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West Ham United chairman David Sullivan has held talks with a top candidate to replace Graham Potter, with the tactician seemingly making his demands crystal clear.

The managerial candidates to replace Graham Potter at West Ham

Potter has recorded the second-worst win percentage of any West Ham manager in Premier League history, behind only Avram Grant, with pressure mounting on the Englishman as he faces a stay of execution.

David Moyes, who guided West Ham to successive European campaigns and ended their 43-year wait for a major trophy during his time at the London Stadium, could even be the man to put one of the final nails in Potter’s coffin this weekend.

In a real piece of irony, Moyes’ Everton side, who are faring much better than West Ham right now, may have a big say in whether Sullivan, Karren Brady and the Hammers board elect to hand Potter a P45.

9. Sam Allardyce

30.7%

10. Julen Lopetegui

30%

11. Gianfranco Zola

27.8%

12 Graham Potter

26.1%

13. Avram Grant

18.9%

via StatMuse

It is hard to see Potter remaining in the West Ham hot seat if they suffer a humbling defeat at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with club insider ExWHUemployee previously reporting that, if he does survive past that point, the ex-Chelsea boss is likely to be sacked after their trip to Arsenal.

West Ham are deep into their contingency plans to replace Potter, and there are a number of very interesting names under consideration.

Sullivan, as ever, is dipping into the free agent market.

Former West Ham midfielder Gary O’Neil is a favourite for the potential job, according to Miguel Delaney, with another ex-Hammer in Slaven Bilic — who was in charge between 2015 and 2017 — also in the frame.

Bilic is even said to be making plans for his West Ham backroom, in the event he is chosen as a short-term option until the end of the season, and Sullivan is believed to be personally in favour of bringing the Croatian back to East London (Pete O’Rourke).

Managers who are already in work haven’t been definitively ruled out, either. West Ham have internally discussed the possibility of appointing Scott Parker, following his rise to the Premier League with Burnley, but one man stands out above all the aforementioned names.

Nuno Espírito Santo's demand after holding West Ham talks with Sullivan

Former Tottenham, Wolves and Nottingham Forest boss, Nuno Espírito Santo, is believed to be the favourite to succeed Potter as things stand.

As per the reliable ExWHUemployee, Nuno has already held talks with Sullivan over a potential move to West Ham if Potter leaves, and the Portuguese’s stock is at an all-time high after making history at Forest last season.

However, according to Sports Boom, West Ham face another roadblock in pursuit of Nuno, following some reports that ‘legal issues’ are delaying his arrival too (Pete O’Rourke).

The outlet reports that Nuno’s big wage demands are a hindrance to West Ham and could prove to be a real obstacle, with Bilic ready to join the Irons as an alternative.

Why West Ham must not give up on Nuno

Nuno guided Forest back to Europe for the first time since 1995, and if it wasn’t for a public fallout with Evangelos Marinakis, he’d still be at the City Ground now.

The appeal for West Ham is obvious. Nuno steered Forest away from the drop zone in his first season, transforming them into a robust, hard-to-break-down outfit with a clear counter-attacking identity.

He also helped to fix Forest’s glaring set-piece weakness, something which has really plagued West Ham this season, having conceded 7 of their 13 Premier League goals so far directly from corners.

Managing to get the best out of his players, Forest ended up being last season’s major surprise package thanks to Nuno’s work, and the 51-year-old’s availability as a free agent makes this potential appointment an arguable no-brainer.

MatériaMais Notícias

A CBF faz nesta terça-feira, a partir das 13h, em sua sede, no Rio de Janeiro, o sorteio das quartas de final da Copa do Brasil. Flamengo, São Paulo, Bahia, Palmeiras, Corinthians, Athletico, América-MG e Grêmio são os times na disputa pela taça. O sorteio será transmitido pela CBF TV (Youtube) e pelo SporTV.

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Os jogos de ida das quartas de final serão disputados nos dias5 e 6 de julho, enquanto os de volta serão na semana seguinte,nos dias 12 e 13.

