England quicks make quick work of South Africa in Youth ODI

Five-wicket win opens series at Western Province CC in Cape Town

ECB Reporters Network17-Jan-2025England Under-19 91 for 5 (Mayes 51) beat South Africa Under-19 87 (Minto 3-15) by five wicketsA dominant bowling performance from England Men U19s paved the way for a comfortable five-wicket win over South Africa Men U19s in the opening Youth ODI at Cape Town.New-ball duo Harry Moore and James Minto did the damage up top taking five wickets between them as the hosts were skittled for just 87.Opener Ben Mayes then broke the back of the chase with 51 from 48 balls while debutant captain Archie Vaughan added 26 as the Young Lions reach their target in 18.3 overs.Moore and Minto immediately got to work after the hosts opted to bat and subsided to 33 for six.The tone was set for an impressive Lions display in the field when Joe Moores held a sharp catch at backward point when Adnaan Lagadien arrowed a backfoot drive off Derbyshire right-armer Moore.Durham left-armer Minto had already had opener Shaylen Pillay caught by wicketkeeper Thomas Rew on his way to figures of innings-best three for 15.Spinners Taz Ali and Farhan Ali ensured the wickets continued to tumble before Worcestershire’s Jack Home – one of three debutants alongside Vaughan and Aaryan Sawant – ended the innings.Home first had Enathi Kitshini caught at backward point by Moores before pulling off a direct hit at the non-striker’s end to run out Nqobani Mokoena.Mayes and Vaughan then combined in a 64-run stand for the second wicket to ensure there were no jitters for the Young Lions. Mayes took the lead role, reaching his half-century from 45 balls, and despite some late wickets the tourists were always on course for a comfortable win.The Lions can secure the three-match Youth ODI series on Sunday when the second match is also played at Western Province CC in Cape Town.

محمد يوسف يوضح موقف الأهلي من تعاقد إمام عاشور مع آدم وطني

أوضح محمد يوسف، المدير الرياضي للنادي الأهلي، موقف الإدارة من التعامل في تعاقد لاعب الفريق إمام عاشور مع وكيل اللاعبين آدم وطني خلال الفترة الماضية.

وكان النادي الأهلي، قد أصدر قرارًا عقب رحيل الفلسطيني وسام أبو علي عن صفوف القلعة الحمراء، بعدم التعامل مع الوكيل آدم وطني.

وظهر في الفترة الماضية، أن آدم وطني وكيلا لـ إمام عاشور، مما أثار أزمة في النادي الأهلي.

وقال يوسف خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “إم بي سي مصر” لبرنامج “اللعيب”: “الأهلي أصدر قرارًا بعدم التعامل مع آدم وطني، وهذا القرار مستمر، والحديث في التجديد أو التعديل سيكون مع اللاعب نفسه”.

طالع | الأهلي يعلن موقفه من تجديد عقد حسين الشحات وأحمد عبد القادر

وأضاف: “إمام عاشور لاعب في النادي الأهلي، وعقده مازال متبقي به 3 سنوات قادمة، وليس لدينا أي قرار في الوقت الحالي، والحديث سيكون مع اللاعبين المتبقي في عقدوهم سنة واحدة”.

وتابع: “ما يثار عن تعاقد أحمد نبيل كوكا مع آدم وطني، أيضًا، لا أعلم شئ، حتى أنباء تعاقد إمام عاشور مع آدم وطني، لم يصل لنا في النادي الأهلي بشكل رسمي أي شئ يخص ذلك الشأن، لا نصدر أي قرار إلا إن كان الكلام بشكل رسمي”.

وأكمل: “أحمد نبيل كوكا، كان لديه عرض من الدوري التركي ولم يكتمل، وهو مستمر مع الفريق، سوف نبحث أمر تجديده في الوقت المناسب”.

وأتم: “في النهاية أريد أن أقول إن أي تجديد لأي لاعب سيكون من خلال معايير وشروط النادي الأهلي وهي التي ستنفذ”.

