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Liverpool are the champions of the Premier League once again. And what’s more, Arne Slot has been backed by FSG this summer as they prepare to do it all over again.

While the bulk of transfer activity has been dealt with already on Merseyside, there’s more to come, with Darwin Nunez the centre of ongoing talks between Liverpool and Napoli after an opening €55m (£48m) bid was rejected.

Many would hope that FSG are gearing up to splash out the cash on Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, but the “world-class” goalscorer, as he has been described by pundit Alan Shearer, will likely prove too expensive.

And anyway, Slot has proven his ability to grow exciting talents into superstars. See the 22-year-old Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo.

Now, the Dutch coach is hoping to sign his next version of the former, whose meteoric rise last season led to him being crowned the Premier League Young Player of the Season.

Liverpool's next top transfer targets

After missing out on Dean Huijsen, who swapped Bournemouth for Real Madrid after his £50m release clause was met, it was clear from the early stages of the transfer window that Liverpool are interested in signing a centre-back.

Marc Guehi is the man at the top of the shopping list, and while developments appear to be minimal at the moment, expect FSG to try their luck before the summer window slams shut.

Liverpool need a new central defender, to be sure, but Slot knows that the 33-year-old Mohamed Salah will need greater attacking support than he received last term, practically engineering the incredible Premier League success of 2023/24.

And indeed, Nunez’s forthcoming sale will demand that sporting director Richard Hughes signs a successor, one who is fit to serve as Liverpool’s out-and-out frontman over the coming years.

Well, the Reds have just the player in mind, and their interest is beginning to get stronger and stronger.

Liverpool with growing interest in new striker

As per transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool’s interest in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike is indeed getting more intense as Nunez edges closer to a transfer to Napoli.

The Premier League champions have been among the frontrunners for the 23-year-old in recent months, with Chelsea and Manchester United also keen on bagging his signature.

However, the sticking point is that Frankfurt are happy to play hardball, seemingly unwilling to budge on their €100m (£85m) valuation.

What Hugo Ekitike would bring to Liverpool

In 2022, Paris Saint-Germain signed a teenage Ekitike from Ligue 1 rivals Reims for a fee in the region of £30m. Newcastle had come close to a deal but failed to close it.

The Frenchman might not have brought it all together for PSG, only scoring four times across 33 senior matches, but he’s certainly built himself back up in Germany, with analyst Ben Mattinson hailing him as “one of the best strikers out there” after his 2024/25 term with Frankfurt.

Notching 36 goal involvements across all competitions for Frankfurt last season, Ekitike is clearly a “special talent”, as has been noted by journalist Bence Bocsak.

But it’s his dynamism and fluency that makes him such an attractive option for a club like Liverpool, finishing the 2024/25 season ranked among the top 6% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons, and the top 20% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref.

The fact that he’s more complete than Gravenberch was when he joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich in August 2023 bodes well for his potential at the highest level of the European game.

As you will see in the table below, Gravenberch bloomed into a midfielder of remarkable quality and confidence last term, sitting deep in the centre of the park in spite of early career criticisms that he lacked the temperament and composure for such a role.

Looking at the Dutchman’s gains under Slot’s wing last season, as opposed to his less defined role when a part of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, it’s very easy to see that Slot’s tactical grasp brought out the best in his young compatriot.

Matches (starts)

26 (12)

37 (37)

Goals

1

0

Assists

0

4

Touches*

28.8

66.5

Pass completion

83%

89%

Key passes*

0.6

0.9

Dribbles*

0.9

1.0

Ball recoveries*

2.8

5.2

Tackles + interceptions*

1.5

3.5

Total duels (won)*

2.8 (47%)

5.0 (57%)

The same could be said for Gakpo, of course, but given that Ekitike is an exciting young player from the Bundesliga who has previously struggled to bring it together after a big-money move to a European superpower, he could emulate the silky holding midfielder.

And without a doubt, Ekitike has the technical ability to become the kind of all-encompassing centre-forward that Slot wants to connect his frontline.

Given the high regard Ekitike is held in already, it’s frightening to consider what Slot might manage to achieve in elevating the weaker points of his game and polishing any blemishes which a rising talent is naturally going to bear.

