Leeds United have showcased in their previous stint in the Premier League that they are capable of thriving and causing upsets – but more importantly, avoiding relegation back to the Championship.

The Whites spent three seasons in the top-flight between 2020 and 2023, registering a ninth-place finish in their first year back in such a division after a 16-year absence.

Such a spell saw striker Patrick Bamford enjoy the best run of his career, netting 17 goals in the league, subsequently earning his first call-up to the England national team.

However, it’s highly unlikely the 31-year-old will make the same impact under Daniel Farke this time around, after failing to net a single goal across all competitions in 2024/25.

The club will need added reinforcements within the final third if they are to be a success and avoid relegation and suffer an immediate return to England’s second tier.

The latest on Leeds’ hunt for a new striker

With the new season already less than two months away, it’s pivotal that Leeds identify the right players to help bolster their ranks and have the best chance of survival.

Josh Sargent is a name that has entered the mix over the last couple of days, with the American international potentially costing around £17m after his record of 15 goals in 32 appearances this season.

However, he’s not alone on their shortlist, with Fulham talisman Rodrigo Muniz also in their sights, that’s if Football Insider’s latest update is to be believed.

They claim that Farke’s side are preparing an opening offer for the Brazilian international, who registered eight goals in his 31 league appearances – only eight of which came from the start.

It also states that the 24-year-old is seen as an excellent option for the Whites this summer after his experience in the Premier League, but it’s unclear how much the Cottagers would demand for his signature.

Why Leeds’ latest target would be a better signing than Beto

In their attempts to bolster the attacking department this summer, numerous players have been mentioned as a potential option, with Everton’s Beto another player on their list.

Over the last couple of days, it was confirmed that the Whites still held a keen interest in the Guinea-Bissau talisman, who cost £30m back in the summer of 2023.

It remains unclear if David Moyes’ side would be willing to part ways with the 27-year-old forward, but Farke’s side are willing to pursue a move for his signature.

Like Muniz, he has the experience in England’s top flight that the hierarchy are looking for during the off-season, but it’s safe to say they should look past a move for the former Udinese star.

When comparing his figures from 2024/25 to those of the Fulham ace, he’s been outperformed in numerous key areas, with the Brazilian the man the hierarchy must pursue this summer.

Muniz, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in the Premier League” by teammate Willian Borges, has registered the same number of goals, but has managed a better minute per goal ratio – highlighting his clinical edge in attacking areas.

He’s also completed more passes and registered more passes into the final third, handing the opportunity for other attackers around him to bolster their own tallies.

Games played

31

30

Goals scored

8

8

Minutes per goal

120

191

Shot on target accuracy

49%

46%

Pass accuracy

65%

58%

Passes into the final third

1.2

0.4

Aerials won

52%

48%

Fouls drawn

2.9

1.3

The Brazilian’s dominance doesn’t end there, winning more aerial duels and drawing more fouls, offering Farke an all-round option within the final third in their attempts to secure survival.

Given their hunt for a new talisman, it’s crucial that the hierarchy land the right player to give themselves the best possible chance of retaining their top-flight status.

Big money will likely be splashed given how expensive players in the Premier League have become, with a move for Muniz needing to be the priority in the coming weeks.

The new Phillips: Leeds want to sign £15m star with "undeniable" potential

Leeds United are reportedly keen on a star who would be Daniel Farke’s own Kalvin Phillips.

ByDan Emery Jun 9, 2025

After losing both Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri to both Manchester clubs, Wolverhampton Wanderers have now reportedly turned their attention towards potential incomings and one Premier League rival.

Wolves lose Ait-Nouri and Cunha

Whilst losing Cunha always seemed inevitable due to his £63m release clause, Wolves may not have had the same feeling of inevitability about Ait-Nouri’s future. One swift move from Manchester City soon changed things, however, and now the Midlands club are set to enter next season without arguably their most important players.

Despite being picked apart, however, those in the Midlands still have reason to be positive. Having sold Cunha for his £63m release clause and Ait-Nouri for a reported £36m, Wolves now have money to spend on incomings of their own ahead of Vitor Pereira’s first full season in charge at the club.

As a result, the rumours have already been coming thick and fast. Top of Wolves’ wishlist should be finding replacements for both Ait-Nouri and Cunha before perhaps addressing other areas in need of upgrading.

