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Following Eddie Howe’s approval, Newcastle United have now reportedly opened initial talks to sign a midfield reinforcement who’s already keen on the move.

Newcastle's nightmare summer goes on

Newcastle have just under a month to turn their summer around. So far, the Magpies have welcomed Aaron Ramsdale, Anthony Elanga and young winger Antonio Cordero. Whilst on paper that may sound like a solid list of incomings, the real story is that it’s been a nightmare summer full of rejection for those at St James’ Park.

Howe made his demand clear to PIF that he wanted any business done early and, to the credit of the Newcastle owners, their failure hasn’t been for the want of trying. Initial targets included Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Bryan Mbeumo before all three headed to Chelsea and Manchester United respectively. But it couldn’t go on like this, could it?

Simply put, it could go on and has done ever since. Next on their list of targets was Hugo Ekitike. Lying in wait this time around, however, were the Premier League champions before Ekitike rejected the Magpies and became a Liverpool player.

The same story has since followed Newcastle’s interest in Benjamin Sesko, who has reportedly chosen Manchester United to send Howe and co. back to square one for the umpteenth time this summer.

Newcastle chiefs confident £40m star with "nose for goals" is set to join

Newcastle are confident they will sign a Premier League forward.

By
Callum Kemp

Aug 7, 2025

They can’t be knocked for their resilience, however, and those in Tyneside have instantly picked themselves up to go again – reportedly targeting both Nicolas Jackson and Malick Thiaw.

Reports have even gone as far as to suggest that they’ve already had an opening offer worth £26m to sign Thiaw turned down by AC Milan, having stepped up their chase for the centre-back.

Whether that ends their pursuit or they increase their offer is the big question, but the Milan defender isn’t the only new name on Newcastle’s reported shortlist.

Newcastle open talks to sign John McGinn

According to Football Insider, Newcastle have now opened initial talks to sign John McGinn from Aston Villa after receiving Howe’s approval. The Scotland midfielder is reportedly keen on a move to St James’ Park in an instant boost for Newcastle, and could yet be on his way to Tyneside this month.

Whether Unai Emery is willing to bid farewell to his captain is another question, though. Following a quiet summer of their own, Aston Villa are reportedly reluctant to sell McGinn this summer.

Whilst adding another attacker to their ranks should take priority, there’s no doubt that McGinn would add valuable leadership to the current Newcastle squad and replace the departed Sean Longstaff.

Over the last couple of months, Tottenham Hotspur have demonstrated how much of a cutthroat industry professional football can be – regardless of any level of success achieved.

Ange Postecoglou led the Lilywhites to Europa League glory back in May, but it wasn’t enough to maintain his job in North London as Daniel Levy handed him his marching orders.

The 17th-placed Premier League finish was the underlying reasoning behind his dismissal, handing the responsibility to Thomas Frank to build on the recent European triumph.

Such a decision could prove to be a risk in the months ahead, breaking the continuity that would’ve been in place had the Aussie remained in the role.

However, the board are handing the Dane the tools for added success during his tenure, looking to inject further quality into one area of the pitch before the September 1st deadline.

Tottenham’s attempt to land a new midfielder this summer

Despite scoring 64 times in the Premier League last season – the seventh-highest tally of any side – Frank has made a beeline to improve the options available to him in forward areas.

Mohammed Kudus has already completed a £55m move, but it hasn’t stopped the Lilywhites from pursuing a move for other targets such as Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

The 27-year-old has been a leading talent in the Premier League as of late, notching 16 goal contributions last season – which has seen Spurs prepare an opening offer for his services.

However, attention is also being focused on the midfield department, leading to reports from media in Spain that Conor Gallagher has once again appeared on their radar.

The article states that Frank’s side are one of various English outfits preparing offers to sign the Atlético Madrid star, with a €50m (£42m) price tag currently being mooted.

It’s also been confirmed that the 25-year-old would be keen on a return to England, after just one year in LaLiga following his £34m departure from boyhood outfit, Chelsea.