Gravenberch, certainly, has improved, having been branded a “passenger out of possession” by journalist Danny Corcoran during his maiden term in English football.

He’s now a player of smooth ability, one of the finest in Europe. Slot has earned his flowers, all right, and he’ll receive a whole bouquet if allowed to tinker away at Ekitike’s mechanics, shaping him into a world-beater.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig claimed that the Die Adler star “could reach world-class striker levels” after his excellent campaign, and if he moves to Liverpool, his chances of this happening will increase tenfold.

Slot's new Diaz: Hughes plotting Liverpool bid to sign £100m "nightmare"

Liverpool may have to sell their versatile Colombian forward this summer.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 11, 2025

So far, this summer has been a brilliant one for Chelsea.

The Blues are the last English side at the Club World Cup and stand a great chance of winning it all.

On top of that, the fans haven’t had to wait very long for the club to bring in some exciting players, with the likes of Liam Delap and Mamadou Sarr already through the door.

Moreover, João Pedro completed his medical yesterday afternoon. However, if reports are to be believed, he could have some serious competition next season as the West Londoners are now linked with a goalscorer who’d be an even more exciting signing than the Brazilian.

Chelsea target goalscoring machine

With Champions League football back on the agenda for Chelsea next season, the Blues have been linked with a plethora of incredibly exciting attackers in recent weeks, such as Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho.

Transfer Focus

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

The former is reportedly available for around £60m, and managed to rack up a haul of 19 goal involvements in 33 games this season, while the latter could cost up to £60m and recorded a tally of 21 goal involvements in 58 games.

However, while both players would surely help improve the West Londoners’ squad and offensive options, neither one plays up top and therefore wouldn’t really be competition for Pedro, unlike Hugo Ekitiké.

Yes, according to a recent report from The Athletic, Chelsea have maintained their interest in the Eintracht Frankfurt star from earlier in the season.

The report claims that the prolific Frenchman is still ‘being monitored’ by the Blues, despite the signing of the Brighton ace.

A potential price is not mentioned in the story, but according to reports from late last month, the 23-year-old is valued at €100m by his club, which is around £85m.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but one Chelsea should pursue, as Ekitike would be a more exciting signing than Pedro.

Why Ekitike would be a more exciting signing than Pedro

What is it that excites football fans more than anything else? Goals, goals and more goals.

Therefore, the first and arguably most important reason why Ekitike would end up being a more exciting signing than Pedro is the simple fact that he is a far more effective scorer and assister of goals.

For example, in 48 appearances this season, totalling 3644 minutes, the former Paris Saint-Germain ace scored a mammoth 22 goals and provided 12 assists for good measure.

Appearances

48

30

Minutes

3644′

2136′

Goals

22

10

Assists

12

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

0.56

Minutes per Goal Involvement

107.17

125.64′

That means he was able to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 1.41 games, or every 107.17 minutes.

In contrast, the former Brighton star scored ten goals and provided seven assists in 30 appearances, totalling 2136 minutes, which comes out to a less impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.76 games, or every 125.64 minutes.

Okay then, after goals, what else do fans want to see when they watch football?

Well, for our money, we reckon they want to see attackers running at, taking on and beating opposition defenders, either through intricate skill or marauding strength.

Interestingly, this is once again another area in which the Frankfurt star, whom journalist Graeme Bailey once dubbed the “next Mbappé,” comes out on top.

According to FBref, he outperforms the new Blues ace in successful take-ons, carries into the final third and into the penalty area, all per 90.

Therefore, he’s not only likely to score more goals than the Brazilian, but he’s also likely to cause more mayhem for the opposition’s backline to boot.

Ultimately, both strikers would be excellent additions to Chelsea’s squad, but from everything we’ve examined here, it looks like Ekitike would be the more exciting signing.

Chelsea offered £337k-per-week ex-Aston Villa star with decision made

They once came close to signing him.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 1, 2025

Scoring goals hasn’t been an issue for Tottenham Hotspur throughout 2024/25, with the club posting one of the best tallies in the division over the course of 38 games.

