All posts by h716a5.icu

The former England allrounder has previously played four seasons for Sydney Sixers

ESPNcricinfo staff24-Jun-2024Allrounder Tom Curran has signed a two-year deal with Melbourne Stars in the BBL, committing to play the full duration of the tournament, while Chris Jordan will return to Hobart Hurricanes.Curran has previously played four seasons for Sydney Sixers but was caught up in controversy in the 2023-24 campaign when he was suspended for four matches for intimidating an umpire and his tournament was later ended by a knee injury. In 36 BBL matches he has taken 51 wickets at 19.76 with an economy of 8.25 and scored 359 runs at a strike-rate of 143.60.Related

Melbourne Stars get first pick in BBL overseas draft

Billings picks Sydney Thunder ahead of rival T20 leagues

Curran joins under the BBL’s new multi-year contract option which allows clubs to sign one overseas player before the draft. Any player joining under the new agreement has to stay for the entire tournament – including finals – from the 2025-26 season although Curran will do so for both years of his deal.Jordan, who took a hat-trick against USA to help secure England’s spot in the T20 World Cup semi-finals, heads back to Hurricanes after claiming nine wickets in 10 matches during 2023-24 season plus hitting a 17-ball fifty.”CJ was our top priority to bring back as part of our multi-year overseas contract, he provided our squad with experience, both with bat, ball, and in the field, and showed our squad what professionalism in World T20 cricket looks like,” Salliann Beams, Hurricanes list manager and high performance general manger”He also provided a good balance to our bowling unit, and when paired with Nathan Ellis, we have two of the best death and powerplay bowlers in T20 cricket. We also saw what CJ can do at his destructive best with the bat and know that he can play a role for us in the lower order when required, I am excited to see what he can do for our franchise over the coming seasons.”Sam Billings was the first player to sign a multi-year deal in the BBL when he joined Sydney Thunder.Meanwhile, in an interview conducted by Stars, Curran said that Glenn Maxwell had played a key role in encouraging him to join the club when the pair spent time together for Royal Challenges Bengaluru in the IPL.”I’m really looking to getting out to Australia in a few months and playing at the MCG which will be a great honour to call my home ground,” he said. “You want to come in as an overseas player and have an impact and help win games, it’ll be a joy not having to bowl to Maxwell and Stoinis.””I was at the IPL with Maxi at the time and I knew Peter Moores was the coach – who I’ve never worked with but who I’ve heard great things about,” he said. “I had a decent idea of which players were part of team having played a fair bit against the Stars over the years. After the initial chat it didn’t take too long for me to decide to be honest.”Stars will need a new captain for next season after Maxwell stood down following last year’s campaign which saw Stars finish sixth. Marcus Stoinis has confirmed his interest in the role.Stars have the first pick in the overseas draft which will take place early in September.

Everton have been strongly linked with a move for Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker, but another Premier League player is also seen as an option.

Everton make contact over Walker signing

The Blues are looking to seal the high-profile signing of Walker this summer, with the 35-year-old allowed to leave City after a legendary stint there that has seen him win six Premier League titles.

Walker may not be the player of old, but that’s not to say that he doesn’t still have plenty to offer, and Everton would see him as an upgrade on the departing Ashley Young, as well as a player with a winning mentality and a huge amount of experience at the top level.

The fact that David Moyes has reportedly approved the transfer can only be a good thing, too, with the manager needing to have a big say in any transfer business that happens at the club this summer.

For now, it looks as though Walker may complete a move to Everton, even though there is also interest from other clubs, but different targets also need to be looked at in case the move doesn’t happen. Now, a new name has now been thrown into the hat as a potential addition for the Merseysiders.

Everton eyeing "underappreciated" Walker alternative

According to The Guardian‘s Jamie Jackson and Will Unwin, Everton are also interested in signing Fulham right-back Kenny Tete, should they decide not to strike a deal with Walker.

The 29-year-old will be a free agent at the end of this month, with his deal at Craven Cottage expiring, and he is mentioned as an option for the Blues, as are West Ham’s Vladimir Coufal and Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters.

