After failing to secure Champions League football at the end of last season, Aston Villa would have been looking for a strong summer in which they could springboard and start the new campaign strongly. Yet, things have not really worked out like that for Unai Emery’s side.

As well as signing young centre-back Yasin Ozcan from Turkish side Kasimpasa, the only other first-team addition has been Evann Guessand. The Ivorian striker made the move to the West Midlands from French side OGC Nice for a fee in the region of £25.9m, and is the marquee signing of the summer so far.

Now, with the Premier League season a matter of days away, Villa are targeting a new attacker to add to their ranks.

Villa’s potential next signing

After bringing Guessand to the club this summer, it appears Emery wants to strengthen further in attack. They were previously linked with Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, although new reports have emerged about another target in forward areas.

Transfer Focus

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

According to a report from Simon Jones at The Mail, the Villans ‘have revived talks’ with French giants Paris Saint-Germain over a move for former loanee Marco Asensio.

The Spaniard spent the second half of last season on loan at Villa Park, and given the fact he has ‘snubbed moves’ to other sides, a return is on the cards.

The West Midlands club ‘have asked about loan and permanent deals’ for the former Real Madrid star, who is said to be ‘keen to return’ to the club this summer. Back in May, it was suggested that a fee of around £13m was enough for Villa to seal the permanent signing of Asensio.

Why Asensio would be a good signing

Despite a lack of football in the French capital for Asensio last season, he flourished on loan at Villa Park. His excellent form led former Premier League winger Andros Townsend to describe him as a “special talent”.

Indeed, the 29-year-old forward, who was born in Mallorca, played 21 times for the club last season. In that time, he bagged eight goals, operating most often as a number ten, and also assisted once, too.

Some of his best performances in a Villa shirt surely came in the Champions League. The Spain international scored three goals in four games, but only chalked up 126 minutes, leaving him with a goal every 42 minutes on average.

If Villa are successful in bringing Asensio back to the club for next season, he could form a sensational partnership with new signing Guessand. The Ivorian was excellent for Nice last term, with nine goals and 12 assists in 33 Ligue 1 games.

It is that ability to both score and assist that might make the duo so deadly. Asensio became a goalscorer for Villa last season, and with Guessand so prolific when setting up goals, those two certainly pair well together.

Yet, the former Real Madrid star also grabbed 32 assists for Los Blancos and 11 for PSG. His best season, the 2022/23 campaign for Madrid, saw him score nine La Liga goals and set up a further six.

Indeed, his stats from that season highlight the creative force Asensio can be at his very best. For example, he averaged 2.5 chances created and 8.2 forward passes per 90 minutes for Los Blancos in that campaign.

Goals

0.6

9

Assists

0.4

6

Chances created

2.5

39

Forward passes

130

8.2

Take-ons completed

23

1.5

Ball recoveries

45

2.9

For a fee of around £13m, this could be a bargain for Villa. Asensio and Guessand pair well together, with the Spaniard playing in behind the new Villans star. Both players can chip in with goals and assists, which could make for some exciting link-up play with each other.

Villa fans can surely get excited about this partnership, especially since they know what Asensio can bring to the table and just how good of a footballer he is.

Unplayable with Guessand: Aston Villa keen on signing £40m “special talent”

Aston Villa are in the market for another new attacker after signing Guessand

ByJoe Nuttall Aug 7, 2025

Chelsea are now preparing a £43m offer for a “world-class” Real Madrid target, who could be brought in as a replacement for Levi Colwill, according to a report.

Blues readying bid for centre-back after Colwill blow

There were always concerns that competing in the Club World Cup may have a negative knock-on effect going into the new season, and the Blues have already suffered a major injury blow, with Colwill set to miss most of the campaign due to an ACL injury.

Since then, Enzo Maresca has hinted that another centre-back could be brought in to account for the loss of the 22-year-old, with the manager saying: “It depends – we will wait and see.

“You know in our way, how important Levi has been. I spoke with him yesterday and I told him that if we achieve what we achieved last year, it is also because of him – and he was a main player for us.”

