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Ruben Amorim has sought to explain why Manchester United have not yet opened talks with Harry Maguire about a new contract. Maguire scored the goal which gave United their first away win at Liverpool for nine years but his future with the Red Devils is in doubt as he is into the last year of his contract. From January, he will be allowed to speak to foreign clubs about joining as a free agent.

Getty Images SportSurvivor Maguire still crucial to Man Utd

Maguire joined United for a then-world record fee for a defender when he signed for the Red Devils from Leicester in 2019 for £80m ($106m). He had a dream debut in a 4-0 win over Chelsea but it proved to be a first season of ups and downs. Maguire was named club captain in January 2020 and the following year played a huge role in United coming second in the Premier League and reaching the Europa League final, which he missed due to injury. He had a hapless 2021-22 season though when United finished sixth and sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. 

The centre-back then lost his place in the starting XI when Erik ten Hag took over and in the summer of 2023 he had the captaincy taken off him and given to Bruno Fernandes instead. Maguire was also subjected to torrents of social media abuse in this period. But he rose above it and fought his way back into the team under Ten Hag and then becoming a crucial player for Amorim, scoring vital goals against Lyon, Leicester and Ipswich last season. His 85th-minute header at Anfield increased his cult-hero status, prompting Amorim to say: "Harry Maguire is really important for us and was today. He is a great example, everything he has been through, a great example to every kid."

AdvertisementAmorim: Not the time to talk about Maguire contract

The head coach, however, was not willing to discuss whether or not the club plan to renew Maguire's contract, which expires in June. Amorim said at a press conference on Friday: "We are really happy with Harry but it is not the time to talk about that. That gives the idea that we are thinking really far away, we need to think about now. We are really happy with Harry, he is really important for us but we just need to focus on the next game."

Getty Images SportMaguire 'needs to be better on the ball'

Amorim praised Maguire and said he was ideally suited to playing in a back three. But he also challenged the defender to improve his ability on the ball. Amorim added: "It was good for him to play with three centre backs, I think he feels more comfortable. Because he plays in the centre, he does not need to go to the side so much so sometimes you help players with the way you play. Sometimes it is the opposite with some players. I am really pleased. He is not young but he can learn a lot, he can improve. 

"I think he can be so much better with the ball because he has that quality and he needs to show that. Nowadays with the set pieces that you see, the amount of men that you put in the box and every cross from the opponent – everyone is playing like that. He is a massive player for us, I am really happy but that game is in the past, that goal is in the past and now let's look forward to the present and the future."

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Maguire & Mount doubts for Brighton

Amorim explained that Maguire and Mason Mount have picked up knocks since the win at Anfield. It means the former England team-mates are doubts for United's game at home to Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday. The coach also declared that Lisandro Martinez is progressing well eight months after tearing his ACL but is still some way off from returning to the team. 

Aston Villa are now racing Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United for the signature of an “electric” Premier League star, who has made a very impressive start to the campaign.

Villa join race for new forward amid lack of goals

It would be fair to say Unai Emery’s side fell below their usual lofty standards at the beginning of the Premier League season, with the 3-0 home defeat against Crystal Palace likely to be particularly concerning, but they have since managed to get back on track.

Indeed, the Villans have won their last two matches in all competitions, most recently picking up their first league victory of the campaign courtesy of a fantastic second-half display against Fulham, which culminated in a 3-1 win.

Emery will be relieved his side are finally starting to look better in front of goal, but after failing to score in their opening four league matches of the season, the manager may still be worried about his side’s lack of firepower.

As such, according to a report from The Boot Room, Aston Villa have now joined the race for AFC Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, but there could be fierce competition for the Ghanaian’s signature, and it may take a huge fee to get a deal done.

Tottenham, Man United and Manchester City are also named as potential suitors for Semenyo, who was valued at £70m back in the summer transfer window, amid links with Spurs.

