Newcastle United are now “expected” to complete the signing of an “exceptional” player in the summer transfer window, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Howe shares latest on Isak's Newcastle future

Magpies-related transfer rumours are continuing to make the rounds, but Alexander Isak’s future is still understandably the big current talking point.

Newcastle are desperately trying to convince the Swede to stay put and not join Liverpool this summer, and Eddie Howe has now provided some fresh comments on the situation.

“He is still our player. He’s contracted to us. We, to a degree, control what is next for him. I would love to believe all possibilities are still available to us. My wish is that he stays, but that’s not in my full control.”

One of the few pluses to Newcastle selling Isak is that they could receive the biggest fee in the history of English football for his signature, allowing Howe to build his squad in various positions. A goalkeeper has been an area of focus throughout the summer and a big update has now dropped regarding their search for someone new between the sticks.

Newcastle "expected" to sign £120k-a-week ace

According to Romano on X, Newcastle are “expected” to sign Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who has “said yes” to a move to St James’ Park.

Missing out on James Trafford to Manchester City is an undoubted setback for Newcastle, considering he is such a highly-rated young ‘keeper, but Ramsdale could be an astute signing instead.

Granted, the £120,000-a-week England international has just suffered relegation with Southampton, but he knows Howe extremely well from their Bournemouth days, so there will be no concerns about him being the wrong type of character to come in.

Ramsdale may have left Arsenal after David Raya took his spot in the team, but Mikel Arteta was always a big admirer of his, once saying of him: “He’s been exceptional around the place with the situation. Like everybody. We love him more for sure. We have him every day. We know him, we know his character and we are really happy to have him. I don’t think I’m the one to answer the question about Aaron Ramsdale’s quality because I’m the one who signed him when everyone else was questioning that decision.”

There may be some Newcastle fans who aren’t necessarily overwhelmed by the signing of Ramsdale, especially with Trafford seen as the ideal addition, but at 27, he is still relatively young for a ‘keeper.

Related More prolific than Wissa & Sesko: Newcastle join race for £26m "monster"

Newcastle United set to battle Manchester United and Tottenham for Al Hilal striker’s signature

Posts 1 ByWill Miller Jul 29, 2025

His likeable personality has the potential to make him a popular figure at St James’ and the hope is that his best years are still to come, making him a seamless long-term replacement for Nick Pope.

West Ham United haven’t yet made much headway in the transfer window this summer. So far, Graham Potter has only made two signings, with Jean-Clair Todibo joining permanently after his loan spell.

With less than three weeks until the club’s first Premier League match of the season, Potter must act swiftly to bring in a few bodies to bolster his squad.

The attacking department is a primary concern. Niclas Fullkrug is the only senior centre-forward at the club, meaning West Ham have work to do still.

West Ham's search for a forward

One player who looks like he is close to signing is Callum Wilson. The former Newcastle United striker is available on a free transfer after departing the Magpies and could be a solid option.

Reports suggest he has already agreed terms with West Ham, although he is 33, and it likely won’t be a long contract. A younger option could be just what the Hammers require.

According to Football Insider, the Irons have also made an enquiry about Idrissa Gueye regarding a potential summer swoop.

The Metz starlet is only 18, but has plenty of clubs such as Liverpool, Brighton, Sunderland and Crystal Palace swarming around him.

French news outlet L’Equipe claim that a fee of £17m will be enough to secure his signature this summer.

This should be a move Potter is all over, especially as Gueye could be an instant upgrade on Wilson.

Why West Ham United want to sign Idrissa Gueye

There is no doubt that Wilson is a proven Premier League goalscorer, having netted 88 goals in the competition across 239 games for Newcastle and Bournemouth.

The caveat, however, is that his injury record is notoriously poor. During his five-season spell with Newcastle, he made 130 appearances in all competitions.

He missed 114 matches due to various injury setbacks, hampering any chance of consistency during his time on Tyneside.

Gueye, meanwhile, has already racked up 22 senior appearances during the early stages of his career thus far, while securing his first cap for Senegal.