It has since been revealed that the west Londoners are expected to make a bid for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo imminently, but a Premier League centre-back has also now entered the frame as a potential option…

That is according to reports in Spain, which state Chelsea are now preparing a €50m (£43m) offer for Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate, who is also being targeted by Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid.

Madrid are confident about securing Konate’s signature on a free transfer next summer, upon the expiration of his contract, but the Blues have now entered the race, and they are willing to pay the exact amount Liverpool are looking for.

Related It's not Palmer: PSG now submit £130m offer for "unbelievable" Chelsea star

Paris Saint-Germain have launched a bid for one of the Blues’ key players.

Posts ByDominic Lund Aug 11, 2025

At present, however, a move to Real Madrid is still the most likely outcome, given that the Reds are reluctant to strengthen one of their direct Premier League rivals, and the player himself is leaning towards a move to the Santiago Bernabéu.

"World-class" Konate would be major coup for Chelsea

In truth, it seems unlikely that the Blues will be able to get a deal done, considering the French defender has no reason to leave the reigning Premier League champions, and Liverpool are hesitant to let him move to Stamford Bridge.

However, the Reds are at risk of losing the 26-year-old on a free transfer if they don’t cash-in this summer, which means it could be tempting to sanction a sale, and he could be a fantastic acquisition for the Blues.

The France international played a major role in Liverpool’s 2024-25 Premier League title triumph, making 31 appearances, and journalist David Lynch believes he is now “world-class”.

Konate is clearly entering the prime of his career, and it would be a major coup if Chelsea were able to get a deal done, but it seems extremely unlikely that Arne Slot’s side will agree to a sale, given that they are already light on centre-back options.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em um jogo que se provou perigoso e ofereceu oportunidades aos dois lados para saírem com a vitória, o Internacional se deu melhor e bateu o Goiás no Beira-Rio por 1 a 0, em duelo válido pela terceira rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. E Carlos de Pena, que decidiu o confronto com um belo chute da entrada da área, admitiu que costuma treinar este tipo de finalização e já foi para a bola com a intenção de buscar o gol.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasInternacionalVÍDEO: Veja os melhores lances e o golaço que deu a vitória ao Internacional sobre o GoiásInternacional30/04/2023InternacionalCom golaço de De Pena, Internacional vence o Goiás pelo BrasileirãoInternacional30/04/2023

+É na terça! Veja os times e regras para o sorteio das oitavas da Copa do Brasil 2023

– A bola sobrou. Eu tinha em mente chutar. Às vezes entra, às vezes não. No outro dia, a bola passou perto da trave, mas hoje significou a vitória. São mais três pontos e estamos nas primeiras posições da tabela.

+Em casa, Santos supera Internacional e fica mais próximo de classificação no Brasileirão Feminino

De Pena ainda fez questão de reconhecer que a equipe ficou devendo no meio de semana, na Copa do Brasil, apesar da classificação. Depois de vencer o CSA por 2 a 1 em casa, o Colorado foi derrotado pelo mesmo placar como visitante e precisou decidir a vaga nos pênaltis, com vitória por 7 a 6.

continua após a publicidade

+Delegação do Inter alega que foi agredida por torcedores do CSA

O volante uruguaio destacou que o resultado sobre o Goiás também serve como uma resposta para os torcedores, que esperavam esquecer o sofrimento da partida de Alagoas com uma vitória no Beira-Rio.

+VÍDEO: Veja os melhores lances e o golaço que deu a vitória ao Internacional sobre o Goiás

– Foi um gol muito importante para mim, porque significou a vitória. Tivemos uma classificação sofrida na Copa do Brasil, precisávamos confirmar. Às vezes sofremos demais, mas é o futebol. Os três pontos em casa eram muito importantes. Fico muito feliz pelo gol, claro.

continua após a publicidade

A vitória deixou o Internacional na quarta colocação do Campeonato Brasileiro, com sete pontos conquistados em três jogos — mesmo somatório de Fortaleza e Palmeiras. No próximo domingo, a equipe viaja ao Morumbi para enfrentar o São Paulo, pela quarta rodada da competição, a partir das 16h (de Brasília).

Arsenal have been blessed with some incredible attacking players over the years.

