Interestingly, it’s all gone a bit quiet on the centre-forward front for Liverpool, who are progressing with plans across other areas as Arne Slot works out how to improve his title-winning squad.

It’s curious because it’s been understood for several months that Liverpool are making the addition of a new focal frontman a priority, but with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s imminent departure now set in stone, FSG have moved quickly to land Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, with a deal in the closing stages.

It’s also understood that left-back Milos Kerkez will be bumped up to first priority once the Dutchman has signed, with Andy Robertson no longer at his rip-roaring best.

Interest in Florian Wirtz has dominated headlines in recent days, but none of this should detract from the fact that Liverpool are going to launch a statement move for a new striker this summer.

Darwin Nunez is set to leave, after all.

The latest on Darwin Nunez's Liverpool future

Nunez arrived on Merseyside to much fanfare, leaving Benfica after a prolific stint that saw goals scored against Jurgen Klopp’s Reds, Barcelona and Bayern Munich in one Champions League campaign.

He joined, aged 22, for a club-record fee rising to £85m.

Fast track three years, and the 25-year-old is set to leave the club with rueful frustrations over what might have been. Despite flashes of brilliance, the mercurial talent has never kicked on, and actually fallen back several steps under Slot’s wing.

Ultimately, it just hasn’t quite worked out for Nunez. But he still leaves Anfield with a Carabao Cup medal and as a Premier League champion, having clinched 66 goal involvements across 141 appearances.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed he is expected to leave, with all parties keen on drawing a close to his Liverpool career.

24/25

45

1,982′

7

7

23/24

54

3,026′

18

15

22/23

42

2,366′

15

4

Slot has only started the Uruguay forward once in the top flight since Boxing Day, however, and it’s almost nailed-on that he’ll be plying his trade elsewhere next term, with Liverpool gearing up to advance interest in a talented new striker.

Liverpool eyeing bid for new striker

As per Caught Offside, Liverpool are weighing up a bid for Brighton & Hove Albion striker Joao Pedro, who has enjoyed two promising years on the south coast.

The Brazilian talent, still only 23, is also being pursued by Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United, whose fate in qualifying for the Champions League will determine their place in the race.

The Premier League star is expected to fetch a fee of around €60m (£51m) if he leaves the AMEX this summer. No small sum, but more affordable than some other high-profile names on the market.

Joao Pedro is the perfect Nunez upgrade

Joao Pedro left Watford in the Championship to sign for Brighton in a deal just shy of the £30m mark in 2023, and he’s since posted 30 goals and ten assists across 70 matches in all competitions.

While he’s undergone something of a quieter season this year, the versatile attacker has been regarded for his “really magical” quality by Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard, and has hit 17 contributions from just 24 starts.

He’s a work in progress, but one who has proved himself in the Premier League. There’s little question he would offer more for Slot’s team than Nunez has this season, adding a dimension that will surely be required to ease the burden on Mohamed Salah and angle Liverpool toward a more balanced offensive threat.

Contrasting the two forwards’ Premier League campaigns, it’s clear to see why Liverpool would be interested in making the change.

Matches (starts)

28 (8)

27 (23)

Goals

5

10

Assists

2

6

Shots (on target)*

1.2 (0.4)

1.7 (0.7)

Big chances missed

7

7

Pass completion

71%

75%

Big chances created

3

11

Key passes*

0.4

1.1

Dribbles*

0.3

1.1

Tackles + interceptions*

0.8

0.9

Duels won*

2.1

4.9

Joao Pedro certainly has aspects to improve upon, but there’s no question he’s a dynamic and rounded player with technical flair and a tenacious attitude besides.

By contrast, Nunez has plunged into deep fathoms, detached from the combative, committed player who first arrived at Anfield, raw but robust and raring to go.

FBref have crunched the data to reveal more about Joao Pedro’s skill set, and why his multi-facetedness would be perfect for Slot’s side.