Premiação de cada fase da Copa do Brasil 2023:

1ª fase:R$ 1,4 milhão (grupo I), R$ 1,25 milhão (grupo II) e R$ 750 mil (grupo III)
2ª fase:R$ 1,7 milhão (grupo I), R$ 1,4 milhão (grupo II) e R$ 900 mil (grupo III)
3ª fase:R$ 2,1 milhões
Oitavas de final:R$ 3,3 milhões
Quartas de final:R$ 4,3 milhões
Semifinal:R$ 9 milhões
Vice-campeão:R$ 30 milhões
Campeão:R$ 70 milhões

REGULAMENTO

Todas as equipes estão no mesmo pote e não há nenhum tipo de impedimento de confronto. Ou seja, qualquer duelo é possível, inclusive entre times do mesmo estado. As quartas de final serão em jogos de ida e volta. Caso haja empate nos placares na soma dos gols, a decisão pela vaga às semifinais será disputada nos pênaltis.

SORTEIO DAS QUARTAS DE FINAL DA COPA DO BRASIL

Data/Horário: quarta-feira, 6/6, às 13h
Local: sede da CBF, no Rio de Janeiro
Onde assistir: SporTV e CBF TV(Youtube)

Crystal Palace are now targeting a “clinical” Premier League forward as a replacement for Eberechi Eze, amid continued interest from Tottenham.

Eze tells Palace to let him join Tottenham

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has now revealed that Eze has informed Palace of his desire to join Tottenham Hotspur this summer, with the move still expected to go through, despite the 27-year-old starting against Chelsea at the weekend.

Consequently, the Eagles will now be tasked with bringing in a replacement for the England international, and Ornstein names Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss and Club Brugge’s Christos Tzolis as two potential options.

However, a deal for El Khannouss could be difficult to orchestrate, as the Moroccan’s release clause has now expired, and Leicester will be tough negotiators, while journalist Sacha Tavolieri has revealed Brugge are extremely reluctant to sell Tzolis.

As such, Crystal Palace may be forced to move on to alternative targets, and they are now eyeing Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Hwang Hee-chan as a direct replacement for Eze, with Tottenham recently submitting a bid for the Englishman.

That is according to Lianos on X, who also states the Eagles are weighing up the possibility of bringing in the Wolves forward on a loan deal.

The interest in Tzolis and El Khannouss remains, but Brugge are playing hardball over the former, having already rejected a £26m offer.

"Elite" player tells his club to accept Crystal Palace bid

Crystal Palace have shopping left to do in the market and find themselves pressing ahead.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Aug 18, 2025

"Clinical" Hwang could reignite career at Selhurst Park

The 2024-25 campaign wasn’t the South Korean’s best by any stretch, chipping in with just two goals in the Premier League, however, the forward has previously proven himself as a reliable goalscorer in the top flight.

Most notably, the 29-year-old chipped in with an impressive 12 goals and three assists for the Old Gold in the 2023-24 campaign, during which time he was lauded as “clinical” by journalist Alex Richards.

As such, if the Wolves ace, who is known to pocket £70k-a-week, were able to get back to those levels, he could be a solid signing for Palace, although there are doubts over whether the South Korea international should be brought in as a direct replacement for Eze.

Hwang has most commonly featured as a centre-forward throughout his career to date, and Palace need to bring in a player who specialises in attacking midfield, so El Khannouss, who has two assists in two Championship games this season, should be their top target.

Newcastle United’s summer has been nothing short of turbulent so far.

£55m being splashed on ex-Manchester United youngster turned Nottingham Forest star Anthony Elanga definitely raised a few eyebrows early on in the hectic transfer window, with Aaron Ramsdale also joining the ranks, rubber-stamping the Magpies’ failed pursuit of James Trafford.

The agony of missing out on Trafford to Manchester City will be nothing compared to the expected sorrow of Alexander Isak deserting St James’ Park, as Liverpool continue to sniff around for the potent Premier League marksman.

The Toon surely has a standout replacement up their sleeve for Isak if the clinical Swede does up and leave, leading to even more cash being potentially splashed by Eddie Howe and Co.