In Mikel Arteta’s team today, you have the talismanic Bukayo Saka, who over time could become one of the greatest players the club has ever had.

Go back a couple of decades, and you reach the man with the current title in Thierry Henry, but you go back even further than that, and you hit the record-breaking Ian Wright.

The iconic forward was a force to be reckoned with during his time in North London, and while he was a unique player and character, it looks like Arsenal could be about to sign someone who could be a modern version of the Englishman.

Arsenal target attacking superstar

It’s been a brilliant summer of transfer business for Arsenal so far, with the stand-out acquisition undoubtedly being Viktor Gyokeres for around £63.5m including add-ons.

Transfer Focus

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

The Swedish international racked up an astounding 54 goals and 13 assists in just 52 games last season, and therefore could be the key to turning the defensively solid Gunners into an attacking tour de force next season.

On top of the former Coventry City star, Andrea Berta and Co have also added the likes of Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga to the side.

However, even though the club have been jam-packed in the market, they don’t appear done just yet, as they now appear keen on an international who could be their new Wright.

At least that is according to transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, who has revealed that Arsenal are still incredibly interested in Eberechi Eze.

The Italian journalist claims that the Crystal Palace star is now their “top target” and that they have been in talks with the player’s camp.

However, it could be a financially complicated transfer to get over the line, as reports from earlier this week claimed that the South Londoners want buying clubs to pay the Englishman’s £67.5m release clause, and that the first payment has to be a lump sum of around £30m.

While that is a lot of money to spend, it would be worth it for Eze, as he’s more than proven his ability over the years and could even be Arsenal’s new Wright.

Why Eze could be the new Wright

So, the first thing to say is that, yes, Eze plays in a very different position to the one Wright played in during his career, but this comparison is not really about that.

Instead, there are several other easy comparisons to make between the two players, with the first being that, should this deal go ahead, it would be another example of the Gunners going back to Crystal Palace and signing their most important attacking outlet.

Moreover, while he’s not an old player, like Gyokeres, the former QPR gem is older than other players the Gunners have tended to target in recent years, coming in at 27 years old, and when the former Arsenal striker moved to Highbury in 1991, he did so at 28 years old.

The next similarity is that the midfield “superstar,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is also a dangerous player in front of goal.

While he’s never going to have the goalscoring numbers of the former England international, due to his position, he’s still a genuine threat, much like the Gunners great, as over the last two campaigns for the Eagles, he’s been able to amass a seriously impressive tally of 25 goals and provided 17 assists in 79 appearances, totalling 5588 minutes.

Appearances

36

43

Minutes

2285′

3303′

Goals

11

14

Assists

6

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.47

0.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

134.41′

132.12′

In other words, the Greenwich-born “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, has averaged a goal involvement every 1.88 games, or every 133.04 minutes across two years for a team that is mid-table at best.

On top of that, the former Hale Ender has shown an ability to take games by the scruff of the neck like Wright used to, scoring in the quarter-final, semi-final and final of the FA Cup to deliver Palace their first ever major trophy.

Finally, while it was some time ago now, the 61-year-old goal machine was also a tremendously entertaining player to watch when he was in red and white, and while he has a different style of play due to his primary position, you can say the same thing about the Eagles star.

Ultimately, while it won’t be an easy deal to get over the line, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Eze this summer, as he has the potential to follow in Wright’s footsteps and help guide the club back to the glory days.

Arteta's new Saka: Berta working to sign "incredible" £86m star for Arsenal

The sensational winger could be a real game-changer for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 30, 2025

