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There has been a positive development regarding Newcastle United’s pursuit of an “incredible” Premier League player, courtesy of Sky Sports.

Newcastle eyeing signings amid Champions League push

The Magpies are tantalisingly close to sealing a return to the Champions League, and victory at home to Chelsea on Sunday afternoon would be a massive step in the right direction.

It will allow Newcastle to sign top-quality players in the summer transfer window, with Girona midfielder Yangel Herrera mentioned as a potential option at the end of the season. He has averaged 2.2 tackles per game in La Liga in 2024/25 to date, which is more than any Magpies player has managed in the Premier League.

Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo has also been linked with a move to St James’ Park many times throughout this season, as Eddie Howe looks to bring in an elite right-sided attacking option.

The 25-year-old is reportedly Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell’s dream summer target, a claim which has been reinforced multiple times with updates this week confirming the Cameroonian is the Magpies’ “ideal” target because they want a player who can both deputise for Alexander Isak and start on the right wing.

Newcastle boosted as Brentford open to selling Mbeumo

According to a new update from Sky Sports, Brentford are now ready to “listen to offers” for Newcastle target Mbeumo this summer, acting as a boost for the Magpies. The Bees’ valuation of the Cameroonian is “thought to be in excess of £60m”, with Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham also credited with interest in the report.

Mbeumo is such an exciting player, possessing the dangerous ability to cut in from the right onto his deadly left foot, scoring 18 times in 35 Premier League appearances this season – better than a goal every two games.

The Cameroonian has been one of the best and most consistent attacking players in the country, with Brentford boss Thomas Frank lauding him and fellow attacker Yoane Wissa’s goalscoring ability: “That’s an incredible achievement from the two of them. All praise due the two of them for the hard work, how much they push, and then of course to my staff, and then I think a little bit to the way we play.”

At 25, Mbeumo is also still a relatively young footballer, with his prime years likely to come soon, so Newcastle could be signing at the perfect point in his career.

Appearances

35

Starts

35

Minutes played

3147

Goals

18

Assists

6

Shots per game

2.2

Key passes per game

1.9

Dribbles per game

1.3

Tackles per game

1.3

With all due respect to Jacob Murphy, who has had a fantastic campaign, the Magpies still need to look for a younger upgrade on him, turning him into a squad player instead.

Newcastle confident of signing "fantastic" £15m ace who scouts have watched

It would be a key signing in an important area of the pitch.

ByHenry Jackson May 9, 2025

In Mbeumo, Newcastle could have the perfect option to make up a devastating attacking unit alongside Anthony Gordon and Isak, and qualifying for the Champions League will only increase their chances of signing him.

West Bromwich Albion decided to part ways with manager Tony Mowbray after his side were heavily beaten 3-1 by relegation-threatened Derby County on Easter Monday in the Championship.

That result made it five losses in six matches for the experienced boss, whose only win came against Watford, and the club decided that it was time to make a decision.

Mowbray joined the club in January after Spaniard Carlos Corberan was snapped up by LaLiga outfit Valencia, which came as a big blow to the Baggies as he had been a terrific appointment for the club.

Why losing Carlos Corberan was a big blow for West Brom

West Brom appointed Corberan in October 2022, after he was let go by Olympiacos after 11 matches, and it was a bit of a gamble by the club, as he had only managed 113 senior games by that point.

The Spanish tactician spent time at Leeds United as their U21 manager and then as an assistant in the first-team to Marcelo Bielsa, learning his trade before going to Huddersfield and leading them to the play-off final in the 2021/22 campaign.

West Brom’s gamble paid off, though, as Corberan went on to earn 1.59 points per game across 107 matches in charge of the club before his move to Valencia in January.

That included a fifth-placed finish and a play-off semi-final, losing to the eventual winners Southampton, in the 2023/24 campaign, despite – as per Transfermarkt – £0 spent on permanent signings in the summer of 2023.

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He worked wonders on an incredibly restrictive budget, as further evidenced by Mowbray’s struggles after replacing him, and they could repeat their Corberan gamble with their new interest in a Premier League coach.

