All posts by n8rngtd.top

It’s clear from Manchester United’s chaotic summer transfer activity that improving their attacking output is a top priority.

Already, Matheus Cunha has entered the building for a fee of £62.5m and he represents a superb addition, having bagged an electric 15 Premier League strikes for Wolverhampton Wanderers last season.

Next in line looks set to be Bryan Mbeumo.

The Cameroon sensation was even better than Cunha in the English top-flight last season, adding 20 goals of his own after expertly leading the line for Brentford all across the 2024/25 campaign.

But, things are unlikely to stop their as Jason Wilcox and Co go about improving Ruben Amorim’s squad.

Man Utd offered chance to sign £44m forward

Staggeringly, United’s most potent striker last season was Rasmus Hojlund, who only powered home a weak four strikes in league action, with six big chances missed along the way.

Therefore, it’s no great shock to see millions and millions are being splashed to try and land the best of the best in the attacking department, as another new attacker is now lined up to make the switch to Old Trafford.

As per a report from the Stretty News, Amorim and Co have been offered the chance to land former Everton marksman Moise Kean during talks with the player’s representatives.

Sources close to Stretty News reveal that Kean could be available for around the £44m mark after finding his goalscoring groove in Italy, but it will rest on what Amorim desires in the forward positions, away from Cunha and Mbeumo entering his ever-growing camp.

It’s stated that the former Sporting boss will have the final say on whether United pursue Kean’s services or not, but whether or not Amorim green-lights a deal, the Italian certainly wants the move, according to the report.

Why Kean would be great alongside Mbeumo

If the manager wants another red-hot goal machine, he will surely come to the realisation sooner rather than later that the 25-year-old is a worthwhile signing to make, with the Fiorentina ace potentially linking up with Mbeumo to devastating effect if he does soon head back to England.

Kean is a different beast altogether now from his mundane Everton spell, which saw him net just four goals for the Toffees from a largely unmemorable 39-game stint.

Last season in the Serie A alone, Kean scored a hefty 19 league strikes, with his entire output overall in all competitions coming in at a venomous 25 goals, five more than Mbeumo managed when starting week in week out for the Bees.

Whilst Mbeumo can line up as an out-and-out centre-forward, his attacking qualities aren’t just strictly grounded on firing home goal after goal, with the Cameroonian creating a mighty 17 big chances last season in the Premier League when patrolling down the right wing, alongside slotting in as a striker.

Therefore, with the 25-year-old potentially being pushed out to the right to accommodate more for his creative flair, Kean could become Amorim’s main marksman up top in the process, with the Italy international no doubt keen to ensure he doesn’t squander 22 big chances on the big occasion for the Red Devils.

He will certainly be gifted more opportunities in front of goal if he lines up next to the incessant Mbeumo, and with Thomas Tuchel once referring to Kean as “fearless” during their time together at Paris St. Germain, he should be able to take to the pressures of such a monumental move in his stride.

After all, the “top-class” forward – as he has also been glowingly referred to by scout Jacek Kulig – will be extremely hungry to right the wrongs of his barren stay on Merseyside in Manchester, as United’s attack becomes more and more of a frightening prospect by the day.

A dire 15th place finish under Amorim last season isn’t deterring some big names from wanting to make the leap to the Theatre of Dreams, with Kean desperate to be a success story to push United up the league standings, as both the Italian and Mbeumo prepare to potentially terrorise Premier League defences together.

He'd be a bigger coup than Mbuemo: Man Utd open talks to sign Pogba 2.0

Manchester United’s work in the transfer window has shown no signs of slowing down in recent days.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 29, 2025

Even after Chelsea sealed the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for around £30 million, Enzo Maresca and co are still in the market for another centre-forward.

Arsenal plan £51m Chelsea hijack as key target now eyes Barcelona move

Andrea Berta has shifted focus.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 18, 2025

Delap made his debut for the Blues against Los Angeles FC in the Club World Cup, assisting Nicolas Jackson for Chelsea’s second goal of the game in a 2-0 win, with Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo heaping praise on the exciting striker signing after their match in Atlanta.