Aston Villa now racing to hijack West Ham move to sign "sensational" star

In an attempt to kickstart what has been a quiet summer transfer window, Aston Villa have now reportedly entered the race to sign a Bundesliga winner ahead of rival interest from West Ham United.

Aston Villa's difficult summer

When they failed to defeat Manchester United to secure Champions League football on the final day of the season, it was always going to be a difficult summer for Aston Villa. Their European fortunes ensured that they would have to face up to their PSR struggles and endure a window without spending big unless a number of stars went in the other direction.

To that end, the Villans have so far prioritised keeping hold of current stars rather than going in search of fresh faces. There has been interest in both Ollie Watkins and Emi Martinez, for example, but the stance in the Midlands has remained ‘not for sale’. Whether that changes as Villa become desperate to act in the market remains to be seen, however.

The signings that have arrived, meanwhile, are young centre-back Yasin Ozcan, who is unlikely to break into Unai Emery’s best side at this stage, and backup goalkeeper Marco Bizot. To say Villa’s window has so far lacked excitement would be an understatement.

With a month remaining until the window slams shut though, that could yet change. The transfer rumours are still coming thick and fast even as those at Villa Park look to navigate PSR.

Lois Openda in action.

Among those mentioned has been Lois Openda. The RB Leipzig forward, whether in years to come or this summer if Manchester United get their wish, would be the perfect replacement for Watkins and an excellent signing.

The same can be said for another Bundesliga star too, as Aston Villa set their sights on getting their summer up and running at long last.

Aston Villa firmly in the mix to sign Adli

As reported by Caught Offside, Aston Villa are now firmly in the mix to sign Amine Adli from Bayer Leverkusen this summer. The 25-year-old attacking midfielder reportedly wants to leave the German club in search of consistent minutes and, although West Ham hold concrete interest, Villa could yet hijack the Hammers’ move.

Duran 2.0: Aston Villa in contact with “one of the best strikers in the PL”

Aston Villa have an opportunity to land their next Jhon Duran by signing this attacking menace.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 1, 2025

Valued at around €25m (£22m), Adli’s arrival would likely keep Aston Villa within the lines of PSR whilst handing Emery a much-needed boost in the form of a Bundesliga winner.

Labelled a “sensational talent” by U23 scout Antonio Mango in 2022, Adli still has every chance of reaching that level again by joining Aston Villa and Emery. The midfielder has experience at the very top level as a title winner and, at just £22m, could quickly become an undeniable bargain this summer.

Biggest deal since Ronaldo: Wilcox plotting Man Utd move for £70m striker

Back in the summer of 2021, Manchester United thought they had landed themselves one of the deals of the transfer window, re-signing Cristiano Ronaldo 12 years after he left for Real Madrid.

The Portuguese international looked set for a move to join Manchester City, before the Red Devils hijacked that deal and secured a fairytale return to Old Trafford.

He would feature 54 times in his second stint, scoring 27 times, before a major bust-up with Erik ten Hag would see him depart for his current side, Al Nassr, in November 2022.

However, despite his off-the-field issues, it was a huge move that boosted the club’s finances and brought added excitement around the ground – especially after finishing second in the Premier League the season prior to his arrival.

Fast-forward to the present day, a similar move could well be completed, with Ruben Amorim’s side looking to pounce and take advantage of a potential transfer this summer.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

Dušan Vlahović is a player who could be a cheap option for United and director of football Jason Wilcox this summer, with current side, Juventus, potentially offloading him for just £15m during the off-season.

The Red Devils have been in constant talks with the Italian outfit over a move for the Serbian international, potentially seeing Jadon Sancho moving in the opposite direction.

Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic

However, attention may have been turned to another target, with Sporting CP talisman Viktor Gyokeres appearing on their radar once again, according to A Bola’s latest update.

Whilst the Swede has looked certain to move to Arsenal this window, the report claims a deal has stalled in recent days with the Gunners reluctant to meet Sporting’s valuation of the player.

