After their late victory against Burnley exposed their problems for all to see once again, Manchester United have reportedly submitted an “improved” offer to sign a major upgrade.
Man Utd eyeing late Onana upgrade
When Andre Onana came flying out of position in an attempt to punch clear against Grimsby in midweek, only to hand the League Two side their second goal on a plate, Ruben Amorim could only watch on as a similar story unfolded. Meanwhile, Altay Bayindir hasn’t been a lot more encouraging, given that his mistake handed Arsenal their winning goal on the opening day.
Simply put, whether it’s been Bayindir or Onana, Manchester United’s goalkeeping department has not been good enough for some time. And INEOS are still attempting to find a solution as Monday’s deadline approaches.
With less than 48 hours left until the transfer window slams shut, fresh reports have indicated that Emiliano Martinez has emerged as an option. The Aston Villa goalkeeper has been linked with a move away from the Midlands all summer and could now finally get a departure courtesy of those at Old Trafford.
Minutes
3,194
3,060
Clean Sheets
8
9
Save Percentage
69%
68.9%
Saves P90
2.7
2.59
Whilst Martinez is less mistake-prone than Onana, last season’s numbers suggest that he wouldn’t be the major upgrade that Amorim requires. The similar save percentage between the two makes for particularly concerning reading and the last thing United need is another liability between the sticks.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that Martinez is already 32 years old. If Amorim is to lead a successful project at Old Trafford then he needs a consistent No.1 who will be at the centre of his side for years to come and Martinez cannot guarantee that. Instead, INEOS would be best to turn to a shot-stopper that has been on their radar all summer long.
Man Utd submit "improved" Lammens offer
According to Mike McGrath, Manchester United have now submitted an “improved” offer to sign Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp and a medical could take place on Sunday if the goalkeeper agrees to a move.
Senne Lammens for Royal Antwerp.
Aston Villa have also asked about the shot-stopper and would set off a domino effect resulting in Martinez joining United if they hijacked the Red Devils’ move for Lammens.
Lammens has been the name on United’s list for most of the summer and it’s clear to see why. Praised for a “superb” season by scout Jacek Kulig at the end of the last campaign, the Belgian is still just 23 years old and represents the young, rising star that would suit this stage of Amorim’s project.
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It’s a deal that United simply have to get over the line if they want to see the marked improvement that INEOS will be desperate for this season.
Throughout the vast majority of the summer transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur have focused the majority of their attention on new additions within the forward line.
Mohammed Kudus has been the biggest addition in such a department, costing a whopping £55m from Premier League rivals West Ham United back in July.
However, he looks set to be joined by Xavi Simons, after the Lilywhites agreed a €60m (£52m) transfer fee with RB Leipzig for the Dutchman’s signature.
RB Leipzig'sXaviSimonsreacts after the match
The player has travelled to North London to undergo his medical with Thomas Frank’s men, looking set to complete his own transfer before Monday’s transfer deadline.
Despite the pending big-money addition, other areas are now being targeted for reinforcements, with the new boss evidently wanting further depth in the defensive third.
Spurs’ hunt for added defensive reinforcements
Over the last few hours, journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Spurs have explored a deal to sign Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji before the window slams shut.
The Swiss international is said to be free to leave Pep Guardiola’s side before Monday night, leading to a £15m transfer fee being mooted for the 30-year-old’s signature.
Man City's Jack Grealish warming up with Erling Haaland and Manuel Akanji.
However, attention is also being directed the way of Akanji’s teammate Nathan Ake, that’s according to GIVEMESPORT’s latest update on the Lilywhites’ transfer activity.
They claim that Frank’s side have held talks with the Citizens over a move for the 30-year-old, who’s spent the last five years under Guardiola’s guidance at the Etihad.
The report also states that the player himself held face-to-face talks with Spurs representatives last week, after the impressive 2-0 victory in Manchester last weekend.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be a better signing than Akanji
The rumours over potential deals to land new defensive reinforcements have certainly come out of the blue – leading to an exciting final few days of the window for the Spurs faithful.
Tottenham Hotspur managerThomasFrankcelebrates after the match
Akanji has been a key member of the City squad over the last couple of seasons, registering 85 appearances in the top-flight – subsequently winning two titles in the last three years.
