All posts by h716a5.icu

Aston Villa only have a limited time to raise funds in their battle to avoid PSR sanctions, with the footballing financial deadline for 2024/2025 looming on June 30.

£120k-a-week Aston Villa outfielder has now opened talks to join elite club

He could leave with Emiliano Martinez.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2025

Unai Emery’s side can only register a loss of around £15 million for the year just gone, according to a recent report by The Athletic, with Premier League clubs only permitted losses of around £105m over a rolling three-year period.

Villa are forecast to be over this limit as things stand, prompting NSWE to explore the possibility of selling their women’s team in a bid to comply with PSR and swerve breaches.

Emery falling just short of qualifying for the Champions League at the end of 24/25 cost them dearly both on and off the field, and there is every possibility that Villa could look to secure a big-name exit in the next two days to raise funds.

Their marquee sales of Jhon Duran and Moussa Diaby to Saudi Arabia have really helped in this regard, but they could require at least one more as the PSR deadline looms.

Atletico Madrid held talks with Lucas Digne over a switch to La Liga recently, according to Football Insider, and the 52-cap Frenchman, with just one year remaining on his £120,000-per-week contract, could be a prime contender for the exit door.

Emiliano Martínez, Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana are other players named as potential candidates to leave, while clubs are expressing a serious interest in Villa sensation Morgan Rogers as well.

The clock is ticking for Villa to agree a significant departure, and they could be handed a chance to make some money off Kosta Nedeljkovic’s talks to join RB Leipzig permanently (Sky Germany).

However, according to journalist Wayne Veysey, Villa have also alerted representatives to their stance over selling star striker Ollie Watkins.

Aston Villa tell agents they're ready to sell Ollie Watkins

Emery’s side rejected a low-ball £40 million bid from Arsenal for Watkins in January, but the Gunners haven’t followed that up with any formal approach so far this summer.

Writing for Football Insider, Veysey states Villa have told “senior agents” that they’re ready to sell Watkins by Monday, but they’re yet to find a buyer for the talismanic forward, who bagged 17 goals and 14 assists in all competitions last term.

The 29-year-old, who’ll turn 30 in December, also became the club’s all-time top Premier League goalscorer at the back end of 24/25, surpassing Gabriel Agbonlahor, but Villa have apparently made it clear they’re willing to do a deal.

Emery may not be a fan of this decision, or supporters for that matter, considering they already let Duran go earlier this year – and it would be an almighty task to replace Watkins’ influence up front.

“He deserves it completely because he is a hard worker,” said Emery about Watkins, after the ex-Brentford star broke Agbonlahor’s Premier League goalscoring record for Villa.

“He is committed with Aston Villa. His courage has been fantastic and to achieve it is very fantastic. I am so, so grateful to have a player like him.”

Enzo Maresca will have plenty of work to do this summer if he wants to strengthen his Chelsea squad for the challenges ahead.

The Blues are set to take part in the inaugural Club World Cup in America this month.

While the prize money on offer is ridiculous – the winner is set to receive up to $125m – Maresca will be keen on using the tournament as extended preparation for pre-season.

Date

Opponent

Venue

Monday, June 16

Los Angeles

Mercedes-Benz stadium

Friday, June 20

Flamengo

Lincoln Financial Field

Tuesday, June 24

Esperance

Lincoln Financial Field

Liam Delap has already been signed by the Stamford Bridge outfit ahead of the competition, but unless a deal can be done swiftly, this will be all of their business before they fly across the pond.

Of course, this won’t stop the manager from working hard behind the scenes to try and plan with regard to future signings.

Indeed, several players have been linked recently. Mike Maignan, the French number one and AC Milan goalkeeper, could be tempted to make the move from Italy to England in the coming weeks.

Jamie Gittens is another potential addition to the squad that Maresca is working hard to get done.

The club have reportedly had a bid rejected for the winger, with Borussia Dortmund looking at a fee of around £42m for the Englishman.