As a result, the Red Devils are on red alert and are looking to pounce on the situation, potentially handing the forward a lifeline as he seeks an escape route out of Lisbon.

It also states that the Portuguese outfit are holding out for a fee in the region of £70m, including add-ons, to sell the 27-year-old during the current transfer window.

Why United’s latest target would be the biggest deal since Ronaldo

Since Ronaldo’s second spell at United, the hierarchy have splashed the cash to try and land players who could thrive at the club within the final third.

Rasmus Hojlund

Rasmus Hojlund is just one player who’s tried to fill the void in recent seasons, but the Dane has fallen way below the expectations of a signing who cost £72m.

The 22-year-old has only registered 26 goals in his first two full seasons at Old Trafford, leading to rumours around his own long-term future at the club under Amorim.

Joshua Zirkzee is another striker who’s failed to impress, notching just seven goals last season, after joining from Italian side Bologna nearly 12 months ago.

However, when comparing the pair’s respective stats to those of Gyokeres from the 2024/25 campaign, the Swede has massively blown them out the water – highlighting why he’d be the best signing since Ronaldo in such a department.

Sporting CP's ViktorGyokereskisses the trophy as he celebrate after winning the Taca de Portugal

Gyokeres, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by commentator Ian Darke, massively outscored the pair and posted a better goal per shot on target rate – showcasing the clinical edge he possesses in the final third.

He also managed to complete more take-ons that he attempted, along with more carries into the opposition’s box per 90, having the ability to create an opportunity for himself out of nothing.

Games played

33

32

32

Goals & assists

46

4

4

Shot on target accuracy

52%

40%

39%

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.3

0.2

Progressive carries

4.3

1.2

0.9

Key passes made

1.9

0.7

0.7

Take-on succeess

46%

27%

31%

Carries into opposition box

3.1

0.7

0.2

Aerials won

50%

24%

28%

The Swede’s creativity is also demonstrated by his tally of 1.9 key passes per 90, along with 50% aerials won – handing Amorim’s side that focal point to play off, something they’ve massively been lacking in recent months.

It’s unclear as to how much of an opportunity they have to hijack the move for the forward, but it’s hugely evident that he would be the best option at the manager’s disposal.

If he could replicate the levels produced by Ronaldo at Old Trafford, it would be a phenomenal piece of business and one that could catapult them up the table next campaign.

Having beaten off Man City to secure the huge coup of sealing Ronaldo’s homecoming, managing to get ahead of the Gunners in the race for Gyokeres would be a similar seismic, statement deal for Wilcox and the new regime.

Amorim's new Gyokeres: Man Utd close in on deal to sign "phenomenal" star

Manchester United have moved closer to completing a deal for a big-money star.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jul 10, 2025

Their answer to Wirtz: Chelsea working on deal to sign £78m "machine"

It’s hard to think of many teams having a better summer than Chelsea this year.

Enzo Maresca’s side are now World Champions thanks to their incredible domination of Paris Saint-Germain and have made several sensational additions in the transfer market.

Yet, when it comes to the latter, it could be said that Liverpool are the one Premier League side who are outdoing them, as they’ve already signed Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, are about to sign Hugo Ekitiké and spent a massive £116m on Florian Wirtz.

The former Bayer Leverkusen star was one of the most sought-after players at the start of the window, and someone who could be a real game-changer for the Reds, so Chelsea fans should be delighted over reports linking them to someone who could be their own version of the German.

Chelsea's transfer window so far

Intent on building on the squad’s Conference League win last season and their Champions League qualification, Chelsea have already gone big this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

The headline signings are undoubtedly Liam Delap for £30m from Ipswich Town, £48m for Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund and £60m for Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion.

BlueCo have even made a nice profit on Noni Madueke by selling him to Arsenal for a whopping £52m.

Chelsea forward Joao Pedro

Yet, the club aren’t done there, as it now looks like they are planning on signing a seriously exciting star who could be their own Wirtz.