To that end, names such as Barcelona’s Gerard Martin and Nice forward Evann Guessand have threatened to steal the headlines in recent weeks in two moves that would solve Wolves’ problem.

The latter enjoyed a particularly impressive season in France, scoring 13 goals and creating another 10 in all competitions for Nice. Doing enough to earn the interest of Wolves, the Ivory Coast forward could yet be on his way to the Premier League.

Meanwhile, those at Molineux have also reportedly turned their attention towards signing a reinforcement slightly closer to home and one who already knows all about the Premier League.

Wolves plotting Yegor Yarmolyuk move

As reported by Caught Offside, Wolverhampton Wanderers are now plotting a move to sign Yegor Yarmolyuk from Brentford this summer. Like the Midlands club, the Bees could lose two crucial figures this summer in manager Thomas Frank, who looks destined for Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United-linked Bryan Mbeumo. They are, therefore, keen to keep hold of Yarmolyuk.

Every player has their price, however, and the West London club reportedly value their young midfielder at just €30m (£25m) in what should be an affordable price for a Wolves side fresh from big-money sales.

The Midlands club aren’t alone in pursuit of the 21-year-old, though, with Frank reportedly eyeing the chance to bring him to Tottenham and Leeds United also interested.

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It should, of course, come as little surprise that Spurs have already set their sights on the Brentford midfielder and Fank’s influence could yet deal Wolves a frustrating blow.

The Spurs-bound manager was full of praise for Yarmolyuk last season, telling reporters: “He possesses a fantastic mindset and trains well every day. If you train well consistently and are one of the best in practice, you will eventually make your way to the starting lineup, and I hope he establishes himself there.”

Getting one over on their rivals and putting their Champions League place to good use, Newcastle United could now reportedly beat Aston Villa to one Ligue 1 defender this summer.

UCL qualification key for Newcastle this summer

From easing their PSR concerns to helping to keep hold of key players and attracting just as important upgrades, to say that Champions League qualification will prove to be vital for Newcastle this summer would be an understatement. The Magpies didn’t do it the easy way, but their place among Europe’s elite was secured on the final day of the Premier League season nonetheless.

Final Premier League standings	Points	Goal Difference
Liverpool (C)	84	45
Arsenal	74	35
Man City	71	28
Chelsea	69	21
Newcastle	66	21
Aston Villa	66	7
Nottingham Forest	65	12

Edging past Aston Villa on goal difference despite losing to Everton on the final day, the feeling around St James’ Park at full-time last weekend would have been major relief combined with the job of what awaits next season.

Eddie Howe had his say on the impact that Champions League qualification is likely to make on Newcastle’s summer transfer window, telling reporters: “Difficult to say on numbers, but I do think it’s a window that we have to be active in and I’m sure we will be.

“We haven’t recruited strongly in three windows and I think eventually, that can catch up with you in the end if you continue not to change because change is an important part of the squad dynamic.

“I think we feel that and I think we potentially felt that last summer as well, so I think that’s why the players have done so well to carry the success through. Yes, it is going to be a big transfer window.”

When Newcastle’s recruitment will get underway with that said remains to be seen, but reports have already been coming thick and fast as to who could arrive this summer.

Newcastle could hijack Aston Villa's Murillo move

According to El Marcador’s José Miguel Domínguez, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle could now hijack Aston Villa’s attempts to sign Amir Murillo from Marseille with an offer of their own, using their Champions League qualification as a major advantage, a competition Murillo wants to play in next season.

The Villans have already reportedly seen offers rejected for the right-back, which could allow the Magpies to come swooping in and match Marseille’s reported €25m (£21m) valuation.

The journalist said that the defender is keen to remain at Marseille due to Champions League football being on offer, but that is something that Newcastle can also provide and are expected to make a bid.

“The player’s desire, as of today, is to continue at Marseille because he plays in the Champions League. However, a siren call and a formal offer from Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, who were very close to playing in the Champions League and will be playing in the Europa League. Another team, Newcastle, is expected to submit a formal offer for him in the coming days. Be careful, because they do play in the Champions League.”

He'd be incredible with Isak: Newcastle prepare bid for "deadly" £60m star

Newcastle are looking to make some impactful signings in the transfer market this summer.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

May 30, 2025

It is a valuation that Marseille are in a strong position to demand too, after Murillo put pen to paper on a new which could keep him at the club until 2028 back in March. It was then that manager Roberto De Zerbi was full of praise for his defender, telling reporters whilst also acknowledging Murillo’s injury: “Yes, first of all, I am very happy about the extension of his contract, because he has earned it.