Across the current Premier League campaign, the £50k-per-week talent ranks among the top 3% of forwards for assists, the top 15% for shot-creating actions and passes attempted, the top 20% for progressive carries, the top 17% for successful take-ons, and the top 6% for through balls per 90.

To put it another way, he’s endowed with an athletic and creative style that Slot would will into any direction he pleases, and while the clinical edge needs some sharpening, Joao Pedro has converted 19 big chances in the league for the Seagulls, missing 16 big chances all told.

Nunez, conversely, has missed 54 big chances since first playing in England’s top flight, only scoring 25 league goals in that timeframe.

His presence has waned in Slot’s system, a rather damning indictment on his at-odds efforts given the meteoric rises of Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai.

A player of “ridiculous” talent who has yet to really break into his quickest stride, according to one Brighton analyst, Joao Pedro has what it takes to make a big improvement on an already thriving Liverpool frontline.

With Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota hoping to reprise their places in the Liverpool squad, this could be a dynamic addition to allow the team to do it all over again next year.

He plays a lot like Wirtz: Liverpool plot huge move to sign £85m "magician"

Liverpool are ready to throw the kitchen sink at a marquee attacking signing this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 17, 2025

French heavyweights Marseille and Roberto De Zerbi are believed to be targeting a high-profile Chelsea star, with BlueCo now “seriously” considering his sale this summer, according to reports.

Chelsea keep Champions League hopes alive with 1-0 Everton win

Enzo Maresca and the Blues are still firmly in the chase for Champions League qualification, following a much-needed winning goal from Nicolas Jackson in Chelsea’s 1-0 win against Everton at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea in constant contact to sign "unbelievable" £223k-a-week Barca star

The Blues are determined to sign a Barcelona player, whose future is now up in the air.

1 ByDominic Lund Apr 28, 2025

Jackson ended his 14-game goalless streak with his first Premier League strike of 2025, clinching a vital three points for Maresca’s side, who are involved in the tightest race for Europe in years.

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

Just two points separate third and sixth in the table, with Newcastle United, Man City, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa all competing for a spot in next season’s Champions League draw.

“We’re going to be better and better because the players are going to understand better and better how to play different games,” said Maresca on the improving balance of his Chelsea side.

“We said many times that against teams that press higher there is more space, and we can attack quicker. Against teams that defend low blocks, it’s more difficult, but we need to learn that. For sure this is the reason why I said many times that the fans have to trust us because this team is going to be better and better. It’s a journey, they’re going to learn things.

“The goal, as you said, it’s easy to attack quick because it’s from goal kick pressing. In the moment that you recover the ball, the first option is always in front. It was a good goal.”

Trevoh Chalobah also put in another excellent defensive display, and amid reports Chelsea are targeting a centre-back as one of three main signings this summer, the Cobham academy graduate is making a case for his continued stay in the side.

Now, as per French news outlet Foot Mercato, its potentially a different ace who could be sacrificed to make room in the squad.

Chelsea seriously considering Wesley Fofana sale

According to their information, that man is £200,000-per-week star Wesley Fofana. The Frenchman is on Chelsea’s treatment table for the long-term yet again, undergoing surgery on a hamstring injury in early April, and Maresca will be hoping he can return on time for their Club World Cup campaign.

However, it is now believed that Chelsea are “seriously considering” letting Fofana leave this summer, whether that be on an initial loan or permanent deal, and De Zerbi’s Marseille hold some hope they can tempt him with a move to Ligue 1.

The former Leicester City star joined Chelsea in a deal which could be worth up to £75 million, back in 2022, but while he’s impressed with some performances and runs of form, Fofana’s stay has also been marred by fitness problems.

It will be intriguing to see how much they would demand to sell Fofana outright, given he’s one of the Premier League’s most expensive ever defenders.

In what could see one player make his return to the Premier League, Everton have now reportedly made their first contact to sign a former Arsenal defender this summer.

