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Everton manager David Moyes finally completed a deal to bring Thierno Barry to the club from Villarreal.

A fee of £27m was spent to sign the Frenchman, but given his eye for goal in La Liga last term, it could turn into a bargain.

Next up for Moyes is adding another midfielder or two to his squad in the coming weeks. John McGinn has been heavily linked with a move to Merseyside.

He isn’t the only midfield option that Everton have been linked with, however, as Moyes also has his eyes on two former Premier League stars.

Everton’s search for a midfielder

According to Paul Joyce of The Times, Everton are showing interest in bringing Douglas Luiz back to England this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

He has been discussed internally at Everton, alongside McGinn, while Moyes could be set to target an ambitious move for Joao Palhinha – with the Portuguese also named as one of those under consideration.

The Bayern Munich midfielder hasn’t settled in Bavaria, which could open the door for Moyes to make a swoop this summer.

This experience abroad will have enhanced Palhinha’s skills, no doubt about that. The question is, could he be a better signing than McGinn for the Toffees?

Why Everton must sign Joao Palhinha

McGinn would be a fine signing, for that there is no doubt. Across 203 Premier League appearances, the Scot has scored 17 goals and grabbed 25 assists for Villa.

He will turn 31 in October, however, and while McGinn certainly has a few years left at the very top of the game, Moyes would be best to make a move for Palhinha, who offers more from a defensive point of view.

The Toffees conceded 53 goals last season across 42 matches. Not the worst return, but there is room for improvement.

When compared to his positional peers during his final Premier League campaign for Fulham in 2023/24, Palhinha ranked in the top 1% for tackles (5.07) per 90, while also ranking in the top 8% for interceptions (1.53) and in the top 10% for blocks (1.9) that season.

He may have only started six Bundesliga games for Bayern last term, but the Portuguese midfielder still won 58% of his total duels contested, while losing possession just 3.4 times per match.

Accurate passes

33.2

Tackles

4.6

Interceptions

1.4

Total duels won

7.6

Possession lost

9.1

Balls recovered

5.9

Hailed by journalist Dom Smith as “world-class” in November 2023, it was always going to be difficult for Fulham to keep one of their star men.

After just a single season in Germany, it appears as though Palhinha could be available this summer.

McGinn would offer plenty in the final third, but with Barry arriving, plus at least another couple more attacking players, Moyes must add some solidity to the midfield, especially after losing Abdoulaye Doucoure.

As such, signing a player such as Palhinha could turn into a stroke of genius by the manager given his previous success in the English top flight.

The dream squad Everton can build: £88m quintet & "beast" sign after Barry

A look at how Everton’s dream squad could shape up next season

1 ByJoe Nuttall Jul 10, 2025

Much will depend on the fee, but if it is within the club’s price range, Palhinha could be a fantastic signing, turning out to be even better than McGinn.

Moyes' own Palmer: Everton enter race for "special" £35m McAtee alternative

Everton are making sweeping changes in the summer transfer market.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 11, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are now “pushing to sign” a £70m “beast” who is “very open to a move to Spurs” this summer, Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has revealed.

Richarlison and Son Heung-min's futures up in the air

Despite an impressive 2023-24 campaign, it would be fair to say that Richarlison hasn’t exactly set the world alight since making the move from Everton, and the Brazilian once again struggled to make an impact last season after struggling with injuries.

Richarlison at Spurs

PL appearances

Goals

Assists

2022-23

27

1

4

2023-24

28

11

4

2024-25

15

4

1

As such, Tottenham have now made the decision to transfer list the striker, amid interest from Galatasaray and Saudi Arabia, with talks over a potential exit being held over the course of the past month.

Consequently, one of Thomas Frank’s main tasks this summer could be to bring in a replacement, and a £32m offer has now been submitted for Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz, who is also attracting attention from newly-promoted Leeds United.

There has also been speculation surrounding Son Heung-min’s future, with the captain at one stage said to have been close to an exit, and Spurs are now looking at bringing in a long-term replacement for the South Korean.

According to an update from Plettenberg on X, Tottenham are now “pushing to sign” West Ham United winger Mohammed Kudus, who is “very open to a move to Spurs” this summer.

Negotiations are currently ongoing with West Ham, as Spurs “really want” to get a deal over the line, but there could be competition from clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

However, Kudus has aspirations of playing at the highest level in Europe, indicating the Lilywhites could be well-placed to win the race for his signature, with Champions League football set to be on offer at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season.