Aston Villa now want to sign £35m Sunderland star after performance against them

A concern for Regis Le Bris…

ByTom Cunningham Sep 27, 2025

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey also makes it clear that a winter exit is very unlikely to be on the cards, saying: “As it stands, Bournemouth are intent on making progress this summer and that means no sales.

“They have lost the likes of Huijsen, Kerkez and Zabarnyi in recent months and they are insistent Semenyo won’t be following them through the exit doors in January.”

"Electric" Semenyo has made flying start to the season

It is no surprise that Bournemouth are reluctant to sanction a January departure, given just how well the 25-year-old has performed in the early stages of the new season, being dubbed “electric” by broadcaster Kris Temple.

The Cherries are currently sixth in the Premier League table, and the Ghana international has been paramount to their success, receiving Bournemouth’s Player of the Month and Goal of the Month award for August.

That follows on from a very impressive 2024-25 campaign, during which the winger picked up 11 goals and six assists in the Premier League, helping his side surpass expectations and finish ninth.

There is every indication that Semenyo could be a success at Villa Park, but Aston Villa are well-known to be struggling PSR-wise, which means forking out the potential £70m asking price could be an issue.

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Dois rivais paulistas se enfrentam nesta terça-feira (25), de olho em uma vaga para a final da Copa do Brasil. Às 21h30, Corinthians e São Paulo protagonizam o clássico Majestoso na Neo Química Arena, pela partida de ida da semifinal da competição nacional.

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+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

O Timão vive seu melhor momento na temporada e vem de cinco partidas consecutivas sem perder. Ainda, o Corinthians defende um tabu de jamais ter sido derrotado pelo São Paulo na Neo Química Arena. São 17 jogos entre os clubes desde que o Majestoso começou a ser disputado em Itaquera, com dez vitórias corintianas e sete empates.

Luxemburgo decidiu fazer mistério e escondeu os relacionados para o clássicos. A principal dúvida envolve Matías Rojas, que sofreu uma entorse no pé esquerdo no empate do Timão com o Bahia, pelo Brasileirão.

Após quatro empates consecutivos nos últimos jogos em Itaquera, o Tricolor busca levar vantagem para o duelo no Morumbi. O técnico Dorival Jr terá o retorno de Rafinha, desfalque na derrota do final de semana, contra o Cuiabá, por ter sido autorizado a viajar à Alemanha para acompanhar o amistoso comemorativo promovido pelo Bayern de Munique.

Para chegar à semifinal, o Corinthians eliminou Remo, Atlético-MG e América-MG. Já o São Paulo passou pelo Ituano, Sport, Palmeiras.

+ Timão ou Tricolor? Veja datas e horários das semifinais da Copa do Brasil

CORINTHIANS X SÃO PAULO
COPA DO BRASIL – SEMIFINAL – JOGO DE IDA

Local:Neo Química Arena, São Paulo (SP)
Data e hora:25 de julho de 2023, às 21h30 (horário de Brasília)
Árbitro:Wilton Pereira Sampaio (FIFA-GO)
Assistentes:Bruno Raphael Pires (FIFA-GO) e Nailton Junior de Sousa Oliveira (FIFA-CE)
Árbitro de vídeo:Rodrigo Guarizo Ferreira do Amaral (FIFA-SP)
Onde assistir:SporTV, Premiere e Prime Video e no tempo real doLance!

CORINTHIANS

Cássio; Fagner, Gil, Murillo e Fábio Santos; Giuliano, Fausto Vera, Ruan Oliveira (Rojas) e Renato Augusto; Róger Guedes e Yuri Alberto. Técnico Vanderlei Luxemburgo.

Desfalques: Gabriel Moscardo (cirurgia de apendicite), Rafael Ramos (lesão no joelho direito), Mosquito (transição física) e Paulinho (recuperação de cirurgia no joelho esquerdo)
Pendurados: Adson, Moscardo, Fagner, Fábio Santos, Matheus Bidu e Yuri Alberto

SÃO PAULO

Rafael; Rafinha, Arboleda, Diego Costa e Caio; Pablo Maia, Alisson e Michel Araújo; Wellington Rato, Luciano e Calleri.Técnico:Dorival Jr.

