Nottingham Forest have now made contact over a deal for a midfielder who is expected to cost around £40m this summer, according to a report.

Forest set to strengthen in multiple areas

Despite losing their last two Premier League games, Forest are well-positioned to qualify for next season’s Champions League, given that they remain three points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea with just six games left to play.

The race is likely to go right down to the wire, but it is looking very likely the Tricky Trees will be playing European football of some description next season, which means Nuno may need to strengthen his squad in the summer transfer window.

Targets have been identified in multiple areas, having recently joined the race for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, but a new striker appears to be of particular interest, with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and AFC Bournemouth’s Evanilson among the options.

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There have also been suggestions Forest could look to bring in a new central midfielder, and they are believed to be very keen on AC Milan’s Yunus Musah, but the American is not their only target.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Nottingham Forest have now made contact over Chelsea’s Andrey Santos, submitting an enquiry to discuss a potential summer deal, but there could be fierce competition for his signature.

Eight Premier League clubs have expressed an interest in Santos, who is valued at around £40m by the Blues, while there is also set to be competition from several unnamed European sides, which could make it very difficult to get a deal over the line.

Not only that, but the 20-year-old isn’t particularly keen on a move to the City Ground, given that his game time was very limited during his loan spell with the Tricky Trees last season.

Santos impressing on loan at Strasbourg

The Brazilian may have found game time hard to come by at Forest last season, but he has been seriously impressive on loan at Strasbourg, picking up nine goals and four assists in 27 Ligue 1 appearances this term.

Not only has the maestro impressed going forward, but he ranks highly on some key defensive metrics over the past year, when compared to his positional peers, indicating he is a well-rounded midfielder.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.32 (98th percentile)

Tackles

3.33 (96th percentile)

Clearances

2.06 (81st percentile)

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has also been left seriously impressed by the Rio de Janeiro-born starlet in the past, lauding him as a “one-man war machine in midfield” after starring for Brazil U20 against Peru.

Santos has proven he deserves another chance in the Premier League, but it seems pretty unlikely the youngster would be willing to move back to the City Ground, given that his previous spell didn’t go to plan.

In a move that could see Patrick Dorgu lose his place just a few months since arriving, Manchester United are reportedly contemplating a quick summer move to sign a new wing-back, who’s worth around £30m.

Amorim proves his worth with Europa League final gesture

It’s a make-or-break week for Manchester United, who enter the Europa League final with everything on the line. Yet, it’s not just been about the action on the pitch so far this week. Instead, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting measures have stolen the headlines once again, with reports revealing that first-team staff won’t receive complimentary tickets to the final and players will be limited to just two tickets each.

With players reportedly left angered by the decision, Ruben Amorim has been forced to step up and pay for 30 of his backroom staff to attend the all-important game against Tottenham Hotspur next week.

When questioned on his classy gesture, the Manchester United boss told reporters: “To start with that [paying for staff], the situation is simple. You know we had a lot of things, people leaving, a lot of changing in the staff.

“In this moment, for our club, sometimes it’s hard to understand when to give, when to take, to respect the people we are taking their jobs in certain moments to survive and to rebuild.

“It’s hard and it’s complicated for the club to start giving to other members of staff, so it’s a really hard position. Then, that situation was explained and in that moment my reaction was to help because it’s not going to change my life.

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“To help the staff be there and to be comfortable, to be better staff for the final. Then, they talk to the players and the players had the same reaction. Everybody wants the staff there the families there. But it’s hard to manage things in our club, so it’s a simple thing.”

Man Utd alerted to Vanderson availability

Despite those cost-cutting measures and a tough Premier League campaign, however, INEOS could yet welcome a number of reinforcements this summer. According to GiveMeSport, Manchester United are now contemplating a move to sign Vanderson from AS Monaco, with Amorim alerted to the wing-back’s £30m availability when looking ahead to his first full season in charge.

Minutes

2,019

2,502

Assists

3

1

Tackles Won

48

46

Ball Recoveries

149

126

Described as “rare” and “unique” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Vanderson has outperformed Dorgu in a number of key areas this season and could be the perfect counter-balance on the opposite flank to the former Lecce star.

