All posts by n8rngtd.top

Not many Liverpool fans would’ve expected the side to go all the way and claim the Premier League title during Arne Slot’s first season at the helm.

However, the Dutchman has created a seamless transition after taking the reins from fan-favourite Jürgen Klopp during the summer just under 12 months ago.

He’s won 68% of the matches across all competitions, losing just nine times in his 56 outings – with only two of which coming on home soil against Nottingham Forest and PSG.

Despite such an impressive first year at Anfield, the 46-year-old has already made it clear that he wants new signings to help strengthen his first-team squad on Merseyside.

With the window just around the corner, the hierarchy have already wasted no time in pursuing moves for two players from the same outfit during the summer market.

The latest on Liverpool’s move for Wirtz & Frimpong this summer

Over the last couple of days, a deal has rapidly progressed for right-back Jeremie Frimpong, with the Dutch international set to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold on Merseyside.

The Reds are set to pay £29.5m for his services, with the 24-year-old flying to England over the last few days to complete his switch to link up with Slot’s side.

He could be joined at Anfield by current Bayer Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz next season, with the attacking midfielder also holding talks with the club’s hierarchy over a potential move during the off-season.

It’s been reported that the 22-year-old has chosen the Reds over Manchester City and Bayern Munich, but the two sides will need to agree a fee, which could prove to be over £100m and a new club-record.

Both players would add drastic quality to the current squad at Slot’s disposal, but it may require some players being offloaded to help balance the books given the figures involved in such deals.

The player who Slot needs to sell this summer

After such an impressive season in 2024/25, it would be harsh to offload many players from the Liverpool squad, but Harvey Elliott may want to depart the club for a new challenge elsewhere.

The 22-year-old has dropped down the pecking order after the Dutchman’s arrival last summer, making just 18 league appearances in 2024/25 – only two of which came from a starting position.

He’s since been linked with moves away from Merseyside ahead of the summer window, with Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers just two options on the table for the youngster.

He could be joined out of the door by winger Federico Chiesa, who’s struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League after his £10m switch from Juventus last summer.

The Italian has only made six league appearances in 2024/25, starting just once and featuring for a total of just 104 minutes and failing to register a goal or an assist.

He did manage to find the back of the net in the Carabao Cup final defeat against Newcastle United back in March – which has undoubtedly been the best moment during his time in England.

Many have said that the 27-year-old will need time to settle in England, but after a year, he’s shown little signs of living up to the promise he arrived with – costing them a pretty penny in the process.

Chiesa, who has been labelled “world-class” by journalist David Reverter, currently earns a staggering £150k-per-week, a figure that sees him take home £7.8m per sseason – a staggering figure given his lack of impact on Merseyside.

If the club are to take the jump and maintain their success, they will need to invest well this summer, with Wirtz seemingly the big-money signing that the hierarchy are desperately wanting to complete.

Given the German’s tally of 30 combined goals and assists in 2024/25, it’s a no-brainer for the board to try and land him this summer, injecting further quality into the side, which will likely drop Elliott and Chiesa further down the order.

It’s been an unfortunate spell for the Italian winger, but given his mammoth earnings every season, it’s a hefty figure that’s unjustifiable given his lack of impact on the side on Merseyside – allowing for needed funds to secure a deal for the Leverkusen sensation.

FSG must finally axe Liverpool flop who earns way more than Wirtz

Liverpool need to make a series of changes in the transfer market this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 27, 2025

Arsenal have asked about signing an “important” Real Madrid player amid their reliably reported talks for Brazil international Rodrygo, but negotiations over the latter are proving far from straightforward.

Rodrygo to Arsenal talks stall due to wage demands

As reported by Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, a very reliable source when it comes to transfer news, Arsenal have been in discussions with all parties over a summer deal for the 24-year-old.

Arsenal offer "game-changer" a five-year contract worth nearly £30m to join

The north Londoners are moving ahead with ambitious summer plans.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 28, 2025

Rodrygo bagged 13 goals and 10 assists over 50 total appearances under Carlo Ancelotti during 2024/2025, but his future at the Bernabeu is far from certain amid Arsenal’s serious interest.