Tete, a 14-cap Netherlands international, may not be as renowned or as explosive a player as Walker, but he is six years younger and could be an astute signing by Everton, having been lauded by pundit Robbie Mustoe for his “unsung” style of play.

“I just love the way they defend as well. Kenny Tete I think is often another one who is underappreciated. He doesn’t half do a good job, he’s a good defender, steady on the ball, I think he’s a fan favourite and he was missed last year, I think it was last year that he was out for a while. I just made a quick note about him, he was one of those unsung guys at a club that is really important to the way they defend.”

Appearances

22

15

Starts

21

9

Minutes played

1779

967

Clearances per game

2.8

0.7

Tackles per game

2.5

1.1

Interceptions per game

1.5

0.2

Aerial duel wins per game

1.2

0.6

Goals

0

0

Assists

2

0

Tete has always been a steady performer for Fulham, averaging 2.8 clearances and 2.5 tackles per game in the Premier League last season, and he could be a solid addition for Everton.

Better than Thierno Barry: Everton considering bid for lethal £42m striker

Everton are looking to sign a striker or two this summer

ByRoss Kilvington Jun 17, 2025

The close relative of a “great” Liverpool transfer target has claimed that his move to Anfield this summer is now “basically a done deal”, in an exciting new update.

Florian Wirtz week at Liverpool

The Reds have already brought in Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen since the end of last season, but this week has the potential to be a particularly memorable one at Anfield.

Liverpool appear to be edging closer to the stunning signing of Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz all the time, with fresh reports claiming that he will be in England on Thursday, with his medical and official unveiling taking place on Friday.

While much focus is on Wirtz currently, which is no surprise considering he is seen as one of Europe’s best players currently, a move for Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth is also close to happening.

The 21-year-old has emerged as the perfect left-back to come in and be Andy Robertson’s long-term successor at Liverpool, and now a new update suggests that the transfer is closer to happening than ever.

Liverpool signing Kerkez "basically a done deal"

Speaking to Super Indirektno [via The Mirror], Kerkez’s father, Sebastijan Kerkez, claimed that his son’s move to Liverpool is “basically a done deal”, also discussing the huge influence of sporting director Richard Hughes.

“It’s only Liverpool for us and we’re not going anywhere else and we won’t talk to other clubs. Everything is done between us (personal terms) we just need to sort out some details but it’s basically a done deal. Richard Hughes brought us to Bournemouth, if he said we go to India, then we go to India, everything is agreed, just some little things.”

This is fantastic news for anyone of a Liverpool persuasion, with Kerkez looking tailor-made to thrive in this Premier League-winning team under Arne Slot.

Appearances

38

Starts

38

Minutes played

3341

Goals

2

Assists

5

Clearances per game

2.6

Tackles per game

1.4

Interceptions per game

1.2

The Hungarian caught the eye so often with his performances for Bournemouth in 2024/25, standing out as one of the best left-backs in the country and being hailed by manager Andoni Iraola.

“Milos has improved a lot from past season. He has done a great job defensively. I think he’s a player that because of his physical condition arrives so many times to the last third with the ball under control to put good crosses that the number of assists, of good balls he was having, was quite low past season, but this season I think he’s deciding much better. He’s adding quality to his deliveries.”

Big Ekitike upgrade: Liverpool dreaming of signing "the world's best CF"

Liverpool need to sign a centre-forward this summer.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 17, 2025

There is always a risk that any move won’t work out, but assuming he avoids serious injury, the £40m-rated Kerkez looks primed to be a massive player for Liverpool for many years to come.

A “world-class” star is now pushing to seal a move to Manchester City quickly, but it will take a huge offer to secure his signature, according to a report.

Man City set to spend big despite lack of 115 charges verdict

Having endured a rare trophyless season in the 2024-25 campaign, Man City are set to spend big to rebuild their squad this summer, despite the fact they are yet to receive a verdict in their case against the Premier League.

Gary Neville has been particularly critical about the lack of a conclusion to the ongoing saga, saying: “That Manchester City case is a disgrace; it’s an absolute stain to the game.