“You have to recognise the work of people who do good things. At the moment, he is having a very good season, and we are all really happy for him. But yes, it is a problem, because Murillo has unique characteristics.”

Sunderland are on the hunt for Premier League-level reinforcements and have entered the race for a prolific striker from one of Europe’s top five leagues, according to a report.

Sunderland set out stall to consolidate in the Premier League

Beating the drop will be the immediate priority for Regis Le Bris on Wearside, who will have to plan for life without duo Tommy Watson and Jobe Bellingham following their moves to Brighton & Hove Albion and Borussia Dortmund, respectively.

Despite receiving criticism, Kristjaan Speakman has explained that playoff final hero Watson’s departure being public was to promote transparency with supporters following the club’s decision to speak openly about his move to the South Coast.

Why is this relevant? Well, it could be a sign of things to come moving forward, which will hopefully lead to news surrounding incomings sooner rather than later.

Sunderland now want "exceptional" £37k-p/w star who could cost £30 million

The Black Cats are probing on the market.

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 13, 2025

Ishe Samuels-Smith is said to be on the Black Cats’ radar following his rise to prominence in Chelsea’s youth ranks. Meanwhile, Wolverhampton Wanderers star Tommy Doyle could also pitch up in the North East, circumstances permitting.

Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga has a £1.2 million release clause Sunderland are keen to take up. Nevertheless, recent reports suggest Le Bris may be looking to add to his pool of offensive options rather than prioritising a move for a defender.

Sunderland eyeing move for Sassuolo star Armand Lauriente

According to AS Roma Live, Sunderland are in the race to sign Sassuolo striker Armand Lauriente, and it would cost around £17 million to bring the 26-year-old to Tyneside.

Roma, Bologna, Fiorentina and Marseille are also interested in the former France Under-21 international, who will find himself playing Serie A football once again next season after his side claimed the Serie B title.

Armand Lauriente in 2024/25 – Serie B (Fotmob)

Shots

81

Shots on target

43

Successful dribbles

31

Chances created

37

Touches in opposition box

152

Labelled “amazing” by Jacek Kulig, Lauriente registered 19 goals and six assists in 34 appearances across all competitions and is now regarded as a hot property across Europe.

Intriguingly, the versatile forward has previously worked with Le Bris at Lorient, which may explain why the Black Cats have come to the table despite stiff competition from elsewhere.

The Premier League is the toughest in the world to crack, especially as a newly-promoted side, so it is interesting to see Sunderland set the bar high in their search for attacking potency.

Now, it remains to be seen whether they can tempt Lauriente with the prospect of starring for a returning force in the top-flight.

There’s been a curious reaction on social media to Liverpool’s drive to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s talisman, Florian Wirtz.

Far be it from FSG to employ a scattergun approach in the transfer market. Liverpool have only signed Federico Chiesa (for just £12.5m) since August 2023, when Jurgen Klopp built a new midfield.

Now, the Premier League champions are looking to invest, and though it’s true that Liverpool will break the British transfer record if they succeed in getting Wirtz’s signature inked in red, there’s little question he’s a “truly generational talent”, as has been noted by sports media professional Cristian Nyari.

Of course, Arne Slot’s side need more than just a new playmaker. Having already replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold with Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, efforts are being made across a myriad areas.

Richard Hughes must be a busy man, especially since he’s been forced to contend with the potential sale of one of the club’s biggest stars in Luis Diaz.

Liverpool's dream Diaz replacement

Diaz is one of the most valued members of Slot’s Liverpool squad. The Colombian started 38 games across all competitions this season, scoring 17 goals and providing eight assists.

However, he’s being pursued by Saudi club Al Nassr, and Barcelona are interested too.

Given that he’s 28 and entering the next-to-last year in his £55k-per-week contract, Diaz is understandably going to want either a new deal or a transfer away.

If Liverpool do cash in, with figures as high as €85m (£72m), it feels like a bit of a no-brainer, with the Merseysiders reportedly considering a swoop for Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon.

The 24-year-old Gordon would cost a pretty penny himself – £80m pretty pennies, more precisely. However, this could be a stunning long-term capture for a terrific player.

And he’s not the only one being targeted to revamp Liverpool’s left flank.