Trinidad & Tobago batter Amir Jangoo has earned a maiden call-up to the West Indies Test squad for the two-match series against Pakistan, which begins on January 16 in Karachi. Meanwhile, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie returns to the side, having missed the two Tests against Bangladesh at home last month as he was playing at the inaugural Global Super League in Providence.Motie will be leading West Indies’ spin-bowling contingent, which also has Kevin Sinclair and Jomel Warrican.Jangoo and Motie replace the fast-bowling duo of Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph. While Shamar is suffering from shin splints which forced him to miss the ODI series against Bangladesh earlier this month, Alzarri is unavailable because of a clash with the ILT20 in the UAE, where he will be turning out for MI Emirates, which CWI termed as “other engagements” in their release.Jangoo was rewarded for his consistent performances in the domestic four-day competition in 2023-24, when he scored 500 runs in five matches at an average of 63.50, with two centuries and a fifty, to be Trinidad & Tobago’s highest run-getter. Jangoo also recently smashed a century on ODI debut against Bangladesh to help West Indies ace their third-highest chase in the format.”Motie rejoins the squad to bolster the spin attack, while Jangoo’s selection comes on the back of his consistency across formats in regional cricket, as well as his demonstrated high level of competency against spin bowling,” West Indies head coach Andre Coley said. “For the Test series against Pakistan in January 2025, the focus is on building on what we have done well, and transforming the learnings from 2024 into tangible results.”The rest of the squad remains on expected lines. Kraigg Brathwaite will lead the side, with wicketkeeper-batter Joshua Da Silva as his deputy. Mikyle Louis, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty and Justin Greaves will form the crux of the batting unit.On the fast-bowling front, Kemar Roach will lead the attack, and will have Jayden Seales and Anderson Phillip for company.Next year’s tour of Pakistan will be West Indies’ first Test series there in more than 18 years. They had last played Tests in Pakistan in November 2006, although they did play Pakistan in a Test series in the UAE in October 2016.The 15-member West Indies squad will depart on January 2, and arrive in Islamabad on January 6. The first Test will run from January 16-20 in Karachi, before the teams depart for Multan, where the second Test will be played from January 24-28.

West Indies squad for Pakistan Tests

Kraigg Brathwaite (capt), Joshua Da Silva (vice-capt), Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Tevin Imlach, Amir Jangoo, Mikyle Louis, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Kemar Roach, Kevin Sinclair, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican

Sunderland’s rapid-fire business so far this summer has certainly entertained those watching on.

To date, the Premier League newcomers have welcomed in eight fresh faces that have cost an alleged £140m in total, with their ninth purchase now in the offing as a deal to bring in Marc Guiu on loan from Chelsea for the season edges nearer to being completed.

With Regis Le Bris also now tied down to a contract until 2028 in the Stadium of Light dug-out, this summer has been an extremely smooth operation for the most part, with Jobe Bellingham’s exit to Borussia Dortmund also swiftly forgotten about.

Guiu might not be the only striker addition signed off on before September’s looming deadline, however, as a deal to bring in an experienced free-agent forward might also be on the cards.

Sunderland made ambitious move for free agent

Sunderland could well be looking to add in more Premier League experience to their ranks, away from Guiu’s addition, with Granit Xhaka the only presence in their squad who has tasted the harshness of the division previously.

They have certainly tried to bring in some seasoned heads, with a new report from talkSPORT revealing that the Black Cats had lined up an ambitious play to bring Dominic Calvert-Lewin in on a free transfer, after his Everton contract had expired.

Unfortunately for Le Bris and Co., despite their obvious ambition being on full display, the injury-prone striker has decided to keep his options open for the time being, in the hope that a team higher up the Premier League standings decides to gamble on his free agent services.

After all, if he were to wrestle free of his injury concerns and get back to his Toffees goalscoring peak, he would be a real asset to Sunderland, or any other side, as the Wearside outfit potentially battle against the drop.

He could even become the Black Cats’ next iteration of Darren Bent, with Bent’s goalscoring exploits on Wearside somewhat slipping under the radar, much like Calvert-Lewin’s best days on Merseyside have been shoved to one side amid his constant issues in the treatment room.

How Calvert-Lewin could be the next Bent

Unfortunately, when strikers go off the boil, it often receives the most attention.

Bent’s playing days would unfortunately fizzle out by the time he was lining up for lowly Burton Albion in the Championship, but he will still be well remembered at the Stadium of Light for being an absolute menace at the peak of his powers.

Of course, his most infamous strike for the Wearside club would come against Liverpool in 2009, as a beachball inexplicably got involved with play, but he would score another 35 goals donning Sunderland red and white, away from this bizarre moment in isolation.