Desfalques:Galoppo, Ferraresi, Gabriel Neves e Igor Vinicius (lesionados)
Pendurados:Rafinha, Rato, Luan, Luciano e Nestor

Former Australia opener David Warner will captain the Karachi Kings in the tenth edition of the Pakistan Super League. Warner, who was the Kings’ first pick at the draft in January, replaces Shan Masood as captain.”We have a fantastic line-up and I’m super excited to take on the role of captain this year,” Warner said.Related

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Kings’ owner Salman Iqbal said Warner’s “track record as leader and match-winner aligns perfectly with our vision” while paying tribute to Masood, whom he expected to remain a “key player in the squad”.The Kings are looking to break out of a rut that has seen them miss out on the playoffs each of the last three seasons. Since winning their only title in 2020, they haven’t come close to replicating that success.Warner recently captained Sydney Thunder to the final of the 2024-25 Big Bash League, seven years on from Cricket Australia imposing a lifetime leadership ban on him in the wake of the ball-tampering fracas that engulfed Australia in Cape Town in 2018. The ban was lifted last year.George Linde has replaced Corbin Bosch in the Peshawar Zalmi squad•AFP/Getty Images

Linde replaces Bosch, Carey replaces van der Dussen

Peshawar Zalmi have drafted in South Africa allrounder George Linde as a full replacement for his compatriot Corbin Bosch, who pulled out of the PSL to take part in the IPL that is running concurrently.Anoher South Africa star, the Islamabad United batter Rassie van der Dussen, is set to miss part of the season for personal reasons. Islamabad have named Australia keeper-batter Alex Carey as his partial replacement.These picks were made in an online replacement draft held on Monday. Peshawar Zalmi and Kings have reserved their replacement picks for Bangladesh fast bowler Nahid Rana and keeper-batter Litton Das respectively, while Quetta Gladiators and Kings have reserved their replacement picks for New Zealand batters Mark Chapman and Kane Williamson respectively.The PSL begins on 11 April in Rawalpindi, with the final on 18 May in Lahore.

After eight seasons outside the luxuries of the Premier League, it’s fair to say Sunderland returned with a bang against West Ham United.

The first half played out as a tense 0-0 affair, before the Black Cats then suddenly burst into life as Eliezer Mayenda, Daniel Ballard, and Wilson Isidor all found the back of the net in quick succession to hand Regis Le Bris’ underdogs a glorious 3-0 win.

Off the back of such an impressive victory, Sunderland find themselves just below top spot in the Premier League on goal difference, owing to Manchester City’s slightly more emphatic 4-0 success.

The aim will be to continue to put wins on the board to ensure a heartbreaking relegation doesn’t happen, with more signings looking to be in the pipeline, too, in order to help matters on the pitch.

Sunderland explore move for £30m star

Sunderland really have been one of the big spenders in the Premier League this summer, despite their newly promoted status.

£141.5m has been splashed out in total on 12 brand new signings, with the Black Cats adding former Bayer Leverkusen right-back Nordi Mukele to their camp just after the resounding triumph over the Hammers for £9.5m.

More cash could soon be spent on landing Getafe attacker Christantus Uche, with both Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers also keen on the Nigerian forward, on top of Le Bris’ outfit further taking a fancy to this new £30m target to upgrade their options up top.

Indeed, it had been reported that Sunderland had lodged a £27m bid for Leicester City star Abdul Fatawu. An update from BBC Sport confirms that the Wearside club is exploring a possible move for the standout Foxes winger, but a move may well prove to be tricky to get over the line, owing to his pricey valuation, which is now allegedly closer to £30m.

That means any move for the Ghanaian to join the Stadium of Light ranks would match their record transfer fee for Habib Diarra.