Liverpool advancing to seal another signing after Wirtz

As per Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are ‘working again this week’ to seal a move for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, who has already reached a total agreement with FSG on personal terms.

After a likely weekend breather, the clubs are ready to lock horns in transfer battle once again this week in order to strike the same chord.

The Cherries are holding firm on their £45m valuation of the 21-year-old, a likely sticking point, although Liverpool are “willing to go close to that”, as per correspondent David Lynch, who stressed there is nought to worry about.

Why Milos Kerkez would be a dream alongside Gordon

In March, Kerkez was described by Troy Deeney as being “one of the best left-backs in the world already.” Deeney might not always get his Liverpool-related takes right, but the retired striker is on the money with this one.

The Hungarian prospect joined Bournemouth from AZ Alkmaar in July 2023 in a £15m deal, since going from strength to strength, nailing down an important spot in Andoni Iraola’s outfit.

And “the frightening thing is he’s not even at his peak yet”, as said by pundit Izzy Christensen. Kerkez’s energy and athleticism will surely prove a game-changer next term, easing the responsibility on the declining Andy Robertson’s shoulders.

Moreover, he could forge a proper partnership with Gordon on that left-hand side, for the Magpies man is potent and electric in his attacking play, but also tenacious and committed to completing his defensive duties.

At his essence, though, Gordon is a forward, and earning Newcastle’s 2023/24 Player of the Year after posting 28 goal contributions across the campaign and leading Eddie Howe’s side through an injury-ravaged season.

Perhaps his struggles to influence Newcastle’s recently concluded campaign stem from Liverpool’s failed approach last summer. In any case, Gordon is a nightmarish opponent to face, and with Kerkez in behind him, FSG would secure a partnership for many years to come.

As per Sofacore, Kerkez won 60% of his ground duels and created eight big chances in the Premier League this season, underscoring his balanced qualities.

Adding to that, the high-flying prospect’s tireless running led to an obscene amount of ground being covered across the campaign (see Sofascore), which is more than can be said for Robertson, who across the whole Premier League campaign managed just 0.2 dribbles per game, succeeding with a miserable 41% of his efforts.

The Scotsman also created fewer big chances than Kerkez with seven, so the new recruit would be fostering a rising creative flair, which could serve Gordon very well indeed.

Across his two full terms with Newcastle in the Premier League, the Three Lions star has scored 17 goals while only missing 19 big chances, which isn’t the most clinical metric in the division but does suggest he’s got a prolific streak about him that Kerkez’s support would only enhance.

Finally, Kerkez ranked among the top 6% of full-backs in the Premier League this year for crosses into the penalty area per 90 (0.73), as per FBref, providing a source for Gordon to latch onto with his loping strides, or indeed to meet the centre-forward fans are hoping to see come through the Anfield gates before the window’s done and dusted.

With Robertson on the way out and Trent already lapping up the Spanish rays, a new creative full-back force is duly needed, and Kerkez certainly fits the bill.

1

Trent Alexander-Arnold

64

2

Andy Robertson

60

3

Leighton Baines

53

4

Graeme Le Saux

44

5

Kieran Trippier

38

Fuelling Gordon from the defensive area, charging forward when he deems it the right time, Kerkez would be a breath of fresh air for Slot’s side, fixing the biggest chink in the armour and ensuring the Reds have the means to do it all over again next year.

Better than Sesko & Ekitike: Liverpool now looking to sign £60m "monster"

Liverpool are planning to replace Darwin Nunez at number nine this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 2, 2025

Birmingham City sent out a statement of intent last summer when they spent a reported fee of £15m to sign Jay Stansfield from Fulham after their relegation from the Championship.

They smashed the League One transfer record to land the England U21 international on a permanent deal, after he had spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at St. Andrew’s.

Stansfield still has a long way to go before he lives up to that huge price tag, though, after he scored 19 goals in 37 League One matches this season, including nine goals from the penalty spot.

Despite having the English forward on their books, Birmingham are also reportedly in contact with Rennes to strike a deal for Japanese striker Kyogo Furuhashi, who scored ten goals in 22 league games for Celtic in the first half of the season, and he is not the only striker they want to sign.

Birmingham eyeing up Bundesliga striker

According to GIVEMESPORT, the League One champions will not be satisfied by just signing Kyogo to bolster their attack, as they want another forward as well.

Transfer Focus

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

The report claims that Holstein Kiel centre-forward Shuto Machino has emerged as a target for the Championship side, after he caught the eye in the Bundesliga this term.

