Although their focus has been on finding a new manager, Rangers are now reportedly seriously interested in signing a European talent who they’ve already scouted ahead of the summer transfer window.

Rangers' manager shortlist

Before anything, the Gers must finally find a permanent replacement for Philippe Clement, having decided against handing Barry Ferguson the job following a brief interim spell at the end of the season. To that end, a number of candidates have unsurprisingly already emerged in the race to land the vaccant position at Ibrox.

Names such as Steven Gerrard and Davide Ancelotti have stolen the most headlines, but that hasn’t stopped the likes of Russell Martin from receiving links to the job in recent weeks. The former Southampton manager has been out of a job since being shown the door at St Mary’s and is now an outside candidate to arrive in Scotland as well as being linked with the Leicester City job.

Plenty have had their say on just who should arrive, including Rangers legend Ally McCoist. He told reporters when quizzed on Gerrard’s next move: “It’s absolutely vital that his next job is the right one, It didn’t quite work out at Villa or in Saudi Arabia. It’s similar to Frank Lampard—his move to Coventry has been crucial in getting his managerial career back on track. Steven’s in that same position. His next step needs to be spot on.”

Whether a return to Rangers is a move that would be “spot on” for Gerrard is a question that those in Scotland may just get an answer to in the coming weeks, as the 49ers ramp up their managerial hunt.

Related Same agent as Gerrard: Rangers want cheap deal to sign £1m int'l defender

He could arrive with the potential new manager.

Posts ByTom Cunningham May 28, 2025

As soon as they find their next manager, of course, Rangers must turn their attention towards the summer transfer market and that’s when they could make their move to sign an attacking addition who they’ve already scouted.

Rangers seriously interested in Djurgarden winger Fallenius

According to Fotboll Direkt in Sweden, the 49ers are now seriously interested in signing Oskar Fallenius after Rangers completed their scouting mission on the 23-year-old Djurgarden winger. The Swede could be part of a much-needed list of arrivals as those at Ibrox look to turn their side back into true title contenders and bridge the gap on Celtic in the process.

A player who has featured on the European stage and scored in the Europa Conference League, Fallenius has seemingly done enough to earn the attention of Rangers ahead of the summer transfer window.

If the 49ers are looking to improve the Gers whilst maintaining their budget, then the arrival of a player who could be on the verge of bursting into his best form should be the way forward. And Fallenius would fall into that category.

The Scottish giants arguably got it all wrong last summer, but with new owners on the way they have the chance to start fresh and close the gap on Celtic for the first time since 2021. Whether that results in Fallenius’ arrival will certainly be interesting to see.

A video circulated on social media in the wake of Liverpool’s 3-2 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion on the south coast. It depicted Trent Alexander-Arnold in front of a charged away crowd, singing for their title-winning squad.

But Alexander-Arnold did not cut the figure of a jubilant hero, who has played an important role for his boyhood club in winning his second Premier League title. Indeed, the 26-year-old was unreadable, though perhaps the more cynical among us would suggest he looked forlorn, poignant.

The reality is probably more simple: Trent is joining Real Madrid as a free agent this summer and has been met with critical response, booed by his own fans at Anfield last weekend.

It’s a nuanced debate, but one which remains at its core a sorry conclusion to the Reds career of one of Liverpool’s greatest contemporaries, whose rise from the academy has been in line with the illustrious successes of Jurgen Klopp and now Arne Slot.

But he’s leaving with an atmosphere of hostility, and it’s a real shame that the whole saga was not carried out with more transparency and tact.

For example, Harvey Elliott may well join Alexander-Arnold in leaving the club this summer, but to a wholly different reaction, no doubt.

Harvey Elliott's post-Brighton comments

Elliott, 22, has been at Liverpool since he was 16, joining from Fulham. He’s played 146 appearances for the club, notching 35 goal contributions.

While Klopp hinted before he left that one of his biggest regrets was not giving Elliott more playing time, Slot has limited the rising midfielder’s action to that of a bit-part player, and his future is now being questioned.

Elliott scored against Brighton on Monday night, tapping in from close range following fine work from Conor Bradley.

He also assisted Dominik Szoboszlai’s fortuitous goal before half-time, though it was more of a ‘Busquets-esque’ pass than a flash of creative inspiration.

Still, Elliott has demonstrated his potency when called upon this year, scoring five goals and laying on three assists across all competitions despite only starting six times.

As per FBref, Elliott also ranks among the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe this season for passes attempted, the top 1% for progressive passes and the top 21% for shot-creating actions per 90.

In spite of all this, it’s looking ever more likely the young playmaker will be sold this summer, especially after his post-match comments.

Newcastle United have been named among Elliott’s admirers in recent weeks, and while it’s a tough pill to swallow, the ace might be right in admitting he needs to do the right thing for his career. FSG would be seeking out a £50m fee to let him leave.

