All posts by h716a5.icu

Heading into their contest at the Emirates Stadium, Newcastle United were still riding high off beating Chelsea 2-0 in the ongoing race to finish inside the Premier League’s Champions League spots.

However, the Magpies swiftly returned to reality after losing 1-0 to Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, meaning only point now separates Eddie Howe’s Toon from seventh placed Nottingham Forest. Unfortunately, only the top five are allowed a seat around Europe’s elite table.

Therefore, Newcastle will have to get back to winning ways at home to David Moyes’ Everton to cement a spot, with a number of underperformers very much at risk of being dropped from this crucial tie.

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Newcastle's biggest underperformers vs Arsenal

Newcastle just didn’t enter into this contest away from home with the same clinical edge they showed against Enzo Maresca’s Blues, as wasteful finishing ruined their day throughout. In short, it was obvious they missed Alexander Isak who was ruled out through injury,

Come the end of the finely poised clash, Newcastle actually bettered the hosts in terms of shots, but Arsenal just displayed more self-control in crunch moments, particularly when Declan Rice’s latest stunner proved to be the difference-maker between the two teams.

The visitors just didn’t have this same composure in their locker, with Anthony Gordon a real letdown throughout in the attacking areas, leading to the ex-Everton winger finishing the game with no efforts attempted on David Raya’s net. On top of this, a misjudged dribble from the Liverpool-born attacker would culminate in Rice firing home.

Moreover, Harvey Barnes would only muster up 14 touches of the ball down the opposing left channel on a quiet day at the office from the former Leicester City man, whilst Jacob Murphy would also fail to provide a spark down the wings when failed to register an accurate cross.

But, the most anonymous body perhaps just started for the final time donning the famous black and white stripes.

4/10 dud must never start for Newcastle again

Newcastle were, of course, hindered on their travels by 27-goal machine Isak being injured, but Howe would have hoped those in reserve would step up to the mark in the Swede’s costly absence.

Instead, Callum Wilson really struggled leading the line for the Magpies throughout, resulting in the 33-year-old being hooked by his manager just after the hour mark.

Minutes played

64

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

17

Shots

0

Accurate passes

8/8 (100%)

Successful dribbles

0/2

Total duels won

0/7

It hasn’t exactly been a standout season for Wilson away from his struggles in North London – with only one goal coming the former AFC Bournemouth striker’s way – but even this dire showing on the big stage against Arteta’s men felt like a low, especially as his St. James’ Park future hangs in the balance.

Across his forgettable 64-minute stint, Wilson failed to register a single shot on the Arsenal goal, failed to complete a single dribble to test the Gunners defence and further failed to win a solitary duel from seven attempts.

Just off this showing alone, Wilson is unlikely to be kept around past this season, particularly when there are promising young talents such as William Osula at Howe’s disposal in the striker department.

Osula came on in place of the 33-year-old veteran actually, and whilst he too didn’t test Raya, he did valiantly win two duels for the cause.

Therefore, the future may well lie with Osula now over persisting with a waning Wilson, with Chronicle Live journalist Lee Ryder equally displeased with the ageing forward’s performance when dishing out a low 4/10 rating his way.

Cursing his team’s careless finishing at the full-time whistle, Howe will pray he has Isak available again for the vital final day contest.

If he isn’t though, you would anticipate that Osula will be thrown into the deep-end, with Wilson now potentially exiting St James’ Park on a whimper.

Newcastle could sign "legendary" Isak replacement for £27m

Newcastle could lose Alexander Isak this summer amid interest from elsewhere.

ByRoss Kilvington May 18, 2025

Chelsea are set for a busy summer period. Not only is it the transfer window, but Enzo Maresca’s side will be one of 32 teams competing in the new-look Club World Cup, which will take place in the United States of America, beginning in mid-June.

The Blues’ three group stage opponents are Mexican outfit Club Leon, Tunisian side Esperance de Tunis and Brazilian giants Flamengo. Other sides from Europe competing include Real Madrid, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, so the West Londoners are certainly not considered favourites.

However, with the transfer window set to open early, on the 1st of June, it gives Chelsea a chance to bolster their side before the tournament begins. They could be in line to make a real statement signing.

