All posts by z3u9t.icu

Sheffield United are now in a transfer battle with Ipswich Town to sign a 25-year-old striker whose club are open to offers for him, according to a recent report.

Sheffield United chasing more additions after Louie Barry

The Blades have made a low-key start to the summer transfer window, with just four players arriving at Bramall Lane so far. The latest arrival is winger Louie Barry, who has joined on a season-long loan deal from Aston Villa.

Sheffield United lead charge to sign "brilliant" £45k-p/w Premier League ace

The Blades are now pushing ahead in their mission to sign another central defender.

BySean Markus Clifford Jul 24, 2025

Barry worked with manager Ruben Selles last season at Hull City, and the pair have now reunited, as the winger stated he loves Selles’ system: “I love his (Rubén Sellés) style of play; it is exactly what I stand for as a player. I just want to get to the goal as quick as possible. I have got a really good relationship with the gaffer and the staff, so I can’t wait to get into training now.”

Now that a deal for Barry is completed, the Blades have turned their attention to other areas of the pitch they wish to strengthen. Indeed, Sky Sports have reported that Sheff Utd are leading the race alongside Colorado Rapids to sign Rob Holding from Crystal Palace. The centre-back is expected to leave the Premier League side after falling out of favour, and United are keen on reuniting with the player after he was on loan at the club last season.

Sheffield United face Ipswich in race to sign La Liga striker

As well as looking at strengthening the defence, Selles is also in the market for a new striker, as Kieffer Moore’s future at the club is in doubt. And according to Spanish outlet Marca, Sheffield United are interested in signing Isaac Romero from Sevilla.

Marca reports that despite not making the impact at the top end of the pitch that was expected of him last season, Romero has emerged on the radar of not just the Blades, but Ipswich Town as well.

There is no word on how much Sevilla would want for the 25-year-old, but given he is under contract until 2028, they could try and hold out for a hefty sum. Romero burst onto the scene during the 2023/24 campaign, as he scored four goals in 14 La Liga games, as well as grabbing four assists. However, he was unable to improve on those numbers last season, as he scored just four goals in 31 La Liga games this time around.

Apps

48

Goals

11

Assists

6

For Sheffield United, signing a new striker may have become somewhat of a priority in recent days, as speculation has gathered pace that Moore could be set to leave Bramall Lane. That is because Wrexham are interested in signing Moore as they look to bring in established second tier performers.

Manchester City may yet make some more first-team signings this summer, but Pep Guardiola will first push some of the flotsam out of the door.

The likes of Jack Grealish and Kalvin Phillips seemingly have no future of substance within the Etihad Stadium first-team, and will surely take their leave before the end of the month.

The Citizens have also rejected an offer from Nottingham Forest for James McAtee, though the Tricky Trees are expected to return.

Guardiola enjoys working with smaller squads; he’s been vocal on that matter. However, the Spanish tactician might be convinced to add one talented Premier League talent to his ranks before the market slams shut.

Man City considering Prem star

Manchester City’s interest in Morgan Gibbs-White this summer suggests that Pep would be interested in adding some robust technical quality to his midfield.

Exciting French talent Rayan Cherki arrived from Lyon earlier in the summer for £34m, but the 21-year-old isn’t a player who can shuffle between offensive and deeper-lying zones with the greatest ease, his exciting qualities best served toward the attacking third of the field.

That one appears to be dead in the water, but that’s not to say City wouldn’t push ahead with another deal, should Grealish and McAtee both leave.

Indeed, according to Globo Esporte in Brazil, Man City have revived their interest in West Ham United’s Lucas Paqueta after the playmaker was exonerated in his high-profile spot-fixing case, which scuppered his £80m move to the club two years ago.

The 27-year-old is not priced in the sale towering ballpark anymore, with the Hammers seeking no more than £60m for his sale this summer.

What Lucas Paqueta would bring to Man City

Once hailed as a “magician” of a midfielder by reporter Robbie Mustoe, Paqueta joined West Ham from Lyon for a club-record £51m fee in 2021.

He’s since played 120 times for the Londoners, scoring 18 goals and providing 14 assists. The Brazil international played the assist into Jarrod Bowen’s path to win the Conference League in 2022.

