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Newcastle United have established themselves as one of the Premier League’s most exciting sides under Eddie Howe, so it is no surprise that St James’ Park is becoming an intriguing draw for potential recruits.

Newcastle United's pursuit and implications of continental qualification

The Magpies have become European qualification contenders this season. However, recent Premier League defeats to Bournemouth, Fulham and Manchester City have put the spotlight on Howe amid his side’s ongoing pursuit of continental football.

Potentially, the English top-flight could be awarded an extra Champions League spot for next season, which may offer a saving grace. Still, Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, Bournemouth, Chelsea and Aston Villa will provide stiff competition in a battle stretching right to the wire.

While Newcastle’s owners, the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, debate whether to renovate St James’ Park or if moving stadium may enhance their profile as a global institution, there is one certainty that remains in an ever-changing landscape; the club needs to keep producing success stories to attract high-calibre imports every season.

PIF now considering Newcastle move to sign "strong" £553k-p/w star for Howe

He could make a return to European football…

1 ByTom Cunningham Feb 23, 2025

Booking a place to dine at Europe’s top table again is likely to elevate their chances of landing star quality, and Howe now may have the opportunity to capitalise on the uncertain future of a renowned Premier League figure this summer.

Newcastle United could be offered chance to sign Jack Grealish

According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle United could be offered Manchester City’s Jack Grealish this summer as his long-term future at the Etihad Stadium veers further into the corridor of uncertainty.

His agency CAA Stellar Sports are reportedly exploring options for his next move and he may be available for a fraction of the fee north of £100 million paid by the Citizens to land his services back in 2021.

Jack Grealish’s record since joining Manchester City in 2021

Appearances

149

Goals

16

Assists

23

On the contrary, Grealish’s £300,000 per week wage packet could signify that the England international may need to take a significant paycut to move to the Magpies.

Alternatively, his former club Aston Villa alongside Inter Milan and Bayern Munich have emerged as potential suitors as his role at Manchester City continues to be called into question despite playing a major part in seven trophies making their way into the Citizens’ bulging cabinet.

Previously labelled as an “outstanding player” by Newcastle boss Howe, the 29-year-old has remained a solid if unspectacular performer under Pep Guardiola this season. Per Fotmob, Grealish has fashioned 22 chances and completed 13 successful dribbles in the Premier League circa 2024/25.

Albeit his influence has waned a little recently at Manchester City Grealish may still have plenty of years ahead of him and would offer another reliable option in the wide areas for Howe to maximise should a move to the North East materialise, and by the looks of things, a move to St James’ Park in 2025 is one to watch.

New Zealand A fought back strongly on the second day at Allan Border Field, firstly through Scott Kuggeleijn’s five-wicket haul and then with a solid display by their top order, led by Sean Solia, which enabled them to wipe off Australia A’s lead and close with an advantage of 75.It was an impressive day for the visitors after Australia A had started only six runs behind their first innings of 147. They chipped away at the middle order and Kuggelejin took out the bowlers, although the lower order provided handy runs.Related

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Facing a significant deficit of 116, New Zealand A started brightly through openers Solia and Henry Cooper. Cooper took 16 runs off Mark Steketee’s third over, including three consecutive boundaries, before edging behind off Jordan Buckingham as he added to his three opening-day wickets.Nick Kelly was very close to bagging a king pair as his first delivery zipped past the outside edge, but he and Solia, who earlier played his part with the ball claiming two wickets, then settled into a productive second-wicket stand of 77 either side of a rain delay which arrived during the tea interval.The Australia A quicks struggled for the control they showed in the first innings while Buckingham and Mitch Perry sent down 11 no-balls between them.Kelly was frustrated when he pulled to deep square-leg moments after New Zealand A moved into the lead – giving Buckingham his fifth wicket of the match – but captain Tom Bruce lifted the tempo with an aggressive display and Solia moved to a 93-ball fifty with his tenth boundary having been given a life on 43, a very tough chance to gully.Bruce was also dropped on 34, when Caleb Jewell could not quite haul in a difficult chance diving at square leg from a pull, but the New Zealand A captain did not shelve the stroke and continued to take on the short delivery.Australia A had resumed on 141 for 3 and Jewell looking to pick up from his fluent display on the first afternoon. He collected a brace of early boundaries but three figures proved elusive when Brett Randell got one through him from round the wicket.New Zealand A kept chipping away to keep the hosts within touching distance. Campbell Kellaway bottom-edged a loose drive against a very wide delivery, while both Joel Paris and Jimmy Peirson were sharply held in the slips.But the lower-order added useful runs with the last three wickets combining for 63. Perry slashed to slip off what became the final ball of the morning session before Steketee and Mitchell Swepson scored briskly after the break to take the lead over 100.A change to a short-ball attack by Kuggeleijn proved successful when Swepson miscued into the leg side and he completed his five-wicket haul when he ended Steketee’s valuable contribution.Meanwhile, Wes Agar has been withdrawn from the series due to lower back soreness. Buckingham will now travel to MacKay for the second four-day game having originally only been set to play the opening match.