Newcastle in talks with £70m striker

At this point, it’s not exactly the best-kept secret that Newcastle are looking at fresh striker options, resigned to the fact that Isak is likely to exit.

Newcastle have been linked to a whole host of attackers, with Chelsea outcast Nicolas Jackson even reportedly on their radar, away from recurring stories suggesting that Yoane Wissa will soon leave Brentford behind for a move to St James’ Park.

However, away from those named, Newcastle United are also in talks with RB Leipzig goal machine Benjamin Sesko to fill the Isak-shaped hole that will soon appear, with Sky Sports’ Keith Downie revealing that a £70m offer is on the table.

However, it is yet to be accepted by the Bundesliga side, and negotiations are now ongoing to reach an agreement as the Magpies to sign the Bundesliga star this summer.

Downie does further state that Sesko would be open to a move to the Toon, alongside also being up for a switch to Manchester United, who are also keeping a close eye on the Slovenian to enhance their personnel up top.

For Newcastle’s sake, they will hope one of these avenues pays off very soon, with Elanga champing at the bit at the prospect of lining up alongside the lethal Sesko, as the pair go about terrorising Premier League defences together.

How Sesko could shine even more alongside Elanga

Throughout his goal-laden Leipzig stay to date, Sesko has been supplied with chances galore from a whole host of exciting attacking teammates.

Last season, Xavi Simons and Lois Openda – who are attempting to leave Germany behind themselves this summer – chipped in with 12 assists between them to help boost Sesko’s goal numbers in Bundesliga action to a hefty 13 strikes from 33 outings.

Sesko’s overall Bundesliga numbers for Leipzig vs Elanga’s PL numbers for Forest
Stat	Sesko	Elanga
Games played	64	74
Goals scored	27	11
Assists	7	20
Big chances missed	18	16
Big chances created	6	23
Stats by Sofascore

These promising numbers in Germany could be taken to that next level in England if Sesko soon lines up next to an assist-hungry Elanga, as seen in the 23-year-old mustering up a healthy 20 assists across his last two Premier League campaigns at the City Ground.

Often, Elanga will dart forward with pace to burn, before laying it off to a poacher – such as Chris Wood – waiting for him to unlock a defence, with his ex-Forest teammate in Ryan Yates even going as to far to label him as a “dream” to work alongside, owing to his “you give him the ball and he can do the rest” level of ability.

Having such a rapid, but creative teammate by his side will be music to the ears of the lethal Slovenian, with his split-second instinct to fire home a chance, seeing him be dubbed a “monster” by football analyst Ben Mattinson.

Staggeringly, there could be even more to Sesko’s game that has yet to be unearthed, as the £70m attacker tries to follow in the footsteps of Isak with ease.

The 22-year-old striker will be helped along the way, if he does join, by Elanga being next to him, as the 25/26 campaign edges ever closer for a Magpies side leaping into an unknown future.

Better than Sesko: Newcastle eyeing £40m striker who's "turning heads"

Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing a star who could be even better than Benjamin Sesko.

By
Dan Emery

Aug 3, 2025

Michael Olise received glowing praise from Dayot Upamecano, Antoine Griezmann and Didier Deschamps after his starring performance for France.

Olise scored in France's 2-0 win over UkraineUpamecano and Greizmann hail his exceptional talentOlise's third goal in seven appearancesFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Olise was at the heart of the action as France began their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a solid 2-0 victory against Ukraine on Friday. The 23-year-old made his mark early, scoring the opening goal in just the 10th minute – his third goal in only his seventh international appearance. His strong performance drew immediate and widespread acclaim from his team-mates and the national team coach, cementing his growing status within the squad.

AdvertisementAFPWHAT WAS SAID?

Following the match, the praise for Olise was effusive, with his team-mates highlighting his unique technical ability and versatility. Upamecano, who plays alongside him at Bayern Munich, spoke glowingly about the young winger, saying: "He's a magician. His technical level is very high. He can do everything. He can score, set up, and even defend."