And he’s not the only young star who faces the axe this summer, with Liverpool perhaps needing to sell Jarell Quansah too.

Why Liverpool must sell Jarell Quansah

In December 2023, Joel Matip’s professional career came to an abrupt end. He didn’t know it at the time, but the experienced Liverpool centre-half would be forced into retirement by the ACL injury sustained in a frenzied Premier League victory over Fulham.

Liverpool were a tad threadbare at the back, but up stepped all 6 foot 5 of Quansah from the academy; the year before, he’d been a fixture at Bristol Rovers in League One, but played an important role to guide Liverpool back into the Champions League.

Things haven’t gone so smoothly since Klopp left last summer, though, and the 22-year-old may now be sweating over his future on Merseyside, restricted to a peripheral role in Slot’s system.

After his rip-roaring start to senior life at Liverpool, Quansah has stumbled. He’s not yet fallen by the wayside, but there’s sure to be a concern over his campaign as a whole, with Tactically Matt saying he “never plays, and when he has this season, he’s not been good.”

The data pool is admittedly smaller, but who could argue Quansah has retained his lofty level since Slot took the reins? Who could say the young graduate is in a position of promise at Liverpool, confident in his chances of earning regular action next year?

Jarell Quansah in the Premier League
Stats (* per game)	23/24	24/25
Matches (starts)	17 (13)	13 (4)
Goals	2	0
Assists	0	0
Touches*	76.5	36.2
Pass completion	89%	92%
Key passes*	0.2	0.2
Ball recoveries*	4.2	1.5
Tackles + interceptions*	2.5	1.4
Clearances*	2.3	2.1
Duels (won)*	4.5 (64%)	1.6 (45%)
Errors	2x	2x
Stats via Sofascore

It’s all gone a bit awry, but Quansah is now a Premier League champion after playing an instrumental role in clinching the Carabao Cup last year.

Given that he’s been hailed for his “absolute monster” performances by talent scout Jacek Kulig, it’s clear the future is bright for this young buck. However, his future is a nebulous thing right now.

Powerful, dynamic and good on the ball, there’s a lot to like. There have, indeed, been flashes. Though such moments are better defined by a longer variation of the phrase: flashes in the pan.

He lacks that special something that characterised his maiden campaign as a first-team regular, and though there’s ample time for Quansah to rise back to the fore, Liverpool may be interested in cashing in, with Newcastle also interested in the defender.

While Football Insider have published a recent report suggesting Quansah could be allowed to leave on loan this summer, The Magpies have registered their interest in recent months, with The Times claiming in March Eddie Howe’s side felt confident a bid worth £30m plus add-ons could tempt FSG to cash in.

Liverpool are in need of sweeping changes this season and Slot’s reluctance to heavily rotate has proven a judicious call, for the Reds have faltered more often than not when playing without some of the stars of the show.

Quansash might feel somewhat scapegoated, but since Liverpool are making big-money moves, cashing in might be a good idea.

He'd be incredible with Kerkez: FSG want to sign £50m "tank" for Liverpool

Liverpool are looking to make sweeping changes in the summer transfer market.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 19, 2025

Liverpool won the Premier League this season, pulling themselves back onto their perch.

Number 20 has placed the Reds level with historic rivals Manchester United as the most successful club in English top-flight history, and considering the gulf between the two superpowers, Anfield have a fantastic chance to peel ahead in the coming years.

1)

Man United

20

1=

Liverpool

20

3)

Arsenal

13

4)

Man City

10

5)

Everton

9

In order to achieve this, FSG have recognised the importance of bringing in some fresh faces, especially since vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold has left to play for Real Madrid.

Jeremie Frimpong has signed, and his Bayer Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz should follow. Liverpool are also in advancing talks to sign Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez.

However, given the woes of Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota across the 2024/25 campaign, it’s hardly surprising Arne Slot is seeking to sign a new striker.

Liverpool's striker search

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool’s Nunez is “planning to leave” Merseyside this summer, having only scored seven times across all competitions in Slot’s system.

Jota’s campaign was blighted by yet more injuries, but it’s more likely he stays put and adds depth and clinical quality to the Reds first team.

But who to bring in? Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is staying put, reports David Ornstein, after Eddie Howe’s side qualified for the Champions League, while Chelsea are frontrunners in the race for Hugo Ekitike, who has been valued at a questionable €100m (£84m) by Eintracht Frankfurt.

Liverpool have also turned down an offer from Barcelona for Luis Diaz, willing to keep the Colombian onboard even if that leads to eventual free agency. The 28-year-old filled in at centre-forward on numerous occasions last year.

Diaz, however, is not an out-and-out forward, and if he stays, his principal role will be to compete with Cody Gakpo for a place on the left wing.

Even if Isak and Ekitike prove out of reach, Liverpool need to sign a new striker.

Liverpool approach new striker

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool may have found a left-field solution in their quest for firepower.

