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Celtic wrapped up their fourth title in as many seasons last weekend when they beat Dundee United 5-0 at Tannadice Park in the Scottish Premiership.

An own goal from Ryan Strain put the Hoops 1-0 up early on in the match, before two goals apiece from Nicolas Kuhn and Adam Idah made sure of the victory.

The Scottish giants now have four matches left to play in the league with little to play for but pride and to extend their points total, as well as using the games to warm up for the SFA Cup final.

Brendan Rodgers’ side are due to face Aberdeen at Hampden Park in the SFA Cup final at the end of this month, knowing that a win would mean that they have completed the domestic treble this season.

It has been a terrific season for the Hoops, who also made it to the play-off round of the Champions League, and some of their signings in the last summer transfer window have contributed to that.

Celtic decided to splash the cash, after Matt O’Riley’s move to Brighton & Hove Albion, with a club-record swoop to sign Arne Engels from Augsburg for a reported fee of £11m.

Why Arne Engels has been a successful signing for Celtic

The Belgian midfielder had only started 13 of his 32 appearances in the Bundesliga for Augsburg in the 2023/24 campaign, which meant that the Hoops were breaking their transfer record to sign a young player who had yet to prove that he could perform consistently as a regular starter.

It was a gamble that has already paid off for the Scottish giants, though, as Engels has enjoyed a terrific debut season at Parkhead, nailing down a place as an influential figure in midfield for Rodgers.

The 21-year-old talent has scored ten goals and provided 12 assists in 48 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops this term, which shows that he has made a big impact at the top end of the pitch.

It is worth adding that eight of those ten goals have come from the penalty spot. Of course, you still have to score from 12 yards, but it does suggest that the midfielder does not carry a huge goal threat from open play.

Starts

22

9

Big chances created

11

3

Key passes per game

1.7

1.8

Assists

5

3

Tackles + interceptions per game

0.8

2.4

Duel success rate

48%

59%

As you can see in the table above, Engels has provided consistent quality as a creator for his teammates with 14 ‘big chances’ created in 31 starts in the Premiership and the Champions League combined, whilst also holding his own in physical duels.

These statistics show that the Belgium international has been a successful signing for Celtic because he has hit the ground running as a star for the Hoops.

However, the Scottish giants could land an even bigger talent than Engels by swooping to sign one of the reported transfer targets ahead of next season.

Celtic's interest in Premiership star

The Scottish Sun recently revealed that Celtic had an offer turned down for Motherwell central midfielder Lennon Miller in the January transfer window.

It was claimed that the Hoops and Italian side Udinese had bids rejected for the Scotland U21 international, who remained at Fir Park for the second half of this season.

Transfer Focus

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

The outlet added that Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise are lining up a swoop for the Scottish starlet in the upcoming summer transfer window, with a fee of £5m said to be on the cards.

Celtic must, now, press ahead with another attempt to sign the Motherwell sensation when the summer window opens for business, because he has the potential to be an even bigger talent than Engels for the Bhoys.

Why Miller is an even bigger talent than Engels

Firstly, Miller is three years younger than the Belgian midfielder, who plays in the same position as him, and has already established himself as a regular starter in the Premiership.

He has started 48 matches in the Scottish top-flight since the start of last season, which shows that the teenage gem already has plenty of experience in the league despite his age.

This also means that he has even more time left ahead of him to develop and improve as a player in comparison to Engels, as he has established himself as a star at first-team level at a much younger age.

Miller’s performances in the Premiership for Motherwell, including his stunning assist against Celtic last season in the clip below, also suggest that he could offer even more than the Belgian ace in the short-term as well.

The Scottish ace, who has been hailed as “ridiculous” by pundit James McFadden, has the quality to offer a similar level of creativity whilst providing more to the team out of possession.

Appearances

31

28

Big chances created

11

10

Key passes per game

1.7

1.6

Assists

5

6

Tackles + interceptions per game

0.8

3.1

Ball recoveries per game

2.5

6.5

Duel success rate

48%

52%

As you can see in the table above, Miller, despite playing for an inferior side at Premiership level, has only created one fewer ‘big chance’ in three fewer appearances.

