With Leeds United looking to solve their biggest problem this summer, one transfer target is now reportedly ready to quit his current Premier League club in favour of a move to Elland Road.

Leeds' goalkeeper problem

After winning the Championship title and sealing automatic promotion to the Premier League, Leeds still have one major problem to address this summer. And that comes courtesy of Ilian Meslier. The shot-stopper is at the centre of Leeds’ greatest weakness and very nearly derailed his side’s promotion until Daniel Farke ruthlessly replaced him with second-choice Karl Darlow.

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However, the current No 2 is far from a permanent solution ahead of the Whites’ return to the Premier League, and the 49ers seem to be well aware of that.

Already, a number of Meslier replacements have been mentioned as the summer transfer window approaches, and Leeds will have to narrow their shortlist down if they are to finally solve their goalkeeper problem.

Two names mentioned have been Caoimhin Kelleher and Djordje Petrovic in recent reports. Both goalkeepers have endured excellent seasons, with Kelleher often called in to replace an injured Alisson Becker at Liverpool as they secured the Premier League title, and Chelsea loanee Petrovic providing some standout numbers on loan at Ligue 1 side Strasbourg.

Both would be instant upgrades on Meslier, whose mistakes came around more and more often at Leeds throughout the campaign. They were mistakes that went unpunished eventually, but mistakes that could ultimately cost the Yorkshire side their Premier League place if repeated next season.

After dropping his goalkeeper for Darlow in April, Farke told reporters: “Obviously he was involved in both [Swansea] goals in the last game, and it was a shame because after the penalty save he was on his way to being man of the match.

“So it was clear we had to make a decision. And we had to make it early in the week, because in that position the players need clarity, and Karl [Darlow] needs the time to prepare.”

Leeds receive Sam Johnstone boost

Meanwhile, if it’s not to be Petrovic or Kelleher this summer, then those at Elland Road could reportedly turn towards another Premier League option.

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Sam Johnstone is now ready to quit Wolverhampton Wanderers to join Leeds this summer.

The experienced shot-stopper has often found himself behind Jose Sa in the pecking order in the Midlands and could now leave the club just one summer after arriving. Wolves’ No 2 could quickly become Leeds’ No 1 as a result, with the 49ers already thought to be plotting a move to sign the former West Bromwich Albion man.

Previously praised for a “sensational” save by Gary Lineker, Johnstone will be desperate to regain a starting place away from Wolves this summer and replacing Meslier would hand him the chance to do exactly that.

At 32 years old, however, there may be some concerns around Elland Road over the goalkeeper’s ability to become a long-term solution to their biggest problem ahead of a vital Premier League campaign.

Celtic are in the market for reinforcements this summer, though may have to sanction a departure once the window opens following an admission from one of Brendan Rodgers’ signings.

Celtic hold Glasgow Derby parity as focus shifts elsewhere

Despite having several regulars out due to injury concerns, Celtic managed to claim a respectable 1-1 draw against Rangers at Ibrox last week to maintain their 17-point advantage at the Scottish Premiership summit.

Brendan Rodgers has already led his side to a fourth successive league title and had little to prove at the home of their trophyless rivals, though he did manage to stop an unwanted scenario of three Glasgow Derby defeats in a row.

Nevertheless, Celtic will now focus on their upcoming Scottish Cup final against Aberdeen before a summer of intrigue could yield movement in both directions at Parkhead.

Per reports, the Bhoys are known admirers of Sarpsborg winger Sondre Orjasaeter, but it remains to be seen if they will return to the table for him once the window opens.

Western United defender Dylan Leonard has admitted he would love to join Celtic, even if he would likely be a developmental addition for years to come as opposed to a first-team starter.

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Champions League league phase involvement isn’t guaranteed, with Rodgers’ men having to navigate the final qualifying round. They are yet to know if they will be seeded or not in their quest to secure a place, which means they will need to kickstart their summer business early to allow a bedding-in period for prospective arrivals.

In turn, departures will be needed to supplement new faces, and they may have found a prime candidate to move on after they admitted they would like to leave Parkhead.

Gustaf Lagerbielke makes Celtic exit admission

Speaking about his future, Gustaf Lagerbielke has admitted he wants to leave Celtic for FC Twente permanently after spending the campaign on loan at the Eredivisie outfit.

He stated: “If we make it into Europe, Twente will have more money to spend. The same applies if Twente sells players in the summer. So it’s up to the technical directors of Celtic and Twente to reach an agreement about me.