Recording five goals and an assist in Ligue 2 last season proved that he can shine at that level, no doubt about that.

Goals

5

Assists

1

Big chances created

1

Total duels won per game

4.6

Shots per game

1.9

Successful dribbles per game

0.3

Via Sofascore

Hailed alongside several other Senegal starlets as “an exciting crop of talents” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Gueye has the potential to reach the very top of the game.

The striker scored every 188 minutes for Metz in the second tier, while finishing the season with an impressive 19% goal conversion percentage.

He also missed five big chances, suggesting his final total would have been higher if the youngster were more clinical in the final third.

This will come with experience, however, and a move to West Ham will allow him to secure game time in the Premier League.

Wilson, should he stay fit, will score goals for the Irons. But his wages will be high, and there is no guarantee he will be 100% fit for every game.

Gueye, on the other hand, has a raw unpredictability about him. If given chances, he could explode onto the scene for West Ham this season.

West Ham now preparing official offer to sign "very prolific" £26m striker

The Hammers are set to make a move for a centre-forward, with an opening offer now in the works.

1 ByDominic Lund Jul 28, 2025

Newcastle United have not enjoyed a fruitful summer transfer window so far, but Eddie Howe still has time to prove the noise is nothing more than a tempest in a teacup.

However, few of a Toon persuasion, if any, could say that Alexander Isak joining Liverpool wouldn’t be a detrimental blow to Howe’s grand plan.

It’s important to remember that the Sweden striker, who scored 27 goals last season, including a strike against Arne Slot’s Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, may yet remain at St. James’ Park.

Though the club will be cautious about keeping a player, star man he may be, against his will, it would be ludicrous to cash in for a British record £130m sum without sourcing an able replacement.

And that’s currently the focus on Tyneside.

Newcastle’s search for Isak replacement

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is the top target at number nine.

However, the Magpies are joined in the pursuit of their quarry by Manchester United, complicating matters having already fallen short in many a transfer tussle this summer.

He’s not the only one on the radar, though, with GIVEMESPORT revealing that the Tynesiders actually lead Tottenham Hotspur in the race for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, having been described as the ‘frontrunners’.

Wissa, 28, was one of the Premier League’s most prolific forwards last year, and Brentford want £50m for his sale.

However, his morale at the Gtech has deteriorated after what he believes is a gentleman’s agreement to leave for much less, terms shaken upon last summer. Brentford’s stance over the coming weeks will determine whether Newcastle will get their man.

As per the report, it remains to be seen if a compromise fee of £40m will be reached.

Why Newcastle want Yoane Wissa

Wissa might not be as ‘exciting’ as someone like Sesko, who is one of Europe’s most coveted strikers and billed as “the new Erling Haaland” by the likes of talent scout Jacek Kulig, but he’s proven in the Premier League.

In fact, he’s proved on English shores that he can chalk up 20-goal campaigns, and that’s something that could prove invaluable for Newcastle next season as they look to qualify for the Champions League once again, while fighting in Europe’s elite sphere concurrently.

Sure, the likes of Anthony Gordon would help someone like Sesko find their footing, but would the England winger not find a more secure partner in Wissa?

Gordon, 24, is one of the finest wingers in the Premier League, and he has forged quite the partnership with Isak over the past couple of years.

In 2023/24, Gordon was awarded the club’s Player of the Year award. It was his first full season in black and white, and he had contributed 22 direct goal involvements in the league to drive the Magpies through a frustrating, injury-hit season.

The recent term proved tougher for Gordon, who only scored six top-flight goals. Even so, his talent has been picked up by big hitters such as Arsenal and Liverpool, leading Howe and co to slap a £100m price tag on his head, warding such suitors away.

He’s described himself as “a nightmare for anyone” he comes up against, so athletic, so snappy, so fierce. Gordon’s movement and energy would be perfect alongside such a calm and composed finisher in Wissa, one whose pedigree in the division has been proven.