The Motherwell dynamo has, however, won the ball back far more frequently for his side and come out on top in a higher percentage of his duels with other midfielders.

Worth more than Tierney: Celtic have hit the jackpot on "brilliant" star

Celtic have hit the jackpot on this star who is now worth more than Kieran Tierney.

ByDan Emery May 1, 2025

Therefore, Celtic could land an even bigger talent than Engels by signing Miller because he has performed as well as the Hoops star in possession, whilst doing more for his team defensively, and is three years younger than him.

It is now down to the club to get a deal over the line for the teenage starlet, who could develop into a star for the Scottish giants next season and for many seasons to come.

It might be something of an understatement to say that this season hasn’t gone quite how the Tottenham Hotspur faithful would have hoped back in August.

Yet, while they sit 16th in the Premier League, Ange Postecoglou’s side are in with a real chance to lift the Europa League, although before they can think about that, they need to secure passage to the final by keeping or extending their two-goal advantage away to FK Bodø/Glimt on Thursday night.

Unfortunately, they will be without James Maddison, and as things stand, Dominic Solanke could also be set to miss out.

While he’s been effective here and there, the club-record signing has not blown anyone away this season, and that might explain recent reports linking the team to a new centre-forward, who may well be an upgrade on the Englishman.

Tottenham's striker search

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other strikers linked with Spurs in recent months, such as Daizen Maeda and Jonathan David.

Transfer Focus

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

The former may spend a lot of time on the wing, but he’s no stranger to playing down the middle, and with a tally of 45 goal involvements this season and a potential price tag of £25m, he could be an incredible signing.

The latter has racked up a sensational haul of 25 goals and 12 assists in 47 games this season and, thanks to his contract expiring at the end of the campaign, will be available on a free.

However, another international striker has now caught the attention of Daniel Levy and Co: Tim Kleindienst.

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Tottenham are one of several teams interested in signing the German forward this summer.

In fact, the report claims that the Lilywhites are now ready to pay up to £30m for the goalscorer, but so are West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton.

Moreover, AC Milan, AS Roma, and Bayern Munich are also keeping close tabs on the Bourrusia Mönchengladbach star.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but it’s one worth fighting for, especially as Kleindienst could be a big upgrade on Solanke.

How Kleindienst compares to Solanke

So, if Spurs are going to go out, get ahead of the competition and splash the cash on Kleindienst, would he come straight into the starting lineup?

Well, when we compare him to Solanke, as he’d be his main competitor, the answer is a pretty resounding yes.

For example, when it comes to the pair’s raw output from this season, which is, of course, the most important metric for a striker, it’s the German who comes out comfortably on top.

In just 32 appearances for Mönchengladbach, totalling 2835 minutes, the “remarkable” 29-year-old, as dubbed by ESPN reporter Archie Rhind-Tutt, has scored 16 goals and provided ten assists.

In other words, the Jüterbog-born poacher is currently averaging a goal involvement every 1.23 games, or every 109.03 minutes.

Appearnaces

32

41

Minutes

2835′

3131′

Goals

16

14

Assists

10

8

Goal Involvements per Match

0.81

0.53

Minutes per Goal Involvement

109.03′

142.31′

In contrast, the North Londoner’s record signing has scored 14 goals and provided eight assists in 41 appearances, totalling 3131 minutes.

That means the Englishman is currently averaging a goal involvement every 1.86 games, or every 142.31 minutes, and while that isn’t bad, it is noticeably worse than his potential competitor.

Furthermore, while the former FC Heidenheim ace has scored four goals and provided one assist in his six senior caps for Germany, the former Bournemouth striker has no goals or assists to his name in three caps.

Ultimately, while Solanke has been a useful player for Spurs so far, it’s clear that Kleindienst is the better goalscorer, and therefore, Levy and Co should go out and sign him this summer.

