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Sunderland are now close to reaching an agreement over the signing of an “absolutely sensational” player, according to a key update from journalist Loic Jego.

Perhaps the major piece of Black Cats transfer business that has emerged recently is their pursuit of OGC Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka, who is considered a top summer target.

Sunderland are believed to be in talks with the 25-year-old over a move to the Stadium of Light, as Regis Le Bris strengthens his options between the sticks ahead of his side’s return to the Premier League in August.

A five-cap Poland international, Bulka has plenty of pedigree as a top-level player, and Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique is an admirer, calling him “superb” after coming up against him in Ligue 1.

Sunderland supporters will surely be keen on seeing the Pole complete a move to the club as soon as possible, and now a fresh update has emerged regarding their interest in him.

Sunderland close to agreement with Bulka

Now, according to Jego on X, an agreement between Sunderland and Bulka is now “imminent”, as the Black Cats close in on a new signing.

This is fantastic news for Sunderland, who know the importance of doing significant transfer business, in order to avoid a swift return to the Championship next season.

Bulka now has made 73 appearances in Ligue 1, as well as enjoying six Europa League outings, while scout Jacek Kulig has lauded the Nice stopper as an “absolutely sensational” goalkeeper.

In Anthony Patterson, Sunderland already have one excellent option in goal, with the Englishman such an influential presence last season, starting 45 of his side’s 46 Championship matches, but there have been teams sniffing around for his signature.

Competition for places is vital in the Premier League anyway however, and Le Bris will know that he has to be ruthless in leaving good players in reserve, assuming the latter stays at the club this summer.

He'd be amazing with Bulka: Sunderland in the race to sign £7m sensation

Sunderland could really improve their defensive options by landing this star alongside Marcin Bulka.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 27, 2025

Bulka feels like a signing of intent for Sunderland, and there is still plenty of time for the Black Cats to complete further business between now and the end of the transfer window.

Burnley have now reached an agreement over the signing of a “talented” player, according to a hugely promising update from Sky Sports.

Burnley busy early in summer window

The Clarets continue to pursue potential new signings ahead of their return to the Premier League in August, as Scott Parker looks to give his side the best chance of avoiding a speedy relegation back into the Championship.

Loum Tchaouna has been a leading target over the past week or so, with Burnley reportedly close to sealing a move for the young Lazio forward ahead of next season, having already added permanent deals for Marcus Edwards, Zian Flemming and Jaidon Anthony to their attacking ranks.

France Under-21 international Tchaouna would be considered an exciting long-term addition for Parker, having already made 37 appearances for Lazio at senior level.

Meanwhile, in defence, Bashir Humphreys has already signed permanently and Karlsruher SC goalkeeper Max Weiss is among the players to have also been linked with joining Burnley this summer, as well as Liverpool centre-back Joe Gomez.

Burnley reach full agreement to sign Weiss

According to an update from the Sky journalist Florian Plettenberg on X, Weiss’ move to Burnley is now considered a “done deal” after an agreement was reached over a move to Turf Moor, with a medical up next on Monday.

Weiss will be an exciting signing for Burnley, with the German a talented young ‘keeper who has the ability to be a mainstay between the sticks for the Clarets for many years, as Plettenberg alludes to.

At just 21, he has already played 42 times for Karlsruher, keeping 12 clean sheets, and he has been capped for Germany across three different youth age groups, winning a total of six caps.

With huge doubts lingering over the future of James Trafford at Burnley – Newcastle United have continually been strongly linked with signing him – a top-quality ‘keeper needs to arrive this summer.

While the more cautious option could be to bring in an experienced head who has played in the Premier League before, it is refreshing to see the Clarets once again taking a punt on youth again, backing Weiss to be able to do the job.

Burnley now "one step away" from signing "amazing" £12m forward for Parker

The update has been provided by a reliable journalist.

1

By
Henry Jackson

Jun 17, 2025

That’s not to say that an older alternative couldn’t come in as well, should Parker feel the need, but the Karlsruher ace needs to be trusted to come straight in and be an important part of Burnley’s plans, helping play a key role in them remaining in the top flight beyond 2025/26.

Chelsea are involved in the FIFA Club World Cup in the USA this summer, looking to become the inaugural winners of the new-look competition.

The Blues took advantage of the first summer transfer window by signing striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, with Todd Boehly activating the forward’s £30m release clause.

Delap has been included in Enzo Maresca’s Club World Cup squad, as are fellow summer signings goalkeeper Mike Penders, centre-back Mamadou Sarr and midfielder Dario Essugo.