However, like the Lilywhites, the Citizens have undergone somewhat of an overhaul during the summer to help Guardiola mount a charge for top spot after missing out to Liverpool in 2024/25.
It appears as though Akanji could be sold, whether that be to Spurs or Galatasaray, but Frank’s men would be much better off pursuing a move for his teammate, Ake.
Given his previous spells at Chelsea and Watford, he’s a more established Premier League defender, offering needed versatility that can see him operate at the centre or left side of the backline.
Manchester City's Nathan Ake
When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the recent campaign, the Dutchman has managed to massively outperform Akanji, undoubtedly offering more of a presence should he move to North London.
Ake, who’s been labelled “incredible” by current boss Guardiola, completed more of the passes he attempted, offering Frank’s side an added ball-playing presence at the back.
Games played
10
26
Minutes played
678
2014
Pass accuracy
94%
93%
Tackles won
0.9
0.5
Tackle success rate
67%
64%
Blocks made
0.9
0.4
Clearances made
2.9
2.8
Aerials won
1.7
1.3
Aerial success rate
57%
54%
Out of possession, the Dutchman has also dominated Akanji, winning more of the tackles he entered, whilst also making more blocks – handing the side the added defensive quality to help build on their impressive start in 2025/26.
He has also thrived in the air, winning more of the aerial battles he entered, an asset that could make him a threat at both ends of the pitch in North London.
It’s unclear how much a deal for Ake would set the Lilywhites hierarchy back this summer, but his experience in England’s top-flight could prove to be a valuable asset to Frank’s side.
It also remains to be seen if the player himself is keen on a move to join the Lilywhites, but any move before Monday’s deadline would be a superb signing and one that would hand the side added quality in the defensive department.
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Manchester United’s midfield remains a point of tension, even after a summer of heavy investment.
The club has already spent over £200m bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko, yet the same concerns linger at the base of midfield.
Manuel Ugarte, signed for £50m from Paris Saint-Germain last year and once viewed as a long-term solution, has drawn consistent criticism from supporters.
His performance in the opening-day defeat to Arsenal was another example: combative, yes, but lacking composure.
Rúben Amorim, who knows Ugarte from their days together at Sporting Lisbon, has yet to coax the same dominant form out of him at Old Trafford.
Manchester United's ManuelUgartein action with Nottingham Forest's Taiwo Awoniyi
United fans argue that while Ugarte was brought in to shield the defence and free up the attack, the side requires a more athletic and intelligent option.
Particularly with Casemiro’s contract expiring next summer and Bruno Fernandes’ future subject to constant speculation from Saudi Arabia.
Man Utd enquire to sign Premier League star
After last season’s misery – a 15th-place league finish compounded by a Europa League final defeat to Spurs – Amorim is under pressure to get this rebuild right.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
United’s absence from European competition this season gives them a unique chance to reset, but only if the midfield is corrected.
That is why the club has now begun exploring not just a move for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba but also another of the Premier League’s most highly rated young players.
Brighton & Hove Albion's CarlosBaleba
According to United in Focus, Manchester United have enquired about Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.
Journalist Graeme Bailey told the publication: “We can confirm United have made enquiries this week and are contemplating whether to make a move. Wharton is a player United have a long-term interest in, and like with Baleba, they feel he would offer them something different.”
This alternative pursuit follows the collapse of their interest in Baleba, whose valuation was deemed too high.
Wharton, however, will hardly be cheap. Palace are expected to demand in excess of £100m, particularly with Tottenham closing in on Eberechi Eze – a deal that would strengthen Palace’s hand in resisting further departures.
An upgrade on Ugarte
Wharton has quickly built a reputation as one of the Premier League’s most complete young midfielders.
Henry Winter hailed him as a “pressing machine” after Palace’s FA Cup semi-final win over Aston Villa last season, and his ability to blend relentless energy with intelligence on the ball has attracted suitors across Europe.
Real Madrid are among the clubs who continue to monitor him closely which marks a remarkable rise. Still only 21, Wharton was signed by Palace from Blackburn for just £18m in January 2024.
He made 27 appearances across all competitions last season, registering two league assists, though his progress was interrupted by a groin injury that kept him out for 17 matches. He was also part of England’s Euro 2024 squad, even if he didn’t make an appearance at the tournament.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner regards him as indispensable, particularly as the club plays in the Conference League this season.