“I’ve known Liam for a long time now, and I’ve played against him loads of times. Growing up, you know what sort of players are going to make it and he was always one of those,” said Colwill, via the BBC.

“To have him in our team, to train against him, to see him score goals – which I know he will – I’m very excited.”

Tosin also drew attention to Delap’s aggression and intensity, with plenty of expectation now on the former Man City starlet’s shoulders after he took the number 9 shirt.

“He’s settled in very well. He’s a good young lad, and we know what qualities he brings,” said Tosin.

“He’s aggressive [when] pressing and an aggressive striker, making sure he’s always there, setting the intensity. Hopefully he scores many goals for us.”

While some doubts surround Delap’s readiness to lead the line, considering he’s still raw and very young, Chelsea are believed to be targeting a second frontman after the 22-year-old’s arrival.

Chelsea have held talks over Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, who scored 22 goals in all competitions last season, and tried to secure the Frenchman’s signature in time for the Club World Cup, only for talks to collapse.

However, he remains “one to watch” for the coming weeks and talks are apparently ongoing.

As well as Ekitike, Chelsea are being linked with Brighton star Joao Pedro.

Newcastle United fear Chelsea will hijack Joao Pedro deal

The Brazil international is a wanted man following his impressive stint down south, with Chelsea identifying Pedro as one of their next striker targets before deadline day on September 1.

Now, talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has shared an update on the situation.

Crook states that Newcastle are fearful that Chelsea will hijack their deal for Pedro, who Brighton are demanding £70 million for, as they look to reinforce Eddie Howe’s squad for a campaign back in the Champions League next season.

Given the Magpies’ internal concerns, this could be an indicator that Chelsea are still seriously in for Pedro, and the South American certainly falls in line with BlueCo’s recent transfer policy of signing world football’s most exciting talents.

Pedro can also play up front or across any of the attacking midfield positions, but given the already-young average age of Chelsea’s squad and their arguably dire need for more experienced squad members, Stamford Bridge chiefs will certainly be keen to whittle down the 23-year-old’s hefty asking price.

Aiming to make an instant statement, the 49ers have reportedly entered the race to sign an England international who Russell Martin is a fan of in a deal that could be worth £25m for Rangers this summer.

Russell Martin: Rangers need "new energy"

Beating out the likes of Steven Gerrard and Davide Ancelotti, Martin quickly became Rangers’ top candidate before they decided to offer the former Southampton boss the job and end their managerial search. His first job since Premier League failure at St Mary’s, Martin will be desperate to see his time in Scotland go to plan and end in the ultimate success story.

Martin picks out "very interesting" 13-goal striker as key target for Rangers

He could be ideal for the Scottish Premiership giants.

By
Henry Jackson

Jun 9, 2025

The new manager is well aware of the extent of the task at hand too, having told reporters after putting pen to paper to confirm his arrival: “The club needs new energy, it needs a fresh start. It’s been a tough time for the club and Rangers fans over the last however many years.”I think this will bring some fresh energy, it will bring some stability and it will hopefully bring a really exciting team on the pitch.

“That’s the end product and that’s what we all want, a team that wins and wins in a certain way and with a culture and environment that we all feel really aligned with and proud of.”

With new owners to match a new manager, Rangers have a huge summer ahead. The task at hand will be to bridge the gap on Scottish Premiership champions and Old Firm rivals Celtic, but whether that will happen in the space of a year is the big question.

To do that, the 49ers are reportedly aiming to back the Gers in the transfer window with some much-needed additions, which could yet include the likes of Conor Coady and one other Premier League ace that Martin knows well.