Chelsea's major summer target

There is no doubt that the Blues’ squad already has plenty of firepower in attacking areas. The likes of Cole Palmer is someone who springs to mind, but Chelsea could be about to get even stronger in attacking areas.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, according to Wednesday’s print edition of Spanish paper, Sport, the West London outfit are one of the sides set to make a serious move for Rodrygo this summer. They are thought to have made contact with the Real Madrid star recently.

However, they will face competition in order to bring the Brazilian to Stamford Bridge. Premier League rivals Man City are also in the race to sign him.

A report on Tuesday from Football Insider stated Rodrygo could cost £85m this summer, a hefty fee for either Premier League side chasing him.

Why Rodrygo could be Chelsea's best winger since Hazard

If Chelsea manage to convince Rodrygo to swap the Spanish capital for the English capital, then it would be an astronomical signing.

He has been important for Real Madrid once again this season, in what has been a campaign of much disappointment for Los Blancos, who will almost certainly go trophyless after winning the UEFA Super Cup back in August.

The Brazil international has amassed 50 appearances across all competitions, scoring 13 goals and grabbing ten assists in that time. However, he has gone 12 games in La Liga without a goal or assist, after a run of eight goal involvements in five games.

Regardless, the 24-year-old is certainly a “big game player” as Dougie Critchley described him. Just this season, he has scored a crucial goal in the Champions League last 16 against Atletico Madrid, and has found the back of the net in one of the El Clasico’s.

The attacker has some excellent underlying stats from this season via FBref, too. Per 90 minutes, he averages 4.49 shot-creating actions and 2.04 key passes, both of which rank him in the top 3% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues.

Key passes

2.04

97th

Progressive passes

4.46

97th

Shot-creating actions

4.49

97th

Take-ons completed

2.13

97th

Progressive carries

5.06

98th

With numbers like that, Rodrygo could certainly become Chelsea’s best winger since a certain Eden Hazard graced the Bridge. The Belgian legend departed the club in 2019, having made 352 appearances, scoring 110 goals and grabbing 89 assists.

It is not hard to pinpoint exactly which Premier League season was the 34-year-old’s best at Stamford Bridge. In his final campaign, he played 37 top-flight games, contributing an outrageous 16 goals and 15 assists.

Since his departure, however, the Blues have struggled to find a replacement for their former number 10, though not for lack of trying. They have spent hundreds of millions of pounds trying to make up for the loss of their talisman.

Raheem Sterling’s 14 Premier League goals are the most by a winger since Hazard left, with Noni Madueke currently on 13 and Timo Werner, who managed ten, the only other players in double figures. No winger has come remotely near his high standards.

However, it seems as though Rodrygo, if the deal gets done, could finally be the player to replace Hazard. For example, his best season in terms of average key passes per game was 3.1 in 2017/18, according to Sofascore, which is not much more than Rodrygo’s current tally of 2.04.

£85m is a huge investment, but signing Rodrygo could be the addition they need to finally replace Hazard, after what will be six years of trying. He is a genuine goalscorer and a huge creative threat, and could be the man to take on the mantle of an all-time Chelsea great.

A better signing than Osimhen: Chelsea in talks to land the "next Haaland"

Chelsea appear to be making moves to land a star who would be better than Victor Osimhen.

1 ByEthan Lamb May 14, 2025

Manchester United have wasted no time in the transfer market to aid Ruben Amorim in being a success at Old Trafford, already making a move to sign one player.

Matheus Cunha has been a player constantly linked with a switch to join the Red Devils over recent months, with a deal seemingly edging ever closer ahead of the final game of the Premier League campaign.

It’s been widely reported that the club have been in advanced talks with Wolves over a deal for the Brazilian international ahead of the summer despite the failure to win the Europa League.

The 25-year-old has a £62.5m release clause within his current contract, but that doesn’t appear to be an issue after agreeing a deal to pay such a figure out in multiple instalments.

However, despite the movement with a deal for Cunha, it appears as though one deal could be completed before him, with another deal edging closer to completion.

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

After such a dismal year in the Premier League throughout 2024/25, new additions are to be expected at United to try and right the wrongs of the current campaign.

The likes of Ronald Araujo, Ederson and Viktor Gyokeres have all been strongly linked already ahead of the off-season, as the hierarchy look to bolster various areas of the pitch.