However, there is still plenty of time for Chelsea to make more signings, with the second market not closing until September 1.

Chelsea's most expensive signings of all time

Todd Boehly has spent big in recent years.

By
Charlie Smith

Sep 5, 2025

With more arrivals on the cards at Stamford Bridge, Grok, the AI tool on X, has predicted five more signings Chelsea could make this summer.

AI predicts 5 players Chelsea will sign this summer

1

Victor Osimhen

Napoli (£60m)

Starting with another striker after Delap, Chelsea continue to be linked with a move for Victor Osimhen.

After spending last season on loan at Galatasaray, Osimhen has returned to Napoli but could be on the way out this summer.

The Nigeria international’s entourage were working on a Stamford Bridge transfer, and Grok say a £60m transfer would see Osimhen ‘provide a focal point in attack, complementing Delap and Nicolas Jackson’.

2

Jamie Gittens

Borussia Dortmund (£55m)

A player who Chelsea wanted to sign before the Club World Cup, Jamie Gittens could still make the move to London in the second summer transfer window, and Grok can see a move materialising.

The Blues had a £42m bid rejected for the English winger, and Grok say they’ll need to get to £55m for a transfer to happen.

Grok say ‘Gittens would bring pace, creativity, and goal-scoring ability to the flanks, fitting Maresca’s attacking system’.

3

Jarrad Branthwaite

Everton (£50m)

Despite signing Sarr, more central defenders could also be on the to-do list at Stamford Bridge to rival the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill.

Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite has been catching Chelsea’s eye, and there have been rumours of the Blues weighing up an offer later in the window.

A figure of at least £50m has been mooted by AI, however, stories elsewhere suggest the England international could cost more at £75m.

4

Alejandro Garnacho

Man Utd (£40m)

After coming close to a deal in January, Man Utd winger Alejandro Garnacho is set to depart Old Trafford and has told his agents he is interested in a move to Stamford Bridge.

The Argentine wants to remain in the Premier League, which should give the Blues an advantage, with Grok believing a deal could be worth £40m.

Garnacho can play on the left or right-hand side, so could be a replacement for Jadon Sancho, who returned to the Red Devils following his Chelsea loan.

5

Marc Guehi

Crystal Palace (£50m)

It might not be all new faces this summer, though, with Marc Guehi linked with a return to Stamford Bridge, four years on after leaving for Crystal Palace.

The England international has been going from strength to strength at Selhurst Park but now has just a year left on his current contract, resulting in rumours of an exit this summer.

Claims in May said that Guehi was tempted to move back to Chelsea and that the Blues were confident of a deal. Now, with Champions League football on offer, that confidence could have grown.

With Junior Firpo currently set to leave as a free agent later this month, Leeds United have reportedly joined the race to sign a Bundesliga standout who’s worth just £8m this summer.

Junior Firpo set to depart Leeds

After four years at Elland Road, Firpo has just 24 days remaining as a Leeds player unless anything dramatic happens between now and the end of the month. With his contract expiring, the Whites have missed their chance to cash in and will now watch on as one of their most experienced players departs as a free agent. With or without the chance to cash in, however, Leeds must find a replacement this summer.

Daniel Farke is one of many who are well aware of Firpo’s importance in Yorkshire, having told reporters when asked about the defender’s contract situation at the start of last season: “If I’m honest I haven’t thought about this scenario so far because it was such a difficult summer for other things.

“You know how much I rate Junior [Firpo] and Sam [Byram] and how important they are for us. Junior played a really good game against Burnley, after long travel, improved defensive skill and turning into a leader. Great will to improve further.”

49ers lining up summer swoop to sign "resilient" relegated star for Leeds

He could get an instant return to the Premier League.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 6, 2025

Set to lose one of his leaders nonetheless, Farke must ensure that his replacement, whoever that is, steps up in Firpo’s place. Those at Elland Road cannot afford to get things wrong this summer with the Premier League looming.

None of the last six promoted clubs have survived their first season in the Premier League, but Leeds will be desperate to end that trend. The 49ers look likely to back them in pursuit of that too, given recent links to the likes of Gustavo Hamer and now a talented Bundesliga star who would replace Firpo.

Leeds racing to sign Anthony Caci

According to Foot Mercato, Leeds are now racing Borussia Dortmund to sign Anthony Caci from Mainz 05 this summer. The full-back, who can play on both sides of the defence or even in midfield, has been a standout in the Bundesliga across the last eight months and has more than played his part in Mainz’s shock sixth place finish.

