Liverpool carry a wide sense of appeal to potential targets this summer, but they may now have a new obstacle to overcome in their pursuit of one of Europe’s hottest properties.
Liverpool look to bolster their ranks this summer
The Reds are nearly there in their quest to lift the Premier League title and there is now tangible evidence that Arne Slot could add some premium talent to his side over the next few months.
According to reports, Liverpool are leading the race to sign Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen, who has emerged as one of the world’s most in-demand young defenders following his excellent displays on the South Coast.
Following news that Virgil Van Dijk has signed a new contract at Anfield, any moves to strengthen a backline already rich on quality would likely go down well among their expectant fanbase.
Winning the top-flight is one thing, but staying at the top next term in the face of a renewed challenge from the elite of English football will be what sets Slot apart, so it is no surprise to see that the Reds also have Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike at the top of their wishlist.
Hugo Ekitike’s goalscoring record in 2024/25 – all competitions
Appearances
43
Goals
21
Assists
9
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Europa League exit at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur may dampen his desire to stay in Germany, though they remain in contention to seal Champions League qualification via the Bundesliga.
Either way, recent developments surrounding Liverpool’s interest have taken a sharp turn that may throw up an obstacle to any prospective deal.
Worth more than Huijsen: Slot has hit the jackpot on Liverpool "monster"
Liverpool hope to employ this star for many years to come.
Per Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, Eintracht Frankfurt have raised their asking price for Liverpool target Hugo Ekitike to £85.7 million, though he is still deemed ‘likely’ to leave the Bundesliga outfit this summer.
Chief executive Markus Krösche is thought to be behind the move, raising the price by about £17m to try and maximise his profitability following an excellent campaign for the ex-Paris Saint-Germain striker.
Demonstrating his lethal edge in front of goal, Ekitike has managed to place 40 of his 101 shots on target while featuring in the German top-flight and has also earned a non-penalty XG total of 17.20.
Liverpool are clearly big admirers of his talent and want to bring him to Anfield, but they won’t want to be caught in the trap of being held to ransom in negotiations.
FSG will likely have a cut-off point, though the fact Ekitike is still expected to leave may play into the Reds’ hands on this one.
With Rangers’ season now, to all intents and purposes, completely over, attention has started to turn towards the summer.
On Thursday night, the Gers crashed out of the Europa League at the quarter-final stage, beaten 2-0 by Athletic Club Bilbao at San Mamés.
This confirmed that the Light Blues will end the season trophyless, not involved in this weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-finals, having been historically dumped out by Queen’s Park earlier in the competition.
Meantime, in the Scottish Premiership, the Gers are 15 points adrift of runaway leaders Celtic with 15 points to play for, and a goal difference that is 42 inferior; they’re not going to catch their rivals even if, rather jokingly, Kris Boyd said “the title race is still on”.
So now, it’s pretty much full focus on next summer; the squad needs a major overhaul and a new manager is required too, all of which, ideally, must be sorted out quickly, considering Rangers’ season will start early with a Champions League second qualifying round tie on 22/23 July.
This summer’s rebuild would certainly be easier had the Gers been able to hold onto their “big prospect” being compared to the SPFL’s best player.
Daizen Maeda's impact at Celtic
Given Daizen Maeda’s form for Celtic this season, the Japanese forward is an absolute shoo-in to win the PFA Scotland Players’ Player of the Year as well as the SFWA Footballer of the Year awards, to add to the Premiership golden boot he’s on course to collect too.
Maeda was on target during last weekend’s thumping of Kilmarnock, taking his tally to 31 for the season, four of which came in the Champions League.
He is therefore seeking to become only the third Celtic player this century to score 40 times in a single campaign, after Henrik Larsson in 2003/04 and Leigh Griffiths 12 years later, with six, or possibly seven, matches remaining in which to achieve this.
To date, Maeda has netted five times against Rangers, one of which came during December’s League Cup Final, before also converting the winning penalty as the Hoops hoisted aloft the trophy at Hampden.
Meantime, there is an ex-Rangers attacker being compared to Maeda, one that the Gers will surely rue letting go.
The ex-Rangers star impressing in the Champions League
Abdallah Sima only spent one season on loan at Rangers from Brighton & Hove Albion, namely the most recent campaign, but, during his 40 appearances for the Light Blues, he certainly impressed, with the table below outlining why.