The Lilywhites registered 64 goals in the Premier League under Ange Postecoglou, a record that was only bettered by six other sides in the division – three of which occupied a place in the top five.

However, despite such a record, it appears as though the club are plotting moves for numerous reinforcements in such a department, with new boss Thomas Frank wanting added options at his disposal.

The Dane took the reins after the Aussie was dismissed by owner Daniel Levy, having a huge job in his hands to lead the side back up the Premier League in 2025/26.

It’s evident that he will have money at his disposal to spend on players he sees fit, but it’s crucial that the right additions are made to avoid a repeat of the recent campaign.

The latest on Frank’s hunt for new additions at Spurs

In their attempts to land a new attacker this window, OGC Nice talisman Evann Guessand has emerged as an option for Spurs, after making contact with the Ligue 1 outfit over a potential deal.

He’s not alone in that aspect, with talks also being held over a deal which would see Brentford striker Yoane Wissa follow his former boss across the capital this summer.

However, despite the aforementioned stars, RB Leipzig forward Xavi Simons has again emerged as a target, according to Ben Jacobs’ update with TBR Football.

He claims that the Lilywhites hierarchy have made an enquiry to land the Dutch international, who registered 10 goals and seven assists in the Bundesliga this season.

The report also states that Levy and Co have asked about how much a deal for the 22-year-old would cost this window after his impressive form in recent years.

Why Simons would be a better signing than Eze for Spurs

At this point, it feels as though there hasn’t been a window in recent history in which Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze hasn’t been linked with a move to join Spurs.

This summer appears no different with rumours already emerging linking the England international with a move across the capital to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

However, this time around, the competition for the 26-year-old’s signature is likely to be higher given his success with the Eagles, which saw him net the winner in the FA Cup final.

It’s been reported that he does currently have a £68m release clause in his current contract at Selhurst Park, but it remains to be seen if Oliver Glasner’s side would be willing to negotiate a cheaper deal.

Regardless of any interest in Eze during the off-season, the board should look past a move for his signature, subsequently pursuing a move for Simons instead.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the recent season, the Leipzig talent has registered more goals, highlighting the threat he can add to Spurs should he move to North London.

Simons, who’s been labelled “one of the best youngsters in Europe” by Alex Barker at The Athletic, has also completed more of the passes he’s attempted, and posted more progressive passes per 90 – handing other attackers at the club the chance to bolster their own tallies.

Games played

25

34

Goals scored

10

8

Progressive carries

3.6

2.4

Progressive passes

5.9

3.3

Shot-on-target accuracy

46%

27%

Pass accuracy

79%

74%

Passes into final third

3.3

1.7

Carries into final third

3

1.6

The youngster’s also starred with his ball-carrying, registering nearly two times more carries into the final third per 90, showcasing his desire to get forward at any given moment.

Given the difference between the aforementioned duo this campaign, it’s evident that Simons would be a better signing for Frank in the coming months in his attempts for sure success.

Should he carry over his skillset to England, it would be a sensational addition that would allow the club to have a leading European star in their side for many years to come.

Frank's answer to Dembele: Spurs now eyeing £85m "ball-carrying machine"

Tottenham Hotspur have made a move to land a star who could emulate Moussa Dembele’s success.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jun 18, 2025

Leeds United are “interested” in signing a Premier League striker compared to Erling Haaland, as the 49ers Enterprises’ ramp up the Whites’ summer transfer business.

Leeds making moves with Nmecha and Bijol

With Premier League football to prepare for under Daniel Farke, Leeds are now becoming active in the window, with Lukas Nmecha the first official arrival of the summer.

Joining on July 1 when his Wolfsburg contract expires, Nmecha has agreed to a two-year deal at Elland Road and will actually count as a homegrown player following his time in England with Manchester City.

Talking after sealing a move to Leeds, Nmecha said: “It’s just a great challenge and I’m really excited to get to know the team. I’ve spoken with the manager many times and I’m excited to play that style of football that they played in the Championship, even in the Premier League.