Rangers now battling to sign Ramsdale

According to Sports Boom, the 49ers have now entered the race to sign Aaron Ramsdale for Rangers this summer. Martin is reportedly a fan of the shot-stopper following their work together at Southampton and could now get the chance to reunite with the England international if those at Ibrox make their move.

The deal won’t come cheap, however. Ramsdale reportedly has a relegation release clause worth £25m this summer and has attracted interest from the likes of West Ham United as a result. Whether Martin’s admiration will make the difference for Rangers remains to be seen.

The former Southampton boss was never shy with his praise for the goalkeeper during his time at St Mary’s, telling reporters following a rare victory against Everton: “For me, he’s a complete goalkeeper that we’re really lucky to have and we have to enjoy it.

“He has such high standards and I’m pleased for him. He keeps a clean sheet and I think he has an appreciation of what we’re trying to be. He’s just desperate to help us and he has done.”

Following Jack Butland’s difficult campaign too, Ramsdale’s arrival would undoubtedly hand Rangers a major upgrade in the goalkeeping department ahead of a crucial season.

2024/25 has been the season of the underdog – something Newcastle United are aware of more than most, having seen off Premier League champions, Liverpool, to claim Carabao Cup glory at Wembley earlier this year.

A central part of ending the Magpies’ lengthy silverware drought has been the underdog’s underdog, Jacob Murphy, with the previously maligned Englishman enjoying a simply sensational campaign at St James’ Park.

Eight years on from joining from Norwich City, the long-serving speedster has finally found his groove, having enjoyed steady improvements last term after finishing with 11 goals and assists in what was, at that point, by far his best-ever Premier League campaign.

A year on, the 30-year-old is now basking in the success of a 2024/25 season that ended with almost double the number of league goal involvements, having rightly been lauded for his “absolutely incredible” form by pundit Daniel Sturridge.

Unfortunately for Murphy, however, it looks likely that he’ll face a battle to hold down a starting berth on the right flank next term, not least with Eddie Howe and co seemingly chasing the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Mohammed Kudus.

Latest on Newcastle's interest in Mbeumo and Kudus

There is an argument that Murphy’s ascension has simply come as a result of the lack of alternatives available to Howe on that right-hand side, particularly with Miguel Almiron returning to Atlanta United back in January.

Of course, the experienced winger deserves credit for taking his chance with both hands, although it has been evident that a fresh face is what the Magpies truly want – not least after bidding £50m for Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga last summer.

Now heading into another summer window, all eyes are on Brentford’s Mbeumo, with reports suggesting that PIF are ready to make a bid for the Cameroon international, amid rival interest from Manchester United.

The £60m-rated sensation has enjoyed a remarkable rise of his own, having scored 20 league goals for the Bees this season, with a departure from the Gtech now looking a possibility with just a year left on his current deal.

While the 25-year-old looks to be the club’s leading target, an alternative option has emerged in the form of West Ham United’s Kudus – with the latest reports indicating that the Hammers could accept a bid of around £65-£70m.

As those price tags emphasise, plugging that gap on the right flank certainly won’t come cheap for those on Tyneside, with the club perhaps ruing their decision to cash in on their own Mbeumo and Kudus hybrid.

Newcastle already sold their own Mbeumo and Kudus

Following a season that ended with a League Cup triumph and Champions League qualification, it is difficult to suggest anything should have been done differently, with the Magpies riding the crest of a wave right now.

That said, in years to come the club may look back on last summer’s PSR-enforced transfer activity with a tinge of regret, having sold homegrown sensation, Elliott Anderson, to Nottingham Forest for £35m, while also allowing Yankuba Minteh to join Brighton and Hove Albion for £30m.

In the case of the latter man, he never actually made an appearance for Newcastle, prior to his swift exit, with the Gambian initially signing from Danish side Odense, before joining Feyenoord on loan for the 2023/24 campaign.

That stint in Holland, while working under Arne Slot, saw the 20-year-old register 16 goals and assists in 37 games in all competitions, with one scout even noting that he could “reach Sadio Mane[‘s] level” in the future.

