All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Disappointment, frustration and false hope are undoubtedly the best ways to describe the current situation at Manchester United football at present.

The younger generation of supporters will likely have followed in their loved one’s footsteps in following the Red Devils, but many won’t have seen the success achieved in years gone by.

Sir Alex Ferguson put the club on the map with his near 27-year stint in charge, leaving Old Trafford as a footballing legend given his tally of 16 top-division titles.

The Scotsman gave the fanbase a reason to be proud of following the club, subsequently helping them achieve the global status they currently possess.

However, it’s not been all plain sailing for everyone involved at the Theatre of Dreams in recent years, currently enduring a 12-year drought without a Premier League title.

Such a spell doesn’t appear to be coming to an end anytime soon, especially if the man currently leading the side doesn’t change his current philosophy on the field.

The failures of Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system

Back in November, huge excitement was built up within the United fanbase after Ruben Amorim took the reins following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag a few weeks prior.

He won the Liga Portugal title back in the 2023/24 campaign, doing so with a 3-4-2-1 system, which he also brought with him after making the move to Old Trafford.

It was a radical change from the 4-2-3-1 often utilised by former Red Devils managers, but it’s one that has failed to change their fortunes on the pitch since his appointment.

The 40-year-old has only achieved a measly 38% win percentage in the role, winning just eight Premier League games, which resulted in the club’s 15th-placed finish in 2024/25.

Amorim’s fortunes haven’t changed in the new season, only winning one of the last four outings and even losing the most recent outing against local rivals Manchester City.

He also spoke out after the defeat, with huge questions being asked about his current system, but insisted he won’t be moving away from his current philosophy.

However, it’s clear that after 47 matches in charge, he’s been unable to transform the squad, desperately needing a change in system if he is to save his job in the coming weeks.

The player who Amorim must unleash in a system change

Much has been made about the lack of success at United over recent years, but fingers have been pointed to the way of the manager and the hierarchy, given the poor recruitment.

Rasmus Hojlund was Amorim’s number one centre-forward option last campaign, but massively failed to deliver, only scoring four times in the Premier League throughout his 32 appearances.

The Dane was subsequently moved on during the summer transfer window, leaving on loan to join Serie A side Napoli – with the deal potentially turning into a permanent one next summer.

However, he’s already hit the ground running for Antonio Conte’s side, scoring on his debut against Fiorentina last weekend – which could indicate that he was held back by Amorim’s system.

Another player who’s suffered since Amorim’s arrival is academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo, with his career massively stagnating over the last couple of months.

The 20-year-old burst onto the scene in 2023/24, registering 35 appearances in all competitions and finding the net five times from his deep-lying midfield position.

Goals against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester City in the FA Cup were memorable moments for the youngster, but also ones that made him a regular starter under Ten Hag.

He was even included in England’s Euro 2024 squad, making six appearances throughout the tournament, which led to Alex Turk labelling him a “£100m-plus footballer”.

However, Mainoo has only been restricted to 22 starts in the last 12 months, none of which have come in the early stages of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

As a result of his lack of action, the player requested a loan move during the summer, but it was rejected – a decision that could prove to be a blessing in disguise if Amorim changes his system.

A 4-3-3 formation could allow the Red Devils to have more solidity in the middle of the park, with Mainoo able to regain regular minutes in a trio alongside Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte.

His reduced minutes last season restricted his progress, but the youngster managed to produce some impressive figures, which highlight his ability to play in a box-to-box role.

Games played

25

Minutes played

1656

Pass accuracy

87%

Chances created

1.7

Successful dribbles

1.3

Tackles won

63%

Duels won

5.9

Interceptions made

1.2

Recoveries made

4.8

He created 1.7 chances per 90 and completed 1.7 dribbles per 90, subsequently allowing him to develop the ball into forward areas and find the new £200m trio at the top end of the pitch.

Mainoo also won 63% of the tackles he entered, making 1.2 interceptions alongside such a tally – showcasing his ability to regain possession and have a positive impact at both ends.