Bent would close out his esteemed career with 106 Premier League efforts next to his name. Calvert-Lewin is only 49 strikes shy of matching that bumper amount, despite being dismissed as an injury-plagued, wasteful presence in recent seasons.

The 11-time England international was even once viewed as a “monster” in front of goal – as he was labelled by football talent scout Jacek Kulig – for the Toffees before his career at Moyes’ side unravelled, with his output during the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons in the top-flight seeing him bag a clinical 29 strikes.

Both the campaigns in question saw Everton comfortably sit in mid-table, but his reasonable seven goals during the 2023/24 season had a far more pivotal impact on proceedings, resulting in the Merseyside outfit surviving in 15th spot.

The concern will be whether or not Calvert-Lewin can wriggle free of those consistent knocks to be that same impactful presence for Le Bris’ men, with Guiu no doubt boosted subsequently by having such an experienced figure by his side as he learns and grows out on loan.

Bent’s goalscoring heroics for the Black Cats once upon a time enabled mid-table finishes in the Premier League to be a regular occurrence.

The Sheffield-born forward will hope he can offer up the same for his potential new employers as they boldly reenter the promised land.

Better signing than Xhaka: Sunderland make £26m "warrior" their top target

Sunderland is still interested in the prospect of landing this £26m star.

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 6, 2025

Mitchell Owen put his name up in lights with an astonishing display in the BBL final

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jan-2025A day before the BBL started, Mitch Owen said he wasn’t sure where he’d be batting – or at all – for Hobart Hurricanes this season.After a record-breaking knock to win the competition for his home-town side, Owen, also the top run-scorer for the league, can start to lift his sights higher. The 23-year-old is set to earn life-changing amounts of money in franchise cricket, potentially starting with a replacement deal at the Indian Premier League.Related

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'It's super special, it's a childhood dream' – Owen on Hurricanes' 'surreal' night

Owen’s manager confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that he is available as a replacement player for the IPL, having registered for the auction longlist late last year before failing to make the shortlist. The Pakistan Super League, which virtually runs concurrently with the IPL in April and May, could be another option for him.Owen’s mighty knock of 108 off just 42 balls – the equal-fastest ton in competition history off 39 deliveries – had the sellout crowd chanting his name and won Hobart their first BBL title.”I feel a bit awkward in these situations. I don’t really know how to take it,” Owen said of the adoration. “It’s super special… the most special thing is hearing everyone in the crowd enjoying it. And I’m so grateful, I’m so proud that we could bring this trophy to Tassie.”Owen had played just six matches in the previous two seasons for Hurricanes, for a total of 42 runs. Previously a middle-order hitter, Owen said a decision that he would be batting in the top order came “probably one day, to be honest” out from their tournament opener.Ricky Ponting, Hurricanes’ head of strategy, said he was “amongst that” decision. Declining to elaborate on his role in that move, the Test great happily talked up Owen’s future, saying discussion of him representing Australia in next year’s World Cup was “inevitable”.Mitchell Owen made the equal fastest century in BBL history off 39 balls•Getty Images”There’s not many players in the world that can do that,” he told AAP of Owen’s heroics in the final. “He’s done it pretty consistently through the tournament… some of his 30s and 40s that he’s got have actually won and set up games for the Hurricanes. And then he ended up getting a hundred in 30-odd balls and the game’s over.”Hurricanes team-mate and 2021 T20 World Cup winner Matthew Wade agreed Owen “would be there or thereabouts” when it came to squad selection for the 2026 tournament.”He can be anything… no stage really worries him too much. It was phenomenal,” Wade told AAP.Owen said he “absolutely” wanted to work towards the squad for the India-Sri Lanka-hosted tournament, which begins in February 2026.However, David Warner suggested such talk was premature. The losing Thunder captain said the Australian team didn’t need a shake-up.”No, no. You’ve got the guys that are there at the moment,” he said. “You can earn your stripes… we can’t be just picking blokes and chopping and changing when the guys that are there have won World Cups.”It will be difficult top order to break into, with Travis Head, Matt Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk and T20 captain Mitch Marsh having claims on those spots.Steven Smith, left out of last year’s underwhelming T20 World Cup campaign, also has to be considered after starring for the Sydney Sixers in the past two seasons when he has played as an opener in between international duties.But Warner was certainly happy to credit Owen with a “phenomenal knock” that meant his side came up short after posting 97 without loss after 10 overs.”We got beat by one player tonight, plain and simple,” he said.0815 GMT – This story was updated to reflect Owen’s availability as an IPL replacement player.

