Liverpool are believed to be planning talks with an “extraordinary” player over a move to Anfield at the end of the season, according to a new transfer claim.
Liverpool win historic 20th league title
The Reds clinched a 20th league title on Sunday afternoon, being crowned Premier League champions after an unforgettable 5-1 win at home to Tottenham. Despite falling behind to a goal from former Liverpool striker Dominic Solanke, Arne Slot’s side turned things around in style, putting on a show in front of a euphoric Anfield and celebrating in emotional fashion after the final whistle.
It is a stunning achievement by Slot in his first season in charge of the Reds, with the Dutchman not allowing himself to feel the pressure of replacing Jurgen Klopp last summer, guiding his team to glory in the process.
Once the dust has settled on a memorable season, however, Liverpool will be well aware that a busy summer transfer window is required. The newly-crowned champions may be an excellent side, but there are still areas of focus ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with reinforcements required to help them defend their title.
Liverpool planning talks to sign Ademola Lookman
According to an update from Caught Offside, Liverpool are “planning to hold talks” with Atalanta attacker Ademola Lookman over a summer switch to Anfield. They are not alone, however, with Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle and Arsenal all mentioned in the update, too. The 27-year-old’s club will be demanding up to £55m for his services.
Atalanta's AdemolaLookmanin action
Lookman has been mentioned as a target for Liverpool in the past, and it is easy to see why Slot and Richard Hughes could view him as a strong addition this summer. The former Everton attacker has excelled in an Atalanta shirt, most notably scoring a hat-trick in their 3-0 win against Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen in last season’s Europa League final.
The Nigerian has scored 50 goals in just 115 appearances for the Serie A side, as well as registering 24 assists, and his current manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, has lauded his ability in the past.
‘He’s [Lookman] a top player. In terms of character, there are perhaps players who have more continuity and are more solid, but that’s normal. Even his role is difficult. He always has to be very fit, but he has become a truly extraordinary player, among the best in Europe and the world. Because he has improved his consistency and in some ways he has started to be an important Atalanta player.”
Lookman has generally operated as a centre forward for Atalanta, even though he can also shine out wide, and if Liverpool’s recruitment team believe he is an upgrade on the likes of Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez to lead the line next season, they need to be trusted.
Slot has found a "monster" who's Liverpool's new Gerrard & it's not Salah
Liverpool thrashed Tottenham to win the Premier League.
1 ByAngus Sinclair Apr 28, 2025
He would be a cheaper option than Newcastle star Alexander Isak, for example, and the fact that he already knows the Premier League well would be an added bonus.
While their Premier League form remains inconsistent at best, there is an undeniably positive sentiment around Arsenal at the moment.
This is, of course, thanks to the club’s upcoming Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain, which they demolished Real Madrid in the quarter-finals to qualify for.
Mikel Arteta’s men were utterly superb home and away against the Kings of Europe, but if we had to single out one player, it’d have to be Declan Rice, who scored two unreal free-kicks at home and then bossed the midfield at the Bernabeu.
There is no doubt that the Englishman is currently playing the best football he has since his £105m move to the Emirates in 2023, so fans should be excited about recent reports linking Arsenal to a young midfielder who could be the next Rice.
Arsenal looking to sign new midfielder
Plenty of incredible stars are already being linked with moves to Arsenal this summer, so before looking at the player in question, it’s worth looking at a couple of them, such as Florian Wirtz.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The Bayer Leverkusen gem is one of the most exciting talents in world football and has already racked up a tally of 15 goals and 13 assists in 41 games, but with a reported £111m price tag, we’d be surprised to see the Gunners act on this rumour.
An altogether more affordable target might be Anthony Elanga.
Nottingham Forest star Anthony Elanga
The former Manchester United prospect has been linked with a £43m move to N5 this summer, and considering he’s managed to rack up a haul of 16 goal involvements in 37 appearances for Nottingham Forest this year, that might not be a bad deal.
However, perhaps one of the most intriguing emerging links is to Andrey Santos despite Arsenal’s plans to sign fellow midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are now one of several sides who are on ‘alert for a surprise potential transfer raid’ and are ‘interested’ in signing the Chelsea loanee this summer.
The Brazilian midfielder is currently thriving on loan with Strasbourg and, per the report, is not ‘entirely committed to going back to Chelsea next season.’