Star striker Viktor Gyokeres is at the centre of a dispute with Sporting CP over his future, and tensions are reportedly reaching breaking point as the ex-Coventry City forward sets his sights on a return to England with Arsenal.

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The Gunners are still searching attacking reinforcements.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 1, 2025

Credible media sources have claimed in the past few weeks that new sporting director Andrea Berta has been working on simultaneous deals for both Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, before deciding which move would be best suited to Mikel Arteta’s side.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

However, as yet, neither striker is any closer to joining Arsenal, despite their eagerness to embark on a Premier League switch.

Sesko is allegedly keen on joining Arsenal, and talks remain ongoing between all parties over a potential deal, while Fabrizio Romano has reported that a move to N5 is Gyokeres’ priority.

The latter had thought that he could leave for around £60 million before deadline day on September 1, but Sporting president, Frederico Varandas, publicly denied this recently.

“I see the agent in the press releasing information. I want to make one thing clear: Sporting has common sense and keeps its word,” said Varandas last month.

“Gyokeres scored 63 goals and 10 assists. Fantastic performance. Certainly one of the best players to have ever stepped onto Portuguese turf. And Sporting will not demand the clause.

“Now blackmail and insults, Sporting will not accept. One thing is certain: Sporting will not accept 60 million plus 10. As of today, Sporting has not received any proposal for Gyokeres.”

Since then, Varandas has taken another swipe at Gyokeres’ agent, and the striker is becoming deeply frustrated by these statements, as explained by an update from Portuguese newspaper Record this week.

The threat Viktor Gyokeres has made via text as he pushes to join Arsenal

The outlet, via Sport Witness, explains that Gyokeres really wants to join Arsenal, and he’s worried that Sporting’s demand of £68 million could put his dream move to the Emirates in jeopardy – with Arteta’s side refusing to match it as things stand.

Record claims to have access to text messages exchanged between the 27-year-old and Varandas, with Gyokeres threatening to speak to the media himself if a move away carries on being derailed.

During this conversation with Sporting’s president, it was also claimed that Gyokeres made a decision not to turn up for his pre-season duties, which could really escalate the situation further.

This standoff represents more than just your run-of-the-mill negotiation. For Gyokeres, it’s about securing what he sees as his rightful opportunity to compete at the highest level with Arsenal. For Sporting and Varandas, it’s about maximizing the return on their prized asset while maintaining credibility in future negotiations.

This story is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing transfer tales of this entire window, and if things don’t take a positive turn, Arsenal could be forced to look elsewhere in their pursuit of a prolific new striker.

Manchester United have now reportedly held internal talks about signing a Premier League midfielder who will be cheaper than Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.

Man Utd prioritising Anderson move

Anderson has quickly become the most sought-after midfield talent in the Premier League. The Nottingham Forest star has forced his way into Thomas Tuchel’s best England side and put himself on the radar of Liverpool, Manchester City and those at Old Trafford.

In terms of the physical profile that thrives in the Premier League these days, he ticks several important boxes. They are, as things stand, boxes that Man United’s current options struggle to meet, which makes it no surprise that the Red Devils have reportedly identified Anderson as their top transfer priority.

A deal to sign Anderson will not come cheap, however. Some reports have claimed that he will cost clubs as much as £100m to sign in the summer. Whether United have the spending power to match the likes of City as a result is the question that those around Old Trafford will now be asking themselves.

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It’s clear that Ruben Amorim is seeking reinforcements too, having laughed off suggestions that Kobbie Mainoo could solve some of Man United’s problems. The United boss said when asked about the midfielder: “I see it. I just want to win, I try to put the players, I don’t look who it is, I don’t care about that, I’m just trying to put the best players on the pitch.”