Transfer Focus

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

FSG appear to have done quite the deep dive on the Bundesliga’s standout players this year, and Nick Woltemade could be the man they decide to welcome to number nine, having made an official approach to DFB-Pokal champions Stuttgart.

The 23-year-old, valued at €50m (£43m), has enjoyed a prolific term in his German homeland and is also being courted by Arsenal, Everton and West Ham United, along with a host of further suitors on the continent.

Given Liverpool are spending the big bucks this summer, a more affordable forward to the aforementioned targets could be appealing.

What Nick Woltemade would bring to Anfield

Woltemade isn’t the highest-profile name on the block, but then Liverpool have often enjoyed travelling the less-trodden path in the transfer market.

Across 33 matches in all competitions this term, Woltemade scored 17 goals and laid on three assists, making startling headway in his first season at Stuttgart, only scoring twice across 30 matches for Werder Bremen in 2023/24.

Moreover, he was instrumental in Stuttgart’s stunning DFB-Pokal triumph, scoring in each of the five rounds he played (the DFB-Pokal is effectively the German version of the FA Cup).

Woltemade is a hulking presence at 6 foot 6, but he’s not just a target man, creating eight big chances in the Bundesliga this year, also averaging 1.1 dribbles and 4.4 successful duels per game, as per Sofascore.

Given he only started 17 times, Liverpool chiefs may be wary of forking out a big sum for someone yet to reach their potential, but the same could be said for Ekitike, who would cost twice as much and scored 22 goals across 48 games since last summer.

It’s curious that he bears such a striking likeness to Isak, who stands at 6 foot 3 and is one of the most silky goalscorers in the Premier League. Pundit Alan Shearer has described him as “the complete striker”.

Woltemade, in fact, ranked among the top 11% of centre-forwards playing in Europe’s top five leagues this season for passes attempted, the top 3% for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes, the top 4% for successful take-ons and the top 1% for touches in the attacking penalty area, as per FBref. His performances have drawn Isak and Ekitike as comparable players.

What a unique profile. It’s almost as if you fused together a throwback forward profile with the modern-tailored styles of Isak and Ekitike, creating a Frankenstein-esque striker who would be perfect for Slot’s dynamic tactical set-up.

He’s also got a taste for silverware after leading his team to glory, and of course, is at heart an “exceptional” goalscorer, as has been noted by talent scout Antonio Mango.

It’s unlikely this German talent would arrive on Premier League grass and start performing to the level of Isak, who is out of reach at more than £150m, but his dynamic, variegated approach to the striker’s craft suggests he could be an astute signing, following Wirtz and the like.

Isak created 11 big chances in the Premier League this year, averaging 1.2 dribbles per game. This is a profile Liverpool have been desperate to sign, even shifting their focus to Ekitike, a similar kind of forward.

Maybe both players will perform on other Premier League planes next year, but Woltemade could be Liverpool’s own version, could be fashioned into something special.

How often have we seen a new recruit prove doubters wrong and rise to the very fore?

The dream XI Liverpool could build: Wirtz signs & "the next Mbappe" arrives

Liverpool are making sweeping changes in the transfer market as Slot prepares to defend his PL title.

3 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 3, 2025

Leeds United are going to be busy in the summer transfer window on their way to, hopefully, building a squad that can avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The Whites have already been linked with plenty of players to potentially arrive at Elland Road in the coming months, as Daniel Farke looks to improve his team.

Feyenoord forward Igor Paixao, Tottenham Hotspur central midfielder Yves Bissouma, and Brighton & Hove Albion centre-forward Evan Ferguson are just a few of the stars who have been linked with the club.

The West Yorkshire outfit are also reportedly eyeing a loan deal to sign Emiliano Buendia from Aston Villa, which would see him reunite with Farke, whom he thrived under at Norwich City.

Whilst there could be some high-profile, exciting, additions to the squad, there are also players in the current squad who are proof that players can turn their careers around.

For example, Leeds hit the jackpot when they decided to swoop for central defender Joe Rodon in the summer of 2023, despite his failure to make the grade at Tottenham Hotspur.

Why Leeds have hit the jackpot with Joe Rodon

The Whites initially signed the Wales international on loan from Spurs for the 2023/24 campaign, after he made just 24 appearances in all competitions in four years with the Premier League side.

Rodon went on to play 43 of the club’s 46 regular season matches and all three of their play-off games that term, forming partnerships with both Pascal Struijk and Ethan Ampadu.

His form at the heart of the defence for the West Yorkshire outfit that season convinced the club to splash a reported fee of £10m out to sign him on a permanent basis from Spurs in the summer of 2024.

They were willing to take a gamble on a player who had not played much football after a difficult spell with Tottenham, and it is one that has paid off for the Whites.