Meanwhile, Amorim certainly wouldn’t complain about having another wing-back at his disposal in a system which desperately falls back on the role at times.

Preparing to spend this time around following a year long frustration courtesy of PSR constraints, Newcastle United are now reportedly ready to launch their move for a top defensive target.

All focus on Brighton for Newcastle

With four games remaining in the Premier League, Newcastle need no reminding about just how important each game will be. They have their fate in their own hands and could yet finish as high as second to cap off an excellent campaign. Whether it’s second or fifth, however, Eddie Howe and the rest of those at St James’ Park will care most about sealing Champions League football.

With the European race only set to heat up, Howe recently told reporters upon his return from suffering Pneumonia: “It will go down to the wire. The important thing today was that we bounced back from last week. We have been very consistent, and now we have four huge games.”

The first of those “four huge games” will see the Magpies travel to The Amex where they will square off against a Brighton & Hove Albion side who have won just once in their last five games. Newcastle will still be well aware of the quality that the Seagulls possess though, given that they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Fabian Hurzeler’s side in March.

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Fail to slip-up and Champions League football will be well within Newcastle’s reach and it’s then that they may just turn towards the summer transfer window and a long-awaited defensive addition.

Newcastle ready to launch Schlotterbeck move

According to TeamTalk, Newcastle are now ready to launch a summer move to sign Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund after ending a year-long scouting mission. The central defender is currently sidelined with a torn meniscus which will see him miss up to six months of action, but that is yet to deter the Magpies, who will assess his return date before potentially making their move.

When fit and firing this season, Schlotterbeck was one of few standouts in a disappointing campaign for Dortmund and having watched on for as long as a year, Newcastle should feel satisfied that the defender would hand Howe an instant upgrade.

League stats per 90 24/25 (via FBref)	Nico Schlotterbeck	Fabian Schar	Dan Burn
Minutes	1,982	2,575	2,970
Progressive Passes	8.86	3.32	1.70
Tackles Won	1.09	0.66	0.58
Ball Recoveries	7.14	4.30	2.76

What instantly stands out when looking at this season’s numbers is just how well Schlotterbeck progresses play – completing over double the amount of progressive passes that Fabian Schar and Dan Burn have managed per 90.

The 25-year-old’s quality is clear and is something that former Newcastle defender Dietmar Hamann noted when Schlotterbeck came up against the Magpies last season. The German said: “He is a great player, very good in tackling and strong in heading.

“He’s probably one of the best centre-backs in terms of ball-playing skills, not just in Germany, but in all of Europe. I really hope he can finally take the next step now.”

Looking to get their summer business started as soon as possible, the 49ers have now reportedly opened talks with a relegated Premier League defender for Leeds United who is set to become a free agent next month.

Farke receives Leeds backing

After winning the Championship title and earning promotion back to the Premier League, there were some reports that suggested Leeds were ready to part ways with Daniel Farke. Those have since been put to bed by chairman Paraag Marathe however, who took the chance to end any speculation in the middle of the Whites’ recent title celebrations.

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Marathe told reporters: “I’m very excited to run it back with Daniel and collaborate with him. I’m under no illusions that it is going to be easy. The past two seasons the three promoted teams came straight back down but we have something they don’t have, we have Daniel Farke first of all. I have ended the speculation. He is my man.”

That backing looks set to continue into the summer transfer window too, with reports already coming thick and fast regarding several potential targets. Among those already mentioned are both Beto and Caoimhin Kelleher. Two players who could be on the move from opposite ends of Merseyside, Beto and Kelleher could go from bitter rivals to teammates this summer.

Kelleher would be a particularly important incoming amid Leeds’ goalkeeping struggles at the end of the season. By signing the Irishman, those at Elland Road would finally have their replacement for Illan Meslier, who made one mistake too many throughout the campaign and even found himself dropped for Karl Darlow in the closing weeks.

It’s not just Kelleher and Beto who have reportedly made the 49ers’ shortlist, however. The American owners have also seemingly set their sights on a bargain deal to sign a relegated star this summer.

Leeds open talks to sign Walker-Peters

According to transfer reporter Graeme Bailey, the 49ers are now in talks to sign Kyle Walker-Peters when his contract expires at Southampton at the end of next month to make him a free agent.