An obvious talent then, although with the Magpies needing to comply with financial regulations, the decision was taken to offload Minteh to the Seagulls, a move that has since yielded 12 goals and assists for the young winger. For comparison, Kudus ended the season with just nine goals and assists.

A direct left-footer, with pace to burn, who operates on the right flank, the Brighton starlet certainly shares a more than passing likeness to both Mbeumo and to Kudus, a fact that has been reinforced by FBref noting that the pair are among the Premier League players deemed to be statistically similar to him.

The trio are particularly alike with regard to their dribbling prowess, as evidenced in their successful take-on percentage, while they are all adept ball carriers, who can drag their team up the pitch.

Tipped to have “a massive future” in the game by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley – who suggested last year that Newcastle’s right wing woes would be “solved” by integrating the youngster – Minteh looks to be the type of player that Howe and co are chasing this summer.

Yes, the Tynesiders could well forget all about that 2024 sale, if one of Kudus or Mbeumo makes the move this time around, although it may well sting that they could have fixed their problem position a year ago.

Anthony Gordon 2.0: Newcastle prepare offer for "world-class" £20m star

Newcastle are prepared to make a series of exciting signings in the transfer market.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 30, 2025

The Premier League is widely regarded as the most physical, intense and demanding league across the continent, so it’s always very impressive to see players performing well into their 30s.

Here, we’ve taken a look at the 10 oldest players in the Premier League, with their age taken from their last appearance. Without further ado, here is the list…

10

Martin Dubravka (Newcastle)

36 years, 1 month

Martin Dubravka has been in and out of Newcastle United team of late, primarily standing in for Nick Pope whenever the Toon No 1 is out injured.

Indeed, he was called upon over the Christmas period with Pope unavailable, with Newcastle securing a sixth consecutive win with the Slovakian between the sticks on his 36th birthday.

Dubravka’s last appearance came against Man City in February 2025.

9

Seamus Coleman (Everton)

36 years, 7 months

Seamus Coleman has been at Everton for 16 years now, though his season was derailed by injuries throughout.

It meant the Irishman only turned out five times for the Toffees in the 2024/25 Premier League, coming on most recently in the final game at Goodison Park against Southampton on 18th May.

8

Willian (Fulham)

36 years, 9 months, 1 day

Willian made his Premier League debut for Chelsea in October 2013 and has remained in the division ever since, aside from brief stints out at Corinthians and Olympiacos. The tricky winger returned to Fulham in January 2025.

His longevity is admirable, having made 327 appearances in England’s top flight with three different clubs as of the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

7

Fraser Forster (Tottenham)

36 years, 9 months, 12 days

Fraser Forster was summoned to the Tottenham Hotspur first team when Guglielmo Vicario was struck by injury.

It handed the former Southampton and Celtic shot-stopper a brief run of games in December, though Spurs were only successful on one occasion – on a return to St Mary’s.

Now 37, it remains to be seen whether he will appear for Spurs in the new season, having lost his place in the matchday squad towards the end of the campaign.

6

Adam Lallana (Southampton)

36 years, 9 months, 26 days

Adam Lallana’s Premier League career may well be over following Southampton’s relegation in 2025, which isn’t a huge surprise given he may not be granted another move up the pyramid at 37 years of age.

Looking further ahead, Lallana joined up with the England Under-21s in September 2023 as a coach – perhaps indicating his future plans on the touchline.

5

Jonny Evans (Man Utd)

37 years, 4 months

Eyebrows were raised when Manchester United re-signed free agent Jonny Evans in the summer of 2023, but the veteran certainly proved a few naysayers wrong.

The Northern Irishman called time on his second spell in 2025, ending the campaign as the fifth-oldest player in the league.

He would have to turn out for another top-flight club to climb the rankings, perhaps for a promoted club looking for an experienced head.

