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After what feels like an eternity, Glasgow Rangers finally have their man. The 49ers believe that Russell Martin is the manager to take the Ibrox side to the next level.

The former Southampton manager has been out of work since his sacking on the South coast last December and faces a baptism of fire in Glasgow.

Indeed, some sections of the support do not believe he is the right man to lead the club into next season and beyond, citing his failure at the Saints as a main reason.

However, looking at his playing style and his ability to get his team attacking at every opportunity during games, he could well be a success at Rangers.

First things first, the 49ers must back him accordingly and allow Martin to bring in players who fit his system.

Improving the defence is a priority for the Gers this summer, as they haven’t truly replaced Connor Goldson’s presence at the back ever since he left the club last summer.

Why Rangers still need to replace Goldson

Goldson spent six years at Ibrox after joining from Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer of 2018, becoming one of Steven Gerrard’s first signings.

Between then and May 2024, the Englishman made a total of 309 competitive appearances for the Light Blues, missing just 22 games through injury across six seasons.

He was a beacon of consistency, no doubt about that. The time was right for the club to sell him, however, as the 2023/24 campaign saw several mistakes creep into his game.

There were times that he regularly got caught out by long balls over the top, but one under-par season shouldn’t detract from just how effective he was before that.

He was perhaps at his best during the 2020/21 campaign. That year, Rangers won their first league title in a decade, going through the whole league season undefeated in the process.

Goldson didn’t miss a single Premiership game as the club conceded just 13 goals, keeping 26 clean sheets.

The Englishman won a staggering 71% of his total duels per game that term, while also making three clearances, 1.3 tackles and being dribbled past only 0.2 times per game in the top flight.

Goldson was at his peak then, and while the level may have dipped over the following few seasons, he remained the first-choice centre-back under a succession of managers.

To replace him last year, Philippe Clement brought in Robin Propper. The move didn’t exactly work out as planned, and it appears as though he is set to leave after a single season.

It looks as though money is available for Martin to bolster his squad this summer. Signing a couple of defenders is certainly high on the list.

Could he potentially bring in someone whom he signed for two of his three previous clubs to Ibrox? It would prove to be a shrewd move if he does…

Martin's dream first signing at Rangers

In order to get the fans onside straight away, Martin will have to offload the deadwood and sign some excellent players. Several names have been linked prior to his appointment, including Cameron Burgess, Metinho and Largie Ramazani recently.

Now it looks as though the newest target is familiar to Martin, which means Rangers could soon make their first summer signing.

Harry Darling is a defender who played under Martin at both Swansea and MK Dons and could make for a fairly solid first signing under the new manager, especially with the Light Blues now joining the chase for his signature.

The centre-back is out of contract at Swansea, meaning he wouldn’t cost the Gers a penny, with the Daily Record naming him as a potential option for the club last month.

Transfer Focus

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

Wrexham, Stoke City and Norwich City are also keen on him. However, the allure of playing under Martin, plus the chance to win trophies and play European football, means Glasgow is likely his preferred destination.

If so, he could be an ideal replacement for Goldson.

Why Rangers must sign Harry Darling

Darling joined Swansea in 2022 and made 112 appearances across his three seasons with the Welsh side.

The 25-year-old managed to score 12 goals, indicating that he can provide a goal threat at set pieces, akin to Goldson at Rangers.

In the Championship last season, Darling won 65% of his total duels contested per game. He showcased his strengths in one-on-one battles.

Elsewhere, the defender made five clearances, recovered 3.9 balls and made 0.8 tackles per game in the second tier, having notably been praised by his manager Luke Williams after a “heroic” performance against West Bromwich Albion at the turn of the year.

The thing that stands out is his attacking qualities. Indeed, when compared to positional peers across Europe’s top 14 leagues, Darling ranks in the top 3% for non-penalty goals, the top 4% for total shots and in the top 7% for assists per 90.

He loves to get forward as often as possible, evidenced by the fact that he ranks in the top 6% for touches in the attacking penalty area and in the top 15% for progressive carries per 90 for Swansea.