It’s been reported that the South American is dissatisfied with his role in the squad, as he wants to be used in his preferred role on the left-hand-side rather than on the right, which is where he’s been forced to play due to the presence of Vinícius Jr and Kylian Mbappé (Ben Jacobs).

Sensing an opportunity, sporting director Andrea Berta commenced work to potentially tempt Rodrygo with a north London move, amid the club’s serious pursuit of a new winger who could provide further cutting edge in the final third.

However, since beginning talks, the transfer has hit a snag due to Rodrygo’s salary demands, prompting Berta to look at alternatives like Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma.

The Japan international isn’t Berta’s only different option for the wide area, though, with another Real Madrid star under consideration at the Emirates.

Arsenal ask about conditions for Arda Guler deal

That man is Turkish attacking midfielder Arda Guler, who started Real’s last six La Liga games of the season and gradually became a more imperative player for Ancelotti during the latter stages of 24/25.

The 20-year-old bagged five goals and nine assists in 42 total appearances by the end of Ancelotti’s final campaign in charge, with the Italian branding him an “important” player in the squad.

Ancelotti also tipped the versatile forward to have a big future at the Bernabeu, leaving little surprise he’s on Berta’s shortlist of attacking targets for Arsenal.

That is according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who reports for The Boot Room that Arsenal have asked about the conditions of a deal for Guler. Whether they’ve approached Real themselves or the player’s agents isn’t exactly stated, but it is believed Los Blancos won’t sell him under “any circumstances” this summer.

Other forwards attracting Berta’s attention come in the form of Nico Williams, Rafael Leao, Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho, Ademola Lookman, Bryan Mbeumo and Mohammed Kudus, as per TBR, with Arsenal seemingly in hot pursuit of a star new wide player.

It’s been a crazy few weeks for Tottenham Hotspur.

After delivering the North Londoners their first piece of major silverware for 17 years, it was announced that Ange Postecoglou was sacked on Friday afternoon.

While the timing of the decision may feel harsh, it’s not that difficult to see why Daniel Levy and Co made it, as the Australian had won just 47 of 101 games in charge of the club.

While nothing has been officially announced at the moment, it is looking more and more likely that the next man in the Lilywhites hot seat will be Thomas Frank, and based on other reports, he’s already told the club to sign someone who’d be a dream Brennan Johnson upgrade.

Tottenham's transfer targets

Now that Spurs appear to have identified their new manager, it’s worth looking at some of the talented players they’ve been linked with in recent weeks and months, such as Eberichi Eze and Xavi Simons.

Transfer Focus

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

The former enjoyed a superb season with Crystal Palace this year in which he helped the team win the FA Cup and racked up a tally of 14 goals and 11 assists in just 43 games, in turn, more than justifying the £68m release clause reportedly in his current deal.

Likewise, Simons managed to score 11 goals and provide eight assists in 33 games for RB Leipzig this season and would cost around as much as the Englishman at £65m.

However, to really upgrade on Johnson this summer, Tottenham would need to sign an out-and-out rightwinger, someone like Bryan Mbeumo.

Well, according to a recent report from the Mirror, that might be what they end up doing.

The report claims that Frank has instructed Spurs that he wants the club to sign the Cameroon international and make him his first summer acquisition.

To do that, the North Londoners would have to stump up a fee of around £60m and, more crucially, hijack Manchester United’s now well-documented efforts to bring him to Old Trafford.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but one well worth fighting for, as Mbeumo would be the ideal upgrade on Johnson.

How Mbeumo compares to Johnson

Now, while Mbeumo can play up top or even as a second striker, his most played and unquestionably best position is off the right, which would put him in direct competition with Jonnson next season.

So, with that said, who comes out on top when we compare the two?

Well, when it comes to their raw output, it’s actually the often “unplayable” Brentford star, as dubbed by Frank, who comes out on top, with 20 goals and nine assists in 42 appearances, totalling 3577 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.44 games, or every 123.34 minutes.

In contrast, the former Nottingham Forest star scored 18 goals and provided seven assists in 51 appearances, totalling 3316 minutes, which comes out to a less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.04 games, or every 132.64 minutes.