Gustaf Lagerbielke at FC Twente – all competitions

Appearances

30

Goals

2

Assists

3

“I want to play and I feel good in the Netherlands. I can certainly imagine my future being here.”

Signed for £3 million by Rodgers in 2023, Lagerbielke never really got the opportunity to set the heather alight at Parkhead, making only ten appearances in total last season. Labelled “very good” by former teammate Johan Larsson, he has clearly found some sort of footing in Dutch football and may have given Celtic a platform to recoup some of their outlay for his services.

Moves don’t always work out, but his regular involvement with FC Twente should be enough to drum up enough interest even if they choose not to make his deal permanent.

Newcastle United have now joined the race to sign a “very quick” defender who’s among the “world’s best”, according to a report.

Newcastle's summer transfer plans taking shape

Should Newcastle manage to secure Champions League qualification by finishing in the Premier League’s top five, the 2024-25 campaign is likely to go down as a resounding success, having also ended their 70-year trophy drought by lifting the EFL Cup.

However, the PIF have grand plans for the Magpies, and having enjoyed their first taste of success, they are likely to be even more inspired to compete for more major honours, which means some new additions to the squad could be required this summer.

Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo could be a key target in attack, with the right-winger recently being identified as the ideal option to bolster Eddie Howe’s frontline, while the PIF are now racing to sign Girona’s Yangel Herrera to reinforce the midfield.

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A new centre-back has also been of interest for quite some time, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi a long-standing target, and there has now been a new update on the Tynesiders’ pursuit of a defender.

According to a report from The Sun, Newcastle have now joined the race to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer, having announced his intention to leave the German club when his contract expires.

Guehi remains the Magpies’ top target, with the Palace captain set to leave Selhurst Park this summer, but Tah has now been identified as an alternative option, with Howe desperate to bring in a new defender this summer.

There could be stiff competition for the 29-year-old’s signature, however, with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich also keen, in light of his impressive performances for Bayer Leverkusen…

"Very quick" Tah among "world's best" defenders

Leverkusen were unable to retain the Bundesliga title this season, but they did an incredible job to pip Bayern to top spot in the 2023-24 campaign, going the entire season undefeated, and it would be fair to say the German defender impressed Xabi Alonso.

Alonso said: “Jonha is performing at the highest level and I am really happy for him because he deserves all the praise and all the good moments he’s living – that he keeps playing for us and happily for the national team as well. I think he is one of the world’s best defenders.”

Former Germany boss Joachim Low once described the 29-year-old as “very quick”, while he is also very impressive in possession of the ball.

Tah’s availability on a free transfer makes signing him an even more attractive proposition for potential suitors this summer, and it is promising news that Newcastle have now joined the race.

Leeds United are looking to sign a new dominant in the air player who is being compared to former Whites midfielder Marc Roca.

Leeds transfer rumours following promotion to the Premier League

The 49ers Enterprises haven’t been wasting any time since Leeds secured their promotion back to the Premier League from the Championship on Easter Monday following a 6-0 win over Stoke City and Burnley’s 2-1 win over Sheffield United.

In fact, Daniel Farke’s future as Leeds manager has been thrown into doubt, with the club concerned about his previous record in the top flight with Norwich City.

Talking after sealing promotion, chairman Paraag Marathe said that the club have been “quietly preparing the club” for the Premier League.

“The Premier League is where Leeds belongs, and our goal is to establish a long-term presence there. With that in mind, we have been quietly preparing the club for this moment. The road ahead won’t be easy but we are ready to step confidently into this next chapter. Above all, this is your club and your promotion. I want to thank each and every one of you, along with the players and every member of staff at Elland Road and Thorp Arch, for your tireless commitment in pursuit of this unforgettable moment.”

A number of new signings look likely to be made to give Leeds the best chance of Premier League survival, including former midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

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Currently on loan at Ipswich Town from Manchester City, Phillips is thought to be ready to return to Elland Road this summer. Elsewhere, loanee Manor Solomon is expected to make his move to Leeds permanent from Tottenham Hotspur, with Spurs valuing the winger at £15m-£20m.

Now, an update has emerged on another target with Premier League experience, something the 49ers are after when it comes to summer signings.

Leeds want to sign £18m Premier League "machine"

According to reports in the Czech Republic, relayed by TBR Football, Leeds could now sign Tomas Soucek from West Ham United ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The Whites have been named as a potential destination for the 30-year-old, who was signed by the Hammers for £18m from Slavia Prague back in 2020.