These statistics suggest Darling would be a solid signing for Rangers ahead of the new season.

Not only does he have an excellent rapport with Martin, but the Englishman is capable of offering a threat in the opposition penalty area.

Signing a player with this quality for nothing could see the new manager get off to a promising start in his new role.

Rangers official in South America today to watch 6-cap international live

Rangers have sent an official to South America to take a closer look at a midfielder.

By
Brett Worthington

Jun 5, 2025

Celtic won the Scottish Premiership title and the League Cup trophy during the 2025/26 campaign, but missed out on the treble with a loss to Aberdeen on penalties in the SFA Cup final.

It was a successful season for Brendan Rodgers and his men, despite the final loss at Hampden Park in the final game of the campaign, and that was owed, in part, to the quality of the squad.

Nicolas Kuhn was one of the stars who propelled Celtic to two trophies with his contributions at the top end of the pitch, with 21 goals and 15 assists in all competitions this term.

His form was particularly impressive when you consider that his reported wage of £12k-per-week does not make him one of the top earners in the squad.

Noteworthy Celtic players who earn more than Nicolas Kuhn

As per Capology, James McCarthy (£14k), Anthony Ralston (£14k), Luis Palma (£16k), and James Forrest (£19k) earn, or earned in McCarthy’s case, more than Kuhn.

Chalkboard

They combined for 12 league starts between them, whilst Palma was sent out on loan to Olympiacos for the second half of the season, and the German winger managed 21 starts on his own.

Meanwhile, Maik Nawrocki, who played three times in the Premiership in the 2024/25 campaign, is also on a weekly wage of £12k at Parkhead, which suggests that Celtic are not getting value for money on their wages with several members of the squad.

Another centre-back who reportedly earns more than Kuhn is Gustaf Lagerbielke, who Lecce chief Pantaleo Corvino claimed is on £13k-per-week, and Rodgers must finally axe the flop this summer.

Why Celtic must sell Gustaf Lagerbielke this summer

The Hoops swooped to sign the Swedish central defender from Elfsborg for a reported fee of £3m in the summer of 2023, and it is fair to say that things have not gone to plan for him so far.

He only made ten appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants in all competitions during the 2023/24 campaign, as Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales established themselves as the first-choice pairing.

Speaking about Nawrocki and Lagerbielke’s lack of game time last season, pundit Ewan Cameron claimed that they were not Rodgers’ signings, saying: “He (Rodgers) doesn’t fancy them. He doesn’t rate them.”

The Swedish defender’s lack of game time in the Premiership that season, as evidenced in the table above, backs up that claim from Cameron, as Rodgers very rarely relied on him.

Celtic’s manager then opted to allow the 25-year-old flop to join FC Twente on loan for the 2024/25 campaign, and it has been another fairly frustrating year for the centre-back.

Lagerbielke did start 15 Eredivisie matches, playing more than he did for the Hoops, but was also an unused substitute in five of the club’s last six regular season games.

This shows that he has failed to nail down a regular spot as a starter in the Dutch top-flight out on loan, which does not suggest that the £3m dud is coming back to Parkhead this summer in a position to push on and fight for a place in Rodgers’ starting line-up.

The Northern Irish boss decided to go with Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, Scales, and Nawrocki ahead of him in the squad this season, and Lagerbielke’s struggles abroad indicate that the manager made the right call.

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By
Dan Emery

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Therefore, Rodgers must, now, finally ditch the defender on a permanent basis, if there is sufficient interest from elsewhere to facilitate a deal, because he does not appear to have a bright future in Glasgow and earns more than one of the team’s biggest stars in Kuhn.

Chelsea’s Premier League fixtures for the 2025/26 season have now officially been released, as Blues fans everywhere begin to feverishly jot down where and when their beloved team will play all across the 38-game marathon.

Amazingly, Enzo Maresca’s men won’t have to leave the comforts of London behind for their first four top-flight clashes, with Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Fulham, and Brentford all coming in quick succession in August and September, before fierce ties with Manchester United and Liverpool then appear on the stacked calendar.