"Beast" Kudus could be exciting signing for Spurs

A deal for the Ghanaian is likely to be on the expensive side, with reports suggesting the Hammers could hold out for £70m, but there are plenty of signs that he could be an exciting addition to Frank’s squad.

The 24-year-old is a particularly impressive dribbler of the ball, placing in the 97th percentile for successful take-ons over the past year, when compared to other wingers, while he has also displayed an ability to create chances and score goals.

Offer made: West Ham now leading race to sign "powerful" £20m+ defender

The Hammers could be closing in on their first signing of the summer.

1 ByTom Cunningham Jul 6, 2025

Indeed, the West Ham star regularly contributed with goals and assists during his first season in England, picking up 17 goal contributions in the Premier League, while finding the back of the net five times in the Europa League.

Described as a “beast” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Kudus could take his career to the next level at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but there may be some reservations about shelling out £70m, given that he didn’t manage to kick on at West Ham last season.

Derby County have submitted a bid worth more than £5 million to sign a “great” player who wants to join the Rams, according to a recent report.

Derby re-sign Andi Weimann on a free transfer

The Rams have decided to bring back Andi Weimann to Pride Park for what will be his second spell at the football club. The forward joined the club at the start of the 2011/12 season and stayed until the summer of 2015, during which he scored 24 goals in all competitions.

He's spoken to Eustace: Derby now in talks to sign "wonderful" new winger

The Rams are looking to land their second signing of the summer.

2 ByTom Cunningham Jun 30, 2025

The versatile forward has now returned to Derby, as John Eustace reunites with the player after signing him for Blackburn Rovers last summer. The 33-year-old has signed a one-year deal with the Rams, and he’s told the club’s official website that he is “delighted to get the deal over the line”, and one of the reasons he decided to return was because of “the gaffer”.

Weimann said: “I’m happy to be back. I’m delighted to get it over the line now, and I am ready to crack on. I signed 10 years ago, and I left seven years ago. I had some good times, definitely, and I enjoyed my time here. Obviously, there were some disappointments because we lost in the play-offs twice, so maybe I’ve got a little bit to point to prove here.

“There are a couple of factors, to be honest. One is the gaffer. I loved working with him last year. I’ve obviously known him for a long time; I played with him at Watford when I was 19. Last year was the first time I worked with him [as a Head Coach]. I loved it and working with his staff as well. I enjoyed working with them. As someone around the training ground or the squad and everyone else involved, it’s brilliant. It was a big part of my coming here again and wanting to work with him for a bit longer.

“[My role is] similar to last season; I’m one of the more experienced players now. I’m nearly 34, so I’ve been around a long time, and I feel he likes what I can bring on the pitch but just as much off the pitch. I’d like to say I’m a good lad around the place; I think he liked that last year.”

Derby make £5m+ bid to sign "great" player for Eustace

Despite already wrapping up deals for Weimann and Carlton Morris, according to The Athletic, Derby have now submitted a bid to sign Patrick Agyemang from MLS side Charlotte FC.

The report states that the offer is worth $8 million, which is roughly £5.8 million, and while that has yet to be accepted by the MLS side, Agyemang has already been given the go-ahead to join the Championship side this summer.

The 24-year-old, who has been dubbed “great” by USA teammate Tyler Adams, joined Charlotte FC in 2022, and in the 2024 season, the versatile forward scored 10 goals in 31 MLS games. Agyemang was on course to beat that tally in the 2025 season, as he’s already scored six goals in 16 games.

Apps

72

Goals

22

Assists

5

The USA international is out of contract at the end of 2025, so Derby will be hoping that fee is enough for them to get a deal over the line and add Agyemang to their long list of exciting attackers ahead of the new season kicking off.

As Manchester United aim to clear some deadwood out of Ruben Amorim’s squad, Inter could reportedly provide a helping hand after submitting an enquiry to sign two Old Trafford attackers.

Man Utd exit door set to swing open

Whilst much of the focus so far this summer has been on the incomings that the Red Devils have made or could go on to make, there’s no denying that they’ve got plenty of work to do on the exit front. Before pre-season gets underway, there are several stars who should be shown the door if INEOS are to make room for the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Emiliano Martinez.

Among those is, of course, Rasmus Hojlund. The young forward struggled yet again last season – scoring just four Premier League goals – and is likely to leave Manchester United this summer as a result even if he does want to fight for his place.