Not just Davies: Ange must sell Spurs dud who looked like a "pub player"

Tottenham Hotspur failed to impress once again this afternoon, drawing 1-1 with West Ham United.

1 ByEthan Lamb May 4, 2025

The relief was evident on the face of Rasmus Hojlund on Sunday afternoon, with the struggling striker guiding the ball home in the last knockings of stoppage time to snatch a draw for Manchester United at Bournemouth.

The Danish speedster showcased his rarely-seen centre-forward instincts to direct the ball past Kepa Arrizabalaga from close range, with the visitors managing to avoid what would have been a 16th Premier League defeat of the season against their ten-man hosts.

Hopefully, that late strike should help to instil much-needed confidence in the 22-year-old heading into a crucial week in the Europa League, with the former Atalanta man the only senior striker available to Ruben Amorim, amid Joshua Zirkzee’s recent injury blow.

With 17-year-old sensation, Chido Obi, also ineligible to feature in Europe, the onus is now on Hojlund to deliver on the continent, with the Red Devils desperately needing their leading number nine to hit form over the coming weeks.

Whatever occurs between now and the end of May, however, it would appear that the fate of the 6 foot 4 marksman has already been sealed, with the signing of a new striker now hot on the agenda heading into the summer transfer window.

Latest on Man Utd's search for a striker

Work is already being done to bring in Wolverhampton Wanderers star, Matheus Cunha, to Old Trafford ahead of next season, although the in-form Brazilian is set to strengthen the number ten berth, rather than replacing Hojlund through the middle.

As for a potential new number nine, recent reports have suggested that Ipswich Town talisman Liam Delap is under consideration, albeit with the £30m man still something of a gamble due to his lack of top-flight experience, despite netting 12 league goals this term.

Elsewhere, meanwhile, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has been touted as a leading target for Amorim, with United said to be pushing for a cut-price deal to land the prolific Nigerian.

The 26-year-old would be a worthwhile addition, although the suggestion is that the Red Devils have turned their attention to another leading figure, with Football Insider reporting that a move for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres could be a ‘done deal’.

Indeed, as per the report, it is claimed that United feel they are in a ‘strong position to finalise an agreement’ for the Swedish striker, with the 26-year-old deemed to be the ‘top target’, amid his prior relationship with Amorim.

Transfer Focus

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

There is said to be a ‘growing confidence’ that INEOS can win the race for his signature, ahead of rivals Arsenal, with Gyokeres potentially the transformative signing that Amorim is in desperate need of.

How Man Utd could land a better signing than Osimhen

Hojlund’s latest effort can’t cloud what has been a miserable season for the one-time Sturm Graz starlet, with that strike on the south coast having been just his fourth league goal in 2024/25 to date.

Five goals have come his way in the Europa League, although the £85k-per-week asset hasn’t actually scored in the competition since December, with questions rightly being asked over his long-term future at the Theatre of Dreams.

It’s fair to say that either Osimhen or Gyokeres would represent a significant upgrade on Hojlund next term, with the former having scored 31 times while on loan at Galatasaray this season – taking his overall career tally to 145 goals in just 259 senior club appearances.

As for Gyokeres, while the former Coventry City man has enjoyed a slower rise to stardom, amid his days in the EFL and on the books at Brighton and Hove Albion, he has simply soared following his £17m switch to Lisbon in 2023.

Plucked from the Championship by Amorim, the towering goal machine has since scored 95 times in just 98 games for the Liga Portugal side, with 66 of those coming in just 68 games under Amorim.

Viktor Gyokeres

38

1.5

57

Mo Salah

28

2

56

Robert Lewandowski

25

2

50

Harry Kane

24

2

48

Mateo Retegui

24

2

48

Kylian Mbappe

22

2

44

Alexander Isak

22

2

44

Mika Biereth

24

2

42.5

Ousmane Dembele

21

2

42

Erling Haaland

21

2

42

Omar Marmoush

21

2

42

A recent four-goal haul against Boavista ensured that Gyokeres has now reached 52 goals in just 48 games in all competitions during the current campaign, thus far eclipsing Osimhen’s own record in Turkey.