It could well be deemed a gamble worth exploring, with a potential here for Sunderland to pick up their next Amad Diallo if Fatawu goes on to be as tricky and effective as the Ivorian was all those years ago donning the famous red and white stripes.

How Fatawu could be Sunderland's next Amad

Amad would never get to grace the Stadium of Light turf in the Premier League.

Instead, he proved to be a dangerous spark throughout his loan stint in the Championship for the Wearside outfit, with Sunderland fans still possessing a fondness for the slick 23-year-old two years on from his explosive stint at the club.

14 goals and four assists would fall into Amad’s lap from 42 memorable appearances for the Black Cats, with his game then taken to that next level back at parent employers Manchester United, leaving him with a healthy haul of 14 goals and 12 assists for the Red Devils from 65 outings.

Fatawu will hope he can become as established in the Premier League if a move to Sunderland does manage to get off the ground, having already been dubbed “unplayable” for his heroics in the EFL by scout Jacek Kulig.

Fatawu for Leicester (23/24)
Stat – per 90 mins*	Fatawu
Games played	40
Goals scored	6
Assists	13
Big chances missed	0
Big chances created	32
Total duels won*	6.1
Stats by Sofascore

During Leicester’s title-winning exploits under Enzo Maresca, Fatawu would routinely light up the Championship – in a similar rampaging fashion to Amad on Wearside – with the right-sided winger accumulating a ridiculous 19 goal contributions from 40 clashes.

Staggeringly, 32 big chances would also be created from those contests, with the 21-year-old always on the front foot, wanting to make openings happen, much like his fellow left-footer Amad always looked to dazzle and please supporters when situated at Sunderland.

The next big stride Fatawu will have to make is translating this jaw-dropping Championship form over to the Premier League regularly, having managed to amass two assists at the level last campaign, before a cruciate ligament nightmare took over.

Sunderland might well be the best place for him to explode into life even more, based on their gung-ho performance against the Hammers, with the opportunity there for him to emerge as the next exciting young talent on the right flank, in the mould of Amad before him.

Moreover, their glittering track record with up-and-coming gems coming good is also in their favour here, as another major buy looks to be completed by the ambitious, top-flight newcomers in the nick of time.

An Adingra repeat: Sunderland submit huge bid to sign "unplayable" star

Sunderland aren’t done just yet with their excessive summer spending.

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 19, 2025

Manchester United are looking to spark a resurgence this year, but the first couple of fixtures since the off-season have issued a reminder that this squad has a long way to go before it gets to where they need to be.

Ruben Amorim has recently spoken of his belief that the Red Devils are closer to their goals this season, but then you would hope that this is so, for United finished 15th in the Premier League last season and lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur, now excluded from European competition.

Fans would be understood for wanting a few more additions before the close of the transfer window, United having claimed one point from their opening two league fixtures.

The frontline has been reshaped, and efforts for Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens continue, yet Amorim remains intent on signing a central midfielder to establish the balance he needs for his tactical engine to start purring.

Man United searching for a midfielder

Much had been put into the bid for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba this month, but the Seagulls have barred the Cameroonian’s exit, and so INEOS have shelved their interest for the time being.

But a deal for another midfielder could yet be struck before the end of the window, with GIVEMESPORT revealing that Kobbie Mainoo could leave Old Trafford, and a replacement brought in.

It’s an ambitious one, but that player could be Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, with The Athletic’s Mark Critchley and Laurie Whitwell confirming on Tuesday United’s interest in the England international.

It seems unlikely that the Eagles would sanction their prized midfielder’s exit at this late stage, but it’s encouraging to note that Man United’s interest is genuine, though they would have to cough up something in the ballpark of £100m, a fee that would eclipse the club’s transfer record.

What Adam Wharton would bring to Man United

Described as “the best deep-lying English midfielder since Scholes” by a CONCACAF-certified coach, need we really say anymore?

Wharton, 21, has only been at Crystal Palace since January 2024, joining from Blackburn Rovers in the Championship, but already he has showcased a considerable degree of quality in Oliver Glasner’s trophy-winning system, and England’s top outfits have taken note.