Appearances
40
Minutes
2,662
Goals
16
Assists
2
Minutes per goal
166
Winning goals
5
Chances created
26
Shot accuracy
54.47%
The Senegalese international was Rangers’ third-highest scorer last season, behind only James Tavernier and Cyriel Dessers, but they were unable to keep hold of him.
Instead, Brighton decided to loan the 23-year-old out to Stade Brestois, for whom he’s scored 11 times in 35 appearances, particularly impressing during les Pirates’ debut Champions League campaign, on target against Sturm Graz before also scoring a brace against RB Salzburg.
Abdallah Sima
Podcast host Dan Woffenden labels him a “big prospect”, with David Hutt of Breaking the Lines impressed by Sima’s ‘speed, strength, positional awareness [and] link-up play’, adding he possesses all the attributes of a ‘modern-day striker’.
Meantime, Andy Naylor and Mark Carey of the Athletic outline Sima’s ‘meteoric rise’, given that he was playing for Silon Táborsko in the Czech lower leagues as recently as 2020, now one of European football’s hottest properties, according to Nick Ames of the Guardian.
His current Transfermarkt valuation has skyrocketed to a career high of €10m (£9m) this season, which would make him the most valuable member of the current Rangers squad.
So, let’s assess how his Champions League statistics compare to those of Maeda.
Goals
3
35th
4
22nd
Goals per 90
0.53
28th
0.47
34th
Goals – xG
+0.5
126th
+1
54th
Shots
16
68th
15
83rd
Shots on target %
25%
241st
46.7%
76th
Shots per 90
2.83
42nd
1.78
119th
Goals per shot
0.19
72nd
0.27
29th
Shot-creating actions
12
266th
15
216th
Shot-creating action per 90
2.13
225th
1.78
264th
Progressive carries
113
458th
163
342nd
Touches in opp pen area
27
89th
29
78th
As the table outlines, looking at statistics from this season’s Champions League, Sima and Maeda are stylistically very similar – as has been noted by FBref – particularly when it comes to their numbers for shots, shot-creating actions and touches in the opposition penalty area.
Rangers loanee Abdallah Sima.
What is certain is that this flailing Rangers side would certainly be stronger with Sima in it, and he has ultimately proved to be a major loss this season.
Chelsea are in ongoing negotiations over the signing of an “incredible” forward, and it is believed winger Jadon Sancho could now be used as leverage to make a deal happen for the player.
Chelsea targeting new winger for Enzo Maresca this summer
A new winger is believed to be one of BlueCo’s main transfer priorities this summer.
£200k-a-week Chelsea ace could now join De Zerbi with sale real possibility
It would be a big decision.
ByEmilio Galantini Apr 29, 2025
This year, there will be two separate windows for Chelsea to conduct transfer business, with one open from June 1st to June 10th. This will allow them to sign players before their Club World Cup campaign, which is seen as important by many, given the prize money available.
Chelsea’s final four Premier League fixtures
Date
Liverpool (home)
May 4th
Newcastle (away)
May 11th
Man United (home)
May 16th
Nottingham Forest (away)
May 25th
Chelsea could obtain a £97 million windfall by winning all of their group stage games and the tournament itself, based on various factors, so it is clear to see why Stamford Bridge officials won’t be taking their participation lightly.
It could be very lucrative indeed for Enzo Maresca’s side, prompting reports that the west Londoners will be active when the pre-CWC transfer window opens.
One of the key items on their agenda is bringing in an exciting new wide player (Simon Phillips), with uncertainty surrounding the long-term futures of Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and Sancho.
Chelsea's MykhailoMudryk
Mudryk is currently serving an on-field ban after testing positive for banned substances, while there are suggestions Chelsea are open to selling Madueke as Eddie Howe’s Newcastle and Aston Villa consider deals.
Chelsea are obliged to sign Sancho on a permanent deal from Man United, after triggering his £25 million clause, with the Blues now guaranteed to finish above 15th in the table.
Chelsea could still opt out of this by paying a £5 million penalty to United, but it now appears they could hatch a different plan for Sancho, involving top target and Borussia Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens.
Chelsea could offer Jadon Sancho in "separate" swap deal for Jamie Gittens
Chelsea opened talks to sign Gittens earlier this week, as per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, and now TEAMtalk have shared another update.
The outlet claims Chelsea are in “active talks” to sign Gittens, and preferably want a deal for the Englishman finalised before the CWC commences. While Gittens is valued at around £35 million, they have ways to bring the overall cost down.