If he can replicate such numbers in a system change, there’s no reason as to why he can’t once again be a key component in any future success at Old Trafford.

However, the main focus at present will be on the managerial situation, with Amorim desperately needing to move away from his current philosophy if the club are to overturn their dismal ongoing slump.

Amorim can save his job by axing Man Utd flop who is this season's Onana

Ruben Amorim is certainly facing the sack at Manchester United if he doesn’t change their fortunes.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 16, 2025

West Bromwich Albion have already displayed an outside-the-box approach with their transfer activity this summer.

Whilst Nathaniel Phillips is a well-known name to most Championship fans, Aune Heggebo is definitely more of an unknown entity to the average supporter. Yet, West Brom have gambled on the former Brann goal machine to come good on English shores, having spent £4.7m on the Nordic striker.

It remains to be seen whether Heggebo will go on to be a rip-roaring success in England, but his blistering goal record in his native Norway is definitely encouraging to look at.

Why Heggebo could be a success at West Brom

After all, Erling Haaland infamously hails from the same nation, with the lofty attacker now one of the most feared strikers in world football after beginning his career in Scandinavia.

Of course, nobody will be anticipating Heggebo to storm into his new environment and be as instantly clinical as the Manchester City powerhouse, but the signs are there that he could be a lethal finisher at the Hawthorns if he can manage to navigate the step-up well.

In total, for Brann, the £4.7m forward would power home a potent 51 goals from 146 games, with the Eliteserien outfit no doubt putting up a valiant fight to try and keep their star asset around for longer.

Unfortunately, whilst £4.7m is a steep amount to splash in go, West Brom’s lavish spending has been overshadowed somewhat by near neighbours Birmingham City routinely flexing their muscles.

Across the Midlands, the £10m forked out on ex-Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi around the same time has certainly sent a message to the division’s best clubs.

However, the Baggies could shoot back into the limelight if they manage to get another left-field piece of business over the line, with a new target perhaps going down as Ryan Mason’s very own Kyogo if all clicks into place.

West Brom's answer to Kyogo

Before being renowned as a venomous goal threat with 85 strikes next to his name at Celtic, Kyogo would have been viewed as a bold pick-up by the Hoops, considering the Japanese gem had only ever played in the comforts of the J League, before Glasgow came calling.

West Brom might well look to tap into the Asian markets themselves with their next summer buy, with reports from earlier in the month suggesting that the Championship side had bid £1.1m for Jeonbuk Hyundai attacker Jeon Jin-Woo.

Games played

163

182

Goals scored

32

66

Assists

20

36

Jin-Woo might well follow in Kyogo’s footsteps in establishing himself as a menace up top when making the same daunting geographical leap, having amassed an electric 52 goal contributions plying his trade in Korea for both Jeonbuk and ex-employers Suwon Bluewings.

The brand-new Birmingham buy was able to devastatingly reach double Jin-Woo’s goal tally when starring for the likes of Vissel Kobe, but the two-time South Korea international will surely feel less nervous about taking that next step to the Baggies, knowing others have moved to the United Kingdom and thrived in some challenging environments.

To help the 25-year-old even more, Mason will also have Heggebo available for selection in attack, who will be equally eager to hit the ground running in his fresh location.

It does remain up in the air how well West Brom will do next season, with Mason also being a rookie manager away from their daring summer business, but Jin-Woo could become a firm fan’s favourite at the Hawthorns if he manages to excel in the English game to the same lofty heights Kyogo managed in Scotland.

Dream Johnston upgrade: West Brom submit surprise offer for £1.1m star

West Bromwich Albion could think outside of the box when pursuing a Mikey Johnston upgrade.

2 ByKelan Sarson Jul 16, 2025

Tottenham are being threatened with legal action by Nottingham Forest for their conduct over a potential deal for playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, and while Spurs are still hopeful they can strike a deal, it is wise for chairman Daniel Levy to weigh up alternatives.

