Manchester City are now believed to be closing in on an agreement with one of Europe's bright young gems as Pep Guardiola's side build for the future at the Etihad Stadium, according to reports.

Manchester City profit from rivals dropping points…

Despite not being in Premier League action over the course of the weekend, Manchester City find themselves in a handy position after their rivals for the title all dropped points.

Aston Villa recorded a draw at home to Chris Wilder's improved Sheffield United; meanwhile, Liverpool and Arsenal had to settle for a point apiece at Anfield on Saturday evening, which has left the Citizens in a handy position as they look to win their fourth successive league crown.

As it stands, Guardiola's men are six points off top spot with 34 points from 17 matches played; however, they retain a crucial game in hand that will take them to only three points off the summit despite a recent run of form that has yielded just one win in their last six domestic fixtures.

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Of course, their good week was rounded off by the fact the Club World Cup has also headed back to the North West after a successful trip to Saudi Arabia following a 3-0 triumph over Urawa Red Diamonds in the last four alongside a 4-0 thrashing of Diniz's expansive Fluminense side in the final.

Tougher tests are yet to come for Manchester City, though claiming another piece of silverware could be the perfect tonic to re-ignite their title challenge as Guardiola looks for his men to enter their usual cruise control from the mid-season period until the end of the campaign, where they typically start to pick up in consistency and rhythm in their league performances.

On the transfer front, the Sky Blues also look to be closing in on the capture of a talented young gem who has been offered financially advantageous terms to move to Manchester.

Manchester City closing in on Matija Popovic

According to Football Insider, Manchester City are closing in on an agreement with Partizan Belgrade youngster Matija Popovic after offering the 17-year-old a "big-money" five-year contract to sign on the dotted line at the Etihad.

Matija Popovic statistics for Partizan Belgrade Under-17's – Kadetska liga (Transfermarkt)

Appearances

25

Goals

21

Assists

5

Matija Popovic facts

Height

6ft 4in

Positions operated in

Attacking midfield, right wing, central striker

AC Milan are also said to be keen on the Serbia Under-17 international; however, the Citizens are now in pole position to wrap up a deal to sign the attacker, who could soon arrive for a development fee as he is approaching the end of his contract at his current employers. The report adds that scouts and recruitment chiefs from the Etihad have been massively impressed with the player.

Talent scout Jacek Julig also gave a flavour of what Manchester City fans could be led to expect with Popovic earlier this year, labelling the German-born youth as someone with a "very unique" profile.

Building for the future seems to be a key part of Guardiola's vision and Popovic appears to be someone with an exciting collection of traits that could potentially be a star of the future in the blue half of Manchester.

Tottenham are now real favourites to sign a "very versatile" young attacker after making him a contract offer, and they're attempting to seal his signing ahead of January.

Postecoglou eyeing young stars for Spurs

According to Sky Sports, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou and club chiefs are keen to bring in fresh faces of a certain age range – and ones who could fit into the Australian's long-term project.

Indeed, it is believed Tottenham are prioritising the signing of younger players in January as they chase a new centre-back, midfielder and forward for Postecoglou.

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There’s been contact ahead of January.

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This fits in with their links to Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo, who is 23 years old, while other rumoured Spurs centre-back transfer targets like Genoa star Radu Dragusin (21) and Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite (21) are also on the younger side.

Meanwhile, further forward, Juventus starlet Samuel Iling-Junior, 20, and Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, 23, are also being chased by Tottenham as we approach January.

The Lilywhites appear to be building something special for the future, with these reports indicating they have full faith in Postecoglou to take them forward.

Tottenham's head coach, speaking to the English press recently, has also confirmed that Spurs are actively pursuing new signings as they plot early window moves.

"I wrote my letter to Santa! Like my kids now, I've just got to see whether I've been naughty or nice and see what I get, mate," Postecoglou jokingly told Standard Sport.