West Ham United manager Graham Potter has now approved the sale of three first-team players after the very disappointing opening day defeat against Sunderland, according to a report.

Potter left frustrated by opening day defeat at Sunderland

West Ham suffered a 3-0 defeat at the Stadium of Light in their opening Premier League game of the season, and Potter subsequently admitted his side’s performance wasn’t up to par.

The Hammers boss said: “The second half was not good from us in terms of the basics. First half was quite good, we controlled the crowd and were unfortunate not to score. The first goal was always going to be important. Basics of football we have to really improve.

“It is the first day, we know these things can happen as much as we don’t like it to happen. We have a big game on Friday, we have to react and do a lot better.”

Even though we are only one game into the new campaign, pressure is arguably already mounting on Potter, given that the 50-year-old was unable to oversee a major improvement last season either, having averaged just 1.0 points per match during his time at the London Stadium.

As such, the Englishman is now looking to reshuffle his squad before the transfer deadline, and there may be some drastic action, with the West Ham manager now willing to sanction the departure of three first-team players.

That is according to a report from the Sunday Mirror (via West Ham Zone), which states Potter has approved the sales of Edson Alvarez, Guido Rodriguez and Andy Irving, who will all now be allowed to leave for the right fee.

The midfield trio, who rake in a combined £180k-a-week, clearly haven’t done enough to impress the Solihull-born manager, and a number of new central midfielders have been identified as potential replacements.

Target

Current club

League G/A in 24/25

Aleix Garcia

Bayer Leverkusen

7

Eljif Elmas

RB Leipzig

4

Andrey Santos

Chelsea

14

Mateus Fernandes

Southampton

6

Potter needs to make major changes before transfer deadline

It is a good sign that Potter is willing to take radical action to improve his squad, given that there have been very few promising signs ever since the former Chelsea manager’s arrival at the London Stadium, amassing just 43 points last season.

Rodriguez failed to have any impact on the match against Sunderland, with the defensive midfielder not making a single defensive action, while he was also dribbled past on one occasion.

Related West Ham lodge major enquiry for "magic" £21m maestro who's keen on PL move

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Posts ByDominic Lund Aug 18, 2025

Irving, on the other hand, came on as a late substitute, having failed to establish himself as a regular starter ever since his arrival, while Alvarez didn’t even make it off the bench, amid well-documented interest from Ajax and Monaco.

As such, West Ham fans are unlikely to be too disappointed to see any of the trio leave the club this summer, and some exciting potential replacements have been identified, with Chelsea’s Santos scoring ten league goals on loan at Strasbourg last term.

With less than 10 days remaining in the summer transfer window, Celtic are now finally “expected” to sign a long-term target following a latest meeting.

Rodgers "very pleased" with Livingston thrashing

After a 0-0 draw against Kairat in midweek to plant doubt in their Champions League qualification, Celtic were back to their clinical best against Livingston. Goals from Benjamin Nygren, who has enjoyed an excellent start to life in Scotland, and Johnny Kenny from the bench were enough to seal a comfortable 3-0 victory for the Bhoys, much to Brendan Rodgers’ delight.

The aim will now be to take that performance into their Champions League play-off tie against Kairat as they look to make up for last week’s frustrating draw at Celtic Park.

New signing Nygren is likely to play a large part in the result on Tuesday, just as he did against Livingston. The talented winger has got off to an electric start in a Celtic shirt, scoring three goals in five games for the Scottish Premiership champions.

His form proves just how well Celtic’s recruitment can go as the transfer window approaches the deadline, and they potentially look to repeat their genius to welcome further reinforcements.

To that end, whilst names such as Jamie Vardy have been mentioned in recent weeks, it looks as though Celtic’s next signing could finally see a long-term target arrive.

