All posts by z3u9t.icu

Whether through signing them or bringing them through the academy, Arsenal have a proud history of developing some incredible youngsters.

A few years ago, it was the likes of Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka who were breaking through the ranks; now it’s Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, and in the next couple of years, it could be Max Dowman.

While Mikel Arteta is sometimes labelled as a manager who doesn’t play youth, the last few years have proven that wrong.

Moreover, the club now have their eyes on another seriously exciting talent, who could be a future Viktor Gyokeres, whom they’re also close to finally signing.

Arsenal close in on the present and future Gyokeres

While the signings of Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard, plus the soon-to-be additions of Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera, are certainly exciting, they don’t feel like they’ll be as consequential as Gyokeres.

Transfer Focus

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

Arsenal fans have been crying out for a prolific number nine for years now, and with 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 games last season, that is what the Swedish striker is.

Moreover, while it’s not a cheap deal, it’s not going to require a record outlay either, with most reports now claiming that the initial fee will be around £55m, with some easy-to-achieve add-ons still to be decided upon.

Appearances

50

52

Minutes

4169′

4248′

Goals

43

54

Assists

15

13

Goal Involvements per Match

1.16

1.28

Minutes per Goal Involvement

71.87′

63.40′

However, to ensure a club the size of the North Londoners can remain successful long into the future, the board also have to invest in the future, which seems to be what they are currently looking to do.

At least that is according to a recent report from the Daily Mail, who suggest the Gunners have agreed a deal to sign Salford City wonderkid Will Wright.

They report that Arsenal have seen a £200k bid accepted by the EFL club, as the Gunners hone in on signing one of the country’s top young talents.

The Londoners are set to fend off competition from Liverpool to secure his signature, with the Reds having lodged their own bid of £100k.

It is a lot of money to spend on someone so young, but it could prove to be a masterstroke in years to come, especially if Wright is a Gyokeres in the making.

Why Wright could be a future Gyokeres

Okay, so the first thing to make clear is that we know it’s quite a leap to suggest that a 17-year-old youth prospect could develop into a player akin to one Arsenal are about to spend big on, but we have our reasons.

First and foremost, the teenage sensation has already proven that, when given the chance, he can score bags and bags of goals.

In fact, he didn’t just score 20, or even 30 for Salford’s youth side last season; he managed to score a whopping 40 goals, which might not be the same as the Sporting man’s 54, but it’s not far off for a youngster.

On top of his prolific nature in front of goal, the young forward shares the Swede’s raw desire to score goals, as exemplified by the fact that at the start of last season, he was averaging 4.6 shots a game, compared to the 27-year-old’s 4.08 shots a game across the last year.

Moreover, one of the ways the former Coventry City star gets himself into so many goalscoring situations is because he’s excellent at running in behind opposition defences, which, according to Total Football Analysis, is one of Salford City gem’s biggest strengths.

However, he’s not a one-dimensional striker, and like the Stockholm-born ace, he’s also more than capable of playing a quick passing game with his teammates to create space and chances for himself or his teammates.

Finally, despite being just 17, the highly-rated youngster is the same height as the soon-to-be Gunners star, coming in at 6 foot 2, and it’s evident in clips that he’s comfortable using his stature to ride challenges before breaking away with a burst of pace and putting the ball in the back of the net.

Ultimately, there’s still a long way to go until he’s playing in the first team, but as things stand, Wright looks like a serious talent, and someone who could well be spoken about in the same way as Gyokeres is today.

Madueke upgrade: Arsenal set to start talks to sign "world-class" £43m star

Arsenal could sign an upgrade on Noni Madueke.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 17, 2025

Thomas Frank will be the next Tottenham Hotspur manager to try and catapult the club back into a Premier League title battle over the next couple of seasons.

The Dane will certainly come under scrutiny if he’s unable to push the Lilywhites up the league table, needing to right the wrongs endured under former boss Ange Postecoglou.

However, the Aussie did secure the Europa League title, handing his successor the chance to build on the triumph and be competitive in the Champions League throughout 2025/26.

A balance will need to be struck if the club are to be a success in various competitions, subsequently allowing the new manager to be an instant hit with the supporters in the coming months.