It states that the Blues want to sign the Japan international to further add to Chris Davies’ arsenal, which could include Stansfield, Kyogo, and Machino if all things go to plan before the end of the summer transfer window.

GIVEMESPORT does not reveal how much it would cost to sign the Japanese marksman, but Birmingham could land an even better striker than Stansfield by landing a deal for him in the coming weeks.

Why Birmingham should sign Shuto Machino

The Blues should push to sign the 25-year-old striker from the German team, after their relegation from the Bundesliga, because he could come in as an even better forward than the former Fulham youngster.

Whilst Stansfield is three years younger and has the potential to develop and improve in the years to come, the Japan international appears to be the superior option in the here and now for Birmingham.

Machino, who was described as a “true goalscorer” by manager Marcel Rapp, ended the 2024/25 campaign with a return of 11 goals in 32 Bundesliga outings, outperforming his xG of 6.43.

Stansfield, meanwhile, scored ten goals from 10.44 non-penalty xG and 19 goals from 18.32 xG overall in League One, which suggests that the Holstein Kiel forward could be more ruthless in front of goal as a finisher.

Appearances

32

37

Non-penalty goals

9

10

Big chances created

5

6

Dribble success rate

63%

35%

Ground duel success rate

44%

36%

Aerial duel success rate

39%

12%

As you can see in the table above, the Birmingham star scored one more non-penalty goal and created one more ‘big chance’, whilst playing five more matches in the third tier in England, compared to Machino’s output in the German top-flight.

Whilst playing at a higher level, the 25-year-old forward also provided more to his team out of possession by winning a much higher percentage of his physical duels, particularly in the air, which suggests that he would be an upgrade on Stansfield when it comes to duelling with centre-backs.

Overall, Machino’s qualities in and out of possession appear to place him in a better position to be a star as the main number nine for Birmingham in the Championship next season.

That could mean that Stansfield ends up playing on the left flank, where he made eight appearances this term, more often for the Blues, in order to fit Machino and Kyogo, if all goes well, into the starting XI.

Better signing than Poku: Birmingham close in on landing £8m star

Birmingham City might not be landing Kwame Poku, but they’re closing in on an exciting signing in attack anyway.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 24, 2025

If all of these signings are completed, then Davies could have plenty of high-quality options to pick from when it comes to selecting his starting line-ups.

Several ICC officials have visited Pakistan to inspect arrangements and, it is understood, the PCB has received positive feedback

Danyal Rasool10-Jun-2024

Pakistan are the defending champions in the Champions Trophy, having won the previous edition back in 2017•PA Photos

The PCB has proposed a February 19 start to the Champions Trophy next year in Pakistan. ESPNcricinfo understands the PCB has pencilled the tournament to be played from February 19 to March 9, across Karachi, Rawalpindi and Lahore. Karachi will host three games, including the tournament opener as well as a semi-final, while Lahore plays host to seven, including the final. The other semi-final will be one of five contests to take place at Pindi Cricket Ground.Several ICC officials have visited Pakistan to inspect arrangements to host the first ICC tournament in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup. They include security and event officials as well as chief pitch inspector Andy Atkinson, and it is understood the PCB has received positive feedback from the ICC concerning logistics and arrangement, allowing it to press ahead with its plans.The current dates, should they be finalised, mean the last third of the tournament will he held during Ramadan, just as the knockout stage of the PSL was last year. Some knockout games in Karachi saw an extremely low turnout during Ramadan. The PCB did try and accommodate for that by moving start times to a later 9pm, though with the Champions Trophy being an ODI tournament, that will not be possible. That means large parts of games will take place during the sunrise to sunset window where players observing Ramadan cannot eat or drink.As ESPNcricinfo reported earlier, every game involving India at the tournament is slated to take place in Lahore. This means one semi-final will be moved from Karachi or Rawalpindi to Lahore should India qualify for the last four. Basing India in one city is thought to have been proposed because it avoids what could be considerable logistical and security complications around their travel. Additionally, by being based in Lahore, which is close to the Wagah border crossing between the two countries, it allows Indian fans a relatively easier option to visit.As ever the main question in the run-up to the event will surround India’s participation. The Indian team has not played in Pakistan since the Asia Cup in 2008, and there has been no bilateral series between the two since a white-ball visit by Pakistan in 2012-13. When the PCB hosted the Asia Cup last year, the workaround involved deploying a hybrid model that saw the bulk of the games – including all of India’s – take place in Sri Lanka with the final, which India won, held in Colombo. The BCCI has maintained the decision to travel to Pakistan rests in the hands of the Indian government.Every side other than India involved in the upcoming Champions Trophy has travelled to Pakistan since cricket returned to the country in 2015. Pakistan will also host an ODI tri-series featuring South Africa and New Zealand before the tournament.Pakistan are the defending champions, having won the last Champions Trophy in 2017.