Appearances

46

Starts

46

Pass accuracy

92%

Clean sheets

25

Dribbled past per game

0.1x

Ground duel success rate

68%

Aerial duel success rate

60%

As you can see in the table above, Rodon was incredibly important to Farke in the 2024/25 campaign, as he started every single league game in the Championship – the only player in the squad to do so.

The highlights in the post above from his performance against Oxford United in April showcase the kind of quality that he provided in and out of possession for the Whites.

Leeds hit the jackpot because they unearthed a centre-back with the defensive strength to keep out opposition attacks, whilst also having the ability on the ball to start attacks, and they could repeat the masterclass they played with Rodon by signing another former Spurs defender.

Leeds eyeing deal for Championship star

According to GIVEMESPORT, Leeds United are one of the teams eyeing up a potential move to sign Millwall star Japhet Tanganga in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Whites, Burnley and Sunderland are all plotting swoops to sign the English central defender ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, as they look to bolster their defensive options following promotion to the Premier League.

Transfer Focus

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

This means that there could be plenty of competition for his services this summer, with a number of teams keen on snapping him up from the Lions, and that suggests that Leeds will have to move quickly if they want to bring him to Elland Road in the coming weeks.

GIVEMESPORT adds that he has a release clause in his Millwall contract that would allow all three of the interested teams to sign him for just under £2m, in what could be a bargain deal.

The report also claims that Leeds have been keeping tabs on Tanganga for a long time and that they view him as a player who could bolster their efforts to avoid relegation from the Premier League next season.

It is now down to the club to beat Sunderland and Burnley in the race for his signature this summer because he could be a Rodon repeat for the Whites.

Why Tanganga could be a Rodon repeat for Leeds

Like Rodon, the former England U21 international played for Spurs in the past but failed to make the grade as a regular starter for the Premier League outfit, playing 50 times in all competitions across four years in the first-team.

Tanganga joined Millwall on loan for the 2023/24 season before joining the club on a free transfer in the summer of 2024, and he has been a terrific performer in the Championship for the Lions.

The 26-year-old titan was provided with an opportunity to revive his career in the second tier with Millwall, as Rodon was with Leeds, and he has taken it with both hands with his displays in the last 18 months or so.

Pundit Carlton Palmer claimed that the defender is “capable of playing in the Premier League” because of his “tremendous recovery pace” and that he “is a cut above” the Championship, which is reflected in the statistics below.

Appearances

18

40

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.6

2.3

Clearances per game

3.3

5.4

Ground duel success rate

53%

61%

Aerial duel success rate

55%

63%

Dribbled past per game

0.2

0.3x

Clean sheets

5

14

As you can see in the table above, Tanganga is strong in duels with opposition attackers and rarely gets dribbled past, which speaks to his ‘tremendous recovery pace’.

This suggests that, as Palmer claimed, he has the physical attributes to be a success in the Premier League for Leeds if they decide to snap him up for a bargain fee of less than £2m this summer.

Leeds could land best signing since Raphinha in £35m Premier League star

Leeds United could land their best and biggest signing since Raphinha by bringing this star to Elland Road.

ByDan Emery Jun 4, 2025

Tanganga may not have made the grade at Spurs, just like Rodon, but that does not mean that he is not a quality operator, as shown by his form for Millwall, and that is why the Whites could repeat their Rodon blinder by signing the English star this summer.

Chelsea look certain to enjoy a busy summer transfer window, especially if Enzo Maresca can guide them to the Champions League next season.

While the squad is filled with quality in several areas, a lack of depth, plus a shortage of a truly world-class centre-forward has impacted the Blues at times this term.

The Stamford Bridge side have scored 63 times in the Premier League this term, a tally bettered by the likes of Brentford (ninth) and equalled by Tottenham Hotspur (17th) throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

As such, adding goals to his side will be Maresca’s main priority once the summer transfer window opens in just a couple of weeks.

Chelsea have been linked with their fair share of targets, no doubt about that, but how much will the manager be willing to spend to bolster his first-team squad?

Chelsea’s search for a new striker

One name that is on the list is Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap. Following his club’s relegation from the top flight back into the Championship, his release clause drops down to £30m, which makes him an attractive prospect.

Newcastle United and Manchester United are also keen, but is the talented Englishman a player who could spearhead a potential title challenge? That much remains to be seen.

Another target, and one with a higher ceiling than Delap, is Benjamin Sesko. Chelsea have been routinely linked with a move for the RB Leipzig frontman following his exploits on the continent.

Elsewhere, Victor Osimhen remains a target, although he could be an expensive signing should he make the move to London in the summer.

Finally, Alexander Isak is a player who has also been mentioned with regard to a move to the capital. The Newcastle striker is arguably one of the finest players in the top flight, and signing him would signal a major statement of intent.

Isak is approaching the peak years of his career. But if the Blues wish to sign a striker who is just like the Swede, but a few years younger, then they could turn to the Bundesliga.

Chelsea eyeing move for Bundesliga striker

It appears as though Maresca will stop at nothing in order to bring in someone who has a track record for scoring goals.

