All posts by z3u9t.icu

With their sights set on promotion, Leeds United are set to be handed the boost of a returning player when they square off against Queens Park Rangers this weekend.

Leeds recieve fresh injury boost

There may have been a sigh of relief around Elland Road when Leeds overcame Millwall to win 2-0 and instantly got back to winning ways after suffering shock defeat against Portsmouth just days before. Back on track, Daniel Farke’s side now sit two points above second placed Sheffield United and four clear of Burnley in third with just nine games left to play in the Championship.

Those in Yorkshire will be more aware than most that it’s not done until their place in the Premier League is confirmed and, as ever, they face a nervous final stretch towards potential promotion.

With nine finals remaining, Farke will need to use the quality of his squad more than ever. It is a side full of talent, from the likes of Manor Solomon – who has rediscovered his best form – to important midfielder Ao Tanaka. Now, that side must simply hold their nerve.

What will undoubtedly help them do just that is the boost of recent injury news. As revealed by Farke, Isaac Schmidt is now set to make his return against QPR after returning to training. The defender missed the victory over Millwall through illness but has seemingly since recovered in time for this weekend.

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Speaking to reporters about his side’s injury status, Farke said: “As it stands I hope I have that whole group plus Isaac Schmidt to pick from for the travelling squad.

“In terms of the starting line-up and who has recovered, we’ll make some late decisions. This turnaround is a bit more tricky. We had more or less 80 hours to recover for Millwall, this time around just over 60 hours. It will be a bit more tricky. Travelling is involved of course.”

Every player counts for Leeds in vital run

Whilst Schmidt hasn’t been one to steal the headlines throughout the current campaign, often watching on from the bench, he could be thrust into Farke’s side at any given moment and he, like others, must help the Whites in their push for promotion.

Having arrived in the summer, Schmidt has found himself at the centre of Farke’s praise even whilst playing a cameo role. The former Norwich City boss told reporters earlier this season: “Great guy, a bit like I mention also about all our new signings.

“I think still at a really good age because he is more likely still on his way up the hill in his career. Great mentality, also desperate to play for the shirt, desperate to play for us, great character, so really nice guy and really nice team-mate.”

Now back from a brief absence, Schmidt will no doubt have his sights set on putting every minute that he does receive to good use as he aims to leave his mark on Leeds’ promotion push.

Manchester City now want to make a move for a “really exciting” forward who is a major target for Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, according to a report.

Man City considering new wingers

Amid the speculation building over Jack Grealish’s future at the Etihad Stadium, Man City have identified the need to sign a new winger this summer, and a number of potential targets have been picked out.

Jacob Ramsey, who has exclusively featured on the left wing for Aston Villa this season, has recently emerged as a target for the Sky Blues, but the Englishman will not come cheap, as his current employers value him at over £50m.

SC Braga’s Roger Fernandes is the most recent name to join the list, with City plotting a move for the 19-year-old, who is valued at £34m, however, there could be fierce competition for the youngster’s signature from Manchester United and Liverpool.

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Pep Guardiola’s side are said to have sealed a move for a midfielder.

ByDominic Lund Mar 11, 2025

Fernandes is not the only winger Man City could be set to battle their rivals for, as a report from The Boot Room has revealed they now want to make a move for Sporting CP’s Trincao, who is a target for Amorim at Man United.

Pep Guardiola’s side are reported to be huge admirers of the winger, who is expected to leave Sporting at the end of the season following an impressive campaign in Portugal.

Aside from Chelsea, the rest of the Premier League’s ‘big six’ have expressed an interest in the Sporting star, so there could be a huge battle for his signature this summer, and it has previously been revealed the Portuguese club could demand £66m.

In the same report, it is detailed that Amorim is personally pushing INEOS to sign his former player, but City could now be set to hijack the move.

"Really exciting" Trincao on fire in Portugal

Despite Amorim’s mid-season departure, Sporting are in a strong position to win the Liga Portugal for the second season on the spin, and Trincao has emerged as one of their key players.

The Portuguese winger has 23 goal contributions to his name in all competitions, having scored nine goals and registered 14 assists, and he previously received high praise from former Wolves technical director Scott Sellars upon signing for the club.

“He’s a really exciting player. It’s an area we’d like more competition, in terms of wide players. I think the fans are going to enjoy watching him play. He drives with the ball well and has good creativity.”