Tottenham hold talks with £166k-a-week star as Yves Bissouma told to leave

The Mali international is facing his final summer in north London.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 18, 2025

Fabrizio Romano and other reliable media sources claim that Gibbs-White to Spurs is still on, and the north Londoners are optimistic of concluding a deal for the England international soon amid a “tense” situation.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Gibbs-White was on the verge of joining Spurs midway through July, with a medical scheduled around nine days ago and Levy poised to trigger his £60 million release clause.

However, Forest then blocked his move to N17, citing what they deem to be an ‘unlawful’ approach for Gibbs-White with confidentiality around his clause allegedly breached and the Lilywhites accused of tapping up the player.

“Spurs have received communication asking them to cease contact with Gibbs-White,” said journalist Ben Jacobs.

“Forest declined to comment, but sources say the club believe Spurs tapped up Gibbs-White and could challenge the manner in which the £60m clause was learned of. The Premier League will now investigate leading to the deal being delayed.”

While there is still an expectation that Forest will eventually be powerless to stop Gibbs-White’s move to Tottenham from going through, the length of this delay is still unknown, and Levy won’t want to spend too much time on this as pre-season gets underway.

Thomas Frank has already led Tottenham out for a friendly against Reading, and they’ll take on Luton Town next Saturday before a tour of Asia. Frank will ideally want as many summer deals as possible completed ahead of their UEFA Super Cup clash against PSG, and certainly before Spurs’ first Premier League game of the season at home to Burnley.

Xavi Simons begins talks over joining Tottenham via representatives

According to CaughtOffside, Spurs could now have an alternative to Gibbs-White in the form of RB Leipzig sensation Xavi Simons.

The Dutchman spent a year and a half on loan at Leipzig before signing for them permanently in January, but widespread reports indicate he’s now prepared to leave the Bundesliga side this summer – potentially for England.

It would take a minimum £56 million, plus add-ons, to prise Simons away from the Red Bull Arena before deadline day, with Arsenal and Chelsea both keen on the 22-year-old (Ben Jacobs).

However, they’re not the only London clubs who are contending for his services.

According to CaughtOffside, quoting one of their sources, Simons has “begun talks” over a potential move to Tottenham via his representatives, alongside Arsenal and Chelsea.

There is also a word of caution, though, with insiders expressing concerns over the attacking midfielder’s attitude and professionalism behind-the-scenes. Since initially joining Leipzig on a temporary deal, Simons has managed a total of 21 goals and 23 assists in 76 outings, so there is little denying his quality, but Frank and Levy may have to tread carefully here.

Gibbs-White also boasts proven Premier League experience in comparison to Simons, even if the saga surrounding his future shows no sign of ending soon as things stand.

Aston Villa are planning talks to complete the signing of a “fantastic” player with a huge future, with Donyell Malen potentially part of the deal.

Aston Villa want Douglas Luiz reunion

The Villans continue to work hard on new signings ahead of the upcoming Premier League season, as they look to push on and get back into the Champions League.

Arguably the most intriguing current Villa-related transfer story has seen them linked with a move for former midfielder Douglas Luiz, with the Brazilian seemingly allowed to leave Juventus this summer.

Luiz was a popular figure during his first stint at Villa Park, bagging 46 goal contributions in 204 appearances from the middle of the park, and Unai Emery described him as a “very important” figure. For that reason, he could love the idea of bringing him back to the club this summer.

Elsewhere, Barcelona forward Ferran Torres has been linked with a move to Villa before next season gets started, with the Spaniard not a key man at the Camp Nou. He has Premier League experience from his time at Manchester City, and he could add much-needed firepower, potentially even replacing Ollie Watkins at the heart of Emery’s attack.

Aston Villa ready talks for "fantastic" £18m forward

According to a new report from Aksam [via Sport Witness], Aston Villa are interested in signing Besiktas star Semih Kilicsoy this summer, with talks planned over a possible move to the club. The likes of Newcastle United and Leeds United have also been mentioned as suitors for the 19-year-old recently, who could be on the move for around £18m.