Why Spurs’ £42m target would be perfect for Eze

A deal to sign Eze between now and the end of the window would signal real intent from Spurs owner Levy – splashing the cash and subsequently landing a star who can take the side up a gear.

The 27-year-old has made a real name for himself in England’s top-flight in recent times, racking up quite the goal catalogue – which includes a phenomenal strike against fellow North London outfit Arsenal.

Such a strike has also sparked keen interest from Mikel Arteta’s side, which could present a bidding war between the two clubs in the not-too-distant future.

Frank will no doubt be hoping his side can come out on top, finally landing the number 10 he’s craved – after previously missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White this summer.

Given the £60m price tag, it would add pressure on the Englishman to succeed, something which Gallagher could relieve, should he complete his own big-money transfer in the coming weeks.

Whilst the former Chelsea star is more of a ball-winning option, he could offer a presence at the heart of the side which could free Eze up to cause carnage in attacking areas.

According to FBref, Gallagher ranked in the 89th percentile for tackles won (1.8) and in the 90th percentile for recoveries made (5.9) – leading to journalist John Cross labelling him as “sensational”.

However, he was just as impressive in possession, making 3.5 progressive passes per 90 at a success rate of 85% – able to do the ‘dirty work’ before finding Eze with his line-breaking ability.

Injuries have also decimated the Spurs side in recent months, but the 25-year-old could provide a consistent presence in North London – having never missed a senior outing through injury to date.

Whilst many fans will be crying out for a deal for Eze this summer, a move for Gallagher could arguably be just as important for the club in their attempts for Premier League glory.

His addition from Atlético could see him be the perfect box-to-box option, as seen by his ability to regain possession before progressing the play into forward areas.

A combination between the two England internationals could prove to be a frightening one, subsequently being able to solve two of the problems positions that faced Frank upon his arrival in North London.

Better transfer than Kudus: Spurs set to make bid to sign £60m star

Tottenham Hotspur look set to drop another mammoth sum on a new addition this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 15, 2025

AC Milan cruised into the Coppa Italia round of 16 with a 3-0 win over Lecce at San Siro, but the biggest cheer of the night was for Santiago Gimenez. The Mexican striker finally broke his goal drought with his first of the season, ending months of frustration following the rumours about his future at the Serie A club.

• Gimenez ends drought in Lecce win

  The 24-year-old opened the scoring in the first half, tapping in from close range after a Davide Bartesaghi assist. The goal came just two minutes after Lecce saw Jamil Siebert was sent off, leaving the visitors with 10 men. Milan took full advantage, with Christopher Nkunku and Christian Pulisic adding goals to complete a comfortable 3-0 win.

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  Gimenez’s Milan journey so far

  Gimenez joined AC Milan from Feyenoord in a €37 million deal in January this year, making him one of the most expensive Mexican players ever. He burst onto the scene with quick goals in his first two games, but things soon got tougher as his form dipped and talk of an early exit started doing the rounds, with Roma, Brentford and Newcastle all linked. However, the 24-year-old rejected the move and made it clear that he wants to stay at San Siro and fight for his place. The Mexican international received backing from new manager Massimiliano Allegri, who praised his key contribution in the win over Bologna last week.

• Mexican striker fully committed to Milan dream

  Speaking to after Tuesday's game, Gimenez admitted the relief of finally finding the net, saying: “As a striker, you have to score goals. In the last few games, I’ve had chances, but the ball just wasn’t going in. The important thing is that one goes in so the others can follow.” 

  On speculation linking him with a move away in August, he was clear: "As a child, I dreamed of playing for AC Milan. I'm in my dream team, and I want to fulfill my dreams wearing this jersey. I never thought about leaving."

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  When do AC Milan play next?

  The Rossoneri now have two big games ahead in Serie A, facing league leaders Napoli on Sunday before travelling to Juventus on October 5. Gimenez has seven goals in 25 appearances since joining Milan, and with his first of the season behind him, fans will hope he can rediscover the form that made him such a big signing.

Liverpool’s search for a top-tier striker has intensified as the transfer window enters its final stages.

The club’s pursuit of Alexander Isak has dominated headlines this summer.