Veteran French striker Griezmann was equally impressed, emphasising the positive impact Olise has on the team's attacking play.

"With every touch of the ball, he makes an attacking impact. He's a player who will do a lot of good for our team," the Atletico Madrid star said.

National coach Deschamps also joined the chorus of praise for his new star, recognising his talent and quick adaptation, adding: "Michael is brilliant. He's technically gifted, runs a lot, and moves cleverly. He has everything. He's doing very well for Bayern Munich and for us as well."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The praise for Olise goes beyond a single performance. It reflects a player who has truly found his stride since his high-profile €53m (£46m/$62m) move from Crystal Palace to Bayern in the summer of 2024. At club level, Olise has been in scintillating form, scoring four goals in his last three matches for Bayern after a stellar debut season in Germany. His seamless transition and immediate impact for club and country have solidified his place as a permanent fixture in Deschamps' squad since his debut in September 2024.  

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR FRANCE?

Olise is expected to continue his key role for France in their second World Cup qualifying match against Iceland on September 10 at Parc des Princes.

Aston Villa have now been handed a boost in their pursuit of a £70m forward, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey revealing he would be open to a move to Villa Park this summer.

Aston Villa eager to sign new forwards

It has been clear that Villa need to sign a striker since the January transfer window, at which point they sold Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr, and the need to bring in a centre-forward could be exacerbated by the departure of Ollie Watkins.

Manchester United have held talks over a deal for Watkins, which means the Villans have started to run the rule over replacements, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani has entered the frame as a potential option.

Besiktas’ Semih Kilicsoy also remains of interest, alongside Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, with Unai Emery’s side now ready to make a move for the striker, should he become available later this summer.

Target

League appearances in 24/25

Goals

Randal Kolo Muani

26

10

Semih Kilicsoy

32

3

Nicolas Jackson

30

10

After losing Duran in the January transfer window, versatile forward Marcus Rashford was brought in, but with the Manchester United man now Barcelona-bound, Emery is also keen on bringing in a forward capable of playing out wide.

Last week, it was revealed that Aston Villa have made an approach for Man United’s Alejandro Garnacho, who could be valued at £70m, and there has now been another update on their pursuit of the forward.

According to a report from The Boot Room, Garnacho is open to a move to Villa Park this summer, given that he is keen to remain in the Premier League and play under Emery.

Aston Villa keen on £21m international star but he's already in talks with Man City

Aston Villa are the latest team to show an interest in a player who has a low release clause until the end of July.

1 ByBrett Worthington Jul 21, 2025

Bailey added: “Alejandro Garnacho wants to stay in England, and there are only so many options. Chelsea, we know, like him, whilst Tottenham have maintained contact.

“But Aston Villa have emerged as an option, I am told the player has done his homework on the possibility of working with Unai Emery, and he has heard good things.”

Garnacho could be "amazing" signing for Aston Villa

Amid doubts surrounding Jacob Ramsey’s future, it could be very important to bring in a new signing capable of playing at left-wing this summer, and the 21-year-old has picked up 31 goals and 17 assists in 110 appearances from that area, including games at youth level.

Ruben Amorim has also singled out the youngster for high praise, describing him as “amazing” after an impressive performance in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal last season.

That said, given that Villa are treading a fine line PSR-wise, it may not be financially prudent to shell out £70m on a player yet to record world-class numbers.

Garnacho amassed a respectable six goals and two assists in the Premier League last season, but his performances are yet to justify a £70m outlay, so it may only be worth Villa making a move if the winger becomes available for a lower price.

خاض فريق برشلونة، بقيادة المدرب هانز فليك، مباراته في بطولة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم، موسم 2025/26، مساء يوم الأحد ضد نظيره فالنسيا.

واستضاف ملعب “يوهان كرويف” مباراة برشلونة وفالنسيا في الجولة الرابعة من الدوري الإسباني، حيث حقق حامل اللقب فوزًا بستة أهداف دون رد. أهداف مباراة برشلونة وفالنسيا في الدوري الإسباني

وأهدر فيران توريس فرصة ذهبية من أجل تقدم برشلونة في الدقيقة 11 من عمر الشوط الأول، حيث سدد كرته تجاه مرمى فالنسيا، ولكنها مرت أعلى العارضة.