At least that’s according to a recent report from Spain, which has claimed Chelsea are incredibly interested in Morgan Rogers.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Aston Villa star is the Blues’ top target, and they are working on an offer to present to the Claret and Blue, who value their star at €90m, which is approximately £78m.

It would be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but Rogers has proven he’s worth fighting for, especially as he could be Chelsea’s answer to Wirtz.

Why Rogers could be Chelsea's Wirtz

It might sound bold to suggest that Rogers could be to Chelsea what so many expect the £116m Wirtz to be for Liverpool, but we have our reasons.

England'sEberechiEzecelebrates scoring their third goal with England's Morgan Rogers

Firstly, the Villa ace was almost as effective as the German when it came to his output last season, and that is even more impressive when you consider that the Premier League is ranked as the toughest league in world football, while the Bundesliga comes in as only the third.

For example, the Villans’ often unstoppable “machine,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell, managed to score 14 goals and provide 15 assists in 54 appearances, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.86 games.

Rogers vs Wirtz

Players

Rogers

Wirtz

Appearances

54

45

Goals

14

16

Assists

15

15

Goal Involvements per Match

0.53

0.68

All Stats via Transfermarkt

In contrast, the former Bayer Leverkusen star scored 16 goals and provided 15 assists in 45 appearances, which comes out to a slightly better average of a goal involvement every 1.45 games.

On top of the similarities in their output, both players are still just 22 years old, and would be playing for two of the ‘big six’ sides, and possibly even leading their respective sides into a title race next season.

Finally, while both players can play in other positions, especially the former Middlesbrough gem, they are at their best and most dangerous when playing in the middle of the park.

Ultimately, it may well cost an arm and a leg, but Chelsea should be doing all they can to sign Rogers this summer, as he’d be an incredible addition to their team, and maybe even their answer to Wirtz.

He'll take Pedro to the next level: Chelsea make offer to sign £86m star

The incredible forward would be a game-changer for Chelsea and Joao Pedro.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 18, 2025

Levy submits Tottenham enquiry over deal for "explosive" £40m+ rising star

Tottenham Hotspur have now submitted an enquiry over a deal for an “explosive” star, who is expected to cost in excess of £40m this summer, according to a report.

Tottenham eye new midfielder amid doubts over Bentancur's future

While Tottenham secured Champions League qualification via their Europa League triumph, their Premier League performances in the 2024-25 campaign left a lot to be desired, and new manager Thomas Frank will be hoping to oversee a major turnaround.

During his first interview as Spurs boss, Frank singled out James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur and Dominic Solanke as three players he is excited to work with, indicating the Dane is happy with the attacking midfield options at his disposal.

However, should Bentancur refuse to sign a new contract, the Uruguayan could be moved on this summer, with a move to Atletico Madrid deemed a possibility, meaning Frank may be tasked with bringing in a replacement.

Levy now ready to smash Tottenham record by signing "unbelievable" £68m star

Spurs are willing to make a huge bid for a player who has been identified as a prime target for Thomas Frank.

ByDominic Lund Jun 29, 2025

As such, according to a report from The Boot Room, Daniel Levy and Co could look to raid one of their Premier League rivals, having now submitted an enquiry over a deal for Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott, who is expected to cost in excess of £40m this summer.

Elliott is ready to leave the Reds, given a lack of game time last season, and first-team opportunities are likely to be even more limited in the upcoming campaign, considering Florian Wirtz’s arrival from Bayer Leverkusen.

Liverpool's HarveyElliottcelebrates

There is widespread interest in the 22-year-old, however, which could pose a problem for Spurs, with nearly half the Premier League submitting enquiries of their own, while Jurgen Klopp is also looking to take his former player to RB Leipzig.

"Explosive" Elliott leads England U21s to glory in Slovakia

England U21s secured a second consecutive European Championships title with a 3-2 victory over Germany on Saturday, and manager Lee Carsley has the Liverpool midfielder to thank, given that he played a major role in the triumph.

The 22-year-old picked up the Player of the Tournament award, courtesy of scoring five goals en-route to glory in Slovakia, while he has also impressed Arne Slot in the past, with the Dutchman saying: “He’s so explosive with the way that he moves and with his end product. We are very lucky to have him.”

