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.

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.

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.

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Manchester United booked their place in the Europa League final last night, setting up a clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

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Chelsea held “very positive” transfer talks with the representatives of a top transfer target, just before their disappointing loss to Legia Warsaw in the Europa Conference League on Thursday.

Enzo Maresca blames rotation as Chelsea lose 2-1 to Legia Warsaw

The Premier League heavyweights are in the Conference League semi-finals after their aggregate win over Legia, but they did it in unconvincing fashion after their tepid loss at home to the European minnows last night.

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Goals from Tomas Pekhart and Steve Kapuadi cancelled out Marc Cucurella’s equaliser to hand the Poles a deserved win at Stamford Bridge, leading to small sections of boos around the stadium from Chelsea’s home crowd.

Manager Enzo Maresca has come under fire recently, leading Chelsea to just five league wins from their last 16, and he admitted in a post-match press conference that heavy rotation played a role during a dissatisfying performance from his side.

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 10th

Man United (home)

May 18th

“First of all, yeah, we are for sure not happy with the defeat,” said Maresca about Chelsea’s defeat to Legia.

“Probably the first leg, 0-3, probably we try to manage the result a little bit, rotate, make rotations with the players, try to avoid injury, because we have an important game also Sunday. So, as I said, for sure not happy with the result.

“We are in the semi-final, but at the same time, we were probably trying to manage a little bit the first leg, the result, we are there. But overall, the good thing is that we can rotate players, we don’t have an injury, that for us was the main target, because during the season we had many injuries, an important moment, and because it’s an important moment now, the last part of the season, the good news was that we don’t have injury.”

After Maresca highlighted the silver lining of no new injured Chelsea players, there has been more good news off the field, according to reliable journalist Simon Phillips.

Chelsea hold "very positive" Thursday talks with Dean Huijsen

It concerns Bournemouth defender and top transfer target Dean Huijsen, who is a wanted man across the Premier League after a very impressive season on the south coast under Andoni Iraola.

News of his £50 million release clause has piqued interest throughout England and further abroad, with Vincent Kompany also reportedly pushing Bayern Munich to sign Huijsen (Football Insider).

Writing via his Substack, Phillips has shared a fresh update on Maresca’s pursuit of the 20-year-old, stating that Chelsea held “very positive” talks with Huijsen’s camp on Thursday, and just before their defeat to Legia.

Following these discussions, Chelsea believe their chances of striking a deal for the “sensational” Spain international have increased.

“Chelsea have held new talks with the agents of Huijsen today, and talks have been described by sources as being very positive,” wrote the reporter.

“We have heard that the player’s father is very involved in the dealings as the main part of his entourage and he is asking for a fairly high agent fee, which we know Chelsea do not mind paying if other parts of the deal and fees can be reduced.

“Chelsea are now feeling more confident that they can land their man after talks today, mainly due to the fact that they are promising him game time and at the moment Liverpool are not able to do that with Virgil van Dijk just signing a new contract.”

Phillips’ source is also quoted as saying that Chelsea are “going all in” for Huijsen, so this comes as a very promising update on one of Europe’s most exciting young centre-backs.

Looking to splash the cash once again this summer, Chelsea could reportedly kill two birds with one stone by including one of their young loanees in a swap deal to sign an instant upgrade.

Chelsea take one step into Conference League final

Whilst their Premier League form has sparked plenty of concern in recent months, Chelsea are continuing to thrive in the Europa Conference League in which they are expected to stroll to victory. Putting on another show in their semi-final first leg, Enzo Maresa’s side eased past Swedish outfit Djurgarden 4-1 thanks to goals from Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke and a brace from Nicolas Jackson.

After watching on as his side took one step into the Europa Conference League final, manager Maresca told reporters: “It was the perfect night, an important semi-final and it is a good result. We need to be focused on the second leg.

“The first 70 minutes was good but then in the last 20 minutes we dropped a little bit, but we cannot drop, we cannot relax, because otherwise, it is complicated. We have done a good job but now we need to finish the job at home.”

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It’s in the final on 28 May that the Blues could square off against Real Betis in Poland. The La Liga side also won the first leg of their tie – defeating Fiorentina 2-1 – and will be looking to step into the final before causing a potential upset.

Occasions made for match-winners, those at Stamford Bridge have already reportedly set their sights on a summer swap deal to welcome another player who would be just that.

Chelsea considering Gittens swap deal

According to Christian Falk and Caught Offside, Chelsea are now considering a swap deal to sign Jamie Gittens, which would see Carney Chukwuemeka complete a permanent move to Borussia Dortmund. The 21-year-old has spent the season on loan at the German club and could now reportedly be used in the Blues’ attempt to sign Gittens.