However, despite the interest in the aforementioned players, Palmeiras star Richard Rios could be the first summer signing, according to one Spanish outlet.

Their report claims that he’s seen as a key part of the revival at Old Trafford, and could be available for a fee in the region of just £20m – an absolute bargain.

It also claims that, despite the move for Cunha, the 24-year-old could be set to be the first addition to the new project led by Amorim to lead the club back to their former glory.

Why Rios would be an upgrade on Ugarte

Midfielder Manuel Ugarte was seen as a huge signing last summer after joining in a £50m deal from PSG, looking to be a key part of the rebuild conducted by former boss Erik ten Hag.

The Uruguayan has started 22 league games to date, often having a stop-start period in the North West and being unable to string up a real run of games over the last few months.

He was benched for the Europa League final defeat against Spurs on Wednesday night, not even being brought on by Amorim – potentially highlighting his form of late in the first-team.

It remains to be seen if he will be part of the manager’s long-term plans at the club, but a deal for Rios could further limit his game time and offer Amorim a quality option in the middle of the park.

The Colombian, who’s been labelled a “machine” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has managed to match or better him in numerous key areas this campaign – highlighting why his £20m fee would be a bargain.

Rios has registered more goals and assists throughout 2024/25, handing the side an added attacking option from a deep-lying role, something which is needed given their lack of threat this season.

He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, registering more key passes per 90 – handing the players ahead of him the chance to bolster their own tallies.

Games played

27

29

Goals & assists

6

3

Progressive carries

1.1

0.8

Progressive passes

2.5

3

Pass accuracy

91%

89%

Key passes

1.1

0.5

Blocks made

2.2

1.6

Interceptions made

1.4

1.3

The 24-year-old’s talent out of possession is just as impressive, making more blocks and interceptions per 90, offering the added defensive presence they need, given their lowly league standing.

£20m in today’s market is a bargain price, especially for a player of Rios’ quality, with his skillset certainly bolstering the options currently at Amorim’s disposal.

As seen by the stats produced in recent times, he’s managed to better Ugarte in such a role, possibly being a key player in their ambitions of pushing back up the league table in 2025/26.

He's like Pogba: Man Utd begin talks to sign "world-class" £50m talent

Manchester United could be about to make a move for a star who may follow in Paul Pogba’s footsteps.

ByEthan Lamb May 20, 2025

Newcastle United hold plenty of appeal for prospective recruits this summer and they could now be on the verge of landing a key target, according to a report.

Newcastle United make inroads during the summer window

There are plenty of transfer stories beginning to circulate in the North East after Antonio Cordero’s arrival from Malaga was confirmed earlier this week, and it remains to be seen where Eddie Howe will decide surgery is necessary to enrich his squad.

According to Sky Sports reporter Phil Dorsett, Newcastle remain keen on Brighton & Hove Albion striker Joao Pedro, and it is mooted that the former Bournemouth boss is keen to strengthen his forward line regardless of whether Alexander Isak or Callum Wilson depart.

“NUFC interested in Joao Pedro, who has admirers in PL and Europe. Big summer for Newcastle – Callum Wilson out of contract, and widespread interest in Alexander Isak – who nufc don’t want to sell. But Howe wants another striker, departures or not. And Pedro is an option.”

Defensively, talks have been held to bring Bayern Munich star Kim Min-jae to Tyneside. His asking price is said to have dropped from £42 million to £29.5 million, but Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan are also waiting in the wings.

Bolstering the heart of his backline has to be a priority for Howe amidst Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles coming towards the latter stages of their career.

Teenage attacker agrees 4-and-a-half year deal to join Newcastle United

Paul Mitchell isn’t messing around.

1 ByHenry Jackson Jan 31, 2025

Lloyd Kelly has left on a permanent deal to join Juventus worth £20 million. Meanwhile, Jamal Lewis has been released by the club as per their annual retained list.

With spaces to fill, Newcastle have now turned the tables and are closing in on a landmark signing, per recent reports.

Newcastle reportedly close to signing Marc Guehi

According to Portuguese newspaper outlet A Bola, Newcastle United have more or less completed a deal to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, which has prompted the Eagles to target Sporting Clube de Portugal’s Ousmane Diomande as a direct replacement.

There is no mention of the fee that it would take for the Magpies to pull Guehi away from the FA Cup holders, but the report states Palace have “lost Guehi to Newcastle”, and he is thought to be valued at around £50m.