This means there is now a chance that the Blues could be willing to sell the youngster for a fee of up to €50m, which is about £43m.
RC Strasbourg'sAndreySantosin action
It might be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Santos’ ability and potential, it’s one Arsenal should fight for, especially as he could be another Rice in the making.
Why Santos might be the new Rice
Okay, so before getting into some of the other reasons why Arsenal might want to go out and sign Santos this summer, it’s worth going over his similarities to Rice and why he could develop into another version of the Englishman.
So, the first and most obvious point of comparison is that, like the former West Ham United captain, the Chelsea loanee can comfortably play as either a defensive or central midfielder but has found more success this season as the latter, racking up ten goals and five assists in 30 appearances.
On top of this positional versatility and eye for goal, the Rio de Janeiro-born gem is tenacious in the middle of the park, with respected football analyst Ben Mattinson describing him as a “duel monster” who is “brilliant at screening the backline” and possesses real “aerial prowess” – who does that sound like?
Furthermore, like the Gunners’ number 41, Mattinson also praises the Brazilian for how he “progresses the ball,” the fact he frequently “wins 2nd balls”, and, finally, that he “crashes the box” from his deeper position on the pitch, which once again sounds alarmingly similar to the player Arteta has coached Rice into since he arrived in North London.
Finally, away from the glaring similarities to the North Londoners’ own midfield monster, the 20-year-old has some seriously impressive underlying numbers to his name.
Goals per Shot
0.25
Top 1%
Tackles Won
2.25
Top 2%
Non-Penalty Goals
0.32
Top 2%
Goals
0.32
Top 3%
Tackles
3.33
Top 4%
Goals + Assists
0.41
Top 6%
Long Pass Completion
79.2%
Top 6%
Dribblers Tackled
1.46
Top 10%
Ball Recoveries
6.24
Top 12%
For example, FBref places him in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for goals per shot, the top 2% for non-penalty goals and tackles won, the top 3% for overall goals, the top 4% for overall tackles, the top 6% for long pass completion, the top 10% for dribblers tackles and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, while it might be a lot of money to spend on someone so young, Santos looks like a genuine superstar in the making, so Arsenal should do what they can to bring him to the Emirates this summer, as he might just develop into another Rice.
Shades of Xhaka: Arsenal star who won 100% duels is now undroppable
The impressive international has turned his Arsenal career around.
Celtic are thriving on the field under Brendan Rodgers, but they may now be set for an unexpected turn of events behind the scenes following recent developments.
Brendan Rodgers aims to maintain Celtic winning culture
Evaluating the landscape of Scottish football, Celtic find themselves head and shoulders above the rest as they close in on another domestic treble.
Brendan Rodgers knows his side only need to defeat Aberdeen at Hampden later this month to achieve that feat, while he is also the third-most successful manager in the club’s illustrious history behind Willie Maley and Jock Stein.
Celtic managerBrendanRodgerscelebrates after winning the League Cup
However, there has been some speculation surrounding the Celtic boss as he heads into the final year of his contract at Parkhead with little to no update on a potential extension.
Like any manager worth his salt, Rodgers wants full backing from the Hoops hierarchy before his side take on the challenge of facing whoever they draw in the final round of Champions League qualifying.
Citing the need for signings, Celtic are very interested in Red Star Belgrade defender Veljko Milosavljevic, potentially laying down a marker with regard to what supporters can expect from their club in the summer market.
Fewer minutes than Nawrocki: Celtic must axe flop who's "not good enough"
Celtic must finally part ways with this player who has played fewer minutes than Maik Nawrocki.
ByDan Emery May 9, 2025
Stability at Parkhead has led to a steady stream of success. That hasn’t just come from the manager, but the rank and file department members that exist below his sphere of influence.
Nevertheless, everyone at one point will look to strike out on their own should the opportunity present itself. That is just the reality of career progression in the cold light of day.
With that in mind, Celtic could face a fight to hold onto one of their trusted coaches after the club were approached over his availability, per recent developments.
Swansea City approach Celtic to land Darren O'Dea
According to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph on X, Swansea City have approached Celtic as they look to appoint Darren O’Dea as their assistant manager following Alan Sheehan’s appointment as head coach at the Swansea.com Stadium.