Chelsea are certainly serious about Gittens too, with contact already reportedly made with the talented winger from Cobham as they prepare to make their move for a player valued at a hefty €50m-€60m (£43m-51m). Whether that contact is enough to convince Gittens into a return to England for the first time since leaving Manchester City as an academy graduate remains to be seen, however.

Praised for his “amazing” form by football talent scout Jacek Kulig earlier this season, Gittens has since scored 12 goals and created another five in all competitions in the current campaign.

By contrast, despite being dubbed “talented” by Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl, Chukwuemeka has scored just once in all competitions whilst on loan in Germany.

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.

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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.

Newcastle United find themselves well in the hunt for a strong finish to the Premier League season and could look to pounce for a high-profile star on the market, according to a report.

Newcastle United's pursuit of summer signings

The Magpies have Champions League football firmly in their sights under Eddie Howe and will look to finalise their place in next year’s league phase before turning their attention to the summer transfer window.

Turning the spotlight on one of their direct competitors, Newcastle hope to sign James McAtee from Manchester City in the next few months and will take encouragement from the fact he has one year left on his deal at the Etihad Stadium.

Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund are also in the hunt for his signature, which may pose a challenge in convincing the England Under-21 international that Tyneside is the place to be ahead of next season.

On the same token, talks have taken place over Newcastle making a move for Douglas Luiz with Juventus sporting director Cristian Giuntoli. The possibility of a swap deal involving Sandro Tonali has also been discussed.

Looking to the future, Heart of Midlothian forward James Wilson is a Magpies target, even if he would likely be viewed as one for the future by chiefs at St James’ Park.

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PSR regulations will need to be met by Newcastle alongside every one of their direct rivals in the Premier League. In turn, that may lead to certain positions being prioritised for strengthening, while others could be left on the backburner.

Regardless, plenty of movement is underway in the North East and recent developments suggest that a marquee arrival could be set for a move to Tyneside.

Newcastle United ready to strike for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo

According to The Telegraph, Newcastle United are plotting a move for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who has wowed the Magpies’ recruitment team during extensive scouting missions over the last few years.

Howe would jump at the chance to bring in the Cameroon international if his current employers were willing to sell, though the Bees’ demand of over £60 million may provide food for thought once the summer window opens.

Bryan Mbeumo vs Anthony Gordon – Premier League attacking output in 2024/25

Bryan Mbeumo

Goals

18

Assists

6

Chances created

65

Shots on target

36

Completed dribbles

44

Anthony Gordon

Goals

6

Assists

5

Chances created

50

Shots on target

19

Completed dribbles

35

Labelled “fantastic” by Thomas Frank, Mbeumo has enjoyed a fantastic campaign in front of goal, registering 18 goals and seven assists in 38 appearances across all competitions.

His versatility is said to be a major reason behind Howe’s desire to land the winger. However, Newcastle are likely to wait and see what continental competition they end up in before stepping up their interest.

Attacking reinforcements appear to be on the agenda at St James’ Park and Mbeumo would be the ideal candidate to ensure the Magpies build from a position of strength.

One player has already admitted that he’s decided the best thing for him is to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer, and it is now also believed that he could be subject to a marquee offer from the Saudi Pro League.

Daniel Levy set for Tottenham fire sale in 'sell to buy' summer

Chairman Daniel Levy and the club’s recruitment team, which is expected to include the returning Fabio Paratici once his ban from footballing activity concludes, are set for an array of key transfer decisions.

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The Lilywhites have made contact.

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As per a recent report from The Telegraph, Tottenham are likely set for a ‘sell to buy’ window, so players are expected to head out of the N17 exit door before Levy, Paratici and Johan Lange can ger to work on reinforcing the squad.

Son Heung-min

7.00

Pedro Porro

6.98

James Maddison

6.98

Dominic Solanke

6.85

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Richarlison is attracting serious interest from Everton, and Spurs are considering a sale of the Brazilian after his injury-ridden 2024/2025 campaign (Jorge Nicola) – three years after he made the move to north London from Goodison Park for around £60 million.

Meanwhile, Atlético Madrid are continuing to express their desire to sign star defender Cristian Romero, who is believed to equally fancy a switch to La Liga as he looks to embark on a fresh challenge.

There is also the matter of current loanees who Ange Postecoglou deemed surplus to requirements, with Manor Solomon enjoying a productive loan spell at Leeds United and Bryan Gil impressing on another temporary stint back home in Spain.

The latter has already confirmed his intention to leave the club this summer, stating in a recent interview with Estadio Deportivo:

“That’s something my agent will tell me where things are going, but they [Spurs] told me, and I told them, that the best thing is for us not to continue being linked to Tottenham.