Since then, the central midfielder has made 240 appearances for West Ham, with almost 200 of those coming in the top flight. Everton are also thought to be keen on Soucek, who was dubbed a “machine” amid links to the Toffees.

Talking earlier this year, Soucek hinted at a potential move away if he wasn’t getting regular game time: “I know a few guys who are happy with the money coming into their account every month, they enjoy the life of a footballer and don’t care about the bench. I can’t do that. I need to play. I suffer on the bench.”

Players similar to Tomas Soucek	Club
Marc Roca	Real Betis
Julian Weigl	Borussia Monchengladbach
Boubacar Kamara	Aston Villa
Rodrigo Bentancur	Tottenham Hotspur
Joao Palhinha	Bayern Munich

Graham Potter has placed Soucek on the bench in West Ham’s last four games, and as can be seen, Football Transfers have likened the midfielder to Roca, who left Leeds for Real Betis.

As per FBref, Soucek has also been ranked in the top 1% over the past 12 months for aerial duels won (3.49 per 90), so he’d certainly bring a physical presence to Yorkshire, should a move go through.

A “skilful” Leeds United player’s time at Elland Road could come to an end this summer, with “interested parties” emerging to snap him up.

Farke future in doubt ahead of busy summer at Leeds

The Whites are still basking in the glory of sealing promotion from the Championship to the Premier League earlier this week after their 6-0 win at home to Stoke City, followed by Burnley beating Sheffield United at Turf Moor.

It’s now a case of trying to be crowned champions ahead of the Clarets in the final two matches of the season, amid ongoing doubts over Daniel Farke’s future, despite the excellent job he is doing. In fact, Sean Dyche has already emerged as a possible replacement, should the German be relieved of his duties.

In terms of potential summer signings for Leeds, West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek has been linked with a move to the club, with the Czech reportedly open to the idea of sealing a switch to Elland Road.

The Whites are also said to be keen on signing Ipswich Town striker George Hirst, who has struggled for playing time in the Premier League this season, starting only three matches in the competition. For that reason, a fresh challenge may appeal, especially as the Tractor Boys are almost certainly heading back to the Championship.

"Skilful" Leeds player wanted by "interested parties"

According to Blick [via Sport Witness], Isaac Schmidt could leave Leeds at the end of the season, potentially not being seen as an important player upon the Whites’ return to the Premier League. The need to strengthen will make it hard for him to earn regular minutes and there are claimed to be “numerous interested parties” in the 25-year-old.

This summer does feel like the right time for Leeds and Schmidt to part ways, even though the two-cap Switzerland international did feature in the aforementioned thumping of Stoke, playing for 13 minutes after coming on as a substitute.

He hasn’t started once in the Championship all season, instead coming on 12 times and playing just 71 minutes in total in the competition, so it’s hard to see his situation changing when the Whites are playing at an even higher level next season.

Appearances

12

Starts

0

Minutes played

71

Goals

0

Assists

0

Tackles per game

0.4

Clearances per game

0.3

Interceptions per game

0.3

Aerial duel wins per game

0.1

Schmidt’s move to Leeds simply hasn’t worked out to date, having arrived from St. Gallen later year, even though Siwzrterland manager Murat Yakin has spoken positively about him, saying: “I really liked Isaac! He was skillful, he won all his duels and he was good offensively.”

For Leeds, it’s now a case of the Whites nailing their summer transfer business, hopefully aided by plenty of funds being made available by 49ers Enterprises.

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A big decision needs to be made regarding Farke’s future, too, either retaining his services or hiring a replacement who has enough time to bring in the right players.

Whilst promotion back up to the Championship was joyously celebrated, everyone at Birmingham City will have known in that moment that this was just the first step in the Blues’ mission to restore the club to its previous grandeur.

After all, Chris Davies’ giants were Premier League regulars all through the noughties, with an unbelievable EFL Cup trophy success even coming their way in 2011 when Alex McLeish was at the helm.

The desire up a division from Birmingham’s perspective will be to compete with the top dogs of the division again, therefore, with a new addition here and there this summer undoubtedly improving the Blues’ chances before they officially get underway in the challenging league.

How Birmingham could strengthen this summer

Much like Wrexham who will want to spend big after promotion, Birmingham won’t be shirking away from attempting to land statement buys to make an impression in the Championship.