“It has just been dragging on for years and years, it’s an absolute joke. Yes, City have been defending themselves, but they’ve been pushing it so far into the long grass that you end up losing the will to live on it and you forget about it. It just needs to be dealt with.”

Man City register interest to sign £205k-p/w PSG star who Pep called "top"

The Citizens could bring in some serious pedigree in their hunt to claim the Premier League title next term.

1 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 2, 2025

The lack of a verdict seemingly isn’t dissuading players from moving to the Etihad Stadium, however, with Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Rayan Ait-Nouri expected to join Pep Guardiola’s side this summer, while Lyon’s Rayan Cherki has also said “yes” to a move.

Cherki isn’t the only midfielder of interest to the Blues, however, and there has now been a new update on their pursuit of AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders, with a report from Italy (via Sport Witness) revealing the midfielder is pushing to seal a move to the Etihad Stadium quickly.

City have already made an offer of €60m (£51m) for Reijnders, but Milan are set to hold out for a fee of over €70m (£59m), so the two clubs may still be a little way apart in their valuation of the 26-year-old.

"World-class" Reijnders could be statement signing for City

Erling Haaland’s willingness to sign a ten-year contract may have allayed some fears that City will receive a harsh punishment from the Premier League, when the verdict is finally reached, and signing the AC Milan star would also be a statement of intent.

The Dutchman enjoyed a very impressive 2024-25 campaign with the Italian giants, picking up 20 goal contributions in 54 outings, during which time he also received very high praise from CBS’ Matteo Bonetti.

An outlay of around £60m would be justifiable for Man City, given Reijnders’ ability, and the fact he is pushing to seal a move to the Etihad should give them an edge in negotiations with Milan.

Even the best managers spend time out of the game, with some waiting for the right opportunity to reignite their careers, while others just want a break from the high-octane life of being a top-level boss.

Several high-profile managers who find themselves out of work could be options for clubs in the Premier League and across the continent to replace those under pressure.

All 20 Premier League managers' salaries (lowest to highest)

How much each Premier League gaffer earns.

ByCharlie Smith Oct 21, 2025

Here, Football FanCast takes a look at a selection of active managers who are out of work at the moment.

1 Massimiliano Allegri Last job: Juventus (May 2024)

The veteran Italian coach Massimiliano Allegri has a glittering CV. Not only has he won six Serie A titles across spells at Juventus and Milan, but the 57-year-old has won five Coppa Italia trophies, too.

A serial winner indeed, but Allegri left the Old Lady at the end of the 2023/24 campaign and is still without work, making him one of the standout options on this list.

2 Francesco Farioli Last job: Ajax (May 2025)

Francesco Farioli has been quietly making his name as an up-and-coming manager in recent years, with his early career already taking him to Turkey, France and the Netherlands.

His most recent spell at Ajax had the Dutch giants on the brink of an Eredivisie title, but a sensational collapse saw them win just one of their final five games to let PSV – who themselves had a commanding lead at one stage – off the hook.

Farioli resigned in the aftermath of their dramatic season conclusion despite qualifying for the Champions League.

3 Jurgen Klopp Last job: Liverpool (May 2024)

Jurgen Klopp called time on his dazzling nine-year stay at Liverpool in 2024, leaving the club having restored them as champions of England in 2019/20 after earning their sixth European Cup a year earlier.

Klopp has since taken up a role at Red Bull, where he was appointed as global head of soccer at the start of 2025. Since then, he has been linked with the vacancy at Roma, who recently bid farewell to Claudio Ranieri.

However, Klopp had insisted that he had run out of energy upon his Liverpool exit, so perhaps he will take some time yet before deciding his next coaching role.

4 Julen Lopetegui Last job: West Ham United (Jan 2025)

Julen Lopetegui has been unemployed since being let go by West Ham United in early 2025, having been unable to improve the Hammers’ fortunes after replacing David Moyes at the London Stadium.

A Europa League winner with Sevilla, the Spaniard’s CV remains an impressive one, and had previously displayed his managerial prowess in the Premier League with Wolves, so perhaps a better match-up can bring the best out of the ex-Real Madrid and Spain boss.