West Brom eyeing up Corberan 2.0

According to journalist Alan Nixon, via his Patreon, West Brom are targeting a swoop for Tottenham Hotspur first-team coach Ryan Mason to come in and replace Tony Mowbray, which may be a surprise move given his lack of first-team experience.

The 33-year-old former midfielder has been an assistant manager at Spurs in the Premier League since the summer of 2023, but has also had spells as a manager at academy level, as the head of academy coaching, and as a technical coach at first-team level during his time with the club.

He has managed 12 Premier League matches for Tottenham’s first-team as an interim, across two spells, and won six of those games, winning 1.58 points per game, and that is why he is a surprise candidate for a job at the top end of the Championship.

Southampton (H)

2-1 win

Sheffield United (H)

4-0 win

Leeds United (A)

3-1 loss

Wolves (H)

2-0 win

Aston Villa (H)

2-1 loss

Leicester City (A)

4-2 win

Manchester United (H)

2-2 draw

Liverpool (A)

4-3 loss

Crystal Palace (H)

1-0 win

Aston Villa (A)

2-1 loss

Brentford (H)

3-1 loss

Leeds United (A)

4-1 win

Mason, who preferred a 3-4-3 formation, only has limited experience as the main man in a first-team set-up, which would make him a big gamble as an appointment for West Brom.

However, it also makes him an exciting appointment because he is a bit unknown, but still has a great coaching pedigree at youth and senior level with a big Premier League club, which was also the case for Corberan with Leeds.

This means that Mason would be a gamble similar to the one they made with the Spanish boss, who had only had a spell with Huddersfield, given his short tenure at Olympiacos, to judge him on in senior management.

It is not a safe appointment or one with much of a guarantee of success, due to his lack of experience, but it is one that could pay off in the same way that Corberan’s did.

West Brom can finally axe Diangana by unleashing “special" 21-year-old star

Tony Mowbray could forget about Grady Diangana by unleashing this special West Bromwich Albion prospect.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 17, 2025

Liverpool have been in contact to sign a £40m star which has left Premier League rivals Arsenal worried.

Liverpool close in on Premier League title as Slot promises busy summer

The Reds took another big step to winning the Premier League in Arne Slot’s first season in charge following a 2-1 victory over West Ham.

Arsenal’s draw against Brentford allowed Liverpool to move points clear at the top of the table, with Virgil van Dijk netting a late winner which means the Reds can now win the title this weekend.

The news before the game was all about Mohamed Salah’s new two-year Liverpool deal, and talking regarding the news, Slot appeared to hint at a busy transfer window to make the Reds “very strong next season”.

“We have all the confidence in him that he can produce two more years than he has produced in the past seven or eight years, because of the reasons I just gave you. But also because we will make this team very strong next season. Then it’s always nice to have someone that can make a goal.

“If you want to sign new players or players who want to extend here, it is always a positive to see one of our star players over the last seven or eight years has made the choice to extend his contract.

“It also shows maybe how ambitious this club is: not only Mo, but the owners. We are really ambitious to keep performing the way this club has performed for so many years.”

Al-Nassr ready £52m bid for new "insane" Liverpool ace now Salah is staying

They’ve turned their attention towards another option…

ByTom Cunningham Apr 15, 2025

Van Dijk is also expected to extend his Anfield stay with a new two-year deal of his own, and by the looks of it, Liverpool and FSG have moved for another Dutch defender.

Liverpool and FSG in contact to sign £40m Arsenal target Hato

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have been in contact over a move to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato. Thought to be valued at £40m amid links to the Reds, Liverpool have now acted on their interest, something which has caused concern at the Emirates.

The report adds that Arsenal have wanted Hato for a number of years and the news of Liverpool’s approach has ‘caused panic’ in north London.

Hato, who is 19 years of age, has been called “insane” in the media and can play as a left-back or centre-back. Already a senior Netherlands international, Hato is a product of the Ajax academy and has been a regular at first team level in recent seasons.