Already, the ambitious Blues have been tipped to bring back Che Adams to St. Andrew’s to enhance their impressive attacking personnel, with their interest also stretching out to potentially adding in Premier League experienced Mark Travers in goal.

But, the deal on everyone’s lips at Birmingham is the one that could see Peterborough United superstar Kwame Poku enter the building shortly, with reports last month suggesting that there is a lucrative £30k-per-week deal on the table for the Ghanaian to jump up a division.

Whilst the “outstanding” EFL performer – as he’s been labelled by journalist Lukman Evergreen – has been known to fire home goal after goal for Darren Ferguson’s Posh at a devastating rate, he has also shown throughout his bright stint in Cambridgeshire to date his unselfish approach when teeing up teammates for countless opportunities.

How Poku could make Stansfield better

Poku’s arrival on the scene could end up making everyone around him even better, judging by his unplayable wing play, but it’s Jay Stansfield who will no doubt be licking his lips the most at the idea of linking up with the in-demand 23-year-old.

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Whilst the 22-year-old striker is unquestionably one of the finest talents to recently grace the third tier – seen in his 19 league strikes across 2024/25 – he is arguably not the finished product yet in the league above.

Indeed, the former Exeter City forward has only amassed 12 Championship goals across his varied career to date.

But, with Poku by his side who will be equally keen to prove himself in his new terrain, he should be able to keep up his blistering League One form.

Stansfield’s L1 numbers vs Poku (24/25)

Stat (* = per game)

Stansfield

Poku

Games played

37

27

Goals scored

19

12

Assists

3

8

Shots*

2.7

2.4

Touches*

29.0

46.3

Accurate passes*

8.1 (69%)

20.3 (80%)

Big chances missed

13

3

Big chances created

6

9

Stats by Sofascore

Combined last season in League One, the dynamite duo would pick up a mammoth 42 goals and assists across 64 appearances, meaning the thought of both of them together under Davies’ wing in the Championship is a frightening prospect.

Eight of Poku’s sizeable 20 goal contributions for the season would fall into the assist category too, with the 23-year-old far more comfortable than his counterpart in roaming forward and creating openings, seen in his far higher amount of touches averaged per league clash.

Whereas, the Birmingham number 28 excels more as a poacher waiting in the box to pounce, with the 22-year-old perhaps capable of finishing off even more opportunities moving forward if Poku was supplying him with chances galore.

With Poku down the right wing and Stansfield as a number ten, Davies could make his attacking options even deadlier by landing the aforementioned Adams as an out-and-out centre-forward, with this potential front three running rings around Championship defences.

Of course, no such statement deals have crossed the line just yet, but expect Davies’ side to look unfazed by the pressures of Championship action if Poku enters the building very soon.

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Glasgow Rangers ended their 2024/25 campaign in the same fashion as how it started; failing to win in Edinburgh.

In August, the Ibrox side could only draw 0-0 against Hearts at Tynecastle, making it the second season in a row where they failed to win the opening match of the Premiership season.

This afternoon, Rangers could only draw 2-2 with Hibernian at Easter Road to end arguably the worst season in the club’s recent history.

Goals from Cyriel Dessers and Nicolas Raskin gave the Gers a 2-1 advantage. A blatantly obvious goal wasn’t awarded when the score was tied at 1-1, despite the ball crossing the Hibs’ line by at least a foot.

Martin Boyle equalised with 25 minutes left, and both teams were forced to take a share of the spoils.

Jack Butland conceded another two goals, and it would be a surprise to see him still at the club next season.

Jack Butland’s future is uncertain at Rangers

The Englishman’s drop-off in form this season has been alarming, to say the least. Across 44 matches in all competitions, Butland has kept only 14 clean sheets, conceding 51 goals in the process.

He has conceded two or more goals in ten of his 28 league matches, and it is clear that the ‘keeper may have potentially played his final game for the club against Hibs.

Butland should have done better for Kieran Bowie’s effort to make it 1-1, while he misjudged a cross into the box, which meant Martin Boyle had plenty of room to make it 2-2, and failed to prove that Ferguson was wrong to drop him for Liam Kelly in recent weeks.

He isn’t the only player who must depart Ibrox this summer, as plenty of others in the first-team squad will likely be moved on by whoever becomes the club’s permanent manager.

Clean sheets

10

Accurate passes per 90

21.4

Touches per 90

37.1

Possession lost per 90

6.3

Errors leading to goal

2

Saves per 90

2.2 (66%)

Tom Lawrence must be top of the list, and he proved exactly why during his cameo today.