Transfer Focus

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

According to French news outlet RMC Sport, it is claimed that several clubs have made contact with Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike with regard to a potential move.

Chelsea are certainly in the hunt, although they face some stiff competition from the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool ahead of the transfer window.

Due to his strong performances that have led Frankfurt to third place in the Bundesliga, thus securing Champions League qualification, Ekitike is now valued at €100m (£85m), which represents a massive change of fortunes from just 18 months ago.

Back then, he was struggling to make inroads at PSG. Now he is one of the most desirable forwards in Europe.

He has proven his worth in a top-five league. Would a move to Chelsea help him continue his development?

Why Chelsea must sign Hugo Ekitike this summer

Nicolas Jackson has endured a campaign to forget, scoring just 12 goals all season. Marc Guiu is the only other senior centre-forward in the first-team squad and while he netted six goals and showed a lot of promise prior to injury, he isn’t at the level to lead the club’s attack consistently.

Making a move for Ekitike, therefore, is of the utmost importance to Maresca over the next few weeks, that’s for sure.

Analyst Ben Mattinson delivered some high praise on the Frenchman in March this year, saying: “A move in the summer seems inevitable and rightly so, Ekitiké is one of the best strikers out there ready to explode.”

You might say he has already exploded. Throughout the 2024/25 season, Ekitike has scored 22 goals and registered 12 assists in all competitions for Frankfurt.

He ranked sixth in the top flight for goals and assists (23) for the club, while also ranking third for shots per game (3.5) and fifth for big chances missed (16). This last stat is something that will get better with age, as his abilities in the penalty area should improve over the coming years.

Given how well he has performed in the Bundesliga, especially compared to players such as Harry Kane, Ekitike is finally looking like he will fulfil his potential.

The sky is certainly the limit. If he made the move to London, Ekitike could become Maresca’s own version of Isak, especially considering the pair of strikers share similar sorts of qualities.

Why Ekitike could be a younger version of Alexander Isak

According to WhoScored, both Isak and Ekitike like to dribble, while they can count key passes and dribbling as their main strengths. As per FBref, the Newcastle centre-forward is the fifth-most comparable player to the French sensation, across Europe’s top five leagues.

The pair have also registered similar statistics across a range of attacking metrics domestically this season, including goals and assists (23 vs 29), shots on target per 90 (1.55 vs 1.32), shot-creating actions per 90 (3.55 vs 3.07), touches in the opposition penalty area (196 vs 186) and successful take-ons (52 vs 42) for their respective teams.

Metric

Isak

Ekitike

Goals

23

15

Assists

6

8

Shots per game

2.9

3.5

Big chances missed

18

16

Goal conversion percentage

24%

13%

Key passes per game

1.6

1.3

It is evident that the two are extremely similar not only in their playing style but also in their attacking output in 2024/25.

Like Isak, the Frankfurt striker has an insatiable eye for scoring at every possible opportunity. That’s not to say he is selfish, however, as the youngster can also create opportunities for his teammates with ease, evidenced by his 12 assists across the whole season.

He might cost the club around £85m, but as someone who has the potential to get better and better as time goes on, it may turn out to be a wise investment.

Of course, securing a place in the Champions League is imperative. If so, one of the continent’s most in-demand strikers could be on their way to London.

Chelsea already have a bigger talent than Enzo Fernandez in £18m "monster"

Reports have suggested that Chelsea might lose Fernandez to Real Madrid this summer

1 ByJoe Nuttall May 22, 2025

Chelsea are carrying on their busy summer transfer window after sealing a move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, with Enzo Maresca’s side now setting their sights on another exciting young centre-forward.

Chelsea could sign second striker after Liam Delap

The former Man City starlet joins in a £30 million deal following Ipswich’s confirmed relegation to the Championship, and fresh off the back of a 12-goal Premier League season, there is potential for Delap to do well at Stamford Bridge.

Related "Elite" player green-lights move to Chelsea with formal bid expected soon

He could be their next signing after Liam Delap.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jun 4, 2025

After completing a medical earlier this week (Fabrizio Romano), Delap becomes Chelsea’s first signing of what is expected to be a busy window, and it is believed yet another striker could still follow the Englishman.

Race for Champions League qualification – Final standings

Rank

Team

Points

GD

3

Man City

71

+28

4

Chelsea

69

+21

5

Newcastle

66

+21

6

Aston Villa

66

+7

7

Nottingham Forest

65

+12

This is made all the more possible by clubs showing a genuine interest in striker Nicolas Jackson, who could leave Chelsea this summer and make way for another number nine, likely to be Hugo Ekitiké of Eintracht Frankfurt as things stand.

“Liam Delap is joining as well as another striker that points in the direction of Hugo Ekitiké of Frankfurt,” wrote reliable journalist Simon Phillips, via his Substack, this week.