“I saw that there was dominance last season in terms of possession and the goals. I’m an attacking player, so obviously that’s exciting for me. Of course, in the Premier League, there’s some big boys in there where you can’t play like that all the time, but I think the idea of the manager is to play good football, possession football, and that’s what I’m used to and what I love doing.

“I wish we could get going now, but we still have a few weeks of pre-pre-season, getting the runs in and all that! But, I just can’t wait to start training now.”

Bid submitted: Leeds make £8.5m offer to sign "excellent" ace after Bijol

He’s reportedly next on Leeds’ summer wishlist.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 17, 2025

Alongside the German forward, Leeds are also primed to bolster their centre-back ranks with a move for Udinese star Luka Bijol.

A deal has now been agreed for Leeds to sign Bijol from the Serie A side in a transfer that could be worth over £18m with add-ons. It is the 49ers’ first major outlay following the club’s Championship triumph, and by the looks of things, they won’t be stopping there.

Leeds "interested" in signing £35m Rodrigo Muniz

According to Sky Sports senior reporter Rob Dorsett, Leeds are “interested” in signing Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz over the coming months, describing Leeds as “busy” in the window.

Thought to be valued at £50m by those at Craven Cottage, Leeds are willing to pay £35m, as the Whites look to bolster their attacking ranks even further.

Reliable reporter Graham Smyth of The Yorkshire Evening Post added that Leeds would still be in the market for another striker after landing Nmecha, and it looks as if Muniz is a real target.

Still just 24 years of age, Muniz has been a steady performer in the top flight in recent seasons, which have actually been his only campaigns in the Premier League. As per FBref, Muniz is similar to Man City star Haaland based objectively on his statistical profile, and ranks in the top 2% of forwards for aerial duels won over the past 12 months.

Games

26

31

Goals

9

8

Minutes played

1,599

950

As can be seen, Muniz hasn’t exactly been guaranteed game time at Craven Cottage under Marco Silva, so a move to Yorkshire may appeal to him, providing Farke can promise him more action.

Manchester United are set for a summer of significant changes and things are starting to take shape regarding one key issue that could alter the dynamics of their engine room.

Manchester United set for midfield overhaul

Becoming an early runner in the Red Devils’ quest to rejuvenate their midfield this summer, Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has been mentioned as an ambitious Old Trafford target following his return of 16 goal contributions last season.

Admittedly, there could be plenty of change on that front by the time Ruben Amorim leads his side out for the first time in the Premier League next term, and rumours are beginning to fly off the shelf regarding the scale of Manchester United’s rebuild.

Internally, talk surrounding Bruno Fernandes and a potential move to Al Hilal hasn’t been pleasant for supporters. Regardless, Amorim has a gut feeling his captain could stick around despite reports to the contrary.

While fans await a resolution, it is important to note that Fernandes isn’t the only midfielder who could leave Amorim short at an early stage in the transfer window.

Kobbie Mainoo could leave Manchester United for £70 million if appropriate interest arises for his services. Ultimately, selling fan favourites won’t be something the Red Devils want to do habitually, but everyone has their price and Mainoo’s sale would count as pure profit as the club looks to align with PSR guidelines.

Matheus Cunha has arrived from Wolverhampton Wanderers, offering some excitement in a period where supporters could see several first-team regulars sold off to fund a long-overdue rebuild.

Bringing the average wage down will be a priority for Sir Jim Ratcliffe, making an exit for Casemiro an obvious solution at the Red Devils amid his £350,000 per week salary.

With all that said, there has now been a significant update on the engine room front that could make Manchester United’s thinking alot clearer when it comes to the level of work needed to alter their midfield, per recent developments.

Bruno Fernandes close to agreeing Manchester United exit

Taking to social media platform X, journalist and commentator Ben Jacobs has noted that Al Hilal now believe they are ‘close’ to finding an agreement with Fernandes but have told the United star he has just this week to decide.

The journalist explained: “Al-Hilal now believe an agreement with Bruno Fernandes is close after a week of positive meetings. Fernandes is currently deliberating with his family.

“A key factor in whether Fernandes agrees will be if the move is also right for his family. It will be more than just a football decision. Hilal want a final answer by Friday. No formal approach or bid yet to Manchester United, but Hilal’s belief is a sale will be sanctioned if Fernandes asks to leave. MUFC still insist they don’t want to sell their captain.”