Rangers must release Tom Lawrence

Across his three full seasons in Glasgow, Lawrence has missed 75 games due to injury issues. During that time period, the Welshman has scored only 12 goals for Rangers.

Earning £22k-per-week, it is evident that the club could be spending this sort of money elsewhere in the squad.

He came on for Mohamed Diomande with 35 minutes left against Hibs, but he failed to solidify the midfield as the Gers chased three points, and he must, now, never play for the Gers again.

The midfielder took just 15 touches, completed eight passes, lost possession four times, and failed to register a single dribble or shot on goal.

Why he was given a runout is questionable, especially with several youngsters on the bench looking to gain much-needed game time heading into the 2025/26 campaign.

Hopefully, the new manager releases the former Derby County star in the summer, as he certainly isn’t of the required quality to help the Glasgow side challenge Celtic domestically next season and has not proven himself to be reliable in terms of availability, as shown by his injury record.

It will be a summer of change at Ibrox. The question is, will it be enough to wrestle back the Premiership crown after four years away?

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Sunderland face no current competition in their efforts to sign a “fantastic” player in the summer transfer window, according to a new update.

Sunderland preparing for season-defining playoff final

The Black Cats face their biggest game of the season on Saturday afternoon, as they take on Sheffield United in the Championship playoff final at Wembley.

For Regis Le Bris and his Sunderland players, it is a truly enormous occasion for so many reasons, firstly because a return to the Premier League would bring so much joy to the fanbase, following years in both the Championship and League One.

Le Bris has sent out a message to the supporters before the game, saying: “Sheffield United will now be another very tough game. Coventry were really good in both legs, and Sheffield will be just as strong. We’ll be prepared for the fixture, and we’ll fight until the end. Our focus is now fully on the final. It’s really clear, this is the main objective of the season. We have to take the final step. It will be tough, but we must put the work in now to make sure we’re ready.”

The financial gains are also clearly massive for the Black Cats, generating plenty of funds for new signings, not to mention hopefully persuading current stars to move on. Now, a new incoming rumour has emerged ahead of the summer window.

Sunderland pushing to sign "fantastic" defender

According to a new update from Midi Libre [via Sport Witness], Sunderland are interested in signing Montpellier centre-back Modibo Sagnan this summer, as they look to boost their defensive options.

The 26-year-old has just suffered relegation from Ligue 1 with his current club and looks increasingly likely to enjoy a fresh challenge ahead of next season. It is claimed that the Black Cats are the only club seen as suitors.

Sagnan could be an ideal signing for Sunderland, although it remains to be seen if he would be willing to play in the Championship next season, highlighting the importance of Saturday’s clash with the Blades.

At 26, the four-cap Mali international is at a great point in his career, sitting right in his peak years, which is unlikely to change for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, legendary former centre-back Ronald Koeman has had this to say about him: “Modibo is a fantastic defender, so strong and intelligent. He’s shown in the Eredivisie he can dominate.”

Sunderland have impressed in defence this season, not least the monstrous Dan Ballard, who was his side’s match-winning hero in the playoff semi-final triumph over Coventry City, but reinforcements are still needed there.

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Le Bris will want to have as much competition for places as possible, especially if Sunderland make it back to the Premier League this weekend, so a move for Sagnan makes total sense, having averaged 4.3 clearances per game across 27 Ligue 1 appearances this season.

Fulham are now set to open talks over a deal for a “beautiful footballer” this summer, who is set to be available on a free transfer, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Cottagers stepping up summer transfer plans

The Cottagers have been showing signs of year-on-year development under the helm of Marco Silva, and they are in a good position to record a top-half finish in the Premier League, which should put them in a good position to attract some quality players this summer.

Silva’s side have managed to progress despite losing some key figures in recent windows, with Joao Palhinha among them, but the midfielder’s move to Bayern Munich hasn’t gone exactly to plan, which means a return to Craven Cottage could now be on the cards.

The west Londoners are keen on strengthening in the middle of the park, and they are also looking to upgrade their defence, with contact being made to discuss a deal for versatile Juventus defender Nicolo Savona, who has impressed in the Serie A this season.

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Savona’s main position is right-back, but the Italian is not the only target in that area of the pitch, with Sky Sports reporter Sheth recently taking to X to reveal Fulham are now interested in signing Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters.

Walker-Peters’ contract is set to expire at the end of the season, which means he will be available on a free transfer this summer, and the Cottagers are expected to open talks with his representatives when the campaign comes to a close.