Not only that, but the former Fulham man places ranks in the top 1% for non-penalty goals per 90 by players in his position over the past year, and the 86th percentile for assists, showcasing the attacking threat he poses.

Elliott is now at an age where he needs to be playing regular football, and his exploits for England U21s indicate he could flourish at Tottenham, so a fee of around £40m seems very reasonable.

Jonny Bairstow plays down Ashes flashpoint as England and Australia clash again

Mitch Marsh expects atmosphere in Barbados to be reminiscent of Ashes fever last summer

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Jun-2024Jonny Bairstow says he has no desire to revisit the controversial events of last summer’s Lord’s Test, as England and Australia prepare to do battle once more in the biggest contest to date of the T20 World Cup.Bairstow’s stumping at the hands of Alex Carey, on the final day of last summer’s second Test, is a central topic of the latest series of Australia’s fly-on-the-wall documentary “The Test”, which was released on Amazon Prime last month.The moment, which occurred during England’s final-day run-chase as Bairstow wandered out of his crease after ducking a bouncer from Cameron Green, sparked fury in the Lord’s pavilion, with some MCC members accosting the Australia players on their way up to the dressing-room as the teams left the field for lunch.The repercussions continued throughout a thrilling Ashes series, with England recovering from a 2-0 deficit after the Lord’s Test to square the series 2-2 thanks to nailbiting victories at Headingley and The Oval. And speaking on the eve of a crucial Group B clash in Barbados, Bairstow insisted that the incident had galvanised England into an on-field response.”I’ve not seen any of it to be quite honest with you,” he said, when asked if he’d been streaming any episodes of the documentary. “I’ve got other things that I watch on TV, I don’t need to sit and watch that in my hotel room.”You see enough cricket when you’re involved in it day to day and playing it. But I think that post that event, the way in which we as a side reacted to that was a real positive.”You look at the results after that thing that happened at Lord’s and I actually think that we finished that series a lot stronger than Australia did.Related

Highlights – Eng vs Aus – Australia dominate defending champions

Starc, Hazlewood, Cummins – A rotating carousel of pressure

Ashes finds its flashpoint as Bairstow stumping ignites England

England face Australia in the battle of champions

Graeme Swann: 'If England are aggressive, they can win the tournament for Jos Buttler'

“Look, I think the impact it had on us as a side, the Test side, was actually a very positive effect and you can make your own assumptions as to what effect it had on Australia and their individuals.”Mitchell Marsh, Australia’s T20 captain, was also involved in the latter stages of the Ashes, including a brilliant counterattacking hundred in the subsequent Test in Leeds. And as he recalled the febrile atmosphere at England’s grounds that summer, Marsh acknowledged that Australia’s reception in Barbados on Saturday might not be dissimilar.”I dare say this will be full and it’ll be mostly English fans, so it’ll be like playing at Headingley all over, or anywhere in England where you get sprayed,” he said.”But just the atmosphere, the vibe of the game, there’s always a lot riding on it. As a team we always want to challenge ourselves against the best. England have been exceptional in this format for a long period of time now, so there’s certainly going to be a lot on the game and we’re pumped.”The stakes for England in particular have been ramped up this week, following their washout against Scotland, which could leave their Super 8 qualification in jeopardy if Australia get the better of them on Saturday. Bairstow, however, wasn’t letting the permutations in Group B get the better of him.”It doesn’t derail us either way. We know we’ve got to win more games than we lose in tournament cricket,” he said. “A win puts you in a position in the group which is obviously more favourable but the other two games after this are must-win games anyway. But it would be good for momentum and confidence.”England versus Australia is always a great occasion. Two very good teams going toe-to-toe. It’s going to be an exciting spectacle. Hopefully it will be a fantastic atmosphere like it always is in Barbados and the best side will come out on top.”