£50m star who's "like Ryan Giggs" must not play for Man Utd again

This Manchester United star’s time is surely up at Old Trafford.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 2, 2025

Now deliberating with his family, the end of this week is believed to be the cut-off point where a decision will have to be made one way or another, creating a tense five days before a final outcome is met.

Becoming a modern-day icon at Old Trafford, Fernandes has registered 98 goals and 87 assists in 290 appearances for the Red Devils, winning an FA Cup and the Carabao Cup during his time in Manchester.

Nevertheless, he is now 31 and won’t have the luxury of being able to compete in European football next year, hence why reports suggest the Premier League giants could be tempted to sell for a fee that could reach £100 million.

Tough decisions need to be made to place Manchester United back at the top, and this one will weigh heavy on Amorim as he battles between raising funds to buy reinforcements and retaining key stars.

Arsenal finished second in the Premier League for the third successive season in 2024/25, and Mikel Arteta knows that he needs to bag himself a new striker to defeat the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City to next year’s title.

Well, with a deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in the works, it seems like the Londoners are finally sorting out that issue, but attacking quality needs to be brought in across other areas too.

Out on the left, Gabriel Martinelli’s future is uncertain, and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams has been picked as a leading candidate to strength the Gunners’ attacking flank.

However, the Spain star isn’t the only one on the radar, especially after just 11 goals and seven assists from 45 matches in all competitions.

Arsenal, alongside their pursuit of the aforementioned Sesko, might be better off looking at a different La Liga sensation…

Arsenal line up Williams alternative

According to GIVEMESPORT, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo would be willing to sign for Arsenal this summer, but only if his £250k-per-week salary demands are met.

Transfer Focus

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

In fact, sporting director Andrea Berta is personally driving the deal forward, having engaged in official talks with Los Blancos and the player’s representatives last week.

Chelsea have also expressed an interest, and it’s felt Florentino Perez would be open to selling for something in the range of £85m.

However, a resolution won’t be reached until Xabi Alonso has taken the time to decide if he considers the Brazil forward as untouchable or not, so don’t hold onto your breath with this one.

What Rodrygo would bring to Arsenal

Rodrygo has been at Real Madrid since his 18th birthday, when he left Santos and his Brazilian homeland in search of footballing riches in the Spanish capital.

The 24-year-old has since scored 68 goals and supplied 50 assists across 267 appearances for Real, notably winning two Champions League trophies and establishing himself as one of the game’s foremost forwards.

If Arsenal find themselves in the right position for it, they must move this dynamic attacker in lieu of Williams.

Hailed as a “world-class superstar” by his Real teammate Luka Modric, Rodrygo must be desperate to step away from the shadow of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe and begin to forge a new future for himself in the Premier League, where he could light up English football on the left flank.

Though he rarely features off the left, Rodrygo believes it is his best position, and when assessing his data from last term, it’s clear to see why.

Right winger

29

7

4

Left winger

12

6

6

Centre-forward

8

–

–

Bukayo Saka has Arsenal’s right wing on lock, so it makes perfect sense to sign Rodrygo and give him the keys to the position he so desperately wants to nail down. Should Arteta make it happen, we could see some of the “terrifyingly good” finishing the Brazilian is capable of, as has been said by journalist Sam Tighe.

Such potency could see Rodrygo prove an even better fit than Williams, bringing many of the Spaniard’s electric qualities to the table but providing a sharper goalscoring sense too.

As per FBref, Rodrygo ranked among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for pass completion and the top 14% for progressive carries per 90.

Such technical and athletic qualities have actually seen Williams drawn against him as one of his most statistically similar players, so it’s clear he would be a stylistic fit for the Gunners.

Given the need to add goals to Arsenal’s game, Arteta and Berta might be better off forging ahead with a deal for Rodrygo, who only missed one big chance in La Liga last term, scoring six goals.

A new challenge would serve him well, and he’d prove to be a superior choice to Williams while bringing a similar profile. Let’s get it done.