4

Jamie Vardy (Leicester)

37 years, 4 months

Jamie Vardy bid a fond farewell to Leicester City this season, but despite the Foxes’ relegation, the 37-year-old backed himself to still do a job in the Premier League.

At the conclusion of the season, it was not clear where the striker was headed, but he certainly flew the flag for the veterans of the division, with only three older players appearing.

3

James Milner (Brighton)

39 years, 4 months

James Milner has amassed a remarkable 638 Premier League appearances – only Gareth Barry (653) has collected more.

The former England international has adapted his game to continue operating at the highest level, particularly at Liverpool, where he became an established left-back.

Now at Brighton, Milner has played at left-back, right-back and central midfield for the Seagulls.

He won Liverpool’s gruelling lactate test every pre-season he was at the club, evincing his astounding fitness levels, which no doubt have played a huge role in his longevity.

2

Ashley Young (Everton)

39 years, 10 months

Ashley Young turns 40 in summer 2025, and has been a superb servant to Everton since his switch in 2023.

The former Manchester United winger has experienced a similar career development to Milner in the sense that he converted to full-back in order to continue playing at the highest level.

Young has continued to rack up appearances despite his advancing age, playing primarily at right-back.

1

Lukasz Fabianski (West Ham)

40 years, 1 month

It seems crazy to think that Lukasz Fabianski is now in his 40s, having joined English football as a youngster with Arsenal in 2007.

He will be leaving West Ham United after seven years of service in east London, but not before topping the Premier League charts as the competition’s oldest player in 2024/25.

It’s hardly a badge of honour, but it speaks to the Pole’s enduring qualities that he could still hack it at the top level.

Newcastle United are in the box seat to qualify for the Champions League via a top-five finish in the Premier League. The Magpies, who lost their most recent outing 1-0 away to Arsenal, currently occupy third spot with one game to go.

With 66 points to their name, a win would guarantee Eddie Howe’s side a place in next season’s premier European club competition, although a draw might not be enough, given they are just one point clear of seventh-place Nottingham Forest. It is in their hands, so they must beat Everton at home.

If they do return to the competition next term, attacking reinforcements would certainly strengthen their case to help them go on a run in the competition.

Newcastle’s latest attacking target

Newcastle seem keen to add strength and depth to their forward line this summer, and one player who has been constantly linked with a move to St James’ Park is Bryan Mbeumo who has been excellent in 2024/25.

Transfer Focus

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

Now, according to a new report from GIVEMESPORT, the Magpies ‘are firmly in the race’ to bring Mbeumo to the club this summer.

Manager Howe, who brought silverware to the club this term after 56 years, views the attacker ‘as a standout target for Newcastle’ this summer.

However, this is not a deal that will come cheap. The report suggests that the Cameroon international will cost the North Eastern side £60m, with Manchester United, Nottingham Forest and Arsenal all interested in signing the attacker, too.

Why Mbeumo would be a good signing

It has been a really strong season for Brentford in 2024/25, who themselves are pushing for a European spot. It is perhaps no coincidence that the Bees’ excellent campaign has aligned with a personal year to remember for Mbeumo.

The 25-year-old, who came through French side Troyes’ academy, has been one of the Premier League’s standout players this term. He was nominated for the Player of the Season award, which he described as a “crazy” feeling.

Well, the stats don’t lie, and Mbeumo’s goal and assist numbers are exceptional. He’s managed 19 goals and eight assists in 37 games, playing 3,327 minutes. That leaves him with an average of one goal involvement every 123 minutes.

Should the Magpies bring the winger to the club, he could prove to be a wonderful addition to an attack that includes Anthony Gordon. It has also been a terrific campaign for the England international, who has managed nine goals and seven assists in 41 games across all competitions.

One of Gordon’s biggest contributions came in the Carabao Cup. Although he was suspended for the final, the Merseyside-born winger scored in both semi-final legs against Arsenal to help guide Newcastle to Wembley, where they ultimately lifted the trophy.

Well, perhaps Mbeumo can become the right-sided Gordon in this Newcastle side. They play on opposite flanks, and with Gordon being right-footed on the left and the Brentford man left-footed on the right, both like to cut inside on their stronger foot and look to get a shot off.

They are also statistically similar via FBref from this season. For example, the Brentford attacker averages 1.84 key passes and 0.54 goal-creating actions per 90 minutes. In comparison, Newcastle’s number 10 averages 1.92 key passes and 0.45 goal-creating actions each game.

Football statistician Statman Dave described Mbeumo as a “deadly” attacker, and with the numbers he has put up this season, it is easy to see why. There is no doubt, he would enhance the Newcastle attack, and could well become the second coming of Gordon.

Although £60m is a large fee, the winger is seemingly worth the money, so perhaps the Magpies should take the plunge and bring Mbeumo to St James’ Park next season.

100% duels lost: 4/10 Newcastle dud must never start for the club again

Newcastle United are now hanging onto third spot in the Premier League after a narrow 1-0 defeat away at Arsenal.

By
Kelan Sarson

May 18, 2025

Shifting their focus towards the summer transfer window, Aston Villa have now reportedly added a record-breaking forward to their list of targets, with sporting director Monchi getting ready to pounce.

Aston Villa battling PSR again this summer

As Unai Emery’s side go in pursuit of Champions League qualification, those at Villa Park should be keen to point out the consequences that may occur should they fail to break into the top five in the final two games of the Premier League campaign. With PSR concerns hanging over their head, the Midlands club are on course for a difficult summer, which may leave them in a position with no choice but to sell at least one key man.

Just who leaves as a result of their PSR troubles remains to be seen, but that hasn’t stopped the transfer rumours from coming thick and fast regarding Aston Villa’s most important players.

Recent reports have seen both Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers linked with moves away to the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool and, although both sales would instantly ease their PSR problems, Villa will be well aware of just how much of an impact both make on Emery’s side.

Emery, himself, was recently full of praise for Watkins after he became Villa’s best-ever Premier League goalscorer, telling reporters: “Ollie Watkins is very fantastic. How he plays consistently here and his career as a player, he is very humble and trying to improve every day. He is not relaxing – he is always trying to do his work. His work is fantastic.”

Monchi and Aston Villa are now close to signing £13m star who Emery loves

Emery is reportedly pushing for the deal to happen.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 13, 2025

However, as “fantastic” as Watkins is, Emery may have no choice but to find a replacement for his star striker when the summer arrives and could even turn towards La Liga to do exactly that.

Aston Villa set sights on Sorloth

According to Caught Offside, Aston Villa have now added Alexander Sorloth to their summer shortlist and Monchi is already plotting a move to sign the Atletico Madrid forward. Racing alongside Newcastle United for his signature, the Villans will hope to welcome the 6 foot 4 target man if Watkins departs to instantly solve their striker problem.

If there were any doubts over Sorloth’s ability, then his record-breaking hat-trick against Real Sociedad last time out should have put those to bed once and for all. Adding three more goals to take his total to 21 for the season, the 29-year-old striker could be one to watch when the summer transfer window swings open.

When it comes to world-class players, Tottenham Hotspur have had their fair share in the Premier League era.

For example, while they never managed to get over the final hurdle, the likes of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Mousa Dembélé were unreal under Mauricio Pochettino.

However, go back just that little bit further, and you get to Gareth Bale, who for quite some time was arguably one of the best wingers in world football.

So, fans should be ecstatic about recent reports that have linked the club with another sensational wideman who could be their best winger since the Welshman.

Tottenham transfer news

With just how terribly this season has gone for Tottenham, it’s unsurprising to see the club linked with a host of talented players in recent weeks, such as Marcus Rashford.

The Englishman could be available for around £40m in the summer, which might prove to be a reasonable price for the Manchester United product, as across his time with the Red Devils and Aston Villa this term, he’s produced 20 goal involvements in 41 appearances.