If the Dane is to thrive in North London, he will need quality and depth in certain key areas to help balance the quest for success in Europe and domestically.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Mohammed Kudus has been a player who’s been firmly on Spurs’ radar over recent days, with the Lilywhites submitting a £50m offer, but it was swiftly rejected with the Hammers demanding a hefty fee for his signature.

He currently has an £85m release clause in his contract, but it’s been reported that he could be available for a lower fee, but it remains to be seen if the player himself would be keen on a move across London.

However, they could be about to make a move for another Premier League star in the form of Fulham full-back Antonee Robinson, according to journalist Paul O’Keefe.

He confirmed earlier this week that the Lilywhites are closely monitoring the American international, who featured in all but two league games last season.

O’Keefe also confirmed that the 27-year-old is seen as a key option for Frank this summer, after he registered ten assists in the Premier League throughout 2024/25.

Reports earlier this year suggested Fulham would be open to letting him leave if they received a £40m bid.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be a more important signing than Kudus

There’s no denying that a move for Kudus would bring added excitement to the fanbase, ahead of what’s set to be a new era under the guidance of Frank in North London.

Given the other targets this summer, it’s evident that the Dane is targeting attacking reinforcements, with the likes of Antoine Semenyo and Bryan Mbeumo also being linked with a move to the club.

However, given the side’s tally of 64 league goals last season, they clearly have the firepower to cause problems for multiple sides in the division, potentially leading them to future success.

As a result, the new boss should look to prioritise a move for new defenders, with Robinson just one player who would be a more important addition than Kudus this summer.

Spurs currently only have one senior left-back in the form of Destiny Udogie, but the Italian has also had his injury struggles, missing 13 league games in the 2024/25 season.

Right-back Djed Spence has subsequently had to operate out of position at times to cover for the Italian, highlighting the need for depth in such a department this summer.

When delving into Robinson’s stats from last season, he’s managed to star at both ends of the pitch, handing Frank the talent that he craves during his first season at the helm.

Games played

36

Goals & assists

10

Pass accuracy

81%

Chances created

1.3

Dribble success

53%

Tackles won

1.7

Duels won

5.8

The full-back, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by journalist Toby Bryant, created 1.3 chances per 90, along with a 53% dribbling success rate – having the tools to get forward areas in North London.

Out of possession, he was just as impressive last campaign, winning 1.7 tackles per 90, whilst winning 5.8 duels per 90 – handing the side the added defensive quality it needs in 2025/26.

It’s unclear how much a deal would set the hierarchy back this summer, but from the stats produced in recent months, it’s evident that he’s coming into the prime years of his career.

He would be a phenomenal pick-up, undoubtedly handing Frank an excellent star in a position that has undoubtedly been one of the hardest to fill over the last couple of years in North London.

Frank's answer to Bale: Spurs make "generational" £70m ace their top target

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be putting their focus on a deal to land one attacking star.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jul 3, 2025

Southampton are now in advanced talks to sign an international striker who is represented by the same agency as midfielder Flynn Downes.

Southampton are expected to lose one or two key players over the coming months and therefore will have to enter the market to find replacements as they bid to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking under Will Still.

Done deal: Southampton have "agreed" £6.8m exit of "incredible" attacker

He has played his final game for the club.

ByHenry Jackson Jun 20, 2025

Defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis could be considered their most important player, as he managed to stand out last season in what was a diabolical campaign for the club. His performances for the Saints earned him a call-up to the England national team, and that has now earned him the attention of Portuguese giants FC Porto.

According to Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas, Southampton have turned down a bid worth £19 million for Harwood-Bellis from Porto. Despite being under contract until 2028, the Saints are open to selling the defender in this transfer window, but they believe he is worth much more.

Southampton paid £15 million to sign the player from Manchester City last summer, so the likelihood is they’re going to want closer to double that price.

Southampton in advanced talks to sign £7m striker

But while Harwood-Bellis may eventually be on his way out of St Mary’s Stadium, Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg reports some good news – Southampton are closing in on the signing of Damion Downs from FC Köln.

The 20-year-old is considered to be a top target for Saints this summer, and they have submitted a bid worth €8 million, which is roughly £6.85 million, to the German side. Downs is currently away with the USA for the Gold Cup, so a deal for the forward is likely to be completed once that competition is finished.