Valued at just €10m (£8m) by Mainz, Leeds would be landing a bargain deal by beating Dortmund to Caci’s signature this summer. There’s even a strong argument that the Whites would be landing an upgrade on Firpo and not just a replacement.

Whilst keeping up with Firpo on the creativity front, Caci outperformed the Leeds man in a number of key areas. Having proven himself in Germany’s top flight, the Frenchman has more than earned the opportunity to do the same in England’s top division.

At just £8m, Caci would undoubtedly be a bargain buy and one that the 49ers should do everything to seal should Firpo depart this summer.

The domestic season may have only ended a couple of days ago, but there’s no rest for the wicked, and the powers that be at Arsenal will already be hard at work ahead of the summer transfer window.

New Sporting Director Andrea Berta will be keen to prove his worth as soon as possible by making the right additions to get the club over the line in the Premier League and maybe even the Champions League next year.

However, the Italian will need to get his skates on, as the last few weeks have seen Liverpool making significant moves in the market, with the seemingly imminent signing of Florian Wirtz being the most impressive signal of intent.

Fortunately, if reports are to be believed, the Gunners are now looking at another high-profile international who could be their answer to the German star.

Arsenal looking at former Premier League forward

With this summer feeling like the most important since Arteta’s appointment in 2019, there have unsurprisingly been a slew of incredible players linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, such as Nico Williams and Jamie Gittens.

Transfer Focus

The former has been a target for the Gunners for over a year now and has a release clause worth around £50m in his current contract, which may well prove to be value for money, as in 45 games for Athletic Bilbao this season, he has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists.

Likewise, Gittens has enjoyed a pretty impressive season with Borussia Dortmund this year, scoring 12 goals and providing five assists in 48 games and could be available for about £46m.

However, for a player to be Arteta and Co’s answer to Wirtz, they’ve got to be seriously special and capable of changing games for the team, someone like Julian Alvarez.

According to a recent report from Spanish outlet Marca, Arsenal are among a number of clubs keen on the Atlético Madrid star.

In fact, while the likes of Liverpool and Barcelona are credited with an interest in the Argentine, the report makes it clear that the Gunners are currently leading the pack and are ‘are now the strongest bidder for his services.’

While no price is mentioned in the report, he reportedly has a £126m release clause, but this might prove a tad steep.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Alvarez’s immense ability, it is one worth fighting for, especially as he could be Arsenal’s answer to Wirtz.

Alvarez could be Arsenal's answer to Wirtz

The first thing to clear up is that, yes, both players primarily play in different positions, with Alvarez generally starting up top and Wirtz in midfield, but both players have proven themselves to be quite versatile.

The former Manchester City star has played off the right and left, as a second striker and even in midfield a number of times in his career.

Likewise, the soon-to-be Liverpool star has made appearances as a second striker, striker and winger before.

On top of this, even though the Atleti star is more of a goalscorer than the German, he has also proven himself to be a creative outlet.

For example, according to FBref, the 25-year-old, who has “the ability to change games out of nowhere,” per analyst Ben Mattinson, sits in the top 2% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues for shot-creating actions from live passes, the top 5% for passes completed, the top 6% for passes into the penalty area and more, all per 90.

Finally, and this is perhaps the most crucial similarity of them all, the Calchín-born superstar has proven he is capable of becoming a team’s most important and talismanic attacker.

In his first season with Atleti, with the pressure of a big price tag hanging over him, the “world-class” forward, as dubbed by City content creator It’s LB, has scored 29 goals and provided seven assists in 54 games, which is an average of a goal involvement every 1.5 games.

Ultimately, if Liverpool are going to sign Wirtz this summer, Arsenal need to make their own statement addition to their attack, and Alvarez looks to be the perfect candidate.

He's a lot like Isak: Arsenal make contact to sign £42m Havertz upgrade

The incredible goalscorer would be great for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 27, 2025

Unsurprisingly, after such a disappointing Championship campaign, West Bromwich Albion are now going full steam ahead to get rid of some declining stalwarts.

Indeed, the recent retained list revealed that both Semi Ajayi and John Swift would be allowed to walk away from the Hawthorns for nothing this summer, alongside the enigmatic Grady Diangana also being released upon his contract expiring in June.

Whilst both Swift and Ajayi had become part of the furniture at the West Midlands outfit, the loss of Diangana will hurt just that little bit more, considering the Congolese forward had fired home seven goals during the 2023/24 season that saw the Carlos Corberan-led Baggies narrowly miss out on promotion.