Their own Wirtz: Arsenal make contact to sign £70m "machine"

Arsenal could land their answer to Florian Wirtz with a statement signing this summer

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 7, 2025

Manchester United have now entered shock talks to sign another “unbelievable” forward after Matheus Cunha, according to a report.

Man Utd pursuing new forwards despite agreeing Cunha deal

Man United’s deal for Cunha is now edging closer to completion, with Fabrizio Romano recently confirming that a £62.5m fee has been agreed, with the Brazilian poised to sign a contract until 2030, which includes the option for an extra year.

It will be welcome news that the Wolverhampton Wanderers star is still keen on a move to Old Trafford, despite the fact that European football will not be on offer next season, but he is not the only forward United have their eye on.

In fact, a whole host of strikers have been identified as potential targets for the Red Devils, given that Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee struggled in front of goal throughout the 2024-25 campaign.

Target

Current club

Potential cost

Moise Kean

Fiorentina

£44m

Liam Delap

Ipswich Town

£30m

Viktor Gyokeres

Sporting CP

£64m

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Crystal Palace

£50m

According to talkSPORT, Manchester United and INEOS are also stepping up their pursuit of a different Premier League forward, having now entered shock talks over a deal for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo.

Mbeumo has just one year remaining on his contract with the Bees, which means his current employers may feel the need to cash-in this summer to avoid losing him on a free, and the London club are expected to hold out for a fee of around £50m.

Thomas Frank has also admitted that Brentford would consider a sale this summer, saying: “I would like to keep him, but we are a selling club so if someone comes in with the right price.”

Mbeumo could be "unbelievable" signing for Man Utd

Ruben Amorim desperately needs a proven goalscorer, considering Hojlund and Zirkzee amassed just seven Premier League goals between them during the 2024-25 season, and the Cameroon international certainly fits the bill in that regard.

After scoring in his side’s final game of the season against Wolves, the France-born winger reached the 20-goal mark, taking his total to 29 goals and assists in all competitions, which is a fantastic return.

Man Utd also ready to pay £44m release clause for "king of kings" after Cunha

The Red Devils are now willing to trigger the release clause for another striker to partner up with Cunha at Old Trafford.

ByDominic Lund May 26, 2025

Journalist Sam Tabuteau has also lauded the 25-year-old for his “unbelievable” attacking numbers, which undoubtedly played a big part in being nominated for the Premier League Player of the Season award.

That said, while Mbeumo is capable of playing at striker, the former Troyes man is more accustomed to playing on the wing, so Man United should look to bring in an out-and-out centre-forward alongside him.

It remains to be seen whether Viktor Gyokeres will be keen on a move to Old Trafford, given that Champions League football is not on offer, but the Swede would be an exciting signing, having now scored a remarkable 97 goals in 102 games for Sporting CP.

Everton are far enough away from the top half and the bottom three that their Premier League season is basically said and done, but there’s still something bigger to play for.

This weekend, Goodison Park will sing for the Everton Men’s team one last time. Relegated Southampton make the trip, sure to enter a cauldron of chaos as the Toffees say goodbye to their long-held home ahead of the move to Bramley-Moore Dock this summer.

The change of scenery represents a very real juncture in the club’s history, with David Moyes back at the helm and tasked with a rebuild that will see plenty of ins and outs before the 2025/26 campaign.

While fans are hoping to see a new striker walk through the gates, Everton need a variety of talent, with an exciting midfielder identified already.

Everton chasing new midfielder

According to TEAMtalk, Sunderland’s Dan Neil is on Everton’s radar ahead of the summer transfer window, although a move would likely be dependent on the outcome Black Cats’ Championship play-off final tie against Sheffield United.

That said, Neil’s contract expires at the end of next season and his side would prefer to cash in while they can. This opens a road from which Everton can travel to claim the talented midfielder’s signature.

Due to the player’s contract situation, he may even be available for a cut-price fee of £15m this summer.

What Dan Neil would bring to Everton

Neil, 23, has played a crucial role in Sunderland’s rise from League One. His breakthrough actually came during the promotion-sealing season of 2021/22, and he’s now featured 196 times for his boyhood club, clinching 32 goal contributions.