However, with Newcastle holding firm over a potential British-record transfer fee, Liverpool have started exploring alternative options.

The Reds have already been active in the market.

They have brought in Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, Hugo Ekitiké from Frankfurt, Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth, and Giovanni Leoni from Parma.

These signings signal the club’s intent to strengthen the squad ahead of another Premier League title challenge and a fresh Champions League campaign.

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Liverpool target Isak alternative

Isak’s protracted saga has created uncertainty, forcing the club to explore options capable of delivering an immediate impact while providing long-term potential.

One such player has emerged as a potential alternative.

A striker described by journalist Pablo González as a “monster,” whose skill set and goal-scoring instincts make him an intriguing proposition for a team with high expectations in both domestic and European competition.

Transfer Focus

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

Enter Julian Álvarez, the 25-year-old Argentine international. The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle has suggested that the former Manchester City star is ‘another name’ on their radar, while his colleague, Paul Gorst, has questioned how much ‘appetite’ there might be on Liverpool’s end to test Atletico Madrid’s resolve.

With a market value soaring to £142m, Álvarez has made 46 appearances for Argentina, scoring 13 goals, and netting 29 goals alongside seven assists across all competitions last season for Atletico.

His statistical profile positions him as a modern forward capable of both finishing chances and contributing to build-up play, drawing comparisons to players such as Vinícius Jr. of Real Madrid and Omar Marmoush of Manchester City.

Liverpool’s interest reflects a desire to secure a striker who combines goal threat with versatility.

Álvarez is capable of playing across the front line, linking effectively with wingers, and providing an option in wide channels if needed.

While the price tag and competitive market will complicate negotiations, his proven ability to perform in high-level competitions makes him an appealing alternative should the Isak deal fall through.

How Álvarez compares to Isak

From a tactical standpoint, Álvarez offers several advantages that could make him a suitable replacement for Isak while also complementing Liverpool’s existing attacking options.

His profile blends technical skill, mobility, and a high work rate, which would enable him to integrate into Arne Slot’s pressing and positional systems.

Whereas Isak excels as a central finisher with excellent movement and finishing in tight spaces, Álvarez provides additional dimensions through progressive passing and creative contributions, offering versatility in multiple attacking scenarios.

Statistically, the comparison underscores this difference.

In terms of ball progression, Álvarez averages 2.83 progressive carries per 90 versus Isak’s 2.71, and 3.30 progressive passes per 90 compared with Isak’s 2.88, highlighting his involvement in moving the ball forward and initiating attacking sequences.

Shooting metrics reflect a similar pattern.

Álvarez takes 2.51 shots per 90 with 1.29 on target, slightly below Isak’s 3.10 shots and 1.34 on-target rate, but his shot accuracy (51.4%) surpasses Isak’s 43.2%, indicating a higher efficiency when attempting to score.

Passing also remains an area where the Atleti forward differentiates himself, completing 25.7 passes per 90 at a 74.2% pass completion rate, compared with Isak’s 17.0 passes and 75.3% accuracy.

Notably, Álvarez’s progressive passing distance of 95.1 metres per 90 dwarfs Isak’s 53.7 metres, showing his capacity to advance the ball into threatening positions consistently.

In terms of creativity, Álvarez recorded 3.87 shot-creating actions per 90, significantly above Isak’s 3.01, suggesting he can make an impact beyond pure goal scoring.

This combination of attributes makes Álvarez a multi-dimensional forward capable of linking play, finishing opportunities, and contributing to Liverpool’s wide and central attacking structures.

He offers a slightly different skill set from Isak, providing Slot with the flexibility to adjust the team’s tactical approach depending on opposition and match context.

His ability to carry the ball into attacking zones, create chances for others, and finish efficiently mirrors Liverpool’s style of blending pressing intensity with dynamic attacking movement.

Moreover, the 25-year-old’s versatility could help Liverpool mitigate risk.

Should Isak’s transfer fail, having a player capable of playing across the front line or drifting into wide channels ensures Liverpool are not left with a single type of striker.

His profile complements the creativity of Mohammed Salah, allowing for multiple combinations in attack.

