With the first stage of the summer transfer window set to come to an end this evening, Manchester United will certainly be trying to complete deals to improve the first-team squad.

Ruben Amorim has already bolstered his ranks, landing Wolves star Matheus Cunha for a reported £62.5m fee, but has yet to add to such business during the off-season.

Such a deal will undoubtedly be the start of the overhaul of the first team squad, with the likes of Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof all released at the end of their contracts.

All areas of the pitch have been subject to improvements from the hierarchy as they look to back the manager to turn around the form, which saw them register a 15th-placed Premier League finish.

A whole host of names have been thrown into the mix over recent weeks, with one name once again popping up and edging closer to completing a switch to Old Trafford.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions

In recent days, striker Viktor Gyokeres has once again been touted with a move to join United after previously playing under Amorim at Sporting CP in Portugal.

The hierarchy have been in contact with the Swede’s representatives over a move to Old Trafford this summer, looking to provide the added quality in the final third, as seen by his tally of 54 goals in 2024/25.

However, he could be joined in the final third by Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, with Sky Sports’ latest update seemingly moving the 25-year-old closer to a move to join the Red Devils.

They claim that Amorim’s side are set to return with a second offer for the Cameroonian international, after their previous bid of £45m plus £10m in add-ons was rejected.

Personal terms aren’t expected to be an issue with the £70m Bees attacker, after he stated his desire to move to join United over a switch to Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Why United’s £70m target could be Amorim’s own Cherki

Rayan Cherki has been in demand throughout the off-season, understandably so given his form for Lyon across all competitions throughout 2024/25.

The 21-year-old registered 32 combined goals and assists for the Ligue 1 outfit, helping the club claim a place in the Europa League under manager Paulo Fonseca.

He even scored twice against the Red Devils in the Europa League quarter-finals this campaign, but it wasn’t enough as Amorim’s side staged one of the greatest European comebacks of all time.

However, they’re likely to come up against Cherki once again next season, after rivals Manchester City agreed a £34m deal to take the attacker to the Etihad in 2025/26.

Despite the pending move, Amorim could be about to land his own version of the Frenchman with a deal for Mbeumo, with the Brentford star also featuring off the right and also able to operate in a central area.

The winger, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, has outperformed Cherki in various key areas, highlighting how much of an impressive addition he would be for United this summer.

He’s registered more goals than the soon-to-be City attacker, whilst posting a higher shot-on-target rate, subsequently posing a bigger threat in front of goal for United.

How Mbeumo compares to Cherki throughout 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Mbeumo

Cherki

Games played

38

30

Goals & assists

27

19

Shot-on-target accuracy

43%

42%

Take-on success

50%

49%

Carries into opposition box

2

1.8

Crosses completed

5.4

5.2

Aerials won

0.9

0.1

Stats via FBref

Mbeumo has also completed more take-ons this season, whilst registering more carries with the ball into the opposition penalty area – further highlighting his desire to get the ball into dangerous areas, something which United have often lacked.

£70m may seem a hefty fee for the forward, but the prospect of him linking up with Cunha within the final third at Old Trafford is certainly an exciting one, making the club a force to be reckoned with.

Should he replicate the levels produced in the capital this season, he would be a superb addition, with his talents undoubtedly improving the options currently at the manager’s disposal.

Related Gyokeres alternative: Man Utd looking to sign £63m ace who's "like Ronaldo"

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Posts ByRobbie Walls Jun 10, 2025

Leeds United have now made an approach to sign a defender who’s “pure class”, and he could be available for a fee of just £5m, according to reporter Ben Jacobs.

Leeds eyeing new defender amid Firpo uncertainty

Junior Firpo played a key role in the Whites’ promotion, collecting four goals and ten assists in 32 Championship games, but the left-back could now be heading for the exit door, amid widespread links with La Liga side Real Betis.

While Firpo is capable of making a real impact from an attacking point of view, former Leeds man Paul Robinson believes it may be the right decision to let the defender leave this summer, given his previous struggles in the top flight.

Robinson said: “Firpo, I’ve got my concerns about. I think he’s been excellent in the Championship. But some players, the Championship is their level, and in the Premiership, before he was exposed defensively, he was well out of position many times, susceptible to goals, and teams targeted him, and I think the step-up was maybe too much for him.”