Before the Premier League excitedly kicks back into gear, however, Chelsea still have a Club World Cup tournament to compete in, alongside the hectic transfer window being in full swing.

The chaotic window is already throwing up lots of tasty transfer rumours involving Maresca’s men, with another high-profile name now being linked to enhance their attacking options even more.

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Charlie Smith

Jun 13, 2025

Chelsea known admirers of 22-year-old PL ace

This has been a busy summer so far for the Blues and it’s showing no signs of slowing down amid rumours linking the likes of Jamie Gittens and Hugo Ekitike to the Bridge.

Transfer Focus

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

Now, as per a report from the Daily Mail Online, Chelsea are reportedly said to be keen admirers of Aston Villa superstar Morgan Rogers this summer.

The report does clarify that Unai Emery’s men aren’t entertaining the prospect of selling their standout performer, but with PSR issues lingering in the air, Villa could well need to sell up, with Rogers arguably their most valuable asset.

After all, it had been previously noted that Rogers could be available for an eye-watering fee around a £100m figure, with Arsenal also keen on the former Middlesbrough midfielder, according to the Mail.

It remains to be seen whether Maresca’s side or Mikel Arteta’s outfit would be willing to fork out such a high amount, but if Chelsea were ultimately successful in this ongoing race for the in-demand 22-year-old, they could well land a perfect partner for a growing Liam Delap to bounce off of.

How Rogers could make Delap even better

Delap is already up and running wearing his new Chelsea blue as opposed to his Ipswich Town colours, with his assist helping the Blues pick up a comfortable 2-0 victory over LAFC in the Club World Cup.

Still, the new £30m striker will be excused for feeling slightly nervous about Premier League action kicking off at Stamford Bridge, having only ever tasted top-flight football on the books of Kieran McKenna’s relegation-threatened minnows.

He will feel less apprehensive about the task ahead of improving his overall game, knowing Rogers has been in the same anxious boat and come out the other side stronger, with the 6-foot-2 attacker having to get up to speed with the Premier League mid-way through the 2023/24 season.

Rogers is definitely at home with the pressures of the top-flight now after firing home an encouraging three goals from 13 games during his debut campaign and then recording a stunning 14 goals and 15 assists in all competitions last season. That led to Jamie Carragher calling the in-demand 22-year-old “unstoppable” during this standout patch of form.

Delap will pray he undergoes a similar transformation to Rogers, with the poacher clearly capable of being a reliable fox-in-the-box presence for a relegation-threatened outfit when collecting 12 league strikes for Ipswich.

But, with a sublime teammate such as the Villa number 27 by his side – who created a bumper 16 big chances last campaign – he could soon soar to even loftier heights.

Alongside being a potentially phenomenal comrade to the ex-Manchester City attacker, Rogers could also slot into the Chelsea XI down the left wing if needed, away from the Blues’ ongoing pursuit of Gittens.

If Chelsea wants to kick on this forthcoming season and be genuine title challengers, adding in faces such as Rogers could be the next impressive move, with a top-flight foe in Villa severely weakened in the process.

Chelsea prepared to sell one of their "best players" who Enzo Maresca loves

The Italian could lose a key man this summer.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 18, 2025

Manchester United haven’t been a club shy to spend money in the transfer window over recent years, with the hierarchy handing various managers the funds to transform the side.

The Red Devils have spent around £800m on new additions since 2020, many of which have struggled to make an impact, leading to yet more funds being dropped in this window.

Matheus Cunha is the first player to move to Old Trafford this summer, with Ruben Amorim needing key additions if he is to lead the club to glory in the years ahead.

The Brazilian cost a staggering £62.5m, but he will no doubt be the first of multiple signings made in an attempt to avoid a 15th-placed Premier League finish once again in 2025/26.

All areas of the pitch will need to be subject to investment given the lack of depth and quality currently at the manager’s disposal, which could see another huge amount of money spent between now and September 1st.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

Bryan Mbeumo has been a name on all supporters’ lips over the last couple of weeks, but it appears as though he will finally be a United player after the Red Devils and Brentford moved closer to an agreement.