What also stands out regarding arguably the “hottest striker in Europe” – as per ESPN’s Mark Ogden – is that he also boasts 12 assists in 2024/25 to date, again placing him ahead of Osimhen (eight assists) with regard to that creative streak.

Of course, taking the leap from operating outside of Europe’s top five leagues to then trying to thrive in the Premier League is a big step, although Gyokeres’ prior work under Amorim’s watch should be reason for excitement.

With Hojlund misfiring this season, the race is on for the new United boss to find his next, Gyokeres-esque attacking talisman. Osimhen, of course, would certainly be a more than adequate replica – yet why not go for the man himself?

Big Garnacho upgrade: Man Utd set to open talks to sign "extraordinary" star

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing a star who would be a big upgrade on Alejandro Garnacho.

ByDan Emery Apr 29, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers are all but safe from Premier League relegation following their 2-1 victory over Ipswich Town last weekend.

Although it isn’t mathematically confirmed yet, it would take a miraculous series of events for the Tractor Boys to stay up at Wolves’ expense.

Vitor Pereira has done what he was brought in to do, but next season there will be a clean slate and the pressure to take the Old Gold into the top half of the league table.

Keeping Matheus Cunha at Molineux will be crucial in his bid to do so. That’s a certainty.

Matheus Cunha’s future at Wolves is uncertain

The Brazilian has scored 15 goals and registered four assists this season for Wolves. Given where they are in the table, if it weren’t for these contributions, the club would surely be facing the drop heading into the final few games of the campaign.

Not only does he rank in the top 2% for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.55) in the top flight when compared to his positional peers, but the former Atlético Madrid star also ranks in the top 7% for total shots per 90 (3.61) and for carries into the final third (3.11), showing his class in the final third.

Manchester United were linked with a move for the attacking midfielder, while Arsenal also showed interest during the January transfer window.

Metric

2022/23

2023/24

2024/25

Goals

2

12

13

Assists

0

7

4

Big chances created

1

7

12

Shots per game

1.5

2.3

3.3

Key passes per game

0.4

0.9

1.7

It appears as though he could be on his way out of the Old Gold this summer and with a £62.5m release clause in his contract, the club stand to make a decent return on the player.

If he does leave, will Pereira use this fee to bring in a replacement or two? Or will he strengthen other areas of his squad?

It could be the latter, as U21 starlet Ty Barnett could be the club’s homegrown answer to the 25-year-old star.

Ty Barnett could be Wolves’ next superstar

Barnett tends to either play as a left-winger or an attacking midfielder, while the youngster has a decent eye for goal, netting 12 across 59 matches for the youth teams at the Old Gold.

This season, he has even featured as a centre-forward and this positional versatility mimics that of Cunha, who can operate across a few attacking positions.

The 19-year-old signed an extension to his contract in 2023 which will keep him in the Midlands until at least 2026, being praised by Jon Hunter-Barrett, the academy manager, in the process.

“We’re all delighted to agree on new terms for Ty. He has the ability to create and score and is very good in one v one situations.”

The teenager showed glimpses of his talent in the Football League Trophy this season. In three matches for the U21s, Barnett averaged two shots per game, scored once, and succeeded with 80% of his passes.

Given his team was playing against senior opposition in Wrexham, Port Vale, and Salford, it certainly wasn’t a bad set of displays by the talented forward, as he showed that he has the ability and maturity to play at first-team level.

This suggests that the potential is there for him to make the step up at Wolves and that is why he could be a future star for Pereira in the senior set-up if given an opportunity this season, or next term.

With Wolves virtually guaranteed survival, might Pereira give him his senior debut? Only time will tell.

New target: Wolves now checking on £15m colossus who Drogba is a big fan of

The Old Gold have joined the race for a “top” player.