What Thomas Frank privately thinks about the Tottenham squad after arriving

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank is ready to tackle his first-ever campaign as a Champions League coach after finally sealing a high-profile move to a ‘big six’ side, with the Dane’s private assessment of his new squad now coming to light.

Thomas Frank confirmed as new Tottenham manager

Following many productive years at Brentford, Frank sealed a switch to Spurs earlier this week as Ange Postecoglou’s immediate replacement, just days after the club announced chairman Daniel Levy’s tough decision to sack the Australian.

Thomas Frank "pushing" Tottenham to make "statement" £51m signing

Spurs are “ready” to back him.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 13, 2025

Postecoglou guided the Lilywhites to their first major trophy in 17 years by winning the Europa League on a famous night against Man United in Bilbao, but Spurs cited their woeful domestic form as the catalyst behind his dismissal.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The north Londoners lost a record-breaking 22 Premier League games under Postecoglou last season and finished just one place above the relegation zone, with Levy showcasing ruthlessness over the emotion surrounding their European triumph by firing Frank’s predecessor.

Yet another new era has now begun at Spurs with Frank’s arrival, and the 51-year-old has now become their fifth manager since Mauricio Pochettino’s exit in 2019.

“Thomas is very personal with the players,” Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard told BBC Radio 5 Live, telling Spurs supporters what they can expect.

“He cares a lot about how we are and how we feel. It’s a very important quality for a manager to have.

“Not every manager has it, and the ones that do seem to have more success. He’s definitely a leader and someone who guides us. He’s done a fantastic job in the years that I’ve worked with him at Brentford.”

However, pundit Chris Sutton believes Levy has taken a major gamble on his appointment.

“Thomas Frank has done a brilliant job at Brentford, but this is a whole different kettle of fish,” said Sutton.

“Because of the expectation at Tottenham, Frank won’t get time to get his feet under the table. He will be under pressure from the off. Postecoglou has just won them their first major European trophy for 41 years and has gone. So already you have to wonder what does Frank need to do this season to keep his job?

“The aim for Frank will be to keep them in the Champions League, and whether that is by making the top four or five, that is not going to be easy.”

Amid reports that Frank is looking to sign Bryan Mbeumo to upgrade his Tottenham squad, journalist Graeme Bailey has shared what the tactician really thinks of his current team.

What Thomas Frank privately thinks about Tottenham's squad

According to the reporter, who spoke to The Boot Room this week, there is a feeling that Frank is privately thrilled with his options at Tottenham, even if they’re reportedly battling Man United for Mbeumo right now.

Brentford managerThomasFrankapplauds fans after the match

“Spurs think there is a need for another player on the right,” said Bailey.

“But, from what I am told, the belief at Spurs is that Frank is a fan of this squad. They think he will love working with it – someone like Brennan Johnson is going to love playing for Frank.”

The Scandinavian has bigger names to manage than ever before, and away from the lack of pressure at mid-table Brentford, far more eyes will be on how Frank does at N17.

Liverpool to hold "more contacts" for £84m striker as FSG go into overdrive

Despite signing Jeremie Frimpong and closing in on deals to sign Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez, Liverpool are now reportedly set to hold “more contacts” to sign an £84m striker.

FSG spending early and big for Liverpool

Rightly or wrongly, FSG have often come under criticism at Anfield as clubs elsewhere spend big and leave Liverpool to build their own cheaper alternatives.

Even after Jurgen Klopp turned those cheaper stars into a squad of Premier League and Champions League winners, John Henry still hesitated to splash the cash at the levels that some around the Reds were showing, and that always left Klopp fighting an underdog battle against Pep Guardiola’s Man City side.

This time around, however, something has changed. Liverpool are once again Premier League winners, but FSG aren’t just sitting back and admiring their latest success. Instead, they’ve seemingly handed Michael Edwards a hefty war chest to go and make sure that Arne Slot’s side have everything in place to retain their fresh crown next season.