However, after only averaging 44 minutes of league action this season, the decision was made to axe the hot-and-cold 27-year-old, with these three transfer targets now perhaps on the West Brom shopping list to try and fill Diangana’s void.

1

Kwame Poku

Kwame Poku’s name is being talked about in all sorts of rumour mills with West Brom’s near neighbours Birmingham City reportedly very keen on adding the Peterborough United superstar to their roster.

The Baggies have previously been keen themselves, and with Diangana now gone, this could mean a move is reignited for an attacker who has regularly made League One his playground, starring for Darren Ferguson’s men.

In 2024/25 – despite injury curtailing large portions of his campaign – Poku managed to pick up a blistering 12 goals and eight assists in league action from only 25 starts, meaning he could be ready for a jump-up in quality to test himself more.

Capable of playing down either flank or through the middle like Diangana, he might well be the perfect fit for the Baggies too as they begin to navigate life without their long-standing servant.

2

Jamie Donley

The second-tier giants could also go down the loan route to try and replace Diangana, with plenty of rumours linking the West Midlands side with a loan move for Tottenham Hotspur starlet Jamie Donley.

After all – much like Poku and Diangana – Donley’s versatile nature means he can line up all over the attacking positions as a main striker, as a number ten or as a winger, alongside the fact he has already proven himself in the EFL’s mean leagues on the books of Leyton Orient.

Away from offering goals aplenty if he were to join the growing West Brom ranks – seen in his eight League One goals across a sublime 2024/25 – he would also be able to gift the managerless Baggies another bright, creative outlet, with his ten assists another standout statistic from the table above.

If the 20-year-old forward was to set the Championship alight in a similar manner, any lingering woe surrounding Diangana’s exit would be put to bed.

3

Tom Lawrence

Lastly, instead of relying on a youngster to come good, West Brom could instead look to bring in a former seasoned head at the level in Tom Lawrence to try and fill the Diangana-shaped hole.

After all, the second-tier underperformers, who have been interested in the 31-year-old’s services previously, would be able to add Lawrence to their camp for free, with the Wrexham-born ace now without a club after leaving Rangers.

After all, whilst Diangana was performing to the peak of his powers at the Hawthorns, the EFL veteran was shining equally as bright for former side Derby County, with the Welshman closing out his stay at Pride Park by registering a bumper 37 goals and 25 assists from 185 clashes.

With six strikes under his belt this season too in Scotland, he could still have plenty to give West Brom as they aim to be within the promotion positions again.

West Brom want to hire "outstanding" boss who'd be better than Eric Ramsay

West Bromwich Albion could land themselves an upgrade on the former Manchester United coach by appointing this manager instead.

By
Kelan Sarson

May 19, 2025

Celtic are building up ahead of steam with the summer window around the corner but could now be set to lose a young talent to a divisional rival, per a report.

Celtic begin to accelerate summer window plans

The Bhoys are on course to claim a domestic treble and only have to beat Aberdeen later this month in the Scottish Cup final for Brendan Rodgers to cap a fine season.

With the Scottish Premiership and Premier Sports Cup already wrapped up, coupled with a strong showing in the Champions League, Celtic are on a strong footing as they bid to keep striving forward under the Irishman’s stewardship.

Making some early inroads as the opening of the transfer window nears, the Hoops could make a surprise move for Ross Doohan once his Aberdeen contract comes to an end.

Seeking homegrown additions to meet European squad registration requirements, the Lennoxtown graduate could be joined by Lennon Miller at Celtic should they manage to prize the Scotland Under-21 international away from Motherwell.

Youngsters appear to be at the top of the agenda, given that Red Star Belgrade defender Veljko Milosavljevic may also end up at Parkhead in the near future.

Celtic could sign £11m star who'd be their best striker since Edouard

Celtic could land their best striker signing since Odsonne Edouard by signing this star.

By
Dan Emery

May 8, 2025

Realistically, the focus on incomings will lead to inevitable departures over the coming months. Celtic are in a great position, but not everyone is deemed good enough to make the grade in a ruthless environment.

Rodgers and his backroom staff have to make tough decisions, especially when it boils down to who to retain in the long run at Parkhead.

Now, one youngster that is set to leave Parkhead could make a move to one of their Scottish Premiership rivals if reports are to be believed.

Falkirk evaluate Celtic youngster Alasdair Davidson

According to Scott Burns of the Daily Record, Falkirk have taken a look at Celtic youngster Alasdair Davidson, who is set to leave Parkhead at the end of the season.