Wharton himself has already shown he can rise to the occasion, standing out against Liverpool in the Community Shield when he set up Palace’s equaliser.
His blend of maturity, physicality, and incisive passing explains why United believe he could be the answer to their midfield conundrum.
The numbers tell their own story. Ugarte may have been named in the Copa América Team of the Tournament with Uruguay last summer, but his United form has yet to convince.
Too often he offers industry without incision – a contrast sharply illustrated when compared with Wharton’s output.
According to FBref, Wharton ranks in the 91st percentile for both key passes (1.78 per 90) and progressive passes (7.31 per 90), as well as the 93rd percentile for shot-creating actions (4.03 per 90).
He also completes 6.97 ball recoveries per 90 (96th percentile), underlining his ability to both win possession and instantly turn defence into attack.
Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta, Adam Wharton, EberechiEzeand Marc Guehi
Add in his 93rd-percentile rate for successful challenges against dribblers (3.00 per 90), and you have a midfielder capable of shielding the defence while also driving his team forward.
Ugarte, by contrast, has struggled with these progressive metrics.
Matches
29
Starts
22
Progressive Carries
16
Progressive Passes
61
Pass Completion Rate
87.9%
Tackles
77
Blocks
33
Though combative and reliable in duels, his passing range is limited, and his decision-making under pressure remains a weakness in United’s build-up play.
Amorim’s system – one that requires midfielders to knit transitions at pace and resist the press – exposes those flaws.
It is precisely why Wharton feels like such a natural fit.
The financial aspect complicates things, however. Spending £100m on Wharton would represent another statement of intent from the INEOS ownership.
But with the club not in any form of European competition this season, United must tread carefully financially to avoid any PSR breach.
INEOS' Sir Jim Ratcliffe
They also must demonstrate to the fans that there is a pathway back to the top.
Signing one of England’s brightest midfielders – a player already drawing comparisons with the league’s most effective ball-progressors – would go a long way to proving that point.
Beyond numbers, Wharton offers something less tangible but equally vital: composure. Wharton has shown an ability to dictate tempo and control rhythm.
That balance between intensity and calm is something United have lacked since Michael Carrick’s days, and it’s no surprise Amorim views him as the kind of profile capable of transforming the side.
The move will be difficult. But if United truly want to replace Ugarte with a midfielder who can elevate both their defensive stability and attacking fluency, Wharton looks the obvious candidate.
For a fanbase desperate to see progress after a decade of malaise, he represents not just an upgrade, but a potential cornerstone for the club’s future.
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Manchester United suffered defeat in their first game of the new season.
Leeds United are believed to have reached an agreement over the signing of an international attacker this week, but a deal is far complete as the Whites have yet to convince the player to join.
Leeds targeting three more signings
The Whites need as much squad depth as possible upon their return to the Premier League, with plenty of new faces already arriving at Elland Road, from Anton Stach to Jaka Bijol. Leeds’ summer business is unlikely to be done there, however, with former scout Mick Brown claiming that as many as three new faces could still arrive this month given they have yet to truly reinforce their attack.
“The feeling at Leeds has been that if they want to compete in the Premier League, the squad is going to need strengthening and that hasn’t changed. Their recruitment has been okay so far, but I would suggest none of them are nailed-on Premier League players who you know are going to be a success.
“They don’t have the type of Premier League experience in their squad that they would like. Before the window closes, there are two or three new players they want to bring in and I think it’s something they’re working on behind the scenes. There are still positions they want to strengthen in, and they’re going to concentrate on getting in Premier League players to aid that transition.”
A new forward needs to be near the top of Leeds’ wishlist, in order to have enough firepower to cope in the top flight, and a promising update has dropped regarding one target.
Leeds reach agreement to sign Serie A attacker
According to an update from Italian media [via Sport Witness], Leeds have reached an agreement to sign Sassuolo attacker Andrea Pinamonti this summer, who has been capped once by Italy.
That said, the update does also state that the 26-year-old has rejected the chance to join the Whites, with his reasoning for the decision not explained. It is now a case of Daniel Farke and those high up at Elland Road working to change his mind.
Andrea Pinamonti in action for Sassuolo.
Pinamonti is a proven attacker at the highest level, having scored 50 goals in 212 Serie A appearances. Former coach Moreno Longo has heaped praise on him during their time working together in the past.