This won’t be wrapped up before the Club World Cup, but could the Blues make the move a priority?

Why Chelsea want to sign Jamie Gittens

It is no secret that the Stamford Bridge outfit loves to hoover up the best young talents. The squad is full of players who aren’t quite at their peak, but have incredible potential.

Enzo Fernández, Cole Palmer, Tyrique George, Marc Guiu and Moises Caicedo immediately spring to mind.

There could be a major overhaul of the first-team squad this summer, as several players look set to leave London. As a result, there could be an opening for the exciting Gittens.

Since making his debut for Dortmund four seasons ago, the English forward has gone from strength to strength, echoing the trajectory of both Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham at the German club.

He has made over 100 appearances for the Bundesliga side, registering a total of 31 goal contributions – 17 goals and 14 assists – an impressive tally at such a tender age.

Last season was a mixed one for the 20-year-old, however. He did continue his development during the first half of 2024/25, but once Niko Kovac took over as manager, his progress stalled.

The winger created six big chances and succeeded with 2.4 dribbles per game – a success rate of 52% – which proved he loved causing chaos for opposition defenders.

Under Kovac, Gittens started just nine of his 16 matches, scoring a solitary goal for the club, a stark contrast to the 11 goals he’d netted earlier in the campaign. It is obvious that the Croatian manager doesn’t see a future for the talented youngster in his current system.

If the Blues are able to secure the services of Gittens for a fee that won’t break the bank, they could be onto a winner, no doubt about that.

He is young, has a high ceiling and has sparked in a top-five European League while making appearances in the Champions League.

Chelsea have a player joining in the next few weeks that may be an even bigger talent than Gittens, however. Step forward, Estevao.

Chelsea's future Ballon d'Or winner

In May 2024, the Blues secured a deal to bring Brazilian sensation Estevao to Stamford Bridge, paying a fee in the region of £29m for the winger.

Over the years, players such as Neymar, Vinícius Jr, Rodrygo and Kaka have moved from Brazil to Europe in a bid to make their mark on the continent.

Estevao is no different, and Chelsea certainly looked like they had struck gold in signing the then-17-year-old.

The teenager has received some wonderful praise during the embryonic stages of his career thus far. Analyst Ben Mattinson believes he is a “future Ballon d’Or winner” while already going as far as to say that he is a “superstar” thanks to his early displays for Brazilian side Palmeiras.

Former prodigy Neymar has even gone as far as to say the youngster is a “genius” and this sort of praise suggests Chelsea have signed someone who will rake them in a giant profit in a few years.

Since making his club debut in 2023, the 18-year-old has already racked up 78 senior appearances for Palmeiras, scoring 26 goals and grabbing 15 assists in the process.

His performances in the 2025 Copa Libertadores have been a joy to watch indeed. He has recorded five goal involvements across his five games in the competition thus far.

When compared to his peers in South America’s most prestigious club competition, the teenager ranks in the top 1% for touches in the attacking penalty area (7.82) and non-penalty goals (0.95) per 90.

1. Lamine Yamal

2. Estevao

3. Pau Cubarsi

4. Warren Zaire-Emery

5. Endrick

6. Ethan Nwaneri

7. Claudio Echeverri

8. Myles Lewis-Skelly

9. Jorrel Hato

10. Francesco Camarda

Furthermore, he also ranks in the top 2% for shots on target (2.13) and for carries into the penalty area (3.32) per 90 for Palmeiras.

His performances have led to the youngster already winning five caps for Brazil, making his debut against Ecuador last September, aged just 17.

If he continues this upwards trajectory, there is no doubt Estevao will be a regular fixture for his nation under the management of Carlo Ancelotti.

The World Cup is a year away and by enjoying a successful debut season at Chelsea, he could well be the star of the show in America next summer.

His final act as a Palmeiras player will be to take them as far as possible at the Club World Cup this month.

They are in a group that includes Inter Miami, Porto and Al Ahly, with a knockout round space is certainly attainable if the club perform at their best.