“They bet on me when I was young, and they’ve treated me fairly well, but if I have to go back there, I’ll focus on giving my best as always. I’m calm because no one can have a bad word to say about me not being professional. Without playing, I’ve always trained well, I’ve done what I had to do, so whatever has to happen, will happen. We’ll see where we are next year.”

Bryan Gil set for "dizzying" Saudi offer to leave Tottenham

According to Spanish news outlet La Razon, the 24-year-old won’t exactly be short of offers if he does manage to seal an exit.

It is even believed that Saudi sides could make Gil a “dizzying” salary offer to leave Tottenham, with the Pro League intent on adding to their already-impressive collection of European stars as they continue their mission to build a star-studded, competitive division.

It could be an excellent option for the Spaniard who hasn’t quite ever managed to adapt to the physicality of English football, but if a move to Saudi doesn’t work out, Villarreal and teams in the MLS are also displaying an interest in Gil.

Paratici signed Gil from Sevilla in 2021 after instigating a part-exchange deal involving Erik Lamela, but his signing hasn’t worked out as many hoped at the time.

There is a high possibility that Arsenal will finish second in the Premier League for a third successive season, this time to Arne Slot’s Liverpool rather than Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta has constantly led the Gunners to a title battle in recent years, but has been unable to get them over the line and end their two-decade wait for a league triumph.

If they are to go one better in 2025/26, the hierarchy will have to back the manager in the transfer market to make the additions he desires to his first team squad.

There’s no denying that the Spaniard has serious qualities in various areas, but that’s not enough, with depth needed in key departments to sustain their ambitions in various competitions.

With the window just around the corner, new sporting director Andrea Berta has already wasted no time in drawing up his shortlist of potential targets for the off-season.

The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for new signings this summer

Additions are expected across the pitch for Arsenal this summer, mainly to avoid the injury crisis the side has often endured for large parts of the current campaign.

Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen is the latest defender on their shortlist ahead of the window, with the Spaniard scoring against Arteta’s men on Saturday afternoon.

However, the 20-year-old isn’t the only defensive target on the agenda for the coming months, with Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia also on their radar, according to one Spanish outlet.

Their report states that the Gunners are preparing a £25m bid for the 24-year-old who has remerged as a target after previously being of interest just under 12 months ago.

It also claims that he’s seen as a quality competitor to David Raya for the number one position, but more importantly handing Arteta the depth needed in such an area.

Why Arsenal’s £25m target would make Saliba & Gabriel unplayable

Gabriel and William Saliba have been Arsenal’s go-to centre-back pairing when they’ve been fully fit in 2024/25, leading to their ambitions of securing the Premier League title.

Arteta’s side have conceded just 31 goals in their 35 league outings, currently boasting the best record in the division – an average of just 0.8 goals conceded per 90.

The pair have contributed to the club’s tally of 14 clean sheets this season, with only Nottingham Forest keeping more to date – showcasing their impressive work in the defensive department.

However, such a record could be bolstered in 2025/26 by the potential addition of Garcia, with the shot-stopper having the ability to take such feats to new levels.

When delving into his stats in LaLiga this campaign, his talents are there for all to see, improving the situation within the backline for Arteta.

He’s even managed to outperform current number one Raya in multiple key areas, outlining the pressure he could put on his compatriot should he move to the Emirates.

The 24-year-old, who’s been labelled “colossus” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has achieved a higher save percentage this season, along with more saves per 90 – showcasing his ability between the sticks.

Games played

33

35

Clean sheets

7

12

Save percentage

77%

74%

Saves per 90

3.7

2.2

Short passes completed

98%

98%

Crosses stopped

1.7

1.3

Shots-on-target faced

5.1

3.1

He’s also completed the same percentage of passes to date, along with more crosses stopped per 90 – offering Arteta a more all-round presence at the back.

£25m in today’s market is a bargain, especially for a player who possesses the quality like Garcia, as demonstrated by the figures he has produced in 2024/25.

If he were to make the switch to North London, he would be able to add yet more defensive quality to the already impressive backline, subsequently aiding Gabriel and Saliba’s chances of becoming unplayable.

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Glasgow Rangers ended their 2024/25 campaign in typically disappointing fashion when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Hibernian at Easter Road on Saturday.

The Gers led 1-0 and 2-1 throughout the match but were pegged back both times and, ultimately, had to settle for a draw in what was Barry Ferguson’s last match in charge of the club.

The former Scotland international came in to take interim charge until the end of the season when Philippe Clement was relieved of his duties in February, and has not done a particularly impressive job as caretaker.

Ferguson ended his interim spell with just six wins in 15 matches in all competitions, including five draws and four defeats, and his team only kept two clean sheets in that time – most recently in the 4-0 win over Aberdeen.

These statistics do not suggest that the Scottish head coach is a suitable candidate to take the job on a full-time basis, and it has since been confirmed that he has left his post.