ونجح برشلونة في تسجيل هدف أول في شباك خصمه فالنسيا، في الدقيقة 29 من عمر الشوط الأول.

جاء الهدف عن طريق فيرمين لوبيز، بعد تمريرة طويلة رائعة من فيران توريس، حيث وصلت إلى مواطنه الذي انطلق وسددها في شباك الضيوف، معلنًأ عن التقدم لحامل اللقب.

وحاول فيران توريس تسجيل الهدف الثاني بعدما سدد كرة قوية من خارج منطقة الجزاء، في الدقيقة 41، ولكنها جاءت بعيدة عن المرمى.

وأهدر فيران توريس محاولة جديدة في الدقيقة 48، حيث سدد كرة بعد تمريرة من فيرمين لوبيز، وسددها زميله ولكنها اصطدمت بالقائم، وسط ذهول من جانب اللاعب وزملائه.

وعزز برشلونة تفوقه على فالنسيا بعدما سجل رافينها الهدف الثاني في الدقيقة 54، بعد تمريرة رائعة من ماركوس راشفورد، حيث وصلت الكرة إلى البرازيلي الذي سددها في الشباك.

وبعد ذلك بدقيقتين، تمكن فيرمين لوبيز من تسجيل الهدف الثاني والثالث لكتيبة هانز فليك، بعدما سدد كرة من خارج المنطقة، ليتسع الفارق بين الفريقين. 

وواصل رافينها تألقه حيث سجل الهدف الثاني له والرابع لفريق برشلونة، في الدقيقة 66، بعدما سدد كرة رائعة في شباك فالنسيا، لتنتهي المباراة إكلينيكيًا لصالح حامل اللقب.

وتمكن برشلونة من تسجيل هدفه الخامس في شباك فالنسيا، في الدقيقة 76، عن طريق النجم روبرت ليفاندوفسكي.

جاء الهدف بعد تمريرة من داني أولمو، حيث وصلت الكرة إلى البولندي روبرت ليفاندوفسكي الذي أنهى الهجمة بشكل أكثر من رائع وهز شباك فالنسيا، بهدف برشلونة الخامس.

وفي الدقيقة 81، قرر المدرب هانز فليك استبدال بيدري والدفع بزميله مارك بيرنال، وسط تحية وتصفيق كبير للثنائي، من جانب الجماهير والمدير الفني نفسه، حيث عاد الأخير من إصابة أبعدته عن الملاعب نحو عام.

وسجل ليفاندوفسكي الهدف الثاني له والسادس لـ برشلونة، في الدقيقة 85، ولكن تم إلغائه بداعِ وجود حالة تسلل، قبل تدخل تقنية الفيديو، ليُحتسب في النهاية.

بتلك النتيجة، ارتفع رصيد برشلونة إلى 10 نقاط في المركز الثاني، بينما تجمد رصيد فالنسيا عند 4 نقاط في المركز الخامس عشر.

ويستعد برشلونة لخوض مباراة مهمة ضد نيوكاسل يونايتد على ملعب “سانت جيمس بارك” يوم الخميس المقبل، في الجولة الأولى من مرحلة الدوري من دوري أبطال أوروبا.

Ruben Amorim declared on the Old Trafford turf, following the final day victory over Aston Villa, that the “good days are coming” for Manchester United – a statement that appeared fanciful considering the club’s 15th place Premier League finish and Europa League final heartbreak.

The Portuguese coach has talked the talk during a turbulent first six months in Manchester, but can he actually walk the walk?

What is clear is that the 40-year-old is in dire need of reinforcements if he is to make a success of it at the club, with that fact having seemingly sparked a hectic and exciting start to the window for the Red Devils.

Much to the fury of rival supporters, United have already poached Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo looking set to follow – two moves that have heightened hope regarding those future ‘good days’.