He’s not the only player who could complete a move to the Theatre of Dreams, after talks were held with Juventus over a potential swap deal that would see Dušan Vlahović move to Manchester, with Jadon Sancho moving in the opposite direction.

However, a new name has entered the mix over the last couple of days, with PSG’s talented teenage midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery now a target for Amorim’s side, according to TEAMtalk.

They claim that the Red Devils have made an enquiry to sign the 19-year-old Champions League winner, who’s already racked up 125 appearances for the Parisians despite his tender age.

Transfer Focus

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

It also states that Luis Enrique’s side have slapped a £85m price tag on his shoulders to prevent any interest and won’t be entertaining any offers for the French star unless a bid of that amount is submitted.

Why United’s £85m target would be Amorim’s own Bellingham

Jude Bellingham has been one of Europe’s leading talents in recent seasons, subsequently taking his career to the next level after joining Real Madrid back in 2023.

The 21-year-old has already racked up 96 appearances for the Spanish giants, scoring 38 times from his midfield role, carrying a huge threat at both ends of the pitch.

However, his career could’ve played out very differently, with United interested in signing the Englishman twice already in his career, once at Birmingham City and the other at Borussia Dortmund.

They were never able to convince the star to move on either occasion, leaving the side without that young, exciting prospect they’ve been craving in the middle of the park.

That could all be about to change in the coming months, with a move for Zaire-Emery this window, with the PSG star labelled as a similar player to Bellingham by FBref.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the 2024/25 campaign, the Frenchman has managed to match or better him in numerous key areas, subsequently handing Amorim his own version of the Madrid star should he move this window.

Zaire-Emery, who’s been described as “one of the best midfielders in the world” by his agent Jorge Mendes, has registered a higher pass completion rate this season, along with more passes into the final third per 90 – highlighting the creative ability he possesses at his tender age.

He’s also dominated without the ball, winning more of the tackles he’s entered in 2024/25, whilst completing a higher tally of interceptions per 90 – handing Amorim the perfect box-to-box option he’s been hunting for.

Whilst he’s still a teenager making his name in the game, the youngster has still managed to complete more take-ons this campaign, having the composure and skill to effortlessly glide past opponents should he move to Old Trafford.

£85m would be a mammoth sum to drop on such a young talent, but he’s already showcased that he’s capable of developing into an elite talent should he continue on his current trajectory.

If he could get to Bellingham’s levels in the years to come, it would be a phenomenal piece of business and one that could catapult United one step closer to their former glory.

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Manchester United have been given the green light to complete a deal for one of Europe’s biggest stars.

4

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 26, 2025

It wouldn’t be hyperbolic to describe the last few years as being incredibly hectic for Chelsea.

The Blues have seen new ownership come, have spent an enormous amount of money in a relatively short space of time, and have been through their fair share of managers.

However, even though there have been more than a few bumpy moments in terms of performances and results, it looks like the team are finally on the right track.

Enzo Maresca led his side to a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League last season, and on top of securing Champions League football, led them to Conference League glory.

Following the Argentine’s impressive first campaign, the board have already backed him in a big way this summer, with the likes of Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens all making their way to the King’s Road.

The wheeling and dealing looks far from finished there, though, so here’s what Chelsea’s dream squad could look like if everything goes according to plan this summer.

The Goalkeepers

Emiliano Martínez takes the gloves

While Robert Sanchez improved towards the end of last season, it would be fair to say that many fans would still like to see an upgrade signed this summer.

That seems to be the opinion of the board as well, with reports linking them with Aston Villa’s World Cup-winning shot-stopper Emiliano Martínez.

The Argentine, who won last year’s Best Fifa Men’s Goalkeeper, is reportedly also a target for Manchester United and could end up costing around £40m.

That would see Sanchez become the number two, and with Đorđe Petrović looking set to join Bournemouth for around £25m, Filip Jorgensen could be third choice.