Games

106

Goals

4

Assists

9

Yellow cards

19

Minutes played

8,706

He’s featured mainly as a left-back in 2024/25 and has chipped in with a number of goal contributions with six assists and three goals. Now, a move to England could be on the cards for the teenager, and by the looks of it, Liverpool and Arsenal will do battle in the transfer market following their title race.

Tottenham Hotspur were made to settle for a 1-1 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt in their Europa League quarter-final first-leg clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday evening.

It was a game in which the Lilywhites had chances to secure the victory but could not find a winning goal that would have given them a crucial advantage in Frankfurt next week.

It was the visitors who took an early lead, just six minutes into the clash. The goalscorer was one of Europe’s most wanted centre-forwards, Hugo Ekitike.

He showed exactly why the biggest clubs want to sign him, cutting inside on his left foot and letting fly a shot from range that nestled into the bottom corner with pinpoint accuracy.

However, it was not long for Lilywhites fans to wait before their side clawed a goal back. The equaliser came from right-back Pedro Porro, who met a brilliant cross from James Maddison with a tidy, flicked finish into the back of the net.

In the third minute of stoppage time, Mickey van de Ven almost had a winner for Spurs. However, his header was superbly tipped over the crossbar by Frankfurt goalkeeper Kaua Santos to keep the score on level terms.

It was certainly a disappointing night for the Lilywhites, who could have easily run out winners. There were some poor performances from some of those in a Spurs shirt.

Spurs' worst performers vs. Frankfurt

One of the Spurs players who struggled against the German side was winger Brennan Johnson. He found it difficult to make a real impact on the game at all, barely getting into the game out on the right flank.

In fact, Goal journalist Sean Walsh noticed that the Welshman struggled to stamp his authority on the game, handing Johnson a 4/10 rating for his performance, suggesting that he spent “far too much time hidden behind defenders”.

Another player in Postecoglou’s attacking trio who had a tough night at the office was striker Dominic Solanke. The England international showed glimpses of his best, and although he has been on a lean run of goalscoring form, he did link play up well at times.

However, his stats from the game, courtesy of Sofascore, show just how little he got into the game at times. For example, Solanke managed just 22 touches, completing seven of ten passes and winning three of five aerial duels.

As tough of a night it was for Johnson and Solanke, they were perhaps not Spurs’ worst attackers against Frankfurt.

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Spurs' worst player against Frankfurt

It has not been an easy season for Spurs captain Heung-min Son, and Thursday’s clash with Frankfurt summed that up in many ways.

The South Korean international lacked a real potency in his attacking play and did not pose too much of a threat to their opponents’ defence.

In fact, his stats really reflect Son’s struggles against the German outfit on Thursday. He had 61 touches in total, completing 38 of 44 attempted passes. However, the Spurs legend failed to compete either of his two attempted dribbles, and he lost the ball 12 times, once every five touches.

Touches

61

Passes completed

38/44

Number of times ball lost

12

Ground duels won

1/4

Dribbles completed

0/2

Crosses completed

1/3

Key passes

2

Son’s struggles against Frankfurt was a sentiment that the aforementioned Walsh seemed to agree with. He was critical of the Spurs captain, giving him a 4/10 for his performance, explaining that the winger was “seldom a threat in crucial areas” going forward.

It might be a worry for Spurs fans that their number seven’s career is petering out. While it’s certainly a different story, there is reason to suggest he’s winding down in a similar way to another modern-day club icon, Dele Alli.

The former Lilywhites midfielder was, at his peak, “the best” youngster in the world, according to Mauricio Pochettino.

However, Alli’s Spurs career tailed off when he began to have dips in form, and perhaps the same can be said for Son this season. It has certainly not been the easiest campaign for the attacker, who like Dele, has gone from an elite talent to someone struggling to make a real impact at Spurs in pretty swift time.

He has just 11 goals and 12 assists in 43 games, with seven goals and ten assists in the Premier League. Compare that to the 17 goals and ten assists in 35 games he managed last term, and there is certainly a Dele-esque decline in numbers.