At 26, Pinamonti is both an experienced head and someone with years ahead of him, so he could come straight in as an influential leader of the line for Leeds.
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Last season, the Italian scored 10 Serie A goals on loan at Genoa, also winning six Man of the Match awards from WhoScored, and the lure of moving to the Premier League will hopefully sway his thinking.
Chelsea are leaving no stone unturned as the club chases glory on all fronts this season. Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro have arrived to bolster the attack.
Pedro has made an instant impact already, registering three goal involvements in as many matches at the Club World Cup for the Blues.
He might be joined by Xavi Simons, who looks close to sealing a deal to join the Blues in the coming days.
This squad depth would make the Stamford Bridge side a force to be reckoned with under Enzo Maresca, especially if he can work out a system that could benefit his attacking players.
Chelsea's Reece James lifts the trophy as he celebrates withChelseamanager Enzo Maresca and teammates after winning the FIFA Club World Cup
Despite the lavish spending, it appears as though Maresca isn’t finished yet…
Chelsea eyeing another attacking signing
With Simons looking like he will be the next big arrival, Maresca has turned closer to home for another potential signing.
According to Football Insider, Chelsea have offered two players plus cash in a deal to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa.
Nicolas Jackson and Tosin Adarabioyo are the two players mentioned, while it remains to be seen how much money they have offered as part of the deal.
Villa value Rogers at around £100m, and they will do anything to keep hold of the playmaker this summer.
England'sEberechiEzecelebrates scoring their third goal with England's Morgan Rogers
If the Blues strike a deal, it would be a major statement. Several of the team will benefit from Rogers’ arrival, none more so than Pedro.
Why Morgan Rogers would benefit Joao Pedro
Last season, Pedro scored ten Premier League goals for Brighton, adding six assists in the process.
He has settled into the Blues’ squad nicely indeed. Across three games at the Club World Cup, the Brazilian netted three goals while averaging one key pass per game.
Ahead of the new Premier League campaign, just how good can Pedro become with a player such as Rogers operating directly behind him?
Well, the Englishman enjoyed a stunning breakthrough season himself in the top flight during 2024/25.
Not only did he score eight times, but Rogers generated ten assists as Villa just missed out on Champions League qualification. He notably shone in Europe too, netting eight goals, including three which came in one game against Celtic.
When compared to his peers in the Premier League, the former Manchester City starlet ranked in the top 7% for through balls (0.64) per 90, along with ranking in the top 20% for take-ons attempted (4.62) per 90 across last season.
Furthermore, the youngster even created a staggering 16 big chances (the 11th best tally in the division) while also averaging 1.4 key passes per game for Villa.
Shots per game
1.5
Big chances created
16
Key passes per game
1.4
Total duels won per game
4.7
Big chances missed
11
Touches per game
41.3
These statistics demonstrate just how effective he is behind the centre-forward, something which Pedro can take full advantage of.
Hailed as “unstoppable” by former Liverpool defender turned pundit Jamie Carragher last term, Rogers has all the tools in his armoury to be a success at Stamford Bridge.
The offer to Villa sounds like it might be tempting for Unai Emery to accept, especially given their need to balance the books.
Will Rogers be the final piece of the attacking jigsaw for Maresca ahead of the 2025/26 season? Only time will tell.
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Sunderland’s long wait to bring Granit Xhaka to the Stadium of Light this summer now looks to be over.
Indeed, the whole saga to bring the Swiss international back to English shores has seemingly concluded, as the ex-Arsenal enforcer looks set to complete a medical imminently after landing in Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen.
For £17m, it could well be Sunderland’s most important signing of the summer in offering Regis Le Bris’ troops some much-needed Premier League experience.
However, although experience has been sought after in clinching the 32-year-old’s signature, the Black Cats will also look to the future when making other standout summer purchases, knowing the success they’ve had with starlets such as Chris Rigg.
Sunderland'sChrisRiggand Wilson Isidor celebrate after the match
Sunderland show strong interest in £38m talent
Of course, the Wearside outfit will also be prioritising more Premier League-ready captures, away from going all in on their young and hungry model.
Stefan Ortega is the next top-flight star on their radar, having impressed in spurts as Manchester City’s back-up goalkeeper, with a surprise move for Jamie Vardy also allegedly on the cards after he waved goodbye to Leicester City recently.