In the Premier League, Daniel Farke’s side may have to be a bit more pragmatic than they were last season, which means the manager is looking to bring in a new left-back, who is defensively solid, rather than a threat going forward.

According to Jacobs, in an update on X, Leeds have now made an approach to sign Aston Villa’s Alex Moreno, submitting an enquiry about a deal for the left-back, who is also attracting interest from Burnley and a number of unnamed La Liga clubs.

With Moreno’s Villa contract set to expire in 2026, he is set to be available for around £5m this summer, making him an affordable option for the Championship title-winners.

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2 ByDominic Lund Jun 11, 2025 "Pure class" Moreno impressed during Nottingham Forest loan

Having been deemed surplus to requirements by Unai Emery, the defender was shipped out on loan to Nottingham Forest last season, and the Spaniard managed to impress at times, with writer Lee Clarke describing his performances as “pure class”.

Clarke also added: “I confess I was uncertain about his hamstring history when he signed but there have been no ill effects in that sense so far. Moreno is established on the left in the team now and he’s a 7/10 at the very least in every single game.”

That said, the 32-year-old, who has the same agent as Illan Meslier, went on to play less of a prominent role as the season went on, often being left on the bench by Nuno, which suggests he was unable to maintain his initial levels of performance.

As such, there are doubts over whether Moreno would be a worthwhile signing for Leeds, but he could be an upgrade on Firpo from a defensive standpoint, having outperformed the left-back across some key metrics over the past year.

Average per 90

Alex Moreno

Junior Firpo

Tackles

2.36

2.27

Interceptions

1.41

1.27

Blocks

1.04

0.86

Clearances

4.05

3.51

Arsenal have now joined the race for a “dangerous” £35m Premier League forward, who could go on to “reach Sadio Mane’s level”, according to a report.

Gunners set sights on new winger

There have been calls for the Gunners to sign a new winger this summer, amid concerns over some of Gabriel Martinelli’s performances in the 2024-25 campaign, with former defender Nigel Winterburn suggesting a replacement may be necessary,

Winterburn said: “That performance against Liverpool was better, but his form has been a bit erratic this season. He definitely needs to get back to the consistent levels of performance that we’ve seen in the past that we know he can produce.

“However, it wouldn’t surprise me, if I’m honest, if Arsenal brought someone in on that left-hand side to be a challenge and eventually replace Martinelli next season.”

Since then, Mikel Arteta’s side have identified a number of wingers as potential summer targets, including Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz, who is now believed to be a prime target, and Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane.

However, with Tottenham Hotspur considered the favourites to secure Sane’s signature, Arsenal could move on to alternative options, and a report from Spain has now revealed they have joined the race for Brighton & Hove Albion star Yankuba Minteh.

Minteh is attracting widespread interest ahead of the summer transfer window, with Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United also closely monitoring his progress, and he could be allowed to leave Brighton for a fee of around £35m.

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None of the aforementioned clubs have submitted a formal offer as things stand, but the Seagulls could find it difficult to retain the forward’s services if they receive a significant bid, and there is certainly no shortage of interest.

"Dangerous" Minteh "can reach Sadio Mane's level"

Prior to the 20-year-old’s move to Brighton last summer, a Serbian football scout suggested the youngster “can reach Sadio Mane’s level”, which is high acclaim, given how important the Senegalese winger was to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side for several years.

Since then, the Gambian has gone on to establish himself as a key player for Fabian Hurzeler’s side, picking up six goals and four assists in 32 Premier League matches during his debut campaign in England.

Former Feyenoord striker Pierre van Hooijdonk has also lauded the young forward as “extremely dangerous”, which is underlined by his performance on some key attacking metrics over the past year, while some of his defensive showings indicate that he is a well-rounded player.

Statistic

Average per 90

Successful take-ons

2.25 (85th percentile)

Touches (Att pen)

7.15 (93rd percentile)

Tackles

2.35 (96th percentile)

Clearances

1.52 (97th percentile)

Minteh is yet to establish himself as one of the Premier League’s top wingers, but he is certainly exhibiting very promising signs at Brighton, and at £35m, he could be a savvy signing for Arsenal this summer.

Chelsea have identified Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite as a top centre-back target for the summer transfer window, following yet another impressive campaign for the commanding centre-half.