Everton looking to bounce back from defeat

Like every side sandwiched inside the Premier League’s bottom half, Everton have the luxury of playing without the pressure of relegation in the coming weeks, with the drop now confirmed for all three of Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton. What that should hand them the chance to focus on is handing Goodison Park the farewell it deserves and that should start with bouncing back from defeat.

Friedkin now serious about dream Everton move to sign "fantastic" forward

A signing that would certainly make a statement…

By
Tom Cunningham

Apr 29, 2025

With nothing left to play for, the Toffees have suffered back-to-back defeats against Manchester City and Chelsea in two narrow games, much to the frustration of those on Merseyside who’ll be hoping to end the season strongly.

Manager David Moyes reacted to defeat against Chelsea last time out, telling reporters: “We were perhaps fortunate to only be 1-0 down at half-time, but we stuck at it and grew into the game and played very well in the second half.

“We were just lacking quality to get a finish on the end of some of our play. The substitutes made a big difference. It looked like we had more energy and were more creative.”

It’s the type of quality that the Everton boss will hope to see his side find in their penultimate game at Goodison Park this Saturday, which will see them square off against Ipswich Town.

It’s a game that the Toffees will be expected to win, especially at Goodison Park, and one that they should use to make a statement of intent as they prepare to enter a new era at the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.

Meanwhile, away from the pitch, ahead of that new era, Friedkin have already reportedly set their sights on their first summer signing.

Everton express interest in signing Tavares

According to Sky Sports’ Gianluca Di Marzio, Everton have now expressed interest in signing Nuno Tavares from Lazio this summer. The left-back has spent the season on loan at the Serie A club this season in a move that will become permanent at the end of the current campaign. Any move away from English football may be short-lived, however, amid interest from Everton.

Praised for an “incredible season” and described as “talented” by U23 scout Antonio Mango during his loan spell at Marseille last season, Tavares has only reached more impressive levels at Lazio – assisting nine goals in all competitions.

As Ashley Young edges closer to retirement too, welcoming fresh competition for Vitalii Mykolenko would be no bad idea for Everton this summer, and Tavares would offer exactly that.

In one swift move, the left-back could find himself on his way back to the Premier League not long after turning his loan move permanent at Lazio this summer.

Everton have welcomed their new Director of Football, Angus Kinnear, to the club. He’s got a lot to do, with David Moyes expecting to be backed by the Friedkin Group as he improves his squad this summer.

The experienced manager returned in January after 12 years away and guided Everton away from relegation bother and into the tranquillity of the Premier League’s mid-table pack.

But Moyes no doubt has his eyes on loftier ambitions. He’ll want to strengthen with statement signings this summer, one of which may be Tottenham Hotspur’s Richarlison, who left the Toffees for London in a £60m package back in 2022.

The latest on Richarlison to Everton

It’s all gone a bit quiet, truth be told. But then, the 2024/25 campaign has yet to finish up, and there’s plenty of time for TFG to make their move for the former Toffees star.

Earlier this month, Sky Sports published a report claiming Everton are interested in bringing the Tottenham forward back to Merseyside.

Across four campaigns as a Blues player, the 28-year-old scored 53 goals from 152 matches and was hailed by Carlo Ancelotti as a “modern and complete forward.”

Richarlison’s most consistent seasons all came at Goodison Park, but despite issues down N17, he’s still managed to display a degree of prolificness under Ange Postecoglou’s wing, having fallen by the wayside in his maiden year at the club.

Richarlison – Premier League Career by Season

Season

Apps

Goals

Assists

24/25 – Spurs

14

4

1

23/24 – Spurs

28

11

4

22/23 – Spurs

27

1

4

21/22 – Everton

30

10

5

20/21 – Everton

34

7

3

19/20 – Everton

36

13

4

18/19 – Everton

35

13

2

17/18 – Everton

38

5

4

Stats via Transfermarkt

It’s clear he needs a fresh start, and after such interesting performances with Everton, why not bring him back to spearhead this new era? Moyes, for sure, has the gritty leadership style to bring the Brazilian back to his best.