“There’s been a lot of contrasting reporting on Jackson and what his future will hold now it looks like two new strikers are arriving at the club.

“At the very least, he now has big question marks hanging over his head, but what is the latest on him?

“Chelsea do like Jackson, but there has been a desire to upgrade him and bring more competition in. They believe that he doesn’t have enough to lead Chelsea in the Champions League right now, so have looked to bring in others.

“In terms of a selling standpoint, they will very much listen to any offers that come in without actively pushing to sell him.”

Phillips adds that Manchester United, Aston Villa, Inter Milan and Atlético Madrid are all interested in the Senegalese and are considering making an offer, so an exit for Jackson is very much a possibility.

Now, as one African striker is faced with the prospect of leaving Stamford Bridge, another has been given the chance to join Maresca’s squad.

Chelsea make "official offer" to sign Villarreal striker Karl Etta Eyong

According to Africa Foot, Chelsea are seriously moving in pursuit of Villarreal striker Karl Etta Eyong.

The “promising” Cameroonian, as stated by this report, has scored 20 goals in all competitions this season, scoring once in La Liga for the first team and a further 19 for Villarreal’s B squad, with the 21-year-old also attracting attention from Toulouse, Getafe, and Leganes.

However, it is Maresca’s side who appear to be in pole position. Chelsea have made an “official offer” for Etta Eyong, submitting a five-year contract proposal until 2030, with the option of spending next season at sister club Strasbourg to help further his development.

There’s been no confirmation of whether the player or Villarreal are inclined to accept this proposal, but it may be one to watch over the coming days.

Sunderland supporters have been seriously put through the wringer by their side in recent memory, with League One football even on the menu back in 2019.

But, all that agony and woe surrounding the Black Cats has been finally lifted courtesy of Regis Le Bris’ heroics from the dug-out, as the Frenchman proudly brings Premier League football action back to the Stadium of Light.

The hope will be that Sunderland’s emotional 2-1 win over Sheffield United will keep Jobe Bellingham around for a little while longer, amidst interest from elite sides such as Borussia Dortmund.

But if that is to be Bellingham’s swansong moment, he delivered yet another classy display for his top-flight-bound side from the middle of the park, alongside a whole host of other standout performers.

Sunderland's best performers vs the Blades

Before looking at the other heroes in Le Bris’ camp, Bellingham stood out once again as a key part of the young and promising Sunderland side.

The in-demand number seven would only misplace six of his 55 passes when offering the Black Cats calm through the middle on such a tense stage, whilst also winning six duels to display more grit and fight than an underperforming Sydie Peck for the Blades.

Bellingham wasn’t the only star who managed to show up for the big occasion, however, as Daniel Ballard put in another imperious display defensively when winning his own sizeable duels count of 11, whilst Eliezer Mayenda also shone when levelling the proceedings as a pacey option up top.

But, the main talking point afterwards was Tommy Watson’s last-minute winner, with the homegrown Wearside product capitalising on a lax pass by Kieffer Moore to fire home a stunning effort to seal Sunderland’s progression back up to the big time.

That was one hell of a parting gift from the 19-year-old hotshot, who is set to join Brighton and Hove Albion this summer for £10m.

Indeed, Watson is perhaps the club’s next Jordan Henderson as he goes on to potentially affirm himself as a Premier League regular with the Seagulls.

Why Watson could be Sunderland's next Henderson

Amazingly, Henderson was only one year older than Watson when his big move to Liverpool occurred.

He never looked back after waving goodbye to his boyhood club either, leading to the now Ajax man going on to make 492 appearances for the Reds, alongside winning 83 England caps.

Therefore, Watson will be aiming to follow in Henderson’s footsteps as an equally talented and promising starlet through the middle – albeit one who unfortunately does their best work away from the Stadium of Light.

After all, from only 24 first-team games to date, the 19-year-old is up to three strikes with the best left till last when breaking Blades hearts. To add context, Henderson would only power home two more efforts himself donning Sunderland red and white, even from 55 more outings.

U18s

40

18

7

U21s

31

13

11

First team

24

3

0

The attacker’s blistering numbers for the Black Cats at both an U18 and U21 level also show off a prodigy ready for the bright lights of the Premier League, albeit now without his hometown side.

Still, everyone associated with Sunderland will be overjoyed that it was one of their own that got them back up to the promised land regardless of his next onward route, with Roker Report writer Andy Tomlinson handing out an 8/10 post-match rating to Watson subsequently.

There will be a concern that Watson is only getting started and will be taken to new heights on the South Coast, much like Henderson managed at Anfield.

But, whatever does happen across Watson’s lengthy career to come, he will always have this moment of magic on his resume that took his boyhood employers back up to the Premier League.

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After spending more than ever at Anfield, FSG are reportedly looking to show the door to a number of players this summer. One Liverpool star has already rejected the chance to leave, however.

