West Ham United are reportedly leading the race to sign a “phenomenon” for Graham Potter in a £25m transfer, according to one journalist.
West Ham transfer rumours after big 2024/25 spending spree
It is fair to say that the Hammers didn’t live up to expectations in the 2024/25 Premier League season, finishing 14th with 43 points from 38 games.
That came after a big spending spree in the summer under the guidance of ex-technical director Tim Steiden and former boss Julen Lopetegui. They also brought in Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton in the January transfer window after parting ways with Lopetegui and bringing in Potter.
Max Kilman
Wolves
€47.5m
Crysencio Summerville
Leeds United
€29.3m
Niclas Fullkrug
Borussia Dortmund
€27m
Luis Guilherme
Palmeiras
€23m
Mohamadou Kante
Paris FC
Undisclosed
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Man Utd
€18m
Wes Foderingham
Sheffield United
Free transfer
Guido Rodriguez
Real Betis
Free transfer
Jean-Clair Todibo
Nice
Loan transfer
Carlos Soler
PSG
Loan transfer
Evan Ferguson
Brighton
Loan transfer
This summer, the Irons may have to look at sales alongside signings, with teenage striker Daniel Cummings already agreeing to join the club from Celtic on July 1.
Mohammed Kudus is the West Ham star who is being linked with a move away from the London Stadium, being offered to Chelsea, according to Sky Sports.
In discussions between the Hammers and their London rivals, West Ham asked about the availability of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, a player Potter knows well from his time at Brighton.
West Ham now racing to sign 24 G/A midfielder who's "out of this world"
The Hammers are now in a straight shoot-out with a rival Premier League club for the signature of a goal-scoring midfielder.
ByDominic Lund Jun 3, 2025
A new shot-stopper to replace the departing Lukasz Fabianski and rival Alphonse Areola is therefore on the to-do list, and an update has emerged on West Ham’s pursuit of Aaron Ramsdale.
West Ham “favourites to sign” £25m Ramsdale
Talking to TBR Football, journalist Graeme Bailey provided an update on Ramsdale’s future with a move expected following Southampton’s relegation.
As well as stating the goalkeeper’s £25m release clause, Bailey said that West Ham like the keeper “a lot” and named the Irons as “favourites to sign” Ramsdale ahead of Leeds United and Newcastle United.
On £120,000-a-week at St Mary’s, Ramsdale, called a “phenomenon” by Ian Wright during his time at Arsenal, would bring plenty of top-flight experience to the London Stadium.
However, the Englishman has been relegated from the Premier League on three separate occasions. In 2020, Ramsdale went down with Bournemouth and a year later, suffered the same fate with Sheffield United.
Should West Ham secure his services, they’ll be hoping it’s not four relegations come the summer of 2026.
Aston Villa will be busy this summer in the transfer market, even if they miss out on Champions League qualification.
As it stands, the club need to win their final game of the campaign and hope for Chelsea, Newcastle United or Man City to suffer a slip-up.
If so, the riches of Europe’s top-tier competition will fill the coffers once again, allowing Unai Emery to sign high-profile players this summer.
Signing a new goalkeeper might be a priority heading into the transfer window, especially with Emiliano Martínez’s future in doubt.
Aston Villa’s search for a new goalkeeper
According to Football Insider, the enigmatic Argentinian is expected to depart Villa Park this summer for a new challenge.
He has been with the club since 2020, turning 33 at the start of the 2025/26 campaign, suggesting Emery is right to cash in now.
As such, this means the club will need a new goalkeeper to take them forward, and according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, it appears as though Lucas Chevalier is the preferred candidate.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The Midlands side have approached the youngster regarding a potential move to the Premier League, although no transfer fee has been reported as yet.
The 23-year-old has a contract with Lille until 2027, which means now is the ideal time for the French club to sell. Will Villa make their move soon? Especially if Martinez is seeking a quick exit.