5 Thiago Motta Last job: Juventus (Mar 2025)

Thiago Motta announced himself in the managerial world by steering Bologna to an unlikely Champions League place in 2023/24. His success led him to joining Juventus, who had parted with Massimiliano Allegri.

However, his spell as Bianconeri boss was underwhelming, and was dismissed with their Champions League qualification hopes under threat, while their European campaign also had its struggles, exiting the play-off round to PSV.

Motta was sacked in March as results in Serie A continued to disappoint.

6 Marco Rose Last job: RB Leipzig (Mar 2025)

Marco Rose has had a relatively chequered history when it comes to success in the dugout.

After enjoying league success at Red Bull Salzburg, Rose had mixed spells at Borussia Monchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig, his most recent club.

His tenures saw a mixture of Champions League qualifications and mid-table finishes, with the 2024/25 campaign seeing RB Leipzig fail to get out of the league phase in the Champions League as well as a drop-off in form in the Bundesliga. As a result, he is looking for a fifth job in eight years.

7 Roger Schmidt Last job: Benfica (August 2024)

Roger Schmidt has been out of work since leaving Benfica in August 2024. Across two seasons with the Portuguese side, the German led the club to the league title in his maiden campaign, also winning the Portuguese Super Cup.

Benfica could only finish second behind Sporting CP last year, and after winning 7 points from 12 in the 2024/25 campaign, Schmidt departed the club.

He is no stranger to the pressures of managing a top side, also enjoying spells at PSV and Bayer Leverkusen, but it remains to be seen where he ends up next.

8 Gareth Southgate Last job: England (July 2024)

Gareth Southgate bowed out after eight years of service as England manager, having twice taken them to the brink of European glory.

The end of the European Championship campaign in the summer of 2024 brought about the end of his tenure, with Southgate calling time after securing two runners-up medals and a first World Cup semi-final since 1990.

Despite him being linked to vacancies at Manchester United and former club Crystal Palace in the recent past, he had originally claimed that he would take a year out after cutting ties with the national team. Does that mean his next role is around the corner?

England's 10 best managers of all time – ranked

How does Gareth Southgate rank among previous England bosses?

ByBen Browning Jul 17, 2024 9 Erik ten Hag Last job: Manchester United (October 2024)

Erik ten Hag was sacked by Manchester United having led them to a League Cup triumph in his first season and the FA Cup in his second, but it wasn’t good enough to save his job.

Premier League finishes of third and eighth proved to be what Ten Hag was judged on. Adding in the fact that the Old Trafford side ended bottom of their Champions League group in 2023/24, it was clear he couldn’t get the team playing to his desired style on a consistent basis.

Perhaps a spell at a club with less pressure will allow him to restore his reputation. Having said that, he was linked with the vacant role at Bayer Leverkusen in May, with Xabi Alonso recently departing the German Bundesliga club.

10 Edin Terzić Last job: Borussia Dortmund (June 2024)

Edin Terzić led Borussia Dortmund to a surprise appearance in the 2023/24 Champions League final. A 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid was perhaps expected, but it looked like it could usher in a new era for the German side.

Just a week later, Terzic left Dortmund after three seasons in charge across two separate spells. Still young in managerial terms, he could be an ideal candidate for any major job that opens up across Europe.

Arsenal chiefs are facing a renewed Real Madrid threat after Los Blancos swooped in to win the race for Bournemouth starlet Dean Huijsen, with the La Liga giants posing some worry for Gunners transfer chief Andrea Berta and his deal to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Arsenal reach Zubimendi agreement as Huijsen nears Real Madrid move

Earlier this week, it was reliably reported that Arsenal reached an agreement to sign Zubimendi, with Fabrizio Romano even dropping the ‘here we go’ on his switch to the Emirates Stadium.

Berta favourite decides he wants to join Arsenal after £7m salary offer

He has his heart set on a north London switch.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 15, 2025

The Spain international’s signature is believed to be all-but officially sealed, with Berta seemingly wrapping up his first signing as Arsenal’s new sporting director.