It’s a return to Italian football which looks the most likely escape route for Hojlund in the coming months. Reports have already linked the forward to Serie A champions Napoli in a move that saw Scott McTominay rise to unexpected stardom, whilst previous headlines suggested that Inter are closing in on his signature.

His departure would certainly suit all parties. For Manchester United, although they wouldn’t be making back their stunning £72m fee that they initially paid out, they would be clearing an unwanted player from their wage bill. For Hojlund, meanwhile, it would be a much-needed fresh start.

Inter could yet do more than one deal with the Red Devils, however, amid rumours that they’re also interested in another unwanted star this summer.

Inter submit Rashford enquiry

According to Manchester Evening News, Inter have now submitted an enquiry to sign Marcus Rashford on loan. Like Hojlund, the England international is likely to leave the Red Devils this summer following a mid-season fall-out with Ruben Amorim and subsequent loan spell to Aston Villa.

Better signing than Ekitike: Man Utd submit bid for "world-class" £60m star

Manchester United could finally get their man after making a huge bid in recent days.

5 ByEthan Lamb Jun 21, 2025

It was at Aston Villa that Rashford began to rediscover his best form, though, and even earned the praise of manager Unai Emery. The Spaniard told reporters following Rashford’s impressive display against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League: “He is feeling better and he played a fantastic match. We are very happy. If he is happy, we are happy.”

Appearances

17

Goals

4

Assists

6

Whether Aston Villa, themselves, come back in for Rashford is another question that will be asked as the summer goes on. He certainly enjoyed success under Emery, but as their PSR issues continue, they simply may not be able to afford his £14m-a-year salary.

That could leave just Inter to swoop in and land a potential loan deal to welcome another Premier League player to the Serie A this summer.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is desperate to bolster his attacking options this summer, and Hugo Ekitike is a major target.

The Blues face competition from Manchester United, however, as the Red Devils have entered the race for the young Frenchman.

This could put Maresca on high alert, and he will do everything he can to try to lure the Eintracht Frankfurt striker to Stamford Bridge.

He isn’t the only transfer target to emerge from the Bundesliga, as news has emerged about their potential interest in a current RB Leipzig starlet.

Chelsea could target Bundesliga sensation

If a move for Ekitike does go through, Maresca will be keen on linking up with players who will be able to provide him with plenty of chances in the final third.

Of course, Cole Palmer will be ideal for him, but how about having a talent like Xavi Simons available?

Writer Bobby Vincent stated during a Q and A for football.london could perhaps be a target.

“As for Xavi Simons, I’ve heard his name mentioned a couple of times this summer as a potential option but nothing absolutely concrete yet,” said Vincent.

“He is someone who has cropped up in the past as well, so there is definite interest there.”

The Dutchman is still only 22 years of age and would make an ideal long-term option for Maresca, especially as he could work wonders with Ekitike.

Why Chelsea must sign Xavi Simons

Last season in the Premier League, Palmer created 24 big chances. Next on the list were Enzo Fernández with 13 and Pedro Neto with 11. These were the only players with over ten big chances created.

By signing Simons, Maresca would be getting a player who will be able to generate plenty of opportunities for Ekitike, who scored 22 goals in all competitions for Frankfurt this season.

Indeed, across 25 domestic matches last season, the youngster created 12 big chances, while also averaging two key passes per game and recording seven assists for Leipzig, which speaks to the kind of quality that he could provide the French striker with in front of goal.

Metric

Bundesliga

Champions League

Goals

10

0

Assists

7

0

Big chances created

12

4

Key passes per game

2

1.4

Successful dribbles per game

1.3

1.4

Via Sofascore

It is no wonder he has been hailed as a “fantastic talent” in the past by talent scout Jacek Kulig. Now, Simons is finally delivering on his massive potential.

While Leipzig may have underwhelmed in the Champions League last season, Simons, who has been hailed as a “pocket rocket” by analyst Raj Chohan, shone from an individual perspective.

Indeed, when compared to his positional peers in the tournament, the 22-year-old ranked in the top 2% for shot-creating actions (5.91) and total shots per 90 (2.69) while also ranking in the top 9% for successful take-ons (1.88) and in the top 12% for touches in the opposition penalty area (3.49) per 90.

This set of statistics proves that Simons is among one of the finest attacking midfielders on the continent when it comes to creating chances, which is why he would be a dream signing alongside Ekitike as they could link up in the final third with the Dutchman creating chances for the striker to tuck away.