£47m star has already agreed to join Chelsea with club talks "to follow"

Enzo Maresca’s side are busy behind-the-scenes amid their Club World Cup campaign.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 17, 2025

This time last summer, much to the bemusement of fans and critics alike, Branthwaite was a surprise omission from Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024 – but he’s since taken that rejection in his stride.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

The 22-year-old starred for Everton again last term, playing a key role as David Moyes’ side comfortably avoided the drop, and supporters will be hoping that Branthwaite will repeat those same feats at their new home on Bramley-Moore Dock next season.

Five years after Carlo Ancelotti handed Branthwaite his senior top flight debut against Wolves, followed by a succession of productive loan spells at the likes of Blackburn Rovers and PSV Eindhoven, the towering 6 foot 5 starlet is now a wanted man across the Premier League.

His growing list of admirers includes Chelsea, with the addition of a centre-back still on Enzo Maresca’s to-do list after the west Londoners missed out on a deal for Dean Huijsen, who eventually chose to join Real Madrid instead.

Chelsea made contract offers to Huijsen, but it wasn’t enough to convince the Spaniard to U-turn on his dream move to the Bernabeu, with Maresca’s side back on the hunt for exciting defensive options.

Jarrad Branthwaite's fresh stance on joining Chelsea

According to reliable journalist Simon Phillips, writing via his Substack, Chelsea have been handed a boost in pursuit of Branthwaite as an alternative to Huijsen, as BlueCo set their sights on the Englishman despite rumours he’s set to command a seismic £80 million price tag.

It is believed that Branthwaite could now ask to join Chelsea, amid “frustration” that Everton have placed such a large asking price on his head.

“Chelsea intend to push for him [Branthwaite] again and there is a possibility that they offer players to Everton in an attempt to get the fee down and make the deal more appealing on both sides,” said Phillips.

“The other further info we have received from SPTC sources is that there’s a feeling now that Branthwaite could actually leave Everton this window for a Champions League club – which puts Chelsea in a strong position.

“We’ve also heard that he is a little frustrated, on Everton putting such a big valuation on his head. We had initially heard that Branthwaite would not actively push for a move. But it has now transpired that he is keen on Chelsea and could end up asking for the move. He loves Everton and wants to respect them, but he is keen to advance now to the next stage of his career and play UCL football. I don’t foresee him kicking up a fuss as such, but he may privately ask for the move.”

His ball-playing ability and defensive intelligence would complement Chelsea’s possession-based system under Maresca, offering both quality for now and excellent long-term potential.

However, there is little denying that Chelsea will definitely want to re-negotiate the mooted fee Everton are demanding, and Branthwaite’s desire to join them could play a pivotal role in this.

Newcastle United will be looking to recruit well this summer to give themselves the best chance of a strong 2025/26 campaign. The Magpies will be in the Champions League once again and will no doubt be hoping to turn themselves into top-four regulars in the Premier League.

One area in which Eddie Howe’s side might look to improve this summer is at centre-back. Just like they were in 2024, Newcastle have been linked with Marc Guehi, but Football Insider report they will face competition from Arsenal.

Either way, Howe seems intent on strengthening the existing centre-back options, which include the likes of Dan Burn and Fabian Schar. Another target has recently come to fruition, for whom the Magpies could make a move.

Newcastle's latest centre-back target

It will be fascinating to see, not only whether Newcastle are successful in their pursuit of Guehi, but also whether he is the only centre-back who will sign this summer. They have certainly been linked with multiple players, and could make a move for another Premier League defender.

Transfer Focus

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

According to a report from 3 Added Minutes, the North East giants have opened talks to sign Brighton and Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke.

The report from Charlie Haffenden explains that Newcastle have ‘initiated talks with the player’s representatives’ ahead of a potential summer move.

Those at St James’ Park have ‘been keeping tabs on van Hecke’ this summer, but could still face competition from newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool.

As for a price, it was reported by Sussex World that the Dutchman ‘has a transfer guide price’ of at least £60m, but it could well be more.

Why Van Hecke would be a good signing

At 25 years of age, Van Hecke is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting centre-backs in the Premier League. This is perhaps highlighted best by the fact that he is a full international with the Netherlands.

Last season on the South Coast for Brighton, Van Hecke played a crucial role. He featured 34 times in the Premier League, missing three games due to a couple of separate, small injury issues and another with suspension.

As well as grabbing a goal and assist last term, he helped Fabian Hurzeler’s side keep eight clean sheets in the Premier League, featuring for all but one of those games across all 90 minutes. He is a pivotal figure at the back and could perhaps now be considered the leader of the backline at the AMEX Stadium.