Why Aston Villa must sign Lucas Chevalier
Martinez may have made over 200 appearances for Villa, but a few mistakes have crept into his game this season. Indeed, he’s made five errors leading to a shot in the Premier League, as per Sofascore.
His mistake against PSG saw Villa exit the Champions League, while he parried a shot directed straight at him by Bernardo Silva into the Villa net during the recent defeat to Man City.
Metric
Ligue 1
Champions League
Goals conceded
36
13
Clean sheets
11
1
Saves per game
2.8
3.2
Goals conceded per game
1.1
1.3
Touches
36.4
39.7
Signing Chevalier could be an upgrade on the former Arsenal keeper, especially when comparing their domestic statistics this season.
Indeed, the Frenchman has conceded fewer goals than Martinez this term (36 vs 45), while also conceding fewer goals per 90 (1.06 vs 1.29), having a higher save percentage (74.6% vs 67.9%) and keeping more clean sheets (11 vs eight) across their respective domestic seasons.
Add in the fact that the current Lille number one is nine years younger than the Argentinian, making a move for him in the coming weeks could be shrewd business by the club.
Following an excellent 2023/24 campaign for the Ligue 1 side where he made 2.8 saves per game and conceded just 32 goals in 33 games, talent scout Jacek Kulig lavished praise on him, saying Chevalier was “one of the most talented young goalkeepers in Europe.”
If Emery manages to lead Villa into the group stages of the Champions League, it will do his chances of landing Chevalier the world of good.
Lucas Chevalier for LOSC Lille.
He kept a clean sheet against Real Madrid in the competition earlier this season, proving he has what it takes to star at the highest level. Much will depend on the Frenchman’s price tag, but signing Chevalier must be a priority this summer.
Atletico Madrid want to sign Aston Villa "destroyer" alongside Emi Martinez
Atletico Madrid could seal quite the double swoop.
History has a funny way of repeating itself with Sheffield United now failing to win promotion via the Championship playoffs despite reaching a grand 90-point total, much like their foes Leeds United before them.
However, there would be no chuckles at the full-time whistle when the Blades’ fate was confirmed, with Black Cats hotshot Tommy Watson the player to unfortunately stick the dagger in when scoring late on to gift Regis Le Bris’ men a dramatic 2-1 win.
The United players all stood around stunned as Watson wheeled away in celebration, considering the Blades had been leading the crunch game for all of 76 minutes, before Eliezer Mayenda initially began the triumphant Sunderland turnaround.
Now, it’s back to the drawing board for Chris Wilder and Co. after this staggering tenth playoff heartbreak, with a number of underperformers letting their passionate manager down and the expectant United masses watching on.
Sheffield United underperformers vs Sunderland
Of course, United will hope they can emulate Daniel Farke’s Whites further by going on to win the title next season.
But, in the here and now, it’s time to watch over the display and pinpoint what went wrong, with United’s wastefulness costing them dear when looking at the numbers.
Only Tyrese Campbell would be able to beat Anthony Patterson, but Wilder’s men would boast a heftier xG of 1.46 at the full-time whistle next to Sunderland’s 0.71, which highlights just how much their lack of a clinical edge was their undoing.
Rhian Brewster wouldn’t even register a single shot at Patterson’s net during his lacklustre 65-minute run-out, whilst Sydie Peck also looked out-of-sorts as a midfield battler – away from United’s stunted attacking might – when uncharacteristically losing out on three of his four ground duels.
But, away from those mentioned, there was one attacker who struggled in every aspect of his individual game at Wembley, meaning he could now be sold this summer as Wilder’s men attempt to quickly patch up their wounds.
The 6/10 United star who must never play again
During such a high-stakes affair, moments of madness can occur.
With the clock ticking over into extra time, Kieffer Moore unfortunately experienced one of those erratic instances as his miscued pass fell straight to the feet of Watson to hammer home a 95th-minute decider.
Ultimately, this moment would kindly hand Sunderland a path up to the Premier League, but Moore struggled throughout the game, away from just inexplicably setting up the Black Cats’ last-gasp winner.