It could be a dream duo for the club next season, and if the club go far in the Club World Cup, there will be money to spend.

Chelsea can sign a bigger talent than Ekitike with move for £65m "maverick"

Chelsea could have the chance to reignite a move for a former target

ByRoss Kilvington Jun 14, 2025

Aston Villa are set for a busy summer after missing out on Champions League football, but they may now be in position to strike for a talented winger from the continent.

Aston Villa run rule over Rashford and Asensio alternatives

Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio were both instrumental signings from Unai Emery in January, though landing either on a permanent basis may prove difficult after having to settle for a place in the Europa League next term.

Admittedly, Emiliano Martinez departing to ease pressure on Aston Villa’s PSR situation could create some room for manouvre on that front if he leaves before the June 30th deadline.

Talks have been held to sign Asensio and both parties feel a return to Villa Park for the Spain international makes sense, though it remains to be seen if the financial realities of such a scenario stand the test of time.

In the meantime, seeking out alternatives appears to be a smart move from Aston Villa, who have placed Tyler Dibling high on their radar and watched him several times in a campaign where he became a shining light at Southampton.

Similarities have been cited between the Saints’ playmaker and Villans target Jack Grealish amid news that Emery is interested in bringing the Three Lions international back to his former stomping ground.

Aston Villa’s top five scorers in 2024/25 – should they add to their forward line?

Ollie Watkins

17

Morgan Rogers

14

Jhon Duran

12

Marco Asensio

8

Youri Tielemans

5

Such a move would be bound to provoke a mix of excitement and trepidation in equal measure. However, plenty of other names will begin to circulate in connection with Aston Villa as the window begins to heat up.

Like clockwork, Emery’s men are now interested in yet another wide-man and have reportedly started to make advances on that front.

Aston Villa register interest in Real Betis star Jesus Rodriguez

According to Spanish reports, Aston Villa are circling for Real Betis winger Jesus Rodriguez and have moved to register their interest, therefore making contact with the Europa Conference League finalists regarding his situation.

The outlet relay that RB Leipzig have submitted an offer mooted to be in the region of £16.8 million for his services. However, it is noted that he has a release clause of £29.4 million, which is possibly a more realistic price-tag. Manchester United and Liverpool have also been mentioned as suitors.

Aston Villa now ready to offer major deal to sign £50m Mozambique winger

He could replace Marcus Rashford.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 4, 2025

Monchi and company don’t want to miss a market opportunity like Rodriguez, and the Spain Under-21 international’s running style has been likened to Gareth Bale’s unique presence, giving an inkling of what fans could expect if he does end up at Villa Park.

This campaign, the Seville-born talent has registered five goals and four assists in 44 appearances and is very much one for the future at 19-years-old.

With Aston Villa set for changes this summer, Rodriguez could provide some youthful exuberance on either flank as Emery looks to challenge the elite and make strides in Europe.

And with that, the Premier League is done and dusted for another year. Arsenal, the division’s second place side, ended things with a win but the real work starts now for new sporting director Andrea Berta.

Mikel Arteta declared post-game on Sunday that work for the new season would commence quickly.

Where do they need to strengthen?

It’s pretty obvious unless you have been living under a rock.

For the first time since the 1923/24 season, yes, over 100 years ago, Arsenal failed to find a player who scored double figures in a league season.

Injuries have no doubt led to this but so has the club’s poor recruitment over the last 18 months.

A new striker and potentially also a winger simply has to be sourced this summer.

Arsenal’s transfer plans post-season

It’s set to be out with the old and in with the new this summer for the Gunners.

Kieran Tierney scored on his final outing for the Gunners at Southampton but it may not have been just his final outing.

Indeed, Raheem Sterling will head back to his parent club while Thomas Partey and Jorginho see their contracts expire in a few weeks time.

Leandro Trossard – linked with Saudi last January – could sign a new deal at the Emirates Stadium this summer, but that is unlikely to have an impact on whether or not they sign a new forward.

For that central berth, the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko seem the most likely of candidates but there’s also the potential for a new winger to arrive in the shape of Real Madrid star, Rodrygo.

The Brazilian isn’t the only wide player on their shortlist with reports in recent weeks suggesting that Arsenal have been working on a deal for Rafael Leao.

The Milan star is also wanted by Bayern Munich this summer but there’s has been a new development in Arsenal’s chase.