If the Magpies were to sign Van Hecke this summer, he could act as a direct replacement, and an upgrade, for Blyth-born centre-back Burn. The England international is a well-loved figure at St James’ Park, but is now 33 years of age.

With that being said, the defender, who also moved to St James’ Park from Brighton, played in 37 games in the Premier League last season. He also scored a pivotal second goal in the Carabao Cup final.

However, to preserve his future in a Magpies shirt, and add an upgrade at the back ahead of the Champions League and top four push, signing Van Hecke would certainly be a smart move. He was described as an “outstanding” player by Pete Davey, a Newcastle content creator.

Indeed, that is a word that can be used to describe Van Hecke’s underlying stats on FBref, which are far better than Burn’s. The Dutchman is a superb progressive passer, which is his standout attribute.

Last season in the Premier League, he averaged 6.93 progressive passes and 3.98 ball recoveries per 90 minutes. In comparison, Newcastle’s number 33 averaged 2.03 progressive passes and 2.78 ball recoveries each game.

Progressive passes

6.93

2.03

Passes into final third

6.87

1.35

Blocks

1.12

0.97

Tackles and interceptions

2.1

1.78

Ball recoveries

3.98

2.78

As the numbers showcase, Van Hecke would be a huge upgrade on Burn for a number of reasons. Not only is he a sensational passer of the ball, but defensively, he has very few weaknesses, particularly with the way he reads the game.

Burn is an icon of Newcastle United, but is not getting any younger, and the chance to improve their defence by signing Van Hecke might be too good to pass up for Howe.

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Fabrizio Romano has shared an intriguing update on Arsenal and their transfer plans for the summer window, with one target set to speak to his agents about the possibility of a move to the Emirates Stadium this week.

Mikel Arteta set for talks with Arsenal co-chairman over striker plans

The Times and journalist Gary Jacob shared some very interesting news regarding Mikel Arteta and Gunners co-chair Josh Kroenke.

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ByEmilio Galantini May 26, 2025

According to their information, amid a plethora of reports linking them with a striker, Arteta and Kroenke are set for internal talks over signing a prolific centre-forward in the next few days, with Arsenal looking to solve their goalscoring problem.

Arsenal surrendered the Premier League title to Liverpool, finishing 10 points behind Arne Slot’s side, with the north Londoners failing to reach their previous heights in terms of ruthlessness in the final third.

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

Arteta’s men drew more games than any other side in the top ten over 24/25, scoring just 69 league goals in total, which is far fewer than the 91 and 88 they managed over the previous two seasons.

There has never been a more clear indication that Arsenal are in dire need of a striker, and Arteta publicly suggested that they have every intention of solving that issue among other concerns in the squad.

“Believe me, we are on it,” said Arteta about Arsenal potentially making a signing up front.

“We will try to squeeze and think and turn every stone that we possibly can, to make this club even more successful. But I think what these boys have done, the team has done, regarding everything that has happened, I repeat myself, I think they deserve a lot of credit.”

The result of these sit-down talks with Kroenke could have a profound effect on their chances of mounting a better Premier League title challenge next season, amid serious links to Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.

Viktor Gyokeres set to speak with agents about possible Arsenal move

The Swede ended 24/25 with 54 goals and 13 assists in all competitions, potentially signing-off on his Sporting career with a strike in the Portuguese Cup final against Benfica on Sunday.

Gyokeres is a top striker target for Arsenal, alongside RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, but it remains to be seen which marksman ends up at N5.

The 26-year-old has plenty of options, including Arteta’s side, with Romano sharing an update to GiveMeSport on Gyokeres’ plans after what was potentially his last game for Sporting.

Romano reports that Gyokeres is set to speak with his agents “in the next days” and assess all new destinations, including a possible move to Arsenal, and the ex-Coventry City star will make a decision on his next club “soon”.

Gyokeres’ rumoured price tag comes in at around £63 million, which could be seen as a bargain considering his exceptional goalscoring record, and it is peculiar that he hasn’t managed to seal a big-money move until this summer.

It adds further weight to some belief that Gyokeres is “massively underrated” in terms of strikers, and while you can make a case for a lack of quality in the Primeira Liga, the forward’s haul is hugely impressive no matter what division you’re playing in.