The only concern over the potential signing of Trincao will be the fact he didn’t set the world alight during his previous stint in the Premier League, picking up just two goals and one assist in the 2021-22 campaign, although he has clearly developed since then.

After taking one step into the Champions League quarter-finals, Aston Villa now reportedly want to get another one over on Europe’s top sides in the race to sign a defensive target.

Aston Villa transfer news

It wasn’t so long ago that goal-line technology was malfunctioning against Sheffield United on Aston Villa’s way to Premier League survival. Now, almost five years on, they’re no longer just surviving in England’s top flight, they’re thriving. Unai Emery has dragged the Midlands club away from the bottom half and into the Champions League, where they have taken Europe by storm.

Having defeated Club Brugge 3-1 to take a comfortable lead into the second leg of their last 16 tie, the Villans’ Champions League dream undoubtedly remains a reality with their sights now potentially set on the last eight.

Away from their European ventures, however, Emery’s squad still needs plenty of work in pursuit of a consistent place inside the Premier League’s top four. Currently sat 10th and five points adrift of the Champions League places, the Villans have already set their sights on one particular reinforcement.

According to Caught Offside, Aston Villa have now joined the race to sign Konstantinos Koulierakis ahead of both Liverpool and Real Madrid in a deal worth up to €50m (£42m).

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ByTom Cunningham Mar 5, 2025

The young Wolfsburg centre-back has enjoyed an impressive campaign and could yet emerge to become Emery’s eventual replacement for 31-year-old Tyrone Mings.

With plenty of competition for his signature, European football could prove to be key – making Aston Villa’s current position all the more frustrating as the Premier League season enters its final stretch.

"Complete" Koulierakis is a rising star

At just 21 years old, Koulierakis is undoubtedly one to watch. Helping Wolfsburg into the top seven of the Bundesliga this season – just four points adrift of the top four – it’s no surprise that the defender has reportedly attracted the interest of several top sides.

The only question that could remain this summer is just where Koulierakis will end up and whether it will be those in the Midlands welcoming a new star with open arms. Emery could certainly use with the depth and, as football talent scout Jacek Kulig described the Wolfsburg star, a “complete” defender in Koulierakis.

Aston Villa’s squad depth could prove to be the main factor behind their top four failure this season, but arrivals such as Koulierakis would quickly put an end to those struggles for years to come.

Glasgow Rangers officially confirmed that former central midfielder and Scotland international Barry Ferguson will be in interim charge of the club until the end of the season.

Philippe Clement was relieved of his duties by the Ibrox giants on Sunday after the 2-0 loss to St Mirren on Saturday left them still 13 points behind Celtic in the race for the Scottish Premiership title.

A takeover involving the San Francisco 49ers’ investment wing is expected to be completed between April and June and this may be why they have decided to go with an interim before the new ownership can make a decision on the long-term direction of the club in the summer.

There are still several months left and many matches to be played before the end of the 2024/25 campaign, though, and Ferguson will get a chance to lead the side out in the Premiership and the Europa League.

Barry Ferguson's Rangers to-do list

The former Rangers star is tasked with stabilising the team and ensuring that whoever takes over in the summer does so from a solid base.

This means that Ferguson and his backroom team must work hard to ensure that the team does not spiral down a dark road littered with several humiliating defeats before the end of the season.

Rangers face Fenerbahce in the last 16 of the Europa League next month and progression in that competition would be a bonus, to earn more goodwill from the supporters, but should not be expected of an inexperienced – at that level – interim.

In The Pipeline

A big thing on Ferguson’s to-do list in the second half of this season should be to integrate more academy players into the first-team, given that he came through the same youth set-up when he made his breakthrough with the Gers as a player.

Ferguson could strike gold with Bailey Rice

The interim head coach could hit the jackpot with 18-year-old central midfielder Bailey Rice, whom he could expose to more regular football in the coming months to prepare him to hit the ground running under the next manager.

Rice has played eight times at first-team level for the Gers to date and has only played 45 minutes in the Premiership, despite showing plenty of promise on the pitch.

Minutes

45

Key passes

2

Big chances created

1

Duels won

1/2

Clearances

2

Dribbled past

0x

As you can see in the table above, the teenage ace caught the eye when he came off the bench against Manchester United in the Europa League earlier this year.