Wissa’s “absolutely sensational” finishing, as it has been hailed by Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam, is underscored through the data. The Congo DR international has posted 41 goals and assists across the last two seasons alone.

Having scored at a rate of 0.59 in the league last year, as per FBref, while keeping it crisp on the ball too, the data-driven site revealed him to be one of Isak’s most statistically comparable players.

It’s clear that he would add a sense of focus and confidence in the final third that Sesko perhaps might not, and that’s something that would only serve to enhance Gordon’s own game.

Matches (starts)

35 (34)

33 (30)

Goals

19

13

Assists

4

5

Touches*

29.1

30.7

Shots (on target)*

2.6 (1.2)

2.1 (0.9)

Big chances missed

17

10

Pass completion

79%

68%

Key passes*

0.8

0.6

Dribbles*

0.4

1.2

Ball recoveries*

2.3

1.9

Tackles + interceptions*

0.8

0.4

Duels (won)*

3.4

4.1

Thus, Wissa could be Gordon’s new Isak, a pillar of strength, a focal point, standing proud at the front and allowing the Three Lions star to shuttle up and down the flank, stretching and creating.

The ability to score many goals in the Premier League with consistency is a rare and precious thing. Isak would attest to that. To sell the 25-year-old to Liverpool is to lose one of the finest players in the world, and though the British-record fee that his sale would demand would ameliorate the loss, it’s absolutely crucial that that fee is redirected toward the right replacement.

Though that could be plural. Such would be the financial recuperation that both Wissa and Sesko could arrive at Howe’s door without Newcastle even topping the fee they would land from Isak’s departure.

And though Sesko has potential, it’s hard to imagine that he would provide the kind of goal threat that Isak has mastered. Wissa, obviously, isn’t as complete or technically sharp as the Swede, but he is settled into his prolific place in the Premier League, and so signing him would maintain a level of fluency that could in turn propel Gordon back into the ascendancy after a challenging season.

Here is an elite finisher. Perhaps not a natural-born goalscorer, but chiselled across a number of seasons in the Premier League. He’s worked hard for his opportunity, has Wissa, and now Newcastle must push to seal his signature and receive instantaneous success in the final third.

A new Ben Arfa: Newcastle join the race to sign "sensational" £21m star

Newcastle United target Morocco star reminiscent of Hatem Ben Arfa

ByWill Miller Jul 29, 2025

The old cliche goes that if you can’t beat them, join them, but the same is also true that if you can’t stop them, then sign them. Liverpool appear to be doing the latter.

Few players will have given Anfield hero Virgil van Dijk sleepless nights in recent years, although Alexander Isak might well be one of them, with Newcastle United’s Swedish sensation proving an absolute menace for the Dutchman and his fellow defenders.

Described by the Reds skipper as “definitely the most in-form striker at the moment in world football”, ahead of the Carabao Cup final in March, the returning Isak duly scored in that Wembley showpiece to seal an emotional, surprise win for the Magpies.

In all, the former Real Sociedad man has netted four times in just six appearances against the Merseysiders across all competitions, with that likely to have played its part in their apparent bid to prise the 25-year-old from St James’ Park on a £120m deal.

Such bombshell news has become the talk of the town from a Premier League perspective, although on Tyneside, Eddie Howe and co don’t appear to have thrown in the towel just yet.

Still steadfast in their desire to keep hold of the 6 foot 4 machine, Newcastle may steer Arne Slot’s side toward potential attacking alternatives…

Liverpool's potential Isak alternatives

The obvious place to start is with the man who could well have a pivotal role to play in Isak’s future, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.

The young Frenchman is being lined up as a future replacement for the Sweden star at St James’, albeit with Liverpool also throwing their hat into the ring, should it prove too difficult to get their top target out of the north east.

It would appear that it isn’t just that duo who the Merseysiders have their eye on, however, with the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones reporting that the champions are considering multiple other options in the bid for a new number nine.

Transfer Focus

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

Among those said to have been discussed at Anfield is Manchester United outcast, Marcus Rashford, with the Englishman noted as one of the six Isak alternatives that have been considered.

