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Liverpool are long-term admirers of Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo and could make a move for him this summer, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness). 

The lowdown

Zaniolo, 22, is predominantly a right winger but he’s also played 17 matches this season in a second striker role. That means he could provide cover and competition for Mohamed Salah, but may also be able to operate as a false nine in the manner of Roberto Firmino, for example.

Liverpool, of course, signed both Salah and Alisson from Roma in 2017 and 2018 for fees of £34million and £67million respectively.

And it seems Julian Ward, taking over as sporting director from Michael Edwards, could look to find more success by shopping in the Italian capital.

Zaniolo has just over two years remaining on his deal at the Stadio Olimpico, though his current focus may be on preparations for the Europa Conference League final against Feyenoord on 25 May.

His hat-trick against Bodo/Glimt last month helped steer Jose Mourinho’s side into the semifinals.

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The latest

The Italian press claim Zaniolo has been a Liverpool target for some time, so this is seemingly an Edwards target being carried over into Ward’s new role.

If the player is to extend his stay at Roma, he wants a contract worth €4million per year, which equates to about £65,000 per week, says the report. But if he’s to leave, he won’t be short of suitors, either domestically or abroad.

Juventus and AC Milan are waiting in the wings, and the player’s first instinct is apparently to remain in Italy.

He would apparently find it difficult to turn down a ‘super offer’ from overseas though, as Liverpool and Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur ‘have continued to monitor him for some time’.

It’s thought that he would cost somewhere between €65million and €70million (£55.3million-£59.5million).

The verdict

Is Zaniolo good enough for Liverpool? His goals/assists record this season is good without being spectacular – seven scored, eight assisted in 39 appearances across all competitions.

But it’s important to remember that he’s still a young player and that his development has badly affected by injury. The Italian suffered two anterior cruciate ligament injuries in the space of a year, so patience may be required.

What’s more, some of Zaniolo’s underlying numbers are strong. He records a high volume of dribbles (81st percentile), touches in the attacking penalty area and progressive passes received (both 80th), highlighting his technical proficiency and intelligent movement.

This is the former Serie A Young Player of the Year, and Klopp may believe he can unlock his potential.

In other news, Liverpool may have found a Jordan Henderson replacement.

Mohamed Salah is hopeful that he will be fit for Liverpool’s Champions League final clash against Real Madrid, according to journalist James Pearce.

The Lowdown: Salah injured in final win

The Reds enjoyed FA Cup glory on Saturday following a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over Chelsea at Wembley, winning their second trophy of the season.

Salah didn’t even make it to half-time, though, limping off with a groin injury and immediately sparking concern surrounding his involvement in the Champions League final on May 28th.

However, a hopeful update has now emerged regarding the 29-year-old’s situation.

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The Latest: Pearce provides Salah injury update

Taking to Twitter on Saturday night a few hours after the FA Cup final, Pearce confirmed that Salah is confident of being fit for the Champions League showpiece against Real Madrid in Paris.

The journalist tweeted: ” ‘Of course, all good’ says Mo Salah when asked if he will be fit for the CL final in Paris.”

The Verdict: Wrap him in cotton wool

While there is no official confirmation surrounding the severity of Salah’s injury, that he believes he will be fit for the 28th is certainly an enormous positive.

Having gone off injured in the 2018 decider against the same opposition, it would be cruel for the 29-year-old to suffer Champions League final heartache yet again – more importantly, Liverpool need arguably their best player on the pitch.

Salah will do all he can to prove himself, although Jurgen Klopp should be wary of not letting his heart rule his head in the meantime, only starting the Egyptian if he is ready.

There is enough depth in the squad to make do without him from the start these days, which is a very different situation to four years ago. Therefore, Klopp must wrap the 29-year-old in cotton wool for the Premier League games against Southampton and Wolves this week.

In other news, Klopp has reportedly set his sights on one Liverpool signing. Read more here.

Paddy Kenny has dropped a ‘behind the scenes’ Newcastle United claim on Matt Targett after what he has now heard.

The Lowdown: Wants to stay

As cited by The Chronicle, Targett has claimed that he ‘hopes something can be sorted’ with regards to his future at St. James’ Park.

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It is widely thought that they would like to sign him on a permanent deal once his loan spell from Aston Villa ends, but that will of course depend on the player and how much money they put up.

The Latest: Kenny reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, former Premier League goalkeeper Kenny has suggested that the deal has already been done ‘behind the scenes’, and there just needs to be an official announcement from both sides:

“I would think it just needs to be announced.