If a drastic improvement is to be made next season and beyond, however, those deals must surely be the tip of the iceberg. This is the time to rip it up and start again, following a wretched decade of recruitment.

With that in mind, here’s a look at how Amorim’s starting lineup could potentially look next season, if all goes to plan on the transfer front for newly crowned director of football, Jason Wilcox…

1 GK – Vanja Milinkovic-Savic

Whether Andre Onana could have done better or not to keep out Brennan Johnson’s deflected effort in Bilbao could be debated long into the night. What is evident is that United reached the showpiece in spite of the Cameroon stopper, not because of him.

Indeed, the 29-year-old – who has been touted for a departure this summer – made five errors leading to a goal in the Premier League and Europa League in total, having hardly inspired any confidence at all since his £47.2m switch from Inter in 2023.

Enter, Vanja Milinkovic-Savic. Once on the books at United as a teenager, before swiftly departing after failing to earn a work permit, the 6 foot 6 Serbian has been heavily linked with a return to Old Trafford. With just a year left on his deal at Torino, reports have suggested he could cost just €20m (£17m).

The 28-year-old conceded just 42 goals in 37 Serie A games last season, while ranking in the top 7% of goalkeepers in Europe’s top five leagues for save percentage. Sign him up.

2 RCB – Leny Yoro

After an injury-hit start to life in England, Leny Yoro truly came into his own in the final months of the season, notably scoring his first goal for the club away in Lyon.

Still only 19 and with a penchant for surging forward from deep, a player Rio Ferdinand dubbed “the best in the world” at that age could well kick on again next term as a mainstay of the backline.

3 CB – Harry Maguire

Stripped of the captaincy by Erik ten Hag in 2023, amid talk of a move to West Ham United, the subsequent redemption arc of Harry Maguire has been a joy to behold – a moment epitomised by his last-gasp winner at home to Lyon.

Described as “perfect” for a back three by Amorim, the 32-year-old – who will soon enter the last year of his contract – deserves to be a consistent figure in the backline once again.

Fitness permitting, of course.

4 LCB – Lisandro Martinez

Speaking of fitness, while Lisandro Martinez remains sidelined with an ACL injury, the World Cup winner is surely a shoo-in to start at left centre-back, having begun to come into his own in 2025, before his cruel setback.

The scorer of crucial goals away to Fulham and Liverpool, the 27-year-old is a ball-playing warrior when fit and firing.

Ayden Heaven may be the long-term solution, although Martinez surely has to start when back in contention again.

5 RWB – Amad

Is he a wing-back or a number ten? That much remains to be seen, although if the evolution of Amorim’s 3-4-3 set-up is to occur, a more attack-minded presence, like Amad, is needed in at least one of those wide berths.

The diminutive livewire ranked alongside Bruno Fernandes as the shining light of 2024/25, having ended with 21 goals and assists in all competitions.

Manager

Games

Goals

Assists

Erik ten Hag

24

3

3

Ruben Amorim

27

8

8

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

8

1

1

Ruud van Nistelrooy

4

2

1

Ralf Rangnick

1

0

0

Michael Carrick

0

0

0

Total

64

14

12

Tied down to a contract until 2030, the 22-year-old could be the face of a new era in Manchester – not least with friend and teammate, Alejandro Garnacho, looking set for an exit.

6 CM – Bruno Fernandes (C)

The heart and soul of Manchester United, talismanic skipper Bruno Fernandes has shunned the Saudi riches to stay put next season, having rounded off last term by sweeping the club’s end-of-season awards. And rightly so.

While there is a curiosity over just what this team would look like without him – as well as his actual suitability for a starting berth in this system – the Portugal star simply has to remain the centrepiece of the side.

As Amorim admitted earlier this year, he is “one of the best players in the world”. You don’t find those so easily…

7 CM – Douglas Luiz

The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell has noted that United are seeking an ‘athletic number eight’ this summer. Douglas Luiz – who was linked with a move last month – certainly fits the bill.