The 19-year-old has been joined by Daniel Cummings, Lewis Dobbie and Joe Morrison in departing the club, with the former passing up the opportunity of a new contract and the latter two not being offered extensions.

Predominantly a central defender, Davidson looks set to join a long line of Hoops academy products destined to continue their journey elsewhere, though Falkirk have recently been promoted to the top-flight and could be a stable environment to develop.

From a Celtic standpoint, their focus will now be on bringing first-team recruits into the fold to prepare for next term, where they face the prospect of entering the Champions League at the final playoff hurdle.

Unlike the last couple of summers, swift additions will be needed to ensure Rodgers’ men can handle the strain of qualifiers, with a place in Europe’s premier competition on the line alongside a sweet financial bounty.

And just like that, Tottenham Hotspur’s worst season in a generation is just one game away from becoming their most memorable.

Last night, Ange Postecoglou’s side travelled to the Arctic Circle to play the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt, and while they were still favourites, all the ingredients for an upset were there.

However, as they have in so many of their European games this season, the North Londoners rose to the occasion and ran out comfortable winners in the end.

While practically the entire team did themselves and the manager proud last night, two players, including Pedro Porro, really stood out.

Porro's performance vs Bodo/Glimt

While Porro has come in for plenty of criticism for his defensive failings this season, much of which has been justified, the Spanish full-back has massively stepped up both legs of this semi-final.

He was instrumental in the home win, providing a perfect pass for James Maddison to score the side’s second goal, and he was arguably even better last night.

Not only was he pretty solid in defence, but he was a complete menace in attack, testing the keeper with a brilliant free-kick in the first half and then getting his just rewards with a cross-come-shot that sailed into the top corner in the second 45.

It was practically the complete performance from the former Sporting CP star, which explains the 9/10 match rating Alasdair Gold gave him at full-time.

It might sound hyperbolic, but we can assure you it’s not, as exemplified by his statistics from the game.

In 95 minutes of action, he amassed a combined expected goals plus assists figure of 0.23, made three clearances, won two of three ground duels, made one interception, wasn’t dribbled past, played two key passes, took two shots on target, was successful in 100% of his dribbles, won one foul and didn’t give any away himself.

Overall, it was a superb display from Porro, but there was another starter who might just have pipped him.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

Spurs' best player vs Bodo/Glimt

Now, there are certainly a few players you could pick from for this title, like Dominic Solanke, Micky van de Ven or even Rodrigo Bentancur.

However, for our money, the player who really stood up and stood out last night was Cristian Romero.

The Argentine international has not had a great season, with constant injuries and the odd mistake defining it thus far, but just like he was in the first leg, he was sensational for Postecoglou last night.

It goes without saying that the World Cup winner is undoubtedly built for big games, and from the first to the last minute, he was incredible in the Arctic Circle.

On top of being a wall at the back and cheering every block or tackle like it was a title-winning goal, he also managed to provide the assist for Solanke’s opener, which all but ended the tie then and there.

Unsurprisingly, Gold was just as impressed, awarding the centre-back a 9/10 match rating at full-time, while Spurs fan and content creator Ben Bowman simply described him as “unreal.”

Such appraisals are more than backed up by his statistics as well, as in 95 minutes of action, he made five clearances, blocked one shot, wasn’t dribbled past even once, made one interception, won three of four ground duels, lost the ball only once, completed 96% of his passes, played one key pass, was accurate in 100% of his long balls and created one big chance.

Ultimately, the entire team played well last night, but Porro and particularly Romero were even better, so much so that the latter may now be the club’s best player.

Dream Son heir: Spurs racing to sign “England’s best winger” for £59m

The tremendously exciting star would be perfect for Spurs.

2

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 8, 2025

The David Moyes revival has already taken Everton so far; Goodison Park is unrecognisable from the tumbledown slump that the Scotsman inherited, confidence at a low ebb after colourless football under Sean Dyche’s wing.

Dyche did a good job, all told, but he couldn’t take the Toffees any further and rightly parted ways when The Friedkin Group looked to christen their ownership with an uplifting appointment.

Moyes has done very well indeed, losing just four of his 16 Premier League games at the helm. However, he needs new recruits this summer, especially at the front of the ship.

With Everton stepping into a new home at the Bramley-Moore dock, it feels the right time to replace the ailing Dominic Calvert-Lewin with a new number nine.