Jamie Gittens for Borussia Dortmund.
Dortmund loanee Carney Chukwuemeka is also valued at £35m, and could head the other way permanently to cancel out the fee needed for Gittens. However, so soon after triggering his £25m clause, TT write that Chelsea could offer Sancho in a separate deal for Gittens as well.
While both transfers would be apart from one another on paper, this is essentially a swap deal, just not in the traditional sense, and it is a further example of just how common player-trading is becoming in the market now – as clubs seek to navigate their way around PSR.
Gittens has been a mainstay for Dortmund this term, despite his very young age, with the 20-year-old scoring 12 goals and assisting five others across 45 appearances in all competitions.
He could well be worth all of this effort, with ex-Dortmund boss Nuri Sahin describing him as an “incredible” one-v-one attacker.
West Ham continued their winless streak, losing 3-2 to Brighton at the Amex Stadium, making it now seven games without a victory. The Hammers, despite going 1-0 down early on, managed to claw it back, going 2-1 up in the 83rd minute, before conceding an 89th-minute equaliser and a 92nd-minute winner.
Graham Potter’s side held 47% possession in the game, creating two ‘big chances’, taking 12 shots, and generating 1.25 xG in total. Meanwhile, Brighton, having 53% possession, also managed to create two ‘big chances’, taking 16 shots and generating 1.35 xG.
Despite going without a win in the Premier League in their last seven games, West Ham are now safe due to Ipswich also losing against Newcastle, securing the Hammers’ safety. But that won’t dismiss the poor performances of certain individuals, who will likely be playing for their shirts in these final games of the season.
Jarrod Bowen's performance against Brighton
One man who didn’t disappoint with his performance was West Ham’s captain, Jarrod Bowen, who provided both assists against Brighton. The 28-year-old has made 32 appearances this campaign, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists in his 2,805 minutes played.
Alongside his two assists, Bowen had two shots blocked in the game, provided four key passes from his 21 total passes attempted, created two ‘big chances’ and won two of his five ground duels, showing his effectiveness in the match despite only having 36 touches (fewer than Alphonse Areola in goal).
But despite a strong performance from Bowen, West Ham had more poor performances than good ones, with one man in particular standing out in this game after losing 100% of his duels.
The West Ham flop who lost 100% of their duels
Jean-Claire Todibo has struggled in his first season in England, losing his place in the side under previous manager, Julen Lopetegui, but earning a spot under Potter, starting eight of their last nine Premier League games and contributing to two clean sheets.
Minutes
90
Touches
60
Accurate Passes
46/50
Clearances
4
Blocked Shots
1
Dribbled Past
1
Ground Duels Won
0/3
Possession Lost
6
Successful Dribble Attempts
0/1
Alongside losing all three of his ground duels, Todibo also didn’t contest a single aerial duel in the match, lost possession six times, failed his only dribble attempt in the game, and was dribbled past once. He did manage to make four clearances and complete 46/50 passes, but the overall performance was not up to standard.
Todibo was awarded a 5/10 match rating by West Ham Zone, making him the joint-second lowest rated. West Ham have struggled defensively this campaign, conceding 58 goals in 34 games, so next season it will likely be a position they look to upgrade on for Potter’s squad.
The French defender is only currently on loan, but these last four games of the season could be key as the Hammers will then decide whether they want to keep hold of Todibo by activating his buy option and keeping him at the club next season.
For now, though, Potter must drop the flop from the starting line-up after his disappointing display, which even Bowen could not save with his two assists.
West Ham are ready to unleash an "explosive" 19-year-old if Kudus leaves
West Ham could effortlessly replace Kudus with someone already at the club.
Chelsea have now become favourites to sign a “sensational” player after presenting an enticing contract offer, according to a report this week.
Chelsea target centre-back, winger and striker this summer
As per Sky Sports and other credible media sources, the three main items on BlueCo’s transfer agenda this summer are the signings of a centre-back, winger and striker for manager Enzo Maresca.
Man City and Liverpool eyeing £165m Chelsea "superstar" with approach made
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As per journalist Simon Phillips, it may not end there either, with a second centre-back, left-back, new goalkeeper and even an attacking midfielder discussed at Stamford Bridge. However, bolstering these positions will depend on their qualification for the Champions League and how many players BlueCo can sell this summer.