It is a shame to see such a legendary Premier League player struggle to find his best form this term. No doubt, Lilywhites fans hope he can get back to the top of his game in what is a huge few weeks for the club.

He's a lot like Dele Alli: Spurs want to sign £20m "freak of nature"

The incredible youngster would be a hit at Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 10, 2025

Manchester United got back to winning ways with a 2-1 victory away from home against Crystal Palace. The Red Devils struggled in the first half and went into the break a goal down, but an energetic performance in the second 45 minutes, combined with two smart goals, ensured they got all three points.

Indeed, it was a penalty from Jean-Philippe Mateta which gave the Eagles a lead. Leny Yoro made a clumsy tackle in the penalty area, with the Palace striker eventually slotting home from 12 yards. He was asked to retake his initial kick after striking the ball against his standing foot.

United came out with far more energy in the second half, and it only took them nine minutes before they managed to equalise. Joshua Zirkzee scored his first Premier League goal in almost a year to pull things level.

United’s winner came from Mason Mount, who bagged his second goal of the season. It was a good effort, with Bruno Fernandes laying a free kick into his path and Mount slotting home through a disjointed Palace wall.

The Englishman’s strike was enough to win United the game. There were some standout performances, with Zirkzee someone who played particularly well.

How Zirkzee downed Crystal Palace

It has not been the easiest season for Netherlands international Zirkzee. Saturday lunchtime at Selhurst Park felt like a big moment, and, after a first half where he struggled to get into the game, he certainly took his chance.

The goal from the attacker was simply sensational. He also got on the end of a Fernandes freekick, bringing the ball down on his chest before smashing a volley across goal into the far corner. It was a sublime strike from a man who needed a goal.

However, it was not just the goal from Zirkzee which stood out. His second-half showing was described as “amazing” by Alice Talks Footy over on X, with the United number 11 constantly linking up play, showing off his exceptional technical ability with clever touches.

Indeed, his numbers at full-time show just how well he played. Zirkzee had 50 touches of the ball, completing 14 passes in the opposition half and creating one chance. He also won eight duels and made three ball recoveries.

It was a brilliant second-half showing from the United striker, who will now be hoping to kick on. As well as he played, one of his Red Devils teammates was arguably better.

Man Utd star outshines Zirkzee vs Palace

One of the real standouts for United against the Eagles was Luke Shaw. Making his 300th appearance for the Red Devils, Shaw continued his good form this season on the left of Amorim’s back three.

The United number 23 made some key defensive contributions, including a crunching tackle to stop Eddie Nketiah from getting a shot off in the first half. He also made three interceptions, ball recoveries and clearances in a strong performance.

Touches

78

Pass accuracy

87%

Duels won

3/6

Clearances

3

Interceptions

3

Ball recoveries

3

Blocks

1

Indeed, one person who rated Shaw’s efforts in South London was Goal journalist Calum Preston Kelly. He gave the Englishman a 7/10 for his afternoon’s work and praised him for the fact that he “defended strongly” against Oliver Glasner’s men.

Just last game, Gary Neville said Shaw is a “waste of time” in a United squad. Yet, after a statement showing at Selhurst Park, it is easy to see that the defender could be considered an undroppable member of the squad.

There is plenty of competition for places in that left centre-back role, too. Shaw was replaced with minutes remaining in the game by Lisandro Martinez, and his return could perhaps have signalled the end of the Englishman’s run in the starting lineup.

Yet, after a performance like that, it is hard to see Amorim dropping one of his most experienced players. Shaw was crucial in United keeping Palace at bay from open play, and looks undroppable ahead of a busy festive period.

Shades of Pogba: INEOS have signed star who can end Mainoo’s Man Utd stay

Manchester United have landed a star who could reach the next level under Ruben Amorim.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 29, 2025

After six matches in charge, Danny Röhl is already starting to figure out which members of the Rangers squad he can trust, and which he cannot.

So far, the German has won all three Premiership matches in charge, most recently demolishing Dundee 3-0 at Dens, looking to keep that streak going when bottom of the table Livingston visit Ibrox on Saturday.