Downs, who has earned two caps for the USA national team, has been at FC Köln since 2020, when he joined their under-17 team. The young forward worked his way through the age groups and was finally promoted to the first team during the 2023/24 season, where he played 10 Bundesliga games. Downs became even more of a regular last season, as he played 29 games, this time in Bundesliga 2, and scored an impressive ten goals in the process.

Apps

42

Goals

13

Assists

6

Downs has just one year remaining on his contract, and Saints will be hoping that can work to their advantage, as the German side are likely to want to sell the player before he leaves the club for nothing in 12 months.

They may hold another advantage in the race to sign Downs too, as the striker is represented by agency Wasserman, who also represent current Southampton midfielder Downes, perhaps smoothing negotiations when it comes to agreeing personal terms.

West Bromwich Albion supporters won’t have to wait too much longer to see who their beloved Baggies will play in the opening matches of the new Championship season.

Indeed, the always hotly anticipated fixture list will be released next week, with Ryan Mason hopeful that whatever selection of fixtures is thrust his side’s way, they can start the fresh second-tier campaign with a bang, instead of a whimper.

One figure that definitely won’t feature under Mason’s early tenure is Grady Diangana, with the Congolese forward reportedly edging ever closer to a Hawthorns departure, after failing to seal an extended contract this summer.

Diangana's current situation

Mason’s arrival on the scene might well have contributed to the former West Ham United man wanting to leave, knowing that the 33-year-old boss would want to stamp his mark onto proceedings from the get-go.

It is a sad severing of the ties, however, with Diangana once viewed as an electric menace donning Baggies blue and white in both the Premier League and in the EFL.

In total, the 27-year-old would collect an impressive combined tally of 48 goals and assists from 202 appearances in the West Midlands, with Diangana often having the Hawthorns masses in the palm of his hand when pulling off unbelievable finishes like the one above.

But, the output on Diangana’s end had begun to dry up – as seen in just four goals and three assists coming his way last season – with a reported reunion now on the cards for him to uproot to Valencia to link up with ex-Baggies boss Carlos Corberan to try and recapture his best.

Whilst Diangana looks forward to his possible moment in the sun in Spain, West Brom will no doubt be on the hunt for a replacement to bolster their options in attack.

West Brom's "fabulous" Diangana replacement

After all, the long-standing servant’s exit will be felt in terms of the personnel Mason can select from.

Transfer Focus

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

Jed Wallace is the only other recognisable right winger in the depleted Baggies camp currently in the wake of Diangana moving on, whilst the rookie manager has even fewer faces to call upon in the number ten spot – another position that the 27-year-old was comfortable playing in – with John Swift also heading out of the building on a free transfer.

Therefore, in hunting down an immediate fix to Diangana’s exit, West Brom will need to win themselves a versatile and flexible presence who can play all over the attacking positions.

Who could that be? Well, former Derby County captain Tom Lawrence is perhaps their man. It has been reported by TEAMtalk this week that West Brom are interested in landing the now free agent forward.

Away from his ability to be adaptable making him a worthwhile candidate to replace Diangana, the 31-year-old also boasts a vast collection of goals and assists in the Championship himself, with a mighty 50 goals and 40 assists tallied up from 264 career appearances in the second-tier.

Staggeringly, that’s 42 more goal contributions than the Valencia-linked star managed during his entire Hawthorns spell, albeit from 62 fewer clashes.

LW

157

30

21

SS

57

9

9

CF

21

5

2

RW

16

2

7

AM

6

2

0

LM

3

2

1

The similarities don’t just stop here either, with Lawrence also prone to scoring an audacious strike or two during his celebrated Derby stay, much like Diangana at his Baggies peak.

His expertise in this regard even saw ex-Rams boss Gary Rowett label the entertaining Welshman as “fabulous” when the pair were together at Pride Park, as West Brom now pray he can arrive on the scene this summer and roll back the years to fire Mason and Co. to promotion.

Pulling off such a feat would make the managerial newcomer an instant icon at the Hawthorns, with Lawrence also entering into the club’s hall-of-fame no doubt by securing a promotion success Diangana could never get over the line.

A Palmer repeat: West Brom's "outstanding" star wanted by PL club

West Bromwich Albion must avoid selling this outstanding star.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 18, 2025

Sticking to the recent trend of targeting Premier League rivals, PIF are now reportedly evaluating a move to sign an impressive attacking midfielder for Newcastle United this summer.