And Richarlison isn’t the only former player on the Scottish coach’s radar…

Everton could sign another former star

With many out-of-contract Everton players about to move away for new pastures, Moyes is bound to target signings across numerous areas.

Defence is one such priority position, especially with Michael Keane slated to depart and James Tarkowski sidelined after tearing his hamstring.

And, according to a report from GIVEMESPORT earlier this month, Manchester City’s John Stones could be the player the Merseysiders go for to instill experience and improve passing and ball retention.

Stones, 30, is one of the most decorated Englishmen of his generation, notably lifting five league titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League, and has been hailed for his “world-class” talent by Three Lions teammate Ezri Konsa, but injuries have limited him to a bit-part role for Pep Guardiola’s side in recent seasons.

Everton paid just £3m to Barnsley to sign a teenage Stones back in 2013, and he would go on to feature 95 times for the club before leaving for City for a mammoth £47.5m fee.

He might not be quite at his peak anymore, but the £250k-per-week talent is not ready to hang up his Premier League boots and could be a brilliant addition to Moyes’ outfit, ranking among the top 1% of defenders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goal involvements, the top 2% for pass completion, the top 4% for shot-creating actions and the top 11% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

Given the player’s pedigree and proven talent, there’s no reason why he can’t go on to be Everton’s most exciting signing in a very long time, perhaps not even since Richarlison left Watford after a breakout term of much promise and devoted several of his best years to the Liverpool-based outfit.

Regarded by some as the catalyst in City’s treble-winning season of 2022/23, Stones has something left to give English football, and his unique approach to the game could give Everton the extra dimension they need to make real progress over the coming year as a high-profile and highly exciting addition.

Related Now worth even less than Harrison: TFG must sell struggling Everton flop

Everton are readying themselves for a summer of change.

Posts 1 ByAngus Sinclair May 17, 2025

Arsenal’s attack in 2024/25 has been depleted over the last couple of months, with injuries massively hampering their Premier League title chances.

Mikel Arteta has been without Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka for large spells of the campaign, often having to utilise a make-shift front three.

However, the Gunners still managed to score 69 times in their 38 matches this season, with only Liverpool and Manchester City scoring more in England’s top-flight.

Such injuries have highlighted the need for added depth and quality in such a department, with the hierarchy needing to hand Arteta with the funds to make the improvements he demands.

With the summer rapidly approaching, it will allow the Spaniard to land any of the stars currently on his radar, bolstering their chances of a title charge next season.

The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for new signings this summer

A new centre-forward has been at the top of Arsenal’s list over the last couple of months, with Benjamin Sesko the latest player in their sights during the off-season.

It’s been reported in recent days that the Gunners have already been in talks with RB Leipzig over a move for the 21-year-old talisman, who currently has an £84m clause in his contract.

However, he’s not the only attacker who’s been in direct contact with the hierarchy, with Real Sociedad forward Takefusa Kubo also in talks over a move to the Emirates, according to one Spanish outlet.

Their report claims that Arteta’s side are facing a battle with fellow English side Liverpool for the signature of the 23-year-old, who’s registered 11 combined goals and assists this season.

It also states that he has a €60m (£50m) release clause in his deal with the LaLiga outfit, potentially moving to North London with teammate Martin Zubimendi this summer.

Why Arsenal’s £50m target would be a better signing than Sane

Despite the interest in the aforementioned duo, Bayern Munich star Leroy Sané has also been mentioned as a potential option for Arsenal this summer.

The German, who’s registered 11 goals in the Bundesliga this season, looks set to depart the Allianz Arena at the end of June when his current contract comes to an end.

The 29-year-old is also subject to interest from North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, potentially making for an intriguing transfer battle between the pair in the coming months.

