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We’re only two games into 2025 for Arsenal and it already looks as though their title charge is lingering in the dust.

The Gunners have dropped points at some vital moments this term but their 1-1 draw against Brighton has perhaps firmly planted the final nail in the coffin.

Twice Mikel Arteta’s men have dropped points against the Seagulls this term and on both occasions, it’s been in controversial circumstances.

At the beginning of the campaign, Declan Rice was sent off for delaying the restart after a red card that has scarcely been seen in Premier League history.

Away at Brighton on Saturday evening, Arsenal dropped points again and it was a contentious penalty that proved to be their downfall.

William Saliba and Joao Pedro contested for the ball and grazed heads which caused the Brighton attacker to go down holding his face. There was contact but it was remarkably soft and wasn’t overturned on VAR review.

Pedro stepped up and fired home his penalty to give the hosts a share of the spoils.

For Arsenal, they could be eight points behind Liverpool come 7pm this evening after Arne Slot’s side have faced Manchester United.

Arteta could at least dip his toes into the transfer window this month and one player they should be all over is Matheus Cunha.

The latest on Matheus Cunha to Arsenal

Reports at the beginning of this transfer window have suggested that Arsenal will push to acquire the Wolves forward this month.

There have even been claims that the London side have closed in on personal terms with the Brazilian ahead of a potential move in 2025.

That said, any deal over the winter looks as though it will be incredibly difficult to complete due to the fee involved and his role at Wolves.

The latest on his future is that allegedly, he has agreed a new deal with the Molineux outfit which will no doubt bump his price tag up should a move occur.

With the former Atletico Madrid forward penning those fresh terms, it would make a deal far more likely in the summer than during January.

Either way, Arsenal could certainly do with a player of his calibre judging by the performance of a certain Leandro Trossard against Brighton.

Leandro Trossard’s performance in numbers

Arsenal have been battling to find form in the final third this season and that hasn’t been helped in recent weeks by Bukayo Saka’s heartbreaking hamstring injury.

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Ethan Nwaneri has deputised well, scoring the Gunners’ only goal at the Amex this weekend. However, after being withdrawn at half time with a muscular injury, it leaves Arteta searching for more answers.

Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli – the scorer of recent goals against Crystal Palace and Brentford – have been positives but Trossard is still failing to cover himself in much glory.

The Belgian registered the assist for the game’s only goal in the 1-0 win over Ipswich during the festive period but he just simply hasn’t been up to scratch for large patches of 2024/25 to date.

Last season, the 30-year-old was Arsenal’s second top scorer with 16 but he has only found the net four times from 27 outings this term.

No one in the club’s forward line, Nwaneri aside, really did anything of note against Trossard’s former employers on Saturday but the Belgium international was by far one of the worst performers.

Handed a 5/10 match rating by the Standard’s Simon Collings, he noted that it was ‘a pretty quiet game back at his old club’ and that he ‘didn’t really get into the game much’. The Athletic’s Aaron Catterson-Reid was slightly more harsh with assessment, simply commenting that Trossard was “so so bad”.

That was certainly apt as the winger failed to register a single shot on target, produced no key passes and had fewer touches (49) than goalkeeper David Raya (58).

Trossard did complete his one and only dribble attempt in the match but his inability to fashion chances and get involved in the play showed exactly why Arsenal need to sign a player like Cunha.

This season, despite Wolves’ struggles, he has scored ten goals in 19 Premier League appearances. Cunha isn’t a Saka-level player but few players are and Arsenal must push as hard as they can to either sign him or another forward this winter.

If Saka’s injury hasn’t already forced their hands, then the events of Saturday certainly should have.

Fewer touches than Raya: 5/10 Arsenal dud may have just cost them the title

Arsenal’s title bid took a big blow against Brighton on Saturday.

By
Matt Dawson

Jan 4, 2025

As they look to boost their attacking options, Newcastle United have reportedly joined the race to sign an instant upgrade on Miguel Almiron, who looks destined to leave St James’ Park.