Newcastle still chasing Elanga and Trafford deals

Having already signed Antonio Cordero on a free transfer to get their business underway nice and early, Newcastle are now pushing on in an attempt to make some impressive statements. Chasing deals to sign Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest and James Trafford from Burnley, the Magpies are aiming to swoop in and weaken their Premier League opposition.

Both are long-term targets and both are players that would hand Eddie Howe instant upgrades within his side. Newcastle’s chase to sign a fresh right-wing option has particularly been no secret in the last 12 months and, after missing out on Manchester United-bound Bryan Mbeumo, Elanga’s arrival would make perfect sense.

Starts

38

35

Goals

6

8

Assists

11

12

Successful Take-ons

25

35

The Swede would push Jacob Murphy all the way for a starting place and offer Newcastle instant strength in depth – something they crucially lacked the last time that they featured in the Champions League.

Even if Trafford and Elanga arrive though, Newcastle may not be done there when it comes to shopping in the Premier League. The Magpies are seemingly in a ruthless mood and have now turned their attention back towards Brentford. Having missed out on Mbeumo, PIF are now reportedly eyeing a summer swoop to sign one of the Bees’ star midfielders.

PIF evaluating Damsgaard move for Newcastle

According to Caught Offside, PIF are now evaluating a move to sign Mikkel Damsgaard for Newcastle this summer. The Danish midfielder is not someone Brentford are keen to lose, but every player has a price and the West London club reportedly value the 24-year-old at €50m (£42m).

Tottenham Hotspur are also sniffing around a deal amid their move for Thomas Frank, with the Bees boss hoping to take a couple of his star players with him to the North side of London.

Damsgaard is a talent who took a few years to discover his best form after initially bursting onto the scene at Euro 2020. Described as “brilliant” by scout Jacek Kulig five years on from that tournament, however, he’s finally at the peak of his powers at Brentford.

Only Mohamed Salah, Elanga and Newcastle’s Murphy assisted more goals than the Dane last season, who could join the latter and perhaps even the Forest star as well, forming quite the creative partnership at St James’ Park.

Better fit than Mbeumo: Newcastle open talks to sign "world-class" PL star

Newcastle are pushing to sign new forwards in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 12, 2025

Reportedly earning just £35,000-a-week in West London, Damsgaard would hardly break the bank in Tyneside and represents another target who knows exactly how to navigate the challenges of the Premier League. Like Elanga and Trafford, he ticks every box for Newcastle.

New Rangers manager Russell Martin is willing to sell a “brilliant” player in the summer transfer window, according to a new transfer update.

Martin eyeing first signings as Rangers boss

The Martin era at Ibrox is officially underway, with the former Southampton boss hoping to bring plenty of success back to the club, having had to watch rivals Celtic dominate the Scottish Premiership over the past decade or so.

The 39-year-old is clearly extremely excited to get started, admitting as much soon after his confirmation as Rangers’ next manager: “It’s an incredible feeling. I’m really grateful to the board, to Patrick (Stewart), to Kevin (Thelwell), for their faith in me. It’s been a tough and rigorous process and it’s taken some time, but that’s what you expect when you want to be manager of a club of this stature, size and expectation. I’m desperate to get started and I’m excited about what’s to come.”

It’s now a case of Martin being backed in the transfer market, with the Englishman signing players who he sees as ideal for him, and Southampton midfielder Flynn Downes could reportedly be his first addition. He knows the player well from his spell in charge of Saints, and he could add quality in possession, having completed 90.8% of his passes in the Premier League in 2024/25.

That said, some current Gers players could depart before next season gets underway, and a key update has dropped regarding one individual.

Martin could sell McCauslandAccording toThe Daily Record,Ross McCausland's Rangers future is up in the airbecause Martin is considering listening to offers for him.It is stated that Championship side Cardiff City are the latest club to show an interest in signing him this summer, with the 22-year-old preferring to stay put at Ibrox.

It’s ruthless from Martin, should he dispatch of McCausland in the summer window, considering the Northern Irishman is a talented young player who has been lauded by Lee McCulloch in the past.

“McCausland was absolutely brilliant. Bubbly, has pace, technical first touch. Tremendous. Playing in this cauldron, given the magnitude of this game, he looked full of confidence. I think the fans really took to him. He really gave the stadium a lift.”