A player of proven Premier League quality – having even been hailed as “better than [Declan] Rice” in some quarters – the former Aston Villa man needs rescuing from his Juventus hell, having started just six games last term following his £42m switch last summer.

While it has not been made clear how much the Brazilian would be available for, perhaps an astute loan offer could be in order, as Wilcox and co still seek to comply with PSR restrictions.

8 LWB – Pervis Estupinan

The Red Devils did already prise Patrick Dorgu from Lecce in January, yet at just 20 years old, the Dane is far from the finished article, having notably looked ‘out of his depth’ in the 1-0 loss to Spurs – according to journalist Samuel Luckhurst.

In Brighton’s Pervis Estupinan, United could then find a perfect upgrade in that wing-back role amid links to the 27-year-old, a player whom Fabian Hurzeler has hailed as “one of the best left-backs in the Premier League”.

The need for players of top-flight quality is evident, with the £38m-rated Seagulls defender another who fits the bill.

9 RAM – Bryan Mbeumo

Speaking of Premier League quality, what a signing it would be if Mbeumo does make his way to Manchester, with the Cameroon international seemingly preferring a move to Old Trafford, despite interest from Champions League sides Arsenal, Newcastle and Spurs.

Fresh off the back of scoring 20 league goals for Brentford, the 25-year-old would surely enhance Amorim’s floundering forward line, with no United player even reaching double figures for goals in the top-flight last season.

While negotiations continue over a potential fee for the versatile winger, if a deal is to be agreed, it would be yet another statement one for the INEOS regime.

10 LAM – Matheus Cunha

Speaking of statements, already in the door is the aforementioned Cunha, with the Brazilian – like the man above – seemingly unperturbed by United’s lack of European football next season.

With 15 league goals of his own in 2024/25 – having scored 12 the previous campaign – the 26-year-old is another proven, albeit maverick talent who could re-energise Amorim’s attack, with echoes of a certain Eric Cantona already emerging.

Much work would need to be done to reach those heights, of course, yet this deal should hopefully prove to be another transformational one.

Leeds United did manage to seal the Championship title with a bumper 100 points come the end of the 46-game marathon, but Daniel Farke’s side certainly made life a lot harder for themselves in the goalkeeper department.

Illan Meslier’s error-prone performances between the sticks nearly proved costly, resulting in the German having to bring in stand-in keeper Karl Darlow for the final few tense clashes of the second-tier campaign.

Whilst the ex-Newcastle United stopper did prove himself to be a solid performer in goal, it’s unlikely that Farke will solely rely on the Wales international to be his outright number one in such a daunting division.

Therefore, a whole host of new faces are being linked to step up and take on the first team mantle in goal, with this alternative target now being tipped to make the switch to Elland Road over the heavily fancied Caoimhin Kelleher.

Leeds' pursuit of a new keeper

Kelleher is one of the main names being touted to become Farke’s brand-new number one ahead of Premier League football returning to West Yorkshire, with the Irishman reportedly available for around the £30m mark.

He is mentioned as a possible Meslier replacement by the Daily Mail too, but the new report from the Mail does suggest that other top-flight experienced ‘keepers are on the Leeds agenda, such as ex-Arsenal man Aaron Ramsdale.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ reserve keeper Sam Johnstone is also floating about as a potential number one option, but if Leeds want to land an even more impressive buy than Kelleher, they should be going all in for Ramsdale over other figures.

The 27-year-old has suffered from shaky performances here and there, but he was once Mikel Arteta’s concrete first-team choice at Arsenal, where he proved himself as a top performer at an intimidating level.

Why Ramsdale would be even better than Kelleher

Of course, Kelleher has never been able to prove himself as a number-one option at Anfield, having always played in the shadows to the likes of Allisson.

But, regardless of whether he’s been given a fair crack under Arne Slot and other Reds bosses or not, if Leeds can land a far more experienced keeper at the level in Ramsdale for a slightly cheaper £25m, it feels like a pick-up they should prioritise over the promise of the 26-year-old coming good as a main starting presence.