A slightly cheaper and far younger option is Tyler Dibling.

Transfer Focus

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

The Southampton gem has been one of the few bright sparks for the Saints this season, could be available for about £35m and would fit in with the club’s current crop of young talents.

However, as promising as the Exeter-born prospect is, he’s not going to come in and make an instant impact, unlike Jarrod Bowen.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Spurs are keen to land the West Ham United star from their London rivals this summer.

Alongside the Lilywhites, Liverpool have also been credited with interest in the Englishman, and while the Hammers do not want to sell, the two parties could make an offer of up to €60m for the 28-year-old, which is about £51m.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Bowen’s immense ability, it’d be one worth fighting for.

Why Bowen would be Spurs' best winger

So, should Spurs get their way and leapfrog Liverpool to sign Bowen this summer, why would he instantly become their best winger in a long time?

Well, there are a couple of reasons, but perhaps the most important is that he’s a reliable source of goals and assists.

For example, in just 32 appearances this term, he’s scored ten goals and provided nine assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.68 games.

In contrast, Son has scored 11 goals and produced 12 assists in 43 appearances, which comes out to one every 1.86 games.

Brennan Johnson has scored 16 goals and produced seven assists in 46 appearances, which comes out to a goal involvement every other game.

And finally, Wilson Odobert has scored just three goals in 17 appearances this season, which comes out at one every 5.66 games.

On top of the number of goals and assists he produces, the Irons’ “game-changer,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas, has also proven that he can handle the most significant occasions, as he scored the winning goal in the 2023 Conference League Final.

Last but not least, while he thrives out on the right, the Englishman is incredibly versatile and can play up top and as a second striker as well as off the left at times, which would allow whoever’s in the Lilywhites’ dugout far more tactical flexibility.

Ultimately, while he might not reach the same levels as peak Bale did, Bowen has the ability and application to be Spurs’ best winger since the Welshman left.

Uh oh: Ange hints £190k-a-week Spurs star could miss Bodo/Glimt with injury

Postecoglou has dropped a worrying injury update ahead of Tottenham’s crucial Europa League tie.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 28, 2025

Manchester United remain in contact with the representatives of a £60 million star who rejected them three years ago, according to a new report.

Hojlund "not good enough" for United as new striker links emerge

After what has already been one of the most dismal seasons in the club’s history, Manchester United’s misery deepened on Sunday as they fell to a 1-0 defeat against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford.

A stunning free-kick from Pablo Sarabia sealed the win for Wolves, who are now level on points with United following the result. It was another underwhelming performance from Ruben Amorim’s side, but one player who drew particularly sharp criticism was striker Rasmus Hojlund.

The Danish forward failed to find the net once again, leaving his Premier League goal tally at just three for the season.

Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O’Hara didn’t hold back in his assessment of the 22-year-old’s display.

“Hojlund makes a massive mess of it,” O’Hara said, referencing a key moment during a United counter-attack, according to Football 365. “He’s driving through. Mainoo has made a great run. He’s in acres of space. It’s not even a hard pass and Mainoo would have a free shot on goal.”

“But Hojlund takes 20 minutes to get it out of his feet and Wolves get back to make a tackle. That sums up his Man United career: not good enough, nowhere near good enough. Hojlund does nothing up front on his own.”

United remain in contact with Sesko

If United are to bounce back next term, there’s no doubt they need to upgrade on Hojlund. A number of high-profile strikers have already been linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, including Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap. Another name reportedly under serious consideration is RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Šeško.

According to the Manchester Evening News, despite Šeško turning down a move to United three years ago, the club has “maintained contact” with his representatives in the hope of reigniting a deal this summer. That ongoing communication offers some hope that the Slovenian striker could be persuaded to make the switch to Old Trafford this time around.