It is also claimed that Malen could head in the opposite direction as part of a swap deal, with the Dutchman falling out of favour at Villa Park.

Kilicsoy is a player with a big future in the game, having already achieved plenty at the age of 19, becoming an important figure for Besiktas.

The young centre forward has 16 goals in 85 appearances at senior level for his current side – he netted an impressive 42 times in 64 outings for the Under-19s – and football talent scout Jacek Kulig has described him as “fantastic” in the past.

While Kilicsoy isn’t yet the finished article, given his tender years, he could be a great squad signing for Villa from the off, before maturing into more of a star figure as the years pass.

Big McGinn upgrade: Aston Villa make contact to sign £138k-p/w "engine"

Aston Villa are set to target a new midfielder this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Jul 9, 2025

If the Villans were able to sign him and a more experienced striker this summer, it will stand them in good stead moving forward, especially if Watkins moves on to pastures new.

It finally happened: After weeks of waiting, Arsenal announced their first signing of the summer transfer window.

Granted, it might not be the most exciting deal of all time, but acquiring a player of Kepa Arrizabalaga’s quality for just £5m is astute business and helps address the issue of a backup goalkeeper.

However, while the likes of Eberchi Eze and Rodrygo are also being touted for moves to the club, so too is another Chelsea player, Noni Madueke.

Fortunately, another Premier League winger has now been linked with Arsenal, a player who’d be a way better signing than the Blues star.

Arsenal target Madueke upgrade

It’s become something of a running joke that a transfer window is not fully complete until Arsenal sign a Chelsea player, and with Madueke now being linked with the North Londoners, there is a chance they could sign two.

Transfer Focus

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

According to reports from as recently as yesterday, the Gunners might have already submitted an offer to the English international.

It’s not entirely clear how much he’d cost Mikel Arteta’s side, but based on stories from late last month, the fee could be around the £50m mark.

While he might be talented, it’s hard to imagine fans being particularly on board with signing another of the Blues’ seemingly unwanted attacking players, so it’s good news that they’ve now been linked with another winger target: Anthony Elanga.

At least that’s according to a recent report from TBR Football, which claims that the Gunners are one of several sides interested in the Nottingham Forest star.

Alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are all keen on the dynamic wideman, with the Toon already making an offer.

On top of having to contend with the fierce competition, the North Londoners will also have to stump up a fee of around £60m to get their man.

It won’t be an easy transfer to get over the line, but Elanga has shown he could be a valuable addition to a team like Arsenal, and a far better signing than Madueke at that.

How Elanga compares to Madueke

So, if it comes down to signing one winger or the other, why would Arsenal be better off going for Elanga over Madueke?

Well, aside from the fact that a new left-winger feels like a more pressing need following the emergence of Ethan Nwaneri last season, the Nottingham Forest star is simply the more dangerous attacker.

For example, in 43 appearances for the Tricky Trees last season, the Hyllie-born phenom racked up a tally of six goals and 12 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal or assist every 2.38 games.

In contrast, despite playing for a team that finished higher up the Premier League table, the Barnet-born wideman has scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 44 appearances, three of which have come at the Club World Cup, which works out to an average of a goal or assist every 2.58 games.

Moreover, the one-sided nature of the comparison only extends when we take a look under the hood, at their respective underlying numbers from last season.

Non-Penalty G+As

0.61

0.44

Progressive Passes

2.27

3.05

Progressive Carries

3.67

6.81

Key Passes

1.80

1.42

Passes into the Final Third

1.15

0.71

Shot-Creating Actions

3.67

3.50

Goal-Creating Actions

0.65

0.35

For example, the former Manchester United gem comes out on top in most relevant metrics, including some truly key ones, such as non-penalty goals plus assists, key passes and shot and goal-creating actions per 90.

Finally, on top of having the output and statistics fall in his favour, the Swedish international has one more advantage over the Chelsea ace: his blistering pace.