As the Premier League’s top clubs chase Anderson and Forest set their price, however, United may have no choice but to turn towards Mainoo or cheaper alternatives in the market like Joao Gomes.

Man Utd hold internal talks about Joao Gomes

According to the Daily Mail, Man United have now held internal talks about signing Gomes to fix their midfield problems in 2026. The Wolverhampton Wanderers man will be cheaper than Anderson at a reported £44m and it will be interesting to see if the price drops if the Midlands club drop down to the Championship this season.

Minutes

1,099

1,260

Progressive Passes

64

119

Tackles Won

22

22

Ball Recoveries

73

115

Gomes may be a fair bit cheaper than Anderson, but the quality drop off is there for all to see. The Brazilian has by no means endured a poor season on a personal front even as Wolves have struggled. Alas, Anderson has blown him away in comparison both on and off the ball.

Dubbed a “super talent” by former Wolves boss Gary O’Neil, it’s not a major surprise that Gomes has found himself on United’s radar. He ticks the box for Premier League experience for a bargain price tag, but he is ultimately not on the same level as the likes of Adam Wharton and Anderson.

He’s "similar to Xhaka": Man Utd to push Madrid for £30m Wharton alternative

Arsenal are set to announce their first batch of summer recruits soon.

Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga as well as midfielders Martín Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard are all reportedly poised to join Arsenal in the next week or so, the former providing a back-up to David Raya, while the latter duo will be replacing the outgoing Thomas Partey and Jorginho at the base of midfield.

Nevertheless, Mikel Arteta, Andrea Berta and the Arsenal hierarchy still have plenty of work to do.

Arsenal targeting attacking reinforcements

After a third successive second-place finish in the Premier League, it is clear what Arsenal need to add this summer and that is more attacking firepower, as the table below outlines.

League finish

2nd

2nd

2nd

Goals scored

88

91

69

Expected goals

71.6

76.1

59.9

Shots

589

647

544

Shots on target

194

209

178

Shot-creating actions

1,045

1,185

969

As shown in the table, last season, when compared to their two previous title bids under Arteta, the Gunners’ attacking output was significantly down by all available metrics.

That’s why the debate of the summer remains Benjamin Šeško or Viktor Gyökeres, with the club clearly in the market for the new number nine, but they’re also looking for reinforcements out-wide too.

Thus, according to reports in Spain, Arsenal are ‘strongly’ interested in signing Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi, with the Gunners said to be ‘pushing’ for his signature.

They add that the German international, who is believed to be available for around €45m (£38m), is viewed as a ‘serious alternative’ to Barcelona-bound Nico Williams, as he would add ‘explosiveness’ to Arsenal’s forward line.

The 23-year-old began his senior career at RB Salzburg, scoring four Champions League goals for die Roten Bullen, thereby earning a £38m move to Borussia Dortmund three summers ago.

Transfer Focus

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

So far, in 105 appearances for die Schwarzgelben, Adeyemi has scored 26 goals and registered 17 assists, featuring in all three of their Club World Cup fixtures this summer, starting against both Fluminense in East Rutherford and Ulsan HD in Ohio.

Now, could he become the 13th German to play for Arsenal, joining current Die Mannschaft teammate Kai Havertz, while following in the footsteps of Mesut Özil, Bernd Leno, Per Mertesacker, Lukas Podolski and others?

How Karim Adeyemi would improve Arsenal

Arsenal are looking to improve their left-wing options, with most agreeing that an upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli​​​​​​​ and Leandro Trossard, or at the very least an alternative to both, is required to take the Gunners to the next level.

Nevertheless, speaking on the Arsecast, Andrew Mangan and James McNicholas both agreed that it is highly “unlikely” that the Gunners will sign two wingers this summer, so someone who can play on the left but also cover for Bukayo Saka on the right would be ideal.

Well, Adeyemi certainly fits that brief, having been deployed on both flanks by both Dortmund managers, Nuri Şahin and Niko Kovač, throughout this season.

So, let’s assess how he compares to the gold standard of Arsenal wide-players, namely the aforementioned Saka – a player he is deemed to be statistically similar to among those in their position across Europe’s top five leagues, as per FBref.

Non-penalty goals

95th

77th

Shots

82nd

87th

Assists

83rd

96th

Expected assists

91st

98th

Shot-creating actions

45th

91st

Progressive carries

71st

83rd

Successful take-ons

87th

75th

Touches

79th

95th

Progressive passes received

71st

94th

FBref disclaimer: these statistics are based upon matches played in domestic leagues and UEFA club competitions across the last 365 days, and are in comparison to other attacking midfielders and wingers.