Sane has previously starred in England’s top-flight, scoring 39 times in his 135 appearances for Manchester City during his four-year spell at the Etihad.

However, despite the interest in the Bayern attacker, Arteta should steer clear and make a move for Kubo instead, with the Japanese international outperforming Sane in numerous key areas.

The Sociedad star, who’s been labelled “world-class” by former Barcelona boss Xavi, may have scored fewer goals this season, but has managed a better goal per shot-on-target rate – showcasing the clinical edge he possesses.

He’s also registered more progressive carries and more take-ons completed, highlighting the threat he poses with the ball at his feet and running at the opposition.

Games played

36

30

Goals scored

5

11

Progressive carries

5.1

4.1

Progressive passes

4.2

3.5

Goals per shot-on-target

0.4

0.3

Passes into final third

2.2

1.3

Take-on success

48%

39%

Crosses completed

3.2

2.8

Kubo’s dominance doesn’t stop there, completing more crosses per 90, along with more passes into the final third, subsequently having the tools to aid others in attacking areas.

It may appear to be a bold call to move for Kubo over Sane given the difference in price this summer, but he’s demonstrated in LaLiga that he’s a more impressive option for Arteta.

He’s also six years younger than the Bayern star, having the potential to explode into life should he complete a £50m deal to the Emirates in the coming months.

More exciting than Zubimendi: Arsenal enter talks to sign £84m "monster"

Arsenal could be about to make a move to land a star who’d massively improve Mikel Arteta’s side.

ByEthan Lamb May 30, 2025

Manchester United have now moved ahead of rivals Manchester City in the race to sign a “world-class” £50 million+ midfielder, according to a recent report.

Fernandes believes Europa League win can change Man Utd’s future

The Red Devils are hours away from getting the most important game of their season underway, as they play Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, with a place in next season’s Champions League up for grabs. It’s been a poor campaign for United, but winning the Europa League would bring a sense of optimism to the club, as it would be a third trophy won in three years.

Related Their next Rooney: Man Utd in talks for "phenomenal" Gyokeres alternative

Manchester United could be about to land a star who could follow in the footsteps of Wayne Rooney.

Posts ByEthan Lamb May 20, 2025

In fact, talisman and captain Bruno Fernandes believes United winning the Europa League could mean a consistent change in fortunes for Ruben Amorim and his side: “Every game you have a chance to win a trophy is very big, but part of that is every game at this club is massive. As Harry [Maguire] has just said, this club is so big; from one week you can be the hero, and the next one, you’re the villain.

“As players, you just think about what we have ahead of us, and what we have ahead of us is the chance to get our hands on the trophy. It won’t change the past. It won’t affect what the past has done for us either, but what I can affect is the future. Probably, yes, winning a trophy gives a lot of things. In this case, a place in the Champions League and a lot of revenue for the club. It gets, obviously, more players wanting to come to the club.

“But I think this club doesn’t change much in that aspect because I think every player wants to play for Manchester United. This is a thing that will never change. The name of this club speaks for itself. But the main thing, of course, is what is ahead of us, and that is a massive final against a team we know very well.

“But in a competition different to the Premier League, so it’s going to be a completely different game.”

Man Utd lead Man City in race to sign "world-class" £50m+ midfielder

As Fernandes looks ahead to what is a massive night for United, the club’s hierarchy are already working on a way of improving his midfield partners for next season. According to the Italian press, relayed by Football Transfers, Man United are now closing in on the signing of Ederson from Atalanta.

The report states that United have held more talks about signing the midfielder, and negotiations over completing a deal are said to progress following the Europa League final. It goes on to add that Man City and Juventus are also interested in signing Ederson, but it is United who lead the race for his signature, as they are the ones who moved the quickest.