“Targett has been so good and it is telling that he has never missed a minute since he came in.

“At Villa, I think Digne has that starting spot at Villa now and Targett won’t want to go back to playing second fiddle.

“He must love playing at Newcastle, the fans seem to love him. I can’t see why it wouldn’t happen.

“It works for everyone. I can’t see anyone complaining about it to be honest.

“I honestly think there must have been talks behind the scenes.”

The Verdict: No-brainer

Signing up Targett permanently is surely a no-brainer for the North East club, given the impact that he has had on Tyneside.

He is a player that Eddie Howe clearly likes and trusts, having not missed a single minute for him in the top flight so far this season, except of course when they played his parent club (Transfermarkt).

The left-back has become a fans favourite already with his performances, so much so that 97.5% of supporters have expressed their desire for him to stay, and so this is a deal that the Magpies faithful would absolutely love.

In other news, find out which former Sunderland ace NUFC are now eyeing here!

Former BBC pundit Noel Whelan has been giving his reaction to some Newcastle United transfer news involving Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.

The Lowdown: Bid plotted

As per The Daily Express, the St. James’ Park faithful are now plotting a £30m bid to sign Hojbjerg from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer.

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Antonio Conte is reportedly planning a shake up of his squad, and Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma are also interested in his signature.

Report have claimed Daniel Levy was ‘furious’ with last year’s Tyneside takeover, but those in the media believe he would still sell to the Magpies if the right offer arrived.

The Latest: Whelan reacts

Speaking to Football Insider, former Leeds United and Coventry City striker Whelan has reacted to the news, claiming that it is a ‘no brainer’ for the North East club to sign him:

“As much as Bruno Guimaraes is very competitive in that midfield, he’s one that likes to get forward.

“We’ve seen that in recent weeks so that security of a Hojbjerg in there is an absolute definite. It’s a no brainer for me. That’s what they need, that kind of brute, a big, strong boy in midfield.

“Someone who’s going to break up attacks, win those second balls and keeps the attack flowing for Newcastle. That allows for a little bit more freedom for Guimaraes to get into the box.

“We have seen how clinical he can be when he makes those runs from midfield. I think that’s something that will complement the two of them. They’ve both got that tenacity in midfield as well.

“But Guimaraes is a little bit more forward-thinking. I think that would suit Newcastle down to the ground, a very disciplined holding midfield player.

“Someone who can win those second balls and is very aggressive in that midfield area.”

The Verdict: Big upgrade

Hojbjerg would certainly be a big upgrade on Eddie Howe’s current options in the middle of the park.

Only Kieran Trippier betters his 7.14 average rating in the Premier League out of the Tyneside squad, while he would also rank highly amongst the Magpies players in terms of average tackles, interceptions, dribbles and passes per game (WhoScored).

Hailed as doing a ‘fantastic job’ in midfield by Conte recently, Hojbjerg could be the anchor that the likes of Bruno Guimaraes need to express themselves in the centre of the pitch, and at 26 years of age, the Toon would be signing a player who is about to enter his prime.

In other news, find out who NUFC may now sell this summer here!

Chelsea are now “crazy” about signing RB Leipzig midfielder Assan Ouedraogo, but they will have to do battle for his signature with one of their Premier League rivals.

Courtesy of a 2-0 victory against Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday, the Blues have now moved up to second in the Premier League table, but Gary Neville believes they are still some way off being genuine contenders for the title.

The Sky Sports pundit said: “They’ve got a lot of young players, spent a fortune, it’s probably not happening as quickly as they want,(and) I don’t think they’re anywhere near a team that can win the league to be honest. When I look at them, they look well short in a number of areas.”

As pointed out by Neville, the Blues have relied on youngsters a lot in the BlueCo era, breaking the record for the youngest average starting XI in the Premier League last season.

However, the west Londoners are yet to alter their recruitment policy, and they have now joined the race for another young midfielder.

Chelsea "crazy" about signing Assan Ouedraogo

In a new update from Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg on X, it has been revealed that Chelsea are one of the Premier League clubs “crazy” about signing RB Leipzig midfielder Ouedraogo, alongside Man United.

Both English sides are now scouting the 19-year-old, who remains under contract at the Bundesliga club until 2029, and his main ambition is to secure a place in Germany’s 2026 World Cup squad.

