and our brilliant fans.

“We’ve got a world-class new stadium to play in, and our form under the manager last season shows there’s a lot of reasons to be positive. I’m looking forward to being part of it.”

Bigger talent than Branthwaite: Everton enter race for £34m "diamond"

Everton are interested in signing a new central defender or two this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 4, 2025

As the defender said himself, David Moyes is keen to put together a “competitive squad” at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and that has led to decisions such as Keane’s extension and Barry’s pending arrival.

The Toffees may not be done there, either. Reports are now suggesting that Everton have set their sights on the likes of Wilfred Ndidi and stepped up their chase to sign a World Cup-winning defender this summer.

Everton hold advanced talks to sign Tagliafico

According to reports in Spain, Everton have now held advanced talks to sign Nicolas Tagliafico and are pushing to secure his signature. The talented left-back is now a free agent after leaving a Lyon side in financial turmoil and could yet be on his way to the Premier League.

At a bargain price, the Toffees could land an experienced World Cup-winning defender for Moyes and kickstart a new era in style. Alongside Barry, the Argentina international would be an impressive signing.

Minutes

3,082

1,902

Assists

2

1

Tackles Won

38

37

Ball Recoveries

88

102

In fewer minutes, it was Tagliafico who stood out compared to Vitaly Mykolenko last season and his place as Everton’s starting left-back is likely to be a guarantee if he completes a summer switch.

Dubbed “superb” by scout Jacek Kulig in the early days of his career, Tagliafico is now a player with plenty of experience at 32 years old. Adding his first Premier League move to an impressive list of clubs would be quite the way for the defender to round things off too, and that could see Everton seal a bargain deal.

What to do with Rasmus Hojlund? On one hand, the Dane is a talented young striker who cost Manchester United a sum of £72m in 2023; on the other, he flattered to deceive across the 2024/25 campaign, wholly unconvincing.

Ruben Amorim took the wheel of a sinking ship when he replaced Erik ten Hag last November, but there’s no denying the Portuguese tactician failed to get the desired tune out of his Red Devils troops.

United finished 15th in the Premier League and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur. The whole team lacked fluency and confidence, but Hojlund did himself few favours, scoring just three goals across 32 league games, averaging only one shot per game, as per Sofascore.

His woes have led to the expectation, or at least anticipation, that he will be offloaded this summer, and while Inter Milan have registered their interest this summer, talks are on standby; Jason Wilcox, technical director at Old Trafford, is unsure whether he will be signing off the 22-year-old’s departure, who reportedly wants to stay put.

While Hojlund’s future remains up in the air, it’s clear that INEOS and Amorim are congruent in their view that a new, high-performing centre-forward is needed.

Let’s have a look at the latest.

The latest on Man Utd's striker search

They started with Liam Delap. Man United were very much among the clubs interested in the Ipswich Town striker after his side’s relegation from the Premier League, thus unlocking his £30m release clause.

But it was Chelsea who activated the clause and added him to their ranks.

Still, United’s signing of Cunha and prospective transfer for Mbeumo could redefine Amorim’s frontline, and therre are other number nines who could be enticed by this resurgence-chasing team.

Sadly, it doesn’t look like that striker will be Viktor Gyokeres, who is on strike at Sporting Lisbon as he looks to engineer a move to Arsenal, which is now entering the final stages according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Gunners’ shortlist came down to two, and they can’t have both. Therefore, a door has been opened for United to make a stunning swoop.

Man Utd in contact for new striker

According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Man United are among the contenders for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, who is valued at €90m (roughly £78m).

It’s that substantial price tag which effectively ended Arsenal’s long-standing interest in the Slovenia international, instead pushing ahead with the deal for Gyokeres.

It may prove to work out just fine for the Red Devils, though, for Sesko’s camp have made contact with United as they look to secure the 22-year-old the high-profile transfer he craves.

However, Wilcox will need to work swiftly if he’s to lift the mood on the red side of Manchester, with Bailey confirming Liverpool and Newcastle United are also informed on Sesko’s situation.

Why Man Utd must sign Benjamin Sesko

Sesko will be aware that signing for Man United this summer would mean a season without continental competition. But then Leipzig failed to qualify for Europe last term, and the Devils have ambitious plans that the rangy forward would help realise.

Described as “the new Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Sesko’s clinical nature, his pace and his physicality all combine to offer similarities to the game of Manchester City’s world-class goalscorer.

Sesko might not be as complete as Gyokeres (yet), but he’s the making of a world-class striker, with analyst Ben Mattinson even saying earlier in 2025 that he has a “superior profile” to the Sweden star.

It might not look like that at face value, with Gyokeres scoring 97 goals and supplying 28 assists across 102 matches for Sporting Lisbon, winning the Liga Portugal in each of his two terms.

Furthermore, the 27-year-old proved his quality in the Champions League last year, dispatching a stunning hat-trick against Manchester City while under Amorim’s wing.