Former Republic of Ireland international O’Dea is currently the Bhoys’ Professional Player Pathway Manager, though he could now be set to swap Glasgow for the EFL Championship side if all parties agree on a deal.
O’Dea has also managed Celtic’s B Team in conjunction with Stephen McManus, and his departure may come as something of a surprise despite his ambitions of entering the dugout at senior level.
Either way, Hoops fans and figures from inside the club will wish him well if he were to take up Swansea on their offer, given his reputation as a bright young coach who has worked his way up the Lennoxtown ranks.
The race for promotion to the Premier League from the Championship always makes for eye-catching viewing, and the 2024/25 season was no different, with Leeds United, Burnley and Sheffield United all battling for the top two automatic spots.
The Whites and Clarets were successful in the regular season in the end, thanks to both clubs reaching the 100-point mark. But who are the best Championship teams in recent history?
In this list, we look at the teams with the highest second-tier points tallies since three points were awarded for a win in 1981/82.
Rank
Team
Season
Points
Reading
2005/06
Sunderland
1998/99
Newcastle
2009/10
Leicester
2013/14
Fulham
2000/01
Burnley
2022/23
Leeds
2024/25
Burnley
2024/25
Man City
2001/02
Chelsea
1988/89
Wolves
2017/18
Portsmouth
2002/03
12 Portsmouth (2002/03) 98 points (GD +52)
Harry Redknapp guided Portsmouth into the Premier League back in 2002/03, winning 29 of their 46 games. In fact, they lost just one of their first 15 games and netted just shy of 100 league goals, pipping Leicester City to the title.
Svetoslav Todorov was Pompey’s top scorer that year with 26 goals in all competitions in a squad which included Paul Merson, Yakubu and Eddie Howe.
More recently, Wolverhampton Wanderers stormed the Championship under Nuno Espirito Santo with a squad which included some high-profile players. The likes of Ruben Neves and Diogo Jota brought the Portuguese flair to Molineux, whereas Conor Coady, Matt Doherty and Barry Douglas were regulars at the back with John Ruddy in goal.
Wolves topped the table from the 15th game week through to the season’s conclusion, winning 30, and then went on to qualify for European football in their first season back in the Premier League.
10 Chelsea (1988/89) 99 points (GD +46)
Another side who just missed out on three figures was Chelsea way back in 1988/89 under Bobby Campbell, and they would have hit that milestone if it wasn’t for such a slow start, which saw them go winless in their opening six games.
However, the Blues ended up losing just five second-tier games all season and boasted a side which had star forward Kerry Dixon, who netted 25 league goals. The biggest win of that memorable campaign at Stamford Bridge was a 7-0 victory over Walsall.
9 Manchester City (2001/02) 99 points (GD +56)
The third and final team to narrowly miss out on 100 points was Manchester City under Kevin Keegan. The Sky Blues lost just once at home and scored an incredible 108 goals throughout the campaign, with Shaun Goater and Darren Huckerby both scoring more than 20.
City would have had more points if it weren’t for their inconsistent form on the road, with Keegan’s side failing to pick up maximum points in 11 of their 23 away fixtures.
8 Burnley (2024/25) 100 points (GD +53)
CJ Egan-Riley for Burnley.
Burnley made it back-to-back Championship campaigns in triple figures, with Scott Parker taking over from Vincent Kompany in 2024/25, as the former Clarets boss went off to Bayern Munich.
Despite finishing second on goal difference, Burnley lost just twice and remarkably only conceded 16 goals all season, which obliterated the previous Championship record of 30.
If only they had scored more often, they could have had the league sewn up for themselves – the Lancashire side recorded 12 goalless draws throughout the campaign.
7 Leeds United (2024/25) 100 points (GD +65)
Returning to the Premier League at the second time of asking under Daniel Farke, Leeds United put play-off final disappointment behind them by recording their best Championship season to date.
The Whites were only beaten on four occasions, and won their last six on the spin to edge ahead of Burnley in the battle for silverware, with their superior goal difference handing them a second Championship trophy in six seasons.
In truth, Leeds could well have ended up with a more impressive points tally, as some shocking goalkeeping threatened to derail their promotion hopes altogether.
Illan Meslier's 9 worst goalkeeping errors in a Leeds shirt
Meslier has been no stranger to an absolute howler in recent weeks.
Vincent Kompany made an instant impact as a manager in England after taking over at Burnley following their relegation in 2022.