Paqueta’s contentious reputation following the events of recent years, partnered with the fact that his departure wouldn’t carry the same poignancy for those of an Irons persuasion as with two years ago, could lead him to become Man City’s own version of Eric Cantona, whose finest days as a footballer were found on the red side of Manchester.

Cantona is considered one of the most notorious and talented players to have competed in the Premier League, joining the Red Devils from Leeds United for just north of £1m in 1992.

Though the move was met with fury from the Whites fanbase, it was maybe an astute piece of business given that he was a turbulent part of the squad.

Hailed as being “the catalyst that really galvanised the team for the next 25 years” at Man United by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Frenchman was the real deal, posting 145 goal contributions from 185 matches in the nineties.

Could the £150k-per-week Paqueta have a similarly talismanic effect on this City side? They are hardly in disarray, but perhaps in need of some added inspiration and creative flair across the coming terms to reinstate this outfit as the indomitable force at the pinnacle.

Paqueta is confident and mature at 27. Likewise, Cantona was in the senior stage of his professional career when he made his big move, at 26 years old.

Paqueta lacks the same invincibility he might have felt when he wrapped up the 2023/24 season under David Moyes’ wing, having stumbled and fallen to the wayside over the past year.

But he’s now picked himself back up, absolved of wrongdoing in his recently closed court case. It means that Paqueta can focus solely on his football across the next few years of his prime, and where better to see those terms out than at Man City?

He remains one of the most talented and well-rounded midfielders in the Premier League, and a player who City could utilise to restore some of their former strength over the coming year – he’s proven in England’s top flight, as was Cantona, after all.

Matches (starts)

31 (31)

33 (27)

Goals

4

4

Assists

6

0

Touches*

65.7

58.6

Pass completion

75%

79%

Big chances created

12

4

Key passes*

1.4

1.1

Dribble success

59%

50%

Tackles + interceptions*

3.0

2.5

Duels (won)*

7.6 (50%)

6.0 (48%

Perhaps Paqueta lacked fluency and focus last season, but he didn’t endure a drastic drop-off, retaining the core elements of his skill set, which Pep could surely bring back to the fore. At his best, the one-time Flamengo man is Cantona-esque, with a certain Paul Scholes having even made that comparison:

As per FBref, Paqueta ranked among the top 6% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for passes attempted, the top 13% for progressive passes, the top 3% for tackles, and the top 3% for ball recoveries per 90, highlighting the wide breadth of skill and style that would be woven into the City fold.

Ultimately, Man City have so much quality in their ranks, and they would enrich that quality further still by signing Paqueta. However, Guardiola would also add a player with a combative mindset whose signature comes attached with more than a measure of controversy.

But, with Kevin De Bruyne having departed at the end of his contract, this might be a fantastic move to make for City as they gear up to reclaim their Premier League title.

After all, Paqueta was profiled comprehensively two years ago, and he could be a fantastic addition to a team in transition.

Bigger English talent than Trafford: Man City still pursuing £50m sensation

Man City are hoping to sign more players after Trafford

1 ByJoe Nuttall Jul 31, 2025

Leeds United have now held talks over a deal for an “outstanding” Rodrigo Muniz alternative, who has scored 85 career goals, according to a report.

Leeds looking to sign striker ahead of Premier League campaign

Leeds’ opening Premier League fixture is now less than one week away, with Everton set to travel to Elland Road on Monday August 18, and while Daniel Farke has made major improvements to his squad, he is still looking to get another striker through the door.

That is due to the fact that Patrick Bamford is surplus to requirements, while Mateo Joseph has already joined Mallorca on a season-long loan, and the Whites have identified Fulham’s Muniz as their number one target at centre-forward.

A deal for the Fulham star could be on the expensive side, however, with a potential transfer fee of £50m previously being touted, which means the Premier League newcomers may be forced to move on to alternative targets.

According to a report from Leeds United News, Leeds are now stepping up their pursuit of a free agent, having recently held fresh talks over a deal for former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is still without a club since leaving the Toffees at the end of June.

The 28-year-old is not the only option on the shortlist, however, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey adding: “Rodrigo Muniz remains Leeds’ number one choice centre-forward, whilst Mehdi Taremi and Josh Sargent are also options being discussed internally.