At the Theatre of Dreams, Wharton would occupy a role currently being filled by Bruno Fernandes, who has moved into a deeper berth than he has principally played across his four-and-a-half years as a Red Devil.

Fernandes, 30, has been the subject of transfer speculation brewing from the Saudi Pro League this summer, but he issued an emphatic response, rejecting the concerted approach from Al Hilal.

It’s a good thing too. Not only did the Portugal international score 19 goals and supply 19 assists across all competitions for Man United last season, but he also inspired and roused the rabble as they flattered to deceive.

His playmaking knows no bounds, and that’s why signing Wharton could work so well for the overall fluency of Amorim’s unit, allowing Fernandes to shift back into a more advanced role, facilitated by Wharton’s presence.

Most Chances Created in 24/25 PL

#

Player

Chances

1.

Bruno Fernandes

91

2.

Mohamed Salah

88

3.

Cole Palmer

86

4.

Enzo Fernandez

75

5.

Bryan Mbeumo

70

Data via StatMuse

Hailed as a “generational talent” by journalist Matthew Stanger, Wharton’s 2024/25 campaign was affected by injury, limiting him to just 16 Premier League starts, but he still ranks among the top 12% of midfielders across Europe for progressive passes and the top 8% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

Signing him would open up a fluent channel between the thirds, Wharton’s passing feeding into Fernandes’ more prolific take on the ball-playing art.

There’s no denying that Man United’s midfield talisman has looked somewhat out of sorts over the first couple of weeks of the term, but Wharton could revive him, all right, and take this proud football club right back to the forefront of domestic and continental football.

Related Better signing than Baleba: "Phenomenal" star now wants to join Man Utd

Manchester United could make an even better signing than Carlos Baleba by landing this star.

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Liverpool may well be lining up an explosive late move for Alexander Isak in the ongoing transfer market but for Arne Slot and Co, further strengthening the forward line should not be the priority.

After all, despite adding Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong to their ranks, the Reds’ defence looks worse than it did last season.

Trent Alexander Arnold and Jarell Quansah have both left, Joe Gomez is injured and Ibou Konate could follow Trent to Real Madrid.

As a result, Slot has had to tinker with his backline during pre-season. The likes of Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch and young Trey Nyoni have all played in the centre of defence in recent matches.

With Liverpool dreaming of retaining their Premier League title this season, they need someone to partner Van Dijk.

Liverpool's search for a new centre-half

In the centre of defence, the Reds have had two main targets this summer.

They first looked at prising Dean Huijsen away from Bournemouth but they were left frustrated by Madrid yet again. The Spaniard only wanted Real and he headed back to his homeland.

Marc Guehi is another priority target for Liverpool and according to reports, they are set to step up their pursuit of the Crystal Palace captain after the Community Shield on Sunday.

Valued at £45m, they are due to hold talks with the Eagles about signing the centre-back before the September 1st deadline.

Transfer Focus

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

Yet, he’s not the only defender on the club’s radar. Indeed, according to Football Espana, Barcelona star Ronald Araujo has emerged as an option.

They reveal that Chelsea, Liverpool and Spurs are also showing ‘serious interest’ in the 26-year-old. Manchester United are also said to hold ‘long-term interest’ in the Barca defender.

How Ronald Araujo compares to Marc Guehi

At just £45m, bringing Guehi to Anfield would be a brilliant piece of business. He’s 25, thus approaching his prime, he’s Premier League-proven and having captained Palace, he’s a natural leader.

Including the brilliant price on offer, there are very few cons to signing such a proven player in the remaining weeks of the window; he’d surely hit the ground running swiftly.

However, Araujo is a genuine elite defender and has shown as much for one of the greatest clubs in the land in recent years.

Described by legendary centre-back Carles Puyol as “one of the best defenders in the world”, Araujo could be a brilliant market opportunity for Liverpool.