Arsenal are poised to lose Jorginho, who’s agreed to join Brazilian side Flamengo after his contract expires, while talks remain ongoing over Thomas Partey’s contract with no guarantee they will shake hands on a renewed deal.

The arrival of Zubimendi is crucial to Mikel Arteta with Arsenal in danger of being left quite short in midfield, and it would come as welcome news after they missed out on a deal for top defensive target Huijsen.

2. Arsenal

68

3. Newcastle United

66

4. Man City

65

5. Chelsea

63

6. Aston Villa

63

7. Nottingham Forest

62

As per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal were in pole position with Chelsea to strike a deal for the 20-year-old, but Real Madrid then got involved. The 15-time European champions swooped in to tempt him towards his homeland, and they’re currently putting the finishing touches on a move which will see Huijsen depart Bournemouth for the Bernabeu.

“Real Madrid are in direct meeting with Dean Huijsen’s camp to complete the agreement on the contract,” said Romano on X.

“The agreement on £50m release clause with Bournemouth has been sealed on Wednesday, as reported. Matter of contract details with Huijsen’s camp, then, here we go.”

Arsenal risk Dean Huijsen repeat after Martin Zubimendi update

After Real eventually beat Arsenal to Huijsen’s signature, despite the north Londoners having reportedly made a “formal” offer of their own (Cadena SER), it is now believed that Florentino Perez could still spoil their swoop for Zubimendi as well.

As per a report from Diario AS, Arsenal’s signing of Zubimendi is already “arranged”, but nothing has been signed in terms of contract or legislation, meaning Real are still able to come in and hijack Berta’s deal.

The Spanish newspaper suggests this is highly possible and a “sharp turn” in the situation cannot be ruled out, as per sources “close” to the talks, with Zubimendi agreeing a move to Liverpool last year and changing his mind at the last second.

Until the “world-class” 26-year-old puts pen to paper, there is every chance Real decide to move with a counter-offer to rival Arsenal, and AS describe the race for Zubimendi as remaining “open”, contrary to previous claims.

Arteta will be hoping Real stay out of this one, as their need for a midfielder of Zubimendi’s cannot be understated following Jorginho’s imminent exit and uncertainty surrounding Partey.

Silly season is upon us, but given that Liverpool are the best team in England having won the Premier League, there are scant players across the globe who wouldn’t at least consider a move to Anfield this summer.

And players will come through the gates. FSG hit the jackpot when appointing Arne Slot to replace Jurgen Klopp last year, an affable but contrasting personality whose meticulous tactical approach has borne dividends.

Having done the business without any proper first-team investment, Liverpool’s owners are happy to get their purse out and reward the Dutch coach, with a range of incomings expected.

While replacing Darwin Nunez, who has failed to react positively to Slot’s tactics and is expected to leave at the end of the season, is the chief attacking priority, especially with Mohamed Salah now tied down for two more years, Slot is keen to strengthen across a number of areas.

And that intrigue has led to Villa Park, with Morgan Rogers added to Liverpool’s shortlist.

Liverpool's interest in Morgan Rogers

Rogers has only been at Aston Villa for 14 months, but he’s made quite the impression, leaving Middlesbrough in the Championship to sign for Unai Emery’s side in a £15m deal.

His rise and rise has caught Liverpool’s eye, that’s for sure, with the mighty Fabrizio Romano revealing to GIVEMESPORT this week that Liverpool and Chelsea are among the top clubs to have been scouting the 22-year-old this season.

However, sealing a deal is hardly going to be a walk around Stanley Park, for Manchester United have also shown an interest in Rogers of late and were met with a response that a bid worth £68m would be required for Villa to consider his departure.

The ice-cold England international has scored 14 goals and added 13 assists across 50 Villan appearances this season, though it bears testament to the level of his ability that it is the underlying quality that has lifted him toward the top of Liverpool’s summer shortlist.

However, with Villa expected to play hardball, especially so if they retain their place in the Champions League, Liverpool might be forced to turn their heads elsewhere.

Luckily, a fitting and more affordable alternative has been earmarked.

Liverpool chasing new forward

As per Football Insider, West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus is open to a move away from east London this season after a disappointing campaign, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City all interested.