However, the Gers remain rooted to the foot of the Europa League standings, yet to pick up a single point at the mid-way mark of the league phase, and were dumped out of the League Cup semi-finals by Celtic, underlining that there is still plenty of work for Röhl to do.

Having seemingly decided that one of the Light Blues’ many summer signings is not for him, should the German head coach give a “big talent” a chance to stake a claim?

Joe Rothwell's start to life at Rangers

Sporting director Kevin Thelwell has come under serious scrutiny from supporters, given the club’s expensive but underwhelming summer recruitment, with Joe Rothwell among the least popular additions.

The 30-year-old defensive midfielder arrived from Bournemouth for around £400k to plenty of excitement, with Joe Donnohue describing him as “assured, energetic and accomplished”, while Kai Watson asserted that he would be a “very smart signing” given that he’s an “excellent passer and progresser of the ball, exactly what this Rangers midfield needs”.

However, this has certainly not been the case, with the Englishman putting in numerous sluggish and slow performances during the early weeks of the season when the team were massively struggling under Russell Martin.

During August’s 1-1 draw at St Mirren, speaking on Sky Sports commentary, Neil McCann noted that Rothwell looked completely “cooked”, while Kenny Macintyre of BBC Sportsound agreed, exclaiming that “Joe Rothwell… has looked knackered in every game”.

Well, even at this early stage of his tenure, Röhl has seemingly been unimpressed, with Rothwell starting the German’s first match in charge, the 3-0 drubbing in Bergen, but not doing so again since, an unused substitute for all three Premiership matches, as well as the most recent Europa League game against Roma.

So, with Rothwell not in Röhl’s plans, Mohamed Diomandé alongside Nicolas Raskin is the first-choice midfield pairing, which is strong, but that duo cannot play every minute of every game, so should the new manager give his “big talent” an opportunity?

Rangers youngster who deserves more opportunities

A young player Rangers supporters were excited about not so long ago is Bailey Rice, but he might as well be added to Interpol’s missing persons list this season.

After jumping ship from Motherwell’s academy, he made his senior debut at Almondvale against Livingston in February 2023, thereby becoming the second-youngest player to feature for Rangers post-World War II.

Derek Ferguson

1983

Bailey Rice

2023

Tom Walsh

2012

Paul Nsio

2022

Zak Lovelace

2022

Alfie Conn

1968

Archie Stevens

2022

John Fleck

2008

Leon King

2020

Derek Johnstone

1970

Danny Stoney

2013

Alex O’Hara

1973

As the table documents, only Derek Ferguson, against Queen of the South in 1983, debuted for Rangers at a younger age but, at the age of 16 years and 137 days, Rice is the youngest player to feature for the club in a league match.

After arriving on the scene, the teenager started to see regular minutes under Philippe Clement and then Barry Ferguson during the second half of last season, introduced at half time against Manchester United at Old Trafford, before starting the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final against Athletic Club, albeit his big night was curtailed early due to a nasty head injury sustained during a collision with striker Maroan Sannadi.

At that point, he was earning rave reviews, with former Rangers right-back Alan Hutton, speaking on Premier Sports, stating that the youngster was “more than capable” of establishing himself in the first team, adding that he’s “ready for the next step”.

However, this season, since starting a League Cup tie against third-tier Alloa Athletic in August, hooked at half time, Rice has not been seen, an unused substitute for all four Europa League matches, with 12-man benches allowed by UEFA, but yet to feature in a Premiership matchday squad.

The Rangers Journal believe that Rice’s contractual situation is to blame, given that he will be a free agent next summer, hence why the club don’t want to invest time into him, but this isn’t going to convince him to sign a new contract, thereby leaving the player at a crossroads.

Thus, it appears as though the teenager will depart Ibrox next June, but there is still time to salvage his Rangers career, if Röhl is able to prove there is a pathway for him into the first time.

With senior defensive midfield options continuing to fail to impress, namely Rothwell, Rice certainly deserves an opportunity to showcase his obvious talent, bringing to an end this stand-off that is not benefiting anyone.