While Isak may bring superior finishing instincts, Álvarez provides a more rounded offensive package, combining goal-scoring ability with creative distribution and positional fluidity.

He represents a high-potential alternative for Liverpool, embodying the traits necessary to thrive in the Premier League while adding layers of creativity and adaptability.

The Argentine offers a balance of efficiency, technical ability, and tactical intelligence that aligns with Liverpool’s attacking philosophy.

If Liverpool act decisively, he could emerge as a central figure in their forward line, bridging the gap left by an unsettled Isak while complementing the club’s existing offensive talents.

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Kerkez will love him: £76m star talking to Alisson about joining Liverpool

Liverpool are drawing up contingency plans in the event they can’t sign Newcastle’s Isak.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 24, 2025

Arsenal welcomed regelation-battlers West Ham United to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, with the aim of getting three more points to temporarily rise to the top of the Premier League table. However, they were dealt a hammer blow in the opening half hour after Martin Odegaard was forced to withdraw once again this season after he seemed to be struggling with his knee.

• Odegaard comes off within half an hour against West Ham

  Arsenal were dealt a huge blow on Saturday as Odegaard has suffered another injury. The Gunners' captain had to be taken off in the 29th minute in their Premier League encounter against West Ham at the Emirates Stadium, compounding Mikel Arteta's problems in the early phase of the season. 

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  Odegaard unable to rid himself of injuries

  It's the third time the 26-year-old was forced off the pitch due to an injury. Back in August, in a fixture against Leeds United, Odegaard fell awkwardly on his shoulder, which led him to miss training in the following days. He was named on the bench for the blockbuster clash against Liverpool at the end of August. Then, after the September international break, his shoulder problem worsened against Nottingham Forest, with Arsenal forced to take him off in the 17th minute. He missed three games: the Champions League opener against Athletic Club, the league encounter against Manchester City, and the EFL Cup fixture against minnows Port Vale. 

• Unwanted history created by Odegaard

  After his substitution against the Hammers on Saturday, the Norway international became the first player in Premier League history to be withdrawn in the first half of three consecutive league matches. Against Leeds and Forest, he was taken off after 38 and 18 minutes, respectively. He lasted just 29 minutes against West Ham.

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  How long will Arsenal remain without Odegaard's services?

  The latest setback suffered looked like a new one for the former Real Madrid playmaker. Around the 20-minute mark, Odegaard seemed to be limping, but tried to shrug off the knock without getting medical attention. Just minutes later, though, he fell to the ground once more and this time, the medical team ran to the pitch to attend to Odegaard's issues. 

  It remains to be seen how long the 26-year-old will spend on the treatment table, just when it seemed like he was getting back to his best, both fitness-wise and performance-wise. Arteta has fielded the Spanish double pivot of Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi in Odegaard's absence, with Eberechi Eze taking over the reins in the No.10 role. 

Tottenham Hotspur’s hunt for a new attacking midfielder has been unsuccessful to date, with Thomas Frank unable to land any of his transfer targets in such a position.

The need for a new attacking option in the role was evident before the Dane’s arrival, but after injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, such a need has grown tenfold.

Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze have been the new manager’s main targets throughout this summer, but the former agreed a new deal at Nottingham Forest, whilst the latter joined North London rivals, Arsenal.

With less than a week remaining in the transfer window, owner Daniel Levy desperately needs to hand the manager the tools and money he needs to land the player he desires.

As a result of missing out on the aforementioned duo, the boss has turned his attention to various other targets, but the Lilywhites face a race against time to complete a deal for their signatures.

Spurs’ hunt for a new attacking midfielder this summer

Over recent days, Spurs have made their move to land Como star Nico Paz, stumping up a £61m offer to land the Argentine before the September 1st transfer deadline.

However, the offer was swiftly rejected by the Serie A outfit, with the player now expected to remain with his current employers for at least the 2025/26 campaign.

The youngster isn’t the only player currently in their sights, with West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta another target they’re eyeing, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The journalist confirmed that the Lilywhites have reached out to the Hammers to discuss a possible transfer, with talks seemingly heading in the right direction for the 27-year-old.