Full list of goalkeepers: Emiliano Martínez, Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen.

The Defence

Chelsea add promising depth

Chelsea managed to produce the third-best defence in the Premier League last season, conceding just two more goals than Liverpool and nine more than Arsenal.

So, instead of wholesale change, they would be wise to trim the fat and add a couple of exciting prospects to the group.

Funnily enough, that seems to be the approach the Blues are taking, with Axel Disasi and Renato Veiga looking likely to leave, while Jorrel Hato could make his way to West London from the Netherlands.

Alongside the West Londoners, the “exceptional” Ajax gem, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has been linked with a host of clubs and could be available for around £40m.

It might sound like a lot to spend on a 19-year-old, but he’s already made 111 first-team appearances for the Amsterdam side, has six caps for the national team and can play as either a left-back or centre-back.

The young Dutchman probably wouldn’t start many games, at least not right away, but he’d be brilliant depth and help ensure Marc Cucurella isn’t played into the ground.

Full list of centre-backs: Trevoh Chalobah, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Mamadou Sarr, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile.

Full list of right-backs: Reece James, Malo Gusto.

Full list of left-backs: Marc Cucurella, Jorrel Hato.

The Midfielders

Chelsea add an exciting talent

Arguably, Chelsea’s most stacked area of the squad is the midfield, and there isn’t a whole lot that needs to be done there this summer.

So long as they remain fit, the incredible Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernández will remain the first choice for the middle of the park.

At the same time, Andrey Santos and Roméo Lavia are excellent rotation options.

Moving up into attacking midfield and to the man who has to be the first name on the team sheet: Cole Palmer.

While he is capable of playing out wide and on the wing, he can have a far greater impact on proceedings as the most advanced midfielder, and with a tally of 41 goals and 28 assists in 96 games for the Blues, Maresca will want him where he can have the most significant impact.

However, the club appear to be after someone who can cover for the sensational talent, and based on reports, that player could be Alejandro Garnacho.

The Argentine ace had a very public falling out with Manchester United and was told he would be sold this summer, and one of the clubs interested in the £60m ace is Chelsea.

While it might not be a move that excites the fanbase, the Madrid-born international wasn’t too bad last season, racking up 11 goals and ten assists in 3568 minutes, and spending most of the campaign in attacking midfield.

In all, Chelsea have an incredible array of midfield talent, and the United star could be great depth.

Full list of midfielders: Cole Palmer, Alejandro Garncaho, Moises Caicedo, Roméo Lavia, Dario Essugo, Enzo Fernández, Andrey Santos, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

The Attackers

Chelsea go huge on the frontline

Chelsea have already gone big when it comes to attacking signings this summer.

Delap cost them £30m from Ipswich Town, Pedro cost a cool £60m from Brighton & Hove Albion, and Jamie Gittens cost around £48m from Borussia Dortmund.

With all of that business in mind, plus the likes of Pedro Neto and Estavão looking ready for the new season, it makes sense for the club to be looking to sell a few players.

The most notable departure is undoubtedly Noni Madueke, who is set to join Arsenal for around £52m, but it also looks like João Felix could be on his way for close to £17m.

If the board can then get rid of Raheem Sterling as well, that would leave them with plenty of room in the wage budget to further bolster the attack, which seems to be the plan.

One of the names linked with the team this summer has been Malick Fofana, who has a price tag of around £50m.

The young Frenchman would be another signing for the future, but with a tally of 17 goal involvements in 41 games last season, he could still make an impact from the bench.

Finally, if Chelsea are able to amass their dream squad this summer, then they’ll surely get their hands on Hugo Ekitiké.

The Eintracht Frankfurt striker has been linked with a £85m move to Stamford Bridge this summer, and while that is a lot of money, it would be money well spent.

In 48 appearances last season, totalling 3644 minutes, the 23-year-old marksman scored a mammoth 22 goals and provided 12 assists to boot.

In other words, the Reims-born dynamo whom journalist Graeme Bailey once dubbed the “next Mbappé,” averaged a goal involvement every 1.41 games, or every 107.17 minutes.