But, there has also been apt time for Sunderland to scout out some promising talents who could go on to the club’s next big thing, with Fiorentina’s 20-year-old centre-back Pietro Comuzzo catching the eye in this regard.
As per reports from Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb, Sunderland, Manchester United, and Nottingham Forest are all showing a strong interest in the up-and-coming Italian, with no offers coming Fiorentina’s way, just yet.
It could cost Sunderland a substantial £38m to get the deal over the line, however. But, this might be a worthwhile investment to make, if he suddenly explodes into life in the Premier League, much like Rigg managed under Le Bris’ wing in the second tier.
Why Comuzzo could be Sunderland's next Rigg
Rigg had already amassed 25 first team appearances at the Stadium of Light before the Frenchman’s inspired appointment.
But, he would really come into his own under the watchful eye of the ex-Lorient manager, who has even been hailed as a “father figure” in his approach with youngsters, according to journalist Luke Entwistle.
In total, the exciting 18-year-old midfielder would make 47 appearances last season as Sunderland triumphantly secured promotion, with four goals and one assist also coming his way to play a pivotal part in his side’s whirlwind ascent back to the Premier League.
Knowing what their team has managed to achieve with Rigg in such a short space of time will make the Wearside masses even more eager to see what Comuzzo could achieve in his fresh environment, with the 20-year-old already in and around the senior Italy circles as an international, after looking way beyond his years in his native country last season, much like the teenage sensation.
Games played
33
Goals scored
1
Assists
0
Touches*
47.4
Accurate passes*
32.5 (86%)
Ball recoveries*
2.6
Total duels won*
3.6
Clean sheets
6
Comuzzo’s breakout campaign, which saw him collect a promising six clean sheets from 33 Serie A appearances, has led to him gaining many plaudits, with his former Fiorentina manager, Raffaele Palladino, hailing him as “extraordinary” for the maturity he displays when throwing himself into 3.6 duels on average in the testing terrain of the Italian top-flight.
That has further led to Palladino donning him a “soldier” for this resilience and energy, away from also being labelled as an “old-fashioned defender” by Italian scout Michele Fratini for his willingness to get stuck in, even as a 20-year-old still learning the ropes.
He will look to continue his upward trajectory on Wearside, with Comuzzo already one season down in a taxing top-flight environment.
This breakout offering in Florence has even seen him be shortlisted for the 2025 Golden Boy award, as he aims to become the next top starlet at the Stadium of Light in a similar vein to Rigg and other notable names before the 18-year-old.
Their new Defoe: Sunderland submit offer to sign "world-class" striker
Sunderland could soon win the services of this potent striker as their next major purchase.
Leeds United are now making progress in their pursuit of a £50m striker, and there is a feeling he would be keen on a move to Elland Road this summer, according to a report.
Leeds set sights on new striker after Nmecha
With Daniel Farke looking to bolster his forward line, Leeds have already snapped up Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer this summer, although the Hamburg-born striker wasn’t exactly prolific during his four seasons with Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga.
Season
Bundesliga appearances
Goals
2021-22
25
8
2022-23
16
4
2023-24
3
1
2024-25
19
3
As a result, the Whites are also working on bringing another striker through the door this summer, with it recently being revealed they are set to make a £17m bid for Besiktas centre-forward Semih Kilicsoy, and a meeting with the Turkish club has been penciled in.
However, it would be a risk for Farke to bring in Kilicsoy as his new starting striker, given that he is only 19-years-old and unproven outside Turkey, and it could be a smart move to bring in a centre-forward who already has Premier League experience.
Last month, it was revealed that Leeds are interested in signing Fulham star Rodrigo Muniz, and there has now been a new update on their pursuit of the striker.
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According to a report from Leeds United News, the 49ers have now made progress in their pursuit of Muniz, and there are positive signs that he would be keen on making a move to Elland Road this summer.
Although the deal is still some way off completion, the 49ers are hopeful that it will be possible to lure the centre-forward away from Fulham, with the Brazilian now among their top targets.
However, it may take a sizeable offer to get a deal over the line, with previous reports revealing the Cottagers are set to hold out for a fee of £50m.
"Dangerous" Muniz impressing at Craven Cottage
The 24-year-old has now spent two full seasons in the Premier League, during which time he has maintained a solid, if not spectacular goal record, netting 17 goals in 57 appearances.