3 in, 3 out? 6 players who could join or leave Newcastle United in January

Newcastle United will be looking to do some transfer business this month.

By
Ross Kilvington

Jan 8, 2025

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies endured a mixed opening half to the Premier League campaign before discovering their best form throughout December. Now, with one eye on a Carabao Cup final following a 2-0 first-leg victory over Arsenal, Eddie Howe could yet welcome some key upgrades in the January transfer window to potentially push his side into the Premier League’s top four.

On that front, several names have already threatened to steal the headlines, with the likes of Antoine Semenyo potentially emerging to hand Alexander Isak the ultimate attacking partner.

The Bournemouth winger has so far enjoyed an excellent season for the Cherries and could have done enough to earn himself a move within the Premier League. However, he’s not the only attacking reinforcement that the Tyneside club have seemingly set their sights on.

According to reports in Spain, Newcastle have joined the race to sign Jeremay Hernandez from Deportivo La Coruna. The young winger reportedly has a release clause of just €20m (£17m) at the Spanish Segunda Division side, and is now on the radar of the Magpies, as well as several other potential suitors.

Still just 22 years old, Hernandez could quickly provide Howe with an upgrade on Almiron, who has reportedly been offered to the likes of Leicester City this month as Newcastle look to cash in on their out-of-favour winger.

Newcastle keeping tabs on "phenomenal" PL ace who could replace Dubravka

He’s only recently arrived at his current club.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jan 11, 2025

Selling the ageing Almiron before welcoming the younger and in-form Hernandez would certainly represent wise business from all involved at St James’ Park, but it remains to be seen whether they will trigger his release clause.

Hernandez can force Almiron sale

If Hernandez were to arrive, it would all but signal the end of Almiron’s time in a Newcastle shirt. Whilst the Paraguay international more than played his part in Newcastle’s recent rise from relegation contenders into top-four hopefuls, there’s no doubt he is past his best and no longer a reliable option for Howe to call upon.

Instead, Newcastle should turn their attention towards a rising star in Hernandez, who could swap Spain’s second division for the biggest stage in the form of the Premier League. Scoring seven goals and assisting a further three for Deportivo this season, the 22-year-old is more than ready to step back into the top flight – be it in Spain or England.

As the January transfer window rolls on, Newcastle have certainly set their sights on attacking additions, whether it is Semenyo, Hernandez or another option.

Semenyo has Premier League experience, but Hernandez is an exciting candidate to replace Almiron in his own right to hand Newcastle quite the decision to make by the end of the transfer window.

An injury-ravaged Man City side struggled to break down Everton, as the Merseyside outfit sat deep and escaped from the Joie Stadium with a point.

Man City went into the game knowing failure to win would effectively end their hopes of Champions League qualification. But that motivation did little to inspire, with a City side depleted by injury showing little quality and consistently looking out of ideas in attack.

A bright start left the home team 1-0 up after just 13 minutes, with Kerstin Casparij tapping in from close range after some sharp work from Brazil forward Kerolin on the right hand side, followed by a defensive mix-up in the Everton six-yard box.

Despite going behind, Everton repeatedly looked dangerous on the break, with Toni Payne leading the line admirably. Sure enough, the Toffees equalised just after the 30-minute mark, with Sara Holmgaard whipping in a great ball from the left wing to find her twin sister at the back post, who converted with a bullet header.

City lacked spark in the second half, and while Brazil forward Kerolin looked most likely to break the deadlock, in truth the home side never did enough to genuinely challenge Everton's backline.

GOAL rates Manchester City's players from Joie Stadium…

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Khiara Keating (5/10):

  Comfortable on the ball but at fault for Everton's equaliser, as a botched attempt to claim Holmgaard's cross left her out of position.

  Kerstin Casparij (7/10):

  Scored City's opener and celebrated by holding up a shirt with her injured teammate Fowler's name on it. Had a solid game defensively although wasn't challenged much by Everton.

  Gracie Prior (5/10):

  While her build-up play was decent, she failed to deal with the cross that led to Everton's equaliser, where Holmgaard stole in at the back post.