For Maresca, he will be able to count on the Brazilian sensation once the tournament ends and the 2025/26 campaign begins.

While Gittens would be an exciting signing, no doubt. Do Chelsea need him? If Estevao can hit the ground running, £29m could turn out to be a shrewd piece of business for all involved.

Better than Delap: Chelsea step up move for £85m "monster in the making"

Chelsea are looking to improve their attacking options further

1 ByRoss Kilvington Jun 9, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are now ready to hijack a move for a £60m star, who Thomas Frank has called “incredible” in the past, according to a report.

Frank now leading contender to replace Ange at N17

Daniel Levy made the controversial call to sack Ange Postecoglou on Friday, with the Australian being dismissed despite leading Tottenham to their first major trophy in 17 years, and it would be fair to say the reaction has been mixed.

Former striker Teddy Sheringham was left particularly distraught by the decision, saying: “I’m absolutely devastated for Ange. He had a real rough ride last season with losing players through injury and the biggest thing is losing your two centre-halves and your goalkeeper for long periods.”

Not only that, but Sheringham doesn’t seem especially excited by the prospect of appointing Frank, who has now emerged as a leading target for Levy, with the former Spurs man adding: “Thomas Frank is okay. He’s alright. He’s doing well at Brentford.”

Tottenham pushing to sign £34m Inter Milan star with exit "increasingly close"

A Spurs player could even go the other way.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 6, 2025

Should the Brentford boss complete a move to N17, the new manager may be keen to make his own mark on the squad by bringing in some new players that he knows very well, and a new report has now revealed Tottenham want to hijack Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo deal.

Indeed, Levy is now plotting a stunning £70m raid on Brentford, with Mbeumo, who is valued at £60m, potentially in line to join alongside Frank, with a £10m compensation package required to appoint the Danish coach and his backroom staff.

Spurs are hoping that the offer of Champions League football could give them an advantage in the negotiations, but they may have to move swiftly, with the Red Devils now edging towards agreeing a £60m deal.

"Incredible" Mbeumo could be ideal signing for Tottenham

The Brentford star was prolific in front of goal throughout the 2024-25 campaign, reaching the 20-goal mark alongside fellow forward Yoane Wissa, and his manager was certainly very impressed by his performances.

Speaking after his side secured a victory against Brighton & Hove Albion in April, Frank described the Cameroon international as “incredible”, with the forward also displaying a keen eye for picking up assists, notching eight across the campaign.

Having already got one up on Man United by winning the Europa League final, it would add insult to injury if Tottenham were able to hijack a deal for the 25-year-old, but the prospect of playing Champions League football under a manager he knows very well would surely be appealing.

As such, Spurs should look to secure a deal for Frank as soon as possible, and a recent update from Fabrizio Romano suggests it may not be too long, with the transfer expert saying: “Tottenham are aware of Thomas Frank’s position: he wants the job and he’s keen on becoming new Spurs coach.”

As Newcastle United look to solve their goalkeeper problem, a new option has reportedly emerged as one to watch in what would be one of the most surprising moves of the summer.

Newcastle's goalkeeper problem

Since last summer, Newcastle’s interest in James Trafford has been a fairly open secret. Reports even suggested that the Burnley shot-stopper had already agreed terms with the Magpies. One year on, however, Burnley are back in the Premier League and it remains to be seen whether the England international will complete a long-awaited move.

If it’s not to be Trafford, then whether Newcastle turn their attention elsewhere is the big question. Current No.1 Nick Pope had more injury problems throughout the 2024/25 campaign and with both him and Martin Dubravka not getting any younger, Eddie Howe could certainly do with a fresh face in between the sticks this summer.

Starts

28

10

Saves per 90

3.07

2.90

Save Percentage

71.7%

70.7%

Clean Sheets

8

5

The numbers do not paint a pretty picture for those at St James’ Park- the fact that Pope missed 10 Premier League games should send alarm bells ringing around Tyneside. With Champions League football to balance alongside domestic action next season, the last thing that Howe needs is for his No.1 to miss an extended period through injury again.