Now, the Englishman is no slouch, but the Forest star is unusually quick, so much so that he dubbed himself “one of the fastest players in the league.”

That might sound a little arrogant, but it’s true, as his speed of 36.91km/h against Tottenham Hotspur in April 2024 was the fourth-fastest sprint in Premier League history.

Ultimately, Elanga is clearly the superior player to Madueke, and if Arsenal are going to be signing a new winger from the Premier League, they’d be far better off going for him over the Blues ace.

A better signing than Sesko: Arsenal exploring move to sign £70m "machine"

Arsenal are looking to strengthen their attack this summer and could spend more than £70m on doing so.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 2, 2025

Everton fans still have around two months to wait until they’re able to watch their beloved Toffees play at the brand-new Hill Dickinson Stadium in the Premier League.

Brighton and Hove Albion will be the first tricky visitors standing in the way of David Moyes and Co. on that memorable afternoon, with August also seeing the Merseyside outfit travel to Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers in search of some early-season results.

Moyes will hope he’s backed in the transfer window ahead of his side moving into their new home for good, with one transfer target now on the agenda that could boost the Scotsman’s numbers in the midfield department.

Everton in contact to sign £13m star

The Toffees are yet to bring in any new faces this summer but with the window now in full swing, TFG must press on and strengthen ahead of their first game at their new home.

Transfer Focus

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

Well, as per a report by Turkish outlet Sabah, Everton has now initiated contact with ex-Manchester United midfielder Fred’s agent over a potential summer deal.

The report does state that the Brazilian is well-liked by his current Fenerbahce boss in Jose Mourinho, but Everton remain keen.

However, the high reported price tag of £13m might well put off TFG, with the Turkish giants actually purchasing Fred for a far more modest £7.7m after his bumpy Old Trafford stay had finished.

How Fred can be Everton's next Doucoure

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the South American when situated in the red half of Manchester, but if Everton were successful in their advances, they could be about to win an ideal replacement for Abdoulaye Doucoure, with the long-standing Toffees servant no longer on the books of Moyes’ men after his contract expired.

It was a sad severing of the ties when Doucoure was officially announced to be departing Merseyside, considering the Malian had scored many a vital strike from the midfield areas across his 166 games, with that goal against Bournemouth definitely the most important one of his 21-goal collection in pushing Everton away from the perilous drop.

But, with his wage coming in at a hefty £130k-per-week as per Capology, it might well have been deemed a necessary alteration to make, with slightly cheaper alternatives on the table in Fred, who earns a lesser £113k-per-week pay packet himself.

Moreover, whilst Doucoure had enamoured Everton fans with his entertaining displays from the center of the park, Fred can offer that same goalscoring ability in abundance, with 14 goals and 19 assists collected for the Red Devils, away from his promising output of five goals and six assists in 2024/25 for Mourinho’s titans.

Erik ten Hag would even go out of his way to label the 32-time Brazil international as “magnificent” when the pair were together at the Theatre of Dreams, with Fred no doubt also hungry to return to the English game to prove a point, having become a scapegoat during tough recent times at United.

CM

296

29

34

DM

99

5

13

AM

31

4

4

RM

22

4

5

LM

4

1

2

LB

1

0

0

To sum up his woes in Manchester, journalist John Deehan labelled Fred as a “headless chicken” , but his career and time in Turkey paint an opposing picture – especially as Everton hunt down a capable Doucoure replacement.

Indeed, the former Toffees midfielder would line up all over the midfield department during his lengthy Everton journey, whether that be as a number ten, as a traditional central face, or as a defensive anchor, with Fred able to offer that in spades too to ease Moyes’ worries about his midfield depth in the wake of the ex-Watford battler’s exit.

With 83 appearances and counting in both the Europa League and the Champions League, Fred’s arrival on the scene might also help Everton push up the league standings in their fresh, state-of-the-art stadium, away from any future relegation scraps.

It would be a risk, considering the Brazilian had a reputation at the Red Devils for fading in and out of contests. But, as an option to bolster after Doucoure’s departure, it could well prove to be an inspired signing.