Similar players to Marc Guehi – FBRef

Trevoh Chalobah

Chelsea

Oumar Solet

Udinese

Sinaly Diomande

Auxerre

Waldemar Anton

Borussia Dortmund

Once again a lynchpin for Crystal Palace during a productive campaign under Oliver Glasner, the Abidjan-born man made 44 appearances across the recent season, registering three goals and two assists.

Maintaining an element of dominance, Guehi won 168 duels in the English top-flight and continues to show up on a consistent basis for the Eagles, piquing the interest of clubs on the lookout for solidity.

Newcastle have long been at the front of the queue for his signature, and it appears they may finally be close to pushing a deal over the line, making this one to keep an eye on over the next few days.

Arsenal find themselves in the midst of their most important transfer windows for years and could now beat Manchester United to a statement addition, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Arsenal pushing to sign an elite striker

Make no mistake, Mikel Arteta faces the biggest transfer window of his reign in charge of the Gunners as his side bid to become Premier League champions after pushing their rivals all the way in recent times.

Without doubt, bringing a striker in at the Emirates that is capable of producing defining moments is the Spaniard’s central priority. However, Jack Wilshere doesn’t believe signing a number nine alone will solve all the Gunners’ problems.

Arsenal approach £170k-per-week forward with Berta ready to pay £53m

The Gunners are making “real moves” for him.

3 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 14, 2025

Of course, injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus hampered Arsenal’s title charge last term. Nevertheless, Arteta is crying out for an old-school centre-forward to take his side to the next level.

Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has emerged as a central target for the Gunners. Arteta is personally keen to sign him, but finances may hinder the signing of the Brazil international, who could form a statement pursuit for the club alongside their efforts to land RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

Why Arsenal need a new striker this summer

Kai Havertz

Appearances – 36 Goals – 15

Gabriel Jesus

Appearances – 27 Goals – 7

Bolstering other areas will also be in the pipeline for Arsenal, though it can’t be emphasised enough how important a striker is to their tilt at claiming the Premier League title.

Now, reports have emerged suggesting they could have an advantage in the race for one of Europe’s most prolific marksmen.

Romano: Arsenal hold advantage in race to sign Viktor Gyokeres

Taking to social media platform X, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Sporting Clube de Portugal star Viktor Gyokeres would favour a move to Arsenal over Manchester United this summer.

The Sweden international is still firmly on the radar despite the Gunners’ advances to sign Sesko, and the Red Devils now feel it is ‘unlikely’ they will bring the former Coventry City star to Old Trafford.

Commended for his “fantastic” development by Niko Kovac, the Stockholm-born man registered an incredible 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25.

Giving his ‘priority’ to the Gunners, Gyokeres, valued at £67 million, is now in clear sight for Arsenal as they desperately search for an elite striker to become the missing piece of the jigsaw under Arteta. Moving forward, it appears they have a good chance of pushing a deal over the line.

Manchester United’s hunt for new attacking options this summer has been ongoing before the window even opened, with the department in desperate need of investment.

Matheus Cunha may have been the first forward to move to Old Trafford during the off-season, but his £62.5m transfer isn’t expected to be the last ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The club’s tally of 44 goals in their 38 matches highlights the need for added reinforcements in such an area, but any signings would likely cost a pretty penny.

Rasmus Hojlund appears to be allowed to leave this summer with Napoli and Inter Milan circulating, but it’s unclear how much the Dane could command after scoring just four goals in their league last season.

Any funds generated will likely help Ruben Amorim in his quest to land new attacking talent, with numerous players already touted with a summer switch to Old Trafford.

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

Roony Bardghji is a player who has emerged on United’s shortlist over recent days, but they appear to have missed out on the Swedish youngster after a deal was agreed between Copenhagen and Spanish giants Barcelona.

Jean-Philippe Mateta is another name mentioned with a switch to Old Trafford this summer, but the Frenchman is seen as a backup option to other targets despite netting 14 Premier League goals this season.

However, the same can’t be said for Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo, with a deal seemingly heading in the right direction, according to talkSPORT’s latest update.

They claim that the Red Devils have made a second offer in the region of £60m for the 25-year-old, who scored 20 league goals for Brentford throughout 2024/25.

