Leeds United’s mammoth 6-0 win, coupled with Burnley’s triumph over Sheffield United on Monday, secured a return to the Premier League after a two-year absence.

The Whites have bounced back excellently from their play-off final defeat against Southampton last season, having the chance to secure the league title before the end of the season.

Daniel Farke has secured his third Championship promotion of his career, undoubtedly cementing his place in the club’s history forever after such an achievement.

However, the hard work undoubtedly starts now for the German, needing to make crucial moves in the transfer market if he is to buck the recent trend and keep the side in the top-flight.

Such a feat may not be achieved by the 48-year-old next season, especially if the latest rumours around his future at Elland Road are to be believed.

The latest update on Farke’s future as Leeds boss

In recent days, it was confirmed by the Daily Mail that the Leeds hierarchy could be tempted to part ways with Farke over the summer ahead of their return to the top-flight.

The German has achieved a 58% win rate over his two-year spell in Yorkshire, but it may not be enough to secure his long-term future at Elland Road.

The report claims that no decision has yet been made on his future, but that other candidates have already been lined up in case they decide to pull the trigger.

It remains unclear who the board could turn to should the German receive his matching orders, but that his lack of success in the top-flight could be a deciding factor in their decision.

Any decision to part ways would undoubtedly be a huge call given his achievements this season, but it could be one that would allow a proven top-flight boss to take the reins.

The manager who would be perfect to replace Farke at Leeds

Premier League safety is certainly the aim for Leeds next season, looking to be the side that prevents an unwanted record from happening in 2025/26.

It looks highly likely that all three promoted sides from the Championship have immediately returned back to the second tier – with Ipswich all but confirmed to be returning after just one year in the top-flight.

Investment is certainly needed, but questions will certainly be asked of Farke should he stay, given his previous inability to survive the drop at Norwich City.

As a result, the hierarchy could turn to former Everton boss Sean Dyche to fill the void should the German be sacked, offering the stability the Whites would need if they are to fight off relegation.

He was sacked from his role at Goodison Park back in January, but managed to secure the Toffees’ ever-present Premier League status in the two seasons prior.

The 53-year-old, who’s been labelled “one of the most underrated managers in the PL” by HLTCO, has a superb record in England’s top division, one that is better than Farke – handing the club the best chance of maintaining their status.

When comparing the duo’s respective figures during their time in the league, Dyche has achieved much more than Farke, further highlighting why he would be a superb appointment this summer.

Games managed

333

49

Wins

93

6

Draws

91

8

Losses

149

35

Goals scored

323 (1.03)

31 (0.63)

Goals against

469 (1.4)

101 (2.06)

Win percentage

28%

12%

He’s managed a higher win percentage during his time in the division, whilst also posting more goals scored per game and fewer conceded per game – offering an upgrade on the current manager.

His experience at the top of the English game could prove vital next season, with the club simply not being able to afford an immediate return back to the second tier.

It may not be the glamorous appointment many fans would be hoping for, but Dyche would certainly offer that know how that the side will need if they are to survive in 2025/26.

Not just Meslier: Farke must axe "half-hearted" Leeds flop after promotion

Illan Meslier is not the only Leeds United player who should be sold after promotion to the Premier League.

ByDan Emery Apr 24, 2025

Already planning ahead for life without loanee Marcus Rashford, Monchi is now battling to sign an alternative option for Aston Villa in a deal that could be worth just £35m this summer.

Aston Villa keep pressure on Champions League places

With just three Premier League games remaining, Aston Villa ensured that they kept hold of a glimmer of hope in the race to secure Champions League qualification by defeating Fulham 1-0. Coming courtesy of Youri Tielemans’ header, those in the Midlands have kept the pressure on Chelsea and Nottingham Forest as they desperately await a crucial slip.

Manager Unai Emery had his say on what was a narrow but all-important victory at Villa Park, telling reporters: “Today we wanted to be closer to qualifying for European football so it is fantastic. If we had not won, forget it (Champions League) completely.