Indeed, the towering Welshman would frustratingly fail to get on the scoresheet early on as one of his two efforts on the day was heroically saved by Patterson, on top of further displaying his rash approach on the ball across the full 90 minutes when he only completed nine accurate passes in total.
Minutes played
90
Goals scored
0
Assists
0
Touches
37
Accurate passes
9/24 (38%)
Possession lost
20x
Shots
2
Big chances missed
1
Successful dribbles
0/1
Accurate crosses
0/1
Accurate long balls
0/1
Total duels won
12/22
To add insult to injury, the table above doesn’t make for pretty reading either, with Moore also squandering possession 20 times alongside failing to complete a single successful dribble during what was an extremely bad day at the office for the Welshman.
With only six goals scored across the entire season, it could be time now for United to reassess whether the 6/10 dud – as he was rated post-match by journalist Leon Wobschall – is the best possible option in the centre-forward areas moving forward or whether a fresh face up top is now needed.
On the evidence of Saturday’s display, it looks like his time could be up in a Blades shirt, ahead of the looming summer window.
Whatever does take place, it’s going to be a bumpy summer for all those with connections to Bramall Lane as another season in the unforgiving Championship is depressingly on the cards.
Wilder's own Dan Ballard: Sheffield United have struck gold with £14m star
Chris Wilder actually possesses his own Daniel Ballard ahead of Sheffield United’s playoff final showdown versus Sunderland.
Newcastle United are in the market for new blood this summer and could now have taken one step closer to landing a reported target following a recent scouting mission.
Newcastle's Champions League hopes set to define summer window
Over the weekend, the Magpies defied pressure on their shoulders by claiming a vital three points over Chelsea that has put them in pole position to seal a Champions League qualification slot. Eddie Howe knows that a victory over Arsenal next weekend will effectively clinch their place in Europe’s Premier competition before a final day at home to Everton that will be savoured by supporters.
Crucially, Newcastle’s return to the Champions League will provide greater scope to bring marquee arrivals to the North East to join PIF’s ambitious vision for the club. Per reports, Bryan Mbeumo is said to be their top target after a brilliant campaign for Brentford that has also drawn the attention of Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.
Harvey Elliott is another high-profile star on Newcastle’s radar and there is growing suspicion that the Magpies are now set to put forward a formal proposal for the England Under-21 international.
As good as Tonali & Bruno: Newcastle star is proving he's the new Solano
Newcastle United eased past Chelsea 2-0 with this star proving he could be the club’s next Nolberto Solano.
1 ByKelan Sarson May 11, 2025
For now, finishing as high in the Premier League table will take precedence for the Magpies. They still have a chance of sealing an impressive achievement of claiming second place, which would stack up nicely next to their EFL Cup triumph.
Moving towards regular title challenges will be the eventual aim for Newcastle, who now have a talented defender in their sights that could help them on their journey.
Newcastle send scouts to watch Brentford defender Nathan Collins
According to TBR, Newcastle sent scouts to watch Brentford defender Nathan Collins against Ipswich Town on Saturday as he helped the Bees keep a clean sheet in a vital 1-0 victory that has kept their European hopes alive.
Sending representatives to take in his performance is a sign of growing interest in the 28-cap Republic of Ireland international, who is also wanted by Arsenal following a string of excellent displays this term.
Nathan Collins’ impressive season for Brentford – Premier League
Tackles won
22
Aerial duels won
118
Interceptions
33
Recoveries
154
Duels won
187
Pass accuracy
86.3%
Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is another on the radar heading into the summer, which won’t come as too much of a surprise due to Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar heading towards the latter stage of their respective careers.
Labelled “fantastic” by John O’Shea, Collins has registered an impressive two goals and five assists in 40 appearances across all competitions this season. With room to develop further at 24-years-old, the Leixlip-born man would be an ideal addition for the Geordies to add strength in depth at the back as they look forward to another exciting campaign under Howe.
Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic were two key components of the Manchester United side that achieved huge levels of success during the Sir Alex Ferguson era.
The pair cemented their places at the heart of the defence for many years, helping the Red Devils win multiple Premier League and Champions League titles.
Partnerships like that are very hard to come by in the modern game, with current boss Ruben Amorim dreaming of having such a duo at the heart of his backline in 2024/25.
The Portuguese manager has already led the club to a Europa League final during his first few months in charge, with this summer crucial if he is to be a success at Old Trafford.
With just a couple of months left until the opening of the transfer window, the manager has already wasted no time in identifying targets who could improve his defensive department.
An update on United’s hunt for new defenders this summer
Given the fact United have conceded 51 times in the Premier League this campaign, it’s no surprise to see the hierarchy targeting reinforcements within the backline.
Dean Huijsen is just one player who they have already entered talks with, but the Red Devils face huge competition from other English sides such as Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle United.
Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen
However, he’s not the only option on their shortlist, with Inter Milan star Yann Bisseck the latest star appearing on their radar, according to one Spanish outlet.
Their report claims that Amorim’s men are considering making an offer for the German international, with his aggressive approach and ability to play out from the back catching the eye.
It also states that the 24-year-old would be open to a potential move to Old Trafford this summer, with personal terms not expected to be an issue if a fee is agreed between the two sides.
How United could form the next Ferdinand & Vidic
Within United’s current first-team picture, it’s unclear how many players will be kept and who will be sold to raise funds for Amorim to make his own impact on the squad.
However, centre-back Leny Yoro will certainly be a key part of his plans at the Theatre of Dreams after joining from Ligue 1 outfit LOSC Lille in a £52m deal less than 12 months ago.
The 19-year-old has already made 30 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25, leading to comparisons to former defender Ferdinand, having the potential to star for the club for many years to come.
Yoro will need his own version of a Vidic to partner him at the heart of the defence, with Inter’s Bisseck potentially providing just that and allowing for another excellent partnership for Amorim.
The Serbian was a dominant force at the back for United during his eight-year spell at the Theatre of Dreams, making 300 appearances and registering 21 goals – having a huge impact at both ends of the pitch.
Such achievements have undoubtedly cemented his place in the club’s history forever, with summer target Bisseck able to follow suit and be the Red Devils’ next version of the Serbian star.
When delving into his stats from the ongoing campaign, he’s showcased his talents, having the chance to further progress his game should he make the switch to England.
Inter Milan defender Yann Bisseck
The German, who’s been labelled “one of the best centre-backs” by Lothar Matthäus, has managed to complete 92% of the passes he’s attempted – handing the manager another comfortable ball-playing option at the back.
Without the ball, Bisseck has also been just as impressive, winning 73% of the tackles he’s entered, along with 74% aerials won – highlighting his dominant nature in the air, in the mould of Vidic.
Games played
24
Goals & assists
4
Pass accuracy
92%
Tackles won
73%
Duels won
4.3
Aerials won
2.7
Aerial success rate
74%
Interceptions made
1.1
Recoveries made
3.7
He’s also managed to make 1.1 interceptions per 90 and has made 3.7 recoveries, offering an added defensive presence at the back – handing Amorim his own version of Ferdinand and Vidic with the German alongside Yoro.
It’s unclear how much a deal for the 24-year-old would cost the hierarchy this summer, but it’s evident that he has all of the tools needed to impress in England’s top-flight.
If he does get anywhere close to the levels produced by the Serbian in the Premier League, it would be a bargain regardless of the fee, with him and the Frenchman having the chance to catapult the club back to its former glory in the years ahead.
The new Amrabat: Amorim must axe 4/10 Man Utd man who lost the ball 15x
Manchester United booked their place in the Europa League final last night, setting up a clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
Arsenal have communicated to the board of Real Madrid that they’re about to seal the deal for a “world-class” player, according to an intriguing report.