He’s capable of playing in the middle of defence but also competently at right-back. After missing the first half of the 2024/25 campaign with a hamstring injury, the defender went on to play 24 times at centre-back and played a starring role at the back as Barcelona reached the Champions League semi-finals.

Unlike Guehi, he’s playing at the very highest level and he’s more versatile too, having played seven times at right-back in the last two seasons.

So, what sets him apart?

Passes completed

79.3

43.3

Pass accuracy %

92%

84%

Key passes

0.48

0.47

Progressive passes

5.83

3.94

Progressive carries

0.71

0.65

Attempted take-ons

0.12

0.44

Tackles won

1.07

1.00

Interceptions

1.07

0.82

Aerial duels won

3.93

2.00

Over the last year, Araujo has showcased that he is an elite defender in a number of metrics. He ranks inside the best 2% of positionally similar players in Europe’s top five leagues for aerial duels won per 90 minutes.

In the air, he’s evidently streets ahead of Guehi. His pass success rate of 92% betters Guehi and ensures that the Barca stalwart ranks within the best 12% of centre-backs in Europe for that metric.

A beast in the air, Araujo also possesses the ability to play out from the back, making him the perfect fit for Slot’s backline.

Cut from a similar cloth as Virgil van Dijk in terms of his physicality, if Konate does end up leaving for the Bernabeu, then there are very few better replacements around the continent.

Slot's next Gravenberch: Liverpool lead the race for "incredible' £50m star

Liverpool are hoping to sign a PL star this summer, and it’s not Alexander Isak.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 10, 2025

After missing out on Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool, Newcastle United are desperately assessing their options in a bid to improve their firepower.

Toon supporters can perhaps rest easy knowing Alexander Isak is likely to stay at St James’ Park but without competent backup – William Osula is still young – they know recruits are needed.

Since that move for Ekitike fell through, the Magpies have reportedly cast their eyes upon the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Julian Alvarez. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is also reportedly an option.

Newcastle's Ekitike alternative

Forgetting those names, Newcastle United are also exploring a deal for Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, with the 28-year-old emerging as a serious option after the club missed out on top target Ekitike.

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 Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, the Magpies are feeling that a “deal should get done” for Wissa, in spite of having a £25m bid rejected.

Downie reveals that the Toon are set to return with a £30m bid plus add-ons for the centre-forward.

With interest growing from Tottenham and Nottingham Forest as well, Newcastle are weighing their options carefully.

A previous price tag of £50m had been set by Brentford, and that is seen as negotiable by interested parties. Personal terms are not expected to be a stumbling block.

BBC Sport reported that Wissa is keen on a new challenge and eager to play European football, a prospect that may sway him towards St. James’ Park.

Brentford, meanwhile, are being picked apart, and Wissa could be next out the door.

Manager Thomas Frank has left, replaced by set-piece coach Keith Andrews, along with key players such as Bryan Mbeumo, Christian Nørgaard, and Mark Flekken.

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is urging patience in the transfer market, stating the club must invest in “the right players” rather than rushing big-money deals.

However, Wissa’s Premier League pedigree, versatility, and recent form make him a standout candidate.

Why Yoane Wissa would be a good signing for Newcastle

After Ivan Toney’s move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli last summer, Wissa stepped up as one of Brentford’s main attacking threats.

Only Mohamed Salah scored more non-penalty goals in the Premier League last season, as Wissa found the net 20 times and added four assists.

Over four seasons at Brentford, Wissa has netted 49 goals in 149 appearances – a consistent return for a player who cost just £8.5m from Lorient.

Among his positional peers – Erling Haaland, Alexander Isak, Liam Delap, Dominic Solanke, and João Pedro – Wissa stands out in several areas.

Data from FBref shows that he has more shot-creating actions per 90 than Solanke, more touches than Pedro or Delap (34.1), and a greater pass completion rate than Isak and Haaland.