Hailed as a “joy to watch” on the field by Sunderland reporter Phil Smith and as “phenomenal” by fellow EFL star Luke Molyneux, Neil’s all-round game is something that could really impact the Everton midfield, with his sharp eye for a pass, strong defensive qualities and knack for driving the ball forward and creating space for teammates a particular skill set that Moyes has made good use of in the past.

Indeed, Neil could actually prove to be the manager’s next version of Declan Rice, who might play for Arsenal now but made his name in east London, synonymous with West Ham United’s rise in Moyes’ system, instrumental in winning the Conference League in 2022/23.

Matches (starts)

44 (44)

33 (31)

Goals

2

3

Assists

3

7

Touches*

57.5

57.7

Pass completion

84%

90%

Big chances created

4

16

Key passes*

0.7

1.8

Ball recoveries*

5.7

4.3

Dribbles*

0.9

0.4

Tackles + interceptions*

2.9

2.4

Duels (won)*

4.8 (51%)

3.4 (51%

Rice is clearly the more creative player, and he’s playing top-flight football besides, but Everton fans aren’t expecting Moyes and the board to conjure up a signing carrying the elite-level status of the Gunners’ main man in the middle.

Rather, they just want to see progress, and that is exactly what Neil would provide if placed in the Everton centre. As you can see, he’s athletic, tenacious in the duel and willing to dribble the ball forward, with a crispness in possession that Moyes will need to help with his transitional play next year.

Moyes’ man management ability is second to none, and after several years of promise in the second tier, Neil is surely ready to step into the big time as an Everton player, where he could thrive as the centrepiece of a growing project.

He'd be Moyes' next Cahill: Everton plot move for "incredible" EFL star

Everton could be about to land a player who could follow in the footsteps of a former fan-favourite.

ByEthan Lamb May 15, 2025

With Graham Potter already thinking ahead to the summer transfer window, West Ham United have reportedly entered pole position to sign a relegated star ahead of Newcastle United.

West Ham's tough start under Potter

When Julen Lopetegui left West Ham following a failed stint at the London Stadium, there would have been plenty of hope that Potter would be the man to turn things around. Throughout the opening months of his reign, however, the former Chelsea manager has struggled to make his mark – only sparking more concerns and making the summer transfer window all the more important.

To that end, the rumours have already been coming thick and fast too. Names such as CJ Egan-Riley and Yann Bisseck have been two names particularly threatening to steal the headlines as the Hammers look to fix a leaky backline. The latter would be especially impressive, given his role in Inter Milan’s Champions League role this season.

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Whether West Ham are in a position to lure such players to the London Stadium remains to be seen, however. Unlike under David Moyes, they no longer have European football to offer. Now, coming off the back of a season in the bottom half, their ambitions may need to be adjusted slightly.

What hasn’t helped the West Ham boss in recent weeks is Niclas Fullkrug’s outburst following a frustrating draw at relegated Southampton. Potter responded to his forward’s anger, telling reporters: “I think he [Fullkrug] wears his heart on his sleeve. I would disagree with him in some things and agree with him in others.

“But he’s entitled to his opinion. As a senior player, we’ve had lots of honest conversations. And I think for me it’s better to have the conversations in private, not in public.”

West Ham in pole position to sign Ramsdale with £20m bid ready

One way that the Hammers could avoid the frustration of missing out on top targets whilst matching their ambitions is signing relegated stars. According to Caught Offside, West Ham are now leading the race to sign Aaron Ramsdale ahead of Newcastle United and are preparing an offer worth €23m (£20m) this summer.

Whether Southampton deem that offer acceptable is another question, however. Reports suggest that the goalkeeper has a release clause worth £25m, meaning that anything offered below that is likely to be rejected.

It was during his time at Arsenal that the England international was arguably at his best before David Raya ultimately earned his place. Receiving plenty of praise as a result, Gunners legend David Seaman told reporters when asked about Ramsdale in 2023: “People forget he’s only 24. So that is amazing for me because I didn’t join Arsenal until I was 26 – what he’s doing now at 24 is just phenomenal.