Marco Silva is clearly happy with how his forward has adapted to life in the top flight too, with the Fulham manager saying: “He’s getting stronger which is really difficult for the defenders to deal with. We know that if we provide for him inside the box then he’s really dangerous as well.”
It would be a real statement of intent if Leeds were able to steal a striker from an established Premier League side, especially considering Tottenham Hotspur are also keen, so it is exciting news that the deal is now progressing.
Manchester United are looking to shape their future under Ruben Amorim and could now have a chance to offload one of their high earners, according to a report.
Manchester United pushing Mbeumo deal over the line
Matheus Cunha’s arrival from Wolverhampton Wanderers came early in the window for the Red Devils. However, they are now all-systems-go in their attempts to land Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo.
The Bees have rejected two seperate bids for Mbuemo and are said to be holding out for a fee of £70 million. With the Cameroon international keen to link up with Ruben Amorim, it feels like only a matter of time before Manchester United break through on that front.
Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo celebrates after the match
That could mean one or two of the Red Devils’ wide options are moved on, and former defender David May believes Alejandro Garnacho could be axed by Amorim alongside teammates Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford after leaving last term on a sour note.
He explained: “I want all the good players to stay at Manchester United but it comes down to whether they themselves want to play here. If you want to go and play somewhere else, you know where the door is.
“The manager will make the decision on Garnacho, on Rashford, on Sancho. If you don’t want to play for this club, you shouldn’t be at the club. These fans will back you 100%, but as soon as you start drifting, well, I wish you well.”
Manchester United’s first five Premier League fixtures
Arsenal (H)
Old Trafford
Fulham (A)
Craven Cottage
Burnley (H)
Old Trafford
Manchester City (A)
Etihad Stadium
Chelsea (H)
Old Trafford
Ollie Watkins has crept onto Manchester United’s hunt for striker. Again, it feels like any move to land the Aston Villa man could be contingent on outgoings, something the Red Devils may now have a chance to conduct if reports are to be believed.
Barcelona set to accelerate Marcus Rashford pursuit
According to reports in Spain, Barcelona have held personal talks to sign Manchester United star Marcus Rashford and the Catalan giants’ top brass believe he would be a marquee signing after missing out on Nico Williams.
The Athletic Club star has signed a new long-term deal at San Mames, leading Joan Laporta, Hansi Flick and company to a mindset where they believe pushing a deal through to sign £300,000 per week earner Rashford would go some way to restoring their reputation on the market.
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Despite leaving Old Trafford under a cloud in January, the England international thrived at Aston Villa by scoring four times and laying on six assists in 17 appearances across all competitions.
Although it won’t be an easy deal to conduct for Barcelona, their desire to reshape the ‘narrative’ of their summer window could be critical over the coming weeks.
Manchester United need sales to fund a rebuild, so there is scope for a handy deal to occur here between all parties.
The last few seasons have seen Chelsea completely overhaul their squad.
While there have been a few mistakes along the way, it would be fair to say the club look like they now have a team full of incredibly talented players.
Arguably, the most exhilarating of the lot has been Cole Palmer, who, since his arrival from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, has been nothing short of world-class for the Blues.
So, fans should be tremendously excited about recent reports linking the West Londoners to another talent who has won comparisons to the game-changing Englishman.
Chelsea target Premier League signings
Chelsea have already made a few signings from outside England this summer, but, if reports are to be believed, the club are also looking at several stars from the Premier League, such as Joao Pedro and Murillo.
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 could reportedly cost up to £60m, and while that is a significant amount of money, he was fairly effective in limited minutes this season, scoring ten goals and providing seven assists in 30 appearances, totalling 2,136 minutes.
Murillo, on the other hand, could cost the Blues up to £80m, but given his incredible performances at the back for Nottingham Forest this year, that once again may well be a fee worth paying.
Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson celebrates scoring their first goal with Nikola Milenkovic andMurillo
However, as transformational as these two players could be for Maresca’s side, neither one can really be compared to Palmer, unlike Harvey Elliott.
Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are one of a number of teams interested in the Liverpool gem this summer.
Alongside the Blues, the report claims that Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle United, and Borussia Dortmund are all keen on the 22-year-old talent.
However, alongside the intense competition for his services, the West Londoners will have to pay a substantial sum of money to secure their man, with the report claiming that the Reds want at least £50m.