Everton (home)
April 26th
Liverpool (home)
May 4th
Newcastle (away)
May 11th
Man United (home)
May 16th
Nottingham Forest (away)
May 25th
Chairman Todd Boehly has also been privately pushing the urgency of bringing in versatile players, who can play in multiple areas and help to combat injury issues (Simon Phillips), so it appears the west Londoners could be set for another busy summer of spending ahead of Maresca’s second full season in charge.
The central defensive area is a particular concern for Maresca, with Axel Disasi out of favour, Wesley Fofana consistently on the treatment table and Trevoh Chalobah still likely to leave this summer after his initial loan to Crystal Palace was cut short.
As per widespread information, Chelsea are one of the many contenders to sign Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen this summer.
The Blues are thinking about triggering his £50 million release clause, as per Sky, following the ex-Juventus starlet’s excellent debut campaign in England, where he has stood out as one of European football’s most exciting defensive prospects.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham are all looking at Huijsen, alongside European heavyweights Bayern Munich and Real Madrid (Sky), so there will be plenty of competition as the race for his signature heats up.
Chelsea held very positive talks with Huijsen’s representatives last week, and it was reported at the time that Maresca’s side were feeling much more optimistic about striking a deal for the 20-year-old after these discussions (Simon Phillips).
Chelsea present enticing contract offer to Dean Huijsen
This may hand the club an upper hand in the chase for Bournemouth’s star centre-back, and a report from Spain has now claimed that they’ve moved further.
Indeed, it is believed Chelsea have presented an enticing contract offer to Huijsen, which appeals both on paper and on a sporting level. As a result, they’ve emerged as the favourites to sign him this summer.
The alleged contract would run until 2032, with Chelsea reaching out to propose a seven-year contract. Bournemouth are apparently growing resigned to losing Huijsen this summer, and his next destination could well be London.
Called a “sensational” defensive talent by Ben Mattinson, Bournemouth’s number two earned his first international call-ups for Spain this season, and has started every single league game under Andoni Iraola since mid-December.
Everton are eyeing a move for a £15m-rated player who is also wanted by Real Madrid this summer, according to a fresh transfer update regarding their upcoming transfer business.
Everton eyeing summer signings
The Blues continue to be linked with new signings ahead of next season, with Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin emerging as an option to provide competition for Vitaliy Mykolenko moving forward. He is also out of contract at Goodison Park next summer, too, so the Black Cats player could be viewed as a long-term successor.
Meanwhile, Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis has also been linked with a move to Everton, following an impressive season for the Portuguese giants that has seen him score 24 goals in all competitions. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin potentially leaving, a new centre forward is a must for David Moyes.
In terms of possible shock signings, Liverpool winger Ben Doak has been mentioned as an option for the Blues, with his future at Anfield still unsure because of the options in front of him in attacking areas.
The teenage Scot has spent this season on loan at Middlesbrough, scoring three goals and registering seven assists in the Championship, but there is no guarantee that the Reds see a future for him at the club. He could be a hugely exciting addition for Everton, but it is hard to see it happening.
Everton keen on signing "incredible" £15m ace
According to a new report from The Sunday Mirror [via Goodison News], Everton are among the clubs interested in signing Sevilla ace Juanlu Sanchez this summer.
The 21-year-old is valued at £15m by his current club, with the Blues joined by Madrid, Brighton and Newcastle United in the race to snap him up before the beginning of next season. A £15m move could be seen as cheap, as Sanchez has a reported £34.3m release clause in his contract.
Juanlu could be a strong signing for Everton, not least because of the versatility that he possesses, being able to flourish at right-back, central midfield, attacking midfield and even as a second striker if needed.
Moyes must instantly drop Everton star who lost the ball every 2 touches
Everton sealed a late victory over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
1
By
Ross Kilvington
Apr 13, 2025
This season, the youngster has outscored Calvert-Lewin in the league, netting four times in La Liga compared to the Blues striker’s tally of three, and he has been described as “incredible” by former Sevilla manager Garcia Pimienta, who has said of him:
“He has played as an inside midfielder [before], we were short on space in midfield due to Saul’s [Niguez] suspension and [Albert Sambi] Lokonga’s injury. I spoke to him, I knew he could do well in that position. Juanlu has an incredible present and a better future.”