The central midfielder remains under contract until 2029, and there is no release clause, meaning it is unclear how much the Blues will have to pay for the youngster, who is being targeted for next summer.

The German starlet may stand a chance of going to the World Cup next year, considering he impressed on his debut for his country, scoring in a 6-0 victory against Slovakia in the recent international break.

Not only that, but the Leipzig star would be a versatile option for Julian Nagelsmann, given that he is capable of playing in five positions, namely on both wings, central midfield, attacking midfield and even centre-forward.

The former Schalke man is off to an impressive start to the season in the Bundesliga, chipping in with three goals and three assists in 11 outings, and he has performed very well on some key attacking metrics over the past year.

Assan Ouedraogo’s key statistics (past year)

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.48 (99th percentile)

Assists

0.48 (99th percentile)

Progressive carries

2.58 (94th percentile)

Successful take-ons

1.77 (99th percentile)

As such, Ouedraogo could be an excellent addition for Chelsea next summer, and they should continue to monitor his development between now and the end of the season.

Chelsea also targeting one of the Premier League's "best" midfielders The new Caicedo: Chelsea want to sign "one of the best CMs in the league"

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ByDan Emery Nov 17, 2025

Manchester United’s victory over Chelsea on Saturday evening will no doubt paper over the cracks at Old Trafford, with pressure still firmly on manager Ruben Amorim.

The 40-year-old is nearing a year at the helm after taking the reins back in November 2024, but his spell in charge has certainly been one of disappointment to date.

He’s only registered a 40% win rate to date, losing 20 of his 48 outings, a tally which resulted in the Red Devils registering their worst ever Premier League finish in 2024/25.

However, his philosophy has also come into question as of late, with Amorim reluctant to move away from his current 3-4-2-1 system, which has yet to take off.

It’s not the only questionable thing conducted by the former Sporting CP boss in recent times, with his treatment of one first-team player also coming into question.

Kobbie Mainoo’s current situation at Man Utd

Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo looked as though he would be a key member of the United first-team squad a couple of years ago – but it’s safe to say Amorim has halted his progression.

In the 2023/24 campaign, the Englishman made 32 appearances across all competitions, subsequently finding the back of the net five times – including in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

However, last season the 20-year-old was restricted to just 20 league starts, often having to resort to minutes off the substitutes bench to make an impact at Old Trafford.

This time around, the academy graduate has only racked up 76 minutes of English top-flight action, with the player himself also requesting a move away from his boyhood club.

The Englishman wanted regular game time away from the Red Devils to continue his development, but such a move was rejected, with Mainoo needing to once again establish himself as a first-team regular.

His lack of minutes is a surprise to many, given his previous success in the first-team squad, with one former player now ahead of him as a result of his decline in action.

The former United star who’s now outperforming Mainoo

The United academy has been a conveyor belt for talent over the years, subsequently aiding numerous managers in their quest for success at Old Trafford.

The Class of ’92 will undoubtedly remain as one of the most iconic, with the quintet of talents amassing over 3000 appearances between them during their respective careers.

Since the talents emerged in the early 90s, very few have gone on to achieve such heights, but some have still managed to make a successful career at the top level of the European game.

Mainoo is just one player who has shown glimpses of his quality, but Angel Gomes is another; however, he was one who managed to slip through the club’s net in recent years.

The Englishman joined the club at the age of six, spending a decade within the youth system, before making his Premier League debut at the tender age of just 16 back in 2017.

He would only make nine further senior appearances between his debut and the summer of 2020 – before departing on a free transfer at the end of his contract in pursuit of added minutes elsewhere.

The youngster would join Lille on a free transfer after his departure from Old Trafford, spending four years in France and racking up over 100 appearances – leading to his maiden England call-up last year.

Whilst he’s since moved to Marseille this summer, his figures from last season highlight his development in recent years – even outperforming Mainoo in the 2024/25 campaign.

Games played

14

25

Goals & assists

2

0

Key passes

1.7

0.7

Passes into final third

3.9

2.7

Passes into 18-yard box

1.7

0.6

Take-on success

50%

46%

Carries into final third

2.1

0.9

Progressive carries

1.8

1.2

Aerials won

46%

38%

Gomes, who’s been labelled “sensational” by one analyst, completed more key passes per 90, whilst registering more passes into the final third – showcasing his incredible ability when in possession.

He also completed more of the take-ons he attempted, whilst making more carries into the final third per 90, subsequently allowing him to provide those ahead of him with endless chances.