As the table outlines, Saka does come out on top for the vast majority of metrics, but that is not to be dismissive of Adeyemi, given that the England international is one of the best players in the world, at least according to teammate Martinelli.

The German’s statistics are broadly comparable to those of Saka, scoring more non-penalty goals and successfully completing a higher percentage of his take-ons.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout describes him as possessing “electric pace” and “superb dribbling skills”, simply labelling him a “world-class talent”.

Meantime, Lee Scott of Total Football Analysis believes that he provides ‘a direct goal threat’ and the ability to ‘carry the ball at speed past defenders’, while Tunde Young of Breaking the Lines boldly asserts ‘he could go on to be a multiple Ballon D’Or winner, just like Lionel Messi’.

Thus, it is clear that Adeyemi ticks a lot of boxes for Arsenal and would be an excellent, exciting addition, should they be able to pull this deal off. He could well prove to be like a left-sided Saka.

£200k-a-week Arsenal star "set to leave" as director travels for UK talks

He’s poised to leave the Gunners imminently.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 27, 2025

Liverpool are preparing for the 2025/26 campaign by packing Arne Slot’s squad with high-quality additions. After winning the Premier League last term, the Reds are looking to defend their title and challenge for silverware across other fronts.

As you will likely have seen, Liverpool have agreed a £116m deal with Bayer Leverkusen for the transfer of Florian Wirtz, who has been described as a “game-changer” with a skillset that is “dangerous for every opponent” by former Bayern Munich technical director Marco Neppe.

With Darwin Nunez’s sale expected at some point in the coming months, Anfield will surely welcome a new number nine through the gates, but there are other areas of the field that need attention too.

Indeed, the Reds have already tried to sign one of the best young centre-backs in the world in Dean Huijsen.

Why Liverpool wanted Dean Huijsen

Why did Liverpool want Huijsen? Well, for the same reason as everyone else: the Dutch-born Spain star was immense for Bournemouth after joining from Juventus for £15m, with analyst Ben Mattinson even declaring him “the most in-demand centre-back in the world.”

The problem, as ever, was that Real Madrid also wanted the 20-year-old, and when they came knocking, the youngster’s decision was set.

Activating his £50m release clause, Los Blancos have added one of the finest young defenders to their ranks, and Liverpool will now need to turn their attention elsewhere, for more depth is needed in the rearguard following a paucity of defensive signings in recent years.

Ah well, he’s not the only young defender worth their salt playing in one of Europe’s top five leagues right now. In fact, he might not even be the best up-and-coming centre-back from the recent Premier League season.

There’s another, albeit with a bit more experience, who is on Liverpool’s radar and could prove an upgrade on the Spain international.

Liverpool in race for new centre-back

As per transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are still concerned about Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation, with the Frenchman entering the final year of his deal.

Transfer Focus

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

As such, FSG have stayed in the race for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. The 22-year-old has been fantastic over the past couple of years on Merseyside, taking another step in his development since David Moyes was appointed in January.

Liverpool are not alone in their interest. Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on the £70m-rated star, while Manchester United have a historic interest and would be certain to make their name known if more clarity were to be provided on the Englishman’s future in the coming weeks.

A move wouldn’t be made until Konate’s future is sorted, but if a breakthrough cannot be found, Branthwaite could become a hot topic on Merseyside this summer.

Why Liverpool want Jarrad Branthwaite

Standing at 6 foot 5, Branthwaite is a powerful and menacing defensive presence, protecting his backline with iron-clad resolve and steel-tipped challenges.

Though he’s less at home in a pass-heavy environment than Huijsen, there’s a strong case to be made that the Evertonian could have the brighter future ahead of him, with the Toffees actually valuing their prized possession at £75m when the Red Devils came calling last year.

Looking at the data from the English top flight last year, you can see that while Huijsen outperformed his positional peer from an attacking standpoint, Branthwaite was more confident in the duel and maintained a similar passing crispness despite his tactical deployment.

Matches (starts)

32 (26)

30 (28)

Goals

3

0

Assists

2

1

Touches*

63.9

51.9

Pass completion

84%

83%

Key passes*

0.5

0.1

Ball recoveries*

3.3

3.1

Tackles + interceptions*

2.7

2.1

Clearances*

6.1

6.3

Ground duels (won)*

3.6 (56%)

3.9 (63%)

It’s worth noting that more active defensive numbers don’t automatically qualify for superiority as a centre-back. In fact, Branthwaite’s ability to read the game like a scholar and act only when the situation demands is not too dissimilar to Virgil van Dijk’s approach.