Unfortunately for the Welsh international, the one-sided nature of this comparison only grows when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

For example, the “incredible” Bees star, as dubbed by Frank, comes out ahead in the vast majority of relevant metrics, such as progressive passes and carries, shot and goal-creating actions, shots on target, successful take-ons, expected assists and many, many more, all per 90.

Ultimately, even though Johnson enjoyed a decent campaign for Spurs this season, Mbeumo is the superior winger in every measurable way.

Therefore, the club should do everything possible to sign the Brentford star this summer and reunite him with their soon-to-be-manager in North London.

He's another Bergvall: Spurs enter race to sign "extraordinary" wonderkid

The promising youngster could be a star at Spurs.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 7, 2025

With Nico Williams set to reject Arsenal in favour of Barcelona, the Gunners have reportedly set their sights on an unexpected move to sign a Chelsea star this summer.

Arsenal set to miss out on Nico Williams to Barcelona

There was a time when Williams looked like a serious option for Arsenal both last summer and this time around. In the end, however, the temptation of a potential Barcelona move proved too strong for the winger to turn down.

Now, as reported by Fabrizio Romano, the Catalan giants have agreed personal terms with the Spanish international and are now working on an agreement with Athletic Bilbao.

It’s a frustrating blow for Arsenal whose attacking limitations saw them miss out on the Premier League title once again – this time at the hands of Liverpool. And as the Reds continue to strengthen themselves, those at The Emirates must ensure that Mikel Arteta’s side are not left behind this summer.

It’s a big task for new sporting director Andrea Berta, but signing an alternative for Williams should now be seen as one of the top priorities at Arsenal in the coming months.

On that front, names such as Real Madrid’s Rodrygo have already threatened to steal the headlines and there’s no doubt that his arrival would make the required statement.

Whether Arsenal are willing to spend big to secure the Brazilian’s signature is another question, however. Instead, as per recent reports, the Gunners could turn towards a London rival in an unexpected move.

Arsenal intensify interest in Chelsea's Madueke

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal are now intensifying their interest in Noni Madueke as an alternative to Williams. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is reportedly open to offers for the winger as the Blues welcome even more fresh faces and that has seemingly left the door open for the Gunners to make their move in the coming months.

Arsenal hold talks with "magnificent" Partey replacement as Arteta drives move

The Ghanaian could leave as contract talks hit a standstill.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 21, 2025

What’s more, although Chelsea initially valued their winger at as much as €65m (£56m), it is now reportedly believed that they could accept offers worth just €50m (£43m). Given that Madueke is still just 23 years old, that deal could quickly turn into a summer bargain.

Although he lacked consistency at times, Madueke’s numbers from last season represent a player full of potential with his ability to take players on particularly standing out compared to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

England boss Thomas Tuchel recently described the Chelsea star as “dangerous” in the post-season international break and that’s the type of praise that should catch Arsenal’s eye.

If those in North London sign Madueke from a rival club for a cut-price and then get the best out of him, then it would quickly look like an act of genius from Berta.

Manchester United desperately needed to hit the rebuild button this summer after a catastrophic 2024/25 season.

Indeed, the stale Red Devils slumped to a horrendous 15th place in the Premier League come the end of the 38-game slog, on top of also failing to secure a last-minute spot in Europe by coming up short in the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur.

Therefore, this summer does feel as if it’s make-or-break territory for Ruben Amorim in the constantly pressurised Red Devils hot-seat, with the Portuguese manager aiming to not sink under all the strain by landing some top talents to help his underperforming team push on next season.

Man Utd in talks to land £51m midfielder

Matheus Cunha has already joined the building, with Bryan Mbeumo looking likely to be the next high-profile capture.

Cunha’s capture certainly caught the eye, but Mbeumo would no doubt be the biggest statement here, considering he scored 20 goals last season for Brentford.

Yet, as far as rumours go, another excellent addition might soon be entering the developing United camp in the midfield areas.

Indeed, according to reports in Italy, United and Atalanta are currently locked in negotiations over the Red Devils landing Ederson from the Serie A titans.

It’s stated that Amorim and Co. were interested in the energetic Brazilian last summer when offering up a fee around £42m, but Atalanta were looking for an offer nearer to the £51m region to consider parting ways.