ByDominic Lund Apr 10, 2025

One of the few takeaways from Sunday’s drab derby was the stark reminder that Manchester United skipper, Bruno Fernandes, is a class above his teammates, with the Portuguese playmaker having again been one of the few bright sparks for Ruben Amorim’s side.

The 30-year-old was at the heart of everything that was good about the hosts at Old Trafford, be it while operating as a number ten or in a deep-lying role, having won eight duels, registered three key passes and recorded a solid 93% pass accuracy rate, as per Sofascore.

Having been the subject of an “offer” last summer – as the midfielder himself admitted – rumours are again rife over the former Sporting CP star’s future, amid claims that Real Madrid are keen on securing a £90m deal ahead of next season.

That would be a sizeable fee considering Fernandes’ age, but can his importance to the Red Devils really be valued at ‘just’ £90m? Is the man who boasts 32 goals and assists this season not arguably ‘priceless’?

Whatever happens in the future, the £300k-per-week talisman has established himself as a rare transfer success story over the last decade or so. The hope will be that such heroics can be replicated with another statement addition this time around.

Latest on Man Utd's transfer search

Fernandes’ impact has, it must be said, been simply transformational ever since his £46m switch back in January 2020, with the all-action star possessing the character and quality to cement himself as a leading presence at the Theatre of Dreams.

Perhaps such a deal could be repeated this summer with the addition of a ready-made Premier League signing – something that has been few and far between at the club in recent years – with the now injury-prone Mason Mount one of the few to have been directly plucked from within the top flight for a fee.

As reported by talkSPORT, that could be set to change amid United’s apparent interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers star, Matheus Cunha, with the report claiming that Amorim’s side have joined Arsenal in the race for his signature.

Transfer Focus

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

The suggestion is that the Brazilian’s agent is set to fly into England soon for ‘face-to-face talks’ with interested parties, with the Red Devils said to have already made initial contact regarding a potential move.

As the piece also notes, the 25-year-old has a £62.5m release clause in his current contract which could be activated, with it looking increasingly likely that he will depart Molinuex this summer.

Man Utd's biggest deal since Fernandes

As alluded to above, the Old Trafford side have rarely been able to prise the very best that the Premier League has to offer in recent years, instead opting to scour the Dutch market, in particular, during Erik ten Hag’s time in charge.

Since the INEOS regime got underway, the only notable signings from within the top-flight have been that of Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven from Arsenal, albeit with the teenage duo still largely prospects for the future.

Forking out for Cunha – who is the same age as Fernandes was when he made the switch from Sporting – could represent the club’s biggest deal in years as such, with the £60k-per-week menace proving himself to be a “world-class” asset of late, as per journalist George Lakin.

1 goal

1 assist

93 touches

86% pass accuracy

1 key pass

1 big chance created

14 total duels won

20x possession lost

5 fouls won

4/6 successful dribbles

That quality was particularly on show when Amorim’s side met Wolves in the Premier League back in December, with Cunha notably netting directly from a corner to open the scoring, before teeing up Hwang Hee-chan late on to help seal the win for the hosts.

Described as a “special player” by manager Vitor Pereira following that 2-0 win, the former Atletico Madrid man showcased the full array of his talents with his relentless, dominant display in that victory, emulating Fernandes in looking like a real talisman for his side.

Like Fernandes too, Cunha is also invaluably versatile due to his ability to feature as a number ten, a striker or even on the flanks, seemingly making him perfectly suited to one of the attacking roles in Amorim’s 3-4-3.

Indeed, the in-demand marksman has been in red-hot form this season for the Old Gold, having registered 13 goals and four assists in his 26 league outings, with no United player having even reached double figures for goals in the top-flight.

Like Fernandes – who was actually sent off in that meeting with Pereira’s side – Cunha does have a tendency to see red, amid his recent four-game suspension, although that passion and full-blooded approach could help to provide a spark to what is currently a lifeless attacking unit at Old Trafford.

Amorim’s ranks are crying out for another Fernandes-like figure who can grab the game by the scruff of the neck and create something out of nothing, with Cunha – who memorably scored a stunner at Anfield from range – seemingly possessing such traits.