It also states that talks have accelerated with the attacker, who’s already agreed personal terms over a move to join Amorim’s side, but it doesn’t mention if the latest offer is expected to be accepted.

Why United’s £60m target would be a better signing than Nkunku

Despite the latest bid to sign Mbeumo this window, United have entered the race to sign Chelsea outcast Christopher Nkunku, looking as one of the main sides in the running for his signature.

It’s been reported that the Red Devils have approached the 27-year-old’s representatives over a move to join the club after starting just nine league games this season.

The player himself is said to be keen on a move away from Stamford Bridge, after failing to nail down a regular starting role following his £52m move to the Blues two years ago.

Nkunku is a versatile option, being able to operate in either the number ten position or as a centre forward, potentially handing Amorim the depth he craves in attacking areas.

However, it’s unclear how much Enzo Maresca’s side would demand for his signature, with Mbeumo a massively better option when comparing their respective figures from 2024/25.

The Brentford star has massively outperformed the French talent in numerous key areas, highlighting why he’d be a better choice for the Red Devils in the coming weeks.

Mbeumo, who’s been labelled “sensational” by Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam, has massively outscored Nkunku and registered a higher goal per shot on target rate, subsequently demonstrating his clinical edge in front of goal.

Games played

38

27

Goals & assists

27

5

Shot on target accuracy

45%

44%

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.2

Progressive carries

3.4

1.6

Progressive passes

3.7

2.4

Key passes

1.9

1.3

Take-on success

47%

37%

Carries into final third

1.8

1.5

He’s also registered more progressive passes and more key passes per 90, having the creative ability to provide the other talents around him with added opportunities – undoubtedly aiding Amorim’s quest for the added threat he’s been hunting for.

The Cameroonian’s dominance is further reflected in his take-on success and carries into the final third, able to get himself into key areas which has bolstered his respective tallies.

Whilst £60m may appear to be a hefty investment in a player who’s off the back of one impressive season, the chance to play alongside more top-level talents will certainly help him sustain such success.

Nkunku would provide an experienced option within the final third, but if the club have to choose one option between the pair, it’s evident that Mbeumo would be the option to improve the club’s chances of success in the future.

A better move than Ekitike: Man Utd preparing bid for "top-class" £44m ST

Manchester United appear top be making more moves for a striker ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jun 23, 2025

Hosts West Indies will be looking to continue their winning run at the first ever T20 World Cup game in Trinidad