“However, Calvert-Lewin is also someone they remain hugely keen on. He is the right sort of profile.”

While the ex-Everton striker is available on a free transfer, his huge wage demands could be a problem for Farke’s side, with the centre-forward raking in £100k-a-week during his time with the Toffees.

"Outstanding" Calvert-Lewin could be solid Muniz alternative

The Sheffield-born striker wouldn’t be the flashiest of signings, and there may be some justified concerns over his injury record, having spent prolonged periods on the sidelines during his time at Goodison Park.

Season

Games missed due to injury

2022-23

29

2023-24

6

2024-25

15

That said, the Englishman has proven himself as a consistent source of goals over the course of many years, scoring 89 senior career goals for club and country, and he is vastly experienced in the Premier League.

Not only that, but the 11-time England international received some high praise during his time with Everton, with journalist Patrick Boyland lauding the striker as “outstanding” during the 2023-24 campaign.

As such, if Calvert-Lewin is willing to lower his wage demands, he could be a savvy addition to Farke’s squad on a free transfer, and there is a feeling he would be keen on a move to Elland Road, having recently sacked his agent in a bid to force through a deal.

The summer transfer window has been dominated by Newcastle United’s pursuit of a new number nine.

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The Magpies began the season without a recognised centre-forward, and while their performance away at Aston Villa showed flashes of quality, the lack of a natural striker proved costly in front of goal.

At the heart of the situation is Alexander Isak.

The Swedish international has made it clear that he has no intention of reintegrating with Eddie Howe’s squad. Despite being under contract, Isak is not training with the first-team and reiterated in a social media post that broken promises had left both sides with no option but to seek change.

His stance has left Newcastle in a difficult position: they will not sanction his dream move to Liverpool until a replacement has been secured.

That urgency is compounded by the fact that several of their targets have already slipped away.

Benjamin Šeško joined Manchester United, while Wolves are refusing to entertain offers for Jørgen Strand Larsen.

Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson remains a name of interest, but Aston Villa and Bayern Munich are also interested, further complicating matters.

Newcastle’s recruitment team has been forced to weigh their options carefully.

With four competitions to compete in this season, they cannot afford to gamble on an unproven forward.

Instead, they are searching for a player who can score consistently at Premier League level and immediately shoulder the pressure of leading the line.

England international emerges on Newcastle's radar

According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Newcastle “really like” Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.

The England international has established himself as one of the division’s most reliable strikers, scoring 16 times in 38 appearances in the Premier League last season.

Villa manager Unai Emery is desperate to keep hold of his talisman, placing a £60m valuation on the 29-year-old, but Newcastle see him as an ideal solution to their striker dilemma.

Watkins is not the only forward on their radar.

Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has pushed for a move, even going as far as to remove references to the Bees from his social media accounts before reluctantly returning to training.

The Congolese forward is fresh off the best season of his career, scoring 19 goals in 35 appearances.

However, Brentford’s asking price of £60m, coupled with the fact that Wissa will turn 29 in September and could miss a portion of the 2026 season due to AFCON, makes him a less attractive prospect for Newcastle.

Strand Larsen, meanwhile, also carries a similar price tag.

Wolves value him at around £60m, which reflects both his strong debut campaign of 14 Premier League goals and his importance following the departure of Matheus Cunha to Manchester United.

But with Wolves unwilling to sell, Newcastle may be forced to move on quickly rather than get caught in another prolonged negotiation.

When set against these options, Watkins’ appeal becomes clear.

He is also homegrown, experienced at international level, and has a track record of maintaining fitness and availability – a crucial factor given how many fixtures Newcastle may play this season.

Why Newcastle should sign Ollie Watkins

The numbers help illustrate why Newcastle rate Watkins so highly compared to Wissa and Strand Larsen.

Each enjoyed a strong 2024/25 campaign, but Watkins edges the contest in the areas that matter most to Eddie Howe’s side.

Premier League 2024/25

Ollie Watkins

Yoane Wissa

Jorgen Strand Larsen

Goals

16

19

14

Assists

8

4

4

Shots

82

90

54

Pass Completion Rate

72.4%

76.5%

64.6%

Shot Creating Actions

53

69

42

Source: FBref

According to FBref, Watkins registered 24 goal involvements across 38 appearances – a marginal advantage over Wissa (23 in 35) but a clear lead over Strand Larsen (18 in 35). This demonstrates his ability to finish chances, something Newcastle lacked in their draw at Villa Park.