With United’s latest outing marking the 12th time they have failed to score in the league this season, something surely has to change this summer.

INEOS can hit gold by selling Man Utd star who's earned over £55m in wages

Ruben Amorim is hoping to overhaul Manchester United’s struggling squad.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 8, 2025

Manchester United are now seriously considering a move for a “lightning quick” Paris Saint-Germain star, with a surprise Marcus Rashford swap deal on the cards.

Rashford tearing it up on loan at Barcelona

Rashford has really managed to kick on since joining Barcelona on loan in the summer, amassing six goals and ten assists in all competitions, but it has recently emerged that the forward isn’t expected to make his stay at the Camp Nou permanent.

The Englishman is likely to have plenty of options to choose from next summer, however, with it being revealed Chelsea have held talks over a potential deal, while Tottenham Hotspur are determined to win the race for the 28-year-old’s signature and give him a leading role.

It is difficult to envisage a way back for the United academy graduate at Old Trafford, given his sour relationship with Ruben Amorim, and it has now been revealed the manager could get him off the books in a different way at the end of the season.

According to a report from Spain, Man United are now seriously considering signing PSG forward Bradley Barcola, and a surprise swap deal is possible, with Rashford potentially set to be sent in the opposite direction.

Barcola’s negotiations with the French club over a new contract have now stalled, which could open the door for a move to Old Trafford, although his current employers are very reluctant to sanction a departure.

With a market value of around €70m (£61m), a deal for the Frenchman would be on the expensive side, but there are indications he could be worth every penny…

"Lightning quick" Barcola impressing in Ligue 1 and Europe

Hailed as “lightning quick” by journalist Raj Chohan, the PSG star has put in some top performances in both Ligue 1 and the Champions League this season, regularly contributing with goals and assists.

Competition

Appearances

Goal contributions

Ligue 1

12

6

Champions League

5

2

The 23-year-old also played a major role in the French side winning the Champions League for the first time last season, chipping in with three goals and four assists in 17 appearances.

Man United appear to have recruited well in the summer, with new forward Matheus Cunha grabbing an assist in the 4-1 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out, while Bryan Mbeumo already has six Premier League goals to his name.

Beckham loves him: Man Utd submit £100m+ offer to sign England superstar

INEOS are chasing their biggest deal yet…

1 ByTom Cunningham 4 days ago

However, with the Red Devils looking to return to Europe next season, they may need more depth in attacking areas, and Barcola could be a brilliant addition to Amorim’s squad, so they should definitely try to negotiate a swap deal involving Rashford.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is in the market for attacking quality and could now turn to a Premier League star who is high up on his shortlist at the Etihad Stadium.

Man City leave it late to see off Leeds United

Despite sitting at opposite ends of the table, Manchester City dug deep to see off Daniel Farke’s Leeds United in a dramatic clash on Saturday afternoon that helped to narrow the gap on Arsenal and Chelsea in the top-flight standings.

Phil Foden’s early and late strikes were enough to seal the deal. However, Guardiola will be frustrated at surrendering a two-goal lead when it appeared his side were in cruise control.

Either way, Foden made it clear that he and his teammates were ‘delighted’ with the end result as the Citizens avoided dropping points in back-to-back fixtures after the conclusion of the international break.

He said: “When there was a short break, the manager got us together, and we adapted to their formation. We had a few half-chances, and finally, I’ve found a bit of space and found the bottom of the net.

“There are still things we can improve. We’re delighted with the result. The title race is never straightforward. There are always ups and downs and periods where you can’t seem to get going, and we’ve had that. The belief and togetherness came through at the end.”

For some, an overreliance on Erling Haaland is something Manchester City need to be cautious of moving forward, hence they may now make a move to sign Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo as he is available for £65 million.

Looking to scale up in all areas, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson could be at the centre of a transfer battle between the Citizens and Manchester United. In other news, he isn’t the only player Guardiola is willing to fight over.