However, McCausland was limited to only four starts in the Scottish Premiership last season, suggesting he isn’t seen as a key man moving forward, so the club do have a big decision to make this summer.

The new Lundstram: Martin wants to make £18m star his first Rangers signing

As Russell Martin starts his overhaul of Rangers’ squad, could he sign a “class” midfielder in a deal reminiscent of John Lundstram’s move to Ibrox?

Jun 8, 2025

He only has two years remaining on his current deal, so time is running out before his price tag starts to drop, and if Martin feels like he is an expendable figure, moving him on now makes the most sense.

Manchester United come into the summer transfer window needing to strengthen in every area of the pitch.

From the goalkeeper disaster of Andre Onana, to defensive injuries, an ageing midfield and a toothless attack, INEOS need to spend big.

Spend big, yes, but also spend wisely. That’s not something United have done in recent transfer windows. £82m on Antony and £72m on Rasmus Hojlund speaks volumes there.

So, who could join? Well, Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha looks well poised to move to Old Trafford.

The latest on Manchester United's move for Matheus Cunha

While there is talk of a move for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, the first order of business looks set to be Cunha.

United have been hot on the trail of the Brazilian attacker in recent months and according to reports, the conditions of a deal to sign him for his £62.5m release clause have now been agreed.

Games

33

38

Goals

15

20

Assists

6

8

Earlier this week it was revealed by a number of sources that permission had been granted for the 26-year-old to undergo a medical with his future employers.

It’s safe to say that Cunha enjoyed a fantastic season in the Premier League. Although discipline did prove an issue, there was no doubting the quality of his play when the ball was at his feet.

Indeed, the Wolves talisman scored 17 goals in 36 outings across all competitions throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

A spellbinding player who strikes fear into a large pool of defenders, it’s actually another player from England’s top flight that Wes Brown thinks would be the most game-changing signing.

Wes Brown wants Man United to sign £30m forward

Another player on the club’s radar this summer has been young English striker Liam Delap.

Son of Rory and a Manchester City academy graduate, it would be quite something if he ended up at Old Trafford. Possessing a £30m release clause, it would be a rather simple move to complete, but it does look as though he is now on his way to Chelsea.

Reports on Thursday indicated that a deal was as good as done, thus preventing Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co from making their move.

Still, it’s a move that Brown, in conversation with Football FanCast, wanted to have seen happen at Old Trafford.

Speaking on behalf of BetVictor, the former defender was asked who would be the most game-changing signing out of Cunha, Mbeumo and Delap. He said: “Liam Delap is a great young player. He has had experience of a Premier League season now and he’s that sort of player that you want to be going for.”

Why does Brown think that? “He will get better and he’s talented,” Brown admitted. “He’s not scoring 25 goals a season yet, but he’s only had one full season. That’s what you’re hoping for as a Manchester United fan, young, talented players who have played in the Premier League and know what it’s about, to build yourself back up with better players.”

Signing proven Premier League players is certainly a wise strategy. You only need to look at the way Arsenal found a way to rejuvenate the playing squad under Mikel Arteta, bringing in Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from Man City, David Raya from Brentford and most famously, Declan Rice from West Ham, to name a few.

United ought to take influence from this as the Ruben Amorim era looks for greener shoots next season.

Gordon Strachan tells Man Utd to sign £30m star who'd be better than Osimhen

Gordon Strachan was speaking to Football FanCast this week.

ByMatt Dawson May 29, 2025

It’s no secret that Manchester United have fallen way below the high standards they’ve set for themselves this season, currently occupying a place in the bottom half of the Premier League.

The Red Devils are set for their lowest ever points tally and league finish of the Premier League era, with boss Ruben Amorim desperately needing to make changes next year if he’s to be a success at Old Trafford.

The forward line has certainly contributed to their recent failures, netting just 42 goals in their 36 outings, with Bruno Fernandes their current top scorer on just eight goals.

Strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have only managed to find the back of the net seven times between them, highlighting the lack of attacking threat within the current squad.

However, the upcoming transfer window hands boss Amorim the perfect opportunity to improve the situation, with a new talisman needing to be at the top of his list this summer.