“The best gift we can achieve is the Champions League and we are not the favourites to get it, but we will fight for it. We must now focus on Bournemouth next weekend which is so, so difficult. Villa Park is very important and we feel so strong here. The supporters are fantastic and we can feel that it is our fortress.”

Aston Villa now prioritising move to sign "fantastic" Real Madrid player

The Villans could make their move…

ByTom Cunningham May 3, 2025

There remains plenty of questions to be answered away from the action as well as on the pitch in the Midlands and one of those centres around Rashford. Following an impressive loan spell at the club, Aston Villa could look to land the winger’s signature on a permanent basis. It remains to be seen whether Rashford feels the same way about Villa Park, however, leaving the club to find an alternative option.

Monchi battling to sign Hutchinson for Aston Villa

According to Caught Offside, Monchi and Aston Villa have now joined the battle to sign Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich Town this summer in a move that would see Villa welcome their Rashford alternative. The deal could yet be a routine one to seal too, given that the winger reportedly has a release clause of just £35m after Ipswich suffered Premier League relegation.

In a difficult campaign, the 21-year-old has only been able to show glimpses of his quality – scoring three goals and creating another two – but will be desperate to stay put in the top flight.

Despite a disappointing output, Hutchinson still found himself at the centre of praise from manager Kieran McKenna, who told reporters earlier this season: “I think its enjoyable seeing a hungry, talented, young player getting to grips with the league and trying to make his impact – discovering the things that are different, the things that are an increasing challenge for him. And also finding the things that work for him and where he can have his impact.”

A player who Aston Villa’s recruitment team ‘rate Hutchinson highly and consider him a smart investment for the future’, so he could be one to watch if the Villans fail to sign Rashford this summer.

They may have a season-defining game to come in the Champions League tomorrow night and a second-place finish in the Premier League to secure, but Arsenal seem to be looking ahead to the summer transfer window.

While it’s not been quite as catastrophic as some might have you believe, this year hasn’t gone entirely to plan for Mikel Arteta’s side, so the determination to add some real quality to the squad in the coming months makes perfect sense.

One of the most prominent links, and a player who was touted for a move to the club as far back as last summer, is Nico Williams.

The Spanish international is one of the most exciting wingers on the continent, but if recent reports are to be believed, the club could now have identified an alternative target: someone who shares the same agent as Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal's winger search

Given Arsenal’s need for more goals next season, it’s not been a surprise to see them linked to a plethora of dangerous wingers in recent weeks, such as Rayan Cherki and Kingsley Coman.

Transfer Focus

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

The former is reportedly available for just £30m, which might end up being one of the bargains of the summer, as in just 42 appearances for Lyon this year, the Frenchman has scored 12 goals and provided a whopping 19 assists.

Coman, on the other hand, might be a little less exciting in the eyes of the fans, as while he’s managed to rack up a reasonable enough tally of seven goals and four assists in 39 appearances this year, he has an awful injury record, will be 29 at the start of next season, and would cost around £34m.

So, while he’s had a sensational career, it wouldn’t be accurate to describe him as being a potential upgrade on Williams, unlike the tremendously exciting Jamie Gittens.

Yes, according to a recent report from German publication Ruhr Nachrichten, Arsenal are incredibly interested in the Borussia Dortmund star, who has reportedly told his teammates he will be leaving in the summer and is part of the same agency as Saka.

In fact, while Chelsea are also keen on the young Englishman, the report has revealed that it’s the Gunners who are leading the race for his signature, partly down the clearer pathway to game time and the more stable nature of the club.

It wouldn’t be a cheap transfer to get over the line, with the report claiming that Dortmund will want up to €60m for the player, which is about £51m, but given his ability and potential, that may be a price worth paying, especially as he could be an upgrade on Williams.

How Gittens compares to Williams

Okay, so while Gittens can play off the right – and has even played up top at points – his preferred position is undoubtedly left-wing, which in turn makes it unlikely that Arsenal would sign him and Williams.