Manchester City have Everton's Iliman Ndiaye high on their shortlist

According to Foot Mercato, Manchester City have Everton attacker Iliman Ndiaye high on their shortlist after his excellent start to life in the Premier League this campaign.

Scoring four times and notching an assist in 15 matches across all competitions, the Senegal international is also wanted by Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, with the trio all keen to bolster their frontline once the transfer window opens.

Man City now frontrunners to sign "world-class" £80m star, Pep's a big fan

There has been a new update on City’s pursuit of a new forward, who Pep Guardiola has dubbed “extraordinary”.

ByDominic Lund Nov 27, 2025

Labelled “top drawer” by Jamie O’Hara, initial contact has been made for the Rouen-born man as Guardiola steps up his hunt for invention, even if Ndiaye is unlikely to be an out-and-out alternative to Haaland.

Over a long Premier League season, his ability to operate almost anywhere in a front four is a commodity most managers would love to have, especially given he has created 15 chances in the top-flight circa 2025/26, per Fotmob. Based on that, it’s perhaps no wonder previous reports have suggested he is valued at £70m.

Now, it remains to be seen whether they can push a deal over the line as Guardiola seeks reinforcements in order to further Manchester City’s title challenge.

Ryan Mason is certainly feeling the pressure of being an EFL manager on his shoulders right now at West Bromwich Albion.

Three wins from his opening four games in the Championship as the Baggies’ new head coach helped to lift some early tension, but with seven defeats now next to West Brom’s name in the competitive league, he isn’t looking at ease in the Hawthorns hot seat.

It could have been so different for the West Midlands outfit last time out on the road to top-of-the-table Coventry City, though, as a Aune Heggebo brace saw the visitors race into an unlikely 2-0 lead.

Yet, a red card to Jayson Molumby would ultimately aid the free-flowing Sky Blues, as a 3-2 victory was eventually secured.

Mason will hope he can guide his underperforming team out of this sticky patch and that no knee-jerk decisions happen from the powers that be, with lots of contracts set to expire down the line, which he could have a say over.

Contract issues at West Brom

A number of contracts are set to expire at the Hawthorns next summer, with Mason hopeful he will still be manager for the foreseeable future, regardless of his side underperforming as of late in 17th spot in the second tier.

Josh Maja is one notable name that catches the eye when running through those whose contracts are in play until June 2026, with the injury-prone attacker only starting four games this season, having had to now settle for fewer minutes up against the aforementioned Heggebo.

Only one goal has come the £17k-per-week striker’s way from those limited starts, too, next to the Norwegian’s heftier tally of four, with his injury issues another factor to consider as to whether West Brom will hand him an extended deal or not.

Karlan Grant will also be worrying about his future up until the mid-point of next year, with zero goals or assists next to his name this season, while Daryl Dike will surely be sensing that the end of his injury-plagued Baggies career is in sight next year when his deal ceases to be, as the American remains unsurprisingly sidelined still.

He also takes home a whopping £25k-per-week salary, despite his long-standing injury troubles.

However, he isn’t the only high earner that could soon be taken off the Baggies wage bill, as this Hawthorns veteran – who earns more than first team personnel Heggebo and Mikey Johnston – potentially waves goodbye to the Championship club shortly.

The West Brom high earner who could soon be axed

During West Brom’s slump in form, former Celtic winger Johnston has still been a regular scorer of some sweet strikes, such as the one that was hammered home back in October.

Amazingly, though, when looking at West Brom’s wage costs, Jed Wallace comes in as earning more than the standout duo, having also banked £25k-per-week this season, like Dike, as per Capology, even when consistently finding himself out of Mason’s starting XI.

Games played

9

Games started

4

Goals scored

1

Assists

0

Wage costs

£25k-per-week

Contract expiry date

June 2026

Once upon a time, though, in the West Midlands, Wallace was seen as a constant source of creativity down the flanks, with six goals and eight assists picked up during his debut season at the club seeing his former boss Steve Bruce hail him as a “massive asset” to have around the place.