PIF should have money to spend this time around following a frustrating period amid PSR issues, and a large sum of that money should be spent on giving Howe a major upgrade in between the sticks. If recent reports are anything to go by though, the Magpies could be in for a shock on that front.

Fraser Forster is "one to keep an eye on"

According to The Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Fraser Forster is now “one to keep an eye on” as Newcastle look to sign another goalkeeper. The shot-stopper is likely to replace Odysseas Vlachodimos if he does arrive, with the former Nottingham Forest man among players who are likely to be shown the door at St James’ Park this summer.

Signing Forster, even if Vlachodimos departs, would remain a surprising move by Newcastle. Their current crop of goalkeepers is already an ageing one and adding a 37-year-old to that would hardly ease that problem – especially one who reportedly earns £75,000-a-week.

The Tottenham goalkeeper is still someone who earned the praise of Ange Posescoglou back in December, however, with the Australian telling reporters after Forster’s mistake against Liverpool: “He’s disappointed as well, because he was outstanding for us [before]. He didn’t have a lot to do before then. And even the first half, I thought he was really good with his feet.”

Whilst Forster is a player with plenty of experience, what is clear is that Newcastle will need more than just his arrival to solve their shot-stopping problems this summer.

Chelsea have reportedly submitted their opening offer for a Serie A star who’s openly admitted that he’ll consider offers to leave his club, with Enzo Maresca’s side expected to move quickly in the transfer market after their Conference League victory.

Chelsea seal Real Betis comeback to win first trophy under Maresca

The Premier League heavyweights were tipped as heavy favourites to lift this year’s Conference League trophy, but Real Betis threatened to give them a major shock.

Chelsea offer £21m striker a 6-year contract, agreement "just a matter of time"

He’s been clocked as the fastest player in his league.

2 ByEmilio Galantini May 28, 2025

Former Real Madrid star Isco gave them a hard time in the first-half, with Moises Caicedo struggling to contain the Spaniard, and it didn’t take long for Betis to secure a surprise early lead through Abde Ezzalzouli on the nine-minute mark.

Chelsea failed to kickstart any sort of momentum until midway through the second period, when Maresca’s side suddenly came to life and sparked a tremendous comeback against Manuel Pellegrini’s underdogs.

Goals from Enzo Fernández, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho and Caicedo, in the space of just half an hour, put the result beyond all doubt, with Chelsea taking home the Conference League spoils and confirming Maresca’s first piece of silverware since taking over as manager last year.

“We’ve improved a lot since we started,” said Maresca about Chelsea’s evolution in the last few weeks.

“We also started to win games in an ugly way. That is something with a young squad that you struggle to do that, but I think, for instance, in the Nottingham Forest game we won in a little bit of an ugly way. We found the way to win the game, that was very, very important.

“And then the best picture for me for tonight that made me understand that we were in the right direction is when we scored the first two guys to celebrate was Malo Gusto and Benoit Badiashile. The two that we changed. And this, probably sometimes we judge games, but this for me, for a manager, when you change players that they are not playing good and they are the first that they enjoy the celebration, that means a lot.”

Palmer in particular was vital in their comeback against Betis, putting in a genius attacking display, and BlueCo reportedly have every intention of providing the England international with quality new teammates this summer.

Chelsea submit opening bid for Lazio star Mario Gila

One of the key items on their agenda is the signing of a centre-back, according to Simon Phillips and other reliable sources. Chelsea held rounds of talks with Dean Huijsen before his switch to Real Madrid, but they haven’t given up on their chase for a new defender after missing out on the 20-year-old.

According to newspaper Il Messaggero, Lazio centre-back Mario Gila has now found his way onto Chelsea’s shortlist of targets as they seek an alternative to Huijsen.