Now, they could make this move a reality as talks continue, with it also being rumoured earlier in the hectic transfer window that Liverpool were intrigued by the possibility of landing the 25-year-old to bolster their own midfield department.

The Premier League strugglers aren’t blessed with depth in the middle of the park either, with both Christian Eriksen and Casemiro 33 years of age, meaning a new, fresh addition centrally would definitely boost Amorim’s side, away from just the high-profile addition of Cunha.

How Ederson can be United's new McTominay

Sealing a move for Ederson could mean United can finally get over the sad exit of Scott McTominay, with the lively South American a similar style of performer to the departed Scotsman, having also set Serie A alight with many standout performances.

Transfer Focus

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

Nobody would have anticipated the sharp rise McTominay would undergo when swapping his boyhood club for Antonio Conte’s Napoli last summer.

Indeed, just a season into his stay in Naples, the 61-time Scotland international steered Conte’s men to a triumphant Serie A title success.

He scored a sublime 12 goals and posted six assists in league action. Amazingly, he had only amassed seven more goals than this stunning amount when regularly plying his trade in the Premier League, even from a far greater tally of 178 clashes.

Ederson didn’t quite have a similarly impactful season for The Black and Blues, but he has shown over three seasons now in Bergamo a hunger to be involved in all phases of play, just like McTominay.

From 139 games and counting in the heart of the Atalanta midfield, the £51m “machine” – as he’s been labelled in the past by journalist Carlo Garganese – has collected 13 goals and four assists, with his relentless desire to get stuck in for his team’s cause also baring clear similarities to the ex-United academy product.

Glancing at the table above, Ederson actually beats McTominay when it comes to accurate passes per league clash in Serie A at 45.5 per clash compared to the Scotsman’s lesser 22.7, before you even begin to consider the Brazilian’s aggressiveness means he trumps McTominay’s ball recovery numbers too at five per match, next to his counterpart’s lower 4.2

Further heralded as “strong” by football journalist Tim Vickery in what he can offer in the midfield spots, this feels like it could be a golden capture on United’s end as they hunt down a similar star to McTominay.

United will have to hit the ground running next season to silence their loud naysayers, and with Ederson’s potential arrival onto the scene, Amorim’s options continue to look stronger and stronger all across the pitch.

Man Utd now negotiating "complex" big-money transfer to sell £200k-p/w star

He wants to leave.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 28, 2025

Rangers’ busy summer spending spree continues at Ibrox. Indeed, since Russell Martin’s appointment at Ibrox, the Gers have made six new signings to date, most recently bringing in Nasser Djiga on a season-long loan.

He follows Lyall Cameron, Max Aarons, Joe Rothwell, Emmanuel Fernandez and Thelo Aasgaard through the arrivals’ door at Rangers, but are the Glasgow giants now going to get their hands on a vastly experienced new centre-back?

Rangers aiming to bolster their back line

The start of Rangers’ season is now fast approaching.

Transfer Focus

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

Last Sunday, the Gers faced Club Brugge in a pre-season friendly, fighting back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with Club Brugge at home, thanks to second-half goals from Mohamed Diomandé and then youngster Findlay Curtis.

No such defensive sloppiness can be afforded in just ten nights’ time when the Light Blues commence Champions League qualifying, welcoming Panathinaikos to Govan, hence why Martin is targeting even more new signings this week.

Thus, according to a report by Sky Sports News, Rangers remain interested in signing Conor Coady from Leicester City.

Earlier in the window, Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider claimed that the Gers were ‘in advanced talks’ with the Foxes, as they attempted to sign the centre-back, but this is yet to come to fruition.

As outlined by Rob Tanner of the Athletic, Leicester are actively looking to get some of their highest earners off the books, following their relegation back to the EFL Championship, so will surely be quite accommodating, as they too want this deal to get over the line.

Thus, it remains very possible that Coady will make the move to Rangers but, with Panathinaikos on the horizon, Martin will be eager for this deal to get done sooner rather than later.

How Conor Coady would improve Rangers defence

Right now, Rangers have seven senior centre-backs on their books, although this could be down to six, after a bid was accepted for Robin Pröpper, who is seemingly on his way back to FC Twente, as confirmed by Martin.