Arsenal's summer transfer plans ramp up amid Champions League campaign
On the field, Mikel Arteta has one clear focus after missing out on the Premier League crown to Liverpool – winning Arsenal their first ever Champions League title.
Arteta sold Arsenal gem for just £4m, now he's outscoring Isak & Sesko
The incredible poacher would have been useful for Arsenal this season.
ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 28, 2025
The Gunners face Ligue 1 champions PSG over two historic European semi-final legs which could define their campaign, and Luis Enrique’s side come as a very tough obstacle they must overcome.
Bournemouth (home)
May 3rd
Liverpool (away)
May 11th
Newcastle United (home)
May 18th
Southampton (away)
May 25th
Arsenal will take encouragement from Aston Villa’s entertaining win against them in the last round at Villa Park, which proved they’re not unbeatable, with OGC Nice also ending the club’s unbeaten streak in the French top flight by clinching a surprise 3-1 win at the Parc des Princes last Friday.
The north Londoners already boast a victory against PSG this term, with Arsenal beating them 2-0 at the Emirates in October, so it is clear that Arteta’s side are in with a real chance of reaching their first Champions League final since 2006.
“I think prepare as well as you possibly can,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s excitement to face PSG over the two legs. “Make sure that your energy is balanced. Make sure that you’re understanding what you have to do. It’s time to express yourself out there and enjoy being a footballer and playing in one of the best stages that you can play in world football.”
New sporting director Andrea Berta, meanwhile, is working to prepare for his first summer transfer window in his new role.
Reports suggest Arsenal are looking to strengthen Arteta’s squad across the board, and could spend as much as £300 million doing so (GiveMeSport). One of their key transfer plans for the summer is signing a star new central midfield player, despite Arsenal recently opening talks with Thomas Partey over a contract extension.
Arsenal tell Real Madrid they've "practically finalised" Zubimendi deal
According to Cadena SER, Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, who’s been targeted for a pre-summer deal since January (The Mail), is very nearly through the door.
Multiple reports last week, including from both David Ornstein and Marca reporter Juan Castro, indicated that there is real belief at Arsenal that they’re on the verge of sealing a deal for Zubimendi, with Cadena making another interesting claim.
The outlet shares news of Arsenal informing Real Madrid’s board that their signing of Zubmendi is “practically finalised”, with the Whites told that they may have to look elsewhere in pursuit of a new midfielder.
Premier League sides are apparently threatening to scupper their summer plans, with Chelsea also viewed as Real’s main competitors for Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, while it is believed Los Blancos may not have the financial firepower to compete with England’s elite.
It seems as if Zubimendi’s £51 million release clause will be triggered by Arsenal, and a wide array of media sources, including Cadena, suggest the Spain international will be Berta’s first major signing as director.
The “world-class” technician, as he was called by Kieran Tierney, has also been described as the “perfect” midfielder for Arsenal (Fabrizio Romano).
When Liverpool beat West Ham United, responding after losing against Fulham one week earlier, it felt like a corner had been turned. Perhaps that defeat at Craven Cottage was the final twist in the overtures of a certain Premier League triumph.
The ribbons will turn red this season. Later this afternoon, Liverpool have the chance to win the top-flight title against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, should they return to winning ways on the road and second-placed Arsenal fall at Ipswich Town earlier in the day.
Though Mikel Arteta’s attention is almost solely focused on the continental stage, this feels improbable, if not out of the question. In any case, it’s a matter of when, not if, Arne Slot will join an exclusive list of managers to lift the Premier League trophy on their first attempt.
2004/05
Jose Mourinho
Chelsea
2009/10
Carlo Ancelotti
Chelsea
2013/14
Manuel Pellegrini
Man City
2016/17
Antonio Conte
Chelsea
Leicester might be doomed but they still have quality in attack and will look to capitalise on any Liverpool complacency.
Liverpool team news
Trent Alexander-Arnold is back in first-team training after his ankle injury suffered against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield last month.
However, Conor Bradley looks set to reprise his role at right-back, with the under-fire Andy Robertson pushing for a recall after his cameo last week, skewing into his own net off the bench following a mix-up with the skipper.