So, with that in mind, who comes out on top when we compare them?

Well, when it comes down to their raw output, even though it is a little complicated, the Dortmund star does come out on top.

For example, in 46 appearances this season, totalling just 2783 minutes, the 20-year-old “wonderkid,” as dubbed by Statman Dave, has scored 12 goals and provided five assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.70 games, or far more consequently, every 163.70 minutes.

In contrast, the Athletic Bilbao star has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 44 appearances, totalling 3050, so while he has an average of a goal involvement every 2.44 games, his minutes per goal involvement of 169.44 is marginally worse than his potential rival.

Moreover, when we take a look under the hood, at their underlying numbers, it’s once again a closely run competition in which the Englishman just about comes ahead.

Non-Penalty G+As

0.56

0.47

Progressive Passes

2.14

3.19

Progressive Carries

5.71

5.31

Shots

2.65

1.22

Shots on Target

2.44

0.89

Passing Accuracy

76.5%

70.7%

Key Passes

1.07

1.83

Expected Assists

0.21

0.19

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.22

1.31

Shot-Creating Actions

3.72

5.12

Tackles Won

0.97

0.80

Interceptions

0.51

0.28

Successful Take-Ons

3.93

2.96

Carries into the Final Third

2.81

2.63

Carries into the Penalty Area

3.21

2.63

For example, he comes out ahead for a slight majority of relevant metrics, including, but not limited to, non-penalty goals plus assists, expected assists, shots and shots on target, passing accuracy, progressive carries, successful take-ons, carries into the penalty area, tackles won and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, regardless of which winger they do eventually sign, Arsenal will be getting someone who can contribute in the here and now and continue to develop into an even more exciting attacker as time goes on.

However, when it comes down to it, Gittens just about comes out ahead of Williams for output and underlying numbers, so if the North Londoners can only get one, they should go for the Englishman.

Trossard upgrade: Arsenal making move for one of the "best in the world"

Arsenal are on the hunt for a Leandro Trossard upgrade this summer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 6, 2025

West Ham United have struggled in front of goal this season, which has surely been a reason why they have been unable to find consistency in the Premier League. There have been just four teams who have found the back of the net less than the Hammers in 2024/25, with three of those the relegated trio.

Worryingly, the Hammers’ 40 goals in the top flight are far below where they are expected to be. As the stats on Understat show, they have an expected goals tally of 46.61xG, an underachievement of just over six goals.

The Hammers seem to know this is an issue to address in the summer, given they are linked with a new striker from within the Premier League.

West Ham target Premier League striker

Perhaps the most sought-after player in the top flight this season is Liam Delap. The Ipswich Town triker has impressed despite his side’s woes this term, and is now linked with a whole host of Premier League clubs.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

Well, according to a recent report from GiveMeSport, one of those clubs interested in Delap is West Ham. He seems to be a player on their radar, as they look to improve their fortunes in front of goal next season. For just £30m, the value of his release clause, it seems a bargain.

However, they will not be the only club in the race. The Hammers will be ‘facing competition’ from London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, as well as the North West pair Manchester United and Everton.

It is not clear who will win the race, but West Ham are certainly interested.

Why Delap would be a good signing

It has been a hugely disappointing season for Ipswich in 2024/25. They were the final side to be relegated from the Premier League, the latest club to fall victim to the unforgivable nature of the English top flight for a newly promoted side.

However, Delap was a real standout. In 34 appearances so far this term, he has managed to find the back of the net 12 times, and with an expected goals of 11.29xG, he is pretty consistent, which the Hammers certainly need in their side.

Delap has proven to be a man who can score in the biggest of games. This season, he has found the back of the net against Aston Villa in two games, Spurs, and grabbed a goal and an assist against Chelsea. He also scored against the Hammers, in a 4-1 win for the East Londoners.

One of Delap’s best traits is the way he can hold the ball up and then fashion chances for himself, often carrying past opposition defenders to create space. That was perfectly summed up by Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones, who described him as a “wrecking ball” earlier in the season.