Manchester United and England legend Rio Ferdinand was on TNT’s coverage of the game and was in ‘awe’ of the young gem. He, as relayed by the Daily Record said: “I’ll tell you what. I like Rice. He’s come on and looking composed and that left foot looks like it has a bit in it. He’s seeing pictures, playing, and executing. That is a wonderful pass.”

Rice also came on in the 4-0 win over Ross County earlier this month and won five of his seven defensive duels, without being dribbled past once, which further suggests that he is ready for first-team football.

Ferguson could hit gold for the Light Blues by providing the Scotland youth international with the chance to play week-in-week-out over the next few months, so that he can gain the experience he needs to kick on and become a regular under the next manager in the future.

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ByRoss Kilvington Feb 25, 2025

Rice could be a future star for the Ibrox giants, given that he has so many years left ahead of him to develop, but he needs an opportunity, which Ferguson could offer him in the coming weeks and months.

Ahead of the summer transfer window, Carlos Ancelotti has reportedly set his sights on bringing an impressive Everton star to Real Madrid in what would deal David Moyes a frustrating blow.

Everton transfer news

Moyes has so far picked up where he left off at Everton over a decade ago, even giving Goodison Park a final Merseyside derby to remember courtesy of James Tarkowski’s stunning last-minute equaliser. It’s the type of moment that he will hope to witness at the new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium which recently hosted its first test event – an academy fixture between Everton and Wigan Athletic.

Meanwhile, back at Goodison Park the senior side are preparing to welcome a struggling Manchester United side in the hope of making it five games without defeat in the Premier League.

Victory would also see the Toffees move four points clear of the Red Devils – representing just how much Moyes’ arrival has turned things around for those in Merseyside. That success is not going unnoticed, however, and one particular player is now reportedly attracting quite the attention.

According to The Mirror, Ancelotti now personally wants Real Madrid to sign Jarrad Branthwaite, who could be allowed to leave Everton for the right price this summer despite watching on as Manchester United’s bids were rejected in pursuit of his signature last year.

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Worth £75m in the eyes of the Merseyside club last season, it remains to be seen if that valuation will stick one year on. After a difficult start to the campaign, Branthwaite has burst back into life under Moyes and back into the headlines on the transfer front.

Still just 22 years old, the central defender could yet reunite with the man who handed him his Everton debut if Real Madrid come calling this summer.

"Excellent" Branthwaite could have decision to make

Just like last summer, Branthwaite could have the ultimate decision to make when the transfer window swings open. Except this time, it’s Real Madrid knocking and not a fragile Manchester United side. Whether the defender swings the door open this time around remains to be seen, but the La Liga giants are rarely turned down.

Moyes, just as Sean Dyche was, will be keen to keep hold of the future of Everton’s backline who has been back to his best as of late. Dubbed “excellent” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Branthwaite is back on the rise.

As the summer approaches and Everton prepare to say goodbye to Goodison Park, they’ll be hoping to avoid the added farewell of star defender Branthwaite, who has already stepped up under Moyes.

Manchester City conceded two late goals as Real Madrid came from behind to win 3-2 in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie, courtesy of match-winner Jude Bellingham.

55%

Posession

45%

11

Shots

20

4

On target

8

9

Fouls

6

6

Corners

5

Man City player ratings Ederson – 5

Was on course for a fine evening of work before gifting Real Madrid and former Blue Brahim Diaz their second by uncharacteristically conceding possession late on.

Josko Gvardiol – 7

Once again the defender was at the heart of all of City’s impressive work going forward and even got an assist to his name for Haaland’s opening goal.

Nathan Ake – 6.5

Faced a difficult time up against Vinicius and didn’t always have things his own way, but Ake stood firm for the majority of his time on the pitch before he was replaced by Mateo Kovacic.

Ruben Dias – 7

City have missed their commanding defender and even as injuries fell around him, Dias often remained solid despite shipping what were frustrating goals.

Manuel Akanji – 7

Summing up their injury issues, Akanji became the second City player forced off with injury at the break to add to Pep Guardiola’s woes. Prior to that, however, the Swiss – to his credit – did well up against an energetic Vinicius Junior.

John Stones – 8

In the defensive midfield role as Guardiola’s latest attempt to replace Rodri, Stones’ performance puts him in good stead to once again feature in what could provide a crucial solution for Man City at the heart of their midfield.

Savio – 5

The Brazilian endured a frustratingly quiet game for his standards, struggling to get on the ball and make the desired impact as Real Madrid pushed him back with offensive outlets of their own.