Looking deeper, Watkins’ game reflects a balance of off-the-ball movement and link-up play.

His progressive carries per 90 (1.90) are just ahead of Wissa (1.85) and far superior to Strand Larsen (0.59), underlining his ability to drive the ball forward and stretch defences.

While he lags behind Wissa in progressive passing distance (33.7 per 90 compared to 49.9), he makes up for it with a more well-rounded contribution in and around the penalty area.

The statistics also highlight Watkins’ reliability in front of goal.

His shot-on-target percentage (43.9%) is competitive with Wissa (45.6%) and Strand Larsen (61.1%), but what stands out is his volume: Watkins averaged 1.25 shots on target per 90, ahead of Larsen’s 1.15.

Given Newcastle’s need for a striker who will consistently test goalkeepers, Watkins’ steady output is a strong selling point.

There are other factors working in his favour.

Unlike Wissa, Watkins does not face the prospect of missing time due to AFCON commitments, and unlike Strand Larsen, he does not represent a gamble on a player with just one season in English football.

Instead, he offers Newcastle a forward who has proven he can sustain a high level of performance in one of the league’s most tactically demanding systems under Emery.

Of course, Watkins is not flawless.

His take-on success rate (24.4%) lags behind both Wissa (30.6%) and Strand Larsen (40.0%), suggesting he is less effective when asked to beat defenders one-on-one.

But Newcastle’s system under Howe rarely relies on individual dribbling in advanced positions. Instead, it values runs in behind, pressing from the front, and efficient finishing – all of which Watkins excels at.

"Sack him" – Alan Shearer reacts to "ridiculous" Isak and Newcastle update

The Magpies legend hasn’t held back.

2 ByCharlie Smith Aug 21, 2025

Ultimately, the comparison makes the logic behind Newcastle’s interest clear. At £60m, he is an expensive option, yet for a club determined to make a home for themselves in Europe, it may prove the most reliable investment.

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Newcastle United’s transfer strategy this summer has been one of urgency and precision.

After finishing fifth in the Premier League last season and securing a place in this year’s Champions League, the Magpies have been determined to strengthen in all departments.

The recruitment drive has already seen significant arrivals. Jacob Ramsey, Malick Thiaw, Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale have all arrived to add competition.

The club’s ambitions to compete both domestically and in Europe are plain to see, but the 3-2 thriller defeat against Liverpool at St James’ Park served as a stark reminder of how quickly plans can be disrupted.

Midfielders Sandro Tonali and Joelinton both picked up injuries, leaving fans and management concerned about the stability of the engine room.

With Champions League fixtures looming, Newcastle suddenly face the prospect of heading into winter without two of their most trusted midfielders.

Newcastle make move for new midfielder

While speculation over Alexander Isak’s future continues to simmer in the background, the pressing priority is now midfield.

Newcastle know they cannot risk being short in the one area of the pitch that dictates both defensive resilience and attacking creativity.

The search for a solution has therefore intensified in recent weeks, and the club has now turned its attention to one of the Premier League’s most exciting young talents.

Transfer Focus

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

According to reporter Jason Soutar, Newcastle United have opened talks with Manchester United over a deal for Kobbie Mainoo.

The 20-year-old midfielder is widely regarded as one of England’s brightest prospects.

The club have enquired about the conditions of a transfer, with the player thought to be open to a move away from Old Trafford.

Mainoo does not fall into the category of wantaway players currently unsettled at United – a group that includes Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia – but his long-term future under Rúben Amorim remains uncertain.

The Portuguese manager has so far preferred to use captain Bruno Fernandes in the central role, often alongside Casemiro or Manuel Ugarte, leaving Mainoo on the bench for two consecutive matches.

Reports have also linked Bayern Munich and former United boss Erik ten Hag’s Bayer Leverkusen with interest, though neither club has formalised a move.

Mainoo himself is said to favour a switch abroad, but Newcastle’s offer of regular first-team football at a Champions League club may be difficult to ignore.

How Mainoo and Bruno Guimarães could transform Newcastle

The growing recognition of Mainoo’s talent only adds to the intrigue.