The former Manchester City defender, who joined from Anderlecht, transformed the squad with a number of new signings who helped take the Clarets to the title ahead of Sheffield United.
Burnley lost just three matches in 46 and sealed promotion with seven matches remaining, which remains a Championship record. They then secured the title with a 1-0 victory away to rivals Blackburn Rovers, with the likes of Nathan Tella, Manuel Benson and Jay Rodriguez all bagging 10 or more goals.
5 Fulham (2000/01) 101 points (GD +58)
Fulham also finished on 101 points at the beginning of the millennium under Jean Tigana. Things were looking promising in the summer after not conceding a goal in pre-season and the Cottagers started as they meant to go on, winning their first 11 league games.
Promotion was all but sealed by Christmas when they were 10 points clear at the top and despite more defeats in the second half of the campaign, ended up winning the title comfortably in a squad which included Steve Finnan, Chris Coleman and Louis Saha, who topped the scoring charts with 27 league goals.
4 Leicester City (2013/14) 102 points (GD +40)
Leicester City broke a number of club records under Nigel Pearson 10 years ago, with their points tally possibly under threat from Maresca’s side this time around.
The Foxes won 31 games to beat Burnley to the title, losing just one of their final 26 games. Kasper Schmeichel, Wes Morgan, Danny Drinkwater, Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy all played their part in the second tier before going on to win the Premier League title two years later under Claudio Ranieri.
3 Newcastle United (2009/10) 102 points (GD +55)
Newcastle United also ended on 102 points and won the title four years prior under Chris Hughton, who was only named the permanent manager in October after a promising start as caretaker.
The Magpies would only lose once from the end of October until the end of the campaign, winning the title at Plymouth Argyle. Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll both scored 17 Championship goals that year, with Peter Lovenkrands and Shola Ameobi also hitting double figures.
Glasgow Rangers announced earlier this month that Czechia international Vaclav Cerny will return to his parent club Wolfsburg following the conclusion of his loan spell at Ibrox.
The left-footed winger spent the season on loan in Glasgow and it now remains to be seen whether or not the Gers will be able to bring him back to the club for a second stint.
Cerny looks set to be the third loan star in as many seasons to light up Ibrox before moving back to their parent club before going elsewhere, following in the footsteps of Abdallah Sima and Malik Tillman.
Sima scored 16 goals in 39 games on loan from Brighton in the 2023/24 campaign, and Tillman racked up 12 goals and five assists in 43 matches on loan from Bayern Munich in the 2022/23 season.
This shows that the club’s top wide options in the last three seasons have all been contracted to other clubs, which is not ideal because it means that Rangers have to replace them every year and have no option to potentially sell them on for profit as a result of their performances.
With this in mind, the Scottish Premiership giants should be trying to find a permanent solution to their problems out wide by finding their next Ryan Kent.
Rangers hit the jackpot with Ryan Kent
The English forward was a rare loanee that they were able to sign permanently for a reported fee of £7.5m during Steven Gerrard’s reign at Ibrox, and he went on to be a big success in Glasgow.
Rangers were willing to splash the cash to sign him permanently, and it turned out to be a fantastic decision as he was a terrific servant for many years on the left flank.
Rangers winger Ryan Kent.
Kent played on the left flank, cutting in on his right foot, and delivered plenty of quality at the top end of the pitch for the Gers, particularly in the 2020/21 campaign.
22/23
44
3
10
21/22
46
3
19
20/21
52
13
14
19/20
33
8
4
18/19
43
6
9
As you can see in the table above, the English flanker produced an eye-catching 27 goals and assists combined in 52 games that term, in which the Light Blues won the Scottish Premiership title under Gerrard.
The right-footed speedster moved on from Ibrox in the summer of 2023 and Rangers have failed to replace him with a permanent replacement, signing Sima and Cerny on loan since, but that they could change that with their latest target.
Rangers in strong position to sign new star
According to GIVEMESPORT, Rangers are one of 26 clubs that are interested in a deal to sign Peterborough United winger Kwame Poku in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The report claims that Birmingham City, Celtic, Sheffield United, and Sunderland are also eyeing up a deal to sign the Ghana international to bolster their respective clubs.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It reveals that Rangers and Celtic are in a strong position to sign the 23-year-old star, though, because they would not have to pay as much in compensation as English teams would.