Kevin de Bruyne – 6.5

For all his hard work when he got himself on the ball, De Bruyne struggled to do exactly that one too many times. In the end, his lack of influence proved costly on a big night for his side.

Bernardo Silva – 6

A midfielder who’s struggled to maintain his standards at times this season, Silva once again performed below what he is capable of just when Guardiola needs his most experienced men to step up.

Jack Grealish – 7

Forced off after just 30 minutes, Grealish didn’t need beyond the half hour mark to make his mark on Real Madrid having played Gvardiol in behind in the build-up to Erling Haaland’s opener.

Erling Haaland – 9

In truth, there wasn’t a lot more that Haaland could do. Finding the opening effort in routine fashion, the forward then stepped up to take responsibility from the penalty spot and score what many believed would be the winner.

Substitutes: Phil Foden – 7, Rico Lewis – 6.5, Mateo Kovavic – 6.5

Real Madrid player ratings Thibaut Courtois – 7

Although it was a rarity, the goalkeeper did well – as ever – to keep out the majority of Manchester City danger. Up against Haaland, the Belgian could do nothing to stand in the way of both goals.

Federico Valverde – 7

You wouldn’t know that Federico Valverde was out of position based on his performance up against the Premier League champions – albeit the hurt champions – with the midfielder enjoying an impressive display.

Aurelien Tchouameni – 7

Like Valverde, Tchouameni performed well out-of-position and highlighted how Madrid have been doing well to solve problems of their own in recent weeks.

Raul Asencio – 6.5

A young defender alongside an out-of-position midfielder, not many will have any complaints about Asencio’s performance at The Etihad as he largely kept Manchester City at arm’s length.

Ferland Mendy – 6

Whilst he didn’t struggle defensively, Mendy was guilty of spurning a chance that should have been converted in the opening period which Carlo Ancelotti would have wanted to fall to almost anyone else.

Rodrygo – 7

Mbappe and Bellingham will get the credit, but Rodrygo stood out in his own right throughout a frantic affair.

Eduardo Camavinga – 7

As the old guard in Real Madrid’s midfield bow out, Camavinga has stepped up on the biggest stage to make his mark in their place.

Dani Ceballos – 6.5

Back on English soil, Ceballos loses marks for conceding the penalty on what was otherwise an well-rounded evening from the former Arsenal man.

Jude Bellingham – 7.5

The match winner to turn a quiet game into an electric evening, Bellingham was always likely to have his say at The Etihad and that he did.

Vinicius Junior – 7

In front of fans who were quick to remind him about his recent failures, Vinicius was among the stars of the show as he laid down a marker in front of an on-watching Rodri.

Kylian Mbappe – 7

Although wasteful at times, Mbappe still made his mark with a well-timed equaliser in somewhat scrappy fashion.

Substitutes: Luka Modric – 6, Brahim Diaz – 8, Fran Garcia – 7

Brighton & Hove Albion take on Chelsea in the FA Cup on Saturday evening, with the two Premier League sides looking to book a spot in the last 16.

The Seagulls, who have never won the famous cup competition, host the Blues, who have lifted the trophy on eight occasions.

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1 ByRoss Kilvington May 12, 2025

Both clubs will fancy their chances of making it to Wembley come May, with this meeting a welcome distraction from the pressures of the Premier League.

Brighton v Chelsea team news Brighton

The Seagulls have a long injury list with Mats Wieffer, Jason Steele, James Milner, Solly March, Ferdi Kadioglu, Carlos Baleba, Yasin Ayari, Igor and Pervis Estupinan all missing last time out against Nottingham Forest.

Fabian Hürzeler has revealed that Wieffer is back in training and March is making good progress, however, none of the players are set to return this weekend.

Chelsea

Chelsea’s absentees last time out were Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia, Benoit Badiashile, and Omari Kellyman. All of them look set to miss the match against Brighton.

Marc Guiu has also suffered a ‘bad’ injury, as revealed by Enzo Maresca, whereas Nicolas Jackson is also a doubt for the trip to south coast.

Where to watch Brighton v Chelsea on TV

The fixture between Brighton and Chelsea was selected to be shown live by ITV. Scheduled to kick-off at 8pm (GMT) on Saturday 8, February, ITV4 will broadcast the match live, whereas viewers can also stream the game on ITVX.