  Rebecca Knaak (6/10):

  Was slightly shaky after coming back from injury, with a couple of indecisive moments when trying to clear it from deep. Decent in building possession and trying to work it into central midfield.

  Leila Ouahabi (6/10):

  Tidy going forward and responsible for some good offensive crosses, but allowed Holmgaard too much space out wide for Everton's goal.

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  Midfield

  Laia Aleixandri (6/10):

  Looked comfortable on the ball and played some sharp passes at times, but ultimately struggled to break down Everton's tight defensive lines.

  Yui Hasegawa (6/10):

  Completed some nice dribbles and a couple of impressive defence-splitting through-balls, but ultimately gave the ball away in a key area in the build-up to Everton's goal.

• Attack

  Jess Park (6/10):

  Looked comfortable on the ball and consistently tried to get things moving in midfield but struggled to click with more advanced players.

  Laura Coombs (5/10):

  Fairly absent throughout much of the game, looking strangled by Everton's solid low block.

  Lily Murphy (6/10):

  Added a bit of spark when on the ball, but her pacey dribbles often didn't come up and her ball retention could've been better.

  Kerolin (7/10):

  Always looked the most likely to score, but was forced to drop deep to pick up the ball at times when she became isolated. Had joy running at Everton's defence and stretching the back line, forcing a good save from Ramsey and having a decent penalty claim denied.

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• Subs & Manager

  Naomi Layzell (6/10):

  Replaced Knaak for the final half hour.

  Laura Wienroither (6/10):

  Came on for Murphy.

  Nick Cushing (5/10):

  City dominated the ball but just couldn't turn chances into goals.

West Ham are now in talks with a new forward for Graham Potter as they look to solve their striker crisis at the London Stadium, according to a fresh report.

West Ham chasing forward

West Ham have shown improvement under Potter since he took over in east London, but remain on the hunt for a new forward in the final days of the transfer window.

Mohammed Kudus was deployed as a no.9 in their most recent Premier League outing, a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa, underlining the lack of options available to the new manager.

Michail Antonio remains sidelined indefinitely after a car crash, while Jarrod Bowen has a fractured foot and is also unavailable. Summer signing Niclas Fullkrug’s injury misfortune continued earlier in the month too, with the German now set to miss the next three months with a hamstring injury which forced him off just minutes into their FA Cup defeat against Aston Villa.

West Ham and Potter eyeing move to sign "talented" defender over Tottenham

Potter is yet to welcome his first signing at the club…

By
Tom Cunningham

Jan 26, 2025

One player who they have been strongly linked with is Brighton forward Evan Ferguson, who Potter knows well and handed his debut during his time on the south coast. It is believed that he could be available on loan and several clubs are chasing his signature, but that previous relationship combined with the chance for regular first-team football could give the Hammers the edge.

Multiple forwards could arrive however, given the current shortage in the no.9 spot at the London Stadium. The club have also been in talks to sign Brian Brobbey from Ajax, while a move for out-of-favour RB Leipzig striker Andre Silva on loan for the remainder of the campaign has also been mooted.

Now, a new name has entered the fray, with the Hammers looking beyond the final week of the transfer window.

West Ham in talks over 10 goal striker

That is according to a fresh report from French outlet L’Equipe [Via West Ham Zone], who report that West Ham are in talks to sign OGC Nice forward Evann Guessand.

The 23-year-old striker has found the net nine times in Ligue 1 so far this season, as well as netting in the Europa League, and is regarded as a top prospect in France.

And the report claims that West Ham are “in talks with the entourage” of Guessand over a potential move, with Nice reportedly valuing their striker at £25m, a fee that would be their second highest-ever sale behind Jean-Michel Seri.

However, it is a deal that has been earmarked for the summer rather than in the coming days, with Guessand enjoying a fine season for Les Aiglons and expected to remain there this winter.

“I’m at Nice. The season is ongoing and we have objectives. I am fully focused on my club and the objectives that await us,” said the versatile forward in a recent interview.