Just imagine how dangerous he’d be playing in the same team as Palmer; that duo could be enough to fire the Blues into a title charge.

Full list of wingers: Pedro Neto, Estavo, Jamie Gittens, Malick Fofana.

Full list of strikers: Hugo Ekitiké, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Nicolas Jackson.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 10, 2025

Everton are readying themselves to bring in more arrivals under David Moyes and have now made an approach for a new striker, according to a report.

Everton plotting to make more signings

Continuing their pre-season preparations, the Toffees suffered a 1-0 defeat to Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park ahead of their trip to the United States for the Premier League Summer Series.

Reacting after a disappointing day at the office, new signing Mark Travers believes his side will become stronger over the coming weeks once fitness is restored at Finch Farm.

He stated: “It’s really good to get 90 minutes under my belt. I’d say it’s a disappointing result, but we’re still early in pre-season. The lads are just getting their fitness levels up. I’m really excited to get my first game early in pre-season and I’m looking forward to the rest of pre-season now.”

Of course, part of the improvement to come will take shape in the form of signings at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and Everton have entered the race to sign Celtic forward Daizen Maeda following his 33-goal return last season.

However, Tottenham Hotspur, Brentford and West Ham United are also keen on the Japan international, who could become a new addition to their forward line after Thierno Barry arrived from Villarreal.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 15, 2025

Meanwhile, Douglas Luiz and Conor Gallagher may strengthen the Toffees’ midfield. Respectively, Juventus and Atletico Madrid could be tempted by the prospect of selling either player for considerable financial gain.

Right now, it still feels like the Friedkin Group have plenty of work to do in a transitional summer, but Everton may feel they could have gained an edge in the hunt for another striker signing.

Everton make approach for Rangers star Hamza Igamane

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri on X, Everton have made an approach for Rangers striker Hamza Igamane by means of an enquiry. At the same time, Feyenoord and Udinese have also emerged as suitors for the Morocco international.

LOSC Lille appeared in pole position to bring him to France. However, their deal with the Scottish Premiership outfit is now on hold after struggling to find a breakthrough in negotiations despite already agreeing personal terms.

Last term, the 22-year-old scored 16 times in 46 appearances across all competitions, leading to Derek Ferguson labelling him “brilliant” after an effort in a 3-0 win away at Ross County.

Everton appear like they are looking to take a foothold in the race for his signature, but any movement may depend on whether Rangers are willing to budge from their £17 million valuation of Igamane, which has been widely reported.

Thomas Tuchel took aim at England forwards after the Three Lions struggled past Andorra in World Cup qualifying. England may have collected another three points in their march towards the 2026 World Cup, but the atmosphere at Villa Park told its own story. As the final whistle sounded on a 2-0 win over Andorra, thousands of empty seats glared back at Thomas Tuchel.

• Tuchel slams wasteful England forwards
• Fans leave Villa Park unimpressed
• Serbia clash seen as real test

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ranked 174th in the world, Andorra barely laid a glove on England, yet the Three Lions never looked like turning dominance into a rout. Tuchel, known for his meticulous standards, was far from impressed with what he witnessed. And in a brutally honest post-match assessment, Tuchel took aim at three of his attacking players, insisting England’s wastefulness kept the scoreline respectable for Andorra.

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• Getty/GOAL
  

  WHAT TUCHEL SAID

  Tuchel said: “It’s difficult because it's a very different crowd to a Premier League crowd. I think the energy was right, the quality was there and we should've scored more. I think we missed the little moments to accelerate the game. Maybe Ebz [Eberechi Eze] didn't have his best day in the number 10, the last pass from Noni Madueke wasn't clinical enough and Marcus Rashford had good moments but couldn't finish them.