Well, Blair Malloy has reported on Friday that Rice is currently injured, so his return will have to wait a little while, but he should be seen donning a light blue jersey again soon.

Thelwell can upgrade on Souttar by signing £8m defender for Rangers

With Danny Röhl in need of defensive reinforcements, could Rangers sign an “aggressive” £8m-valued star better than John Souttar and Nasser Djiga?

ByBen Gray Nov 20, 2025

Unlike in years past, Arsenal are very well represented when it comes to England squads these days.

The likes of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are guaranteed starters, while a couple of other players tend to make it into the squad, like Eberechi Eze.

The former Crystal Palace star featured in both games this international break and certainly made his case for a place at the World Cup.

However, his form on the domestic front has been somewhat middling, and if he’s not careful, he could eventually be replaced by one of the brightest talents in the country.

Eze's start to life at Arsenal

Now, to make things clear, Eze is an extraordinarily gifted footballer and has not been bad for Arsenal this season.

However, it would be fair to say that, aside from a goal against his old side and a few moments of magic, he has not exactly hit the ground running just yet.

For example, in 15 appearances for the Gunners, he has scored two goals, one of which was against Port Vale, and provided three assists.

Those are not really the numbers of a marquee summer signing, no less one who managed to produce a sensational tally of 25 goal involvements in 43 games for a significantly worse team last year.

However, there might not be too much to worry about, as according to FBref, he still ranks in the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the league for shot-creating actions coming from his own shots and the top 5% for goal-creating actions stemming from live passes, per 90.

In other words, while the output has been underwhelming, the 27-year-old still has some promising underlying metrics, which suggest that as he becomes more familiar with the team, the goals and assists should come.

After all, while his performance against Albania was nothing to write home about, fans were reminded just how technically magnificent a player he is with the goal he scored against Serbia.

In all, Eze will more than likely come good for Arteta and Co, but if he doesn’t, Arsenal might already have his perfect long-term replacement.

The Arsenal gem who could replace Eze

In this situation, many fans might instantly think of Ethan Nwaneri, as the 18-year-old already has plenty of first-team experience and is surely set for an England call-up at some point in the next year or so.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, while he might one day become a regular starter in the first team, he has already been somewhat usurped as the most exciting prospect at Arsenal, if not in the country, by Max Dowman.

Yes, it is certainly still early days for the 15-year-old dynamo, but he has been considered one of the next big things for some time now.

For example, in September of last year, talent scout Jacek Kulig boldly proclaimed him as the “most exciting prospect” he had seen “since Lamine Yamal.”

Then, just two months later, Hale End expert Will Balsam described him as “one of the greatest footballing brains that’s ever come through Hale End” and “the biggest talent in England.”

That might sound like a lot to say about someone who was just 14 at the time, but it probably wasn’t as thoroughly the season he proved time and time again that he is a special talent.

Appearances

23

Minutes

1945′

Goals

19

Assists

5

Goal Involvements per Match

1.04

Minutes per Goal Involvement

81.04′

For example, in 23 appearances, totalling 1945 minutes, he racked up a tally of 19 goals and five assists, which comes out to an average of 1.04 goal involvements per match, or one every 81.04 minutes.

Then, on the pre-season tour, he made it clear that, be it junior or senior football, he was more than capable of, in the words of analyst Ben Mattinson, “humiliating” opposition players with his incredible close control.

It was this technical brilliance that saw him win a penalty against Leeds United on his Premier League debut, and then again, why he started and shone against Brighton & Hove Albion in the League Cup.

If that wasn’t enough, the Chelmsford-born teen then became the youngest player in Champions League history against Slavia Prague, and was called a “miracle player” by defender David Zima.

Finally, if fans needed any more convincing that the Hale End gem is truly special, then recent news about him already being considered for England’s U21S should do just that.

Ultimately, Eze is safe from losing his place for now, but if he doesn’t start scoring and assisting more, then he could be usurped by Dowman within a season or two.

The new Rice: Arsenal chasing "generational" midfielder in £100m move

The international star could be as good a signing for Arsenal as Declan Rice has been.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 17, 2025