The 24-year-old was a mainstay of Lazio’s backline throughout 2024/2025, with only midfielder Matteo Guendouzi playing more league minutes for them than Gila. However, he may well have played his final game for Marco Baroni’s side, and admitted midway through the campaign that he’s ready to listen to other offers despite becoming a “special” figure in Rome.

“I am very happy. Since last year, I started playing midway through the season, and everything is going very well. For a player, being a special figure is very important,” said Gila.

“At this moment, I am happy to be here. After that, whatever happens, I am ready to listen to everything. I have ambitions, and if there are options, I will listen to them and evaluate them. But I am very happy here; the team values me.”

Now, it would appear the Blues have taken him up on this.

Il Messagero reports that Chelsea have made an offer of around £29 million for Gila, but Lazio value him somewhere closer to £44 million, given his key player status and the fact Real Madrid possess a 50% sell-on clause – meaning they’d get half of any transfer fee received for the Spanish defender.

Gila is a reliable centre-half, possessing a unique blend of youth and experience at the top level, which leaves little surprise that Maresca’s side are now expressing a serious interest.

Tottenham Hotspur have made contact over signing an “outrageous” forward as chairman Daniel Levy and the Spurs recruitment team consider a potential bargain summer deal, with his mooted price tag called “too good to be true”.

Tottenham target new forward amid Ange Postecoglou uncertainty

Ange Postecoglou’s full focus is on their looming Europa League final clash against Man United on May 21 – an encounter which could single-handedly rescue Spurs’ season from the depths of despair.

Tottenham hold talks with big-name coach who Benitez thinks is very clever

He’d be an ideal replacement for Postecoglou.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 14, 2025

Qualification for next season’s Champions League, not to mention Tottenham’s first major trophy in over 17 years, is on the line against United with both sides looking to end their dismal campaigns in the best possible fashion.

Reports claim Postecoglou is highly likely to leave Spurs regardless of whether they win the final in Bilbao (David Ornstein), but the Australian could still etch his name into history by becoming the first Lilywhites boss to win a trophy in nearly two decades.

Son Heung-min

7.05

Pedro Porro

6.98

James Maddison

6.98

Dominic Solanke

6.88

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

He could also fulfill his early-season pledge of ‘always’ winning silverware during his second season in charge, so a lot is personally riding on the line for Postecoglou, even if a departure from N17 seems more and more inevitable.

The 59-year-old’s future will have a knock-on effect when it comes to Levy’s transfer plans for the fast-approaching summer window, and it is believed that Tottenham are targeting a new forward among their recruitment priorities.

Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa is apparently attracting interest from Spurs, while Man City playmaker James McAtee is another attacker admired by Tottenham. Both players are not expected to break the bank in terms of cost, amid claims Tottenham are set for a ‘sell to buy’ summer (The Telegraph).

However, one very highly-rated forward, and one who could be one of the bargains of 2025, is Lyon star Rayan Cherki.

Tottenham make contact over signing Rayan Cherki this summer

The Frenchman has bagged 12 goals and 18 assists across his total appearances in Ligue 1 and the Europa League this term, marking himself out as a star player for Lyon, but his contract is said to include a tantalising £19 million release clause.

That is according to Le Parisien, who also report that Tottenham have made contact over a move for Cherki, alongside some Premier League rivals.

The 21-year-old falls into Spurs’ recruitment policy perfectly, given he’s young with world-class potential at a very reasonable value. Cherki will surely be a player in very high demand this summer, with journalist Dean Jones previously explaining why clubs need to consider swooping for him.

“Rayan Cherki, who is just absolutely unbelievable,” said Jones on the Ranks FC Ultras Podcast (via TBR). “You see figures around Cherki and there’s like 25 million pounds talked about, which just seems like too good to be true. He’s just different, this player.

“If you haven’t seen Cherki play, then just either stop the pod and go and watch him on YouTube for 10 minutes and then come back or just go watch him while we’re talking right now. Because his skill level is outrageous. He feels like he could become one of the best players in the world.”