  “It's stuff that can happen against a narrow team. The second goal should have come earlier because it gave us a lot of freedom. In general with the effort and attitude I am totally satisfied and it was a much better performance than in June. It would have be deserved to win 4-0 or 5-0."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The spotlight inevitably fell on Eze, Arsenal’s summer signing, who was handed a starting berth but failed to leave a lasting impression. Sloppy in possession and hesitant in dangerous areas, the midfielder struggled to impose himself in a match many thought was tailor-made for him to shine. With competition for places fierce, Eze’s quiet display may have dented his hopes of nailing down a regular starting role in Tuchel’s England, especially when Jude Bellingham will be back.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  A sell-out 39,202 crowd had packed the stadium expecting goals galore, but the lack of cutting edge left many flat. England have now managed just three goals in two matches against Andorra across the campaign, a statistic that underlines Tuchel’s frustration. With such a gulf in rankings, anything less than a thumping victory always invites scrutiny.

Manchester United head scout Christopher Vivell is now pushing for Ruben Amorim to sign a “phenomenal” Viktor Gyokeres alternative, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed.

Man Utd set to miss out on Gyokeres

Man United had been given renewed hope of potentially winning the race for Gyokeres, with it being revealed they were closing in on an agreement over a transfer fee last week, but they are now set to miss out on the striker.

In fact, journalist Duncan Castles has played down reports that United even made a move for the Sweden international in the first place, stating: “I’m told by sources at Manchester United that that’s not true, and also by people close to Gyokeres that it’s absolutely not true, and even if it were true, Gyokeres would not go to Manchester United.

“He has chosen to go to Arsenal, and he will continue to force that move.”

With the Sweden international set to move to the Emirates Stadium, Amorim will now have to move on to alternative targets, and Vivell has now given his backing to a striker he knows well.

That is according to Bailey, in an interview with The Boot Room, who states Man Utd’s head scout is now pushing for Amorim to sign RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. It is claimed that Amorim was previously sceptical about Sesko, however, Vivell has now eased those concerns.

Bailey said: “Despite Amorim’s uncertainty due to his age, Christopher Vivell – who knows Sesko from his Red Bull days – has given his backing internally. I am told that he firmly believes that he is actually very mature – not dissimilar in his mentality to Erling Haaland and this has really eased some concerns United might have had.

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Brett Worthington

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The transfer expert also reveals that talks have been held with Sesko’s entourage, saying: “His people, along with intermediaries, have been gauging the interest and talking to clubs to assess their situation, and clubs in England have been spoken to, including Manchester United.”

"Phenomenal" Sesko could be ideal Gyokeres alternative

Arsenal deliberated over whether to sign Sesko or Gyokeres for quite some time, indicating that little separates the two centre-forwards, and the Slovenian has proven he could be the ideal alternative option.

The Leipzig star has maintained a solid goal record across the past three seasons, impressing for RB Salzburg in the 2022-23 campaign before going on to establish himself at Bundesliga level.

Not only that, but scout Antonio Mango clearly holds the 22-year-old in very high regard, having lauded him as “phenomenal” in the past, while Fabrizio Romano praised his ability to carry on delivering despite Leipzig enduring a tough 2024-25 season.

A deal for Sesko will not be cheap, with it being claimed a deal could amount to €80m (£69m), but there are clear signs he could go on to be a top striker.

Former Bayern Munich midfielder Lothar Matthaus has provided his thoughts ahead of the first matchday of the Champions League. According to the legendary former Germany international, Bayern Munich will be one of the seven favourites to clinch the coveted continental title this season, backing the Bavarians to overcome Club World Cup holders Chelsea in their opener on Wednesday.

• Bayern Munich on fire as Chelsea find their stride

  Bayern are one of the select few teams in the big five European Leagues to have a 100 per cent win record this season. Indeed, the Bavarians swat aside newly-promoted Hamburg 5-0 over the weekend to make it three wins in as many Bundesliga games. In those three games, Vincent Kompany's men have scored 14 goals and have conceded just twice. 

  On the other hand, Chelsea's start to their league campaign has been less ideal. After a goalless stalemate against Crystal Palace on the opening matchday, the Blues cruised to successive wins against West Ham and Fulham, before another draw – a dramatic 2-2 finish against Brentford.