The Light Blues have already been linked with a host of other managers to land the job this summer, including Real Madrid assistant manager Davide Ancelotti.

The latest on Davide Ancelotti to Rangers

It was recently reported in Spain that the Italian coach had decided to remain with his father, Carlo Ancelotti, and follow him into the Brazil national team job this summer.

The outlet claimed that Ancelotti was due to turn down a move to Rangers, and any other interested clubs, to work with the Brazil squad for at least another year, potentially with a view to working at the World Cup in 2026, before making a decision on his future.

However, the Daily Record have since stated that the Real Madrid assistant is still a contender for the Rangers job, but that he is not the only boss in the running for the role.

These reports are conflicting and make it hard to get a real gauge on how likely the Italian tactician is to be in the dugout at Ibrox when the 2025/26 campaign gets underway.

As you can see in the graphic above, he has learned from one of the best to ever do it, as his father has won so many trophies at the very top level of European football. Carlo Ancelotti has won all five of Europe’s major leagues and won the Champions League five times, which speaks to his immense quality as a manager.

However, Davide Ancelotti is yet to prove himself as the main man coaching a team. He has not managed a team at first-team level and that makes him an unknown quantity, which is why the 49ers could be better off forgetting about him and swooping for a more experienced head coach this summer.

The other contenders for the Rangers job

The Daily Record recently reported that Ancelotti is not the only manager being considered by the 49ers and Kevin Thelwell, as they are also looking at several British coaches.

It was revealed that Sean Dyche, Gary O’Neil, and Russell Martin, all sacked by Premier League teams this season, are also being eyed up by the Scottish giants.

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Of those three managers, Martin is the only one who has experience of Scottish football. The former central defender and right-back had a short stint on loan at Ibrox in the 2017/18 campaign, and was a Scotland international, despite being born and raised in England.

He would be available on a free transfer should Rangers decide to make a move for him because Southampton parted ways with the manager earlier this year, which would also make him more attainable than Ancelotti, who is still in a job with his father.

With this in mind, Thelwell must pursue a deal to bring Martin back to Ibrox for a stint as a manager rather than a player ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, as he could be an even better option than Ancelotti.

Why Rangers should appoint Russell Martin

As aforementioned, Ancelotti does not have any relevant first-team managerial experience that Rangers can look at to see a demonstrable style of play or how he would deal with a group of players as the main leader.

He has won trophies as an assistant to his father at Real Madrid but it would still be a gamble to appoint him as the next Gers manager, as his managerial quality is still unknown.

Martin, however, has plenty of experience as a manager or head coach in England thanks to his time with MK Dons, Swansea, and Southampton, managing in League One, the Championship, and the Premier League.

As you can see in the graphic above, the former Scotland international has managed over 200 matches in English football, and enjoyed a fantastic overall record at Southampton, despite being sacked after struggling in the top-flight.

One of the big positives in Martin’s column is also that he has a demonstrable way of playing that could excite supporters and lead the club into the 49ers era in style.

Russell Martin’s attacking style of play

23/24 Championship

Southampton

League rank

Pass accuracy

87.7%

1st

Passes into the penalty area

594

1st

Progressive passes

2556

1st

Shot-creating actions

1255

1st

xG

79.8

2nd

Points per game

1.89

4th

Stats via FBref

As you can see in the table above, the former Southampton manager earned promotion from the Championship with a ball-dominant and attacking style at St. Mary’s in the 2023/24 campaign.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta claimed that Martin’s style of play is a “joy to watch” and “successful”, which shows that the former Rangers defender has impressed one of the top managers in Europe with his work on the coaching pitch.

This shows that the former Scotland international has a demonstrably exciting style of play because he effectively coached his way of playing in the second tier to earn promotion with the Saints, and caught the eye of the Gunners boss.

Therefore, Martin could be an excellent option for the 49ers and Thelwell to consider in the coming weeks because he would come in with a track record of being able to deploy an exciting and dominant style when he has had the quality of players to do so.

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Posts ByRoss Kilvington May 17, 2025

Therefore, Rangers should forget about Ancelotti, who has yet to prove himself in senior management, and appoint Martin to lead the Gers into the 49ers era.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

DCL vs Kleindienst 24/25 (league stats only)
Stats (* per game)	Calvert-Lewin	Kleindienst
Matches (starts)*	23 (19)	30 (30)
Goals	3	16
Assists	1	7
Big chances missed	1	14
Pass completion	64%	62%
Big chances created	1	11
Key passes*	0.3	0.9
Dribbles*	0.4	0.4
Tackles + interceptions*	0.7	1.3
Total duels won*	5.5	6.9
Stats via Sofascore

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.

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By
Angus Sinclair

May 6, 2025