United’s hunt for a new striker this summer

With the transfer window rapidly on the horizon, United have already wasted no time in pursuing potential targets to strengthen the options at the manager’s disposal.

The likes of Liam Delap, Matheus Cunha and Victor Osimhen have all been touted with a summer switch to Old Trafford, but no deals have yet been completed for any of the aforementioned trio.

However, another name has entered the frame in the form of Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, with a potential reunion on the cards with Amorim, according to CaughtOffside.

The report claims that the Red Devils are preparing an offer for the 26-year-old Swedish international, who’s managed to register a staggering 52 goals in his 50 appearances throughout 2024/25.

It also confirms that Arsenal and Liverpool are in the race for his signature this window, with the hierarchy needing to work tirelessly to avoid missing out on him to a divisional rival.

Why United’s latest target would be perfect alongside Amad

The Europa League final next week hands United a golden opportunity to end the season on a high, whilst also securing their place in the Champions League for 2025/26.

Amorim’s side must be fully focused on such an occasion, especially considering there is no longer anything to play for in the Premier League.

If they are to go beat Tottenham Hotspur for the first time this season and claim European glory, Amad Diallo will be a key reason, with his success this campaign nothing short of remarkable.

He’s registered 18 combined goals and assists across all competitions despite missing a large chunk of the year through an ankle issue, which required surgery.

However, he’s back and ready for action, with a fully fit 22-year-old a prospect to fear for any opposition, as seen by his contributions throughout 2024/25.

Such figures could fall perfectly into the hands of Gyokeres should he make the switch to Old Trafford, with his goalscoring tally undoubtedly improving the situation Amorim has on his hands.

The Swede, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in Europe” by Fabrizio Romano, has also managed to register 4.4 shots per 90, with 2.5 of which going on target – showcasing his clinical nature in the final third.

Viktor Gyokeres

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8

46

Harry Kane

30

25

9

34

Omar Marmoush

31

21

12

33

Kylian Mbappé

32

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3

31

Mateo Retegui

34

24

7

31

Victor Osimhen

28

24

5

29

He’s also created 2.1 chances per 90 to date, along with a 52% aerial success rate, handing the side an all-round option at the top end of the pitch, which could allow Amad to increase his own tallies.

It’s unclear how much the Red Devils are set to bid for his services this summer, but it would be a phenomenal piece of business that would see the talisman link up with his former boss.

Given the interest elsewhere, the hierarchy will have to jump ahead of the opposition and make him their number one target, with Gyokeres having the tools to thrive in the Premier League and take the club back to where they belong.

He'd be amazing with Cunha: Man Utd prepare £65m bid for "sensational" star

Manchester United could land a star who would be perfect alongside Matheus Cunha at Old Trafford.

ByEthan Lamb May 15, 2025

Everton are poised to pounce for an “excellent” Premier League midfielder, who is now looking increasingly likely to leave his club this summer, according to a report.

Toffees set sights on new midfielder

It is set to be a summer of change for the Toffees, with the move to Bramley-Moore Dock to take place prior to the start of the 2025-26 campaign, while David Moyes is also looking to upgrade his squad in a number of different positions.

Having flirted with relegation over the past few seasons, it is little wonder Moyes is eyeing upgrades in several areas, with Leeds United’s Junior Firpo among the targets at left-back, while Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap could be brought in to provide more attacking firepower.

The Merseysiders are also looking to upgrade their options in the engine room, with an offer now being prepared for Lille central midfielder Angel Gomes, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer.

Everton set to cut ties with "outstanding" 93 career-goal ace in summer exit

He’s been a valiant servant at Goodison Park…

BySean Markus Clifford May 12, 2025

However, amid widespread interest in Gomes, it could be difficult to get a deal over the line, and a different central midfielder has now entered the frame as a potential summer target.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Everton are now poised to pounce for Newcastle United midfielder Sean Longstaff, who is looking increasingly likely to exit St. James’ Park this summer, with the Magpies prepared to sanction a departure for just £12m.

Eddie Howe’s side are eager to cash-in on Longstaff, with his contract set to expire in 2026, potentially opening the door for a move to Merseyside, having been identified as a strong target by the Toffees.

Moyes is looking to overhaul his squad this summer, and wants to bring in players with Premier League experience, but there could be fierce competition for the midfielder, with Manchester United, Leeds United and teams in Scotland also keen.