As the report does note, such talks have not progressed any further as yet with it looking unlikely that Slot and co will pounce, albeit with the 27-year-old certainly available having been exiled by Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim.

Valued at £40m earlier this year, amid the chance for Aston Villa to purchase their loan signing on a permanent deal, Rashford would represent a far cheaper choice than that man Isak. He would also be far more controversial, however…

Why Liverpool could be targeting the new Michael Owen

It says it all that the last player to directly move between Liverpool and Man United was Phil Chisnall, with the forward scoring ten goals in 47 games at Old Trafford, before moving to Anfield on a £25k deal in 1964.

Even signing a player with a previous association to the ‘other’ club has been a rarity in modern times, with notable examples including a certain Paul Ince in the late 90s, alongside the more infamous ‘treachery’ of Michael Owen.

Once the golden boy of Liverpool, having emerged from the academy ranks as a dazzling teenager, Owen burned his bridges – and then some – after ending up on the books at United in 2009, having joined Sir Alex Ferguson’s side via spells at Real Madrid and Newcastle United.

Despite admitting that he had had his heart set on returning to Merseyside amid his exit from Madrid in 2005, no such homecoming came to fruition, with the declining striker later linking up with Fergie on a free transfer.

Still just 29 at the time of that controversial switch, it was evident that Owen’s powers were on the wane, with his last-gasp goal in a 4-3 win over rivals Manchester City the only real moment of note across the next three years. Just 17 goals in 52 games says it all.

While circumstances might be different in the case of Rashford, he too could prove to be something of a bizarre, unnecessary signing, this time for Liverpool, with it hard to see the wisdom in even considering the Three Lions star as an Isak alternative.

Like Owen – who burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old at Anfield – Rashford was also once a teen sensation for Man United, having scored twice on debut as an 18-year-old back in February 2016, before ending that campaign with eight goals in just 18 games under Louis van Gaal.

2024/25*

24

7

3

2023/24

43

8

6

2022/23

56

30

11

2021/22

32

5

2

2020/21

57

21

18

High points have followed since for the academy graduate, namely his 30-goal season in 2022/23 during Erik ten Hag’s time at the helm, although inconsistency has been the theme of recent years.

As evidenced in the table above, the forward’s “unstoppable” 2022/23 campaign, as hailed by Ten Hag, stands out amid a rather underwhelming half a decade, in truth, with Liverpool not exactly targeting a player in his pomp.

As was the case with Owen, for all parties this appears to be a move best avoided, with the scrutiny and controversy unlikely to be made worthwhile by performances on the pitch.

He's better than Ekitike: Liverpool chasing "monster" £60m Isak alternative

Liverpool are looking to sign a new number nine in the summer transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 15, 2025

Pakistan slumped to 24 for six in the first four overs before finishing with 64 for nine