"It is challenging, [but] the reason [we want to do business early] is obviously where we're at injury-wise and the players we're going to miss. We've got some significant games in January and signing somebody late in the month could mean they haven't been able to make an impact in those games.

"We're pushing hard, but you need all parties to agree. Other clubs, particularly if it's players they want [to keep], will be wanting to hold on to them for as long as possible for their own reasons through January.

"It is a challenge, I get that, but everyone at the club is working hard to get the best outcomes for us and we’ll see how it goes.”

Postecoglou's aim to sign young stars, and in quick fashion, is now backed by Belgian football specialist and reporter Kevin Sauvage.

Spurs favourites to sign Idumbo after contract offer

According to the journalist, writing for DH Sports, Tottenham are the "most concrete path" for Ajax starlet Stanis Idumbo.

The 18-year-old attacker has been offered a four-year deal in north London already, and they "would like to secure his services" pretty quickly.

It's added that this wouldn't be an academy signing, and he would be integrated right into Postecoglou's first team. If Idumbo fails to make a significant impact, he'd then be loaned out in the summer to further his development.

A decision from the teenager is expected "in the coming days", with Monaco also named as suitors.

Malmo video scout Elijah Michiels, taking to X, claimed he is a "very versatile" player – which could be useful for Postecoglou.

Sheffield Wednesday will hope they can round off a promising run of results before Christmas with another win against Cardiff City, Danny Rohl's men potentially making it four wins from five if victory is secured against the Bluebirds.

If another three points was the outcome at Hillsborough come full-time, belief will be sky high in South Yorkshire that the Owls can get out of the relegation mire in the Championship once and for all after a dismal start to the season under former boss Xisco Munoz.

Regardless of his team turning around their fortunes recently, the German boss occupying the Wednesday dug-out could make some changes for this weekend's match versus Cardiff.

Rohl could make two changes for the clash tomorrow, freshening his side up for the task of overcoming Erol Bulut's visitors from Wales…

1 GK – Cameron Dawson

Despite transfer rumours circulating that Wednesday are in the market for a new goalkeeper this January, Cameron Dawson should retain his spot in goal for the game tomorrow.

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The Sheffield-born shot-stopper was unfortunate not to keep a clean sheet last time out against QPR, Bambo Diaby heading past his own keeper to rid the 28-year-old of a rare clean sheet.

2 RB – Pol Valentin

Signed in the summer from Sporting Gijón, Pol Valentin could be retained by Rohl for this weekend's matchup with Cardiff also.

The Spanish defender did struggle in the contest against QPR, but gave a far more valiant effort than Liam Palmer who came on in his place late on – Valentin winning four ground duels in the game before being substituted off, Palmer only completing two accurate passes, per Sofascore.

3 CB – Michael Ihiewke

The former Rotherham United defender entering the side would be the first change made by Rohl, £15k-per-week – as per Capology – Michael Ihiewke coming in for Bambo Diaby potentially.

Diaby had a torrid afternoon versus QPR minus scoring an own-goal, the 6 foot 2 centre-back hauled off at half-time consequently. Rohl has also revealed that Diaby's fitness is touch and go for the game tomorrow at Hillsborough with the ex-Barnsley man back in training, meaning Ihiewke could be in line for a start.

Described as "absolutely solid" by Wednesday fan and host of the Wednesday Till I Die podcast James Mappin when speaking to Football League World last season, the Owls will hope Ihiekwe's presence can see a clean sheet secured come full-time.

4 CB – Di'Shon Bernard

Partnering Ihiewke in the heart of defence will most likely be Di'Shon Bernard, even in spite of the former Manchester United man equally having an off-day against the Hoops.

Failing to register a single tackle in that 2-1 win, Bernard will hope he can be more authoritative against Cardiff to keep the Bluebirds at bay going forward.

5 LB – Akin Famewo

Akin Famewo is arguably the only defender who can hold his head up high after his efforts against QPR, leaving the field of play having won ten ground duels in total.

Rohl will start the former Norwich City man against Cardiff subsequently, wanting even more energy and aggression from his reliable full-back.