Delap’s underlying numbers via Sofascore also show just how well-rounded his game is, with Statman Dave describing it as “unique”. For example, the Englishman has completed 39 dribbles and won 56 aerial duels for the Tractor Boys this term.

Delap key stats in 2024/25 PL season

Stat

Per 90

Total

Shots on target

1.1

31

Key passes

0.8

21

Dribbles completed

1.4

39

Aerial duels won

2

56

Expected goal involvement

0.38xGI

10.67xGI

Stats from Sofascore

Should Delap make the move to the London Stadium, he could make Hammers talisman Jarrod Bowen even more unplayable. This season, the England international has ten goals and nine assists in 31 top flight games.

Not only would his directness in behind work well with Delap’s hold-up play ability and the way he fashions chances, but Bowen can also become even more creative with the former Manchester City man in their side.

This season for the Hammers, Bowen has created the most big chances with ten, the only player to reach double figures. He also plays the most key passes per game, with 1.6, as per Sofascore. Given he has only managed nine assists, Delap could certainly help raise those numbers.

This really could become a dream duo for West Ham. Bowen is a creative machine. On top of that, with the threat he poses on the last line, he can hurt opposing sides in partnership with Delap, with his hold-up and ball-carrying ability.

For a fee of around £30m, this seems like a deal West Ham must do, to really bring more goals into their side.

Related Not Soucek: Potter must axe West Ham dud who Rice once called "outstanding"

The West Ham star has struggled to get into the team this season

Posts 1 ByJoe Nuttall Apr 27, 2025

Celtic are in the market for reinforcements this summer, and Brendan Rodgers may have found the answer in his search to populate the forward areas with healthy competition, per a report.

Celtic look to finish season strong before summer recruitment drive

While the other side of the city end the season trophyless, Celtic are on the brink of another domestic treble heading into their final six matches of the campaign. This weekend, the Bhoys can wrap up the Scottish Premiership title by claiming a point against Dundee United at Tannadice.

On the same token, Aberdeen await in the Scottish Cup final next month as the chance to record another clean sweep lays a gripping backdrop for Brendan Rodgers.

Undoubtedly, the Irishman’s first port of call will be competing for the two remaining trophies on offer to Celtic, but he will also have one eye on what is set to be a busy summer at Parkhead. Per reports, the Hoops remain interested in Stoke City winger Million Manhoef, even if his £10 million price tag threatens to put a dampner on their pursuit.

Crystal Palace youngster Jesse Derry is also a target for Celtic after refusing to sign a new contract at Crystal Palace. Nevertheless, he would likely be a developmental addition for years to come.

Celtic fumbled the next Dembele when "generational" star left on the cheap

Celtic fumbled another Karamoko Dembele when they lost Ben Doak on the cheap.

By
Dan Emery

Apr 22, 2025

With the Bhoys set to enter the Champions League at the final qualifying stage next year, targets will become public knowledge before too long due to the time constraints on their scope for business.

Bolstering the forward line is a key mission for Rodgers to support Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah, so it won’t be a surprise to hear that Celtic are now circling for a talented young striker.

Celtic position themselves to sign Moussa Soumano

According to Africa Foot, Celtic are in the mix to sign AC Ajaccio striker Moussa Soumano and have recently monitored the Saint-Denis-born man in action for the Ligue 2 outfit. However, Brentford are believed to be in the lead for his signature after putting forward a £2.5 million bid, though it is unclear whether his club have chosen to accept their proposal.

Moussa Soumano’s record in 2024/25 – Ligue 2
Appearances	27
Goals	4
Assists	2

Leeds United, Leicester City and Serie A clubs have also run checks on the 19-year-old, who will enter the final year of his deal come the end of the season. Primarily a centre-forward, Soumano can also play on the left flank and has completed 25 dribbles on league duty as AC Ajaccio veer towards the end of the campaign in mid-table.

Versatility is always a trait that can be put to good use at Celtic, especially considering the volume of matches Rodgers’ men need to encounter due to their involvement in multiple competitions.