Bailey told Leeds United News when asked about the full-back: “I’m told no decision just yet. Leeds have had contact, but as we know they’re one of many clubs to be in touch with him. West Ham, Spurs, Everton… there’s loads. And some foreign clubs are lurking too. Can Leeds get him? Of course. But from what I can make out it’s going to be tough.”

Whilst it has been deemed a tough deal for those at Elland Road to pull off, the 49ers certainly seem in an ambitious move and there’s no denying just how much of a bargain they could land by signing Walker-Peters this summer.

Meanwhile, on a personal note, the experienced right-back should be desperate to receive another chance in the Premier League after a disastrous campaign at St Mary’s. Although dubbed “great” by former manager Russell Martin in pre-season, Walker-Peters has since started 32 of his side’s 36 games in a season that saw them become one of the worst sides in Premier League history.

Crystal Palace are now plotting a move for a £20m midfielder, and they are looking to get a deal over the line quickly, according to reporter Alan Nixon.

Palace eyeing new midfielder after FA Cup triumph

May 17th, 2025 will be a date forever etched into Palace history, having won their first ever major trophy courtesy of a shock 1-0 FA Cup final victory against Manchester City, which also secures qualification for a maiden Europa League campaign next season.

Midfielder Will Hughes spoke about what it meant to win the first major honour of his career after the game, while admitting it will take some time to sink in.

Hughes has been an important player for Oliver Glasner this season, making 31 appearances in the Premier League, but with a Europa League campaign now on the horizon, the manager may have to bring in some more depth in midfield this summer.

According to a report from Nixon on Patreon (via Football League World), one of the midfielders Crystal Palace have set their sights on is Mateus Fernandes, with a quick deal for the Southampton midfielder now being plotted.

With the Saints suffering relegation from the Premier League, they could be at risk of losing some of their key players, and Fernandes is valued at roughly £20m, amid interest from both Palace and Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest.

Fernandes deserves another chance in the Premier League

Southampton have endured one of the worst seasons in Premier League history, collecting just 12 points throughout the campaign, but the youngster has shown he deserves a second chance in the top flight with some of his performances.

Despite being just 20-years-old, the attacking midfielder has been a regular starter for the Saints, making 35 appearances in the Premier League, during which time he has managed to amass three goals and two assists.

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Former manager Vasco Seabra has also praised the starlet in the past, describing him as a “very strong and aggressive player with a great ability to cover a lot of ground”, and he has performed extremely well across some key defensive metrics, including tackling, over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Tackles

2.81 (98th percentile)

Interceptions

0.83 (96th percentile)

Blocks

1.31 (89th percentile)

Clearances

1.12 (85th percentile)

Having stood out defensively, when compared to other attacking midfielders, Fernandes is clearly a well-rounded midfielder, who is capable of playing slightly deeper, and he could be a shrewd acquisition for Crystal Palace this summer.

Will Manchester City qualify for next season’s Champions League?

Last Sunday, the Sky Blues reached a third successive FA Cup final, courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at Wembley, in which Rico Lewis and then Joško Gvardiol were the scorers.

Back in the Premier League, Pep Guardiola’s team have enjoyed three successive victories, now seeking to win four in a row for the first time since the first four matches of this season.

Victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday night would propel the Sky Blues up to third, but this won’t be easy, considering Wolves travel to the Etihad following six successive victories, achieving this in the top division for the first time since 1970.

If Guardiola is going to end Wolves’ winning streak, he should make a change to his forward line with Jack Grealish likely to come out of the side.

Jack Grealish's Manchester City decline

When Grealish arrived at Manchester City for £100m, at the time breaking the British transfer record, few would’ve forecast that, four years later, he’d merely be a peripheral figure.

The 29-year-old has started just 16 matches across all competitions this season, going a whopping 392 days without a club goal, starting only once in the Premier League since Christmas, hence why his name was a surprise inclusion against Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

The table below illustrates the England international’s decline.