It has previously been reported that the Brazilian could be available for as little as £40m before the transfer deadline, potentially seeing Frank’s side land themselves a bargain transfer.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be perfect for Kudus

Despite failing to land a new attacking midfielder in recent weeks, Spurs have already conducted shrewd business in the transfer market to date – completing a deal for Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United.

The hierarchy forked out £55m for the Ghanaian’s signature earlier this window, with such a figure seeming to be a bargain given his early-season form in North London.

He’s yet to find the back of the net for the Lilywhites, but has already racked up two assists in his first two league outings – with both coming in the 3-0 triumph over Burnley on the opening day.

However, he could also be aided in his attempts at the club if the hierarchy back manager Frank in the market, potentially landing a number ten who could provide Kudus with needed opportunities in front of goal.

A deal for Paqueta could see a reunion between the pair, after they operated together in the Hammers first team for two years – before Kudus joined Spurs this summer.

Any move could hand the new addition the platform for added success in North London, with the Brazilian’s figures from the 2024/25 season showcasing the creative threat he possesses.

Paqueta, who’s been labelled “one of the best 10s in the world” by one data analyst, ranked in the 94th percentile for through balls completed per 90 (0.7), whilst also ranking in the 81st percentile for passes into the final third (5.1).

Both tallies highlight his desire to break the lines and thread balls into dangerous areas, which could massively aid Kudus in trying to build on his impressive start to life under Frank.

He also achieved a pass accuracy rate of 78%, with 5.8 of his passes per 90 being described as progressive – further showcasing his ability to cause the opposition havoc at any given opportunity.

Paqueta has shown evidence that he’s capable of finding the back of the net himself, posting a goal-per-shot-on-target rate of 0.7 – which saw him rank in the top 6% of all players in England’s top-flight last season.

Kudus’ assist tally already this campaign could allow the big-money addition to return the favour to his former teammate in forward areas, should the Lilywhites hierarchy land the Brazilian.

The prospect of the pair linking up once again is certainly something for the Spurs fans to get excited about, with their partnership potentially playing a huge role in their potential success in 2025/26.

£40m would be a bargain transfer fee for Paqueta, subsequently landing a player with top-flight experience which could prove vital in any chances of Premier League title glory in the years ahead.

Their own Rice: Spurs begin talks to force through "world-class" signing

Tottenham Hotspur have made their move to land a top-level European talent in recent days.

4

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 27, 2025

Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch has questioned Reds boss Arne Slot's tactics after the Premier League champions lost 1-0 at Galatasaray in the Champions League in midweek, their second consecutive defeat after going down in stoppage time against Crystal Palace. Slot opted to start Mohamed Salah on the bench in a series of mistakes Crouch cited by the Dutchman, who has faced little scrutiny so far in his tenure having won the league title in his first season in charge.

• Arne Slot questioned over tactics as Liverpool lose in Istanbul

  Liverpool were defeated by a single goal in Istanbul, a first-half Victor Osimhen penalty converted after Dominik Szoboszlai was adjudged to have fouled Baris Alper Yilmaz with a trailing arm in the box. Crouch has labelled Slot’s tactical decisions as “strange” in the defeat.

  The Reds had 16 shots and 66% possession but were thwarted by the Turkish champions, leading to questions over some of the decisions made by the Dutch head coach – Jeremie Frimpong, usually a right-back by trade, started on the wing ahead of the rested Salah, who came on in the second half alongside Alexander Isak, Alexis Mac Allister and Conor Bradley. The struggles of Florian Wirtz also continued, as the £116million ($156m) signing flattered to deceive again.

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  Crouch questions Slot's decisions in Galatasaray defeat

  Peter Crouch was speaking exclusively to Paddy Power. He said: "Arne Slot made some mistakes in the Galatasaray game. Salah very rarely sits on the bench, playing Frimpong higher up, Szoboszlai at right back. It did feel a bit strange, the tactics. That’s the first time I’ve thought the manager got it wrong there. But other than that, I don’t think anyone is firing quite yet – Arsenal, City, Liverpool, Chelsea – everyone’s faltered.”