But Gyokeres is no spring chicken and has yet to compete in one of Europe’s top five divisions. Sesko, however, is competing in a tougher league, with less dominance to exert his authority.

Thus, it could be surmised that the Slovenian would produce a lofty tally of his own, were he playing as Sporting’s number nine in Portugal.

Matches (starts)

31 (17)

33 (30)

Goals

14

13

Assists

2

5

Touches*

19.1

30.7

Shots (on target)*

1.5 (0.8)

2.1 (0.9)

Big chances missed

8

10

Pass completion

67%

68%

Big chances created

1

5

Key passes*

0.4

0.6

Dribbles*

0.5

1.2

Duels won*

2.5

4.1

Clearly, passing isn’t his strong suit, but Sesko’s strength and movement as a frontman are things to be admired, having made real headway across the physical aspects of the game.

He’s getting better and better, and it’s certainly intriguing to note that only 18 big chances have gone begging across his past two Bundesliga campaigns, having scored 27 goals.

In fact, Sesko’s 39-goal, eight-assist return for Leipzig, across two seasons, has come over just 87 matches in all competitions, 62 of which came from the outset.

With Matheus Cunha and hopefully Bryan Mbeumo too flanking Amorim’s central striker at the Theatre of Dreams next season, Sesko would have the experienced, Premier League-proven teammates to bolster him and help him realise his potential.

And that potential is vast. Who knows whether Sesko would hit the ground running – or Gyokeres, for that matter – but Amorim is looking to turn Old Trafford back into a hothouse for development and success, and Sesko could be the perfect man to lead the line for many years to come.

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While it’s impossible to deny that for large parts of this season, Arsenal haven’t performed to the standards they’ve set in previous years, they have also been quite unlucky regarding injuries.

Specifically, in late December, Mikel Arteta lost his best player and talisman to a severe hamstring injury that kept him out of the side for almost four months: Bukayo Saka.

The best way to demonstrate what a difference having the Hale Ender in the side could have made in that period is to look at his outrageous output, as despite missing so much football this season, he’s still managed to score 11 goals and provided 14 assists in 33 games, at an average of a goal involvement every 1.32 games.

So, with the Englishman unquestionably being the Gunners’ most important player, it would make sense to sign players who would make great teammates for him, which, based on recent reports, seems to be the opinion of Andrea Berta and Co.

Arsenal transfer news

Before we get to the player in question, it is worth looking at some of the other stars Arsenal are looking at who could help Saka reach that next level by improving the left-hand side, such as Jamie Gittens and Raphinha.

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 has recently popped up as a target for the Gunners and could be available for around £51m, which for a youngster who’s scored at the Bernabeu and has racked up a haul of 17 goal involvements this season and could prove a worthwhile investment.

Likewise, while the reported price tag of £77m for the Barcelona star is indeed steep, he would undoubtedly be worth it, as in just 52 games this season, he has managed to rack up an unreal haul of 57 goal involvements.

Yet, what would likely help Saka more than anything else is signing a new striker, which is where Liam Delap enters the fray.

According to a recent report from Football Transfers, Arsenal are now incredibly interested in the Ipswich Town striker, with Andrea Berta particularly keen.

Furthermore, it’s moved beyond just an interest, with the report revealing that the club have now made an offer for the Englishman, who has a £30m release clause in his deal following the confirmation of the Tractor Boys’ relegation.

He might not be the biggest of names, but given how well he’s performed this season and his potential, Delap is someone worth signing, especially as he’d be a dream for Saka.

Why Delap would be a dream for Saka

Now, there are a few reasons why Delap would be a dream signing for Saka this summer, but they ultimately boil down to his ability in front of goal, as the Arsenal winger would surely thrive with a more clinical striker to his left.

We feel comfortable calling the Englishman more clinical than the Gunners’ current options up top, as it’s a statement more than backed up by the numbers.

For example, Understat has worked out that his 12 league goals this season have come from an expected goals figure of just 11.85, which, in other words, means he’s actually outperforming his underlying numbers.

Delap

11.85

12

Havertz

11.76

9

Jesus

3.38

3

In contrast, prior to his injury, Kai Havertz scored his nine league goals from an expected goals figure of 11.76, and Gabriel Jesus scored his three goals from an expected figure of 3.38.

On top of being better at putting away his chances, of which he’d be provided plenty from the Hale Ender, the 22-year-old marksman is more than capable of creating his own chances.

For example, FBref places the “complete” forward, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, in the top 8% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons, the top 9% for shot-creating actions from successful take-ons, the top 10 % for carries into the final third and more, all per 90.

So not only would he help boost the Arsenal ace’s assist tally, but the attacking “monster” – in the words of Ipswich podcast Mark Heath – would almost certainly boost his goal output as well.

Ultimately, from price to goals and his ability to get the ball into dangerous areas, Delap seems like an ideal signing for Arsenal and, just as importantly, someone who’d be a sensational teammate for Saka.

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