6 RM – Anthony Musaba

Anthony Musaba will retain his spot down the right-hand side for tomorrow's match after a sterling display against QPR, playing the role of hero on the day with a late strike to win the game.

He was also lively away from this heroic strike, Musaba successful with four dribble attempts in the tight contest and further won six ground duels as a thorn in the QPR side all afternoon.

7 CM – Will Vaulks

Will Vaulks was also crucial in the middle of the park for the Owls last match, winning 100% of his ground duels as the more forceful central midfielder partnered alongside creative spark Barry Bannan.

Rohl will want Vaulks to be equally as stern and combative against the Bluebirds, nullifying Bulut's men advancing forward.

8 CM – Barry Bannan

Barry Bannan is a shoo-in for a start at Hillsborough tomorrow, still wearing the captain's armband for the Owls and performing admirably for a player reaching the twilight of his career at 34 years of age.

The Scotsman does only have one goal next to his name for the season, but was still involved in notable passages of play in the recent narrow win – registering three key passes from midfield.

9 LM – Marvin Johnson

Frozen out by previous manager Xisco Munoz, Marvin Johnson's role in the side has taken on a new importance under Rohl after being reintroduced into the first team fold – scoring versus Blackburn Rovers recently in a 3-1 success.

Inaccurate with all nine of his crosses at Hillsborough last time out, Johnson will hope he can get back to his slaloming best down the wing against Cardiff to help his team pick up their fifth win of the season.

10 ST – Ashley Fletcher

It could well be last chance saloon for Ashley Fletcher if Rohl starts the ex-Middlesbrough man up top in this one, drafted in to potentially replace Callum Paterson who exited the field of play with an injury last time out.

Fletcher is also helped by the fact Michael Smith is still not at full sharpness, eager to make the most of a rare start if selected.

Still goalless in Wednesday blue and white after joining on loan from Watford, Fletcher will hope he can break his Owls duck against Cardiff if chosen to start.

West Bromwich Albion's squad situation at this point in time is less than ideal, with injuries mounting up, a number of first-team players leaving for the African Cup of Nations soon and now the development of Jeremy Sarmiento being recalled hitting the Baggies square in the face.

The news of Sarmiento returning to Brighton would have stung even more knowing that the Seagulls were just preparing to offload their South American winger out again to Ipswich Town, the Tractor Boys benefiting from West Brom's dire predicament.

Carlos Corberan won't move away from utilising the loan market completely this January however, with the West Midlands side interested in securing another loan move according to reports to attempt to soften the blow of Sarmiento exiting.

West Brom transfer latest – another loan deal

TEAMtalk have recently reported that the promotion-chasing Baggies are going after Dexter Lembikisa in January, the current Rotherham United man excelling with the Millers away from parent club Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan.

Yet, West Brom could come in this month and offer Lembikisa a better loan move where he could help Corberan's men clinch promotion to the Premier League instead of playing his part in Rotherham staving off relegation.

The Championship playoff hopefuls aren't the only interested party though, with TEAMTalk further elaborating that Middlesbrough and Ipswich are also keen whilst the Tractor Boys' arch nemesis Norwich City have joined the queue too for his services.

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West Brom will hope they can land Lembikisa to get a tetchy Baggies fanbase back on side, the masses at the Hawthorns growing increasingly worried at the threadbare nature of the squad before them.

Dexter Lembikisa's style of play

Lembikisa would push the likes of Darnell Furlong and Conor Townsend all the way on his arrival to the West Midlands to stake a claim for a first-team spot, equally adept at playing down both flanks as an adaptable full-back presence.

The current Millers man is also more than capable of venturing forward and playing further up the field if needed, scoring once so far this campaign for Rotherham under the previous tenure of Matt Taylor by confidently firing home on the volley against Norwich City.

Lembikisa's form has taken somewhat of a nosedive in recent weeks, as his Rotherham side continue to struggle to beat the drop, but Taylor showered the explosive 20-year-old with praise after that stunning strike – the ex-Millers boss describing Lembikisa as 'outstanding' when speaking to BirminghamLive.