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has compared him to “a mix of Xavi and Busquets”, while United writer Alex Turk describes him as a future “£100m-plus footballer”.

Thus, for Newcastle, this is a chance to recruit not just a stop-gap solution, but a midfielder capable of becoming a cornerstone of their project for years to come.

The most compelling aspect of Newcastle’s pursuit is the potential partnership between Mainoo and club captain Bruno Guimarães.

Since arriving at St James’ Park, Guimarães has been the heartbeat of the team, combining defensive resilience with incisive creativity.

His influence is borne out in the numbers.

Matches Played

38

Minutes Played

3,271

Goals

5

Assists

6

Progressive Carries

64

Progressive Passes

271

According to FBref, last season he ranked in the 91st percentile for progressive passes per 90 (7.29), 78th percentile for progressive carries (1.73), and 89th percentile for shot-creating actions (3.69).

Simply put, he is among the most effective deep-lying playmakers in Europe.

The difficulty for Howe has been ensuring Guimarães is not shackled by too much defensive responsibility. Injuries to key personnel have forced him to sit deeper in the past, reducing his attacking output.

This is where Mainoo’s arrival could be transformative. Despite his age, the Manchester United outcast has already shown an impressive balance between defensive steel and technical quality.

Via FBref, he ranks in the 72nd percentile compared to positionally similar players in Europe for tackles per 90 (2.44) and the 78th percentile for dribblers tackled per 90 (1.25), demonstrating his ability to break up play and protect the back line.

At the same time, his composure on the ball and eye for a forward pass give him the qualities needed to recycle possession and progress play under pressure.

A partnership with Guimarães would allow the Brazilian to push higher up the pitch, dictating attacks and creating chances, while Mainoo shields the defence and links transitions.

It is a blend that mirrors some of Europe’s most successful midfield pairings – the balance of control and creativity that every top team requires.

For Newcastle, such a signing would not only fill the immediate gap left by injuries but also send a message about their long-term ambitions.

Bringing in a player who has already started for England in a European Championship final and scored in an FA Cup victory over Manchester City demonstrates both vision and intent.

At just 20 years old, Mainoo is a talent who could grow with the club as they continue to build towards competing consistently at the highest level.

Manchester United, of course, will be wary of letting such a player leave. He is a Carrington graduate, a fan favourite, and one of the few academy products to establish himself in recent seasons.

But with Fernandes an immovable figure in Amorim’s system and Baleba on the horizon, United may face a difficult decision.

For Newcastle, timing is everything, and their pursuit of Mainoo could prove one of the defining moves of the summer window.

He'd be Gordon 2.0: Newcastle in talks to sign "unbelievable" £60m talent

Newcastle could be set to land their next Anthony Gordon this summer…

ByJoe Nuttall Aug 28, 2025

Arsenal are a club with a proud history of developing and platforming some of the most exciting youngsters in English football.

In generations past, the club have been the starting point for legendary superstars like Ashley Cole, Ray Parlour, and Tony Adams.

Then, in more recent years, the likes of Bukayo Saka, Ethan Nwaneri, and Myles Lewis-Skelly have forced their way into the team.

The most recent name to join the list of extraordinary talents who have made the jump from Hale End to the Emirates is Max Dowman, and it already looks like the academy is producing another young talent in his mould.

Why Max Dowman could become an England and Arsenal superstar

If it weren’t for his fellow Hale Ender, Nwaneri, Dowman would have become the youngest Premier League player in history when he took to the pitch against Leeds United last month.

However, unlike the 18-year-old, the Gunners’ latest academy gem has remained a part of the first team squad, and instead of waiting over a year to make his second league appearance, he had to wait just a week.

Moreover, it didn’t come at the end of a comfortable drubbing of a newly promoted side; it came away to Liverpool, when the team were in desperate need of an equaliser, and if that doesn’t tell you just how highly Mikel Arteta and Co rate the youngster, nothing will.

It’s easy to understand why the club believe him to have such a high ceiling, as the Chelmsford-born gem has an outrageous record at junior level and has made a habit of playing well beyond his years.

For example, in just 25 appearances for the U18s, totalling 2104 minutes, he managed to put the ball in the back of the net 20 times and provided ten assists for good measure.