Tottenham Hotspur’s frontline has been impressive throughout the 2024/25 campaign, managing to catch the eye despite the club finishing in a lowly 17th position in the Premier League.

The Lilywhites netted 64 goals in their 38 outings, with only six other sides in the division scoring more, four of which managed to secure Champions League qualification.

Brennan Johnson finished the season as their top scorer in the league with his tally of 11 goals, adding to his excellent collection, which saw him net the winner in the Europa League final.

He was the only player to register double figures in the league, but numerous players across the squad managed to register key goals, which contributed to their excellent tally.

However, new boss Thomas Frank has immediately wanted to target reinforcements in such an area, evidently wanting strength and depth in his quest for success.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new attackers this summer

After his successful stint at Brentford, the Dane has already targeted a move for striker Yoane Wissa, with the Congolese star a man in demand this window.

He’s not the only Bees star on their radar, with Bryan Mbeumo another player who’s been strongly linked with the Lilywhites, but it appears they’ve missed out on his signature, with a move to Manchester United now edging closer.

Another name has been mentioned in recent days as a result, with Canadian international Jonathan David firmly on their radar, according to Get Football News Italy.

They report that Frank’s side have made contact with his representatives over a move to North London with his contract at Lille set to expire at the end of the month.

It also states that the 25-year-old has now halted talks with Italian sides Napoli and Juventus to explore a deal to the Premier League, after scoring 25 times in 49 appearances this season.

Why Spurs’ latest target could be Frank’s own Kane

Harry Kane is a player who has cemented himself in Spurs’ history forever, catapulting himself into the hearts of the fanbase given his spell in the first team over a 10-year period.

The 31-year-old rose through the youth ranks before registering 280 goals for the club, a tally which has made him the highest goalscorer in the club’s history.

However, his goals weren’t enough to catapult the Lilywhites to any form of tangible success, subsequently seeing the forward leave for Bayern Munich in an £82m deal back in 2023.

Since his departure, the club have spent big on Dominic Solanke, dropping a club-record £65m fee to secure his signature, but he’s struggled to maintain elite levels of performance over the course of his first campaign – scoring just nine goals in the process.

The club have greatly lacked that clinical presence in forward areas, something which David could provide in North London should the club land him in the coming weeks.

When comparing his stats to those of fan-favourite Kane, he’s managed to outperform him in numerous key areas this campaign – with FBref labelling him as a similar player to the England international.

David, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in the world” by Tony Marinaro, has achieved a better shot on target rate than Kane this season, highlighting his clinical nature within the final third.

Games played

32

31

Goals & assists

21

35

Shot on target accuracy

43%

42%

Pass accuracy

82%

78%

Key passes made

1.3

1.2

Take-on success

48%

43%

Progressive carries

1.4

1

Fouls won

1.3

0.7

He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted and registered a higher tally of key passes per 90, offering Frank’s side an all-round option that can provide alongside scoring.

The Canadian has further demonstrated his all-round talents, registering a higher take-on completion rate, whilst posting more progressive carries per 90 – having the skillset to create his own opportunities, rather than be dependent on his teammates.

Given that the forward is available on a free transfer this summer, it would be a no-brainer for Spurs to strongly pursue a move to avoid missing out on his signature in the coming weeks.

If he can get anywhere near close to the levels produced by the departed forward in North London, it would be a superb signing, with his talents undoubtedly handing the manager the attacking quality he desires.