Poku’s contract at Peterborough is due to expire at the end of next month, making him a free agent, but because of his age, the Posh would be due compensation, and UEFA’s cross-border compensation rules mean that the Scottish teams would land him for a cut-price fee.
GIVEMESPORT adds that the Scottish teams have sent scouts to watch the attacker in action, but it remains to be seen who will win the race for his services this summer.
Rangers should, now, look to use their compensation advantage to put together an attractive contract package that can convince him to make the move to Ibrox, as he could be Kent 2.0.
Why Kwame Poku could be the next Ryan Kent
Poku could be the next version of Kent at Ibrox as an exciting wing talent who could be a long-term option for the next Light Blues manager, rather than a one-season loan.
The Scottish giants could build their attack around the 23-year-old star, who could be a key player for the club for many years to come, as Gerrard did with Kent after the English ace joined on a permanent deal.
Poku, who was described as “outstanding” by journalist Lukman Evergreen, has produced impressive performances for Peterborough over the last two seasons, and his form for the League One side suggests that the potential is there for him to be a fantastic signing for Rangers.
The left-footed star delivered 11 goals and seven assists in 39 appearances in the division during the 2023/24 campaign, before he improved on that haul at the top end of the pitch in the season that just finished.
Appearances
37
27
Goals
10
12
Big chances missed
8
3
Big chances created
9
9
Key passes per game
1.8
1.2
Assists
9
8
As you can see in the table above, Poku’s 2024/25 campaign for Peterborough was even more impressive than Kent’s in the Premiership title-winning season under Gerrard, with more goals and as many ‘big chances’ created in ten fewer appearances.
These statistics suggest that the potential is there for the 23-year-old to be a Kent-esque figure on the right flank for the Light Blues next season and beyond, as a winger who has the quality to deliver goals and assists on a regular basis.
Whilst it remains to be seen whether or not he can make the step up to the Premiership, Poku would be an exciting signing as a player with the potential to improve and develop over time as a long-term addition to the squad, rather than a one-season loan.
They've had talks: Rangers could hire 3-4-3 manager who's like Clement & GVB
Rangers are still no further forward in their search for a new manager
ByRoss Kilvington May 27, 2025
Therefore, the Light Blues could find their next version of Ryan Kent at Ibrox by winning the race to bring the Peterborough star to Ibrox this summer.
Arsenal want to reinforce Mikel Arteta’s squad across the board, not just up front, with sporting director Andrea Berta now setting his sights on a Chelsea high-earner.
Arsenal transfer plans beyond talks for Benjamin Sesko
As things stand, when it comes to their striker search, the Gunners appear to be prioritising a deal for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
Arsenal pull U-turn over selling £265k-per-week star after "shock twist"
The Gunners are prepared to do something “surprising”.
1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 7, 2025
Arsenal are advancing in talks with the Slovenian over personal terms, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, even if his price tag is proving complex due to a variable release clause, and there is even a possibility that Berta could end up having to pay around £84 million for him.
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
That being said, while the 22-year-old appears to be one of Berta’s main items on the to-do list this summer, Arsenal will have to tread carefully with regard to how much they end up splashing out on Sesko.
Alongside the Leipzig sensation, Arsenal are attempting to finally wrap up a £51 million deal for Martin Zubimendi, which is proving far more complicated than initially thought this time last week.
Despite reliable reports of a medical (BBC), and even Fabrizio Romano’s famous ‘here we go’ to the deal, Zubimendi himself has attempted to pour cold water over the transfer’s advancement with confusing quotes.
“My future? It will be a long summer. I don’t know how it will end,” said Zubimendi to Radio Nacional.
“If Xabi Alonso calls me to join Real Madrid? I’ve always said Xabi is my idol, and it was a privilege to have him as my coach at La Real B. If he called me now? I don’t want to talk about that hypothesis, I’d rather talk about the present. It would be disrespectful to talk about that while I’m on national team duty. I posted pics on a Spanish beach while rumors said I’m in London doing medical exams for Arsenal? Yes, I did that to make it clear those rumors were not true.”
As well as a new midfielder, which supporters are hopeful will be Zubimendi, Arsenal are in the market for a second-choice keeper.
Arsenal hold explorative talks over deal for Kepa Arrizabalaga
After missing out on Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia to Barcelona, £150,000-per-week Chelsea outcast Kepa Arrizabalaga has emerged as an alternative.