However, they may have their work cut out for them in the chase for Soumano as Thomas Frank’s Brentford appear to be the primary contender to sign the prodigious talent.

Newcastle United believe a Premier League player who is a “class above” his teammates could be a “perfect” signing for them this summer, Fabrizio Romano has claimed, but he is already in talks to join Manchester United.

Newcastle continue to chase new signings

The Magpies may have lost 4-1 at Aston Villa last weekend, but they are still right in the mix to finish in the top five in the Premier League, sealing a return to the Champions League in the process. Should that happen, Newcastle will find it easier to attract top names to St James’ Park this summer, with Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic the latest big name linked.

With Kieran Trippier no longer the force of old and possibly leaving at the end of the season, a new right-back could be needed for the Magpies. Nottingham Forest ace Ola Aina has been mentioned as an option, following an excellent campaign for the third-place Reds.

Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-jae is another reported target for Newcastle ahead of next season, having made 26 starts in the Bundesaliga this season, averaging 3.2 aerial duels wins per game and completing 92.6% of his passes in the competition.

Romano talks up Newcastle's admiration for Cunha

Speaking on Give Me Sport‘s Market Madness podcast on Monday, Romano said that Newcastle also continue to pursue a move for Wolves attacker Matheus Cunha, seeing him as a “perfect” summer option.

“Yeah, I think it can be a quick deal, to be honest. I think so. Let’s see how quick, but I think this can be a quick deal. Because, as you mentioned, there is a release clause and all parties involved, the player, club, they really want to resolve the situation as soon as possible. So I think it can be a quick deal. There is genuine interest from Newcastle. They really, really like the player. They believe it could be perfect for their style.”

However , the Italian transfer guru has also revealed the Brazilian is in talks to join Manchester United, even to the point of discussing personal terms at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils in pole position.

Cunha could be an outstanding signing for any top club this summer, having stood out as his side’s best player in the Premier League this season. The Brazilian has scored 14 league goals in 25 starts in 2024/25 to date, which is a highly impressive return for a player in a struggling team, with Troy Deeney heaping praise on him.

“There are few games I have been to this year when I look at one player and think ‘he is better than every other player on that pitch’. But Cunha was miles better than Southampton and his Wolves team-mates. He was a level of class above.”

There is strong competition for Cunha, not least from United, but securing Champions League football could be massive when it comes to attracting players of such quality to Tyneside – especially if their rivals in the race can’t say the same.

Juventus director wants to sell £320k-a-week star amid Newcastle interest

Newcastle have been linked with a move for a “world-class” striker.

1 ByHenry Jackson Apr 21, 2025

The Brazil international would be a statement signing for Eddie Howe, as he looks to make his team even more of a force heading into next season.

Liverpool are revelling in their Premier League triumph at the moment, but those behind the scenes have no doubt commenced preparations for next season’s title defence.

Frankly, the Anfield side won the title at a canter this term, going 26 matches undefeated before losing to Fulham at Craven Cottage last month with all said and done.

To be sure, Arsenal and Manchester City will be back, stronger and hungrier than ever after respective disappointments in the top flight this season.

But they are bound to reinforce their ranks and Liverpool must do the same. While the mere thought of Alexander Isak continues to tantalise fans, craving a new number nine, FSG appear to be focusing on the rear end of the pitch at the moment, with Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen right at the top of the summer shopping list.

The latest on Dean Huijsen to Liverpool

Bournemouth’s rising star is perhaps the most touted potential target of the summer, and we’re not even there yet. Data analyst Ben Mattinson has remarked that he’s “the most in-demand centre-back in the world,” after all.

The 20-year-old arrived at the Vitality Stadium on a £15m deal last summer after Juventus decided they were better off cashing in on the young prospect, who featured on loan for AS Roma last season.

As per Sofascore, he’s started 23 Premier League matches this season and has kept seven clean sheets, averaging six clearances per game and winning 61% of his aerial battles.