Given Cherki’s mooted fee has now dropped below £25m to £19m, it makes Jones’ statement all the more relevant, and we wouldn’t be at all surprised to see him emerge as a top target for Levy.

Chelsea would have been expecting a tricky contest against Arne Slot’s Liverpool, but would have remained hopeful of a positive result off the back of the Reds potentially dropping the ball after being crowned Premier League champions a week ago.

The Dutchman would make considerable alterations – seen in the likes of Jarell Quansah starting at the back ahead of Ibrahima Konate – yet the manner in which Enzo Maresca’s Blues brushed aside the Reds 3-1 was still impressive, considering that was only Liverpool’s third loss of the season to date.

Now, Chelsea are only four points off Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in second spot, away from their pursuit of a Champions League position.

To clinch a top-five place though, Maresca will know he needs Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez performing at the same unbelievable levels they managed against Liverpool for the rest of the campaign to come.

Fernandez & Palmer's importance to Chelsea

Before exploring Fernandez’s superb day at the office further, Palmer would end up clinching the three points right at the death for Chelsea, meaning he’s now in an illustrious list of past Blues goalscorers.

It was a top-drawer showing from the former Manchester City attacker throughout, with Palmer notching up four key passes as a constantly creative menace, on top of beating Alisson from the penalty spot with an ice-cold finish.

Whilst it’s expected that Palmer will be able to bury chances considering he’s up to 15 Premier League strikes now, Fernandez’s composure was a joy to behold too during the 3-1 win, with this perfect touch and finish after just three minutes setting the tone for Chelsea to collect all three points.

Much like his electric teammate, however, the South American is a team player for the Blues cause, with four duels won, displaying the ugly side of his game, away from nearly adding to this seven assists in the league when collecting two key passes.

Both players are stalwarts under Maresca and for good reason, but there’s another standout performer who is equally as paramount to Chelsea right now, away from this spectacular duo.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

The Chelsea star who is as important as Fernandez & Palmer

The West Londoners really do seem to be entering their stride at the best possible time, considering the Blues have now won their last three Premier League clashes on the trot, even with Slot’s intimidating Liverpool in their way.

These victories are made to look even more impressive when you take into account Moises Caicedo – who usually lines up in the centre of the park – has had to be drafted into the right-back position as of late, but the £115m star’s versatile nature has just managed to shine through regardless.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

53

Accurate passes

29/31 (94%)

Key passes

1

Accurate crosses

1/1

Accurate long balls

1/1

Clearances

5

Blocked shots

1

Interceptions

1

Tackles

2

Total duels won

7/10

The expensive 23-year-old is beginning to prove his worth as a full package, with Caicedo exiting the field of play after the 3-1 win with only two misplaced passes next to his name, leading to a 94% pass accuracy being calculated.

But, he also battled well – much like Palmer and Fernandez – when necessary, with a high seven duels won across the course of his stellar 90 minutes, away from winning the hosts that late decisive spot-kick when moved back into the midfield areas.

Handed out an 8/10 post-match rating by London Evening Standard journalist Malik Ouzia, it looks as if Maresca will continue to pick Caicedo alongside Palmer and Fernandez for the foreseeable, knowing full well this trio are ready for the potential Champions League challenge that awaits.

Before anything is set in stone, however, Chelsea will just need to keep picking up the wins, with a very tough fixture away at Newcastle United up next, one that will show off the character of Maresca’s camp.

Their own Isak: Chelsea make approach to sign "tremendous" £60m talisman

Chelsea could be about to land a star who could be their own version of Alexander Isak.

ByEthan Lamb May 3, 2025

Ipswich Town have now finally been put out of their Premier League misery with Saturday’s disappointing 3-0 defeat at Newcastle United officially confirming their inevitable relegation.