Berta could actually snap up a proven understudy to David Raya for just £5 million, due to a release clause in his contract, which must have been written in when Kepa signed a one-year extension last year.
Sky Sports reporter Luca Bendoni now claims that Arsenal have held explorative talks over a deal for Kepa as they pursue another keeper, and due to his meagre exit clause, you can argue that this would be a snip.
The Spaniard, called “amazing” for some of his performances on loan at Bournemouth last season, would arguably need to take a pay-cut, but this is a move certainly worth considering from Berta’s perspective.
Tottenham Hotspur want to reinforce their squad in key areas to coincide with the arrival of a new manager, with new signings crucial as they prepare for a return to the Champions League.
Tottenham transfer to-do list before 2025/2026
The noise surrounding Ange Postecoglou and his future in the last fortnight delayed the club’s recruitment drive, but with their Premier League rivals making serious moves, Daniel Levy finally pulled the trigger and the manager’s departure was announced on Friday.
Tottenham now hold talks over signing "real deal" MLS defender
He’s got a glowing reputation in the States.
1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 4, 2025
While the search for a new boss is currently taking precedence right now, with Postecoglou relieved of his duties by Spurs after an official announcement on Friday afternoon, supporters will be hoping they can find his replacement in quick fashion.
Arsenal are currently working on deals for both Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres of RB Leipzig and Sporting CP respectively (BBC), while fellow London rivals Chelsea have already announced the arrival of Liam Delap in a £30 million deal from Ipswich.
English champions Liverpool have been especially busy with their ongoing rumoured pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen sensation Florian Wirtz and Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, after completing the signing of Jeremie Frimpong.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
The same can be said of Man City, which begs the question: how long can Tottenham really go without attacking this transfer market in similar fashion? Especially after qualifying for Europe’s most prestigious competition.
Once their plans do kick-in, Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge suggests the Lilywhites have plans to reinforce in all areas of the squad, bar their goalkeeper.
A new forward and midfielder will apparently take priority if defender Cristian Romero stays, according to Bridge, and Spurs will no longer have to sell to buy after winning the Europa League.
That being said, the futures of some high-profile first-team players may still lie away from N17, meaning Daniel Levy could have to replace them.
Earlier this week, The Telegraph shared news of Son Heung-min’s potential departure after 10 years at Tottenham. The one-year contract extension clause in his deal, which was activated earlier this year, means Spurs will be able to demand a fee.
Meanwhile, Richarlison has been heavily linked with an exit this summer, following an injury-ridden campaign.
What agents have said about Tottenham talks for Rodrigo Muniz
If the Brazilian does leave, recent reports have claimed that Fulham star Rodrigo Muniz could replace the Brazilian.
However, despite some claims Tottenham have been in talks for Muniz, journalist Vene Casagrande has shared information to the contrary directly from the £50 million South American’s camp.
Muniz’s agents have apparently denied any talks with Spurs, adding that Flamengo also have a 25 per cent sell-on clause on any future deal for the forward, which could complicate matters even further.
The 24-year-old bagged 11 goals in all competitions and was a key player for Marco Silva over the course of 2024/2025, prompting rumoured interest from Tottenham as they scour the market for proven forwards.
In what would be a frustrating start to his tenure, the 49ers are reportedly ready to take the decision out of Russell Martin’s hands and sell one of his best Rangers stars for a £19m profit.
49ers looking to commence Rangers business
The 49ers have wasted no time before getting things up and running in Scotland. The American owners have already solved Rangers’ managerial problem by hiring former Southampton boss Martin and the transfer rumours have been coming thick and fast ever since. Reports are even now suggesting that the Gers are closing in on signing Josh Mulligan from Dundee to officially get their business underway.
7 teams now chasing 'breakthrough' Rangers talent with contact already made
Martin could suffer a frustrating blow.
ByTom Cunningham Jun 13, 2025
New Dundee manager Steven Pressley has only added fuel to the fire amid that recent rumour, telling reporters that keeping Mulligan will be “easier said than done” this summer. He said when asked about keeping his young star: “I would love to, but it’s easier said than done.
“We’d love to keep certain personnel. There’s a number of players that I think are pivotal to move this club in the right direction and we’ll be working tirelessly to do so.”