However, despite the 25-year-old’s dominance with the ball, he also managed to thrive without it, winning more of the aerials he entered – potentially being the perfect box-to-box option at the heart of Amorim’s side.

Given his remarkable rise away from the Red Devils in the last couple of years, it’s no surprise that the club will regret their inability to tie him down to a new contract when they had the chance.

However, Gomes will now remain a case of what could’ve been, potentially being a crucial member of the side ahead of Mainoo had they kept hold of him five years ago.

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ByAngus Sinclair Sep 22, 2025

It’s been a woeful start to life at Glasgow Rangers for Russell Martin and his Ibrox tenure could be coming to an end sooner than first thought following the latest update on his future.

Martin: I've got "more support ever" at Rangers

Out of the Champions League and yet to win a game in the Scottish Premiership, it can’t get much worse for Martin at Rangers. The former Southampton manager was backed all throughout the summer transfer window by the 49ers, but has not been able to turn that investment into much-needed results.

The international break no doubt comes at a good time for all involved, but Martin is not worried about losing his job. The manager revealed that he has “more support than ever” by those in charge at Ibrox after a 0-0 draw against Celtic in the Old Firm derby.

Although he chose to remain positive, however, reports have suggested that any support for Martin could be coming to an end sooner rather than later in Scotland with a number of replacements already mooted.

How many games Martin has left at Rangers

According to Football Insider reporter Wayne Veysey, Rangers are preparing to sack Martin this month, and, therefore, he has just four games to potentially save his job.

The report claims that only a dramatic turnaround would prevent any quick decision, with a ‘growing expectation within the club that Martin will be gone by the end of September’.

Rangers vs Hearts

September 13

Rangers vs Hibernian

September 20

Rangers vs Genk

September 25

Livingston vs Rangers

September 28

The report comes just one day after Thelwell – Rangers’ sporting director – publicly hailed Martin as “one of the best” in a clear backing of the manager that he handpicked to join the club in the summer.

A lot can, of course, change in football at any given moment, but there’s no denying that Martin has given himself an uphill climb. His current record in the Scottish Premiership has been a particular disappointment, whilst a 9-1 thrashing accross two legs at the hands of Club Brugge in the Champions League hardly did wonders when it came to getting fans onside.

After confirming their takeover, the 49ers are now reportedly advancing their efforts to land their first signing of the summer at Rangers in the form of an in-demand defender.

49ers complete Rangers takeover

It’s been a long time coming, but Rangers have finally confirmed the news that a consortium of investors led by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises has completed an official takeover. The new owners, as confirmed on Rangers’ official website, have committed to investing £20m into the club which will be subject to shareholder approval next month.

49ers chief Paraag Marathe shared his excitement about getting started at Ibox, saying: “At 49ers Enterprises, we have built a track record of sporting and business success, but our driving motivation is our deep connection to the clubs and communities we serve.

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“We are excited to join Andrew and our other consortium of investors in a new era for this iconic club, and we are determined to build something that supporters can be proud of for years to come.

Cavenagh added onto that by saying: “We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us by the Rangers Board, shareholders, staff, and supporters. This club’s history and traditions speak for themselves, but history doesn’t win matches.

“We know that the true way to honour the club’s heritage will be to drive performance. Our focus is simple: elevate performance, deliver results, and bring Rangers back to where it belongs – at the top.”

At the start of a new era, the first task that the 49ers must complete is clear. Rangers need a new manager. Names such as Davide Ancelotti have found themselves linked on that front in recent weeks, but the path that new owners go down remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, the 49ers have also already reportedly turned their focus towards securing the first incoming of a new era and one that could arrive at a bargain price when the summer transfer window swings open.

49ers advancing Toure transfer for Rangers

According to Africa Foot, as relayed by Sport Witness, the 49ers are now advancing a free transfer to sign Almamy Toure on a free transfer for Rangers. The Kaiserslautern centre-back is set to leave the 2. Bundesliga club at the end of his current deal this summer and could be on his way to Scotland as a result.

An experienced defender at 29 years old and a full Mali international, Rangers are not alone in the race to sign Toure. The veteran centre-back also reportedly has interest from Italian club Genoa, Turkish side Trabzonspor and America’s Philadelphia Union.

Amid such interest, it would be an impressive first move from the 49ers if they were to beat others around Europe to a key defensive reinforcement. Toure’s arrival would also hand whoever takes to the dugout next an ideal start in pursuit of building a side capable of catching Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.