Kieran McKenna’s side have managed to raise some smiles among their fanbase recently with a draw on the road at Chelsea one memorable result across April, alongside a 2-1 win away at Andoni Iraola’s tough AFC Bournemouth outfit, but back-to-back defeats to Arsenal and the Magpies proved to be the fatal body blow.

Ipswich’s task on Tyneside to try and pick up an unexpected win was made ever more difficult by Ben Johnson’s dismissal deep into the first half, with the number 18 letting his side down massively on the big occasion.

Johnson's performance in numbers

Unfortunately, this will have soured Johnson’s reputation amongst the Suffolk masses, considering he had been in the good books after scoring and assisting in that aforementioned 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

But, at St James’ Park, the ex-West Ham United man lost his cool, with two quickfire bookings – the second being a petulant drag back of Alexander Isak’s shirt – resulting in the 25-year-old despondently trudging off the pitch.

Soon after, the exciting striker he fouled would fire the Magpies into the lead from the penalty spot, with the result only pointing in one direction from then on in.

When he was still on the St James’ Park turf, Johnson would throw himself about admirably with four duels won, but that positive number meant very little after the red card was brandished.

Still, he wasn’t the sole underperformer from the away side’s perspective, with one of Johnson’s teammates enduring an equally frustrating afternoon as Ipswich’s Premier League fate was sealed.

Ipswich dud was as bad as Johnson

Ipswich were hanging on for dear life throughout the first half, with the direct aftermath of Johnson’s dismissal even seeing Luke Woolfenden clear a Newcastle effort off the line.

McKenna would have been praying that his team could hold out until the half-time interval to regroup, but Julio Enciso would rashly tangle with an advancing Jacob Murphy in the box during first-half added-on time to his manager’s dismay, leading to a spot-kick being given.

Away from this incident, Enciso struggled throughout his choppy 71-minute spell against Howe’s men, with the Brighton and Hove Albion loanee only able to register one effort at Nick Pope’s net.

Moreover, the 21-year-old attacker only amassed one successful dribble from five attempted, on top of only completing a meagre eight accurate passes from his unmemorable 31 touches of the ball.

Minutes played

71

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

31

Accurate passes

8/12 (67%)

Possession lost

15x

Shots

1

Successful dribbles

1/5

Total duels won

4/17

Stats by Sofascore

The lacklustre numbers don’t stop there, with Enciso, unlike Johnson, timid when asserting himself into duels versus the Toon, leading to a bumper 13 duels being lost by the Paraguayan.

It could well be time for McKenna to axe the out-of-sorts South American despite previously notching up an impressive four goal contributions donning Ipswich blue, knowing full well the 21-year-old will just return back to the comforts of the Seagulls shortly when his Portman Road deal expires.

Conor Chaplin was given a brief run-out in his place against Newcastle and is more likely to stick it out with the Tractor Boys when EFL football is served back up, with McKenna and Co bruised by relegation but already hopeful of an immediate return when their Premier League adventure ends next month.

Ipswich now pursue new deal for £27,500-a-week star amid Burnley interest

Burnley and Leeds are once again going head-to-head but this time off the pitch.

ByBrett Worthington Apr 24, 2025

Newcastle United are planning talks with a “scary” attacking player ahead of a potential move to St James’ Park this summer, according to a new update.

Newcastle plan transfers in line with Champions League push

The Magpies picked up three more important points in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, easing to a relatively straightforward 3-0 win at home to Ipswich Town despite a slow start to the match.

While Newcastle’s season hasn’t always been perfect, winning the EFL Cup was a huge moment in the club’s long history, and qualifying for the Champions League would be another significant achievement for Eddie Howe and his players.

The Magpies sit third in the Premier League table with four matches remaining, and while Nottingham Forest will overtake them if they win their game in hand this week, they are still in a wonderful position to finish in the top five.

Newcastle’s remaining matches are taxing, however, with a crucial home clash with Chelsea on the horizon, as well as trips to both Brighton and Arsenal, so there is still plenty of work to do in the coming weeks. Being in the Champions League will help them attract top names to the club, and one such player has been mentioned as a summer target.