Appearances

39

50

36

31

Starts

31

41

26

16

Minutes

2,730

3,487

2,114

1,520

Matches unused

19

11

18

20

Goals

6

5

3

3

Minutes per goal

455

697

705

507

Assists

4

11

3

5

As the table outlines, since Grealish’s best season, the treble-winning campaign of 2022/23, he’s been little more than a bit part player, no longer a regular starter and not a regular contributor when it comes to goals and assists.

Jeremy Cross and Oli Gamp of the Daily Mirror believe it is very likely that Grealish will depart this summer, making it pointless Guardiola picking him for Man City’s four remaining league fixtures, so here’s who he should unleash against Wolves instead.

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The Man City forward yet to fulfil his potential

Jérémy Doku joined Manchester City two summers ago from Stade Rennais, costing a reported £55.5m, with Director of Football Txiki Begiristain describing him as a “very exciting young player” who has the potential to “develop into a world-class attacking talent”.

Meantime, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labeled him an “explosive winger” with “superb dribbling skills” who “plays with a natural flair”.

Well, so far, we’ve only seen this in glimpses, with the Belgian scoring only six goals both this season and last, the most recent of which came during the 6-0 demolition of Ipswich all the way back in January.

Nevertheless, Doku does rank more favourably when it comes to other metrics, as outlined by the table below.

Minutes played

1,307

247th

Goals

3

99th

Assists

5

41st

Progressive carries

176

1st

Attempted take-ons

175

2nd

Successful take-ons

98

1st

Take on success % (min 50 attempted)

56%

4th

Carries into the final third

83

4th

Carries into the penalty area

80

2nd

As the table highlights, despite his relative lack of minutes, Doku has accumulated the most progressive carries and successful take-ons of any player in the Premier League.

Meantime, only Mohammed Kudus of West Ham has attempted more take-ons, while only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has registered more carries into the opposition penalty area.

Still only 22-years-old, Doku has the potential to be the future of this team, while the same cannot be said of Grealish.

Thus, given that Vítor Pereira is likely to set Wolves up in a low defensive block on Friday night, their back three quickly retreating and becoming a back five, Doku’s one-vs-one dribbling ability could be invaluable as Man City seek to break them down.

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A pivotal summer awaits for Rangers. 49ers Enterprises, led by Paraag Marathe, are set to complete their 51% majority takeover of the Ibrox club in the coming weeks, but they’ll have plenty of work to do, needing to hire a new manager to replace Barry Ferguson, while a major squad overhaul is also required.

The incoming owners will also need to work fast because, as Scottish Premiership runners-up, Rangers will enter the Champions League at the second qualifying round stage, the first leg of which takes place on 22/23 July, in just ten weeks’ time.

Their potential opponents in that tie are currently forecast to be Brann, Wolfsberger or familiar foes Servette, before potentially encountering Fenerbahçe, Panathinaikos​​​​​​, Viktoria Plzeň, Nice, Club Brugge or Benfica later down the line, meaning it will require some effort if they’re to make it into the league phase.

So, with numerous new signings required, and the Gers a little bit cash-strapped to put it mildly, could they secure a new wide-attacker for free, reminiscent of Ryan Kent?

Ryan Kent's Rangers career in numbers

Kent remains Rangers’ most-expensive signing of the club’s modern history, signing permanently from Liverpool for a reported fee of £7.5m in 2019, having shone on loan the season before, a fee only surpassed by the £12m paid to Chelsea to secure Tore André Flo’s services all the way back in November 2000.

In total, the Englishman scored 33 goals and racked up 56 assists in 218 appearances for the club, a key figure in the 2020/21 Premiership title-winning campaign, as well as the team that reached the Europa League Final a year later.

Scott Bradley of Breaking the Lines notes that, at his best, Kent was a ‘flamboyant’ and ‘dazzling’ winger, while also praising his ‘exceptional’ off-ball work rate, before documenting how he endured a ‘disappointing’ final season in Glasgow, ultimately moving to Fenerbahçe on a free transfer in the summer of 2023.

After making very little impact in İstanbul, Kent recently joined Major League Soccer outfit Seattle Sounders, for whom he has registered three assists across his first four appearances, including this astonishing run that teed up Albert Rusnák as the Rave Green beat Houston Dynamo 3-1 in Texas last Saturday night.