He's Ndiaye 2.0: Everton enter race to sign "wonderful" star

Everton have yet to make a signing this summer to bolster their squad.

ByRoss Kilvington Jun 21, 2025

Responding to the abject failure of Tony Mowbray returning to the West Bromwich Albion hot-seat, the Championship outfit has gone down the more modern, if untested route of appointing Ryan Mason.

Of course, the Baggies have excelled in the past when going after a manager once regarded as a second-in-command figure, with Carlos Corberan a background figure at Leeds United himself before succeeding at the Hawthorns, much like the 33-year-old was at Tottenham Hotspur.

Mason will hope no high-profile exits are signed off on during the early stages of his tenure, with Mowbray having to deal with the major exit of Alex Palmer at the start of his choppy second stint.

Ultimately, the loss of Palmer – among other factors – contributed to West Brom’s promotion campaign being derailed.

Palmer's demoralising sale

The Kidderminster-born goalkeeper would have to be patient waiting it out for senior chances, but when he became the Baggies’ main number one under Corberan, the 28-year-old never looked back.

The 2023/24 season would see Palmer start every single league clash under the Spaniard’s wing, resulting in the gloveman collecting a mightily impressive 18 clean sheets along the way, whilst also only leaking 48 strikes in total.

He entered the following campaign overflowing with confidence, therefore, with Palmer only shipping 27 league goals across 30 second-tier matches before Ipswich Town came calling.

Unfortunately, instead of sticking with their dependable stopper, West Brom would cash in, as Palmer left his boyhood club behind mid-season for £2m.

Games played

16

Wins

5

Draws

4

Losses

6

Goals conceded

20

Clean sheets

3

Whilst the 28-year-old attempted to fit in at his new Suffolk location, the wheels came off West Brom’s promotion mission drastically, with only three clean sheets coming the Baggies’ way after Palmer’s departure, alongside only five league wins being tallied up.

West Brom cannot deal with another demoralising exit of this fashion if they want to mount a serious promotion charge under Mason.

But, they could be heading to another Palmer situation.

West Brom must not sell "outstanding" star

Murmurs have died down regarding Tom Fellows leaving the Baggies this summer, which will be music to the ears of West Brom fans and Mason alike, considering he notched up 14 assists in league action last season.

Yet, the summer will still bring about a lot of anxiety regarding the situation of Isaac Price, with a new report from SportsBoom speculating that the recent January buy could already be heading for the exit door as a Jobe Bellingham-depleted Sunderland circle for his services.

Price had hardly any time to show off his excellence for West Brom last season – especially as he joined Mowbray’s camp amid the Baggies’ promotion hopes falling off a cliff – but he has shown this off-season what he’s all about when curling home efforts like the one above on the international stage for Northern Ireland.

Off the back of his continued brilliance for his country, scout Jacek Kulig has labelled Price as “fantastic”, with Mason perhaps the manager to get even more out of the promising 21-year-old, having worked closely with Spurs’ rising stars when located in North London.

There is still plenty to come from Price at the Hawthorns, with the former Everton youth product at least managing to get off the mark with a single goal and assist from 15 league appearances last season, even as his new employers regularly slipped up.

Therefore, instead of selling him to the likes of Burnley or Sunderland before he reaches his full potential, the Baggies must keep a firm grip on their “outstanding” youngster, as his ex-Toffees teammate Asmir Begovic once labelled him.

Further lauded as “smooth” when gliding forward by Mowbray, patience must be exercised on the end of West Brom with their rising star, especially now that a youth-oriented boss such as Mason is in charge.

If he comes good, he could well be a key player if promotion is to be clinched.

Wallace 2.0: West Brom want to sign free agent with 50 Championship goals

West Bromwich Albion could soon snap up their next Jed Wallace by landing this experienced Championship performer.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 16, 2025

Derby County are preparing for another tilt at life in the second-tier following their miraculous escape from relegation under John Eustace and could now make a bold statement on the market, according to a report.