So, here are the options Martin currently has in his squad.

As the table outlines, there is not a huge amount of experience among Rangers’ current central-defenders but, given that he played in both the Champions League for Crvena zvezda and the Premier League for Wolves last season, Djiga has surely arrived to be first-choice.

Alongside, John Souttar is probably in pole position to partner the new arrival, having made 40 appearances for the club last season, accumulating 3,411 minutes, the most he has ever enjoyed in a single campaign of his injury-blighted senior career.

Thus, Coady’s potential arrival would probably be particularly bad news for the Scotland international, banishing him to the bench.

James Tarkowski, who played alongside Coady at Everton, labelled him a “great leader”, while his manager at Goodison, Sean Dyche, heralded his “immaculate” professionalism.

Meantime, Adam McNulty of Breaking the Lines praised his ability ‘to pick out a runner’, documenting his outstanding distribution, supported by the fact that, in the 2019/20 Premier League season, Coady completed more accurate long passes than anybody else.

Given that new manager Martin’s style of play prioritises control through possession, this could be an invaluable asset to have at the back.

But how do his statistics compare to those of Souttar? Let’s find out.

First and foremost, it is worth noting that the last two seasons were included for Coady due to his lack of action at Leicester, thereby providing a larger sample size.

With that in mind, the Englishman comes out on top for the vast majority of metrics included when compared to Souttar, notably attempting, on average, 17 more passes per 90, as well as five more forward passes.

Defensively too, Coady accumulated more interceptions and ball recoveries, while taking 11 more touches per game, underlining that he is a good fit for a Rangers team who, domestically, dominate possession but, in Europe, are forced to do a lot more defending.

Thus, this signing appears to be an absolute no-brainer for the Light Blues, one that they should do everything in their power to finalise as soon as possible.

Rangers could land Ryan Kent 2.0 with Ibrox move for "incredible" star

Russell Martin could be eyeing another loan signing at Rangers…

By
Ross Kilvington

Jul 11, 2025

How to stop the rot? In fairness, it’s perhaps unfair to assess Ruben Amorim at this early stage of a potentially long Manchester United tenure. The Portuguese tactician needs this pre-season to implement his teachings.

In fairness, the 46-year-old left a Sporting Lisbon side which he grew into a comparative superpower, surpassing Porto and Benfica and now two-in-a-row Liga Portugal champions. He didn’t lift the title for a second time, but it was his team, his framework.

In fairness, Amorim took over an Old Trafford side in disrepair, and judgment should be reserved until a few months into the 2025/26 Premier League season.

Matheus Cunha has been added to the first-team ranks; a brilliant signing. Heading out the door, Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof have all gone, and Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho are all wide forwards touted for exits.

But who else might the Red Devils be looking to reel in?

Man United's summer transfer plans

It’s taking a while, but Bryan Mbeumo should sign from Brentford to Man United this summer. Sights remain fixed on the goalscoring winger, with a series of bids already rejected.

Whether Rasmus Hojlund stays or goes remains to be seen, but it’s clear attacking investment is the club’s priority. However, it’s not the only port of call, with Jason Wilcox pushing to strengthen Amorim’s midfield too.

Well, former Nigeria international, Julius Aghahowa, believes that Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi would like to join Man United this summer, despite growing interest from Everton.

Aghahowa said: “While Everton and Al Ahly are clearly interested, Ndidi hopes to join Manchester United. He wants to take a step up by signing for a big club like Manchester United. This would be an excellent move for someone I consider one of the best African midfielders of recent years.”

Ndidi is still only 28 and has a vast wealth of experience at the highest level. The Foxes might have fallen by the wayside last term, but he maintained a high standard and would be a shrewd signing indeed, valued at just £5m amid summer interest from United.

Why Man United want Wilfred Ndidi

United are forking out a fair bit of cash this summer, but then they need to. Last year’s woes must not, cannot, be repeated, lest this behemoth of the English game sink into an unescapable pit.

But the transfer progress is slow but steady, and Ndidi would be an effective and pragmatic addition, for sure. Once described as an “incredible” talent by Brendan Rodgers and an an “absolute monster” by ESPN’s Colin Udoh, the Nigeria international has been at the King Power Stadium for a minute, joining from Belgian club Genk for £15m in January 2017.