In the USA, the match will be streamed on ESPN+, and in Canada, live on TV with channel Sportsnet.

Brighton v Chelsea referee and is there VAR?

Despite the match being played by two Premier League clubs, there will be no VAR for the fourth-round tie, with the FA deciding to introduce Video Assistant Referees from the fifth round.

Therefore, the man with all the power will be referee Jarred Gillett. The Australian will be assisted by Darren Cann and Sam Lewis, with the fourth official being Stephen Martin. Gillett, 38, has taken charge of eight Chelsea games and seven for Brighton in the past.

Games

7

8

Record

4W, 0D, 3L

3W, 4D, 1L

Cards received

9 Yellow, 0 Red

15 Yellow, 1 Red

Cards to opponents

10 Yellow, 0 Red

11 Yellow, 0 Red

Penalties for/against

3/2

3/0

Brighton v Chelsea form Brighton

A few weeks ago, Brighton were on course to be coming into this FA Cup clash in fine form and full of confidence. However, back-to-back defeats in the Premier League to Everton and Nottingham Forest have changed that.

Hürzeler’s side lost 1-0 to Everton then shipped seven against Forest last time out, leaving them 10th in the Premier League.

Date

Opponent

Competition

Result

Sat 1st Feb

Nottingham Forest (a)

Premier League

L 7-0

Sat 25th Jan

Everton (h)

Premier League

L 0-1

Sun 19th Jan

Man Utd (a)

Premier League

W 1-3

Thu 16th Jan

Ipswich (a)

Premier League

W 0-2

Sat 11th Jan

Norwich (a)

FA Cup

W 0-4

Chelsea

Meanwhile, Chelsea, who ended 2024 with successive defeats against Fulham and Ipswich Town, have also struggled for consistency which has seen them drift away from the title race.

A defeat to Manchester City last time on their travels, Maresca’s Blues did manage to come from behind to beat West Ham last time out to keep them in the top four.

Date

Opponent

Competition

Result

Mon 3rd Feb

West Ham (h)

Premier League

W 2-1

Sat 25th Jan

Man City (a)

Premier League

L 3-1

Mon 20th Jan

Wolves (h)

Premier League

W 3-1

Tue 14th Jan

Bournemouth (h)

Premier League

D 2-2

Sat 11th Jan

Morecambe (h)

FA Cup

W 5-0

Brighton v Chelsea head-to-head

Before Brighton’s promotion to the Premier League in 2017, the two sides only met on a handful of occasions, with all four of their first games coming in the FA Cup.

The sides met in 1933, twice in 1967 and again in 1973 and overall, it is Chelsea who have the better record between the two sides.

Brighton wins

3

Draws

5

Chelsea wins

16

Manchester United’s quest to return to their former glory has reached an all-time low in 2024/25, with the club registering their lowest ever Premier League finish.

The Red Devils only managed to pick up a total of 42 points from their 38 outings, also their lowest since the division’s formation in 1992, highlighting the work needed this summer.

Ruben Amorim is the latest manager tasked with the responsibility of winning the league, after numerous other candidates tried and failed to end their now 14-year drought.

Sir Alex Ferguson was the last person to lift such a trophy at Old Trafford, with millions upon millions of pounds wasted on players who are evidently not at the level required for success in England’s top flight.

The current transfer window is an opportunity to learn from their mistakes in the past and secure top-level talents who can contribute positively to their end goal of once again being a force to be reckoned with.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer

Juventus star Dušan Vlahović has emerged as a surprise option for United this summer, with work already being done behind the scenes to complete a deal for the Serbian international.

He’s not the only one, with Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta another player on their shortlist after he scored 17 times this campaign and led the Eagles to an FA Cup triumph.

However, despite the interest in the aforementioned talents, progress has been made on a deal to land Eintracht Frankfurt talisman Hugo Ekitiké, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim that talks have already been held with the Frenchman’s representatives over a move to Old Trafford, with a bid expected for his services in the coming days.

It also states that the hierarchy see the 22-year-old as a priority addition this summer, unsurprisingly so given his tally of 22 goals and 12 assists across all competitions this campaign.

One obstacle is likely to be the player’s asking price, reportedly valued at around £85m.

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

Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres is another striker who’s been firmly on United’s radar over the last couple of months, with the Swede undoubtedly one of Europe’s hottest prospects at present.