Transfer Focus

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

However, Reds fans will be pleased to know that FSG are singled out as the main party in the race so far, confident that they can seal a summer deal for a figure lower than his £80m release clause.

The player himself, meanwhile, is said to want to ‘make that move’ to Anfield and would ‘jump at the opportunity if an offer arrives’.

While some will harbour reservations after the Ghanaian’s below-par output this season, this talent is unquestionable and the Hammers are willing to consider cut-price offers.

What Mohammed Kudus would bring to Liverpool

In August 2023, West Ham signed Kudus from Ajax for a £38m fee, pipping Brighton & Hove Albion to his signature. Regarded as a “generational talent” by journalist Gary Al-Smith.

He played an important part for United last term, scoring 14 goals and laying on nine assists as David Moyes’ side fought for European qualification in the Premier League and drove their way into the quarter-finals of the Europa League, losing over two legs against Bayer Leverkusen.

However, there’s no denying that Kudus has fallen down a notch this season, albeit struggling alongside the masses over a deeply frustrating year for the Irons.

Matches (starts)

33 (27)

28 (28)

Goals

8

4

Assists

6

2

Shots (on target)*

2.0 (0.5)

2.4 (0.8)

Pass completion

84%

90%

Big chances created

5

3

Key passes*

0.8

1.0

Dribbles*

3.8

3.0

Ball recoveries*

6.4

4.5

Tackles*

2.0

1.2

Duels won*

8.5

6.6

There is a reason why Liverpool have maintained an interest in the winger over the past year. Kudus would be the first to admit he has endured a testing campaign, but that doesn’t mean he’s not a player worthy of a place in Slot’s squad.

Indeed, his propensity for danger down the channels is quite a thing; for instance, Kudus disabled a firm Arsenal defence during a shock victory at the Emirates Stadium back in February, all but ending the Gunners’ feeble title hopes.

This is perhaps best illustrated through FBref’s data. The statistical site list that he ranks among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion and the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90.

Curiously, FBref also record that Rogers is one of Kudus’ most comparable players when assessing data from the ongoing Premier League season, and if the Villa man does prove to be unattainable in the market this summer, Liverpool may be convinced to move down a different track.

The statistical likeness suggests that either star would be a fitting addition to an already talented and dynamic frontline. Both have been profiled, and both are firmly on Hughes’ radar.

A “fearless” ball-carrying threat, as has been said by scout Antonio Mango, Rogers is proving himself to be a dangerous player indeed, breaking from midfield or the left flank and closer and closer toward the goalmouth, where his growing potency has indeed led to 27 goal involvements across all competitions this season.

However, Kudus demonstrated last season his elite level for West Ham. He will be annoyed at his own regression under Julen Lopetegui and now Graham Potter at the London Stadium, but there’s little question he has ‘generational’ quality that Slot could tap into and shape into something truly special for Liverpool.

Imagine him & Gakpo: Slot driving Liverpool deal for £60m "game-changer"

Liverpool are set for a shopping spree this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 1, 2025

Trent Alexander-Arnold might be jetting off to the Spanish capital this summer, but there’s plenty to be happy about for those of a Liverpool persuasion right now.

With the Reds winning their 20th top-flight title under Arne Slot’s management this year, Alexander-Arnold has very much played a pivotal part in putting his boyhood club back on its perch – not just this year, but across the illustrious sweep of his career.

But the vice-captain is going to leave for Real Madrid on a Bosman, and his departure will have a say on the roads taken across the transfer market months.

While sorting out Liverpool’s defensive flanks is sure to be a priority for FSG, there’s no question that changes are going to be enforced from an attacking standpoint.

Liverpool eyeing attacking changes

Liverpool are gearing up for a busy summer, and no mistake. FSG’s approach toward transfer business has stoked frustrations over the years, but can we really begrudge them, given the club’s success over the past decade?

This new version, it must be said, feels different. The framework has been reshaped and Slot is expecting sweeping changes after minimal investment last summer.

Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota may both reportedly depart, opening ample room for a high-level centre-forward. However, with Luis Diaz anticipating new talks to renew his contract, Liverpool’s need for a left winger has been lessened considerably.