Newcastle United have made contact with an £8.4m-rated goalkeeper over a move to the club, according to a new transfer update.

Huge final day awaits for Newcastle

The Magpies are 90 minutes away from completing one of the most successful seasons in their history, assuming they can seal victory at home to Everton on the final day of the Premier League season.

A win will confirm Newcastle’s place back in the Champions League, which will be significant for so many reasons, including the financial benefits and the calibre of player they can attract to St James’ Park in the summer transfer window.

Ahead of the game, Eddie Howe has issued a rallying cry, highlighting the importance of his team getting over the line: “The prize is so big that everyone is fighting as much as they can. We’ve never got ahead of ourselves. Now, it’s going to go to the end, to the last game, and who knows? The twists and turns are there for everybody. All we can do is our best. They’ve given so much this year. Now, we know we need one more big effort in this last match.”

With the EFL Cup already won this season, ending Newcastle’s 70-year wait for a trophy, the 2024/25 has already been memorable, but getting the job done on Sunday afternoon would be the icing on the cake. As mentioned, it will aid their summer transfer business, and a new update has emerged regarding a potential addition in goal.

Newcastle make contact with £8.4m goalkeeper

According to Fraternite Matin [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are among the clubs to have made contact with Angers goalkeeper Yahia Fofana over a summer move to St James’ Park. Wolves and Southampton are also believed to be in the conversation, and the trio have been encouraged that he would like to leave Angers and join one of them.

The 24-year-old could cost just £8.4m and possibly even less, while an agreement “could be reached quickly” once the highest bidder is confirmed – the player himself wants to choose the best option to progress his career.

It looks like Newcastle are prioritising a new ‘keeper this summer, in order to at least provide competition for Nick Pope, if not replace him, and Fofana could be a strong option for them.

The 18-cap Ivory Coast international was named Angers’ Player of the Year, following an impressive season that saw him start 33 matches and keep seven clean sheets in Ligue 1, with analyst Ben Mattinson describing him as an “athletic” player.

With Pope now 33 years of age, it is important that Newcastle sign a new ‘keeper to be his eventual successor, but focus should also be on signing an immediate upgrade on him.

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ByDominic Lund May 22, 2025

The Magpies need to be ruthless in terms of improving the team and being a solid Champions League outfit, and in Fofana, they would have a relatively cheap and impressive option between the sticks.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is personally pushing to bring a Brazil international to the Etihad this summer, according to a new transfer claim.

A big summer ahead at Man City

By their incredible standards, City have been a big disappointment this season, not coming close to defending their Premier League title, as well as failing to reach the Champions League knockout rounds.

This summer is a massive one for the club, with Kevin De Bruyne among those moving on and some elite signings needed, in order to be favourites for the title in 2025/26. Plenty of top-quality players are being linked with switches to the Etihad, ahead of what could be a prolific window.

Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo has been backed to come in as a huge statement signing for City, with the Brazilian potentially eyeing a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu. That remains to be seen, but he could be a sensational signing for Guardiola, standing out as one of the best attacking players in Europe.

The Citizens are also rumoured to have opened talks with Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike, who is one of the most exciting strikers around. The 22-year-old has scored 15 goals in 29 Bundesliga appearances this season.

Guardiola wants Man City to sign Flamengo right-back Wesley

According to the Flamengo YouTube channel Paparazzo Rubo-Negro [via Sport Witness], Guardiola is pushing for Manchester City to sign Flamengo right-back Wesley Franca ahead of next season. The 21-year-old has been scouted by some of the biggest clubs in Europe and City are planning to make a move for him, seeing him as the long-term replacement for club legend Kyle Walker.

Wesley could be a brilliant option for City, solving their right-back issue for many years to come and arriving as a young player with a huge amount of promise.

The Flamengo ace is a two-cap Brazil international, and will hope to be a part of their squad at the 2026 World Cup, and football talent scout Jacek Kulig has described him as an “interesting” defender.

Admittedly, Wesley has never tested himself in Europe, so he may take some time to adjust to the pace and power of the Premier League, but his age means that there is no rush in throwing him straight into the team from the off next season.

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The fact that Guardiola himself is reportedly so keen on getting a deal over the line for the right-back is telling, highlighting what an impressive footballer he is – he has even been compared to Dani Alves – and he has the pace and Brazilian flair to be a big asset for City.