• Changes do not pay off as Liverpool defeated again

  It can be argued that the Reds underestimated their opponents, particularly considering their near-faultless run to first place in the league phase of last year’s Champions League. But this encounter would not prove as straightforward, as the deafening atmosphere was to the advantage of the buoyant home side. It would be Osimhen who won the game, a striker who has often been linked with a move to the Premier League but now plies his trade with Galatasaray instead.

  Crouch’s comments reflect a fact which Slot himself may be quick to admit, that he did not necessarily get things right on the night or give his side the best opportunity to win the game. The fact that he rung the changes early in the second period suggested that he felt players he had left on the bench may have had a better chance of getting his side back into the contest. Such a conundrum may, ultimately, end up becoming more commonplace following the club’s summer spending, with nearly £250m ($336m) worth of talent sat on the bench while players in the starting XI faltered. It has been suggested by Jamie Carragher that the club may even miss a man who left in Trent Alexander-Arnold.

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  Wirtz will come good – Crouch

  Crouch would defend Florian Wirtz, though, claiming the 22-year-old Germany international will “come good” and should be given a chance to settle into life on Merseyside.

  Crouch said: "Wirtz is a player, I think he's a class act. We're looking at him through 100-million-pound glasses. If he came through the youth team, we would be saying ‘oh what a fantastic, talented player.’ But if you cost £100 million, you need to hit the ground running, and that quite clearly hasn't happened. I had a difficult time when I didn’t score for ages, and I know the fans will stick by him. I genuinely do think he'll come good. I don't think anyone's created more chances than Wirtz this season. So the stats are there, once people start putting them away, or he starts them putting away, the confidence will grow and I think things will really go for him. He reminds me, in some ways, of Coutinho as someone who scored goals and he just needs a bit more luck."

It feels like it could be a long old season for West Ham United this year.

The East Londoners may have beaten Nottingham Forest last time out, but with three defeats before that, it feels like Graham Potter is already on borrowed time.

It’s not just the defeats that have been worrying, but the manner of them, losing 3-0 to newly promoted Sunderland, being thrashed 5-1 by London rivals Chelsea, and blowing a lead away to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Unsurprisingly, the Irons have been linked with a host of potential replacements in recent weeks, including former player Frank Lampard.

Frank Lampard could replace Graham Potter

With just six wins in 23 games, it’s not hard to imagine any number of managers doing a better job than Potter in East London, including Lampard.

The Hammers have reportedly already been in contact with the former player, and it’s easy to see why they might consider him a worthwhile gamble.

Since taking charge of Coventry City, the 47-year-old has won 20 games, drawn seven and lost 12, which isn’t too bad at all considering the hyper-competitive nature of the Championship.

Moreover, since the season began, the Sky Blues have been absolutely flying, scoring 14 goals, conceding just six and taking eight points from a possible 12.

Moreover, while the former Chelsea legend didn’t exactly blow anyone away the last time he managed in the Premier League, he was still able to keep Everton from going down and averaged 1.75 points per game during his first stint in the Stamford Bridge dugout.

In all, Lampard looks to have further developed as a manager and could be the answer to West Ham’s Potter-shaped problems.

However, there is another manager on the market who we think would do an even better job at the London Stadium and help the likes of Jarrod Bowen reach another level.

The manager West Ham should hire over Lampard

Now, although we think Lampard would do a better job managing West Ham than Potter, an even better option than him might be Marco Rose.

Manager Focus

Granted, the German manager hasn’t actually been linked with the club yet, but since leaving RB Leipzig in March of this year, he has been without a club.

So, why would the East Londoners want to hire the 48-year-old?

Well, one of the most significant reasons is that he’s a manager who tends to get the very best out of his attacking talent, and as a result, plays some exhilarating football.

For example, in the 20/21 season, Borussia Dortmund scored 75 goals in the Bundesliga, but then by the end of the following season, when Rose was in charge, they’d moved up a place in the table and scored 85 goals.