Joe Gomez remains absent due to an ankle injury, but Darwin Nunez could feature after missing out on Merseyside one week ago.
Darwin Nunez for Liverpool
Nunez might be destined for departure this summer, but his return does boost a Liverpool frontline looking to return to its best.
That’s not to say the Reds have been poor in attack lately, but Mohamed Salah hasn’t scored in five games, Diogo Jota and Nunez are out of sorts and Cody Gakpo hasn’t got going again since recovering from injury.
How Slot can respark Liverpool's frontline
Liverpool looked somewhat back to normal last weekend as they secured victory over West Ham, all but sealing the already overwhelming odds in the title race following Arsenal’s draw at Brentford.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah
Salah, after renewing his contract, produced a stunning trivela assist for Luis Diaz, the one man in Slot’s attack who is very much on form right now.
However, the Egyptian, 32, will be desperate to return his name to the scoresheet as he looks to build on his haul of 32 goals across all competitions
For whatever reason, it’s not quite clicking for Salah in front of goal. But it will again. With Trent not fit enough to start from the outset, Slot might be inclined to unleash Harvey Elliott in midfield, perhaps replacing Dominik Szoboszlai.
Liverpool enjoy the Hungarian’s tireless running but a more fixed creative point could be the perfect solvent of unfluent play in and around the final third.
Liverpool player Harvey Elliott
Having featured prominently under Jurgen Klopp last year during Liverpool’s injury-hit spell, Elliott has played a reduced part since the spinning of the managerial wheel, yet to even start in the Premier League this year. Still he’s got six goal involvements across the different competitions.
And it’s not as if he hasn’t demonstrated his capacities when given a shot. As per FBref, Elliott ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for all of goals, assists and shot-creating actions, the top 3% for progressive passes and the top 5% for progressive carries per 90.
This perfectly illustrates his ball-playing game and skill in driving into dangerous positions, but most importantly, it underlines his ability to maximise his output when reaching such junctures, something Salah will be eyeing hungrily.
24/25
12 (0)
0
1
23/24
34 (11)
3
6
22/23
32 (18)
1
2
21/22
6 (4)
0
0
20/21*
0 (0)
0
0
19/20
2 (0)
0
0
As you can see, Elliott’s playing a bit part for the first time since his debut campaign, having only featured six times in 2021/22 but starting on four of those occasions before suffering a season-ending injury at Elland Road.
Elliott, described as a “special talent” by Sky Sports’ Neil Mellor, hasn’t played all that much this season, but he has showcased his vast playmaking skills on numerous occasions. For example, Liverpool might have been abject in their Carabao Cup final defeat against Newcastle United, but subs combined to score a late consolation, the young midfielder expertly playing Federico Chiesa through.
Ultimately, claiming that Liverpool are out of sorts simply isn’t true, having won five of their past six Premier League matches, but fans have been frustrated by the lack of spark in the centre at times this term and Elliott surely deserves a starting berth having been limited to full appearances in the cup competitions.
He’s come up trumps on several occasions, notably scoring the winner in the first leg against PSG, but now the £40k-per-week talent needs a chance to show he can pull strings in the Premier League and bring Salah back into goalscoring form.
Salah doesn’t dribble as much as he used to but he’s hardly averse to an electric burst, and with Elliott’s crisp timing, it could be the perfect tonic for his recent struggles to break the net.
Harvey Elliott celebrates for Liverpool
Elliott has acknowledged Salah for “teaching him” over the past several years at Liverpool, and now he has the chance to repay his tutor on what could be a momentous day for the Merseysiders.
Leicester won’t want to repeat some of their dismal displays of late, but if Elliott gets into a creative flow and connects with Salah, the Foxes simply won’t have a say in the matter.
Worth more than Huijsen: Slot has hit the jackpot on Liverpool "monster"
Liverpool hope to employ this star for many years to come.