Danyal Rasool14-Nov-2024It was a shortened game at the Gabba, and Australia made short work of it. After persistent rain and lightning delayed the start by nearly three hours and reduced the game to a seven-over shootout, Australia inflicted a crushing 29-run defeat upon Pakistan. Glenn Maxwell, who struggled in the preceding ODI series, blasted his way through the innings with 43 off 19, before Pakistan slumped to 24 for six in the first four overs before finishing with 64 for nine.Mohammad Rizwan called correctly at the toss and unsurprisingly put Australia in. But the hosts had a clarity of purpose from the outset, looking to hit a boundary off every ball, aware that wickets didn’t really matter as much. Shaheen Shah Afridi was plundered for 16 off his first over to set the tone, and though Haris Rauf’s tight first over had Maxwell flailing, the tide would turn soon.Maxwell deployed the reverse slog expertly, using the bowlers’ pace to get his shots away. Afridi was spectacularly dismissed over third man for six, before he ripped into Rauf, his ODI tormentor, smashing 19 off his second over. When he holed out to Abbas Afridi, Tim David and Marcus Stoinis picked up the baton, with Stoinis’ 20 off Naseem in the final over seeing Australia surge to 93.Xavier Bartlett stuck twice in his first over back for Australia•Getty ImagesPakistan began the innings with Sahibzada Farhan biffing two boundaries off the first two balls, but that’s as good as the chase got for the visitors. Spencer Johnson got him two balls later. It began a remarkable passage of play where five wickets fell in 12 balls for eight runs. Mohammad Rizwan sliced Xavier Bartlett to backward point for a duck, and Usman Khan sent one down deep third man’s throat later in the over.Babar Azam – who came in at number three – miscued a half-volley down to long-off off Nathan Ellis’ first ball, with Irfan Khan joining him two balls later. When Salman Ali Agha, debutant and vice-captain, skied one off Ellis, Pakistan were staring down the barrel of an enormous defeat, despite the heavily curtailed nature of the game.But Pakistan managed to restore some respectability to the scoreline in the final three overs, primarily when Haseebullah Khan and Abbas managed 18 off the fifth over. Wickets would continue to fall, though, with Ellis snaring Haseebullah for his third wicket. When Adam Zampa came in to bowl the final over, Shaheen managed to smear one over long-on for six, but in an innings characterised by clumps of wickets falling quickly, that Zampa signed off with consecutive wickets of his final two balls was a fitting end.

West Indies look for response after two heavy losses in Barbados leg of T20I series

Andrew Miller13-Nov-2024

Big picture: Settled England scent the series It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. England’s T20 World Cup defence didn’t exactly go to plan in the Caribbean five months ago, but at least, in reaching the semi-finals, they can say they fared better than the hosts. West Indies had been infused with rare hope and expectation going into the tournament, but they failed to emerge from the Super Eights – thanks, in no small part, to the last time that these two teams met at the Daren Sammy Stadium.It felt like an anomaly at the time: a riotously effective England win, led by Phil Salt’s hard-hitting 87 from 47 balls, and a throwback to the dominant style with which they had transformed their white-ball fortunes across their previous World Cup cycles. But that eight-wicket victory has since been matched in Barbados by two equally emphatic wins – by eight and seven wickets respectively – that have propelled England’s T20I team to the brink of only their second bilateral series win in two years.Salt has once again been central to England’s success against West Indies. His outstanding century in the opening fixture was his third in five innings against them, and when his record was dented by a golden duck in the rematch, England’s captain Jos Buttler was ready to step into the breach with a no-less-riotous 83 from 45 balls – which in itself was a good riposte to his own first-baller in game one.West Indies’ prospects have not been aided by two damaging lost tosses – even after being set a seemingly daunting 183 in match one, England coasted to that target with 19 balls to spare. But they have also had to contend with some internal disruption: the two-match suspension meted out on Alzarri Joseph for his bizarre fit of pique in the ODI series, and the loss of Andre Russell who turned his ankle during the first T20I.But if England looked tactically bereft during the ODI leg of the tour, they’ve found an encouraging blend of continuity and confidence in the shorter format. Their remarkable array of allrounders have been better deployed across 20 overs than was the case across 50, not least in the first match, when the loss of Reece Topley to a knee injury barely caused a ripple in Buttler’s options.And even if the full depth of their batting has not yet been tested, the fact that Sam Curran, Dan Mousley and Jamie Overton are all waiting for their first hit of the series is clearly preferable to them being required to perform endless bail-outs. England have three shots in St Lucia to secure their first series win in the Caribbean since 2019, in any of the three formats. To judge by the direction of travel so far, it would take quite the collapse in resolve to deny them in the long run.Form guideWest Indies LLLLW
England WWWLLIn the spotlight: Rovman Powell and Will Jacks”Are we bringing enough as individuals to the table?” Rovman Powell’s assessment of his team ahead of the third match might have doubled as some astute self-analysis after a fallow run of form in the past month. Low scores in T20 cricket are an occupational hazard, but Powell’s issue has been a failure to kick on from a series of starts: five innings between 13 and 43 since the start of the Sri Lanka series in October, at a strike-rate of 115.92 that is a significant way short of his career mark of 140. In top-scoring with 43 from 41 balls in the last match in Barbados, he showed glimpses of his true self – most particularly when launching Liam Livingstone for a 102-metre six, but by then he had chewed his way to 18 from 28 balls in an atypically ponderous display. If he can pick off where he left off then, England’s challenge will be all the greater.He was rewarded last month with the central contract that eluded him in 2023-24, but Will Jacks continues to play as if he’s on the outside looking in. England know and admire the explosive qualities that he brings to his game, and Jos Buttler’s decision to slip down to No.3 is a clear invitation for Jacks to cut loose in the manner that left Virat Kohli wide-eyed in wonder after his 41-ball century for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL earlier this year. But since making a brace of half-centuries against Australia in September, Jacks has made 101 runs at 14.42 in seven subsequent innings, at less than a run a ball. With pressure for places hotting up, not least for the Champions Trophy, the time is nigh to restate his credentials.Rovman Powell top-scored for West Indies in the second match•Getty Images