The same happened at Borrussia Mönchengladbach, as they finished the 18/19 season having scored 55 goals, which increased to 66 the following campaign and 64 the year after that.

Moreover, while the effectiveness of Leipzig’s attack did vary a bit more during his tenure, the former RB Salzburg boss led them to a DFB Pokal triumph.

So, just imagine what the “outstanding” tactician, as dubbed by Dortmund legend Marco Reus, could do with players like Jarrod Bowen, who, even in this system, continues to be a real goalscoring threat.

Finally, even if you ignore the argument that he’ll bring a more entertaining brand of football to the club, you can just look at his overall managerial record.

In 458 matches, he has managed to maintain an average of 1.98 points per game – and win two league titles in Austria – whereas Lampard has averaged 1.51 points per game and Potter an even less impressive 1.50.

Ultimately, even though he hasn’t been linked with the club, West Ham should do what they can to hire Rose, and not only would he be an upgrade on Potter, but his attacking style could get even more out of Bowen.

West Ham make contact with ex-Everton manager to replace Graham Potter

Potter’s job is far from secure at the London Stadium…

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By
Tom Cunningham

Sep 6, 2025

Memphis Depay could remain at Corinthians beyond 2026 despite a dispute over unpaid bonuses. The 31-year-old Dutch attacker has been key for the Sao Paulo giants since arriving from Atletico Madrid and Corinthians are reportedly keen to extend his contract once their current financial obligations are settled.

• Corinthians weighing Depay contract extension amid bonus disputes

  According to , Corinthians are considering a contract extension for Depay, who is currently tied to the Brazilian club until mid-2026. The Netherlands star has become a key figure for the side, scoring seven goals in 11 games at the end of last season and helping them secure the Paulista title. However, financial issues at the club have complicated matters, with unpaid bonuses and signing fee instalments still outstanding.

  Chief Financial Officer Emerson Piovesan admitted the club’s difficulties while speaking to , describing it as “the biggest challenge of my life.” Corinthians have stated that fulfilling the agreements in the current contract is their top priority before discussing any extension. Once these obligations are resolved, the club is likely to offer Depay a renewal to maintain continuity and retain one of their most influential players.

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  Ex-Barca & Man Utd forward still breaking records for Netherlands

  Depay’s impact extends beyond Brazil, as he continues to shine for the Netherlands. After surpassing Robin van Persie as the Dutch national team’s all-time top scorer last month, he followed it up by overtaking Wesley Sneijder as the record assist holder when he set up two goals in the 4-0 win against Finland on Sunday. His international tally now stands at 54 goals and 36 assists, cementing his legacy as a record-breaking Oranje forward.

  Having previously played for Manchester United, Lyon, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, Depay has established himself as a global star. Despite challenges in Europe, he has embraced Brazilian football and cultivated a cult following at Corinthians. His unique persona, as a footballer, rapper and philanthropist, has also enhanced his status in Sao Paulo.

• Standoff over unpaid bonuses and contract complications

  The contract saga has been complicated by ongoing disputes over unpaid bonuses. Reports suggest Depay is owed €1.7 million in performance-related bonuses, alongside a €1m instalment of his signing bonus, which was due in mid-September 2025. These financial disagreements sparked rumours that the striker could terminate his contract early, with Turkish side Besiktas briefly linked to a potential move.

  Despite these tensions, no transfer materialised before the deadline, and Corinthians remain keen to resolve matters amicably. The club’s cautious approach reflects their financial constraints while ensuring they retain their star forward, whose performances have been instrumental in revitalising their attack.

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  Up next for Depay and Corinthians

  Once current payments are settled, Corinthians are expected to open discussions for a new deal with Depay, potentially extending his stay beyond 2026. The Dutch striker’s presence will be crucial as the club navigates the domestic league and prepares for upcoming competitions.

  Depay’s international form also positions him for further milestones with Netherlands, making him a key player both for Corinthians and on the global stage. The resolution of his contract issues will determine whether he remains in Sao Paulo long-term or considers a move abroad, ensuring all eyes remain on the striker in the coming months.