Frank's answer to Bale: Spurs make huge bid to sign "sensational" £70m star

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making huge strides in a deal for one attacking star.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jun 24, 2025

If Australia and Afghanistan winThree teams will finish on four points. If Australia win by a run, Afghanistan will need a 36-run margin against Bangladesh to move ahead of Australia on net run rate. If Australia win a run-chase off the last ball, Afghanistan will have to win their game in 15.4 overs or sooner (assuming first-innings scores of 160).Related

• Afghanistan better placed than Bangladesh in dash for last semi-final spot

• Marsh confident Australia will be 'up and about' for India challenge after Afghanistan loss

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• Stats – Afghanistan's maiden win against Australia in any format

India are sitting pretty with an NRR of 2.425. For them to get knocked out, both Australia and Afghanistan will have to win by big margins. Australia will need to beat India by 41 runs to go past them on run rate, while Afghanistan will have to beat Bangladesh by at least 83 runs.If India and Bangladesh winIndia will top the group with six points, while the other three teams will be tied on two each. In that case, NRR will decide the second team from the group. Australia, with a NRR of 0.223, are currently best placed among the three teams: even if Afghanistan lose by just one run, Australia will need to lose by 31 for their run rate to slip below that of Afghanistan.Bangladesh will need to win by 31 runs for their NRR to sneak ahead of Afghanistan’s, but they will also need Australia to lose by 55 runs, to finish second in the group.If Australia and Bangladesh winIndia and Australia will qualify for the semi-finals with four points, while Afghanistan and Bangladesh will finish on two.If India and Afghanistan winIndia and Afghanistan will qualify for the semi-finals with six and four points.

The last few seasons have seen Chelsea completely overhaul their squad.

While there have been a few mistakes along the way, it would be fair to say the club look like they now have a team full of incredibly talented players.

Arguably, the most exhilarating of the lot has been Cole Palmer, who, since his arrival from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, has been nothing short of world-class for the Blues.

So, fans should be tremendously excited about recent reports linking the West Londoners to another talent who has won comparisons to the game-changing Englishman.

Chelsea target Premier League signings

Chelsea have already made a few signings from outside England this summer, but, if reports are to be believed, the club are also looking at several stars from the Premier League, such as Joao Pedro and Murillo.

Transfer Focus

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The former could reportedly cost up to £60m, and while that is a significant amount of money, he was fairly effective in limited minutes this season, scoring ten goals and providing seven assists in 30 appearances, totalling 2,136 minutes.

Murillo, on the other hand, could cost the Blues up to £80m, but given his incredible performances at the back for Nottingham Forest this year, that once again may well be a fee worth paying.

However, as transformational as these two players could be for Maresca’s side, neither one can really be compared to Palmer, unlike Harvey Elliott.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are one of a number of teams interested in the Liverpool gem this summer.

Alongside the Blues, the report claims that Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle United, and Borussia Dortmund are all keen on the 22-year-old talent.

However, alongside the intense competition for his services, the West Londoners will have to pay a substantial sum of money to secure their man, with the report claiming that the Reds want at least £50m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Elliott’s ability and potential, it’s one Chelsea should fight for, especially as he’s won comparisons to Palmer.

How Elliott compares to Palmer

In this instance, the primary comparison to Palmer originates from FBref, which looked at players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, and came to the conclusion that the Chelsea gem has been the eighth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to Elliott over the last 365 days.

Elliott & Palmer

Statistics per 90

Elliott

Palmer

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.69

0.68

Goals per Shot

0.06

0.09

Goals per Shot on Target

0.25

0.25

Key Passes

2.44

2.45

Interceptions

0.24

0.31

Successful Take-On %

44.4%

45.1%

Carries into the Penalty Area

1.22

1.15

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 PL Season

The best way to understand how this conclusion was reached is by examining some of the underlying metrics in which the pair ranked incredibly closely, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, goals per shot and shot on target, interceptions, carries into the penalty area and more, all per 90.

However, the similarities extend beyond the statistics, as the young Liverpool gem, like the Blues star, has demonstrated an ability to play in multiple positions, with attacking midfield and right-wing his most played.

Moreover, should this transfer go through, then it would be another example of the West Londoners bringing in a younger talent from one of their rivals who’s just not getting the game time he deserves at the moment.

On top of that, even though he’s had to play a bit-part role at Anfield this season, the 22-year-old “machine,” as dubbed by journalist Sam McGuire, has still got some seriously impressive underlying numbers, which suggests that were he given more regular game time, he could seriously explode.

For example, FBref places him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty goals, the top 2% for progressive passes and passes attempted, the top 8% for non-penalty expected goals, and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, there would undoubtedly be some risk in signing Elliott this summer, but there was also plenty of risk in signing an unproven Palmer in 2023, and thanks to their similarities, this feels like a risk Chelsea should take.

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Posts 1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 27, 2025