Using Evangelos Marinakis’ extensive portfolio of clubs to their advantage, Nottingham Forest are now reportedly willing to meet one target’s price-tag this summer in pursuit of boosting their attacking options.
Nottingham Forest plotting statement summer
With just six games to go in the Premier League, Nottingham Forest sit third and four points clear of Manchester City in sixth, who are on course to miss out on Champions League football. And whilst there will still be some nerves around the City Ground, the fact that fifth will still be enough to secure a place among Europe’s elite should give them more than enough of a safety net.
Nuno Espirito Santo recently delivered his verdict on the positive Champions League news, albeit whilst reiterating that it will not change the approach that Nottingham Forest take.
The manager told reporters in the build-up to his side’s game against Everton: “It’s in our hands. It opens one more space so there is more contenders but for us it doesn’t change anything. Our approach will be the same. I think we have a great opportunity to achieve something great.”
Bringing European football back to the City Ground would leave Espirito Santo’s name cemented in the history books, but this season’s success may yet just be the start of a special era.
He's outscored Wood: Nottingham Forest now plotting move to sign £80m star
He’s a wanted man…
ByTom Cunningham Apr 11, 2025
Qualification for next season’s Champions League would mean that a place in Nottingham Forest’s squad would suddenly be among the most attractive in the Premier League and that has already seen a number of targets lined up ahead of the summer transfer window.
Names as big as Victor Osimhen have even been mentioned on Forest’s radar, whilst they could also look towards South America for incomings.
Nottingham Forest willing to meet Clayton's valuation
According to Record, as relayed by Sports Witness, Nottingham Forest are now willing to spend in the race to sign Clayton this summer. The impressive centre-forward is currently on loan from Vasco da Gama at Rio Ave – a club also owned by Marinakis – in a deal that is expected to become permanent when the summer transfer window arrives.
Of course, if that does prove to be the case then Forest’s pursuit should become far easier thanks to Marinakis. The Greek owner could use his place at both sides to help connect any potential deal this summer, which would reportedly be worth around €10m (£9m) – a price Nottingham Forest are willing to pay.
Clayton celebrates scoring for Rio Ave.
26 years old and at the peak of his powers having scored 17 goals and assisted a further two in all competitions so far this season, Clayton could quickly turn into the bargain of the summer if he carried over his form from Portugal to the Midlands.
Given that Chris Wood is now 33 years old and Taiwo Awoniyi remains unconvincing too, Nottingham Forest could make their move to sign the forward at the perfect time.
The international break has finally come to an end, and Tottenham Hotspur are back in action this evening.
Unfortunately, given how poorly Ange Postecoglou’s side have fared in the Premier League this season, that might not be such a good thing for the fans.
However, with some time away, there is every chance the North Londoners could get back on track away to fierce rivals Chelsea, although the manager should drop Yves Bissouma from the starting lineup.
Tottenham Hotspur's YvesBissoumaarrives before the match
Against Fulham, the Mali international received a paltry 3/10 match rating from Alasdair Gold, who criticised him for his ‘dreadful’ use of the ball and ‘panicked’ passes, enough for him to be hooked at half-time.
Fortunately, the perfect player to replace the former Brighton & Hove Albion ace was just declared fit to play by Postecoglou in his pre-match press conference yesterday afternoon.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Spurs team news
Postecoglou sat down and spoke to the media yesterday and revealed the state of the squad heading into today’s game.
Starting with the bad news, it should come as no surprise that Radu Dragusin is still ruled out for the rest of the season following surgery, although Dejan Kulusevski and Kevin Danso have also been confirmed to be out of contention.
According to the Australian, the pair are “working hard” and “progressing well” but remain “a couple of weeks away” from being in contention again.
Moving from those who are 100% ruled out to those who are very unlikely to feature, and there is just one player in this category: Richarlison.
The Brazilian forward came off in the League Cup semi-final at Anfield in February and hasn’t featured since, but according to the boss, “he’s training with the main training group,” and while it’s very unlikely he features tonight, he could be involved on the weekend.