However, the Red Devils still need to find an agreement with Atalanta, with the Serie A side asking for at least €60 million, which is roughly £50 million. Ederson, who has been dubbed “world-class” by former England manager Fabio Capello, would likely become United’s second Brazilian signing of the summer, with a deal for Matheus Cunha close to completion.

Ederson’s Atalanta stats

Apps

138

Goals

13

Assists

4

The Brazilian is under contract until 2027, so United will hope to take advantage of his contract running down as they look to replace Christian Eriksen, who is set to leave Old Trafford, and also find a long-term replacement for Casemiro, who could also depart during the summer transfer window.

Chelsea reached the final of the Conference League courtesy of a 5-1 aggregate victory over Swedish side Djurgarden in midweek.

Ending the season with a trophy could be a catalyst for the Blues to improve even further in 2025/26.

Enzo Maresca will be determined to succeed, but even more importantly, is the fact that he has blooded several youngsters into the team, notably Tyrique George.

With the summer transfer window opening in a few weeks, might the Italian be aiming to sign another talented forward?

Chelsea plot move for Borussia Dortmund starlet

According to reports, the Blues have earmarked Dortmund starlet Jamie Bynoe-Gittens as a player under serious consideration this summer.

The Stamford Bridge side are currently in contact with the Englishman regarding a potential deal and if they secure Champions League qualification, it could help their cause massively.

Previously valued at €100m (£85m), Gittens’ asking price has now dropped to ‘just’ €50m (£42m) as he doesn’t fit the system of Niko Kovač, which could open the door for Chelsea to make their move.

If they did bring the youngster to London, they would be signing one of the most talented wingers in Germany.

Transfer Focus

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

He is certainly a bigger talent than George. That’s for sure.

Why Chelsea must sign Jamie Gittens

Since making his senior debut for the Blues earlier this season, the 19-year-old has now racked up 23 appearances in all competitions.

Not one to be fazed by performing at the highest level, the teenager has scored twice and chipped in with five assists, helping the club reach yet another European final.

He will only continue to get better, especially if Maresca keeps utilising him in this Chelsea squad. Signing Gittens, however, would perhaps take the club to the next level.

Making his debut for Dortmund all the way back during the 2021/22 season, Gittens has made over 100 appearances for the club. A total of 31 goal contributions have been recorded in this time as he has emerged as a player to watch out for in the coming years.

Goals

8

Assists

3

Big chances created

6

Key passes per game

0.7

Successful dribbles per game

2.6

Shots per game

1.7

Hailed as a “wonderkid” by Statman Dave in November 2023, Gittens has the talent to follow in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham, who both made huge moves abroad after shining in Germany.

Despite his tender years, he is already playing like an experienced winger. Indeed, when compared to positional peers, Gittens currently ranks in the top 8% for progressive carries (5.55) and in the top 1% for successful take-ons (3.62) per 90 over the previous 365 days.

This ability to advance the ball into dangerous areas while being able to beat his marker could give Maresca something extra in the final third next season.

George’s emergence from academy starlet to first-team regular shows that the club aren’t going to be totally reliant on the transfer market.

But when a talent like Gittens is available, it would be foolish not to try and sign him. Especially for a fee of £42m.

Eden Hazard 2.0: Chelsea make contact to sign £64m "difference-maker"

Chelsea have reportedly made contact over a deal to sign a star who could be Eden Hazard 2.0.

ByDan Emery May 10, 2025

Manchester United’s front line has massively disappointed throughout the 2024/25 campaign, being one of the main reasons for their dismal Premier League finish.

The Red Devils finished in 15th place, just three places above the relegation zone, finishing the season with two times fewer points than eventual champions Liverpool.

Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo finished as the top scorers for Ruben Amorim’s side, both notching just eight goals, with no player managing to reach double figures in the league.

Strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee were both massively out of form throughout the entire year, only scoring seven goals in the Premier League between them.