Juanlu Sanchez’s international career
Caps
Goals
Spain Under-21s
5
0
Spain Under-19s
10
1
Spain Under-18s
2
1
Spain Under-17s
1
0
Spain Under-16s
1
0
Spain Olympic Team
3
1
At 21, Juanlu could be a long-term addition for Everton, covering several positions, and he could grow into a formidable footballer over time.
Liverpool are on their way to becoming Premier League champions and could soon have more positive news to share with their supporters as they hold an advantage in the race for an exciting midfielder, per reports.
Liverpool gear up for summer window after Salah announcement
Liverpool fans were treated to the news on Friday that Mohamed Salah has signed a new two-year extension at Anfield following months of speculation over his future.
The Egypt international has become an iconic figure among supporters and a talisman under Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, who will now hope to convince Virgil Van Dijk that he should follow his counterpart’s path.
Liverpool managerArneSlotbefore the match
In essence, rectifying internal issues is the first step towards squad planning for next season. Looking towards the market, Liverpool are reportedly in pole position to sign Nicolo Barella from Inter Milan for a fee in the region of £87 million.
Defensively, Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo is on the Reds’ wishlist as Slot aims to bolster his side to fight on all fronts. With the Premier League title on the way, showing ambition in pursuing premium stars will be the main priority once the off-season comes around.
Liam Delap is another player that Liverpool want to sign as Ipswich Town veer closer to relegation. Nevertheless, Chelsea are also pursuing a deal that could amount to £30 million.
Scouts wowed: Liverpool now stepping up push to sign 14-goal Feyenoord star
He could replace Luis Diaz.
ByTom Cunningham Apr 10, 2025
Undoubtedly, competition is set to be fierce this summer among the Premier League elite. Manchester City, Arsenal and others will want to rebuild to provide a sustained title charge, so Slot and FSG will have their work cut out in pushing agreements over the line.
Having said that, Liverpool may have a key advantage over Pep Guardiola’s men as both sides fight tooth and nail to sign one of Europe’s brightest midfielders.
Liverpool confident of winning Xavi Simons race
According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool feel they can beat Manchester City to sign RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons due to the strong Dutch contingent they already have present at Anfield.
Slot, Van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch are part of the Reds’ fabric, which they feel can entice the Netherlands international to opt for Merseyside over other destinations.
Xavi Simons’ key Bundesliga statistics in 2024/25
Goals
7
Assists
5
Chances created
42
Touches in opposition box
67
Completed dribbles
25
Duels won
107
Valued at just over £60 million, Simons could potentially come in as a replacement for Luis Diaz, while Manchester City are eyeing the 21-year-old as a long-term successor to Kevin De Bruyne.
Labelled “amazing” by ex-teammate Dani Olmo, the Amsterdam-born man has registered eight goals and six assists across all competitions, featuring either in attacking midfield or off the left flank.
Now, the onus is on Liverpool to push a deal over the line. Fresh blood is needed to maintain the hunger for silverware in years to come, and Simons would be a statement signing to bolster the ranks.
It feels like it is going to be a big summer of change at Glasgow Rangers as they look to bounce back from what has been a disappointing campaign on the pitch.
The Light Blues are heading into the final few matches of the season with little to play for, as the league title has already gone to Celtic and they have an interim head coach, in Barry Ferguson, in the dugout at Ibrox.
A new sporting director, Kevin Thelwell, will be in place in the summer, and a takeover involving Andrew Cavenagh and the 49ers group is edging closer.
Rangers could also make changes to their playing squad in the upcoming summer transfer window, moving on players who need to be upgraded on.
One player the Scottish giants should be aiming to replace is wasteful centre-forward Cyriel Dessers, who has missed a staggering 59 ‘big chances’ in the Scottish Premiership and European competitions since the start of last season.
The Gers should try to recruit a striker who can be more effective in front of goal, and they could do that by looking closer to home, as they did with the signing of Kris Boyd.
Why Kris Boyd was a massive success at Rangers
The Scottish centre-forward came up through the youth ranks at Kilmarnock in the early stages of his career and proved himself to be an excellent goalscorer in the top-flight.
Boyd scored 62 Premiership goals across four-and-a-half seasons in the first-team at Killie, having emerged from the academy, and that convinced Rangers to swoop in for him in January 2006.
Because he was a proven goalscorer in the Premiership, it was not too much of a gamble by the Gers, and they were rewarded with consistent goalscoring from the Scottish forward.
Boyd was not a player coming from a foreign league and had all the relevant experience needed to be an instant success at Ibrox, which is backed up by his goal return during his first spell at Ibrox.
09/10
31
23
5
08/09
35
27
5
07/08
28
14
1
06/07
30
20
1
05/06
17
17
0
As you can see in the table above, Boyd consistently scored goals at an impressive rate in his four-and-a-half seasons at Ibrox between January 2006 and the summer of 2010, before his move to Middlesbrough.
The Scottish centre-forward led the Gers to two Premiership titles, in the 2008/09 and 2009/10 campaigns, and his success in Glasgow showed that the club can find top talents from within the Premiership, rather than having to look further afield for their big signings.
With this in mind, Rangers could find their next version of Boyd as they are reportedly looking at a striker who is currently shining in Scotland.
Rangers lining up move for Premiership star
According to the Chronicle Live, Rangers are one of a number of clubs interested in a swoop for Hearts centre-forward James Wilson in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The reports that Premier League side Newcastle United are considering a move for the 18-year-old talent after his breakthrough season in Scottish football this year.
James Wilson in action for Hearts.
It states that both Rangers and Celtic have ‘checked’ the attacker out, suggesting that they have sent scouts to watch him in action, ahead of the summer.
The Chronicle Live adds that there are other Premier League teams in England who are keen on the youngster, which means that there will be plenty of competition for his services ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It states that he has a market value of £1m but it remains to be seen exactly how much Hearts would demand for their star youngster in reality.
Rangers, however, should push the boat out to bring him to Ibrox ahead of the other interested parties because he could follow in Boyd’s footsteps at Ibrox.
Why James Wilson could be Kris Boyd 2.0
The 18-year-old talent does not have as much first-team experience as the player-turned-pundit had when he arrived in Glasgow from Kilmarnock, as this is his first season of regular senior football.
However, Wilson could be the next version of Boyd as another young, hungry, Scottish centre-forward who has already shown his quality in the Premiership.
As you can see in the clip above, vastly experienced goalkeeper Craig Gordon believes that the striker is a “special talent”, having worked with him at club and international level.
His opinion is particularly valuable because he has been part of title-winning teams in Scotland with Celtic and knows what players need to be successful at the top of the Premiership, which suggests that Wilson is on the right track.
Appearances (starts)
20 (15)
Goals
5
Big chances missed
4
Conversion rate
26%
Big chances created
2
Assists
1
As you can see in the table above, the teen star, who only turned 18 in March, has already scored five goals and created two ‘big chances’ in 15 starts in a struggling Hearts side this season.
He has also, notably, only missed four ‘big chances’. Whereas, Dessers has missed 20 ‘big chances’ to go along with his 13 goals in the Premiership, which suggests that the Jam Tarts youngster is more clinical in front of goal.
Now, imagine if Wilson had the ‘big chances’ that Rangers have created for Dessers throughout this season. The Scotland international could improve his output and improve the team’s effectiveness in front of goal with his finishing quality.
Therefore, the Hearts starlet could be Kris Boyd 2.0 for Rangers as another young Scottish striker with the quality and potential to be an excellent goalscorer for the club for many years to come, if they can win the race for his signature in the summer transfer window.
Rangers must axe £3m flop who has missed more games than Lawrence
Kevin Thelwell has a big job on his hands at Rangers
The Wolverhampton Wanderers hierarchy have now held internal talks over signing a “clinical” £15 million player instead of the rumoured move for Jamie Vardy, according to a reliable reporter.
Wolves keen to land a new striker this summer
Thanks to the work that Vitor Pereira has done since arriving at Molineux, Wolves have another season in the Premier League to look forward to. However, despite avoiding relegation, the Midlands side look set to lose star player Matheus Cunha. That is because the Brazilian is reportedly closing in on a move to Manchester United, with the Red Devils now working on a deal that they hope can be wrapped up soon.
Reliable reporter suggests Wolves could sign £30m Chelsea ace this summer
Wolves could have their eyes set on signing a player who looks set to be available for a transfer this summer.
ByBrett Worthington May 1, 2025
That would leave Wolves with Jorgen Strand Larsen, Hee-chan Hwang and Sasa Kalajdzic as their only recognised senior strikers, and it seems Pereira wants to have more options at his disposal. Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin is one option under consideration, as he is set to become a free agent at the end of the campaign, and he’s yet to agree a new contract with the Toffees.
It’s also been reported by Football Insider that the Midlands side are keeping an eye on Phil Harres, who has been performing well for struggling Bundesliga side Holstein Kiel. However, these links have all come after it was claimed that Wolves are keen on signing Jamie Vardy, as he is also set to become a free agent and thus would be a cheap option to add experience and depth.
Wolves hold internal talks over signing Cameron Archer
But a move for Vardy may not be on the cards for Pereira’s side, as according to reporter Ben Jacobs, via Molineux News, Wolves could look to sign Cameron Archer from Southampton instead of Vardy this summer.
Speaking on The Wolfpack podcast, Jacobs revealed that the Premier League side may not be interested in a deal for Vardy after all and instead have held internal discussions over a move for Archer, who is also liked by Leeds United.
As quoted by Molineux News, Jacobs said: “It’s not a deal that Wolves are looking to do (Jamie Vardy). They’ll buy younger. One of the names I’ve heard out there for Leeds and Wolves – it’s more like an internal conversation than necessarily a player Wolves are actively approaching or working on – but they like the profile of Cameron Archer at Southampton.”
Apps
70
Goals
6
Assists
2
Archer, who has been described as “clinical” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, joined the Saints last summer from Aston Villa in a deal worth £15 million, and it’s been a transfer that hasn’t really gone to plan.
The centre-forward has played 31 games in the Premier League this season but has only started 13 of those games. Meanwhile, he has scored just two goals, and they came early in the season in back-to-back defeats against Arsenal and Leicester.
Archer is under contract until 2028, but given Southampton are heading back to the Championship, the striker could be available on the cheap.
Tottenham Hotspur are in contact with a former Bayern Munich boss to potentially replace under-pressure head coach Ange Postecoglou, according to reports, with the clock seemingly ticking on his stay in N17.
Tottenham likely to part ways with Ange Postecoglou
The prospect of Postecoglou’s departure from north London is gaining more and more traction.
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This week, The Telegraph reported that Tottenham could relieve Postecoglou of his duties, regardless of whether the Lilywhites end their 17-year wait for a major trophy by winning the Europa League.
Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures
Date
Liverpool (away)
April 27th
West Ham (away)
May 3rd
Crystal Palace (home)
May 10th
Aston Villa (away)
May 18th
Brighton (home)
May 25th
Even an historic night in Bilbao may not be enough to save the Australian, with Spurs on course for their worst ever Premier League season to date. They’re just one loss away from equalling their record for most defeats in a single domestic season, and it is highly likely Postecoglou is bestowed with that dismal record as champions elect, Liverpool, await them next at Anfield.
The 59-year-old has faced an uphill battle all season long, having lost a plethora of key players to injury for extended periods on a consistent basis, but 16th in the table is arguably still nowhere near good enough – even when factoring in their serious bad luck.
Attention is already turning to who could succeed Postecoglou, and there is no shortage of candidates linked to the potentially vacant role.
Mauricio Pochettino would privately love a return to Tottenham, according to reports, while the likes of Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Marco Silva (Fulham), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Thomas Frank (Brentford) and Scott Parker (Burnley) have all been linked recently.
Now, a new name in the form of ex-Croatia captain and former Bayern Munich head coach Niko Kovač has emerged as a managerial target.
Tottenham make contact with Borussia Dortmund boss Niko Kovač
The 53-year-old was appointed by Borussia Dortmund on an 18-month deal to replace the sacked Nuri Şahin, and he’s since done a solid job, as Kovac attempts to spearhead European qualification after a previously disappointing campaign for the Bundesliga heavyweights.
The tactician, who’s previously won a German title with Bayern and two German cups – one with the Bavarians and one at Eintracht Frankfurt – has now turned heads at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
According to newspaper Bild, via Sport Witness, Tottenham have made contact with Kovac, via an intermediary but not directly with the club, as chairman Daniel Levy casts his net to Europe in search of a new head coach.
Spurs are said to view him as a good fit due to his intense and aggressive style of play, but as things stand, he doesn’t have an interest in leaving Dortmund. If this stance changes, Kovac’s reputation as a true leader appears to be exactly what Tottenham are crying out for.
“He [Kovac] has experience, he was a very good player and was the captain of the Croatia national team,” said Bayern legend Lothar Matthäus.
“He has charisma, he has passion, he knows about football. He was a leader as a player and is showing this as a coach too.”