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  Matthaus predicts Bayern to beat Chelsea

  Matthaus was quite optimistic about Die Roten's chances in the Champions League this season in his column for . 

  "For me, Bayern is one of the six best teams in Europe and among the teams that can win the title," asserted the ex-midfielder. "These include defending champions Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, Manchester City and, to a lesser extent, Arsenal."

  Previewing the encounter against Chelsea, Matthaus added: "Their opening opponent, Chelsea, may be the Club World Champions, but I expect Bayern to win at home. They will have learned their lesson from last season's Champions League, when they failed due to their poor conversion rate. In the 5-0 win against Hamburg on Saturday, Bayern slowed down after half an hour because they knew that the coming weeks would be physically demanding."

• Chelsea rocked by injuries

  Although Harry Kane claimed that the 2025-26 Bayern squad was "one of the smallest" he has ever played in, while complaining about lack of depth, it is, in fact, Enzo Maresca's side who might be feeling too "thin" ahead of their trip to Allianz Arena. Just days before the transfer deadline, new signing Liam Delap suffered a hamstring injury and is expected to be out for at least another two months. Joao Pedro, in the words of the head coach, was not "fully fit" during the Brentford clash, coming off in the 79th minute. Meanwhile, youngsters Estevao and Dario Essugo are also dealing with problems. The dazzling Brazilian winger was left out of the squad for their trip to Gtech Community Stadium as Essugo was ruled out for the next three months due to a thigh injury.

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  Bayern and Chelsea's upcoming league assignments

  After locking horns on Wednesday evening, the two sides will return to domestic duty at the weekend. Both heavyweights play their next league games on Saturday, with Bayern taking on Hoffenheim at the Allianz Arena, while Chelsea travelling to Old Trafford to take on an under-fire Manchester United.

Whilst their striker search develops following news that Alexander Isak wants to leave, Newcastle United and PIF have reportedly been offered the chance to sign a Premier League rival instead of Benjamin Sesko.

Newcastle "working" on Sesko deal

The Magpies have sprung into action following Isak’s bombshell and have instantly turned their focus towards Sesko. The RB Leipzig ace has attracted the interest of Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool this summer, but now Newcastle have emerged in search of a blockbuster move of their own.

According to transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, those at St James’ Park are now “working” on personal terms with the talented striker and are set to submit an opening bid to Leipzig, who are open to a summer sale.

Although reports have suggested that Leipzig will demand as much as £67m to sell the 22-year-old ahead of next season, money will be no issue for Newcastle if Isak departs for a deal which could be a staggering worth £150m.

It certainly makes sense that Newcastle have turned straight towards Sesko too. The Serbian has been on the rise for a couple of seasons now and once again showed plenty of his potential in the Bundesliga last time out.

There will be concerns that Sesko managed just 13 Bundesliga goals last time out, but it’s key to point out that both he and Isak outperformed their expected total by three goals. Based on that figure, the Serbian certainly has the potential to improve his numbers if chance creation around him is improved.

PIF set sights on signing 13-goal star for Newcastle after Isak bombshell

The Magpies have instantly turned towards potential replacements.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 25, 2025

Alas, with how this summer has gone for the Magpies, having alternative options lined up certainly wouldn’t be a bad idea and one Premier League rival may find himself on that shortlist.

PIF offered chance to sign Jackson

According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, PIF have now been offered the chance to sign Nicolas Jackson for Newcastle this summer. The forward’s agent has offered his signature around the Premier League to the likes of Manchester United, Aston Villa and now Newcastle as he looks to ensure that his client receives his desired game time.

After Chelsea signed both Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, that game time is unlikely to arrive at Stamford Bridge – allowing Newcastle to come swooping in should they please this summer.

Dubbed “fantastic” by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, Newcastle’s backline paid witness to Jackson’s ability first-hand last season when he scored in a 2-1 victory over the Magpies.

It goes without saying that Jackson must work on his consistency after scoring 13 goals in all competitions last season, but he could yet find that by swapping Chelsea for Newcastle this summer.