Team news: Alzarri returns from suspensionShamar, Joseph in; Shamar Joseph out… it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster for West Indies in the past few days. Allrounder Shamar (Springer) has been called up as a replacement for Andre Russell, while (Alzarri) Joseph’s return from suspension means that his near-namesake is surplus to requirements. Terrance Hinds endured a rough debut in Barbados, and is also likely to make way.West Indies: (possible) 1 Brandon King, 2 Evin Lewis, 3 Nicholas Pooran (wk), 4 Rovman Powell (capt), 5 Sherfane Rutherford, 6 Shimron Hetmyer / Roston Chase, 7 Romario Shepherd, 8 Gudakesh Motie, 9 Akeal Hosein, 10 Alzarri Joseph, 11 Matthew FordeEngland are unlikely to tinker significantly with the series in their grasp, although their options have been limited with Jafer Chohan and Jordan Cox leaving the squad ahead of their Lions and Test commitments respectively. Reece Topley is hopeful he might yet be fit after jarring his knee in the first match (and copping a fine for smashing a chair as he left the field). With Jofra Archer’s workload still being closely managed, John Turner – unused since the ODIs – could be in line for a format debut.England: (possible) 1 Phil Salt (wk), 2 Jos Buttler (capt), 3 Will Jacks, 4 Liam Livingstone, 5 Jacob Bethell, 6 Sam Curran, 7 Dan Mousley, 8 Jamie Overton, 9 Jofra Archer / John Turner, 10 Saqib Mahmood, 11 Adil RashidPitch and conditions: Wet, wet, wet?Damp conditions could be in prospect after heavy recent rain. St Lucia’s outfield is less renowned for its drainage, so fingers crossed for a dry spell.Stats and trivia West Indies have won six and lost five of their previous 11 T20Is in St Lucia. However, they have lost both of their previous encounters with England at the venue: in 2019, and again at the recent T20 World Cup. Shimron Hetmyer needs 67 runs to reach 1000 in T20Is.Quotes”England have played better than us in the first two games, but I rally St Lucia to come out and be an extra 12th man. We’ve not played the brand of cricket that has allowed us to win, but we have the manpower in that dressing-room to win.”

Manchester United are beginning to lay their transfer priorities on the table and have stepped up their interest in a key target at Old Trafford, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Man Utd finalise Bryan Mbeumo deal

There have been weeks of speculation surrounding Bryan Mbeumo’s move to Manchester United from Brentford. However, he has now arrived at Carrington and is set to seal a transfer to the Theatre of Dreams imminently.

The Cameroon star is set to bolster Ruben Amorim’s attack for a fee that could reach £71 million, inclusive of add-ons, and Romano has delivered the decisive news that he will officially join the Red Devils in time for the Premier League Summer Series.

In light of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro coming in at Chelsea, Manchester United have also turned their attention to Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson after missing out on Hugo Ekitike and Viktor Gyokeres.