If there is one thing Arsenal need to add to their team this summer, it’s goals.

Mikel Arteta’s side finished as runners-up in the Premier League this year for the third time in as many campaigns, and while they produced the best defence in the competition, they scored 17 goals fewer than first-placed Liverpool.

So, it’s hardly been a surprise to see the Gunners so heavily linked with Viktor Gyokeres again recently, as the Swedish international managed to score 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting CP this season.

The former Coventry City star would be an incredible addition to Arsenal’s squad, and the good news is that, based on recent reports, they could be about to sign a wide attacker who’d be a dream teammate for him.

Arsenal's winger search

Before we get to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other talented wingers who have been linked with Arsenal in recent weeks and months, such as Kenan Yıldız and Rafael Leao.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

The former could cost around £68m and would certainly be an investment for the future, as while the 20-year-old enjoyed a good season with Juventus this year, he wasn’t exactly unplayable, racking up nine goals and seven assists in 48 games for the Old Lady.

Leao was a fair bit more effective than the youngster, scoring 12 goals and providing 13 assists in 50 appearances for AC Milan, but with a price tag of at least £84m, he might just be out of reach.

Fortunately, another exciting international has been heavily linked with the club, someone who’d cost a lot less than the Portuguese ace and could form a brilliant partnership with Gyokeres: Nico Williams.

Yes, according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are still incredibly interested in the Athletic Bilbao star.

In fact, Romano claims that the Spaniard is now at the “top” of the Gunners’ list of targets, although he has also revealed that German giants Bayern Munich are just as interested.

The Italian journalist reaffirms that the dynamic winger has a release clause in his current deal worth €58m, which comes out to around £49m, and that his salary demands could be a sticking point.

It looks like this could be a complicated and rather costly transfer to get over the line, but given Williams’ immense ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be unreal with Gyokeres.

Why Williams would be incredible for Gyokeres

Now, while there are likely many reasons why Williams could be an incredible teammate for Gyokeres, two take precedence, and the first is his output.

Since the start of the 23/24 season, the “electric” Spaniard, as dubbed by Statman Dave, has scored 19 goals and provided 25 assists in 82 appearances, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.86 games.

So, just imagine how devastatingly effective someone who’s racked up 97 goals and 28 assists in 102 games across the last two seasons might be with the Bilbao dynamo to his left and then Bukayo Saka to his right.

Williams’ recent form

Season

23/24

24/25

Appearances

37

45

Minutes

2729′

3130′

Goals

8

11

Asssists

18

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

0.40

Minutes per Goal Involvement

104.96′

173.88′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Not only would he have chance after chance created for him, but he’d also likely see his own assist tally increase.

The second reason why the Pamplona-born star will be so useful for the former Coventry poacher is that he’s incredibly direct and effective at taking on his opposite number.

For example, FBref places him in the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe for successful take-ons and the top 7% for progressive carries per 90, which in turn will force defenders to focus more on him, leaving space for the North Londoners’ other attackers to exploit.

Ultimately, Williams is an undeniably talented and dynamic winger who will be an exceptional teammate for Gyokeres, thanks to his output and ability to terrify defenders.

Therefore, even if his salary demands are high and the competition is fierce, Arsenal should do all they can to sign him this summer.

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jun 13, 2025

Sunderland are set for a busy summer of transfer business before the window closes at the start of September, as they look to build a team that can compete in the Premier League.

The Black Cats have already confirmed their first signing of the summer as Enzo Le Fee has joined the club on a permanent deal, after spending the second half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland’s French whiz scored one goal and provided one assist, whilst averaging 3.5 tackles and interceptions per game, in his 15 appearances in the Championship as a loanee.

The 25-year-old added a touch of class to the team, as shown in the clip below, and Regis Le Bris will be hoping that he can deliver in the Premier League as well.

Le Fee was not the only loan star on Wearside during the 2024/25 campaign, though, as central defender Chris Mepham was on loan from Bournemouth.

However, they have yet to agree a deal to bring the Wales international back to the Stadium of Light for the next Premier League season, despite a recent report claiming that they were considering a permanent move for him.

Why Sunderland may not sign Chris Mepham

Football Insider recently noted that Mepham has signed a one-year extension with the Cherries, which means that he will not be available on a free transfer this summer.

This means that Sunderland would have to pay a transfer fee for the central defender to sign him from their Premier League rivals, rather than being able to snap him up for nothing.