Now, can Rangers secure a winger who shares many of the qualities that Kent showcased during his five-year stay in Govan?

Rangers seeking their new Ryan Kent

As reported by Stephen McGowan of the Herald, Rangers are ‘monitoring’ winger Tyrhys Dolan, with fierce rivals Celtic also interested.

Dolan is set to become a free agent on 1 July, given that his contract with Blackburn Rovers will expire this summer, and it is widely-expected he will not sign a new one.

This is despite the fact Rovers manager Valérien Ismaël would reportedly love to keep the 23-year-old at Ewood Park, stating “he knows the environment he’s got, the love we give him”, adding “he is an important player”.

Former Blackburn boss John Eustace labelled Dolan “outstanding” and a “fantastic young player”, while Elliott Jackson​​​​​​​ of the Lancashire Telegraph described him as “absolutely terrific”, so let’s assess his statistics this season.

Tyrhys Dolan’s season statistics
Statistics	Tyrhys Dolan	EFL Championship rank
Minutes	3,175	86th
Goals	7	42nd
Assists	6	18th
Shots	50	61st
Shots on target %	44%	20th
Shot-creating actions	99	41st
Goal-creating actions	17	7th
Attempted take-ons	152	7th
Progressive carries	94	27th
Carries into the final third	72	15th
All statistics via FBref.com

The table underlines that Dolan is a high-quality dribbler, ranked seventh for attempted take-ons in the EFL Championship, hence why writer Kai Watson labels him “quick” and a “direct… goal threat”.

But, how does the 23-year-old compare to Kent at the peak of his particular powers?

Tyrhys Dolan 2024/25 vs Ryan Kent 2020/21
Statistics	Dolan	Kent
Appearances	47	52
Minutes	3,269	4.251
Goals	7	13
Assists	6	14
Shots	50	102
Shots on target %	44%	38.2%
Big chances missed	10	10
Big chances created	7	11
Dribble success %	43%	53%
Average Sofascore rating	6.82	7.05
Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt, FBref.com and SofaScore

As the table outlines, when Kent was at his best in 2020/21, his statistics are almost universally more impressive than Dolan’s from this campaign, albeit he did play around 1,000 more minutes across all competitions.

Nevertheless, Dolan’s numbers do compare favourably to Kent’s, with more of his shots finding the target for one, and they both dribble more than most, hence why the duo can be compared stylistically.

What is clear is that Dolan is a high-quality, high-potential player so, if Rangers are able to sign him, merely paying a nominal compensation fee, that would be a fantastic addition, with many more arrivals needed.

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While it’s impossible to deny that for large parts of this season, Arsenal haven’t performed to the standards they’ve set in previous years, they have also been quite unlucky regarding injuries.

Specifically, in late December, Mikel Arteta lost his best player and talisman to a severe hamstring injury that kept him out of the side for almost four months: Bukayo Saka.

The best way to demonstrate what a difference having the Hale Ender in the side could have made in that period is to look at his outrageous output, as despite missing so much football this season, he’s still managed to score 11 goals and provided 14 assists in 33 games, at an average of a goal involvement every 1.32 games.

So, with the Englishman unquestionably being the Gunners’ most important player, it would make sense to sign players who would make great teammates for him, which, based on recent reports, seems to be the opinion of Andrea Berta and Co.

Arsenal transfer news

Before we get to the player in question, it is worth looking at some of the other stars Arsenal are looking at who could help Saka reach that next level by improving the left-hand side, such as Jamie Gittens and Raphinha.

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The former has recently popped up as a target for the Gunners and could be available for around £51m, which for a youngster who’s scored at the Bernabeu and has racked up a haul of 17 goal involvements this season and could prove a worthwhile investment.

Likewise, while the reported price tag of £77m for the Barcelona star is indeed steep, he would undoubtedly be worth it, as in just 52 games this season, he has managed to rack up an unreal haul of 57 goal involvements.

Yet, what would likely help Saka more than anything else is signing a new striker, which is where Liam Delap enters the fray.

According to a recent report from Football Transfers, Arsenal are now incredibly interested in the Ipswich Town striker, with Andrea Berta particularly keen.