Transfer Focus

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

That’s according to French publication, Foot Mercato, who suggested over the weekend that while the Portuguese winger is on the club’s ‘shortlist’, Berta actually had a phone call with the player in the last two weeks.

The purpose of that call was to tell Leao that there is definite interest in him from the Gunners.

Arsenal don’t have an endless supply of cash this summer, and with other areas needing to be improved, they will have to spend wisely. Thus, a reported £145m release clause is unlikely to be met too well by the club’s recruitment team.

How Rafael Leao compares to Rodrygo

Speaking last week ahead of the game with Southampton, Arteta was actually asked about the prospect of signing Rodrygo from Real Madrid.

While he didn’t explicitly reveal that Arsenal were interested, he was slightly more open to the prospect of discussing transfers than he was a week or two ago, stating: “If you want to win titles, you have to be the best in the market. The teams that win have the best players.”

Well, speaking of the best players, who would be the better option here?

Rodrygo is an electrifying talent and there is a belief that if he moved away from the Bernabeu and was the main man, he’d be a genuinely scary proposition. After all, this is a player who has scored 50 goals since the beginning of the 2022/23 season.

In comparison, Leao – who’s actually been compared to a young Thierry Henry for his play style on the left flank – has scored 43 times in the same time frame.

So, with fewer goals, why is the Portuguese more exciting?

Goals

0.40

0.34

Assists

0.31

0.24

Shot on target %

36.0%

36.3%

Key passes

2.06

1.91

Progressive passes

4.12

3.76

Shot-creating actions

4.60

4.71

Successful take-ons

2.64

2.56

Progressive carries

5.20

5.63

A genuine speedster, the Milan forward has notably been described by the Athletic’s Alex Barker as “one of the best dribblers in the world”, the numbers certainly showcase that.

He ranks within the top 5% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues this season for successful take ons per 90 minutes with 2.84. In contrast, Rodrygo only ranks among the best 23% with 2.08 per 90 mins in 2024/25.

Evidently both very capable dribblers, over the last three seasons it’s the Milan superstar who comes out on top in most areas, most importantly producing more end product (goals and assists) every 90 minutes.

Leao isn’t just a dribbler and a goalscorer, but he’s also capable of providing assists, delivering more key passes and progressive passes than Madrid’s wing sensation.

It’s likely the latter would be a cheaper acquisition but based on the numbers it’s the Portugal international who looks like the more exciting talent.

Combine that with comparisons to Henry and you have a genuine world beater here capable of getting Arsenal fans off their seats again.

It’s safe to say they’ve lacked that star quality and X factor on too many occasions this season.

Arsenal struck gold on "unplayable" star worth way more than Nico Williams

The incredible talent is going to be a superstar for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 22, 2025

Everton manager David Moyes is prepared to enforce sweeping changes this summer after guiding his team, hitherto imperilled, toward safety since re-joining in January.

Incomings will flood through the gates at some stage, but for now, some house-keeping. Ashley Young, Asmir Begovic and Abdoulaye Doucoure are among the first-teamers set to depart when their contracts expire next month.

The biggest presence, Doucoure, has done a lot for Everton, not least scoring against Bournemouth on the final day of the 2022/23 campaign to preserve the club’s long-sustained Premier League status, but he’s 33 next year and the top earner besides at £130k per week.

With Dwight McNeil and Charly Alcaraz in the fold (the latter should sign after his loan spell), number ten isn’t actually the priority position for Moyes though.

However, signing a new striker is definitely an urgent job for the Toffees as they step into the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton need a new striker

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is out of contract at the end of the season, but the 28-year-old striker has not been named as one of the outgoing players.

If Everton are to keep him on the books, it shouldn’t come at the expense of a fresh signing, for Calvert-Lewin has only scored three goals across 25 Premier League games this term.

Beto has been a man reborn under Moyes’ wing, but is still prone to some misfires and Armando Broja, whose loan spell at Goodison Park has been ruined by injury, will return to Chelsea after this weekend’s culminating fixture against Newcastle United.

Everton desperately need to sign a new number nine, having only scored 41 goals in the league this season; the three relegated sides are the only ones to have bagged fewer.

While it’s easier said than done, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher believes one of English football’s most sought-after stars would be wise to make the move to Bramley-Moore Dock in the coming months.

Carragher urges Moyes to sign PL star

On Monday Night Football, following Liverpool’s defeat at Brighton, Carragher was critical of Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap’s potential transfer to Manchester United.