Appearances

25

Starts

23

Minutes

2104′

Goals

20

Assists

10

Goal Involvements per Match

1.2

Minutes per Goal Involvement

70.13′

In other words, the teenage phenomenon averaged 1.2 goal involvements per game, or every 70.13 minutes, while playing in an age group well beyond his own.

He’s also made quite a name for himself in the international setup, becoming the youngest player ever to feature for England’s U19s when he came off the bench to face Ukraine last week.

Overall, even though it’s notoriously difficult to predict a youngster’s future, it feels like Dowman is heading to the very top in the not-too-distant future.

So, it’s more than good news that Hale End may already have a right-footed version of him ready to make his own way into the team in the coming years.

Arsenal's right-footed Dowman

Even after the likes of Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly, and Dowman, Arsenal appear to have a number of genuinely exciting prospects emerging from the Hale End ranks, including Mari Solomon and Andre Harriman-Annous.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Yet, when it comes to someone who could be seen as a right-footed Dowman, it’s impossible to look past Alex Marciniak.

The 17-year-old Welshman may not quite have the output to match the now-first-teamer at the moment, but there are several apparent similarities between the pair and plenty of encouraging signs.

First of all, while the “insane” Cardiff-born talent, as dubbed by academy expert Will Balsam, is primarily viewed as an attacking midfielder at present, he has shown an impressive level of positional versatility over the last year or so.

He has played out on the left wing, in left midfield, and has even made an appearance in defensive midfield, so, like Dowman, he could come in and play wherever the manager needs him.

Second, the teenage gem has a similar ability to glide past opposition defenders, thanks in large part to his “above-average technique”, Rising stars XI put it, and his “tidy footwork,” per Balsam.

Moreover, even though he hasn’t got the numbers of Dowman just yet, there is every chance he could by the end of the year.

Hale End prodigy left Arsenal for £0, now he's better than Gyokeres & Isak

Arsenal could have saved a lot of hassle in the transfer market with a decision at Hale End.

ByMatt Dawson Sep 7, 2025

For example, he’s already scored a goal and provided an assist in three appearances for the U18s, has “an eye for goal”, and, according to Balsam, “has a big season ahead of him.”

Ultimately, even though he still has plenty of developing to do, Marciniak looks like he could be the next Hale Ender to make the jump to the first team, and in the process become Arteta’s right-footed Dowman.

Arsenal were heavily linked with a move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo in the summer transfer window, but a swoop was believed to be contingent on one of Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard leaving the Emirates Stadium.

Selling one of the pair would have freed up both funds and space in Mikel Arteta’s squad for the Brazilian, but instead, Arsenal agreed a new contract with Trossard, including a bumper pay rise, but no extension.

Arsenal also didn’t end up selling Martinelli, despite reports that his or Trossard’s departure could have led to a potential Rodrygo deal (Ben Jacobs), but it is worth noting that both players have just under 24 months on their contracts.

While Andrea Berta and co have the option to extend the former’s stay by another year, Martinelli has struggled to replicate his best form on a consistent enough basis lately, whilst failing to match his stellar 2022/2023 season, when he finished the campaign with 15 Premier League goals.

Kepa Arrizabalaga

£5m

Martin Zubimendi

£60m

Christian Norgaard

£15m

Noni Madueke

£52m

Cristhian Mosquera

£13m

Viktor Gyokeres

£55m

Eberechi Eze

£67.5m

Piero Hincapie

Loan

Uncertainty has surrounded the Brazilian’s future for the better part of a year, and Arsenal did seriously consider bringing in Rodrygo alongside the likes of Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke before September 1.

Arsenal held talks over signing Rodrygo as far back as May, and reports continued to link Arteta’s side long into the window before it became apparent that a move wasn’t going to happen.

Since then, Rodrygo has been in and out of Xabi Alonso’s starting eleven for Real. He was given the nod for their 3-0 win away to Real Oviedo in late August, but managed just 18 minutes off the bench against Mallorca and was an unused substitute in their opening La Liga game of the season.

A lack of guaranteed game time could force the 24-year-old to consider his options, and according to CaughtOffside, Arsenal are very much still in the frame.