Whilst it remains to be seen how much Bournemouth would want for the centre-back, this could put the Black Cats off a potential deal as it may be more costly than previously expected.

Fellow newly-promoted side Burnley have also been linked with a possible swoop for the Welsh colossus, who was a solid, but not outstanding, performer for Sunderland in the second tier.

Tackles

1.3

7th

Interceptions

0.9

6th

Clearances

6.2

1st

Blocks

0.9

1st

Pass accuracy

87%

6th

Long passes made

2.1

5th

As you can see in the table above, Mepham excelled in some areas of the game, notably making blocks and clearances, but was not one of the top-performing defenders at the club when it came to making tackles or interceptions.

Sunderland may feel that they could find better value elsewhere in the market, as they look to bolster their defensive options, which may be one reason why they may not sign him on a permanent deal.

In fact, the Black Cats are reportedly looking at a Championship central defender who could be an even better signing than Mepham this summer.

Sunderland eyeing deal for Championship enforcer

According to the Daily Express, Sunderland are one of a number of clubs eyeing up a deal to sign Millwall centre-back Japhet Tanganga in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Black Cats, Leeds United, and Burnley all have a ‘concrete interest’ in the former Tottenham Hotspur defender, as they look to bolster their defensive options.

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 Crystal Palace are also keen on a deal for the 26-year-old enforcer, and that they could have an advantage in the race to sign him as a London club and a team with European football in the 2025/26 campaign.

The Daily Express reveals that he has a £1.2m release clause, that can only be activated by Premier League clubs this summer, which means that he could be a bargain signing for any of the interested teams.

It also reveals that Tanganga would like his future to be sorted by the end of the month, possibly to be ready for a pre-season with a new club, but it does not state what his preference is at this moment in time.

Why Sunderland should sign Japhet Tanganga

The Black Cats must now push to win the race for Tanganga ahead of Burnley, Leeds, and Palace because he could be an even better signing for the club than Mepham would be this summer.

Whilst the former Sunderland loanee is far from immobile, there may be concerns about how he would handle the step up in intensity and pace in the Premier League.

Whereas, Tanganga is an incredibly mobile and rapid central defender who can cover ground quickly and has the physicality to deal with top-flight attackers.

Carlton Palmer told Football League World: “He is capable of playing in the Premier League, he’s got the physical tools to cope with the demands of the top-flight with his positional play and reading of the game, while he has tremendous recovery pace.”

Appearances

38

40

Tackles per game

1.4

1.4

Interceptions per game

0.9

0.9

Dribbled past

0.5x

0.3x

Duels won per game

4.9

5.9

Ground duel success rate

55%

61%

Aerial duel success rate

63%

63%

As you can see in the table above, Tanganga’s superior physical attributes in comparison to Mepham were on display in the Championship last season.

The Millwall colossus was dribbled past less frequently, which is because he has the pace to keep up with attackers when they try to knock it past him, and won a higher percentage of his duels on the ground overall.

This suggests that Tanganga would be more suited to dealing with Premier League attackers in one-on-one situations defensively than Mepham would be next season, due to his more impressive physicality.

Therefore, he could be a better signing for the Black Cats this summer because he is more likely to deal with the step up to the top-flight to help Le Bris’ side in their battle against relegation.

Sunderland now make approach for £13k-p/w defender with 25 UCL appearances

The Black Cats have launched a move for a “talented” player, who has tested himself in the Champions League.

ByDominic Lund Jun 12, 2025

It is now down to Sunderland to activate his £1.2m release clause and to convince him to make the move to the Stadium of Light, instead of joining one of the other three interested parties from the Premier League.

Going in search of their next Tom Rogic, Celtic now reportedly have concrete interest in signing an attacking addition who’s valued at just £1.5m ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

Next Rogic could be key for Rodgers

During his time at the club, Rogic more than played his part to continue Celtic’s Scottish dominance and ensure that Brendan Rodgers’ first spell ended with a place in the history books. Now, in his second stint in charge, it’s clear just how much of an impact a player in a similar mould would have on the current Celtic side.

Tom Rogic at Celtic	Stats (via Transfermarkt)
Appearances	272
Goals	46
Assists	51
Scottish Premiership titles	7
Scottish Cups	5
Scottish League Cups	5

A player who made his mark going forward in key moments, Rogic’s best work came when working under Rodgers, who was full of praise for the Australian during his time in Scotland.