Liverpool's summer business off with a bang

When Liverpool won the Premier League in the 2019/20 campaign, they decided to settle for what they had – enduring a quiet transfer window in the summer that followed. Soon enough, Manchester City were back on their throne as a result. Five years on, however, FSG have learnt from that harsh lesson and are investing more than ever to build what could be a dominant Liverpool side.

Having already signed Jeremie Frimpong, the Reds are set to welcome his former Bayer Leverkusen teammate, Florian Wirtz, for a British record fee. Simply put, it has so far been a statement summer from Richard Hughes and Michael Edward, who are not stopping there.

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Wirtz has been one of the most talented players in his position for the last two years, recovering from an ACL injury to help Leverkusen to an invincible domestic season before performing at similar levels last season. Now, by joining up with the likes of Mohamed Salah, he could finally take his seat among the very best that European football has to offer.

Florian Wirtz in the last two seasons

Record (via Transfermarkt)

Appearances

92

Goals

34

Assists

35

Although their spending will excite Liverpool fans, it is unlikely to come without sacrifice this summer. With Giorgi Mamardashvili, Wirtz and Frimpong arriving – potentially among others – the likes of Darwin Nunez and now Andy Robertson have been linked with moves away.

The Scot has most recently attracted the interest of Atletico Madrid, as per Fabrizio Romano, and talks are already reportedly underway. Of course, it’s in Madrid that Robertson could square off against Trent Alexander-Arnold in what would add an interesting narrative to a derby already so fierce.

It’s not just Robertson attracting interest, however, as FSG have now seen one big-money player reject the chance to leave this summer.

Alisson rejects Galatasaray move

Despite the fact that FSG have already welcomed his replacement for years to come in Mamardashvili, it looks as though Alisson Becker is set to stay put. According to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, Alisson has rejected a “concrete enquiry” from Galatasaray and will be staying put at Anfield in the coming months instead of joining the 25-time Turkish Super Lig winners.

The Reds initially agreed a deal to sign Mamardashvili last summer before loaning him back to Valencia. Now, a year on, he’s set to join up with his new teammates.

Given that Caoimhin Kelleher has already left for Brentford, there will be a place in Arne Slot’s squad for Mamardashvili, but Alisson is not budging. The £150,000-a-week goalkeeper has seemingly made the decision to keep hold of his No.1 spot even as his long-term replacement arrives.

Glasgow Rangers appear to be closing in on their next head coach as Russell Martin is being heavily touted with a move to Ibrox ahead of next season.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that the Scottish manager has accepted the project in Glasgow and is ready to join the Light Blues this summer.

Martin, who had a loan spell at Ibrox in the second half of the 2017/18 campaign, has been out of work since he was relieved of his duties by Premier League side Southampton at the end of 2024.

Whilst supporters may be concerned by his sacking in the top-flight in England, the ex-Norwich City centre-back also did a lot of good work in the Championship with the Saints, and has been backed to be a success by a former teammate.

As you can see in the clip above, Steven Naismith believes that Martin would bring a clear style of play to Ibrox that has been lacking with recent managerial appointments.

The style of play Russell Martin could bring to Rangers

If you look at the way his Southampton team played in the Championship, as a team expected to challenge at the top of the table, you can get an idea of how his Rangers team could look in the Scottish Premiership.

He coached a ball-dominant team that constantly wanted to control the game whilst also being progressive and creative in possession, rather than just having possession for the sake of having possession.

Martin wants his side to play with a purpose – to create chances and score goals – and his Southampton team did that effectively in the Championship in the 2023/24 campaign.

Russell Martin’s attacking style of play
23/24 Championship	Southampton	League rank
Pass accuracy	87.7%	1st
Passes into the penalty area	594	1st
Progressive passes	2556	1st
Shot-creating actions	1255	1st
xG	79.8	2nd
Points per game	1.89	4th
Stats via FBref

As you can see in the table above, the Saints ranked first in the league for progressive passes and passes into the penalty area, which shows how forward-thinking and incisive they were with the ball.

Southampton typically started matches in a 4-3-3 formation in that campaign, often with one winger who can drift infield to form a front two with the striker and one more traditional wide man on the other side.

This means that Rangers, should they go through with appointing Martin, should look to recruit players who would suit his ball-dominant and positionally flexible system in the summer transfer window.

With this in mind, the 49ers could land the Scottish head coach a dream first signing at Ibrox by swooping for a Leeds United star who has been linked with a move to Glasgow.

The Leeds star Rangers have been linked with

Earlier this month, TEAMtalk reported that Rangers have emerged as a potential suitor for Leeds forward Largie Ramazani ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The outlet claimed that the Premiership giants are ‘monitoring’ his situation at Elland Road, a year on from his £10m move from Almeria to England.

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It stated that Ramazani aligns with how the club want to recruit talent in the transfer market, as they are looking for young and dynamic players who can thrive in the Premiership and European competitions.