His minutes played (3,072) were second only to Isak, demonstrating not only quality but reliability and rubberstamping why European football expert, Zach Lowy, thinks he’s had a “remarkable rise.”

As a result, the potential signing of Yoane Wissa has drawn comparisons with former Magpies fan favourite Demba Ba.

The Senegalese forward, who arrived from West Ham in 2011, became a cult hero at St. James’ Park after firing 16 goals in the 2011/12 season, forming a lethal partnership with Papiss Cissé and helping Newcastle to a fifth-place finish.

Like Ba, Wissa would arrive from a fellow Premier League club and is known for his instinctive movement, sharp poaching instincts, and ruthless eye for goal.

The same data from FBref shows that while Ba scored 16 and assisted twice in 2,721 minutes during his most prolific Premier League campaign, Wissa bettered those numbers last season, scoring 20 goals and notching 4 assists in 3,072 minutes.

Ba averaged 1.39 shots on target per 90 in that 2011/12 season, while Wissa registered 1.26 per 90 in 2024/25, slightly lower, but still consistent with the profile of a reliable finisher.

Importantly, Wissa also outperformed his xG, underlining his sharpness in front of goal.

However, there are some caveats.

At 28, Wissa doesn’t fit Newcastle’s preferred age profile of 24 and under, and he may miss part of the 2025/26 season due to AFCON duties with DR Congo.

Still, for a club that needs ready-made depth up front and a player who knows how to find the net, Wissa ticks plenty of boxes.

Given the departure of Callum Wilson and other targets like Calvert-Lewin being considered, Wissa presents a compelling blend of Premier League experience, positional intelligence, and proven end product.

If Newcastle can negotiate the fee down, Wissa could well become the Magpies’ new Ba – an underrated Premier League poacher with the potential to light up St. James’ Park.

He's Bruno Guimaraes 2.0: Newcastle considering move to sign £50m "machine"

Newcastle could consider a move for an English midfielder

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 22, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have now made contact over a deal for a “generational” Premier League midfielder, as they love his versatility, according to a report.

Spurs vying to sign new midfielder amid Bissouma uncertainty

There has been a great deal of speculation surrounding Yves’ Bissouma’s future in north London, with the likes of AC Milan and Fenerbahce being named as potential suitors, although the midfielder has made it clear he is keen to remain in England.

With the central midfielder’s contract set to expire next summer, it would make sense for Spurs to get him off the books this summer, while they can still receive a fee, and they have recently stepped up their pursuit of a potential replacement.

Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha is among the main targets, with Fabrizio Romano recently revealing that contact has been made with the Portugal international’s camp, but the Lilywhites also have a Premier League player in mind as an alternative option.

Indeed, according to a report from GiveMeSport, Tottenham have now made contact with Manchester United over a potential deal for Kobbie Mainoo, with his contract situation at Old Trafford still unresolved, potentially opening the door for an exit.

Informal enquiries have been made, in order to assess whether a deal for Mainoo would be possible, with Spurs said to be big fans of the midfielder’s versatility.

The 20-year-old has found it difficult to force his way into Ruben Amorim’s plans, and the north Londoners are hopeful that United will be willing to cash-in this summer, but a deal may be on the expensive side, with the Red Devils reportedly set to hold out for £70m.

"Generational" Mainoo could be better long-term signing than Palhinha

Palhinha was very impressive during his time with Fulham, being lauded as “world-class” by reporter Dom Smith, but the Bayern midfielder is now 30-years-old, making him ten years Mainoo’s senior.

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ByDominic Lund Jul 27, 2025

Not only that, but the Portuguese maestro has failed to kick on since moving to Bayern, making just 17 Bundesliga appearances last term, indicating that he could be better-suited to playing for a smaller club like Fulham.

The United midfielder, on the other hand, has been lauded as a “generational” player by writer Liam Canning, and he has already made 72 first-team appearances for the Red Devils, picking up seven goals and two assists.