Sheth states there will be “competition” for the defender, with London rivals West Ham United being named as potential suitors last month.

"Beautiful footballer" Walker-Peters could thrive in better side

It has been a season to forget for Southampton, who have recorded just two victories in the Premier League all season, which indicates it could be a gamble for Fulham to sign a player who has been a key part of such a poor side.

However, the 28-year-old has impressed in the Premier League in the past, chalking up 147 appearances in the competition, while also earning two caps for his national side.

Not only that, but the London-born defender has also received very high praise from former manager Russell Martin in the past, with the ex-Saints boss lauding him as a “beautiful footballer” after scoring in a 1-0 victory against Bristol City, before adding: “He can score more and assist more. It’s a brilliant, brilliant goal.”

As such, there are signs that Walker-Peters could thrive in a better side, and his availability on a free transfer is an added bonus for Fulham, making him a low-risk addition to Silva’s squad.

Everton manager David Moyes has the opportunity to make his stamp on the first-team squad this summer, with investment expected from the Friedkin Group.

The Scotsman rejoined the club in January after Sean Dyche’s dismissal, returning to the role after previously managing the Toffees over an 11-year period.

He’s led the club clear of any relegation threat and will lead the side into their final ever at Goodison Park against Southampton this weekend – in what will be a memorable occasion for all involved.

The move to the Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium presents a new era for the Toffees, which could lead to added investment and changes in the first-team squad.

With the summer window rapidly approaching, work has already been done behind the scenes to ensure a quick start is made to hand Moyes with the ammunition he needs to make the changes he desires.

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

Various names have already been linked with a move to join Everton this summer, with it unclear how much funding the manager will have at his disposal in the coming months.

The likes of Liam Delap, Emanuel Emegha and Dan Neil have all been on their radar in recent weeks, but no progress has yet been made with any of the aforementioned stars.

However, the hierarchy has already registered interest in another Championship star in the form of Bristol City talent Jason Knight, according to TEAMtalk.

The report claims that the board have been scouting the 24-year-old over the last few weeks and are considering a move for his signature ahead of the summer window.

It also states that the club are targeting younger options at the heart of the side, potentially being a replacement for either of Idrissa Gana Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure, with both of their contracts set to expire this summer.

Why Everton’s latest target could be Moyes’ next Cahill

Australian forward Tim Cahill is one of many legends who have previously plied their trade for Everton, starring during his eight-year spell on Merseyside.

He joined the Toffees from Millwall back in 2004 and made over 250 appearances and registered 68 goals – an average of a goal every four games, a solid record over such a timeframe.

His iconic corner flag celebration became a staple during their success under the Scotsman’s reign, with the striker producing countless moments of magic.

Arguably, one of his best goals for the club came against Chelsea, scoring an incredible bicycle kick against the Blues at Stamford Bridge way back in 2007.

However, 13 years on from his departure, Moyes has the chance to land his next version of the Australian in the form of Knight this summer, in a move that would certainly bolster their ranks.

The Republic of Ireland international could replicate Cahill by joining the club from a Championship side, but that shouldn’t take away from the levels produced by the 24-year-old in 2024/25.

He’s played a key role in the Robins’ ability to finish within the play-off places, featuring in every minute of their league campaign – registering three goals and six assists.

Most minutes played by outfielders in the Championship (2024/25)
Player	Team	Minutes played
Jason Knight	Bristol City	4140
Zak Vyner	Bristol City	4140
Dominic Hyam	Blackburn Rovers	4140
Joe Rodon	Leeds United	4136
Maxime Esteve	Burnley	4057
Jimmy Dunne	Queens Park Rangers	4050
Shane Duffy	Norwich City	4042
Ben Cabango	Swansea City	4034
Stats via Transfermarkt

His underlying stats are just as impressive, completing 56% of the dribbles he’s attempted and creating 1.3 chances per 90 – having the tools to hand the players in front of him.

Knight, who’s been labelled “incredible” by one analyst, has also won 58% of the tackles he’s entered, whilst winning 5.6 duels per 90 – handing Moyes an added defensive presence in the middle of the park.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the Bristol City ace would cost this summer, but it’s clear that he has the potential to make the jump to England’s top-flight and be a success on Merseyside.

If he were to get anywhere near the levels produced by Cahill at the club, it would be a sensational piece of business, allowing the Toffees to have a key player at the heart of the side for many years to come.

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