Everton's search for a new striker

Calvert-Lewin has been a stalwart for Everton, playing 270 matches across nine seasons, scoring 71 goals. He’s out of contract this summer, though, with brittle fitness levels and consequent struggles for form suggesting he should be allowed to leave.

Transfer Focus

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

Beto’s resurgent as a focal frontman, but Everton want more, with Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Tim Kleindienst identified as the perfect player to join Moyes’ project.

According to Caught Offside, TFG are ready to pay the €35m (£30m) asking price for the powerful striker, though the same could be said for Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Further interest from overseas complicates matters, but Everton’s willingness to place a bid suggests that Moyes and the owners are driven toward making improvements during the off-season.

Why Everton want Tim Kleindienst

Time was when Everton would cede swift defeat in a jam-packed race for a talented striker, Goodison Park devolving into something of a hotbed for disappointment in recent years.

But this is a new era, and Moyes has restored the feel-good factor. Kleindienst, 29, could make this new feeling even better still, with a clinical track record in Germany denoting his capacity to confidently take Calvert-Lewin’s place in the squad.

The Germany international has scored 16 goals and added ten assists across 32 matches for Gladbach this season, arriving from Heidenheim last summer.

Standing at 6 foot 4, he carries the imposing physicality that Moyes has made such good use of throughout his managerial career, and with Kleindienst winning 4.7 aerial duels per Bundesliga match this season, he has what it takes to flourish in the area Calvert-Lewin so expertly excels.

The two strikers have a lot in common. Both strong and tall, they win many duels through their focal role in the air; each forward dribbles infrequently, with neither proving the most accurate in his passing.

However, therein lies the disparity. Kleindienst is far more fruitful in his passing, so creative and intelligent with his knock-ons, his lay-offs. Indeed, as per The Athletic’s Seb Stafford-Bloor, the German is “an exquisite one-touch player”.

Defensively, there’s a lot to admire too. FBref record Kleindienst ranks among the top 19% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for tackles, the top 11% for interceptions and the top 1% for both blocks and clearances made per 90.

To be sure, signing a striker on the brink of their thirties would be something of a risk, but Kleinsdienst’s athleticism, power and dynamism would be perfect for an Everton side on the up.

Profiled in a similar way to Calvert-Lewin and coveted by divisional rivals, Everton will want to make this statement of intent.

An amazing Rooney repeat: Everton open to signing "world-class" PL star

Everton are at an important juncture as they prepare to reinforce David Moyes’ squad this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 6, 2025

Manchester United are now showing the “greatest interest” in signing a “true football artist”, but they will have to fork out his €45m (£38m) release clause to secure his signature, according to a journalist.

Man Utd set to bolster attacking options

Much of the goalscoring burden has fallen on Bruno Fernandes this season, while the Portugal international also leads the way for Man United on the assist charts, with Amad the only other forward to regularly chip in with attacking contributions.

As such, it is little wonder that Ruben Amorim wants to bolster his attacking options this summer, and a new striker is of particular interest, with progress now being made in the pursuit of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, having reached an agreement on personal terms.

Not only is Amorim keen on a new striker, but a new playmaker could also be brought in to ease the burden on Fernandes, and the Red Devils have reportedly submitted a monster £115.7m bid for RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons.

Top target: Man Utd pushing to sign "incredible" £313k-p/w Barcelona star

The Red Devils are willing to make a huge bid for a Barcelona player this summer.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 23, 2025

Simons has caught the eye with his impressive performances in the Bundesliga, picking up nine goals and five assists this season, but there have also been suggestions that United could take a chance on more of an unknown quantity.

In a recent update on X, journalist Cesar Luis Merlo has now revealed Man United are showing the “greatest interest” in signing River Plate attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono, with a view to getting a deal done this summer.

Amorim’s side are “constantly following” Mastantuono, having already watched him in action, but they know the only way to prise him away from River Plate will be to stump up the €45m (£38m) release clause included in his contract.

"True football artist" Mastantuono likened to Palmer

The River Plate youngster is only 17, but he already has a great deal of first-team experience, making 54 appearances for the Argentine side, during which time he has picked up six goals and five assists.

In light of his attacking capabilities, the Argentine has even been likened to Chelsea star Cole Palmer by scout Ben Mattinson.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has also clearly been impressed by the starlet, describing him as a “true football artist” and “one of the most enjoyable youngsters to watch in world football” back in November.

It would, of course, be a risk to shell out £38m on Mastantuono, given that he is unproven outside Argentina, but there are clear signs he could adapt to life in the Premier League and make a name for himself at Manchester United.