Hemant Brar12-Jun-2024Match detailsWest Indies vs New Zealand
Tarouba, 8.30pm localBig picture – WI eye Super Eight spotSince 2015, New Zealand have been the most consistent side in World Cups, making it to the semi-final in all six editions – in 2015, 2019 and 2023 in the ODI World Cup, and in 2016, 2021 and 2022 in the T20 versions. They reached the final on three of those occasions even though they never lifted the trophy.But at the 2024 T20 World Cup, they are in danger of elimination after just one match. An 84-run thrashing at the hands of Afghanistan means the game against West Indies is almost a virtual knockout for them.The loss against Afghanistan, during which they looked rusty with bat as well as in the field, also put under scrutiny their refusal to play any warm-up games.West Indies, too, started their campaign in a stuttering manner, taking 19 overs to chase down 137 against Papua New Guinea. But they roared back to bundle out Uganda for 39 to register a 134-run win. If they beat New Zealand, they will become the first team from Group C to qualify for the Super Eight.West Indies know this is their toughest challenge yet but, as their captain Rovman Powell said, “if there is a good time to play New Zealand, it is now”.This is the first men’s T20 World Cup game in Trinidad; they did not get any in 2010. That could be one reason the ICC is expecting a strong crowd, probably a sell-out.Form guideWest Indies WWWWW (last five T20Is, most recent first)
New Zealand LLWWLIn the spotlight – Roston Chase and Kane WilliamsonWith just 15 T20I caps, Roston Chase is one of the least experienced players in the West Indies squad. But given the low-scoring pitches in the World Cup so far, he has emerged as one of their most important players, thanks to his ability to play the anchor’s role and bowl economical offspin. In five T20Is this year, Chase has scored 178 runs at a strike rate of 154.78 and picked up four wickets at an economy of 5.92.In the Afghanistan game, nothing symbolised New Zealand’s rustiness more than Kane Williamson’s dismissal: steering the ball into the hands of first slip off Rashid Khan. Between the last T20 World Cup and this one, Williamson played just eight T20s. Even though he was with Gujarat Titans for IPL 2024, he featured in only two games. The reason being Williamson is not your modern, power-hitting T20 batter, but he could hold the key to his team’s chances on these pitches.James Neesham is in contention to be back in the XI against West Indies•ICC/Getty ImagesTeam news – Sodhi in for a seamer?West Indies are likely to field the same XI for the third successive game.West Indies (probable XI): 1 Brandon King, 2 Johnson Charles, 3 Nicholas Pooran (wk), 4 Roston Chase, 5 Rovman Powell (capt), 6 Sherfane Rutherford, 7 Andre Russell, 8 Romario Shepherd, 9 Akeal Hosein, 10 Alzarri Joseph, 11 Gudakesh MotieNew Zealand could make a couple of changes. James Neesham might come in for Mark Chapman and Ish Sodhi for Matt Henry.New Zealand (probable XI): 1 Finn Allen, 2 Devon Conway (wk), 3 Kane Williamson (capt), 4 Daryl Mitchell, 5 Glenn Phillips, 6 James Neesham, 7 Michael Bracewell, 8 Mitchell Santner, 9 Ish Sodhi, 10 Lockie Ferguson, 11 Trent BoultStats and trivia – Pooran set to overtake Gayle Among those who have scored at least 500 runs across all T20s since the start of 2024, Andre Russell (205.15) is the only one to have a strike rate in excess of 200. Mitchell Santner’s T20 economy rate in the West Indies is 5.55. Nicholas Pooran needs three runs to take over Chris Gayle’s tally of 1899 to become the leading run-getter for West Indies in T20Is. Pooran has hit the most sixes (82) in T20s this year. Pitch and conditions – Another low-scoring game?There was lots of rain on Wednesday due to which West Indies had to cancel their training. New Zealand cut short theirs because of “unacceptable” practice pitches. There is no forecast for rain on the match day, though. Since the start of 2021, the average first-innings total in Tarouba has been 167 and it could once again be a low-scoring game.Quotes”Not just playing at RR, cricket is a global sport now with a lot of technology around. So everything you do in every single game is available to everyone around the world. Thankfully for us, we have a very good analyst who has figured out some of the strengths and weaknesses of Trent Boult. So hopefully tomorrow we can mitigate his strengths and try to capitalise.”
“From talking with a few of the West Indies boys and getting some understanding of what it plays like, they said sometimes it could be a sort of scrappy wicket around that 140-150 [mark]. And then there have been some games where it has been high-scoring. I look forward to the challenge tomorrow and try to adapt as quickly as possible.”

Everton are now in a race with David Moyes’ former side to sign a “very good” international midfielder who will be allowed to leave this summer for £25 million, according to a recent report.

Everton weighing up several transfer options

It’s been a rather quiet transfer window for the Toffees so far, but that could soon be about to change, as the return of pre-season gets ever closer. Everton have brought in Carlos Alcaraz on a permanent basis this summer, and they could be close to adding to that, as BBC Sport reports that Everton are close to signing defender Kenny Tete on a free transfer.

A deal is said to be close to being secured, as signing a new right-back has become a priority given Ashley Young was allowed to leave upon the expiry of his contract.

Everton now want to buy "brilliant" 65-cap star who could sign for only £9m

The Toffees could land a bargain…

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 25, 2025

The Merseysiders remain in talks with Villarreal over a deal to sign striker Thierno Barry, but he is not the only forward David Moyes is considering signing. Goodison News reported that the Toffees are interested in Millwall striker Mihailo Ivanovic after he scored 13 goals in the Championship last season.

Everton don’t want to stop there, and a report has now revealed that they have registered their interest in signing James McAtee from Manchester City. The young Englishman looks set to leave the Etihad this summer.

Everton in race with West Ham for Onyedika

McAtee may not be the last midfielder to arrive at Goodison Park this summer, as according to Sacha Tavolieri, Everton are in pole position to sign Raphael Onyedika from Club Brugge, albeit together with the Hammers.