As a result, the hierarchy have wasted no time in targeting reinforcements in such a department, with numerous names already mentioned with a summer switch to Old Trafford.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

With the transfer window set to open over the next couple of weeks, United have already begun work to land new stars to help Amorim’s quest of being a success in charge of the club.

Viktor Gyokeres, Hugo Ekitiké and Benjamin Sesko have all been touted with a summer switch to join the Red Devils, but as of yet, no progress has yet been made on such deals.

However, work has been conducted on a deal to sign Napoli forward Victor Osimhen over recent days, that’s according to Italian journalist Valter De Maggio.

He claimed on radio station Kiss Kiss Napoli, that the Red Devils hierarchy have met up with the Serie A side and negotiated a potential deal for the Nigerian international.

The journalist also confirmed that Antonio Conte’s side would want £40m plus current striker Hojlund in the other direction for the 26-year-old, who’s scored 36 times in 40 appearances on loan at Galatasaray this season.

Why United’s latest target would be a better signing than Delap

Over the last couple of weeks, striker Liam Delap has been widely touted with a move to join United this summer after his £30m relegation release clause became active.

The 22-year-old scored 12 goals for relegated Ipswich Town, undoubtedly being their shining light in a dismal campaign, leading to his subsequent links to join the Red Devils.

However, despite the interest, it appears as though Amorim’s side are set to miss out on a deal for his services, with Chelsea taking the lead in the race for his signature in recent days.

It’s been reported that United’s lack of European football has handed the Blues the advantage, leading to the potential interest in a deal for Osimhen as a result.

However, when comparing the pair’s respective stats from the recent season, the Nigerian has managed to better him in various key areas – undoubtedly being a better addition than Delap.

The Napoli star, who’s been labelled “the best striker on the market” by Statman Dave, has massively outscored the Englishman and registered a higher shot on target rate – highlighting his clinical edge in the final third.

He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted and achieved a higher take-on success rate, handing Amorim an all round option in the final third – something he’s greatly missed.

Games played

29

37

Goals & assists

30

14

Shot-on-target accuracy

46%

43%

Shots on target per game

3.4

1

Pass accuracy

68%

61%

Take-on success

60%

46%

Aerials won

64%

42%

Osimhen’s dominance doesn’t end there, winning more aerials, with his ability in the air offering the club a needed focal point, which they desperately need to take them back to their former glory.

The reported deal, which could see Hojlund move back to Serie A, may prove to be a blessing in disguise for United, moving on a player who’s simply not at the level required for the Premier League.

It may be disappointing to miss out on Delap given the bargain price he’s available for, but the Nigerian has demonstrated that he’s a better option, handing the club the elite-level attacker they need to right the wrongs of 2024/25.

Forget Garnacho: Man Utd must sell flop who's worth even more than Cunha

Man Utd could find a different solution to selling Alejandro Garnacho…

ByRobbie Walls May 29, 2025

Everton have now held talks with the entourage of a “leader”, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer, according to a report.

Moyes looking to bolster defensive options

The Toffees’ recent results haven’t been the best, falling to defeats against Chelsea and Manchester City before drawing 2-2 against Ipswich Town in the penultimate match at Goodison Park, but it remains an exciting time to be a fan of the Blues.

The hope will be that a move to Bramley Moore-Dock positions David Moyes’ side to compete for major honours in the future, and they are looking to mark their stadium move by making one or two statement signings this summer.

That is according to a new report, which states the Merseysiders are now open to the signing of Man City defender John Stones, who could be in line for a sensational return eight years after leaving Goodison Park.

Moyes' own Tarkowski signing: Everton join the race for EFL "superstar"

Everton are set for a busy summer of shopping as David Moyes eyes new heights.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 7, 2025

Stones could be a real upgrade on Moyes’ current centre-back options, given his top-level experience, and there has now been a suggestion that a new left-back could also be pursued in the summer transfer window.

According to a report from The Boot Room, Everton have now made contact with the entourage of Leeds United defender Junior Firpo, who is out of contract at the end of the season and thus available on a free transfer.