How foolish the Old Lady must feel, especially given rumours surfaced in March that Real Madrid have made him one of their priorities. Such claims mentioned that Juventus regretted their decision.

Liverpool are also keen, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg even revealing last week that FSG have presented an offer to the Spain international.

With an attractive £50m release clause, Arsenal and Chelsea are also working overtime to secure his services, as per Fabrizio Romano, with the race very much open at this stage.

For such a young player with relatively minimal experience at the highest level, this is quite the glowing endorsement of Huijsen’s potential.

He might be the talk of the town, but Liverpool actually boast an up-and-comer with the same stock as Huijsen, and that’s despite a frustrating campaign in which he hasn’t earned the playing time he would have hoped for.

Liverpool have hit the jackpot with £4m signing

He might be a wholly different type of player, but Harvey Elliott is at the same career stage as Huijsen and will no doubt feel aggrieved that he hasn’t been given the chance to showcase his skills in a similar fashion.

Of course, Bournemouth are at a different level to Liverpool, and there’s little question that Elliott would feature front and centre for Andoni Iraola’s team, having been praised as a “special” player by journalist Bence Bocsak.

He hasn’t seen all that much action this year, true, but Elliott has still popped up with some big moments, notching six goal involvements across all competitions. Liverpool might have crashed out of the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain, but the England U21 international scored the winning goal in the first leg, defying the odds after the Reds spent 90 minutes under the cosh.

He might not have featured with the regularity he desires this term, but Elliott has still demonstrated his elite-class qualities as an up-and-coming attacking midfielder, ranking among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, assists placed and shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, also ranking highly for progressive passes and carries.

The young playmaker was admirable, taking a strong stance regarding his future in January, rejecting any notion of a departure and claiming: “Liverpool is my club, Liverpool is my team.”

Having joined the club as a 16-year-old after leaving Fulham’s academy, signing for a tribunal fee of £4m, he’s already played a shedload of football under Jurgen Klopp but is now struggling for minutes in Slot’s system.

That’s all well and good, but he’s a gifted young footballer with suitors beginning to get a sense that Liverpool might be keen on selling.

According to Football Insider, there are a number of Premier League clubs lining up to make their move this summer, with Newcastle United thought to be at the forefront.

Elliott, who, like Huijsen, is valued at £50m, might come to jump at the chance of playing at St. James’ Park, having failed to start just one of Liverpool’s Premier League fixtures this season.

24/25

14 (0)

0

1

23/24

34 (11)

3

6

22/23

32 (18)

1

2

21/22

6 (4)

0

0

20/21*

0 (0)

0

0

19/20

2 (0)

0

0

It would be great to see the 21-year-old’s services retained for several years yet to come (or more). Elliott is already showing elite-level signs, and Slot could turn him into a world-beater with the right series of tweaks.

However, things will need to change for that to happen. In any case, the £50m-rated talent has already made 143 appearances and played his part across a trophy-laden spell in the club’s modern history.

Given that he signed for a tribunal fee of just £4m, there’s no way to look it other than through the lens of Liverpool hitting the jackpot with his signing.

Isak 2.0: Liverpool line up move for Nunez upgrade who's the "next Mbappe"

Liverpool may have to cede early defeat in their bid to sign Newcastle’s star striker.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Apr 29, 2025

After confirming their first season without a trophy in four years, incoming sporting director Hugo Viana and Manchester City have reportedly made their first move to sign a Crystal Palace star who cost them the FA Cup.

Man City defeated in FA Cup final by Palace

Last year it was Manchester United who overcame Pep Guardiola’s side at Wembley to cause a great shock, as Manchester City entered the final in a partying mood fresh from Premier League title success. This time around, it was Crystal Palace sending great shockwaves. But this year, there has been no title for Manchester City to celebrate. In fact, it’s been their toughest year of Guardiola’s reign altogether.

When Eberechi Eze swept home from a blistering Crystal Palace move in the first half, it became an all too familiar story for the Citizens, who dominated the early stages only to lack the ruthlessness which saw them win four Premier League titles in a row.