Furthermore, it’s moved beyond just an interest, with the report revealing that the club have now made an offer for the Englishman, who has a £30m release clause in his deal following the confirmation of the Tractor Boys’ relegation.

He might not be the biggest of names, but given how well he’s performed this season and his potential, Delap is someone worth signing, especially as he’d be a dream for Saka.

Why Delap would be a dream for Saka

Now, there are a few reasons why Delap would be a dream signing for Saka this summer, but they ultimately boil down to his ability in front of goal, as the Arsenal winger would surely thrive with a more clinical striker to his left.

We feel comfortable calling the Englishman more clinical than the Gunners’ current options up top, as it’s a statement more than backed up by the numbers.

For example, Understat has worked out that his 12 league goals this season have come from an expected goals figure of just 11.85, which, in other words, means he’s actually outperforming his underlying numbers.

Delap

11.85

12

Havertz

11.76

9

Jesus

3.38

3

In contrast, prior to his injury, Kai Havertz scored his nine league goals from an expected goals figure of 11.76, and Gabriel Jesus scored his three goals from an expected figure of 3.38.

On top of being better at putting away his chances, of which he’d be provided plenty from the Hale Ender, the 22-year-old marksman is more than capable of creating his own chances.

For example, FBref places the “complete” forward, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, in the top 8% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons, the top 9% for shot-creating actions from successful take-ons, the top 10 % for carries into the final third and more, all per 90.

So not only would he help boost the Arsenal ace’s assist tally, but the attacking “monster” – in the words of Ipswich podcast Mark Heath – would almost certainly boost his goal output as well.

Ultimately, from price to goals and his ability to get the ball into dangerous areas, Delap seems like an ideal signing for Arsenal and, just as importantly, someone who’d be a sensational teammate for Saka.

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Brendan Rodgers has the chance to win the domestic treble this afternoon when his Celtic team takes to the field to face Aberdeen in the SFA Cup final at Hampden Park.

The Hoops have already won the Scottish Premiership title and the League Cup, which they won on penalties against Rangers, and they can clinch a third domestic trophy with a win today.

Rodgers failed to win the treble in his first season back in the dugout at Parkhead, winning the Premiership and the SFA Cup in the 2023/24 campaign, but now has the chance to make it five trophies out of six at domestic level since the summer of 2023.

The Northern Irish head coach’s team were held to a 1-1 draw at home to St. Mirren on the final day of the Premiership campaign, as James Forrest scored a stoppage-time equaliser.

Rodgers may look to make some changes to the starting XI that took to the field against St. Mirren at Parkhead for this cup final clash, and Adam Idah is one player who could be ruthlessly ditched by the former Liverpool manager.

Why Adam Idah should be dropped

The Ireland international lined up against St. Mirren as the starting centre-forward and was withdrawn from the action after 54 minutes without a single shot on goal.

His underwhelming performance last time out, which included just six successful passes, may cost him a place in the starting XI for the cup final, particularly given his record coming off the bench for the Hoops.

Idah has only started 21 of his 42 domestic appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants so far this season, which shows that he has failed to nail down a place as a regular starter under Rodgers, despite Kyogo Furuhashi’s move to Rennes on a permanent deal in the January transfer window.

The former Norwich City marksman, who signed for Celtic on a permanent deal last summer after an initial loan spell at Parkhead, has had more joy off the bench in the Premiership for the Bhoys this term.

Appearances

19

16

Minutes

1,352

357

Goals

6

7

Minutes per goal

225

51

Assists

0

1

As you can see in the table above, Idah has scored more goals and delivered more assists in just under 1,000 fewer minutes on the pitch in the top-flight off the bench in comparison to as a starter.

These statistics suggest that the Irishman is more effective as a super sub for the Scottish giants, which is also backed up by his role in the SFA Cup last year, as he came off the bench to score the winning goal against Rangers in the 90th minute at the end of his loan spell.

Therefore, the data would suggest that Rodgers could increase his team’s chances of coming away with the win and the treble by ruthlessly dropping Idah to the bench, as it could make him more effective as an option this afternoon.

This would provide Daizen Maeda, who has scored 14 goals in ten matches as a striker this season, with an opportunity to play through the middle as the main striker.