"Excellent" Longstaff could be solid signing for Toffees

As the season has progressed, the Englishman has started to play more of a sporadic role, often being limited to appearances off the bench, but he has impressed Howe in the past, with the manager previously describing him as “excellent”.

With Moyes keen on proven Premier League players, the 27-year-old also fits the bill in that regard, having made 171 appearances in the top flight, picking up ten goals and nine assists.

Not only is the central midfielder capable of posing an attacking threat, but he is also willing to pitch in defensively, as showcased by his performance on some key metrics over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Touches (Att pen)

2.33 (86th percentile)

Tackles

2.61 (77th percentile)

Blocks

1.77 (92nd percentile)

While Longstaff is unlikely to be the most exciting addition for Everton this summer, there is every sign the Newcastle midfielder could be a solid addition to Moyes’ squad.

Nuno Espirito Santo will be hoping that his Nottingham Forest side can put their disappointment of losing the FA Cup semi-final to good use in returning to Premier League action full of fight.

After all, Forest only find themselves outside of the coveted top five positions in the division on goal difference, with clashes to come in May giving them the perfect opportunity to clinch Champions League football over rivals Chelsea and Aston Villa.

To confirm a spot amongst Europe’s elite, however, the ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers boss will know he needs everyone performing at their optimum, with Murillo needing to put in even more dominant displays at the back to ensure victories are forthcoming.

Murillo's impressive season at Forest so far

The City Ground hasn’t had the reputation this season for producing jaw-dropping spectacles in terms of goals, with a low 24 goals being scored in total by the Tricky Trees across 16 home contests.

But, the resilient defensive displays consistently on show will have pleased the Forest masses watching on, away from the entertainment levels being hit-and-miss, with Murillo in the heart of the defence constantly leading by example.

The Sao Paulo-born centre-back is the dictionary definition of a player who plays with his heart on his sleeve, leading to Murillo averaging a hefty 6.7 clearances on average this season in the Premier League.

Collecting 11 clean sheets across 32 league outings too, the £15m once forked out on his signature back in the summer of 2023 continues to look like an unbelievable bargain, with the 22-year-old’s valuation now standing at a whopping £46m as per Transfermarkt.

Forest will aim to hold onto Murillo for as long as they can, with another top performer for the season unfortunately tipped to move away from Nottingham as Manchester City come sniffing about.

The "sensational" star who could be Forest's next Johnson

This wouldn’t be new territory for the Garibaldis if another of their standout figures were to up and leave for more luxurious pastures, considering Brennan Johnson departed the club in September of 2023 for a chance at Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs would have to cough up a significant £47.5m to land the tricky Welshman, but that price tag was more than justified when you take into account Johnson’s eight-goal heroics during Forest’s debut season back amongst the top tier’s elite.

Well, Morgan Gibbs-White could soon follow Johnson’s upward trajectory if reports are to be believed, with Manchester City – the side who just knocked Forest out of the FA Cup – reportedly eyeing up a move for another of Espirito Santo’s standout talents.

talkSPORT have previously suggested that it would take a ridiculous fee of £100m for Forest to consider parting ways with their classy number ten, though, meaning he’s now worth even more than the aforementioned warrior figure of Murillo, and for good reason.

Games played

113

Goals scored

16

Assists

27

Value when joining

£25m

Value now

£70m

Increase in %

180%

The former Wolves youth product turned Tricky Trees royalty has really come into his own this campaign, with the explosive attacking midfielder up to a stunning 14 goal contributions in all competitions, leading to Pep Guardiola and Co circling.

Purchased for just £25m from Wolves, Gibbs-White is yet another example in Espirito Santo’s camp of smart and well-thought-out buys paying off in the long-term, with Murillo’s original £15m price-tag looking like peanuts too.

Of course, the Champions League chasers will want to keep their “sensational” – as he’s been previously lauded by football writer Louis Wheeldon – midfielder around for as long as possible.

But, the allure of the Etihad could prove too strong to turn down, particularly if Forest slip up in their pursuit of the top five.

Just imagine him & Gibbs-White: Nottingham Forest keen on signing £30m star

Nottingham Forest could be about to make a huge signing that would take Morgan Gibbs-White to the next level.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 30, 2025