Mulligan isn’t the only name on Rangers’ reported radar, however. Recent reports have also linked both Conor Coady and Flynn Downes with a move to Ibrox. The latter worked with Martin at Swansea City and then Southampton in the Premier League last season and may well reunite with his manager for a third time this summer.
Southampton's Flynn Downes in action with Brighton & Hove Albion's Joao Pedro
The 49ers’ ambition should come as little shock after chairman Paraag Marathe told Rangers’ website after officially arriving: “We are excited to join Andrew and our other consortium of investors in a new era for this iconic club and we are determined to build something that supporters can be proud of for years to come.”
Building a side capable of bridging the gap on Celtic in the Scottish Premiership may not come without sacrifice, though, and the new owners are already reportedly ready to sell one key man.
49ers ready accept £20m deal for Nicolas Raskin
According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, the 49ers are ready to sell Nicolas Raskin for £20m this summer, making £19m profit in the process. The Belgium midfielder is attracting plenty of interest and, as per O’Rourke, Porto, Fiorentina and Marseille are preparing to test the waters in pursuit of his signature.
Whilst Martin is keen to keep hold of his best players, he is also reportedly well aware that the 49ers could take such decisions out of his hands this summer in frustrating fashion.
Losing a player of Raskin’s calibre certainly wouldn’t be an ideal start to the manager’s reign, but it could be a sacrifice that he has to live with when considering the long-term boost that it could provide.
Dubbed “utterly sensational” by analyst John Walker, replacing Raskin will be no easy task for Rangers if they decide to go in pursuit of major profit this summer.
Last season, Liverpool won the Premier League. And they are acting like it. We haven’t even reached July, but FSG have already signed Bayer Leverkusen duo Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong as well as Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.
It’s a time of great excitement for those of a Reds persuasion. However, Arne Slot’s squad aren’t without their foibles.
Falling in the Champions League’s last 16 against eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain was a bitter pill to swallow, and that frustrating result was followed by defeat against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.
PSG deserved their victory and the Magpies did too. It was one stretch too far for the Merseysiders, who had already exceeded expectations to take a commanding lead that was indeed defended in England’s top flight.
Depth proved Liverpool’s issue. Slot was loath to enforce rotation last term, and the trickling-out of some of the side’s fringe players – like Jarell Quansah, with Harvey Elliott and Darwin Nunez soon to follow – illustrated that.
Quansah is signing for Bayer Leverkusen, and with Ibrahima Konate’s future uncertain as Real Madrid lurk (again), Liverpool need a new centre-back.
Liverpool chasing new centre-back
There’s one man who stands above other Liverpool defensive targets right now: Marc Guehi. The Crystal Palace defender is just one year away from free agency, and FSG are starting to circle.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehicelebrates after the match
Though Tottenham Hotspur saw a £70m bid rejected for the England international only last January, Palace chairman Steve Parish will know that time is running out if he wishes to recuperate some funds from his prized defensive asset.
Some reports suggest Liverpool are closing in on Guehi’s signature, but in all likelihood, there will be something of a pause in the Anfield offices now that the bulk of the club’s summer activity has been sealed pronto.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk
It would be wise, then, for sporting director Richard Hughes to closely assess the market for potential alternatives. If reports are to be believed, such a player has been identified.
Liverpool identify Guehi alternative
According to Caught Offside, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite has been earmarked by Richard Hughes and Co as a potential option in central defence, though this would be a contentious move indeed.
Not that Liverpool would care if they got the job done. Branthwaite, 22, is also attracting interest from Chelsea and Manchester United after revealing a desire to move clubs in March after being overlooked by Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel.
Everton believe their star defender is one of the most talented in the business, and as such have slapped a £70m price tag on his name.
What Jarrad Branthwaite would bring to Liverpool
While Guehi’s contract situation would likely see him prove a more cost-efficient solution for Liverpool, Branthwaite is an incredibly fearsome protector, and he’s left-footed besides.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
Returning from a successful loan spell with PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2023, Branthwaite has since become a star member at Everton, playing 65 matches in the Premier League, winning the club’s Players’ Player of the Season for 2023/24.
It might seem ludicrous to think that Liverpool and Everton would do business on the transfer front, but the Hill Dickinson Stadium side are interested in Ben Doak, who is valued at £30m.