Despite his £100 million valuation, Jason Wilcox is keen to cut a deal at a more affordable figure if the Senegal international is permitted to leave Stamford Bridge permanently.

Man Utd now set to intensify move for 6'5 "menace" after 3 years of talks

He could arrive after Bryan Mbeumo…

2

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 19, 2025

Modern-day transfers take a different form when it comes to their structure. Manchester United are reported to have agreed personal terms with Valencia midfielder Javier Guerra. Still, it remains to be seen whether they can reach a club-to-club arrangement on a fee.

Entering a transitional period following a poor showing last year, the Red Devils will look to offload several fringe players to ensure they can recruit new personnel without violating PSR regulations.

Truly, it feels like there is nobody off-limits bar a select few, so it will come as no surprise to hear Amorim is keen on adding competition to an area that has proved problematic in recent years.

Romano: Man Utd make contact regarding Senne Lammens

According to world-renowned transfer reporter Romano, Manchester United have made “initial contact” to be informed on Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens’ situation, and the 23-year-old is said to be on their “main” shortlist if Amorim chooses to change tact between the sticks.

Aston Villa stopper Emiliano Martinez is another name being closely watched, albeit any move for the Argentina international would come at a greater financial cost.

Putting Andre Onana’s future in doubt, Lammens kept 10 clean sheets in 44 appearances last term across all competitions, conceding 56 goals.

Labelled “exciting” by Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig, the 23-year-old maintained a save percentage of 81.9% over the last 365 days relative to his peers and is a rising star who could be a future number one at Old Trafford for years to come.

However, you get the feeling any deal would be reliant on Onana moving elsewhere, which may create a waiting game for all concerned.

The surfaces Pakistan prepared for the recently concluded three-Test series against England have been given a seal of approval by the ICC, who labelled the pitches for all three Tests “satisfactory”.The series, which Pakistan won 2-1, drew widespread attention for the pitches that were prepared. In the first Test, the surface appeared exceedingly flat, with Pakistan posting 556 before England racked up 827 for 7 declared, the highest total ever made in Pakistan, and the fourth highest in the history of Test cricket. It was only a third-innings collapse from Pakistan that forced a result that had appeared exceedingly unlikely when, halfway through the fourth day of the Test, the second innings was yet to conclude.Related

• ICC rescinds demerit point for Rawalpindi pitch

• Rawalpindi pitch gets 'below average' rating

Following that innings defeat, Pakistan radically changed their pitch-preparation philosophy. A new selection committee that included Aleem Dar and Aqib Javed decided to reuse the same surface for the second Multan Test, using giant fans to dry the pitch out. Preparation for the third Test in Rawalpindi – a venue that has historically taken little spin – also involved large fans as well as wedding-style heaters with windbreaks to help break the surface up.Both strips gave spinners plenty of help, with sharp and early turn as well as uneven bounce, and all 40 of England’s wickets in the last two Tests fell to spin. Pakistan won the second Test on the morning of the fourth day, while the Pindi Test didn’t even make it to lunch on day three.There was little public complaint from England, and Pakistan maintained they were within their rights to prepare surfaces that offered them home advantage following their chastening defeat on a flat track in the first Test. The ICC appears to have accepted that view, giving each of the strips the lowest rating that does not amount to a censure.The ICC rates pitches, and outfields, for all international games on a scale of very good to unfit: very good, satisfactory, unsatisfactory and unfit. One demerit point is awarded to venues for an unsatisfactory rating, and three for an unfit rating. If any ground receives five or more demerit points in a five-year rolling period, it is suspended from hosting any international cricket for 12 months.This was the third consecutive Test in Pindi where the pitch came under scrutiny. In March 2022, the surface was given a “below average” rating on the scale the ICC used at the time, and docked a demerit point. It was given the same rating for the Test against England later that year and awarded another demerit point, though this was later rescinded on appeal.

The veteran returned to the Mexican national team against Japan after more than a year away from call-ups.