There is also thought to be interest from Germany in the talent, but West Ham could be at the head of the queue as things stand following talks.

Real Madrid TV launched a scathing video aimed at Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea before locking horns with Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final.

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• RMTV launched a fresh attack on referees
• Copa final referee Bengoetxea under scrutiny
• Pointed out several "mistakes" of the referee

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Known for their practice of scrutinising referees publicly, Real Madrid’s in-house media arm has taken another opportunity to question the integrity and consistency of match officials, placing De Burgos Bengoetxea at the centre of their latest controversy. The Basque official, aged 39, is no stranger to Spain’s biggest fixtures and with several El Clásico appearances already on his résumé, his selection for this high-stakes final initially appeared to be a testament to his experience.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  According to Spanish outlet , the club’s television network highlighted a series of what they claim to be glaring officiating "mistakes" by De Burgos Bengoetxea in matches involving Real Madrid. The video points out Real Madrid’s relatively poor record when officiated by De Burgos Bengoetxea. With only a 64% win rate under his supervision, Los Blancos appear to struggle when he’s on the pitch. In contrast, Barcelona reportedly thrives, having secured victory in 81% of their matches with him in charge.

  Adding further weight to their argument, Real Madrid TV noted that the club has managed just two wins from their last five games with the referee. The concern, they claim, isn't just about a single match, but a broader trend that raises doubts about fairness and balance.

• DID YOU KNOW

  Critics of the appointment have also drawn attention to De Burgos Bengoetxea's continental track record—or lack thereof. Although he has held international referee status since 2018, he has never officiated a UEFA Champions League fixture. Furthermore, FIFA has yet to include him in any of their global tournaments. Despite his absence on the global stage, De Burgos Bengoetxea has found favour in Spain, especially in matches involving the country's biggest sides. This upcoming title decider marks his third time officiating a Real Madrid vs Barcelona final, having previously overseen the Super Cup clashes in 2017 and 2023.

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• WATCH THE CLIP

Fabrizio Romano says Burnley have reached a “verbal agreement” with the club of a player who has been compared to Lionel Messi, with a loan move to Turf Moor set to be sealed.

Latest Burnley news

The Clarets drew 0-0 yet again on Saturday afternoon, only managing to get a point away to a struggling Portsmouth side in the Championship. Incredibly, it means that Scott Parker’s side have still only conceded nine goals in the league this season, although this will feel like two points dropped.

In terms of Burnley transfer news, Tottenham youngster Will Lankshear was linked with a move to the club, although a host of other teams were also interested and the 19-year-old has since joined rivals West Brom for the second half of the season.

NEC Nijmegen attacker Sontje Hansen is another potential addition for the Clarets before the end of the January transfer window, but as of now, he hasn’t moved on to pastures new.

Similarly, Rangers ace Tom Lawrence is a rumoured target for Burnley, having not only proven himself at the Scottish giants but also impressed in the English game throughout his career. He has scored 50 goals and registered 40 assists in 264 appearances in the Championship, highlighting his pedigree.

Burnley reach "verbal agreement" to sign Edwards

According to a new update from Romano on X, Burnley are now closing in on the loan signing of Sporting CP attacker Marcus Edwards, bringing him in on loan initially:

This could be such an exciting signing for the Clarets, considering Edwards is a player who has been rated highly since his teenage years, with Owen Hargeaves lauding him back in 2022, saying:

“When [Pochettino] was there, he said he moved a little bit like Messi. That touch there, boom, that’s Messi-ish. Just the balance and the touch of it, great dribbler, great balance. The young man has great ability with the ball at his feet, great finish. He is obviously quite shy. You know off the pitch, but his game on the pitch is pretty special to watch.”

While Edwards, 26, hasn’t necessarily reached the heights some thought he would – with all due respect to Burnley, he wouldn’t be moving to the Championship if he had – he is a huge talent who could take Parker’s side to another level.

Sky Sports: Burnley in late talks to sign £3.5m star who Sheff Utd want

The Blades tabled a bid earlier in the window.