The 27-year-old has caught the eye with his bonkers goalscoring record, notching 54 goals in just 52 appearances across all competitions throughout the 2024/25 season.

Such form, coupled with his previous stint under Amorim, has seen him hugely linked with a move to Old Trafford, but concerns have been raised over his ability to replicate such form in the Premier League.

However, it appears as though the club could be set to miss out on his signature completely, with the talisman personally wanting a move to rivals Arsenal instead this window.

Such a decision will undoubtedly be a blow to the Red Devils’ ambitions within the market, but they shouldn’t worry, with fellow target Ekitike arguably a better addition.

The youngster has already proven his talents in one of Europe’s top five leagues, as seen by his tally of goals this campaign, demonstrating he’s more than capable of carrying such form over to England with him.

Whilst he’s been outscored by Gyokeres, he’s managed to better him in numerous key areas that are vital for a top-level striker, highlighting why he’d be a more effective option for Amorim.

Games played

33

33

Goals scored

15

39

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Pass accuracy

75%

71%

Passes into final third

0.8

0.5

Take-on success

47%

45%

Carries into final third

2

1.3

Aerials won

1.8

1.1

Ekitike, who’s been described as the “next Mbappe” by journalist Graeme Bailey, has produced a better goal per shot on target rate, proving that he’s more effective with the opportunities that fall his way in front of goal.

His all-round play is also more impressive than the Swede’s, completing more passes and winning more aerial battles per 90, having the ability to link up with players around him and provide the side with a focal point should they need to be direct.

The French star has also shown evidence that he can produce chances out of nothing, registering more carries into the final third per 90 and completing more of the take-ons he’s attempted, subsequently not relying on others around him to hand him an effort at goal.

There’s no denying that both options would massively bolster the attacking unit at Amorim’s disposal, but given the stats produced and the difference in age, there’s no doubt that Ekitike is the more attractive prospect.

If he can replicate such success at Old Trafford, he would certainly become a fan-favourite, potentially playing a huge role in their ambitions of ending their unthinkable wait for a title triumph in the years to come.

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ByEthan Lamb Jun 19, 2025

Nottingham Forest are preparing for their first campaign back in European competition since 1996, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s side marking themselves out as last season’s surprise Premier League package.

Nottingham Forest now rivalling Chelsea to sign "complete" £25m midfielder

He’s a wanted man…

ByTom Cunningham Jun 20, 2025

Forest were serious contenders to qualify for the Champions League for a large portion of 2024/2025, but they fell just short on a dramatic final day which eventually saw Newcastle United and Chelsea pip them to a place in the top five.

Aston Villa took the final Europa League spot in sixth, meaning Forest ultimately had to settle for a place in the Conference League, and the far less lucrative prize pool.

In any case, Forest certainly weren’t initially tipped to qualify for Europe and end their near-two-decade-long wait to compete outside English shores, so we can safely call last term an undoubted success for Nuno.

It is now the task of Evangelos Marinakis and the Forest board to build upon their excellent campaign in the transfer market, with Forest also under less PSR pressure than this time last year after earning an extra £32.4 million in Premier League prize money.

Their seventh-placed finish and place in Europe means Forest could “fall a decent way short” of the £85 million they’re permitted to lose this financial year without breaching PSR (The Athletic), meaning Nuno’s side have more wiggle room to spend on summer recruitment.

Forest could still be forced to sell star midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, considering the England international has just two years remaining on his contract, and he’s shown zero indication that he’s willing to pen an extension at the City Ground (The Mail).

Gibbs-White’s potential sale, combined with both their league and European earnings, looks likely to fund Forest’s summer transfer window as they gear up for a crucial 2025/2026 campaign.

“Nottingham Forest will look to strengthen,” said ex-Premier League chief scout Mick Brown to Football Insider this week.

“Their recruitment has been excellent recently, and they’re able to bring players into an environment where they all work together for the club.”

Forest are targeting new forwards to complement Nuno’s squad and back the Portuguese with more firepower, as they look to compete on multiple fronts, with Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović a serious option for them.

Nottingham Forest hold talks with Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović

The Serbia international is out of contract next summer as things stand, and if the Old Lady cannot agree to extend their talisman’s deal, he could be allowed to leave for as little as £26 million.

That is according to journalist Rudy Galetti, who also told TEAMtalk this week that Forest have contacted Vlahovic’s representatives for discussions in an effort to tempt the centre-forward with a Premier League switch.