Wolves pathways manager Steve Davis also described the Jamaican full-back as a 'confident boy' via the Premier League club's website when Lembikisa joined the Millers, the young defender hoping he can excel with a team higher up the Championship if rumours are correct and justify the confidence he possesses in his own ability too.

West Brom need all the bodies they can get into the building at this moment in time – and in Lembikisa – the Baggies would get a raw, exciting talent that could see the second-tier side go from being passive in games to suddenly upping the tempo and terrifying teams.

Losing Sarmiento will hurt those at the Hawthorns for the time being, but by signing this exciting 20-year-old defender this month, could get the ball rolling with many more purchases coming in after to breathe life back into a depleted West Brom group.

Newcastle United are believed to be in pole position to complete the signing of a "brilliant" Premier League player, according to a new transfer rumour.

Newcastle eyeing new defender

The Magpies have had injury problems throughout this season, and defensively, they have been hurt by absences to a number of players. The influential Sven Botman has arguably been the biggest loss for a chunk of the campaign, but Dan Burn has also been a key injury victim, as has Nick Pope in goal.

For that reason, it could be that Newcastle decide to target a new defender in the January transfer window, in order to find a long-term partner for Botman at the heart of the back-line, considering Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles are both now in their 30s.

Two potential targets to have emerged are Goncalo Inacio and Piero Hincapie, who are exciting young talents at Sporting CP and Bayer Leverkusen respectively, while Crystal Palace ace Joachim Andersen is another player who has been linked with a move to St James' Park.

Newcastle in pole position to sign Joachim Andersen

According to an update from The Sunday Mirror [via The Boot Room], Newcastle are now the front-runners to sign Andersen, in what represents a positive update.

The Eagles are demanding as much as £60m for the Dane's signature, however, so the Magpies will have to be willing to spend a huge amount on him. It isn't specified whether a January or summer move could come to fruition, although Eddie Howe could potentially hope that it is the former, in terms of bringing in a solid option ahead of the second half of the season.

Andersen could be a wonderful signing by Newcastle if they do strike a deal in one of the next two transfer windows, with the 27-year-old a dominant aerial colossus who has been so consistent for Palace over an extended period.

Appearances

20

Goals

2

Assists

1

Clearances per game

4.9

Aerial duel wins per game

2.4

Tackles per game

1.5

BBC and Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards has lauded the Denmark international in the past, too, lauding the impact he made last season:

"[Joachim] Andersen, he has been brilliant again this season. He always organises from the back. You have got [Ivan] Toney and [Yoane] Wissa, two physical guys, and he dealt with them really well."

As mentioned, finding a long-term centre-back partner for Botman may need to take precedence soon, given the age of both Schar and Lascelles, and Andersen could come straight in and make an impression for a number of years, having already racked up 117 appearances in the Premier League.

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ByHenry Jackson Dec 31, 2023

A January move would be perfect, but Palace could be desperate to keep hold of one of their most important players until the end of the season, so it may be that a summer switch becomes more likely.

After announcing the arrival of Jamie Gittens, Chelsea now reportedly want to hijack Newcastle United’s chase to sign a Serie A defender who’s worth over £50m.

Gittens realises Premier League "dream"

As ever, Chelsea haven’t been afraid to spend big in the summer transfer window. This time around, they’ve splashed out over £60m to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion, £35m to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town and, most recently, £52m to welcome Gittens from Borussia Dortmund. But even then, the Blues are unlikely to be done there.

After putting pen to paper to confirm his big-money move, the winger told Chelsea’s official website: “I did watch Chelsea when I was younger. Not in the stadium but on the TV at home in Reading, during the time of the Eden Hazard era.

“Eden was the clear player for me at that time. I liked Willian as well, another attacker. He had that little shimmy he did, I liked that.