Leipzig value the 21-year-old at around £60 million, and he’s enjoyed a breakout season, scoring 20 goals and providing six assists in 41 appearances across all competitions – including 12 goals in the Bundesliga.

Speaking to TNT Sports, via Mail Online, Leipzig teammate Yussuf Poulsen hailed Šeško as the best striker he’s ever played alongside – no small praise considering Poulsen has previously partnered with the likes of Timo Werner, Christopher Nkunku, Matheus Cunha, Loïs Openda, André Silva and Hojlund.

“As a striker, he’s the best I’ve played with,” said Poulsen. “If you look at his abilities, he has everything a top number 9 needs. He’s still young and still learning – not necessarily the technical side of being a striker, but more the finesse. He has it all: strength, shooting, technique – everything.”

Sesko, 6 foot 4, was previously compared to Erling Haaland as a youngster due to his combination of lightning pace and sheer power.

Of all Mikel Arteta’s signings as Arsenal boss, there has perhaps been none as controversial as Kai Havertz.

Since the German joined the club for £65m in the summer of 2023, he has faced his fair share of criticism from fans and pundits alike, and considering his slow start to life in North London, scoring one goal and providing one assist in his first 12 Premier League games, it’s wasn’t hard to see why.

However, once he moved up top, things started to look much, much better, and before his hamstring injury in February, the German international had amassed a tally of 32 goal involvements in 47 appearances there for the club.

Yet, if recent reports are to be believed, even a rate of return such as that might not be enough to keep him in the starting lineup, as the club are now confident of signing one of Europe’s most exciting strikers.

Arsenal's striker search

Before getting to the striker in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other top poachers Arsenal are reportedly interested in ahead of the summer transfer window, such as Benjamin Sesko.

The Slovenian international could be available for around £58m at the end of the season and with a tally of 20 goals and six assists in just 41 appearances, that could prove to be value for money.

Closer to home, the Gunners have kept Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins on their shortlist.

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The Englishman is a player liked by new Sporting Director Andrea Berta, and, with a haul of 29 goal involvements in 49 games this term, it’s not hard to see why, although he’s still some way off the club’s most exciting target: Viktor Gyokeres.

According to a recent report from Spain, the North Londoners have maintained their strong interest in the Sporting CP monster and are now ‘confident’ of securing his signature.

However, there is still the small case of his fee, which, according to the report, would be around €70m, which comes out to about £60m.

While that’s a sizable sum of money, this is still a transfer Arsenal should do all they can to get over the line, as Gyokeres could be transformational for them, even if he’d be bad news for Havertz.

How Gyokeres compares to Havertz

Should Arsenal get this transfer over the line and bring Gyokeres to the Emirates next season, it would undoubtedly be with the intention of having him start as many games as possible.

So, that would also mean that, when fit again, Havertz would be his primary competition for regular game time, but who comes out on top when we compare them?

Well, despite his decent rate of return in the last year or so, the Sporting CP star wipes the floor with the former Chelsea ace when it comes to their raw output, which is, of course, the most important metric for a number nine.

For example, in 46 appearances, totalling 3700 minutes, the Stockholm-born “powerhouse,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored 47 goals and provided 11 assists.

That means he’s currently averaging 1.26 goal involvements per game or one every 63.79 minutes, which only lends credence to ESPN Head Writer Mark Ogdan’s claim that he’s “the hottest striker in Europe.”

In comparison, prior to his injury, the former Bayer Leverkusen star had amassed a tally of 15 goals and five assists in 34 appearances, totalling 2776 minutes, which comes out to a less impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.70 games or one every 138.8 minutes.

There is an argument to be made that the Portuguese league is an easier level, but given the extent to which the former Coventry City gem is outperforming the Gunners ace, we reckon he’d still be more prolific in a top-five league.

Ultimately, if Arsenal have the chance to sign Gyokeres this summer, they have to take it, even if it spells the end of regularly starting games for Havertz.

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By
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Apr 23, 2025