Bayer Leverkusen's FlorianWirtz

Edwards has wasted no time before putting that war chest to good use, either. Frimpong’s Liverpool move is already signed, sealed and official, whilst his former Bayer Leverkusen teammate Wirtz is the subject of a club-record move. And if that’s not impressive enough, the Reds are also pushing to sign Bournemouth left-back Kerkez.

There’s still an entire summer transfer window to come even after those three potential arrive and Liverpool may not be done there. Slot still needs to solve his striker problem amid Darwin Nunez’s continued Anfield struggles and could yet welcome an impressive Bundesliga talent in yet another big-money Liverpool deal.

Liverpool to hold "more contacts" to sign £84m Ekitike

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are set to hold “more contacts” to sign Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth as much as £84m over the coming days. The Frenchman has enjoyed an excellent season in the Bundesliga and could now be part of a sensational summer of spending at Anfield.

Salah 2.0: Liverpool pursuing £59m star who has a "left foot made of gold"

Liverpool may yet enter the transfer market for a right-sided forward this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 30, 2025

Romano told his YouTube channel, relayed by Rousing the Kop: “Chelsea remain informed on the situation, also Liverpool. Liverpool are also attentive to the situation of Hugo Ekitike. So, these two clubs have already made some contacts to be informed on the situation.

“The idea for Hugo Ekitike is to have more contacts in the next days with Chelsea and also Liverpool. Liverpool are very busy in this moment, it’s not Ekitike joining tomorrow morning, but with Darwin Nunez expected to leave, Ekitike is a player appreciated.”

Whilst there may be some concerns about how he has underperformed his expected goals, football talent scout Jacek Kulig was right when describing Ekitike’s season as “superb”, and now he could be on his way to Anfield.

Man Utd "impressed" with £70m PL forward now "in the frame" to join Amorim

A £70m Premier League forward is now “in the frame” to join Manchester United in the summer transfer window, according to former scout Mick Brown.

Man Utd pursuing new forward

Scoring goals has been a major problem for Man United this season, with Ruben Amorim perhaps relying on Bruno Fernandes a little too often, and the manager has now set out to bolster his attacking options in the summer transfer window.

An out-and-out striker is of particular interest, and United have now held talks over the signing of Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, which have progressed well, while they are also in the race for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha.

Cunha is keen on a move to Old Trafford this summer, with the Red Devils working to finalise a deal soon, which means the next task may be to strengthen their wide options, and they have now set their sights on a Premier League winger.

Just another Hojlund: Man Utd making big effort to sign "wrecking ball"

Man Utd are in need of an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund – not just a carbon copy…

1 ByRobbie Walls May 3, 2025

According to former scout Brown, in an interview with Football Insider, AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is “definitely in the frame to join Man United this summer”, having caught the eye with his performances in the Premier League this season.

Brown said: “Man United have been impressed by Semenyo this season. He certainly didn’t do himself any harm with that performance on Sunday.

He fits the bill of the type of player Ruben Amorim is looking for, he’s strong, quick, he’s got plenty of energy and works hard, he’s good in shooting situations and good in the air too.

Antoine Semenyo in Premier League action for Bournemouth.

“They’ll know all of that and they’ll know his weaknesses too from watching him this season.

“Amorim likes to play his 3-4-3 system, and Semenyo could fit into any of those three positions, so that’s another point in his favour.”

"Sensational" Semenyo shining for Bournemouth

It has been a steady rise to the top for Semenyo, who has worked his way up the English pyramid, spending time at Newport County and Bristol City before establishing himself as a key player for Bournemouth.

This season has been the Ghanaian’s best to date, picking up nine goals and six assists in the Premier League, most recently setting up Dean Huijsen’s equalising goal with a long throw in the Cherries’ 2-1 victory against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Brown believes the “sensational” 25-year-old would be a perfect fit in Amorim’s system, which could also make him an appealing option, with the manager in need of players capable of flourishing in his three-at-the-back formation.

Given his age, Semenyo’s best years could still be ahead of him, and his exploits in the Premier League this season indicate he could be a fantastic signing for Man United this summer, although the rumoured £70m price tag is a little on the expensive side.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus