As well as Taylor: Celtic flop must never play an Old Firm match again

Celtic avoided back-to-back-to-back defeats against their city rivals with a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday afternoon.

A goal from Cyriel Dessers in the first half gave the home side a commanding position heading into the second 45, but a fine goal from Adam Idah secured a point for Brendan Rodgers and his men.

Old Firm games in 2024/25

Date

Result

5th May 2025

1-1 draw

16th March 2025

3-2 Rangers win

2nd January 2025

3-0 Rangers win

15th December 2024

Celtic win on penalties

1st September 2024

1-0 Celtic win

It was the final Old Firm clash of the 2025/26 campaign, ending with two wins and one draw apiece, and it may have been the final Old Firm match for left-back Greg Taylor.

Why that may have been Greg Taylor's last Old Firm

The Scotland international is out of contract at the end of this season, and it remains to be seen whether or not he will put pen to paper on an extension at Parkhead.

It was reported by the Daily Record last month that the Hoops are planning to offer him a new three-year deal to stay at the club, but that he also has options from abroad, in the MLS, England, and Dinamo Zagreb.

This means that the 1-1 draw with Rangers on Sunday may have been his last Old Firm match for the Hoops, unless an agreement can be reached in the coming days.

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Taylor may not have been the only player to have played his final Old Firm game for the Scottish giants, though, as Anthony Ralston should be moved on this summer.

Why Celtic should move on from Anthony Ralston

The Celtic academy graduate started for the sixth time this season and, perhaps, showed why Rodgers has not relied on him more often, as he produced a disappointing display.

During Sky Sports’ commentary of the game, pundit Chris Sutton described his challenge on Nedim Bajrami as “daft” in the first half, before suggesting that the full-back had “brain freeze” when he watched Nicolas Raskin run past him in the second half.

There were many moments like the two Sutton commented on, including a dive late in the game that almost presented Rangers with a chance to create something in the final seconds of the match.

As you can see in the table below, Ralston lost the majority of his duels, losing seven of the 13, and offered very little in possession, with all four of his crosses failing to find a teammate.

Vs Rangers

Anthony Ralston

Minutes

90

Tackles

2

Interceptions

1

Error led to shot

1

Ground duels won

4/8

Aerial duels won

2/5

Key passes

0

Crosses completed

0/4

Stats via Sofascore

The Scottish defender, therefore, struggled on and off the ball throughout the match and did not prove himself to be a reliable option when called upon by the Celtic boss.

With Taylor possibly on his way out of Parkhead on a free transfer, the Hoops may look to revitalise their full-back option, and Ralston could be a player on the chopping block if they decide to make changes in those positions, which could make this his last Old Firm match for the club.

Or, if Ralston does stay at Parkhead, Rodgers should look to use other options from the start to avoid the defender from being a liability down the right flank, as he was on Sunday.

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Man Utd set to strike loan-to-buy deal to send £105,000-a-week ace to Inter

In a move that could help make room at Old Trafford for fresh faces like Matheus Cunha, Inter Milan are reportedly ready to table a loan-to-buy deal to sign a struggling Manchester United player.

Man Utd working on Cunha deal as summer plans ramp up

The Red Devils may be as low as 16th in the Premier League and below Wolverhampton Wanderers, but that has not stopped them from getting their summer transfer plans underway. The Manchester United name still carries enough weight to lure some top talents to Old Trafford and it looks as though Cunha could be among those on their way this summer.

A deal made simple by the fact that Cunha has a release clause worth around £63m in his Wolves contract, Manchester United will be desperate to waste no time and secure the Brazilian’s signature as soon as possible.

Manager Ruben Amorim certainly needs no reminding just how poor the first six months of his reign has been and admitted his embarrassment about Manchester United’s Premier League position following defeat against West Ham United.

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The former Sporting Club boss told reporters: “How a manager of Manchester United is supposed to feel in that position – embarrassed, and it’s hard to accept. I think everybody has to think seriously about a lot of things here. Everybody is thinking about the final. The final is not an issue in this moment in our club.”

The upgrades must start with Cunha, but they must not end there for Manchester United, who are set for an incredibly important summer full of incomings and perhaps several outgoings.

Inter Milan ready to strike Zirkzee deal

Whilst Cunha is reportedly on the way in, one forward could be on his way out of Old Trafford. According to Corriere Dello Sport, Inter Milan are now ready to strike a loan-to-buy agreement to sign Joshua Zirkzee from Manchester United this summer. The Italian giants are even reportedly willing to show how serious they are by inserting an obligation to buy in their offer.

Zirkzee

Following a tough start to life at Manchester United, Zirkzee could be set to leave just one year on from arriving. And whilst such a decision may seem ruthless from the likes of Amorim and INEOS, it’s one that they must make if they are to finally turn the club around back towards success.

What’s more, if Zirkzee’s exit means that United eventually recoup the £34m that they initially spent to sign the forward last summer and make room for the arrival of Cunha, then it’s one they simply must sanction.

Minutes

2,483

1,402

Goals

15

3

Assists

6

1

Expected Goals

8

4.8

A player who earns £105,000-a-week on Manchester United’s wage bill, the numbers do not make for pretty reading for Zirkzee when compared to the impressive Cunha and that should force the Red Devils’ hand this summer.

As good as Tonali & Bruno: Newcastle star is proving he's the new Solano

Newcastle United fans are surely in dreamland at the moment, with their Magpies heroes in the driver’s seat now involving the ongoing Champions League race in the Premier League.

Sunday’s lunchtime kick-off versus Chelsea had all the ingredients of a high-stakes affair with both the Toon and the Blues heading into the game on 63 points each.

But, Eddie Howe’s men didn’t play with any nerves visible in their free-flowing game, meaning the Magpies are now sat in a pretty third position – only one point off Arsenal – after easing past Enzo Maresca’s men 2-0.

Both Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes would steal the limelight on the day as the Newcastle goalscorers, with the fantastic midfield pairing looking ready made for Champions League football off the back of their polished displays.

Tonali and Guimaraes stole the show

In such a tense affair, the best possible mood setter would be to score early on.

Tonali certainly felt that way anyway when he gifted Howe’s hosts the lead after just two minutes, with the former AC Milan maestro managing to tap home after an inviting delivery into the box fell charitably at his feet.

Away from sending the home masses into delirium with the opening strike of the day, Tonali would continue to keep plugging away centrally with his boundless energy, leading to the standout number eight winning three ground duels.

On top of that, he was also on the lookout for an assist to complement his goal with two key passes tallied up, but no such moment would arrive.

Instead, Dan Burn would turn provider when teeing up Guimaraes for Newcastle’s game-clinching second, with the popular Brazilian also showing off his varied game – much like Tonali – when winning three duels, while registering two more shots past his fabulous late effort looping over Robert Sanchez.

But, there is another sensational forward player for Howe’s side that hasn’t even been mentioned yet who is slowly but surely turning into Newcastle’s next iteration of Nolberto Solano with his expert eye for an assist.

Newcastle's new version of Solano

The now retired right winger would consistently dazzle Premier League defences with his trickery when donning Magpies black and white.

He would also pick up assists by the bucket-load to back up his memorable showboating, with Solano’s assist haul of 15 in league action during the 1999/2000 season yet to be topped, until potentially now.

Jacob Murphy amazingly only finds himself three short of Solano’s bumper total in the here and now, with his 12th assist of the Premier League season to date the cross that Tonali very kindly finished off.

It’s been a remarkable campaign for the 30-year-old so far, considering he had only picked up eight assists last season when he was sparingly used 21 times in league action due to injury concerns. Now, he’s as crucial as Tonali and Guimaraes are in Newcastle’s exciting hunt for European glory.

Newcastle’s top five G/A contributors this season

Player

Games

Goals scored

Assists

1. Alexander Isak

33

23

6

2. Jacob Murphy

33

8

12

3. Harvey Barnes

31

9

4

4. Anthony Gordon

32

6

5

5. Bruno Guimaraes

36

5

6

Stats by Sofascore

Staggeringly, only Alexander Isak is able to surpass Murphy for goals and assists this season in the Premier League for the Magpies, with the ex-Norwich City man certainly living up to his next Solano label more when powering home eight goals from 33 games. In total, the silky Peruvian would pick up 48 strikes on Tyneside.

Murphy will hope he can get near to that sizeable tally soon, with the hard-working yet skilful winger another gem playing out of his skin for the Toon as Champions League football possibly reappears.

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A "Larsson-type signing": £7.8m star would "love" to play for Celtic

The summer transfer window officially opens for business next month and it remains to be seen exactly where Celtic will look to strengthen their squad.

A new centre-forward could be on the agenda for Brendan Rodgers after the club opted to sell Kyogo Furuhashi to Rennes in January without sourcing a replacement for him.

Whilst there is no reported interest from Celtic in this player, there are now quotes from a former Hoops number nine who would like to play for the club for a second time.

Former Celtic star would love to play for the club again

Speaking to the Daily Record, Greek forward Giorgos Giakoumakis revealed that he would “love” to play at Parkhead again before the end of his playing career.

The 30-year-old Cruz Azul attacker, who joined the Mexican side for a reported fee of £7.8m in 2024, left the Scottish giants to sign for Atlanta United in February 2023 during Ange Postecoglou’s time at the club.

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Giakoumakis told the Daily Record: “You want to set the fire? I would love to play for Celtic again. I don’t know if that’s a utopia or if it could happen again – but who wouldn’t?

“Even if you don’t know what it feels like to be there, when you’ve already been there, you know exactly what it means.

Former Celtic forward Giorgos Giakoumakis.

“So if someone played for Celtic and he was successful and you ask him a couple of years after, ‘Would you play again for Celtic?’ and he tells you no, he’s a stupid guy. He’s so dumb.”

Of course, there is no credible source suggesting that Celtic would be interested in bringing him back to Parkhead. However, he could be an interesting addition to the squad this summer.

Why Celtic should consider re-signing Giakoumakis

When he initially joined the Hoops from VVV-Venlo in the summer of 2021, Alex McLeish suggested to Football Insider that Giakoumakis could be a “Henrik Larsson-type character” who could blow everyone away, describing him as a “special” signing.

Whilst the Greece international did not live up to that hype, as Larsson scored 224 goals for the club, he did have a huge impact in the short-term, akin to how Larsson scored 15 goals in 28 games in his first season at Parkhead.

Appearances

21

19

Starts

11

4

Goals

13

6

Minutes per goal

81

114

Assists

1

1

As you can see in the table above, Giakoumakis was Larsson-esque in his first Scottish Premiership season at Celtic with an incredible return of a goal every 81 minutes on average in the league.

The lethal finisher did not get as many opportunities, as shown by his four starts in 19 games, in his second season at the club, though, and then decided to move to the MLS.

Giakoumakis 22 goals in 38 MLS matches for Atlanta United before his big-money move to Cruz Azul, which shows that he was also a level scorer in America when given regular game time.

Therefore, the 30-year-old striker could be a Larsson-type signing once again for Celtic in the sense that he could arrive at Parkhead to make an instant impact as a big goalscoring threat for the club, which is why they should consider a move for the experienced marksman.

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Liverpool now preparing offer for £77m striker who's "better than" Haaland

Liverpool are now preparing an offer for an “outstanding” £77m striker, who is being targeted by a whole host of Europe’s top clubs, according to a report.

Reds stepping up pursuit of new striker

Darwin Nunez hasn’t been at the races this season, with the Uruguayan picking up just seven goals in all competitions, which is way below the number expected of a £85m player, so it is little wonder that the Reds are now stepping up their pursuit of a striker.

Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui is one option the Merseysiders have in mind, given the Italian’s stellar goal return this season, while they have started work on the signing of West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen, who could be an alternative to Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.

Last week, it was revealed that RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is also on the shortlist, with Arne Slot’s side said to be keen on a move for the forward, with Nunez looking increasingly likely to exit Anfield at the end of the season.

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There has since been a new update on Liverpool’s pursuit of Sesko, with a report from Caught Offside revealing they are now preparing a bid for the forward, but there could be fierce competition for his signature.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United are also planning to make offers for the Slovenian, while Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain headline the interest from abroad, and a deal is now expected to be on the expensive side.

RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates

Leipzig are said to have set an asking price of €80m – €90m (£68m – £77m), in light of the widespread interest in the 21-year-old’s signature, although the interested parties have reservations about shelling out a fee in that ballpark.

"Outstanding" Sesko could be "better than Haaland"

Scout/writer Jacek Kulig has praised the starlet in the past, describing him as “outstanding”, while his teammates also hold him in very high regard, having stated he is a better player than Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.

Speaking in May last year, Sesko told the Gegenpress podcast: “My teammates at the club tell me that Haaland and I are very similar, especially in terms of speed. Most of them even tell me that I’m better than him.”

Much like the Man City star, the Slovenia international is an imposing figure, standing at 6 foot 5, and he has been very impressive in front of goal for Leipzig this season, picking up 13 goals and five assists in 31 Bundesliga outings.

With Nunez falling way short of expectations this season, Slot definitely needs to bring in a replacement this summer, and Sesko produced a stunning goal last weekend that even the most optimistic of Reds fans could envision Nunez toe-poking straight into the fans behind the goal.

Italy midfielder may join Lazio but immediately leave to sign for Liverpool

Liverpool are in the mix to complete the signing of a defensive midfielder who has been hailed as a “joy to watch” in Serie A.

Elliott linked with exit as Liverpool make contact for new midfielders

The Reds’ midfield has excelled this season, playing a big part in Arne Slot’s side winning the Premier League, with Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai the go-to trio in the middle of the park.

While other positions are more in need of new signings this summer, from left-back to centre forward, a new midfielder wouldn’t go amiss, especially if Harvey Elliott departs.

Rumours have suggested that that may be the case, with the 22-year-old himself hinting at it earlier this week: “It’s been hard with how much I’ve played. I’ve tried as hard as I could and whatever happens, happens. It’s about what’s best for my career. It’s about reflecting and seeing what I can do. I’m here at the moment and I’m focusing on the final game.”

Harvey Elliott celebrates for Liverpool

An attacking midfielder who could be about to move to Anfield is Bayer Leverksuen star Florian Wirtz, with the Reds confident of signing the German international.

According to a report last month, Liverpool also made contact with Juventus midfielder Nicolo Rovella, who is currently on loan at fellow Serie A side Lazio.

Ryan Gravenberch

Liverpool

Moises Caicedo

Chelsea

Koke

Atletico Madrid

Billy Gilmour

Napoli

Leandro Paredes

AS Roma

Liverpool ramping up pressure on Lazio to sign Rovella

According to Il Messaggero [via Sport Witness], Liverpool remain in the mix to sign Rovella, with Aston Villa also interested in signing the 23-year-old. Manchester City showed interest in him during the January transfer window, but it is the Reds now putting pressure on to get a deal over the line ahead of next season.

Lazio are expected to make his temporary stay into a permanent one straight away this summer, but could then sell him on for profit if they do not make the Champions League this weekend, currently sitting two points adrift with one game to play.

Rovella stands out as an exciting option for Liverpool, proving to be a strong enforcer in front of the defence for Lazio this season.

The Italian has made 30 appearances in Serie A, averaging 2.6 tackles per game, with only Alexis Mac Allister (2.7) averaging more for the Reds in the Premier League in 2024/25. Meanwhile, scout Jacek Kulig has described him as a “joy to watch”.

As mentioned, there are more pressing areas of the pitch for Liverpool to focus on in the summer transfer window, but an out-and-out defensive midfielder could still provide Slot with more balance, coming in as a younger upgrade on Wataru Endo.

Appearances

32

Starts

30

Minutes played

2653

Goals

0

Assists

3

Tackles per game

2.6

Interceptions per game

1.5

Yellow cards

13

He could have a big decision to make regarding his future if Lazio cannot rescue a top four finish this weekend.

Arsenal ask about signing "important" Real Madrid player alongside Rodrygo

Arsenal have asked about signing an “important” Real Madrid player amid their reliably reported talks for Brazil international Rodrygo, but negotiations over the latter are proving far from straightforward.

Rodrygo to Arsenal talks stall due to wage demands

As reported by Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, a very reliable source when it comes to transfer news, Arsenal have been in discussions with all parties over a summer deal for the 24-year-old.

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Rodrygo bagged 13 goals and 10 assists over 50 total appearances under Carlo Ancelotti during 2024/2025, but his future at the Bernabeu is far from certain amid Arsenal’s serious interest.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

It’s been reported that the South American is dissatisfied with his role in the squad, as he wants to be used in his preferred role on the left-hand-side rather than on the right, which is where he’s been forced to play due to the presence of Vinícius Jr and Kylian Mbappé (Ben Jacobs).

Sensing an opportunity, sporting director Andrea Berta commenced work to potentially tempt Rodrygo with a north London move, amid the club’s serious pursuit of a new winger who could provide further cutting edge in the final third.

However, since beginning talks, the transfer has hit a snag due to Rodrygo’s salary demands, prompting Berta to look at alternatives like Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma.

The Japan international isn’t Berta’s only different option for the wide area, though, with another Real Madrid star under consideration at the Emirates.

Arsenal ask about conditions for Arda Guler deal

That man is Turkish attacking midfielder Arda Guler, who started Real’s last six La Liga games of the season and gradually became a more imperative player for Ancelotti during the latter stages of 24/25.

The 20-year-old bagged five goals and nine assists in 42 total appearances by the end of Ancelotti’s final campaign in charge, with the Italian branding him an “important” player in the squad.

Ancelotti also tipped the versatile forward to have a big future at the Bernabeu, leaving little surprise he’s on Berta’s shortlist of attacking targets for Arsenal.

That is according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who reports for The Boot Room that Arsenal have asked about the conditions of a deal for Guler. Whether they’ve approached Real themselves or the player’s agents isn’t exactly stated, but it is believed Los Blancos won’t sell him under “any circumstances” this summer.

Other forwards attracting Berta’s attention come in the form of Nico Williams, Rafael Leao, Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho, Ademola Lookman, Bryan Mbeumo and Mohammed Kudus, as per TBR, with Arsenal seemingly in hot pursuit of a star new wide player.

Burnley now keen on signing £25m Liverpool star who could replace Esteve

Premier League bound Burnley are now starting to turn their attention towards the transfer window, and they are keen on signing a Liverpool star who could replace the exit-linked Maxime Esteve in a record deal.

Esteve set for possible Burnley exit this summer

The 23-year-old joined the Clarets on a permanent basis last summer after joining on a loan deal six months before. While the Frenchman was unable to stop Burnley from being relegated to the Championship in the 2023/24 season, he was exceptional in this campaign, playing 46 times in the Championship as Scott Parker’s side won automatic promotion to the top flight.

Burnley's MaximeEstevecelebrates after the match

Esteve started every single league game, during which he impressively made five clearances per outing, and not only was he a key player in Burnley keeping 30 clean sheets but he also boasted a 91 per cent pass accuracy, building play from the back.

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His performances throughout the 2024/25 season have not gone unnoticed, as both West Ham and Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for the defender in the last couple of months. Now, a new report from French outlet L’Equipe has revealed that Palace hold a strong interest in Esteve and have made him a priority signing ahead of the new campaign.

However, they face competition from Bayern Munich, who are also interested, as manager Vincent Kompany is the one who brought the defender to Turf Moor.

Burnley keen on signing £25m Liverpool star Gomez

So, as Esteve is heavily linked with a move away from Turf Moor, the Clarets are assessing potential replacements, and according to Empire of the Kop, Burnley are interested in signing Joe Gomez from Liverpool.

The report states that Liverpool are open to letting their defender leave Anfield this summer and wouldn’t stand in his way if he made it clear he wanted to leave. The Premier League champions have set a price tag of £25 million for Gomez, who still has two years left to run on his current contract.

Liverpool’s position on Gomez has now alerted teams from the Premier League, with Burnley among the teams keen on a potential deal. However, the likes of Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Everton, West Ham, Bournemouth, Leeds United and Sunderland are also informed of his situation.

Apps

149

Goals

0

Assists

5

Burnley, as well as the other teams, believe they can sign Gomez, who has been dubbed “priceless” by former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman, for less than the £25 million quoted. Even still it would likely be a record deal for the Clarets, surpassing the £15m+ they spent on Zeki Amdouni.

Signing a new defender may become a high priority for the Clarets this summer if Esteve does depart, and the bonus of signing a player like Gomez is that not only does he have a wealth of Premier League experience, but he is someone who is very versatile across the back four, capable of playing both full-back positions to a high level.

The one factor that may go against Burnley is that Gomez, who has the same agent as current Burnley player Marcus Edwards, may prioritise a move to Newcastle or Villa, as they can offer European football next season.

Imagine him & Ndiaye: Everton could see £12m bid accepted for PL midfielder

Everton meet Newcastle United at St. James’ Park on Sunday, closing the 2024/25 campaign in good form, two successive wins sealing a 13th-place finish in the Premier League.

Taking the wheel of a sinking ship, David Moyes has done a brilliant job, steering the Toffees away from relegation danger and ensuring they could say farewell to Goodison Park in a good moment.

Iliman Ndiaye scored twice as Southampton were defeated on Merseyside at the weekend, underscoring his value as one of the division’s most underrated stars.

It’s crucial the Friedkin Group keep him on the books next year, with a few industrious signings sure to create a secure fluency to take Ndiaye and his team to the next level.

Everton chasing Premier League midfielder

Fans will no doubt hope for a flashy new forward or too, but Moyes is a pragmatic manager in the best sense, and will be focused on making under-the-radar improvements too.

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Indeed, we’ve already seen a plethora of EFL stars linked with a Merseyside switch, with Ben Knight and Sunderland’s Dan Neil two potential options.

On that evidence, it seems that one such upgrade could come in midfield, and those claims are bolstered by Football Insider who are reporting that if Everton lodge a bid worth £12m for Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff, it is likely to be accepted with both clubs eager to agree a deal.

Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff

The Englishman is about to enter the final year of his contract, and this is certainly one to keep a close eye on.

Why Everton should sign Sean Longstaff

Longstaff, 27, is thus far a one-club man, but his playing time has been limited under Eddie Howe this season, starting only eight times in the league, largely because the Magpies have such a robust starting midfield trio.

But Longstaff is a good player in his own right, with an aptitude in transitional play. Indeed, the box-to-box star is capable of breaking down opposition attacks and recycling possession by pressing forward.

Newcastle United's SeanLongstaffin action with Bromley's Jude Arthurs

Hailed as an “unsung hero” for the Toon in the past by pundit Paul Merson and as “unbelievable” by Alan Shearer, Longstaff could do the dirty work in order to promote opportunities for players like Ndiaye, creating that roundedness and energy that Moyes’ teams need to fire on all cylinders.