“It’s my dream to play in the Premier League. Obviously, watching it from Germany, it’s a really intense league. Every week is a battle, and I feel like I can enter that battle strongly. I’m excited to join this team that have a winning mentality – that’s the main thing.

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“I just want to keep improving, especially as a footballer and a human being. I want to be more consistent and keep learning. It’s a great feeling to join Chelsea, such a big club. I can’t wait to learn from everyone in the team and to push myself to the max here. It’s amazing.”

With Pedro, Delap and now Gittens at their disposal going forward, those in West London have seemingly turned their attention towards handing their backline a similar boost in the form of a Serie A star.

Chelsea eyeing Giorgio Scalvini hijack

According to Caught Offside, Chelsea now want to hijack Newcastle’s move to sign Giorgio Scalvini from Atalanta and face competition from Manchester United to do so. The Magpies have set their sights on the defender, but now face competition from two rivals.

Like Gittens, however, the deal won’t come cheap for Chelsea with the Serie A club reportedly demanding as much as €60m (£52m) to sell their central defender this summer.

It’s clear to see why Chelsea are interested in Scalvini even as he returns from an ACL injury, and it’s not just because of his defensive talents. As analyst Ben Mattinson highlighted last year, the Atalanta man has the “front-footed aggressive style” to push into midfield if needed in the type of versatility that no side would turn down.

Whilst he may need time to get back to his best after a long-term injury, Scalvini remains one to watch this summer.

Leeds United appear to want to sign a new attacker this month and are seemingly eyeing up a loan move for an international forward.

Leeds transfer news

The 49ers Enterprises, Nick Hammond and Gretar Steinsson could be active in Yorkshire during the January transfer window, looking to bolster Daniel Farke’s squad for the second half of the Championship campaign. However, the manager has played down a frantic winter window, but said the club “won’t fall asleep” over possible moves.

“I expect a much more quiet and calm January to the last transfer period for example. We wish for a quiet January, but won’t fall asleep and when there are decisions to make, we will also make decisions and you never know what happens. I have been working too long in this business not to rule anything out.”

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A new left-back could be of interest to the Whites, and reports have claimed that Leeds have already held talks over a move to sign Hellas Verona full-back Josh Doig. Spezia goalkeeper Bartomej Dragowski is another rumoured target for the Whites, whereas those at Elland Road appear ready to make a move for Hammarby defender Nathaniel Adjei. However, additions in the final third could also be made to rival the likes of Joel Piroe, Georginio Rutter and Patrick Bamford, with an update emerging in the last 48 hours.

Leeds linked with Kieffer Moore

According to The Sun, Bournemouth are open to letting Kieffer Moore leave the club this month, with a number of Championship clubs linked, including Leeds. They say that the Wales international's £40,000-a-week wage could result in a loan exit, with the Whites, Birmingham City, Cardiff City, Ipswich Town, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and West Brom all named as possible destinations.

A new centre-forward arriving at Leeds could surprise some, especially with the likes of Piroe, Rutter, Bamford and Mateo Joseph all available to Farke.

However, Moore has plenty of Championship experience and helped the Cherries to promotion in 2021/22, so could be open to helping Leeds target an immediate Premier League return. The 31-year-old was previously praised by former Cherries boss Scott Parker, who called the 31-year-old a striker who is “horrible to play against”.

“I think Kieffer is probably a little bit of a throwback in that sense. He’s probably a modern day nine in his stature and his profile, he’s mobile, you can get things into him and he can bring players into play. But certainly, he is horrible to play against.”

Parker also added:

“He makes it uncomfortable for you. He can threaten you in behind, in terms of because of his mobileness and he can then come into feet and hold the ball up, make it stick and bring in other players into play as well. So he’s an all round nine.”

Moore is an out-and-out striker, so Leeds could be better off targeting a creative attacking midfielder to supply Piroe and Rutter, with the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Dan James continuing out wide.

Despite spending Christmas Day atop the Premier League tree, it has been a pitiful couple of weeks for Arsenal, in which they have lost three games on the bounce.