The Japan international starting over Idah in the centre-forward position would open up a spot on the wing for another player to join him and Nicolas Kuhn in the front three. That position should be filled by club legend James Forrest.

Why James Forrest should start against Aberdeen

In order for Idah to fulfill his role as a super substitute, Rodgers will need to bring another winger into the side and his options are currently limited because Jota is missing with a knee injury, which he sustained in the win over Dundee United last month.

Forrest could be the ideal option to come in to start this match because he is coming off the back of a confidence-lifting goal against St. Mirren on the final day of the Premiership season, a goal which means that he has scored in 16 different seasons for the first-team.

As you can see in the clip above, the Scottish forward blew the roof off Parkhead with his last-gasp strike, which was pretty much the last touch he had in the Premiership season to avoid ending his streak of seasons with at least one goal.

Forrest should, now, be rewarded with a start against Aberdeen, whom he scored against in the semi-finals of the SFA Cup last season, on the left flank, with Kuhn on the right and Maeda through the middle as the number nine.

That would then allow Idah to come on for Forrest in the second half as a super sub option, which would free up Maeda to move out wide, and that gives Rodgers tactical flexibility off the bench in the second half if things are not going Celtic’s way this afternoon.

It would be unfair, though, to suggest that the Scottish veteran would only be starting because of tactical reasons or because of Idah’s impact off the bench, because he is a quality player in his own right who could make a big impact at the top end of the pitch.

SFA Cup

41

11

11

League Cup

33

12

6

Premiership

336

73

74

Champions League

30

1

3

Europa League

31

1

7

As you can see in the table above, the 33-year-old forward has a particularly impressive record in the SFA Cup in his career, with 22 goals and assists combined in 41 appearances.

Forrest was once described as a “difference-maker” by Rodgers and that is backed up by his statistics in this competition, as he has delivered goals and assists on a regular basis.

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He should now be given an opportunity to add to that record in the clash at Hampden Park against Aberdeen this afternoon, by being named in the starting XI ahead of Idah.

This could, therefore, win the treble for Rodgers by both giving Forrest a chance to make an impact in the final third, whilst also getting the best out of the Irish striker off the bench.

Manchester City have now identified a “sensational” Premier League star as a priority target for the summer transfer window, as he would be a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s system, according to a report.

Man City need "full reset" this summer

The shock 1-0 FA Cup final defeat against Crystal Palace capped off a disappointing season for Man City, although Guardiola has defended the disappointing campaign by referencing the fact they won the Community Shield against Manchester United back in August.

That said, Gary Neville has long held the belief the City boss will need to overhaul his squad this summer, saying: “This will be painful for Man City but maybe Pep Guardiola needs it, maybe the club needs it. A full reset.

“Pep Guardiola is going to have to build a brand new title-winning team. He knows what one looks like, that’s for sure.”

The rebuild initially got underway during the January transfer window, with Kyle Walker leaving on an initial loan to Serie A giants AC Milan, which has led to Matheus Nunes, a midfielder by trade, filling in at right-back on a number of occasions.

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According to a report from Spain, however, Man City are now looking to bring in a long-term replacement for Walker, having now identified Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento as their priority target.

One bonus to signing Livramento is that he ‘would fit perfectly’ into Guardiola’s system, and City are willing to make a big bid to get a deal over the line, but his current employers are not willing to let the full-back leave without a fight.

Livramento could be "sensational" signing for Man City

The right-back is still only 22-years-old, but he has already built up a great deal of Premier League experience, establishing himself as a vital player for the Magpies this season, making 44 appearances in all competitions.

The England international, who set Newcastle back £40m in August 2023, has certainly justified his price tag since arriving at St. James’ Park, with club legend Alan Shearer lauding him after a “sensational” display against Manchester United last season.

In the same game, the former Southampton man was lauded for his speed by reporter Henry Winter, indicating he could be a like-for-like heir for Walker, who is also well-known for his recovery pace.

As such, there are clear signs that Livramento could be the perfect addition for Man City at right-back, but Guardiola’s side may have to qualify for the Champions League to stand a chance of prising the defender away from Newcastle this summer.