Andrea Berta's "reassessed" Gabriel Martinelli stance at Arsenal amid "key" Rodrygo claim

As per their information, Arsenal wanted around £60 million to sell Martinelli in the summer, but interested suitors were only prepared to bid as high as £40 million.

However, AC Milan are believed to be targeting the winger and could move in January, as the Rossoneri see him as an ideal replacement for Rafael Leao.

Berta has “reassessed” Martinelli’s place in the Arsenal squad and a winter departure cannot be ruled out. The 24-year-old could also still come as a “key” sacrifice to make room for Rodrygo, who they are still interested in.

It is worth noting, though, that Rodrygo currently commands a price tag of around £85 million and would demand a salary of £165,000-per-week, so it may even take more than just Martinelli leaving to raise funds for such a marquee signing — especially after a summer of lavish spending already.

Leeds United have always gained great pride from allowing their homegrown starlets eventual minutes in the first team.

Kalvin Phillips would become a household name in the Premier League after making his Elland Road breakthrough, with Archie Gray also going on to be a £30m purchase by Tottenham Hotspur after he exploded into life in the senior picture at the Whites.

With Daniel Farke also recently stating that the development of youth is one of the “cornerstones” of the club’s ongoing philosophy, it wouldn’t be a great shock to see a new Phillips or Gray emerge in the very near future.

Amazingly, another member of the Gray family in Harry Gray, is already making considerable strides to break into the men’s set-up.

Harry Gray's rise at Leeds

With the young pair also having Leeds royalty deeply ingrained into their family tree in the form of great uncle Eddie Gray, it appears as if Elland Road is just woven into their DNA.

Before anyone gets too carried away, the 16-year-old striker has only made one fleeting cameo in Farke’s first-team to date, but his future does look very rosy in West Yorkshire, with his early goalscoring form in the Premier League 2 this season only adding to his immense hype.

From just four games this campaign in all competitions, Gray has helped himself to a blistering four strikes, with his weighty goal tally for both the U18s and U21s now standing at a very impressive 15 goals from 22 outings.

Branded the “real deal” by analyst Ben Mattinson, it does only feel like a matter of time now before the teenage sensation is leading the line for Farke’s men, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin potentially pushed all the way for a starting spot very soon by the England U17 international.

However, he isn’t the only hotly-tipped youngster at this moment in time in the U21 picture.

Leeds could even be brewing their next Phillips when looking at this very promising midfield talent who just signed his first-ever professional contract at his boyhood employers.

Leeds' next Phillips

While his career path has hit many a bump since exiting Leeds in 2022, with just 31 Manchester City appearances coming his way in three years, it goes without saying that he is the standard that many of the new rising crop at Thorp Arch still try to hit.

Indeed, under Marcelo Bielsa’s transformative guidance, Phillips would turn into an extremely hot midfield commodity, with a senior Three Lions call-up even falling into the 29-year-old’s lap, before moving on to the Etihad for a substantial £40m.

While Ollie Pickles is way off hitting those heights at the moment, he will hope – sometime down the line – that he can experience these same amazing highs, having just penned his first-ever professional contract at Elland Road that runs until 2028.

The 17-year-old hotshot warranted that deal coming into play, too, with Pickles even donning the captain’s armband for the U21s last time out to show off similar leadership skills to those of Phillips in the main team.

DM

22

2 + 1

CM

10

3 + 2

AM

5

1 + 0

RW

1

0

LW

1

0

The similarities don’t just end there, however, with Pickles also showing off a similar eye for a goal and an assist to that of the former Bielsa favourite, with a standout five-goal contributions tallied up from the central midfield position from just ten outings.

Arguably, his added adaptability to slot into a right-wing or left-wing spot if needed also stands him in good stead to replicate Gray’s sharp rise, with the Spurs number 14’s malleable nature turning him into a constant regular under Farke.

Still, with previous interest in his services coming from the likes of Gray’s new employers, it could be that Pickles goes on to be another major sale for Leeds in the midfield department, like Phillips.

Before anything more concrete pops up over Pickles leaving, however, the teenager will have to prove himself in the senior side, with chances potentially handed to him in the near future.

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Aston Villa had the most difficult situation of any Premier League club going into the transfer window, as they were the side closest to a PSR breach. After losing to Manchester United on the last day of the season and missing out on Champions League football, they didn’t have the financial means to go out and spend as much as they would have liked.