1

By
Charlie Smith

Jan 30, 2025

The Englishman has two goals and assists apiece in the Champions League, and four each in the Europa League, and with the Clarets not exactly scoring for fun this season, he could add the attacking spark that they need to seal promotion back to the Premier League.

Wrexham are heading to Las Vegas for a third successive year, with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney funding another promotion party.

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• First headed to Nevada in 2023
• Secured third successive promotion
• Coaching team will not join players

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Red Dragons were first rewarded with a trip to Sin City on the back of their record-breaking National League title triumph in 2023. They returned to Nevada 12 months on, having secured a runners-up finish in League Two.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  More history has been made in 2025, with the Welsh outfit going back-to-back-to-back on the promotion front, and will be visiting the United States again courtesy of their Hollywood co-owners – who continue to deliver all-expenses-paid trips to America.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Wrexham defender Max Cleworth told BBC Radio Wales after seeing automatic promotion out of League One secured: "We will be going to Vegas. I can't wait. That's the main thing this week. The lads love it, I can't wait. I don't think I'll sleep until we go."

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  WHAT PHIL PARKINSON SAID

  Phil Parkinson has steered clear of rowdy parties in the U.S. and instead jets off with his coaching team for a more relaxed vacation. He will be doing that again after confirming when his squad will be travelling to Vegas.

  Wrexham’s manager told : "They deserve the trip. To create history, and the owners said at the start of the season that they'd go again. That's a good target as well during the season, not just getting promotion and what it means to everybody.

  "Having that group together next week [in Vegas] will be amazing. I'll be turning my phone off. I just want a message when they're all back in the country in one piece and that's all I need to know."

West Ham United have submitted a late £20m+ transfer offer to sign a “world champion” for Graham Potter.

West Ham eyeing new forward before deadline

The Hammers appear to be in the market to bring in a new forward before the February 3 deadline, amid injuries to Niclas Fullkrug and Jarrod Bowen.

Michail Antonio is also out for the foreseeable following a serious car accident, with Mohammed Kudus playing in a centre-forward role in the defeat to Crystal Palace and draw with Aston Villa recently.

West Ham agree personal terms with "fast" forward over £100k-per-week deal

The player is prepared to join Graham Potter.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jan 29, 2025

There have been plenty of attacking names mentioned as Irons targets, though. Brighton & Hove Albion’s Evan Ferguson, RB Leipzig’s Andre Silva and Ajax’s Brian Brobbey have all been linked with moves to West Ham, as has Galatasaray forward Baris Yilmaz. An offer has reportedly been made for Yilmaz, whereas talks have also been held for Evann Guessand of Nice.

Those at the London Stadium are yet to make a January signing following a busy summer spending spree, with the only piece of business being Maxwel Cornet’s new loan to Genoa after spending the first half of the season with Southampton.

However, it looks as if a midfield addition alongside a new attacker is wanted at West Ham in the coming days.

West Ham make £20m+ bid to sign Rodrigo de Paul

That’s because according to reports in Turkey, relayed by Sport Witness, West Ham have submitted an offer to sign Rodrigo de Paul from Atletico Madrid.

It is claimed that the Hammers have bid €25m (£20.9m) to sign the Argentine midfielder, who is out of contract at the Metropolitano Stadium in 2026.

However, Atletico Madrid have turned down the bid from West Ham. It is added they were tempted to cash in on De Paul, but due to his impressive performances in recent months under Diego Simeone, have decided to keep him.

Talking about the midfielder, Simeone recently hailed De Paul, who has scored 59 goals during his career for club and country saying: “He’s an established footballer, a world champion. Surely, in this recent good period, he’s been performing at his best for Atletico, and it’s normal for people to appreciate what he’s giving.

“He’s very important for us, with a lot of personality, and we hope he continues this way. We’ll demand this from him because it’s what we need.”

Whether or not West Ham return with an improved offer for De Paul or chase alternative midfield targets remains to be seen, but a new attacking addition appears to be at the top of the to-do list over the coming days.

Real Madrid winger Rodrygo is considering an exit from the club this summer after growing disheartened by his position in the squad.