The Celtic boss told reporters when Rogic returned from a spell on the sidelines in 2017: “He’s back in the squad. The magic man is back – what a player. He’s an amazing player. I think he can grow into one of the top midfield players in Europe.

“You saw him grow in the Champions League. You saw him against Manchester City and just purr at his quality. There was a big disappointment when he got injured because the week building up to it he was amazing. Top players know where there is space and he’s as good as any I’ve seen at finding space.”

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Eight years on, Rogic is now retired and Rodgers is searching for his next arrivals at Celtic amid reports that the Bhoys have now set their sights on signing a 23-year-old star who has already been compared to the Australian.

Celtic interested in "Rogic-esque" Fallenius

According to Fotboll Direkt in Sweden, Celtic now have a concrete interest in signing Oskar Fallenius from Djurgarden this summer afetr sending scouts to watch him in aciton.

The winger reportedly cost the Swedish club just £1.5m in 2023, but that price is only likely to increase if they decide to sell their emerging star in the coming months.

Celtic’s interest should come as no shock. As detailed by Celtic Down Under’s – a Celtic fan channel in Australia – and X account UnDiluted, Fallenius is a potential “Rogic-esque” fit on the Bhoys’ radar.

The podcaster reiterated that whilst the Swede is not a like-for-like clone of Rogic, he does share some similar traits. The Australian’s greatest strengths came in his close control, powerful striking ability and creative vision. In comparison, Fallenius is similarly physical – standing at 5’11 and reportedly has a reputation for his skill and movement.

With that said and Celtic’s interest reportedly concrete, Fallenius looks set to be one to watch in the coming months.

Celtic appear to be closing in on an exciting addition to their attacking arsenal as they pursue a deal for FC Nordsjaelland winger Benjamin Nygren.

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph recently claimed that the Hoops are close to agreeing a fee to sign the Sweden international from the Danish outfit.

For a fee of around £2m, the 23-year-old attacker could be a very cost-effective and shrewd signing for Brendan Rodgers ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Why £2m is a bargain fee for Benjamin Nygren

The Scottish giants appear set to land a bargain deal for the left-footed winger because his contract with Nordsjaelland is due to expire at the end of December.

This means that the Danish outfit have to cash in now, for a reduced fee, because they would otherwise risk losing him for nothing in the January transfer window at the start of next year.

It also looks to be a bargain because of the quality that he could provide at the top end of the pitch, after the flanker scored 15 goals in 30 league matches this season.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

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The £2m fee also means that Nygren is set to be worth less than the majority of the Celtic squad, including centre-back Liam Scales, who the club have hit gold on.

Celtic have hit the jackpot on Liam Scales

The Hoops swooped to sign the Ireland international from Shamrock Rovers in the summer of 2021 for a reported fee of £500k, which has turned out to be a bargain fee for the defender.

Scales has scored six goals in 97 appearances for the Scottish giants in all competitions to date, and has been a regular starter at the back under Rodgers in the past two seasons.

The left-footed titan even made the PFA Team of the Year, alongside defensive partner Cameron Carter-Vickers, at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, thanks to his impressive showings in the Scottish Premiership.

Scales’ emergence as a regular starter, and excellent performer, for the Hoops in the last two seasons has caused his market value to soar way beyond the £500k they initially paid for him, and beyond the fee they are set to pay for Nygren.

Liam Scales’ soaring market value

Date

Market valuation

July 2021

£500k

December 2022

£600k

December 2023

£1.7m

May 2024

£2.1m

October 2024

£3m

December 2024

£3.4m

March 2025

£3m

June 2025

£3.4m

Valuations via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old defender’s value is now at a whopping £3.4m, which is significantly more than the £500k they invested in him four years ago.

It also means that Scales, who was dubbed “underrated” by Neil Lennon, is worth £1.4m more than a winger who scored 15 league goals this season, Nygren, which is still impressive in spite of the forward’s contractual situation.

His market value shows that Celtic hit the jackpot by snapping him up from Shamrock Rovers for a modest fee, as he has developed into a regular starter and a very valuable asset who could make the club a healthy profit in the future if they decide to cash in on him.

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Hopefully, Scales will continue to be a dependable figure at the back for the Scottish giants next season, which could lead to his value soaring even higher.