Harvey Elliott celebrates for Liverpool
It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Elliott’s ability and potential, it’s one Chelsea should fight for, especially as he’s won comparisons to Palmer.
How Elliott compares to Palmer
In this instance, the primary comparison to Palmer originates from FBref, which looked at players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, and came to the conclusion that the Chelsea gem has been the eighth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to Elliott over the last 365 days.
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.69
0.68
Goals per Shot
0.06
0.09
Goals per Shot on Target
0.25
0.25
Key Passes
2.44
2.45
Interceptions
0.24
0.31
Successful Take-On %
44.4%
45.1%
Carries into the Penalty Area
1.22
1.15
The best way to understand how this conclusion was reached is by examining some of the underlying metrics in which the pair ranked incredibly closely, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, goals per shot and shot on target, interceptions, carries into the penalty area and more, all per 90.
However, the similarities extend beyond the statistics, as the young Liverpool gem, like the Blues star, has demonstrated an ability to play in multiple positions, with attacking midfield and right-wing his most played.
Moreover, should this transfer go through, then it would be another example of the West Londoners bringing in a younger talent from one of their rivals who’s just not getting the game time he deserves at the moment.
On top of that, even though he’s had to play a bit-part role at Anfield this season, the 22-year-old “machine,” as dubbed by journalist Sam McGuire, has still got some seriously impressive underlying numbers, which suggests that were he given more regular game time, he could seriously explode.
For example, FBref places him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty goals, the top 2% for progressive passes and passes attempted, the top 8% for non-penalty expected goals, and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, there would undoubtedly be some risk in signing Elliott this summer, but there was also plenty of risk in signing an unproven Palmer in 2023, and thanks to their similarities, this feels like a risk Chelsea should take.
Chelsea ready to offer six-year deal to £45m player, talks "now advancing"
The west Londoners could make their next signing soon.
Leeds United chiefs 49ers Enterprises have now been told it will cost just £10 million to sign an “unbelievable” English midfielder this summer.
Lukas Nmecha kicks off Leeds' summer business
The transfer window has now officially reopened after closing for a week, and the Whites haven’t wasted any time in getting a signing over the line. On Sunday afternoon, Leeds announced that Lukas Nmecha has agreed to join the club and become their first new face of the summer transfer window.
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Daniel Farke could be about to purchase his next Archie Gray if Leeds United successfully win this versatile youngster.
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The Germany international has joined the Yorkshire side on an initial two-year deal and will arrive on the 1st of July, once his contract has expired at Wolfsburg. Nmecha is already known to English football, having developed in Manchester City’s academy as well as having spells at Preston and Middlesbrough.
Nmecha told Leeds’s media team: “It’s just a great challenge, and I’m really excited to get to know the team. I’ve spoken with the manager many times, and I’m excited to play that style of football that they played in the Championship, even in the Premier League. I saw that there was dominance last season in terms of possession and the goals. I’m an attacking player, so obviously that’s exciting for me.
“Of course, in the Premier League, there are some big boys in there where you can’t play like that all the time, but I think the idea of the manager is to play good football, possession football, and that’s what I’m used to and what I love doing.
“I wish we could get going now, but we still have a few weeks of pre-pre-season, getting the runs in and all that! But I just can’t wait to start training now.”
Leeds told it will cost £10m to sign Champions League midfielder
With Nmecha now officially through the door, the 49ers are turning their attentions to Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff, and according to Football Insider, suitors have been told a bid of just £10 million will be accepted this summer.
Newcastle United's SeanLongstaffin action with Bromley's Jude Arthurs
It was reported in May that Leeds were plotting a double swoop for Callum Wilson and Longstaff, who is earning £50,000 a week at Newcastle.
Entering the final year of his contract at St James’ Park, the update claims his future “definitely” lies away from Tyneside.
Daniel Farke is keen to add Premier League experience to his midfield this summer, but he won’t have a free run at Longstaff, as David Moyes’ Everton are also keen on the midfielder.
Apps
25
Starts
8
Key passes per game
0.2
Interceptions per game
0.3
Tackles per game
1.1
Clearances per game
0.3
Longstaff, who has been dubbed “unbelievable” by Alan Shearer in the past, has Champions League experience, helping his side qualify for Europe’s elite competition this season and making five appearances in their last European quest, scoring in a 4-1 rout of current champions PSG.