The ramifications of this have been felt in the league this season, as Unai Emery’s side have struggled in their opening games and were the last team to open their scoring account.

For teams with such financial restrictions, the best way to cope is by investing in and developing youth. In recent years, Villa have produced academy products such as Jacob Ramsey and signed the likes of Morgan Rogers.

And Emery is now looking to add to the Villans’ youth system by recruiting from the academy of a club that they have worked with in the past.

New signing marks beginning of relationship with Toure club

Aston Villa have completed a deal with Ivorian side ASEC Mimosas for their youngster, Mohamed Koné.

Koné is described as “a highly-rated midfielder who has attracted plenty of admirers”. Villa had first-hand experience with the youngster prior to finalising the deal, as he “spent a number of weeks at Bodymoor Heath before joining the club officially in the summer”. He has already been playing with the Aston Villa Under-21s in recent weeks, even scoring against Peterborough United.

The ASEC Mimosas academy has yielded success in the past, having developed talents like Yaya and Kolo Touré, along with several other Ivorian stars who have made it to the ‘big five’ European leagues. The Touré brothers are their most notable graduates and are players who have found success at the highest levels of English and European football.

Intriguingly, Aston Villa describe the move as a “symbol of the close relationship between Aston Villa and ASEC” and also reveal that this will be “the start of a productive relationship”, clearly trusting the African side’s capabilities in producing a funnel of talent to supplement their academy and first team with fresh prospects.

Villa's poor form could be an opportunity for Kone

Normally, a 17-year-old would have a long wait before breaking into the first team. However, Villa’s poor start to the season may make Emery gamble on him. Ramsey left the club in the summer to join Newcastle United, and Rogers’ inability to find form this season has been a major contributing factor to the club languishing in a relegation battle.

This may open the door for Koné or other youngsters to break into the first team if Emery can’t turn things around with the senior pros and his job security comes into question.

Ibrox leadership figures have scheduled talks with one of their top managerial candidates to take the vacant Rangers job.

Rangers manager candidates named

A number of names have been mentioned in recent days, but the Gers are yet to make an official appointment to replace Russell Martin. The former Southampton boss endured a woeful run, winning just once in seven attempts in the Scottish Premiership, and looked destined to lose his job from the get-go.

Names mentioned for the job so far include Sean Dyche, Danny Rohl, Derek McInnes and others. Dyche represents an experienced Premier League option out of those three, but it remains to be seen whether the 49ers will want to turn towards English football again or whether Dyche will be tempted by the job.

Rohl, meanwhile, represents an exciting yet risky option. He was excellent at Sheffield Wednesday as their struggles away from the pitch threatened the quality that took place on it. Now a free agent, he could replace Martin.

That said, McInnes arguably provides the best balance out of those three names. The Hearts manager has enjoyed quite the start to the current campaign, with his side sat top and unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership.

Given Hearts’ impressive run, it should come as no surprise that the manager has made Rangers’ list. Whether he’s willing to cut his project short just five months after arriving is the big question, though.

It’s a season-defining appointment for the Gers and one that the 49ers must get right. It looks as thought the American owners are edging closer to a final decision after the latest update, too.

Rangers schedule Gerrard talks

According to Sky Sports, the 49ers have now scheduled talks with Steven Gerrard, which will take place in the next few days. The Liverpool legend recently revealed that he has “unfinished business” in management and could make a return to Ibrox with that in mind.

If the 49ers are looking for a transformation into title contenders, then hiring the last Rangers manager to lift the Scottish Premiership at Ibrox certainly wouldn’t be a bad idea.

It wasn’t so long ago that Gerrard was receiving incredibly high praise from those around Ibrox and now the new set-up could reap the rewards from his return if talks go as planned this week.

Former Rangers chairman Dave King told reporters after the 45-year-old signed a new contract in 2019: “From the moment I met Steven, I could tell that he was the right man to help us to drive this club forward on the pitch. He has an elite mentality and that is exactly what I was looking for.

“He is relentless in his desire to bring success to our club and we are delighted that he has signed this new contract, which shows his commitment to Rangers.”

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A manager who has unfinished business in the technical area and an old club that are desperate for a turnaround. Rangers need Gerrard just as much as he needs them.