Derby look to avoid repeat scenario of close shave with relegation

Avoiding the drop is never an easy feat to achieve when the chips are down. Still, John Eustace will rightfully be heralded as a miracle worker at Pride Park following his side’s turnaround.

Speaking to Football League World, pundit Don Goodman believes Derby can avoid being drawn into a relegation battle next term now that the foundations are in place to help the Rams thrive.

He explained: “I look at the 14 games John Eustace took charge of at the end of last season – six wins and three draws, and that’s despite losing the first three games he took charge of.

“If he accrued that points total over the course of last season that would be 69 points, which would’ve actually been enough for a play-off spot for Derby, remarkably.

“He’s outstanding at organising teams and making them hard to play against and hard to beat, so those are ingredients that will see Derby County not be in a relegation battle.”

Derby County make out-of-window move for "athletic" player in free transfer

John Eustace could be set to link up with a former player at Pride Park.

BySean Markus Clifford Mar 7, 2025

Inevitably, Derby will need to pull up some trees on the market to put themselves in a position of relative comfort.

Defensive duo Danny Batth and Dion Sanderson have been linked with moves to Pride Park, but there will be more in the pipeline as Eustace exhausts all avenues to put his mission into place.

Now, the Rams could turn to his former club in an attempt to pull of a statement deal that would definitely enhance their survival prospects, per recent developments.

Derby plotting move for Blackburn Rovers captain Lewis Travis

According to EFL Analysis, Derby are in the mix to sign Blackburn Rovers captain Lewis Travis and Eustace is said to be a big fan of his exploits after working with the 27-year-old at Ewood Park.

Predominantly a defensive midfielder, reports claim it would cost £2 million to prize him away from Lancashire. Meanwhile, Wrexham are also keen to lure him to North Wales.

Lewis Travis in all competitions – 2024/25

Appearances

39

Goals

2

Assists

1

Labelled “fantastic” by David Lowe, Travis is out of contract next summer which may increase pressure on Blackburn to sell their captain this window before his value begins to dwindle on the market.

Intriguingly, he has previously spoken out about his ‘close’ relationship with Eustace, something that may be used as an emotional string to pull on in the event of any negotiations.

Nevertheless, Derby aren’t messing about in their bid to add quality reinforcements and there is no doubt their engine room would drastically improve were Travis to land at Pride Park this summer.

Football is built on gossamer-fine margins, and Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe will know that his side came within a whisker of failing to restore their place in the Champions League.

The Toon might have lost to Everton at St. James’ Park on the final day of the Premier League season, but Aston Villa also lost at Old Trafford, thus securing Newcastle’s place among Europe’s elite once again, having also won the Carabao Cup in March.

United won’t be losing Alexander Isak to a rival this summer, but with Callum Wilson at the end of his contract, a new striker is among the biggest priorities for the Tynesiders.

Newcastle leading race for new striker

Howe reportedly wanted his striker addition to be Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, but he’s now set to join Chelsea for £30m.

However, PIF have found an alternative, and have even established the lead in the race.

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 Italian outlet Calcio Mercato, Fiorentina’s Moise Kean may be on the move this summer, and Newcastle are said to be ‘very interested’ in signing him.

Kean, 25, has also been the subject of enquiries from Serie A champions Napoli, who are deliberating over whether to meet his €52m (about £44m) release clause, which will be active across the first two weeks of July.

Why Newcastle want Moise Kean

Kean flopped like a fish when last trying his skills on Premier League soil, only scoring twice across 32 games for Everton in England’s top flight.

However, he was young and Everton were turbulent. The Italy international re-joined Juventus from Goodison Park in a deal worth £25m (the same ballpark Everton initially paid). Now he is regarded as “the king of kings” for La Viola by those like reporter Mina Rzouki.

His rise has truly been something to behold, and if Kean can translate his sustained form over to Newcastle, he could become a force to be reckoned with, one who could even apply pressure on Isak.