That hasn’t stopped the Merseysiders from registering their interest in Morgan Rogers, though, a versatile attacker who shifts seamlessly between the wide lane and a more central berth, and has struck 27 goal contributions from 51 outings this season.

However, Liverpool have yet to double down on a target, and might have found one who would be a better fit than the Aston Villa sensation.

Liverpool could see bid accepted for Premier League star

Sources have confirmed to Caught Offside that Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo is on Liverpool’s radar this summer, with the Bees seeking bids of £60m-£65m in order to let him head to Anfield or any other interested party.

Transfer Focus

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

However, sporting director Richard Hughes will need to accelerate his plans if Liverpool are to prevail, with Manchester United set to make their opening offer in the coming weeks.

While the urgency for a right-sided forward has been eased after Mohamed Salah’s contract renewal, Federico Chiesa has scarcely featured under Slot and is mooted for a return to Italy, with AC Milan reportedly interested.

Mbeumo could be the perfect addition, adding the athleticism and dynamism needed ahead of a title-defending campaign.

What Bryan Mbeumo would bring to Liverpool

Salah’s peerless output in the Premier League this season is something Slot will be hoping to replicate next year. Signing a ball-carrying star such as Rogers could be a way to make that happen, but Liverpool already have a tried and tested midfield three and Diaz is rumoured to be staying put.

1

Mohamed Salah

28

18

46

2

Alexander Isak

23

6

29

3

Bryan Mbeumo

18

7

25

4

Erling Haaland

21

3

24

4=

Cole Palmer

15

9

24

However, he’ll be 33 by the time the 2025/26 campaign arrives, and Mbeumo could be the perfect forward to ease the Egypt international’s workload.

Of course, Mbeumo’s capacity to perform at number nine is something Thomas Frank has made good use of throughout the season and Slot will be sure to take a leaf from the Dane’s book, with his usage of Diaz’s dynamic qualities this year already underlining how he can guide the Brentford man toward new heights.

The 25-year-old has scored 68 goals and provided 50 assists across 239 matches in England, but it would be hard to argue against the current campaign being his finest for the Bees.

After missing only eight big chances in the Premier League this season (scoring 18 times), he’s proven his clinical edge to be the hallmark of a broad-ranging skill set. Of course, that’s not all, with 16 big chances created and 1.3 tackles and dribbles averaged per game, over four duels won each fixture too.

While Villa’s Rogers would be an attractive option given his prolificness in Unai Emery’s system, Mbeumo is the more dangerous goalscorer while proving himself a multi-dimensional player too, creating heartily.

Highly-regarded, Rogers has pulled all the stops this term and would no doubt prove a worthy addition to Liverpool’s high-flying team.

That said, recent rumours have suggested that Rogers will cost suitors around £70m, which is no small sum. Villa’s reluctance to sell could see that stretch even higher.

Meanwhile, Brentford seem open to selling their talisman which could play into Liverpool’s plans, with Mbeumo’s specific quality suggesting that he could one day succeed Salah while serving as his understudy for now and filling in at centre-forward too.

He’s been more prolific than Rogers in the Premier League this season while outstripping him across most underlying metrics. Rogers has won more duels per game, but only by a 0.2 average.

Hailed for his “sensational” efforts in west London by Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam, Liverpool will kick themselves if they fail to beat off competition from their Red Devil rivals and secure Mbeumo’s signature.

Liverpool are going to want an out-and-out striker to join their ranks ahead of Slot’s second season, but if Nunez and Jota both depart, Mbeumo’s addition would make a significant difference to an outfit looking to challenge across four fronts.

Both the Cameroon international and Rogers have the qualities to leave marked effects on Slot’s Liverpool project, but Mbuemo’s goalscoring ability and completeness have the decisive say on the matter: FSG need to bring him in.

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Chelsea are now pushing hard to sign a “superstar” forward who’s been compared to Cristiano Ronaldo, with talks intensifying in recent days, according to a report.