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• Rodrygo considering his future
• Does not believe his playing style fits
• Behind Mbappe, Vini Jr & Bellingham in pecking order

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Per Marca, Rodrygo is considering his future after seeing his playing time somewhat dip under the management of Carlo Ancelotti. He has not scored a La Liga goal since January, and has repeatedly been deployed as a substitute rather than a starter. The Brazilian believes there is simply too much of a spotlight on the likes of Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, and Vinicius Jr, and that he would be better off seeking pastures new.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Rodrygo is said to have been disappointed not to be included in the top 20 of the voting for either the Ballon d'Or or FIFA's The Best awards, and is seriously contemplating his future. He is set to wait for the appointment of a new manager, though, before deciding on his next move. Xabi Alonso is widely expected to replace the soon-to-be Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, and an outright plea for Rodrygo to stay would potentially sway him.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Rodrygo has a contract with Real until 2028. He has previously been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, while he is also said to have rejected a "very lucrative" offer from Manchester City last summer.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Rodrygo must remain focused on Real's title tilt. The club sit second in La Liga, four points behind leaders Barcelona.

Former Liverpool and Aston Villa star Stan Collymore has explained why West Ham United could be the ideal landing spot for a big-name forward, with the player in question facing an uncertain future at this current club.

West Ham making summer transfer plans

Having ended the January window with the addition of Evan Ferguson on a six-month straight loan deal, Graham Potter and the Hammers hierarchy are already believed to be making some plans for the summer.

West Ham think they'll regret not agreeing deal for this striker in January

The Hammers are already ruing a missed opportunity.

By
Emilio Galantini

Feb 8, 2025

This includes potential strikers, in the event they don’t or can’t make Ferguson’s loan a permanent move, with Man United striker Rasmus Hojlund believed to be on West Ham’s list of targets.

On the pitch, West Ham have made a fairly solid start under Potter, with performances improving overall despite some results not going their way.

The east Londoners take on Brentford at home in three days, their first taste of action since a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea last week, and West Ham’s squad will be refreshed for the occasion.

Stan Collymore tips West Ham to sign Man City star Jack Grealish

A rival player who’s also seen precious few minutes recently is Man City and England forward Jack Grealish.

The ex-Villa captain started City’s 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League last night, and looked bright before he was forced off with yet another injury. Grealish, who cost Pep Guardiola’s side £100 million in a club-record deal, cut a frustrated figure – going straight down the tunnel after being replaced by Phil Foden – with some reports suggesting he could be facing his final months at the Etihad Stadium.

Collymore, speaking to GOAL, has explained why Grealish could leave Man City to join West Ham as a potential landing spot.

“No. I sincerely hope not. I think Jack’s output is nowhere near the required level,” said Collymore on the prospect of Villa re-signing Grealish.

“If you look at the two players that have been brought in, [Marco] Asensio and [Marcus] Rashford, they can play either side of Ollie Watkins. There is a question mark over both – can they do it, will they do it? They have got pedigree.

“Jack, really, going to Manchester City and being a part of the treble-winning team – even then he wasn’t the main man, that was Kevin De Bruyne. He was good but not great. Last season, a stat of scoring one goal in just over a year… I don’t think he goes past people any more. [Jeremy] Doku when he first came into the team did that, [Omar] Marmoush you imagine will do that.”

Collymore then added that he could see the £300,000-per-week winger at West Ham as an alternative destination.

“Jack might end up going somewhere like Saudi because I’m struggling to see a top four, five or six team that would take him. The traditional top four or five, wages and fee would be a problem.

“If you are an aspiring club, Newcastle could go and buy anybody that’s young and hungry and fresh, likewise Villa. If you are one of the clubs like Bournemouth and Brighton, you probably couldn’t afford him. You could probably see him at a club like West Ham, bizarrely, because they have got the money and London as clout.

“I’m absolutely sure that Unai Emery won’t be going anywhere near Jack Grealish. Great emotional story, but I don’t think it’s going to happen.”