The Stockport-born midfielder has also displayed his versatility by regularly featuring in both defensive and attacking roles, but his performances are yet to justify a £70m price tag, and Spurs should try and get a deal done at a lower price.

There is never a moment to catch your breath with Chelsea.

One second, the Blues are lifting the Conference League trophy, and the next, they’re making it to the next round of the Club World Cup.

It’s not just on the pitch where the West Londoners seem to work at breakneck speed either, as it’s been a busy summer of transfer business so far, with the likes of Liam Delap, Dario Essugo and Mamadou Sarr already through the door, and links to Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho refusing to go away.

Fortunately, there are other reports suggesting the club are preparing an offer for someone who’d be a far better signing than the Argentine.

Chelsea moving to sign Garnacho upgrade

The first murmurings of a potential transfer to Chelsea for Garnacho appeared just ahead of the winter transfer window this season, but as we know today, those links never amounted to much more than rumour.

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Things are a little different this summer, though, as with it now known that the young winger has been told to leave United, the links to Chelsea in recent days feel like they carry a little more weight, especially as some have claimed that contact has been made.

However, it would be fair to say that this is not a move that many supporters want to see happen.

So, fans should be particularly excited about the intensifying links to a far better alternative: Jamie Gittens.

Yes, according to a recent report from talkSPORT, Chelsea have maintained their intense interest in the Borussia Dortmund star this summer, despite seeing a number of offers for him already rejected.

In further good news, the story claims that the West Londoners are in advanced talks and are now preparing a third bid for the player worth around £45m and hope it will be enough to convince the German side to sell.

It’s a lot of money to spend on a youngster, but Gittens looks like he could be something special, and he’d undoubtedly be a better signing than Garnacho.

Why Gittens would be a far better signing than Garnacho

There are a few key reasons why Gittens would be a far better signing for Chelsea to make than Garnacho this summer, and the first stems from their respective output this season.

Appearances

49

58

Minutes

2803′

3568′

Goals

12

11

Assists

5

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.34

0.36

Minutes per Goal Involvements

164.88

169.90′

For his efforts, the United ace was able to score 11 goals and provide ten assists in 58 appearances, totalling 3568, which comes out to a reasonable enough average of a goal involvement every 2.76 games, or every 169.90 minutes.

However, the Dortmund star has a better minutes-to-goal involvement ratio of 164.88, as in his 49 games for the German giants this year, totalling 2803 minutes, he scored 12 goals and provided five assists.

The second reason for signing the Englishman over the Madrid-born star is the fact that his slight advantage regarding their respective output becomes far more significant when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

While the eight-capped Argentine does do better in a few areas, like progressive passes and carries, he is massively outperformed by the former Manchester City prospect in so many other, arguably more important metrics.

Non-Penalty G+As

0.56

0.33

Progressive Passes

2.13

2.22

Shots

2.58

3.61

Goals per Shot

0.16

0.06

Shots on Target

1.06

1.22

Goals Per Shot on Target

0.39

0.16

Expected Assists

0.20

0.12

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.20

1.05

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.27

0.17

Shot-Creating Actions

3.57

3.63

Goal-Creating Actions

0.45

0.37

Tackles

1.44

1.05

Tackles Won

0.79

0.65

Blocks

0.89

0.77

Interceptions

0.48

0.45

Clearances

0.38

0.37

Successful Take-Ons

3.57

1.31

Carries into the Final Third

2.96

2.93

Carries into the Penalty Area

3.06

3.04

For example, not only does the Reading-born gem score more goals from his shots, but he also creates more opportunities by completing more passes and crosses into the penalty area or being the far more accomplished dribbler.

Moreover, he is an incredibly hard worker, as evidenced by the fact he makes more tackles, blocks, interceptions and clearances than his potential competitor per 90.

Ultimately, while Garnacho is a talented player, he’s simply not as good as Gittens, with the latter outperforming him when it comes to raw output and everything that goes on under the hood as well, which is why Chelsea should be doing all they can to sign the Dortmund star this summer.

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