The Tricky Trees are described as favourites to sign Vlahovic, who is very keen on a move to England. Despite interest from Serie A heavyweights AC Milan, Forest stands out as the most “concrete” option for him.

Called a “superstar” striker by members of the Italian media, Vlahovic has hit double figures in every single season since 2020/2021, across spells at both Juve and Fiorentina.

The 25-year-old, who won Serbia’s Footballer of the Year award in 2024, would be a bold statement of intent from Forest, but his reported £200,000-per-week wage demands prove a major obstacle.

Next season is set to be another new dawn for Tottenham Hotspur.

Daniel Levy and Co. made what looks to have been the unpopular decision to sack Ange Postecoglou last Friday and, in his place, hire Thomas Frank.

While fans might’ve liked the club to back the manager who ended their trophy drought, the Danish coach is an exciting appointment, as he took Brentford up from the Championship and turned them into one of the most exciting teams in the Premier League.

Unsurprisingly, then, the North Londoners have been linked with one of the Bees’ best players, Bryan Mbeumo, but if reports are to be believed, they could decide to sign someone else, someone better.

Tottenham Transfer news

Before getting to the star in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other talented players touted for a move to Spurs in recent weeks, like Eberechi Eze and Xavi Simons.

Transfer Focus

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The former has been a long-term target for the North Londoners, and while his £68m release clause would represent a significant investment, his tally of 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 games this season suggest he’d be more than worth it.

Likewise, the £67m it would reportedly take to secure Simons’ services this summer may sound like a lot – because it is – but when you consider he’s still just 22 years old and was able to score 11 goals and provide eight assists in just 33 games this year, it doesn’t sound so bad.

However, another Premier League-proven attacker has entered the frame for the North Londoners, someone who could be better than Mbeumo: Antoine Semenyo.

Yes, according to a recent report from Sky Sports, Spurs have maintained their intense interest in the Bournemouth star, even though that interest originated prior to Postecoglou’s sacking.

The report does not mention a potential price for the Cherries ace, but stories from earlier this month claimed that he could be available for close to £70m.

It would likely be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line this summer, but given Semenyo’s immense ability, it’s one Spurs should be all over, especially as he could be an even better signing than Mbeumo.

How Semenyo compares to Mbeumo

Okay, so we know that Mbeumo is one of the most talked-about targets in England at the moment, and understandably so, as in 42 appearances this season, he was able to score 20 goals and provide nine assists.

But for our money, Semenyo would be the better signing, and there are several reasons why.

Firstly, while he wasn’t able to produce quite as many goal involvements, the Ghanaian international was still an incredibly effective attacker, scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists in as many appearances for Bournemouth.

Moreover, as we all know, a winger is and should be judged on more metrics than just his goals and assists in the modern game, and when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers, the Cherries ace starts to come out on top.

For example, while the former Troyes gem does better in some metrics like shot and goal-creating actions as well as progressive passes, the former Bristol City star comes out on top in the majority of relevant metrics, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive carries, shots and shots on target, passing accuracy, tackles and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.44

0.42

Progressive Passes

3.06

3.72

Progressive Carries

3.93

3.43

Shots

3.49

2.08

Shots on Target

1.11

0.94

Passing Accuracy

73.4%

66.1%

Non-Penalty xG

0.28

0.20

Shot-Creating Actions

3.71

3.80

Goal-Creating Actions

0.37

0.53

Tackles

1.54

1.29

Blocks

1.88

0.69

Successful Take-Ons

1.94

1.37

Ball Recoveries

4.44

4.12

Aerial Duels Won

1.85

0.90

Moreover, on top of being the more statistically well-rounded player, the 25-year-old “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is incredibly versatile.

For example, thanks to him being ambipedal – equally able to use both feet – he’s more than happy playing off the right as he is on the left and can even play up top or in midfield if he’s needed to.

Therefore, the dynamic “maverick,” as dubbed by Mattinson, could come in and fill in wherever he’s needed, in turn giving Frank far more tactical flexibility than he’d get from someone only dangerous off the right.

Ultimately, either Mbeumo or Semenyo would be excellent additions for Spurs, but thanks to the latter having the more impressive and promising underlying numbers, combined with his ability to play almost anywhere, we reckon he would be the better signing for the North Londoners.

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