While there are often multiple reasons a team goes through a poor patch, with the Gunners, it is painfully obvious what is letting them down: their attack.

Mikel Arteta's front line have been misfiring for much of the season, but the performances against West Ham United and Liverpool at the Emirates were perhaps the worst games the attack have had in quite some time.

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The good news for Arteta and the Arsenal faithful is that the latest player touted for a move to N5 has been scoring for fun this season: Bournemouth's Dominic Solanke.

Arsenal transfer news – Dominic Solanke

According to the Daily Star, Arsenal are still on the lookout for a new striker this January, and while Brentford's Ivan Toney remains a player they are keen on, Bournemouth's Solanke is another number nine that they would like to bring to north London.

Unfortunately for the Gunners, this won't be a cheap deal to complete, with the Mirror reporting that any move for the former Liverpool striker will cost at least £50m, which would represent a serious investment for a winter signing.

That said, for a striker who has 12 goals and one assist in 19 Premier League appearances this season, he could prove to be worth every penny for a title-chasing Gunners side.

Moreover, club legend Thierry Henry seems to be a fan of the Englishman, telling Amazon Prime (via the Metro): "I guess it was a bit too much when he was younger. But what he is doing right now is brilliant."

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ByMatt Dawson Jan 8, 2024 Why Dominic Solanke could unlock Arsenal's attack

Now, last season proved that Arsenal's attack is not to be taken lightly; from Gabriel Martinelli to Eddie Nketiah, practically every attacker at the club played their part in running Manchester City close for the title, but it just wasn't enough. Indeed, their top four scorers, Martinelli included alongside Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard all netted double figures in 2022/23.

Unfortunately, the attack hasn't been able to produce the same output this season, and the need for a clinical number nine has been painfully obvious, which is precisely where Solanke could come in.

The 26-year-old has already reached double figures for the season and looks set to breach the 20 goals a season mark, which is only made all the more impressive considering he is doing it for a Cherries side that many had tipped for relegation just a couple of months ago.

In comparison, Jesus has scored just three league goals, Martinelli has scored twice, Saka has found the back of the net six times, and Nketiah has scored five goals.

So the "predatory" number nine, as described by Soccer Saturday pundit Kris Boyd, has the Arsenal attackers beaten when it comes to pure goalscoring, but how do his underlying numbers stack up to the Gunners' recognised strikers?

Well, given his performances this season, it shouldn't come as a surprise to see that the "complete" Solanke, as described by his manager Andoni Iraola, comes out on top in most striker-related metrics.

Goals

0.64

0.29

0.46

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.60

0.60

0.43

Shots on Target

1.12

1.35

0.93

Goals per Shot on Target

0.52

0.21

0.50

Aerial Duels Won

2.13

0.96

1.57

The Cherries ace has a better non-penalty expected goals and assists figure than Nketiah, and while Jesus has more shots on target per 90, Solanke has a far better conversion ratio than the Brazilian. Likewise, his propensity to win aerial duels would add an extra layer to Arsenal's attack.

Ultimately, while it would cost the club a significant amount of money if Arteta is serious about ending Arsenal's two-decade title drought, he should be pushing for this transfer.

Manchester United have submitted an offer for a former Premier League striker, who has release clause of £44m, according to a report.

Man Utd set sights on Gyokeres alternatives

Fabrizio Romano has now made it clear that Viktor Gyokeres is “only” thinking about signing for Arsenal this summer, with the Swedish striker refusing to turn up for Sporting CP training, meaning Man United will likely have to move on to alternative targets.

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen is among them, with Rio Ferdinand recently insisting securing the Nigerian’s signature would soften the blow of missing out on Gyokeres, saying: “He’s a centre-forward, he’s experienced, he knows how to score goals at the top level. I’ve seen today that Galatasaray have put a £50m bid in.