Blues stepping up summer transfer plans

With the summer transfer window now on the horizon, the Blues are now stepping up their efforts to improve their squad, having identified the need to bring in reinforcements in a number of key areas, including between the sticks.

A £47m offer has now been submitted for Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, given that Enzo Maresca has made the decision to drop error-prone Robert Sanchez at times this season, while the manager is also keen to strengthen in more attacking areas.

Talks have been opened over a deal for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens, while Maresca’s side also have a strong chance of winning the race for Barcelona star Raphinha, whose future at the Camp Nou remains up in the air.

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Having proven himself at the top level, the Brazilian could set the west Londoners back £77m, but they are also keen on signing an up-and-coming talent who could cost even more, according to a report from Caught Offside.

Chelsea are now pushing hard to sign Juventus winger Kenan Yildiz, with talks being intensified in recent days, but the Turkish forward will not come cheap, with the Italian side set to hold out for as much as €100m (£85m).

Yilldiz’s impressive performances have attracted the attention of the Blues, alongside Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City, but Juventus are unwilling to sanction a departure unless they receive a huge fee.

The Germany-born winger is now viewed as a priority target for Maresca’s side, but Liverpool or Arsenal could be more tempting destinations, particularly if Chelsea miss out on Champions League qualification.

"Superstar" Yildiz has shades of CR7

The 19-year-old has already managed to establish himself as a key player for Juventus, picking up eight goals and five assists in all competitions this season, and there have been some suggestions that he could be destined for the very top.

The starlet is ranked among the best-performing teenagers in Europe’s top five leagues this season, so it is little wonder that Juventus are set to hold out for a huge transfer fee.

It is still very early days, but it goes without saying that £85m would be a fair fee if Yildiz is truly capable of emulating Ronaldo, and it is exciting news that Chelsea are now pushing to get a deal done.

That said, it would be a huge gamble to shell out such a huge amount on a player yet to prove himself at the very highest level over a sustained period.

Liverpool are believed to be “working on” tying down an “outstanding” player to a new contract alongside Virgil van Dijk, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Salah signs new Liverpool deal

The news that Reds supporters have been dreaming of finally came true on Friday, with Mohamed Salah signing a new two-year deal at Anfield.

There have been concerns all season long that the 32-year-old Liverpool legend would leave the club, but he will now be on Merseyside until at least 2027, saying he intends to win more trophies there:

“If I don’t believe that, I would not have signed. I believe the team can win trophies and with the support of the fans and the city, and that the supporters always give us in the games, I believe we can win many trophies in the next years.”

Now, the hope is that other players will follow suit, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk also both out of contract at the end of this season.

While it looks increasingly likely that the latter will stay put and do the same as Salah, the former’s head appears to have been turned by a move to Real Madrid. That said, nothing has been confirmed over Alexander-Arnold leaving Liverpool at the peak of his powers.

Liverpool want new deal for "outstanding" ace

According to Romano in his newsletter for GiveMeSport, Liverpool are still looking to seal a new deal for Ibrahima Konate, as well as Van Dijk:

“They are in negotiations. Now the priority was obviously Salah and Van Dijk, but the next one could be Konate as Liverpool are working on it.”

Ensuring that Konate remains at Liverpool for the foreseeable future is of the utmost importance, considering he is still only 25 years of age and eight years Van Dijk’s junior.

The Frenchman is appreciated by so many at Anfield, from Arne Slot to the supporters, and captain Van Dijk also hailed him earlier this season, saying after their win away at Wolves in September:

“As you saw, he is important with the goal, he is defensively solid, a bit unlucky with the goal we conceded, but obviously the qualities he has are outstanding, in my opinion.

“He is learning, growing, getting better and looking after himself much better in order to be ready every three days as that’s what asked. And also we have a young player behind him in Jarrell, who is also doing well. We have to keep pushing each other and he is doing a good job.”

Relatively speaking, the £70,000-a-week wage that Konate earns is low compared to many of his teammates, so he deserves an improved contract to show that he is truly appreciated.

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Granted, injuries have hampered him at times in his career, so there is a slight risk involved in handing him an extension, but he should only get better in the coming years, and losing him at this point in his career could be a big blow to the Reds.