Given the Everton man’s left-footedness, he might be the Dutchman’s perfect heir, albeit one who would arrive in contentious circumstances.

But no matter. Liverpool, after all, are currently dealing with a potential double swoop from the Toffees for two of their first-teamers: Ben Doak and Joe Gomez have been reported to be on their rivals’ radar.

And for Branthwaite’s part, there’s a subtle undertow to his actions this year that suggests he would be up for the cross-city switch. In March, the English defender expressed concerns after being overlooked by England manager Thomas Tuchel, who once again neglected to call him up for the recent (difficult) camp.

In all likelihood, Tuchel was wary about bringing a defender into the fold whose club-level tactics are at such variance to the on-the-ball style the Three Lions are looking to implement.

16th

Leicester

45.4%

17th

Crystal Palace

42.8%

18th

Nott’m Forest

41.2%

19th

Everton

40.9%

20th

Ipswich

40.6%

Huijsen, sure, has already established a ball-playing game to admire, but Branthwaite isn’t against the kind of tactical principles that would see him hit his stride at Liverpool.

Indeed, when out on loan at PSV Eindhoven in 2022/23, he completed 87% of his passes, averaged 0.3 key passes per game and also completed an impressive 64% of his long balls, as per Sofascore.

Of course, Branthwaite is also just an “absolute monster” of a central defender, as he was called by talent scout Jacek Kulig after his exemplary breakout campaign in 2023/24.

A major player for Everton once again over the past 12 months, Branthwaite has surely proved enough over the past couple of years to convince Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, and the rest of the transfer team that he could be the perfect addition.

Perhaps not quite so attuned to a ball-playing style as Huijsen, the hulking defender may yet sharpen that element of his game, and under Slot’s wing, his overall ability would surely see him prove an upgrade on Real Madrid’s new recruit.

A bigger mistake than Diaz: Liverpool now in talks to sell £50m star

Liverpool should think twice about parting ways with this talented first-teamer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 12, 2025

By some metrics, the young, gifted Pakistan batsman has taken on the greatest fast bowler of this century like nobody ever has

Osman Samiuddin10-Jan-2019If there is a place Pakistani batsmen have, historically, enjoyed less than Australia, it is South Africa. Australia holds the more tortured place in the batting psyche of Pakistan, amplified by traumatic collapses and losses, plus just a longer history of it happening – it’s 46 years, after all, since this.Collectively, however, Pakistan average 21.92 in South Africa. How bad is that? Nearly six-runs-per-wicket-less-than-Australia bad is how bad.Still, if you asked a Pakistani batsman of a certain vintage to draw a boogieman, the picture would be of a 6″5 beanpole with the occasional snarl, mean as heck with runs, hanging around that off stump like a pesky fly around rotting food, his inches drawing out bounce and his fingers and wrist movement off the surface. Glenn McGrath to you and I.McGrath is second on the list of most successful fast bowlers against Pakistan, but he’s basically first given Kapil Dev is top. Kapil was a great fast bowler but nobody – certainly not the numbers – would say he exercised any kind of tyranny over Pakistani batsmen.Not much further down the list sits Dale Steyn who, in his own way and of his own time, has held a not-too-dissimilar meaning to Pakistani batsmen that McGrath did: shorter but quicker, less bounce but more swing, hounding the same edges, more intense and more explosive too.Mohammad Hafeez timed his retirement as sweet as he did some of his drives, but the top five Pakistani batsmen to fall most often to Steyn are all specialists. Only Misbah-ul-Haq can be said to have gained some measure of control over him.ESPNcricinfo LtdAnd the thing about this record is that Pakistan have only once come across Steyn in South Africa at his absolute peak, the last time they toured. That went well.All of which is to bring your attention to Steyn vs Babar Azam, a duel, yes, but, on longer consideration, more a passing (to which we will return). Either way, it’s been compelling because it has wrought such unexpected results so far.Compelling at several layers too. Numbers help give some shape to what has happened, which, in short, is that by some metrics, Steyn has not been dominated by a batsman in the manner Babar has done across two Tests. It is two Tests and three innings, but with a minimum qualification of 50 balls faced, Babar’s strike rate against Steyn is unmatched.