As per The Athletic, the 17th-place Red Devils have held executive meetings to determine whether a deal for the Englishman is feasible, with Chelsea also keen.

Moyes has been candid about his side’s own hopes of completing a move, and it’s something Carragher seems to agree with, believing the 22-year-old’s development would be best served in a talismanic berth on Merseyside.

Delap has a £30m release clause in his contract, which became active after the Tractor Boys’ relegation was sealed toward the end of April.

Though it’s been a pretty miserable campaign for Kieran McKenna’s newly-promoted team, Delap can hold his head high after scoring 12 goals from 32 starting appearances in the Premier League, praised as being “very strong” and a “powerful runner” by Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, who seems keen.

Delap’s physicality and natural-born clinical edge may well see him become Everton’s finest centre-forward in a long time, perhaps even since the days of Romelu Lukaku.

Lukaku joined Everton from Chelsea for £28m (a similar fee) in July 2014 after a successful season-long loan spell at the outfit, and though he’s plied a nomadic career for himself, the 32-year-old devoted four prolific campaigns to the Blues cause.

Delap differs from the well-known Lukaku, but he’s similarly brutish in applying his physicality, eager to outmuscle his opponents and marry that presence with a deceptive swiftness and a sharp shooting sense.

As you can see below, Delap has maintained a comparatively superior level of prolificness to Everton’s existing strikers, also matching a combativeness that can be observed through high numbers in the duel.

Matches (starts)

36 (32)

29 (14)

25 (19)

Goals

12

8

3

Assists

2

0

1

Goal conversion

18%

16%

6%

Shots (on target)*

1.9 (0.9)

1.6 (0.8)

1.9 (0.8)

Big chances missed

10

12

14

Pass completion

62%

58%

64%

Key passes*

0.6

0.3

0.3

Dribbles*

1.1

0.7

0.4

Duels won*

4.3

5.0

5.0

And, of course, he’s far more progressive in his ball-carrying, something perhaps more clearly underscored by data-led platform FBref, who record Delap to rank among the top 13% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues this term for progressive carries and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90.

Lukaku has been noted to ‘run like a wrecking ball’ by The Athletic’s Carl Anka in his heyday, and given the success Everton gleaned from the goal machine’s inward tactical database, extracting the raw quality of his skill set and building a team perfectly framed to promote his talent, Delap may well be curious at following suit to kick on over the next few years.

Given that the goalscorer used to be on Manchester City’s books as an academy player, a further similarity with Lukaku can be found, amid his initial stint at Chelsea. Let’s not forget too, the Belgian had one of the most fruitful spells of his storied career at Everton, posting 87 goals and 27 assists across 166 displays.

Described as a “wrecking ball” earlier in the campaign by Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones, just like Lukaku, Delap has what it takes to become a bona fide superstar in English football.

But would moving to Manchester be the most prudent for him right now? Old Trafford has proven to be a hotbed for stagnation and even regression over the past decade, and this is a player who needs balmy conditions so he can continue to foster his skills.

Imagine him & Ndiaye: Everton could see £12m bid accepted for PL midfielder

Everton are ready to make a series of signings for David Moyes this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 19, 2025

Newcastle United are edging ever closer to securing a place in next season’s Champions League, and they already have their eyes on players for next season, as they are eyeing a move to sign a “brilliant” £30 million defender, according to a recent report.

Newcastle chasing defensive reinforcements

Signing a new centre-back has become somewhat of a priority for the Magpies this summer, as injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles have seen Newcastle stretched thin at the heart of their defence throughout this campaign.

PIF eyeing club in financial peril to hijack £30m "leader" for Newcastle

The Magpies could take advantage of some unfortunate circumstances to land a target.

1 BySean Markus Clifford Apr 14, 2025

Securing Champions League football could mean Newcastle have a hefty sum of money to spend this summer, and already defensive targets have been drawn up by Eddie Howe and co. According to Caught Offside, Newcastle are keen on signing Facundo Medina from French side RC Lens.

The Magpies are not the only team chasing his signature, as Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and Everton are also keen from the Premier League, as well as AS Roma and Bayer Leverkusen from Europe. However, potential Champions League football at St James’ Park next season could see them have the edge in this race.

As well as looking at Medina, Newcastle are also interested in signing Jon Aramburu from Spanish side Real Sociedad. However, he is more of a right-back by trade and would likely be seen as a long-term replacement for Kieran Trippier.