Unfortunately for the ex-Millwall forward, he isn’t producing those same electric numbers now, though, with only two goals coming his way across his last 40 outings in the demanding Championship.

Heggebo managed to put away that same amount just from the tie at the CBS Arena, yet, the former Brann striker only takes home a £15k-per-week pay packet.

Moreover, Johnston, who terrorised Coventry during the first half with two assists, also falls behind with a £12.5-per-week salary.

Therefore, although Isaac Price has been complimentary of his fellow Baggies midfielder this season by stating that he “leads the dressing room”, and he has had past moments of magic, Wallace could soon be shoved to the exit door when his contract expires this coming June – alongside the likes of Dike and Grant – off the back of his performances continuing to dip.

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ByKelan Sarson Oct 30, 2025

Arsenal are stacked in almost all areas of the pitch after a summer of lavish spending, but they could still potentially benefit from another option for the left-wing as they eye AC Milan star Rafael Leao.

Mikel Arteta’s attacking line has looked strong this season, especially with the additions of Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres, but questions remain over the depth and certainty at left-wing.

Gabriel Martinelli, who is currently out injured, has made a real impact from the bench as Arsenal’s super-sub this season, though doubts remain over the Brazilian’s long-term future.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

His contract expires in 2027 and there have been no reports of a potential extension, despite Andrea Berta moving to tie down the likes of Gabriel, William Saliba, Ethan Nwaneri, Myles Lewis-Skelly and actively talking to Bukayo Saka about a new long-term contract.

Leandro Trossard, who’s also contributed towards Arsenal’s brilliant run and scored the winner away to Fulham, presents some uncertainty too.

Like Martinelli, the 30-year-old’s contract runs out in 2027, with Trossard signing a new and improved deal recently which didn’t include an extension.

Eze can play on the left-wing when required, as he has done multiple times already this season in the Premier League, with the England international deployed there in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Brighton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

This frees up space for teenage sensations Max Dowman – who became Arsenal’s youngest ever starter against the Seagulls – and Ethan Nwaneri to play more centrally.

Arsenal’s youngest ever starters

First start

player

opponent

competition

age

Oct 2025

Max Dowman

Brighton

League Cup

15 years 302 days

Sep 2024

Jack Porter

Bolton

League Cup

16 years 72 days

Oct 2003

Cesc Fàbregas

Rotherham

League Cup

16 years 177 days

Sep 2008

Jack Wilshere

Sheff United

League Cup

16 years 266 days

While there is a case to be made that signing another left-winger could hinder Dowman and Nwaneri’s pathway to regular first team minutes, Berta must also think about shoring up the position with outside talent, as Martinelli and Trossard near the exit door.

Rafael Leao's stance on joining Arsenal as Berta eyes left-wing upgrade

According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal’s sporting director is doing just that, and they’re real fans of Leao.

The Portugal international has scored four goals in six games already this season, despite missing the opening of Milan’s campaign with a calf injury.

The Rossoneri are contenders for this year’s Serie A title after a fine start to 25/26, losing just one league game so far, and Leao will be key to their charge as Milan look to topple Antonio Conte’s Napoli.

The £108,000-per-week forward, who has a £132 million release clause in his deal, will cost a premium for any English side in January, but Arsenal view Leao as the “ideal left-wing upgrade”.

They’re also encouraged by his stance on a potential move to north London, as it is believed that Leao is “very open” to talks if a Premier League side formally approaches.

While Leao loves Milan and is happy in his current surroundings, he’s “ready to listen” to a potential offer from England, as the Premier League holds great appeal to him.

The 26-year-old, who bagged 16 goal contributions for Milan in the top flight alone last year, was also their second-best player by average behind Christian Pulisic in 2024/2025 (WhoScored).

Leao completed more successful take-ons per 90 than any other player in Milan’s squad that campaign (WhoScored), so the appeal to Arsenal is obvious, but the question is just how much Berta would be willing to invest.

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