FBref help to underline the player’s metrics, revealing the secrets behind his success. The data-driven site show that Longstaff ranks among the top 1% of Premier League midfielders this season for tackles won in the attacking third, the top 4% for dribblers tackled and the top 8% for blocks made per 90.

What this tells us is his willingness to roam into more advanced areas and win the ball before knocking it further forward and into the path of, say, Ndiaye.

Iliman Ndiaye’s PL Season with Everton (24/25)

Stats (* per game)

#

Matches (starts)

32 (28)

Goals

9

Assists

0

Shot (on target)*

1.1 (0.6)

Big chances missed

3

Pass completion

85%

Key passes*

0.6

Dribbles*

2.0

Ball recoveries*

5.2

Tackles + interceptions*

2.1

Duels won*

5.3

Stats via Sofascore

The Senegalese winger has forged quite the campaign for himself, such a dangerous presence in the final third, scoring nine Premier League goals and missing only three big chances.

Clinical as you like, Ndiaye could do with some more creative support, and while Longstaff wouldn’t plug that gap, his tenacious attitude toward turning play over and ability to apply his combativeness to offensive areas of the field denote his suitability within Moyes’ project.

And, of course, highlight the effect he could have on Ndiaye.

Widening the Everton midfield’s reach would allow Ndiaye to play with more comfort, also allowing those such as Dwight McNeil and Charly Alcaraz to supply Ndiaye more directly and ensure Everton go from strength to strength at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

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Wow: Nottingham Forest could now sign £100m star in Gibbs-White swap deal

Nottingham Forest could now look to sign an “unbelievable” forward as part of a swap deal for Morgan Gibbs-White, according to a report.

Gibbs-White could be heading for Nottingham Forest exit

It may have been a difficult task for Forest to keep hold of Gibbs-White even if they had secured qualification for next season’s Champions League, but having missed out on the top five, it now appears as though the midfielder could be heading for an exit.

The 25-year-old is now considered a dream signing for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, amid Martin Odegaard’s disappointing performances last season, while Manchester City are also considered frontrunners in the race for the Englishman.

The Tricky Trees are not willing to let their star player leave on the cheap, however, with the aforementioned report suggesting they could look to hold out for a fee of £100m for the maestro, who remains under contract until 2027.

Nottingham Forest's MorganGibbs-Whitereacts after the match

A new report from Football Insider has also suggested that Nottingham Forest could agree a deal of a different nature, as they may look to sign Jack Grealish as part of a swap deal for Gibbs-White.

Having been left out of Pep Guardiola’s squad for the final game of the season, Grealish could be on his way out this summer, and a move to the City Ground is a possibility, with transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke adding: “Swap deals are notoriously hard in the Premier League, but we know Morgan Gibbs-White is a major target for Manchester City this summer.

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“If they get an offer which is too good to turn down, Forest might have to let him move to City… to work under Pep Guardiola… you’d probably be thinking that Forest will be looking to double their investment.

“Jack Grealish potentially is a swap deal – [that] might cause unrest if Forest were to break their budget to try and get Grealish in.”

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The England international has been lauded as “unbelievable” courtesy of his contributions for the Three Lions in the past, but he has struggled to force his way into Guardiola’s plans as of late.

Manchester City's JackGrealishduring the warm up before the match

As such, it would make sense if City cash-in on their £100m signing this summer, and he could be a solid signing for Forest under Nuno Espirito Santo, if he is able to rediscover his previous form, with the winger often catching the eye during his time at Villa Park.

The 29-year-old was arguably at his best during his Aston Villa days, during which time he regularly contributed goals and assists in the Premier League.

Season

PL appearances

Goals

Assists

2019-20

36

8

6

2020-21

26

6

12

No Forest fan will want to see Gibbs-White leave this summer, and it could be a risk to sign Grealish, considering he hasn’t been a regular starter for quite some time, but his previous exploits for club and country indicate he is clearly a very talented player.

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