He’s hit some highs, winning the FA Cup, and indeed suffered some lows, being relegated from the Premier League twice in the past three seasons. However, Ndidi is a tough-tackling and intelligent midfielder, with robust athleticism and an eye for goal.

Given that Bruno Fernandes often plays a bit deeper these days, this could be the perfect move to ensure the Portuguese skipper maintains his high level, having notched 19 goals and 19 assists apiece in 2024/25.

Fernandes’ creativity could also help the number six toward promotions his own attacking game, Ndidi having ranked among the top 13% of central midfielders across Europe last season for touches in the attacking box and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

But, of course, the £75k-per-week talent’s bread and butter is his combative quality, his protective presence in front of the backline.

Transfer Focus

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

As per Sofascore, he averaged three tackles, 4.5 ball recoveries and 6.1 duels per Premier League match last year – you can only imagine how far Leicester would have sunk without his presence in the centre.

This is perfect for a player like Fernandes to skip from the centre toward the danger area, advancing with winged feet to thread passes through to the forwards. Despite United’s struggles for creativity last season, Fernandes stood strong as one of the most effective playmakers in the country.

But then we know Fernandes. We know he’s great.

He needs support, though, and Ndidi could prove the perfect player to arrive and add some stability to the centre of the park, reinforcing Amorim’s midfield with steel but also adding to the ball-playing focus, adding to the forward flow.

Cunha 2.0 for Amorim: Man Utd in talks to sign "unstoppable" £35m star

Manchester United are still planning to make some attacking signings this summer.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 8, 2025

Sunderland now lead West Ham in the race to sign a brand-new £22 million “magician” after making an approach, according to a recent report.

Sunderland plan to continue spending spree after passing £100m mark

The Black Cats got their pre-season underway over the weekend, beating non-league side South Shields 4-0 in what has been an epic summer for the club so far. Sunderland have added six new players to their squad already this summer, passing the £100 million mark, with midfielder Habib Diarra being the club’s most expensive capture so far.

Contact made: Sunderland prepare bid to sign £25m star who is open to move

The Black Cats are making plenty of impressive moves…

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By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jul 13, 2025

Despite the heavy investment, the Premier League newcomers are not stopping there, as Sunderland are interested in signing Charlie Cresswell from French side Toulouse. The defender is already known in English football, after spending time at Leeds United, and now the Black Cats are keen to bring him back to England in a deal that could cost them as much as £18 million.

As well as looking to improve their central defence, Regis Le Bris and co are also looking at potential new goalkeepers, despite Anthony Patterson impressing last season. Sunderland have made contact with representatives of Aaron Ramsdale and are now preparing an offer to Southampton. The 27-year-old is said to be open to a move to the Stadium of Light, as he would remain in the Premier League, but it could cost Sunderland £25 million to get a deal completed.

Sunderland lead West Ham in race to sign new £22m "magician" after approach

The new arrivals may not even stop there, as according to L’Equipe, via Get French Football News, Sunderland have approached Leicester City over the signing of midfielder Bilal El Khannouss.

The report states that as well as the Black Cats, West Ham United and AS Monaco have made enquiries about signing the 21-year-old, who has just suffered relegation with the Foxes. However, it is Sunderland who are considered to be leading the race to sign El Khannouss.

The Moroccan international, who was dubbed a “magician” after his performance against Southampton last season, only joined Leicester last summer from KRC Genk. El Khannouss contributed to five goals despite the Foxes struggling all season at the bottom end of the Premier League.

El Khannouss is still under contract until 2028, and it’s been reported previously that the Foxes would be looking to get around £22 million should he leave during this transfer window. Sunderland have already added a couple of midfielders to their ranks this summer, but El Khannouss’ potential arrival could be another way the Black Cats try to fill the void left by Jobe Bellingham, featuring in an attacking midfield role or out on the wing if needed.

Real Madrid have been handed hope in their pursuit of challenging the state of refereeing in Spanish football. According to MARCA, it is understood that the Video Assistant Referee from Saturday's game between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad, as well as on-field referee Gil Manzano, will have to bear the consequences after the controversial sending off of Dean Huijsen.