Firpo appears to be set to leave Leeds this summer, having arrived at Elland Road for £13m back in 2021, and there is no shortage of interest in his signature, with Crystal Palace and West Ham United also holding talks with his representatives.

A return to Spain could also be on the cards, with Atletico Madrid and Real Betis keen, while FC Barcelona could also consider a move for their former player.

"Leader" Firpo could be Mykolenko upgrade

Vitaliy Mykolenko has established himself as a key player this season, making 32 appearances in the Premier League, and the left-back has impressed defensively, ranking in the 89th percentile for aerials won per 90, and the 95th for clearances over the past year.

However, the Leeds defender is also dominant in the air, while offering far more of an attacking threat, ranking in the top 1% for assists per 90, when compared to other left-backs playing at a similar level.

Statistic	Average per 90
Assists	0.34 (99th percentile)
Non-penalty goals	0.14 (96th percentile)
Shot-creating actions	3.30 (93rd percentile)
Aerials won	2.10 (93rd percentile)

Not only that, but the 28-year-old has personal qualities which could set him up for success at Everton, with Daniel Farke claiming he is “turning into a leader” earlier this season.

With Moyes a little light on options at left-back, Firpo could be a fantastic addition to the squad, but it may be difficult to win the race for his signature if Barcelona or Atletico Madrid step up their interest.

Newcastle United have now made contact over a potential deal for an “outstanding” midfielder, who could be available for a fee of just £21m this summer, according to a report.

Magpies pursuing midfielder amid Tonali and Guimaraes uncertainty

Newcastle are on the brink of securing a return to the Champions League, and Sandro Tonali has been one of their most important players, with Jamie Carragher recently praising the midfielder after naming him in his Premier League team of the season.

Speaking about the Magpies, Carragher said: “They actually made a poor start to the season. I don’t think their season turned around until Eddie Howe put him [Tonali] in the holding role.

“For a lot of the time he has been there, he has been the attacking midfielder and Bruno has been the holding. I think him going to the sitting midfield role has made a huge difference.

Howe is likely to be very pleased with Tonali’s performances, but the Italian is now starting to attract interest from elsewhere, with Manchester United and Manchester City being named as potential suitors.

With Bruno Guimaraes also attracting attention, Howe may be forced to revamp his midfield in the summer transfer window, and a report from TEAMtalk has now revealed that Newcastle have made contact over a deal for Dinamo Zagreb’s Martin Baturina.

Baturina has a number of potential suitors from within the Premier League, with Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest also keen, and a deal for the attacking midfielder is likely to be relatively inexpensive, as the Croatian side are looking to hold out for around £21m.

Related Newcastle now planning face-to-face talks to sign "unbelievable" £30m star

The Magpies are set to hold discussions over a deal for a forward.

Posts ByDominic Lund May 21, 2025

Inter Milan are also interested in signing the 22-year-old, who is now ready to move to a top league in Europe, having put in some impressive performances in his home country of Croatia.

"Outstanding" Baturina could be a bargain signing

Of course, it is always a risk to take a punt on a player who is unproven in a major European league, but the Croatian has shown that he is ready to make the step-up to a higher level with his displays for Zagreb.

The Zurich-born maestro picked up six goals and 12 assists in all competitions during the 2024-25 campaign, with three of those coming in the Champions League.

Moreover, football scout Ben Mattinson has lauded the Zagreb star for his “outstanding” vision and weight of pass, and he has displayed his dribbling ability on a regular basis over the past year, ranking in the top 1% for successful take-ons by players in his position.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.29 (97th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

3.78 (91st percentile)

Successful take-ons

2.91 (99th percentile)

Progressive carries

4.65 (99th percentile)

At just £21m, Baturina could be a bargain signing for Newcastle this summer, but there will be a hope that his arrival is not at the expense of Tonali and Guimaraes, given their importance to Howe’s side.