Newcastle planning talks to sign "scary" attacker

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle and Paul Mitchell plan to hold talks with Ademola Lookman over a move to the club, as they look to entice the Nigerian away from Serie A side Atalanta.

The 27-year-old has plenty of potential suitors, however, with new Premier League champions Liverpool mentioned as an option, and Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal all in the mix, too. While Juventus also get a mention, they are unlikely to be able to afford the £55m being demanded for his signature.

Lookman could be a brilliant signing for Newcastle ahead of next season, hopefully coming in as competition for Alexander Isak, rather than a replacement for him, The former Everton man has scored 50 times for Atalanta, including 18 goals this season, and the best moment of his career to date was a memorable hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.

Lookman has been described as “scary in tight spaces” by Tuttosport, while Gian Piero Gasperini has hailed him as “truly extraordinary” and “among the best” there is in the world currently. Indeed, he has been somewhat of a late bloomer, going from failed Everton flop to emerging as a truly top player in Europe now at the age of 27.

Attacking reinforcements are a must for Newcastle in the summer, with more firepower required after arguably too much pressure on Isak’s shoulders this season, and the Atalanta ace could be a perfect addition, given he would also provide depth on both wings.

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They’ve wanted him for ages.

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The Nigeria international has Premier League experience, making 96 appearances in the competition, and he is at a great age to come in and be a star man for the Magpies straight away.

Liverpool have reportedly “identified” a “fantastic” replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer, with the player in question excelling in the Premier League this season.

Trent's Liverpool future still unknown

With Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk tied down to their respective new two-year deals in recent weeks, Reds supporters have been able to breathe a huge sigh of relief.

That said, there are still huge doubts surrounding the future of Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool, with the vice-captain heavily linked with a move from his boyhood club to Real Madrid.

The fact that the 26-year-old has done little to play down the rumours at any point suggests that his head may well have been turned by a high-profile summer switch to the Santiago Bernabeu, in a decision that would have the potential to harm his legacy at Anfield.

If Alexander-Arnold does leave Liverpool this summer, it is vital that a top-quality replacement comes in, with SC Freiburg’s Kiliann Sildillia mentioned as a target. Bayer Leverkusen ace Jeremie Frimpong has also been backed to join the Reds, having shone under Xabi Alonso for the reigning Bundesliga champions.

Liverpool eyeing "fantastic" Trent replacement

According to an update from Caught Offside on Sunday, Liverpool have “identified” Nottingham Forest right-back Ola Aina as a new target and option to replace Alexander-Arnold at the end of the season, assuming he leaves.

The 28-year-old has shone for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side throughout the 2024/25 campaign, proving to be a key player in their push for unlikely Champions League qualification.

The £40,000-a-week Aina is a strong option for Liverpool alongside the likes of Sildillia and Frimpong this summer, with his performances for Forest showing what an asset he could be.

The Nigerian has averaged 2.9 clearances and 0.4 aerial duel wins per game in the Premier League across 30 appearances, which is superior to Alexander-Arnold’s tallies in that area, as the table below illustrates.

Appearances

30

28

Starts

30

26

Minutes played

2575

2158

Goals

2

2

Assists

1

6

Clearances per game

2.9

1.6

Aerial duel wins per game

0.4

0.1

Interceptions per game

1.0

1.1

Aina has also been lauded for one attacking moment of quality earlier this season, with Glenn Murray full of praise for his goal against Aston Villa:

“Sometimes when you come on to a shot like that the temptation can be to leather the ball with your laces. But, it’s a side foot, it’s controlled and it’s a fantastic finish, it really is.”

At 28, Aina is two years older than Alexander-Arnold, however, and wouldn’t necessarily represent a long-term option for Liverpool, which is arguably the biggest negative against them signing him.

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The Reds would arguably be wiser to look at younger targets, such as those mentioned above, allowing them to sign someone with more scope to improve as the years pass.