“I mean, £50m to get a top-class striker, one of the top strikers in the world, is absolute peanuts in today’s market. I’ll be disappointed if he goes to Galatasaray for that type of money when Man United are crying out for a No. 9.

“I’ll be disappointed to miss out on Gyokeres if we don’t get a No.9 in. But if we got Osimhen, then I wouldn’t be too concerned.”

According to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness) United are also battling Galatasaray for the signature of a different striker, namely Fiorentina’s Moise Kean, with both clubs making contact over a potential deal.

In fact, it is claimed the Red Devils have even gone as far as submitting a bid, although it is unclear whether they are willing to match the €52m (£44m) release clause in the striker’s Fiorentina contract.

Serie A winners Napoli are also in the race for the centre-forward, who is in two minds about his future, with the next six days said to be ‘key’.

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ByDominic Lund Jul 9, 2025 "King of kings" Kean has earned big move

The former Everton man’s previous stint in the Premier League didn’t go exactly to plan, scoring just two goals in the competition for the Toffees, but the Italian has really kicked on since returning to his home country.

Last season was the Fiorentina star’s most impressive campaign to date, scoring 25 goals in all competitions as his side finished sixth in the Serie A and reached the semi-final of the Europa Conference League.

Competition 24/25

Appearances

Goals

Serie A

32

19

Conference League

9

3

Italian Cup

1

1

UECL qualifiers

2

2

Football writer Mina Rzouki was also left impressed by the Italy international’s displays, describing him as a “king of kings” after bagging a brace in a 3-0 victory over Inter Milan back in February.

That said, it would be a big gamble for Man United to sign Kean, given that the forward struggled during his previous spell in England, so it may be wise to turn their attentions to Osimhen, who bagged 37 goals in all competitions last term.

Wolves are believed to be plotting the surprise signing of a “top-class” Premier League player this summer, according to a new transfer update.

Big summer for Wolves after tough season ends on a high

It hasn’t been a season to treasure for Wanderers supporters, who have been threatened with relegation to the Championship throughout the 2024/25 campaign. Vitor Pereira has come in and done a hugely impressive job as manager however, picking up the pieces after the doomed final weeks of Gary O’Neil’s reign. It’s now a case of kicking on next season and making sure this incredible six-game winning streak brings momentum into the new term.

New signings are vital in that respect, helping Wanderers climb the table, with internal talks reportedly held regarding the signing of West Brom’s Grady Diangana this summer. The fact that he plays for the Baggies could make it a controversial piece of business.

Evertton Araujo has also been linked with a move to Wolves when the summer transfer window arrives, with Pereira working with the 22-year-old midfielder during their time together at Flamengo. The youngster is still with the Brazilian club, but a move to Europe would appeal.

Wolves eye surprise move for Premier League champion

Now, a fresh report from Football Insider has claimed that Wolves want to sign Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy this summer, in what is described as a possible “surprise” move to Molineux.

The £140,000-a-week striker has just been relegated to the Championship with the Foxes and will leave the King Power Stadium this summer, and although he is now 38 years of age, his aim may still be to play in the Premier League for the time being.

Vardy could be an intriguing signing for Wolves, with some arguably put off because of his age, but others still feeling he has something to offer at the highest level, not yet losing all of his blistering pace.

The Englishman, who famously won the Premier League with Leicester back in 2015/16, has still scored seven goals in the top flight for a struggling Foxes team this season, while Ruud van Nistelrooy hailed an assist he provided for Bobby De Cordova-Reid earlier this season.

“To have the awareness to play the path to Bobby, pretty good skill, that was a brilliant moment, because so late in the game, 90th minute, on the top of my head. And when you have the calmness and the composure to decide on these things, then that’s absolute top class. We’re happy that we have that.”

If Wolves do sign Vardy ahead of next season, it is important that he doesn’t come in as a regular starter, though, instead arriving as a handy squad player who could be an effective substitute.

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Wanderers also need to target a younger striker who can lead the line and be a talismanic figure in attack, especially if Mathues Cunha leaves when the current campaign comes to an end.