Defeat didn’t come without controversy, however. Manchester City may feel as though Dean Henderson should have been given his marching orders for palming the ball away from outside of his area. And given that he then went on to save Omar Marmoush’s penalty later in the half, the Citizens should feel rightly frustrated by the decision.

Guardiola had his say on the defeat and answered whether it was his decision for Marmoush to take City’s penalty over Erling Haaland, telling reporters: “I didn’t speak with them [Haaland and Marmoush].

“They take a decision, penalties are like that. I like guys who take initiative and they decide. In that moment, it’s how they feel. They decided Omar was ready to take it.”

As bad as Marmoush: 5/10 Man City flop proved why Pep must axe him

Crystal Palace defied the odds to overcome Man City at Wembley.

1 ByDan Emery May 18, 2025

For all the moments to forget against Palace, though, the Citizens did at least get a first-hand look at a player they’ve already reportedly made their move for ahead of this summer.

Man City make first move for £59m Eze

According to reports in Spain, Viana has now made an opening move to sign Eze for Manchester City this summer. The FA Cup final goalscorer reportedly has a release clause worth as much as €70m (£59m), and those at the Etihad now want to activate it.

Of course, it’s no secret that Manchester City want a No.10, either, amid their chase to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz. As things stand, however, reports are pointing towards a move to Bayern Munich rather than the Premier League, which could open the door for Eze to complete his move.

Losing possession just once against the Citizens, earning three fouls and completing five recoveries, Eze was everywhere to be seen at Wembley whilst also netting the all-important winning goal.

The midfielder’s season had been leading up to such a moment, and Oliver Glasner’s earlier praise should have come as no surprise this season. Describing Eze as “unbelievable” in September, the Crystal Palace boss will be well aware of just how capable his star man is of performing at the highest level.

Glasgow Rangers must make the right call when it comes to choosing Ibrox’s next manager. No ifs, no buts, no maybes.

With their Old Firm rivals recently securing their fourth Premiership title in a row, Rangers have won only two domestic honours in the last four seasons. This is simply not good enough for the Light Blues.

While an experienced manager is top of the priority list, might a left-field name stand a chance of securing the vacant role?

Rangers search for a new manager

Names such as Russell Martin, Gary O’Neil and Rob Edwards have been linked of late. Indeed, even Steven Gerrard has been touted for a return to Ibrox ahead of the 2025/26 season.

According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Davide Ancelotti had emerged as a candidate to take over the role at Rangers in recent days.

He looked to be in line to take over at Como if Cesc Fàbregas departed but things have now changed in the last 24 hours or so.

Son of Carlo, Ancelotti has never managed at senior level, but he has been an assistant to his father at clubs such as Real Madrid, Napoli, Bayern Munich and PSG. Well, he’s now set to break up that link.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

Reports emerged from Spain on Monday evening suggesting that he is, in fact, ‘set to become Rangers manager’ where he will be joined by fellow Real Madrid first-team coach, Francesco Mauri, as his No.2.

The news comes after it was confirmed that his father would be leaving Madrid behind at the end of the month as he becomes the new head coach of Brazil.

Why Ancelotti would be Gerrard 2.0 for Rangers

When Gerrard was appointed in the summer of 2018, his only previous role was taking charge of Liverpool U18s.

During his time as a coach at Anfield, the legendary midfielder won 18 of his 32 games while leading the U18s and U19s and thus, placing him in control of a club with the prestige of Rangers was a gamble. That gamble didn’t work out too badly at all.

Indeed, Gerrard’s first two seasons in charge saw the Light Blues defeat Celtic three times, including a first victory at Parkhead in nine years, as well as mounting a title challenge.

2020/21 would become his Annus mirabilis. Not only did the Ibrox side win the Premiership title, but they also did it undefeated.

Following the end of that season, the club needed investment in the playing squad in order to prove that the league title success wasn’t a fluke.