• Madrid find respite as CTA set to intervene

  According to a report from , CTA (Technical Committee of Referees in Spain) will review Huijsen's sending off in the 32nd minute at the Anoeta on Saturday, during Real Madrid's 2-1 win over Real Sociedad. The decision raised immediate concerns within the CTA. The episode is expected to be addressed publicly this week, with the error likely to be acknowledged. Particular scrutiny is being placed on referee Figueroa Vazquez, not for the decision itself, but for his failure to intervene via VAR and allow on-field referee Manzano to review the play. As a result, Vazquez is expected to be sidelined temporarily, as the CTA conducts a formal analysis of the incident.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  Madrid preparing a report on refereeing errors for FIFA

  In the aftermath of the game, Real Madrid TV, the club's official media channel, confirmed that the 15-time European champions would take the matter to FIFA, the highest authority of football in the world, by submitting a report in the form of all errors compiled from the current season and the last season. Madrid, per the announcement, will urge FIFA to "take good note of what is happening in Spanish football with regards to refereeing."

• Reforms to refereeing in Spain already underway

  Back in June, it was revealed that RFEF (Spanish football federation) had fired the entire refereeing committee amid mounting pressure from clubs demanding a major overhaul in the way officiating is conducted in Spain. Changes have, practically, already started taking place. Indeed, referees in Spanish football are assessed after each match by up to three evaluators, including the stadium delegate and CTA’s technical directors. While the merit-based ranking system is still developing, it’s already shaping referee assignments. The revamped CTA has introduced transparency-focused reforms, requiring referees to take responsibility for mistakes, some of which have led to enforced rest periods. Though not all changes are popular, officials recognize their duty to maintain accountability and openness with clubs.

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• Who are Madrid's next opponents?

  After maintaining a spotless record in La Liga's opening four fixtures, Madrid will be aiming to carry the momentum in the continental arena. They are set to host Marseille in the Champions League opener on Wednesday in what could be head coach Xabi Alonso's sternest test so far in the 2025-26 season.

In an attempt to kickstart what has been a quiet summer transfer window, Aston Villa have now reportedly entered the race to sign a Bundesliga winner ahead of rival interest from West Ham United.

Aston Villa's difficult summer

When they failed to defeat Manchester United to secure Champions League football on the final day of the season, it was always going to be a difficult summer for Aston Villa. Their European fortunes ensured that they would have to face up to their PSR struggles and endure a window without spending big unless a number of stars went in the other direction.

To that end, the Villans have so far prioritised keeping hold of current stars rather than going in search of fresh faces. There has been interest in both Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez, for example, but the stance in the Midlands has remained ‘not for sale’. Whether that changes as Villa become desperate to act in the market remains to be seen, however.

The signings that have arrived, meanwhile, are young centre-back Yasin Ozcan, who is unlikely to break into Unai Emery’s best side at this stage, and backup goalkeeper Marco Bizot. To say Villa’s window has so far lacked excitement would be an understatement.

With a month remaining until the window slams shut though, that could yet change. The transfer rumours are still coming thick and fast even as those at Villa Park look to navigate PSR.

Among those mentioned has been Lois Openda. The RB Leipzig forward, whether in years to come or this summer if Manchester United get their wish, would be the perfect replacement for Watkins and an excellent signing.

The same can be said for another Bundesliga star too, as Aston Villa set their sights on getting their summer up and running at long last.

Aston Villa firmly in the mix to sign Adli

As reported by Caught Offside, Aston Villa are now firmly in the mix to sign Amine Adli from Bayer Leverkusen this summer. The 25-year-old attacking midfielder reportedly wants to leave the German club in search of consistent minutes and, although West Ham hold concrete interest, Villa could yet hijack the Hammers’ move.

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By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 1, 2025

Valued at around €25m (£22m), Adli’s arrival would likely keep Aston Villa within the lines of PSR whilst handing Emery a much-needed boost in the form of a Bundesliga winner.

Labelled a “sensational talent” by U23 scout Antonio Mango in 2022, Adli still has every chance of reaching that level again by joining Aston Villa and Emery. The midfielder has experience at the very top level as a title winner and, at just £22m, could quickly become an undeniable bargain this summer.