Newcastle now eyeing fresh move to sign Milan star Thiaw

Medina is not the only centre-back on the Premier League side’s radar, as according to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Newcastle are monitoring Malick Thiaw’s situation at AC Milan ahead of the summer transfer window opening.

The report states that Milan are considering selling Thiaw this summer, as his departure will help them balance their books. He is expected to leave at the end of the campaign, and he could be sold for around £26m. Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich are interested in a deal and would be willing to pay this figure, but Newcastle, along with Nottingham Forest, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, are all keen on bringing him to England.

This is not the first time that Newcastle have been linked with a move for the AC Milan defender, who is under contract until the summer of 2027, as the Magpies wanted to sign Thiaw last summer. Sporting director Paul Mitchell is a big fan of Thiaw’s, approving his signing back then despite a deal never going through.

Apps

21

Starts

19

Clean sheets

7

Interceptions per game

0.7

Tackles per game

1.1

Clearances per game

3.5

Errors leading to a goal

0

Thiaw, who has been dubbed “simply brilliant” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, has been at Milan since August 2022, playing his first full campaign there alongside Newcastle star Sandro Tonali.

In his three years at the club, he has failed to establish himself as a firm regular however, playing just over 20 games in each of the last three campaigns. But at 23, he has time to develop into an excellent defender, and given the teams interested in a deal, this would be an exciting addition to Howe’s backline should it go through.

Chelsea’s striking woes continued when they were held to a 2-2 draw against 18th-placed Ipswich Town at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Sunday.

Nicolas Jackson has gone 11 matches in all competitions without scoring a goal for the Blues, whilst Christopher Nkunku has scored one goal in his last 13 games in all competitions.

Enzo Maresca does not have a lethal, powerful, centre-forward like Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who has scored 21 goals in the top-flight this season.

Chelsea are, however, reportedly interested in signing a striker who could come in as their answer to the Norwegian marksman ahead of next season.

Chelsea eyeing Serie A marksman

According to CaughtOffside, the London giants are one of several Premier League clubs eyeing up a deal to sign Juventus number nine Dusan Vlahovic.

The report claims that Manchester United, Newcastle United, and Arsenal are also keen on the Serbian forward, and it reveals that the English teams keen on him could bid on his services at a fee of £39m.

This suggests that Chelsea could bid £39m in an attempt to sign Vlahovic from Juventus, who CaughtOffside claims are open to moving on from the striker this summer ahead of his contract expiring next year.

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It is now down to the club to agree a deal with the Old Lady to bring the left-footed marksman to Stamford Bridge, to give Maresca the chance to develop his own version of Haaland.

Why Dusan Vlahovic could be Chelsea's Erling Haalnd

Like the Man City star, Vlahovic is a bit of a throwback striker in style in the sense that he provides a physical presence, standing at 6 foot 3, at the top end of the pitch, combining power and pace with technical quality.

Just under three years ago, Serbian FA president Nenad Bjekovic claimed “Vlahovic is better and more complete than Haaland”, and added: “The Norwegian has devastating power, but Dusan is not inferior: there is also very little difference in their height.”

The 25-year-old star has not been at his best this season, with nine goals from 12.03 xG in the Serie A, but Chelsea could look at that as an opportunity to get a bargain on the forward.

Vlahovic has produced better performances in previous seasons, including his haul of 24 goals from 18.23 xG for Fiorentina and Juventus combined in the 2021/22 campaign, and the Blues could look to get him back to that level.

Appearances

27

33

25

xG

9.73

16.67

12.03

Goals

10

16

9

Minutes per goal

194

145

190

Big chances created

4

3

3

Assists

2

4

4

As you can see in the table above, the Serbian has had better campaigns in front of goal between that prolific 24-goal year and his current struggles.

Vlahovic, who was once described as “incredibly prolific” by scout Jacek Kulig, has also scored four goals from 3.20 xG in six outings in the Champions League this term, which shows that he can also step up on the European stage.

Chelsea made contact to sign gem who'd be an even better signing than Delap

Chelsea are eyeing a deal for a Premier League star who would be an even better signing than Liam Delap.

ByDan Emery Apr 12, 2025

It would be a gamble for Chelsea to take, given his finishing struggles in the Serie A this season, but it is one that could pay off as he has the potential to be Maresca’s own version of Haaland, as a physically impressive and prolific striker, if he can recapture his form from previous campaigns.