However, it remains to be seen whether or not the £10m-rated forward will be available for a move this summer because Daniel Farke is yet to make a final decision on his future in West Yorkshire.

The 49ers and sporting director Kevin Thelwell should, though, push hard to agree a deal for the Belgian forward because he would be a dream first signing for Martin at Ibrox, should he be appointed in the coming days or weeks.

Why Largie Ramazani would be a dream signing for Russell Martin

As aforementioned, the Scottish coach’s Southampton team typically had a traditional, direct, winger on the left and more of a central player on the right in the Championship.

Ramazani would be a perfect fit for Rangers on the left in Martin’s system as a natural wide player who likes to take players on and make things happen in the final third, using his dribbling and pace to cause opposition teams problems.

In fact, talent scout Jacek Kulig once described him as a “mini Vinicius”, referring to Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, because of his “electric” and “explosive” play style, and the fact that they are both nimble and dynamic right-footed left wingers.

Whilst he may not have racked up 21 goals and 15 assists like Vinicius Jr did for Real in the 2024/25 campaign, Ramazani’s form in limited minutes for Leeds suggests that the potential is there for him to be an exciting addition for the Gers.

24/25 Championship	Largie Ramazani (per 90)	Percentile rank vs att. mids & wingers
Non-penalty xG	0.53	Top 1%
Non-penalty goals	0.68	Top 1%
Assists	0.23	Top 18%
Non-penalty xG + Expected Assisted Goals	0.69	Top 1%
Progressive passes	4.29	Top 18%
Progressive carries	4.63	Top 8%
Stats via FBref

As you can see in the table above, the 24-year-old attacker ranked highly among his positional peers in the league for scoring and creating goals, whilst also progressing the ball consistently through carries and passes.

This suggests that he would be an ideal fit for Martin’s system, which requires players to constantly progress the play, whilst also having the quality in the final third to be a difference-maker in matches.

Ramazani ended the season with six goals and two assists in the division, despite starting just seven of his 29 appearances, which shows that he can be productive in front of goal.

Now, imagine the Belgian winger in a Rangers team managed by Martin that could consistently create chances for him to score, whilst starting week-in-week-out.

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Ramazani would be a dream first signing for both Martin and the 49ers because of the potential he has to be a game-changing addition on the wing, whilst also suiting the potential new manager’s style of play perfectly.

Tottenham Hotspur have kickstarted their transfer plans after announcing Thomas Frank as their new manager to replace Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs went public with their decision to appoint the 51-year-old on Thursday evening after days of talks, with Frank swapping the Gtech Community Stadium for north London in what is his most high-profile job to date.

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Frank is tasked with maintaining the momentum garnered from Spurs’ historic night in Bilbao last month, when Postecoglou guided the club to their first major trophy in 17 years with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Man United in the Europa League final.

Now that the Dane is confirmed as Tottenham’s choice to succeed Postecoglou, it is believed the tactician is already starting to have a say in the Lilywhites’ transfer activity ahead of his first full season in charge of a Premier League ‘big six’ side.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Frank has personally recommended Eberechi Eze to the Spurs hierarchy, according to GiveMeSport, and Sky Sports shared on Friday that they could inflict more misery on United by hijacking their move for Bryan Mbeumo.

The Brentford star was a key member of Frank’s squad last season, racking up 20 goals and nine assists in all competitions, and Sky claim that Mbeumo has suddenly become more intrigued by the prospect of a London move after his manager’s arrival at Tottenham.

Initial talks have also been held with Frank’s former side, so this move could now be one to watch.

The Cameroon international would be a stellar addition for Frank, and Tottenham are rumoured to be targeting a new winger to accompany Mathys Tel.

Frank wants to keep Tel at Spurs, according to TEAMtalk this week, with the Frenchman’s loan deal from Bayern Munich including a £45 million option to buy. Chairman Daniel Levy wants to negotiate a lower price tag after a mixed first six months at the club (Sport Bild), and Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, has now confirmed they’re currently in discussions.

Max Eberl confirms Tottenham talks over Mathys Tel

Speaking publicly, via Abendzeitung München and Sport Witness, Eberl admitted that talks are ongoing with Tottenham over Tel’s transfer.

“Mathys was at Tottenham for six months. He wanted to play in the U21 European championship with France, and we allowed him to,” he said.

“We’re talking to Tottenham, that’s no secret. We’ll see how that pans out.”

The 20-year-old scored three goals and notched one assist during his first 20 games as a Tottenham player, but former Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann is on record tipping Tel for a very bright future.

“He could become one of the best strikers one day. I have the vision that he can score 40 goals one day. But I would be happy with 10 goals in his first season,” Nagelsmann told reporters in 2022.

“He’s a young, talented player. He can play in multiple positions: as a centre-forward and on the wings. He’s very quick and strong with his body. He can hold up the ball well with his back to the goal.”