Manchester United are approaching post-Peter Schmeichel territory in their goalkeeping ranks, with that department having now seen so much upheaval over recent seasons.

Indeed, Andre Onana – now on loan at Turkish side Trabzonspor – has certainly shown shades of Fabian Barthez during his disastrous Old Trafford stint, arriving with a notable reputation, much like the Frenchman, albeit while ultimately departing as another error-strewn maverick.

Described as “one of the worst goalkeepers” in the club’s history by Nemanja Matic ahead of the first-leg Europa League tie with Lyon last season – a game in which Onana made two notable errors – the 29-year-old failed to convince right from the outset.

First impressions are vital, with the Cameroonian’s first taste of Old Trafford seeing him caught out by an outrageous long-range effort in the pre-season clash with Lens in that summer of 2023. That was a sign of things to come.

While United were arguably right to send David De Gea on his way, recent evidence would suggest they settled on the wrong replacement. Can new man Senne Lammens fare any better?

Why Man Utd have signed Senne Lammens

The £17m signing from Royal Antwerp will have to wait to make his Red Devils debut, with Ruben Amorim confirming that Altay Bayindir will retain his place in the sticks for the Manchester derby, despite enduring a shaky start to the new campaign.

Such a decision may have alarm bells ringing already, not least amid claims that Amorim was focused on signing Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez instead, only for the financial package of that deal to prove prohibitive.

There may be a sense that the former Sporting CP boss doesn’t quite have the faith in his young new arrival as yet. Alternatively, perhaps he is merely protecting the Belgian from what would likely be a tiresome comparison with new Manchester City stopper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, at the opposite end.

Either way, at just 23, Lammens represents a player of potential rather than a ready-made, proven solution, with 2024/25 having actually been his first as a first-choice option at senior level.

What a season it was, however, with BBC Sport’s Umir Irfan noting that ‘of all goalkeepers in Europe’s top ten leagues last season, Lammens ranked first for total saves made (173) with a 77.4% save percentage.’

As per FBref too, he ranks in the top 1% of his peers for crosses stopped, in the top 7% for penalties saved and in the top 9% for save percentage. With a goals prevented record of 14.8 to boot, this is arguably a player of young De Gea quality.

That being said, his route to regular football in Manchester will not be a straightforward one – and not just because of the presence of Bayindir…

Why Radek Vitek could be the actual Onana replacement

It would be a surprise for Lammens not to have usurped the Turkish international by the end of this season, with the former Fenerbahce man so regularly underwhelming in a United shirt – his opening day calamity against Arsenal a perfect case in point.

When 2026/27 rolls around, however, there will be renewed competition amid the expected return of Radek Vitek from his loan spell at Bristol City, with the Czech giant already earning rave reviews at Ashton Gate.

The 6 foot 6 starlet – who has been part of United’s academy set-up since 2020 – made 18 appearances for Accrington Stanley at the end of the 2023/24 season, before joining Austrian side Blau-Weiss Linz last term.

That season-long loan saw the 21-year-old concede just 35 goals in 26 starts in the Bundesliga, keeping six clean sheets in that time and making just a solitary error leading to a shot. There were no errors leading to a goal, as per Sofascore.

Such fine form has been replicated in his early days in the Championship, with Vitek kicking things off with a commanding debut display in the thumping 4-1 win over Sheffield United.

That was followed by “another top performance” in the 0-0 draw with Charlton Athletic, as per the Daily Mail’s Nathan Salt, with the United correspondent even suggesting that his “value is about to rocket this season”.

With high points that include his standout save to deny Oli McBurnie against Hull City, Vitek is very much making the most of this chance to shine in England’s second tier, with a more prominent role back at United perhaps on the cards later down the line.

Having signed a new deal prior to joining the Robins on loan, MEN’s Samuel Luckhurst has made the point that academy players who seal a loan to the Championship are often viewed as players who can one day make an impact in United’s first team. Just look at the rise of Amad following his stellar season at Sunderland.

And so, while another experienced option might well be considered next summer, alongside the possibility of Lammens cementing that position for himself, United can be safe in the knowledge that they potentially have the perfect Onana replacement already in-house.