Tough-tackling and shrewdly talented on the technical front, the 6 foot 5 star is bound to earn himself a move to a club competing in the Champions League sooner or later, and Liverpool could do a lot worse, especially as Slot’s first-class coaching would prove the perfect way to develop Branthwaite’s ball-playing game.
That said, it’s not all that bad as it is. Indeed, looking at Branthwaite’s metrics in the top flight last season when contrasted with Guehi’s, you begin to see that maybe moving for the Everton man wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.
Matches (starts)
30 (28)
34 (34)
Goals
0
3
Assists
1
2
Clean sheets
8
11
Touches*
51.9
64.9
Pass completion
83%
84%
Key passes*
0.1
0.5
Ball recoveries*
3.1
4.3
Dribbles (success)*
0.1 (60%)
0.4 (86%)
Tackles + interceptions*
2.1
2.6
Clearances*
6.3
4.6
Duels (won)*
3.9 (63%)
4.9 (59%)
As you can see, Branthwaite is more accurate in the duel than his positional peer while also producing a shedload more clearances on average. He’s far less mobile, but a 60% dribble success rate does point toward a latent ball-carrying ability that could be hammered into shape over at Anfield.
It’s important to remember that Branthwaite operates in a system which actively dampens ball-playing expansiveness, and that, even so, he has maintained a decent degree of passing success, almost as accurate on the ball as Guehi, if less progressive with his distribution.
And anyway, the hulking Blues star is just a phenomenal defender, strong as an ox and sturdy as steel. Talent scout Jacek Kulig has even gone as far as to declare him “an absolute monster” for the Toffees.
Could Branthwaite make the leap? The gulf on Merseyside is chasmic, after all.
Well, though it’s difficult to pull meaningful passing data from his Everton efforts last term, for Sean Dyche and David Moyes both employ counter-attacking and somewhat pragmatic styles, he still finished the year ranked among the top 20% of centre-backs for assists and the top 13% for switches, as per FBref, almost indicating a Virgil van Dijk-like approach to passing.
Hailed as an “incredible” part of Everton’s team by reporter Joe Thomas, Liverpool would certainly ruffle a few feathers if they got this one over the line in the coming months.
But if the Eagles play hardball and efforts to sign Guehi prove fruitless, this Englishman might just be the perfect alternative. And who knows, maybe he’d even prove the better signing.
He'd be Wirtz 2.0: Liverpool stand a "chance" of signing the "next Mbappe"
Liverpool believe they have a good chance to sign a star who would be a Florian Wirtz repeat.
He suffered a side strain while batting during the game against England and was forced to retire hurt
Matt Roller20-Jun-2024Brandon King is a doubt for the rest of the T20 World Cup after suffering a side strain in West Indies’ match against England in St Lucia on Wednesday night.King raced to 23 off 12 balls to get West Indies off to a flying start, including a towering 101-metre six off Reece Topley which flew with the wind over the midwicket boundary and necessitated a replacement ball.But he was injured while facing his 13th ball, having charged down the pitch attempting to hit Sam Curran through cover. King took one further step then crumpled over and was forced to retire hurt after receiving treatment from a member of West Indies’ medical staff.He did not field in England’s run chase, with Shimron Hetmyer replacing him as a substitute fielder, and Cricket West Indies confirmed he had been diagnosed with a side strain. “Brandon King has suffered a side strain and will not return to the field of play in this evening’s match,” CWI said.He has travelled to Barbados for West Indies’ Super Eight game against USA on Friday, but they are still awaiting the results of the MRI scans from the CWI medical team.Side strains tend to take several weeks to heal fully, making King a major doubt for the rest of the World Cup with only 10 days remaining before the end of the tournament. Captain Rovman Powell admitted that King’s injury was a “worrying” sign for his side.”Yes, a little bit worrying but hopefully he can pull through for the next game,” Powell said after England cruised past West Indies. “We know how important a player he is for us.”While King has not been at his best so far, with a top score of 34, it would be a significant blow to lose a senior player who stepped in as captain against South Africa last month while Powell was at the IPL.West Indies have five players on standby for the World Cup: Andre Fletcher, Kyle Mayers, Fabian Allen, Hayden Walsh Jr. and Matthew Forde. Mayers is the most likely replacement, having been widely considered unfortunate to miss the initial cut, though Fletcher is another contender as a top-order batter.