24/25 – Fiorentina

32

19

3

23/24 – Juventus

19

–

–

22/23 – Juventus

28

6

–

21/22 – Juventus

32

5

3

20/21 – PSG

26

13

–

20/21 – Everton

1

–

–

His stratospheric leap into rich form since moving to Florence has been a remarkable thing to witness, scoring 19 league goals last term, but it’s not Kean’s only weapon. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 12% of Serie A forwards this year for successful take-ons per 90.

There’s a power and purpose to his football that echoes Delap’s qualities, the English striker captivating so many suitors this season with his strength and confidence, hailed by Alan Shearer for being a “nuisance to play against.”

Kean, meanwhile, has been praised for his “scary” physical presence by reporter Carlo Garganese.

Newcastle must push hard to get this one done; across all competitions this season, Kean has posted 25 goals, even outscoring supposedly Manchester United-bound Bryan Mbeumo, who has indeed opted to sign for the Red Devils, rejecting Newcastle and more in the process.

Brentford’s Mbeumo, while not a striker, has been one of English football’s finest goalscorers this year, bagging 20 goals from 42 matches.

It’s clear: Newcastle must secure Kean’s signature. After all, they are already in the lead and were willing to spend on Delap. Here is the perfect alternative.

Move over Delap: Newcastle teen is one of the "best prospects in the world"

Newcastle may find a new teenage superstar burst onto the scene next season.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 3, 2025

Celtic have brought the curtain down on another successful campaign at Parkhead and could now be set to let go of one of their long-serving stars, per a report.

Change could be in the wind for Celtic this summer

Brendan Rodgers will feel disappointed that his side weren’t able to see a domestic treble over the line, but a double and tangible progress in the Champions League isn’t to be sniffed at in the grand scheme of things.

Nevertheless, the end to a long campaign has come at a good time for Celtic, who are already beginning to make decisions on the personnel that will prop up their talented squad next term.

Greg Taylor is now out of contract and may depart following an excellent six years of service, while talks are ongoing to resolve Jeffrey Schlupp’s future at Parkhead as his loan spell draws to a close.

Given his parent club Crystal Palace are currently paying him £60,000 per week, it remains to be seen if a deal will be thrashed out to take the Ghana international to Glasgow on a permanent basis.

Looking ahead, Rodgers has urged Celtic to use their Scottish Cup final defeat to Aberdeen as fuel for next season: “Looking at the bigger picture, we won the league title, won the League Cup, sadly we just couldn’t go that next step. It’s been a really good season for us. This will hurt. That’s your motivation, that drives you going into next season.”

Celtic could sign Idah upgrade in £40m star who's "guaranteed goals"

Celtic have been tipped to swoop for a star who would be a big upgrade on Adam Idah.

ByDan Emery May 25, 2025

Supporters will hope that extends to their transfer business, and they are already beginning to make tough decisions if recent reports are anything to go by.

Scott Bain set to leave Celtic on free transfer

According to The Herald, Scott Bain is set to be allowed to leave Celtic on a free transfer despite having a year left to run on his contract at Parkhead.

The 33-year-old will now seek first-team football elsewhere after becoming a distant back-up option to Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo between the sticks.

Scott Bain’s trophy-laden career at Celtic

Appearances

78

Clean sheets

40

Trophies won

7x Scottish Premiership, 5x Scottish Cup, 4x Scottish League Cup

Aberdeen goalkeeper Ross Doohan is out of contract and is set to replace Bain at Celtic, which will help their homegrown quota in line with UEFA squad registration rules due to being a club-trained player.

Cutting his deal short may be an abrupt end to former Dundee star Bain’s time in Glasgow, but he has enjoyed some memorable success and filled in admirably when called upon by Neil Lennon, Ange Postecoglou and current boss Rodgers.

However, he hasn’t played a single minute since a 3-2 victory over St Mirren at the tail end of last campaign, so it makes sense for the former Scotland international to try his luck as a number one elsewhere.