• Came off the bench on Saturday
• Played 30 minutes
• Has nine goals in 26 matches with San Diego FC

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games now

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  One of the most anticipated returns to the Mexican national team was that of Hirving Lozano. After his stint in Europe and move to MLS, “Chucky” hadn’t been called up by since March 2024. The forward, who has become a fan favorite at San Diego FC – where he has tallied nine goals and six assists in 26 matches under head coach Mikey Varas – is now looking to reclaim his place in the squad.

  “In San Diego, he’s been regaining his form. He’s had a great career overall in Mexico, in Europe, and now in San Diego, he’s showing flashes of the level he once had. He’s explosive, he can score, he’s fearless, and he’s Mexican – we have to take advantage of that,” Aguirre said about the winger.

  Aguirre hopes to get a longer look at the forward when Mexico line up against South Korea on Tuesday. 

  “I’m eager to bring back the old Chucky because he had a great World Cup, he’s given us joy, he was a champion in Italy and the Netherlands, and I’ve even spoken with Carlo Ancelotti, who once used him as a center forward [at Napoli]," he said. "I’m happy with how he’s doing, and I hope tomorrow I can give him more minutes than the other day.”

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Lozano was Mexico’s breakout star at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where he scored a memorable goal against Germany. 

  But recent years haven’t been easy for the former PSV and Napoli man, as injuries and the difficult decision to leave European football for MLS marked a turning point. Still, his resurgence with San Diego has earned him another shot under Aguirre.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Mexico have three straight wins against South Korea – two in friendlies and one at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MEXICO NATIONAL TEAM?

  After facing South Korea, Mexico will meet Colombia on Oct. 10 and Ecuador on Oct. 14 to continue preparations for the World Cup.

Having already agreed a deal to sign David Moller Wolfe, Wolverhampton Wanderers are now reportedly readying an opening offer to sign a La Liga defender ahead of Serie A champions Napoli.

Wolves set to sign David Moller Wolfe

A Wolfe fit for Wolves, those in the Midlands are set to get their man and replace Rayan Ait-Nouri following his decision to join Manchester City earlier this summer. The AZ Alkmaar defender is already scheduled to undergo a medical, according to Fabrizio Romano, and is set to become the third arrival of the summer at Molineux.

Replacing Ait-Nouri will take some doing, given the impact he had in Vitor Pereira’s side at their best, but the numbers suggest that Wolfe has the talent to at least replicate his attacking output.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Wolfe

Ait-Nouri

Minutes

2,500

3,190

Goals

2

4

Assists

5

7

Ball Recoveries

110

145

In 690 fewer minutes last season, Wolfe managed just four less goal involvements in league action and proved important when recovering possession for Alkmaar. Now, both his attacking output and ball-winning capabilities are likely to prove crucial in Pereira’s side.

In a quiet summer, Wolves’ business may fly under the radar. But whilst their business has been limited, it has been impressive. Jhon Arias, Fer Lopez and now Wolfe represent three very solid arrivals ahead of next season.

With Ait-Nouri now replaced, meanwhile, those in the Midlands have seemingly turned their attention towards finding a reinforcement at the other side of their backline.

Wolves open talks to sign Juanlu

According to journalist Orazio Accomando, as relayed by Sport Witness, Wolves have now opened talks to sign Juanlu Sanchez from Sevilla this summer. Molinuex chiefs are reportedly expected to submit an opening offer worth €17m (£15m) for the 21-year-old right-back as they set their sights on beating Serie A giants Napoli to his signature.

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An Olympic gold medalist with Spain, Juanlu has earned plenty of praise during his time in Spain, including from former manager Xavier Garcia Pimienta, who took the chance to praise the defender’s versatility.

Now, the Spaniard could be on his way to Wolves to replace Nelson Semedo. The Portuguese defender swapped the Midlands for Fenerbahce earlier this summer after opting out of signing a new deal at Molinuex.

If Wolves manage to sign Juanlu, however, then they will not only land a replacement for the former Barcelona defender, but arguably a player who could become an even better option for Pereira.