For Gerrard, he didn’t receive the backing required and eventually left in November 2021. The board took a risk on the inexperienced manager, and it eventually paid dividends.

2021/22

22

12

1.86

2020/21

56

44

2.52

2019/20

54

36

2.17

2018/19

60

32

1.9

Could they do something similar this summer? Ancelotti would certainly be left-field but has the name, although that shouldn’t count for too much, and the vital experience of having worked under one of the greatest managers of all time.

So, why’s he so highly thought of? Well, a sports science graduate, he clearly values the fitness of players but he’s particularly astute tactically too.

His main role at Madrid has been to offer different tactical perspectives to his father, which has seen his role grow incredibly important in the Spanish capital.

Not just content at being a second voice, according to the BBC, Davide also oversees training, takes charge of set-pieces and devises patterns of play.

In that sense, he’s a proper coach, perhaps a bit like Michael Beale. He’s the brains on the training ground. While tactically he might be more efficient than Gerrard, the lack of experience is certainly very similar here.

For further insight, the words of former Dundee United coach, Tam Courts, certainly help after he worked with the Italian during a coaching course. He previously praised the 35-year-old, saying: “He’s very humble but he has a lot of decisiveness too. He’s a man of character and has a bit of steel about him.

“I totally understand why he’s a guy Rangers would be considering, especially in terms of player attraction and retention. He’s a big name. Players would want to come, not just to play for Rangers, but for him as well.”

A glowing appraisal of his abilities, no doubt about that and if new reports are anything to go by, a move to Glasgow looks imminent.

Their new Morelos: Rangers eyeing "top striker" who'd cost just £8,000

Rangers have their eyes on a talented young striker

ByRoss Kilvington May 12, 2025

Newcastle United have now moved ahead of Chelsea in the race for an “amazing” Premier League defender, having taken concrete action to secure his signature, according to a report.

Magpies set sights on new centre-back

With current centre-back options Fabian Schar and Dan Burn now in their 30s, bringing in a new defender is expected to be a major focus for Newcastle this summer, and there has been a positive development in their pursuit of AS Monaco’s Wilfried Singo.

Paul Mitchell is now increasingly confident that a deal for Singo will be possible this summer, having previously sent scouts to watch the Ivorian defender in action, and there is a feeling the 24-year-old would be keen on a move to the Premier League.

Singo is not the only option on the shortlist, however, with it recently being revealed the Magpies have now joined the race for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah, who is set to leave the German club on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer.

Related Newcastle could now keep Tonali and still sign £135,000-p/w Juventus star

The Magpies are making some smart moves…

Posts BySean Markus Clifford May 12, 2025

Newcastle are also weighing up defenders who have already proven themselves in the Premier League, and TEAMtalk have now provided a positive update on their pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who has been a long-term target.

According to the report, Eddie Howe’s side have now moved ahead of Premier League rivals Chelsea in the race for Guehi, and his price tag has now been drastically reduced, with the Eagles now willing to sanction a departure for a fee of just £46m.

The Tynesiders have now taken concrete action to sign the England international, placing them in the driving seat, as the Blues have not taken any steps towards securing his signature, but the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest could also provide competition.

"Amazing" Guehi could be ideal signing for Newcastle

Schar and Burn have played a major role in transforming Newcastle into major contenders for trophies, with the latter even scoring in the EFL Cup final, but with both players now approaching their mid-thirties, a younger option may be required at centre-back.

At 24-years-old, the £50,000-a-week Palace captain fits the bill in that regard, and the defender’s vast Premier League experience could make him an ideal option, having now made 132 top-flight appearances.

During that time, the Englishman has caught the eye of compatriot Harry Maguire, who described the Palace star as “amazing”, which is underlined by the fact he is among the Eagles’ most consistent performers in the Premier League this season.

Guehi could be the perfect addition to the Newcastle squad this summer, and the fact that he is now set to be available for just £46m is an added bonus for the Magpies, given that the Ivory Coast-born star has previously been valued at around the £75m mark.