Finally, the only player confirmed to be back in contention is Lucas Bergvall. He returned from international duty early with an illness, and he should replace Bissouma in the middle of the park tonight.
Why Bergvall should start
So, based on his diabolical performance last time out, it’s not particularly hard to argue for Bissouma to be dropped, but why should Bergvall be the one to come in for him?
Well, despite still being just 19 years old, he has proven time and time again this season that he is more than capable of starting top-flight games for Spurs, and not just that, but thriving in them.
Total Carrying Distance
273.66
Top 3%
Switches
0.77
Top 4%
GCA (Shot)
0.10
Top 5%
Successful Take-Ons
1.83
Top 5%
Shots Blocked
0.67
Top 7%
Interceptions
1.64
Top 9%
Passes Completed
52.52
Top 10%
For example, FBref places the young Swede in the top 3% of midfielders in the Premier League for total carrying distance, the top 4% for switches, the top 5% for goal-creating actions from shots and successful take-ons, the top 7% for shots blocked, the top 9% for interceptions and more, all per 90.
These statistics show that the “generational” talent, as journalist Mitch Fretton dubbed him, could be the complete midfielder one day. Not only is he contributing in the attacking phase, but he’s also more than helping out with the defensive side of the game, which will be important at Stamford Bridge.
Moreover, he’s also contributed five goal involvements across all competitions, which, again, is seriously impressive for a teenager in his first season with a ‘big six’ side.
Finally, starting him over the Bissouma just makes sense from a future planning perspective. If reports suggesting the latter will be moved on in the summer are true, what is the point in playing him over a youngster who could be the future of the team’s midfield?
Ultimately, Bergvall may still be young and relatively inexperienced, but he’s already proven himself to be immensely talented this season and, therefore, has to start tonight.
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Fergus O’Neill completed an excellent match with the bat to help seal the chase after Jordan Buckingham had come within a whisker of a hat-trick
AAP07-Oct-2025Victoria 343 for 9 dec (Handscomb 103, O’Neill 64, Harris 61, Pope 3-87) and 231 for 6 (Peake 70*, Buckingham 3-43) beat South Australia 350 for 9 dec (Hunt 126, Lehmann 113, Perry 4-75) and 223 (Nielsen 52, Warren 5-69) by four wicketsTeenager Oliver Peake guided Victoria to an impressive four-wicket win over reigning Sheffield Shield champions South Australia.The highly regarded Peake could have been out first ball, but instead played an early career-shaping knock to steer Victoria to the tricky chase of 231 at Adelaide Oval on Tuesday.Related
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After barely surviving a hat-trick ball to begin his stay, the 19-year-old showed composure beyond his years to finish unbeaten on 70 from 147 deliveries.Seamer Fergus O’Neill (33*) provided great support for Peake in an unbeaten 84-run partnership for Victoria, who lost Sam Harper at an important time when the wicketkeeper was batting well.O’Neill hit the winning runs in the dying stages of day four, upsetting SA in their first match since breaking their 29-year Shield drought in March.It was only Peake’s second Shield game for Victoria, and fifth first-class match, after playing three matches for Australia A this year. His clutch performance would have delighted Australian selectors, who have been tracking the young gun’s progress closely.It came after SA quick Jordan Buckingham (3-43) fell agonisingly short of a hat-trick, with Henry Hunt dropping a sharp chance at short leg.After dismissing former Test players Marcus Harris and Peter Handscomb in consecutive balls, Buckingham had the opportunity to make history. Peake clipped the hat-trick ball off his legs, but Hunt put down the reflex chance to deny Buckingham and change the momentum of the chase.In the first innings, Handscomb posted an outstanding innings in a reminder he might not be done at international level. Handscomb, whose most recent Test was against India in March 2023, faced 180 balls and hit seven fours and two sixes.But SA captain and Test hopeful Nathan McSweeney endured a poor Shield opener, out for a duck and 6.