At one point during his topsy-turvy Gunners career, Ramsdale was on cloud nine with his imperious displays in between the sticks, with this unbelievable save coming during the 2021/22 campaign that saw the ex-Sheffield United stopper collect an impressive 12 clean sheets from 34 league outings.

Heralded as “phenomenal” by ex-Arsenal legend David Seaman off the back of his glimpses of quality at the Emirates, it will just be up to Ramsdale to try and reach these lofty heights once more, donning a Leeds strip.

After all, he is well accustomed to the trials and tribulations of a relegation battle, having just accumulated a high 4.2 saves per Premier League tie for basement side Southampton.

Ramsdale’s overall PL numbers
Stat	Ramsdale
Games played	183
Matches won	70
Losses	89
Saves made	595
Penalties saved	3x
Errors leading to goals	6x
Goals conceded	278
Clean sheets	41
Stats from the Premier League

The table above definitely reinforces how experienced Ramsdale is in the Premier League, despite only being a year older than Kelleher, with a near 200 games now played in the elite division. To add context, as a back-up face at Liverpool, his Cork-born counterpart has barely hit 30 clashes at 25 overall.

Therefore, whilst he will have an error in his back locker like Meslier, Leeds fans would surely feel more confident that the 27-year-old would come good over the gamble of Kelleher at £30m.

It will be fascinating to see who the Whites do eventually pick up in his vital position, knowing they cannot rely on Meslier if they are to beat the drop.

Gnonto 2.0: Farke continuing Leeds talks to sign £10m “physical monster”

Leeds United might secure their next Wilfried Gnonto by purchasing this £10m-rated youngster.

By
Kelan Sarson

May 30, 2025

Chelsea have now joined the race to sign a Premier League forward who has “blistering pace”, but a deal would amount to at least £43m, according to a report.

Blues attacking issues on display at Craven Cottage

Although the Blues were ultimately able to overturn a one-goal deficit to secure a 2-1 victory against Fulham on Sunday afternoon, their attacking issues were once again on display prior to the late comeback.

It was a drab affair at Craven Cottage, with Enzo Maresca’s side lacking a spark and recording an xG of just 0.90 throughout the match, while Nicolas Jackson once again failed to find the back of the net prior to being replaced by youngster Tyrique George.

George scored the equalising goal to ignite the comeback, but the overall performance suggests the west Londoners may need to bolster their attacking options this summer, and they have now joined the race to sign a Premier League winger.

Fabregas a fan: Chelsea want to sign £8m gem with "left foot made of gold"

The Blues are closely monitoring a “wonderful” midfielder ahead of a potential summer transfer swoop.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 20, 2025

That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Chelsea are now monitoring Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, given the Sweden international’s impressive performances in the Premier League this season.

However, the Blues are not alone in their pursuit of Elanga, with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United also keeping an eye on developments ahead of the summer transfer window.

Forest have not placed the 22-year-old on the transfer list, but a bid of over €50m (£43m) would make the Tricky Trees consider a sale, although they are also weighing up the possibility of offering the former Manchester United man a new deal.

Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures	Date
Everton (h)	April 26th
Djurgarden (a)	May 1st
Liverpool (h)	May 4th
Djurgarden (h)	May 8th
Newcastle United (a)	May 11th

Elanga making a name for himself at Forest

Like many players in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, the young forward struggled at Man United, picking up just four goals and four assists in 55 appearances for the Red Devils, but he has started to make a name for himself since moving to the City Ground.

In an impressive 2023-24 campaign with Forest, the right-winger amassed 14-goal contributions in the Premier League, notably scoring the only goal of the game to secure a 1-0 victory for his side at Stamford Bridge in September 2023.

Since then, the Swede has continued to impress, with journalist Ryan Taylor left impressed by his “blistering pace” last month, which was also on display during Forest’s 1-0 victory against Man United at the start of April.

At 22, Elanga is at the right age to be a long-term success at Stamford Bridge, and his performances since signing for Forest indicate he could be well worth the fee of over £43m, which could be demanded for his services.