Celtic now "expected" to sign Balikwisha

According to Sacha Tavolieri, Celtic are now “expected” to sign Michel-Ange Balikwisha, who has “decided” to join after a last meeting with the talented winger finally resulted in a breakthrough. The 24-year-old has reportedly reached an agreement in principle over personal terms and the deal is now “expected” to be completed in the coming days.

Of course, Celtic fans have been here before with Balikwisha. Just one year ago, he looked destined to arrive in Scotland before the most untimely injury prevented his move from Royal Antwerp.

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As Celtic seek attacking reinforcements, the Hoops have been told to pay £5.1m if they’re to sign a “flamboyant” star to be the James Forrest upgrade.

ByBen Gray Aug 23, 2025

With no injuries recorded this time around, however, it seems as though they’re finally set to get their man. Given the praise of U23 scout Antonio Mango, who described the winger as “direct” and “intelligent”, it’s clear that Balikwisha will at least prove to be worth the wait for Celtic.

Manchester United hit their nadir last season, but Ruben Amorim is a stoic sort and has knuckled down and made tentative progress with the Premier League giants.

Maybe the Portuguese tactician was a little too frank during interviews, but at least he understands where the cracks lie for the Old Trafford side, who finished 15th in the league and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur.

There have been positives throughout the Premier League Summer Series in America, for sure, but the Red Devils still have improvements to be made, irrespective of who might be welcomed to the fold.

Saying that, the recent draw against Everton corroborated Amorim’s desire for a new midfielder, with Manuel Ugarte flattering to deceive.

Why Man Utd need to replace Manuel Ugarte

Ugarte, 24, joined Man United from Paris Saint-Germain last summer in a deal rising to £50.5m. Last season, he left much to be desired, but did feature 45 times across all competitions, scoring twice and laying on six assists.

Man United showed some promise against the Toffees, but Vitalii Mykolenko dispossessed Ugarte in in the build-up to Iliman Ndiaye’s first-half goal, leading Bruno Fernandes to claim that his team “looked a bit lazy” at times.

Much has been made of United’s need for a focal frontman, but with Casemiro getting on, a secure and confident midfield anchor is equally as crucial to the success of the project.

That’s why INEOS are weighing up a move for Atalanta’s Ederson. As per TEAMtalk, the Brazilian could be available for around £52m this summer, which makes him the most expensive man on United’s midfield shortlist.

But there’s a reason for that. Man United have a ‘long-standing interest’ in Ederson, and if it proves financially viable, he could complete a midfield that needs reinforcing.

Why Man Utd want to sign Ederson

Ederson is a 26-year-old midfielder who has established himself as one of the best in the business over in Italy. Across 139 appearances in all competitions, he has scored 13 goals and supplied four assists.

Hailed as a “machine” of a midfielder by reporter Carlo Garganese, this is exactly the kind of hardy, dynamic player that Amorim needs to welcome to his squad, should he wish to return to European competition and challenge for silverware at the Old Trafford helm.

Instrumental in winning the Europa League in 2023, Ederson has the strength, self-belief and roundedness to succeed under Amorim’s wing in the Premier League, with the right balance in his performances to nestle into the United centre, acting as a tough-tackling six but also a progressive force.

Matches (starts)

37 (32)

29 (22)

Goals

4

1

Assists

1

2

Touches*

65.9

43.2

Pass completion

87%

89%

Big chances created

6

3

Key passes*

1.1

0.3

Dribbles*

0.6

0.6

Ball recoveries*

5.0

4.2

Tackles + interceptions*

2.3

3.6

Duels won*

4.9 (56%)

5.0 (53%)

On the surface level, it doesn’t look like Ugarte did all that badly across his first Premier League campaign, but he’s susceptible to a poor error of lapse of focus, with one Man United content creator online even saying he “is frightened to death of passing forward.”

No such problem for Ederson, who ranked among the top 12% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

Though Amorim and INEOS will continue to push ahead with a deal for a new number nine, this one could prove to be equally important.

Described by Italian journalist Damiano Er Faina to be “the strongest defensive midfielder in the world”, Man United might just hit the jackpot if they push ahead and complete their midfield with his many-faceted player.