“He’s making big saves all the time. There was one on Saturday at 1-0 that was world-class. It wasn’t like a flying save or anything like that but it was a really technical piece of goalkeeping, which he did brilliantly, and he’s been doing that all season.”

After winger Mohamed Salah’s new contract was announced over the last couple of weeks, Arne Slot can turn his attention to other areas of the Liverpool squad ahead of next season’s Premier League campaign.

The Egyptian penned a new two-year deal at Anfield, extending his stay at the club to over a decade, hoping to add to the success he’s enjoyed during previous years.

However, if the 32-year-old is to achieve yet more glory on Merseyside, the manager will need to strengthen to help the side maintain the levels they’ve reached in the last few months.

With the summer transfer window now just around the corner, the hierarchy will need to identify players who are capable of bolstering the ranks, with a real emphasis needed on quality over quantity.

One department of the pitch could be set for a huge overhaul, with numerous players already touted with moves to and from Merseyside ahead of the upcoming window.

The latest on Liverpool’s pursuit for new attacking stars

With the futures of Diogo Jota and Darwin Núñez up in the air at Liverpool, it would be a surprise to no one if both players were offloaded to raise funds for new attackers this summer.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz is the latest name thrown into the mix over the last couple of days, with the German on the club’s shortlist ahead of the off-season.

However, the Reds are unlikely to be alone in their pursuit of the 21-year-old, with fellow English side Manchester City also firmly in the race for his signature despite his £111m price tag.

Other forwards like Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitiké remain on their list, but Ademola Lookman is the latest player the hierarchy are targeting to bolster the front line ahead of 2025/26.

According to new reports from Italian outlet, Corriere dello Sport via Sport Witness, Slot’s side are keen admirers of the 27-year-old left-winger.

It’s stated that if Atalanta receive an offer of at least £50m from Liverpool or any other party, the winger’s sale in the summer would be ‘inevitable’.

Why Liverpool’s £50m target could be their best LW since Mane

In the summer of 2022, all Liverpool supporters were shocked by the news that winger Sadio Mané would be joining Bayern Munich, ending his six-year stint at Anfield.

The Senegalese international was a key part of the success they endured under Jürgen Klopp, forming a deadly partnership with Salah and Roberto Firmino at the top of end of the pitch.

The infamous trio catapulted the side to Premier League and Champions League glory during their time together, with Mane undoubtedly one of their best-ever additions.

He cost £34m from Southampton back in the summer of 2016, going on to register 120 goals in his 269 appearances – finishing as the division’s joint-top scorer back in 2018/19.

However, his subsequent departure saw Luis Diaz tasked with the responsibility of filling the void, with the Colombian only notching a total of 11 league goals throughout Slot’s maiden season at the helm.

Such form has led to links to Lookman, with the Nigerian undoubtedly providing an upgrade on Diaz, subsequently making him the club’s best left-winger since Mane departed nearly three years ago.

When comparing their respective stats from the ongoing season, the Nigerian has massively outperformed the 28-year-old in various key areas, showcasing what a sensational signing he would be this summer.

Games played

27

32

Goals & assists

18

16

Progressive carries

5.7

4.2

Carries into final third

2.9

2.1

Shot-on-target accuracy

41%

40%

Crosses completed

4.7

1.2

Shot-creating actions

5.6

4.8

Aerials won

58%

26%

Lookman, who’s been labelled “world-class” by commentator Matteo Bonetti, has managed to register more combined goals and assists than the Colombian this campaign – showcasing the attacking threat he possesses.

He’s also managed to achieve more progressive carries per 90, whilst bettering the current Reds winger’s carries into the final third, highlighting the danger the former Everton ace presents when having the ball at his feet.

His dominance doesn’t stop there, registering more shot-creating actions, along with more crosses completed, and subsequently able to aid other players within the final third.

It may be a brutal decision to drop Diaz in favour of a move for the Atalanta talent, but from the stats produced, it’s evident that he’s a huge talent and one that would inject added quality to the front line.

£50m in today’s market is an excellent price for a player of his quality, potentially allowing the club to sustain the levels of success endured during Slot’s first year in charge.

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