Tavolieri states that both the Toffees and West Ham are leading the race to sign the midfielder this summer, with the Hammers the most concrete with their interest so far. He goes on to add that while he is under contract until 2027, the Belgian side would be happy to get around €30 million, which is roughly £25 million, this summer.

The 24-year-old has been with his current club since August 2022, where he’s won the Belgian league once and the Belgium Cup, which came in 2025. Onyedika, who has won 16 caps for Nigeria, was a key player for Club Brugge last season, as he played 25 times in the Jupiler Pro League and started all 11 of their Champions League matches.

Apps

141

Goals

6

Assists

4

Onyedika is very unknown to English football, as he’s spent his football career playing for FC Midtjylland and FC Fredericia before moving to Belgium. But reporter Graeme Bailey has labelled the midfielder a “very good player” and someone who is a “threat”, while he’s also been linked with a move to Leeds United.

Track the squads ahead of the new seasons as clubs build their lists

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jun-2024 • Updated on 12-Oct-2024Adelaide StrikersMenFabian Allen, James Bazley, Jordan Buckingham, Cameron Boyce, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Chris Lynn, Jamie Overton, Lloyd Pope, Ollie Pope, Alex Ross, D’Arcy Short, Matt Short, Henry Thornton, Jake WeatheraldIn Fabian Allen, Jordan Buckingham, Ollie Pope, Alex Ross (Thunder)
Out Wes Agar (Thunder)Women Jemma Barsby, Darcie Brown, Maggie Clark, Ellie Johnston, Katie Mack, Eleanor Larosa, Smriti Mandhana, Anesu Mushangwe, Tahlia McGrath, Bridget Patterson, Madeline Penna, Orla Prendergast, Megan Schutt, Amanda-Jade Wellington, Laura Wolvaardt,In Maggie Clark, Ellie Johnston (Heat), Eleanor Larosa, Smriti Mandhana, Orla Prendergast
Out Dani Gibson, Georgia Adams (Thunder), Courtney Neale, Annie O’Neil, Ella WilsonBrisbane HeatMenTom Alsop, Xavier Bartlett, Max Bryant, Spencer Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan McSweeney, Colin Munro, Michael Neser, Jimmy Peirson, Will Prestwidge, Matt Renshaw, Mitchell Swepson, Callum Vidler, Paul WalterIn Tom Alsop, Callum Vidler
Out Josh Brown (Renegades), Sam Billings (Thunder)WomenBonnie Berry, Nadine de Klerk, Sianna Ginger, Lucy Hamilton, Nicola Hancock, Grace Harris, Laura Harris, Jess Jonassen, Charli Knott, Shikha Pandey, Grace Parsons, Georgia Redmayne, Jemimah Rodrigues, Mikayla WrigleyIn Bonnie Berry, Sianna Ginger, Shikha Pandey, Jemimah Rodrigues, Mikayla Wrigley
Out Amelia Kerr (Sixers), Georgia Voll (Thunder), Courtney Sippel (Sixers), Ellie Johnston (Strikers)Hobart HurricanesMenIain Carlisle, Nikhil Chaudhary, Tim David, Paddy Dooley, Nathan Ellis, Peter Hatzoglou, Shai Hope, Rishad Hossain, Caleb Jewell, Chris Jordan, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Matthew Wade, Charlie Wakim, Mac WrightIn Shai Hope, Rishad Hosein, Charlie Wakim
Out Corey Anderson, Sam HainWomenSuzie Bates, Nicola Carey, Zoe Cooke, Heather Graham, Ruth Johnston, Lizelle Lee, Hayley Silver-Holmes, Tabatha Saville, Amy Smith, Lauren Smith, Molly Strano, Rachel Trenaman, Chloe Tryon, Elyse Villani, Callie Wilson, Danni WyattIn Lauren Smith (Thunder), Chloe Tryon, Danni Wyatt-Hodge, Suzie Bates
Out Maisy Gibson (Stars), Shabnim Ismail, Bryony Smith, Naomi Stalenberg (Renegades)Melbourne RenegadesMenJacob Bethell, Josh Brown, Harry Dixon, Laurie Evans, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Mackenzie Harvey, Nathan Lyon, Fergus O’Neill, Kane Richardson, Tom Rogers, Gurinder Sandhu, Tim Seifert, Will Sutherland, Jon Wells, Adam ZampaIn Jacob Bethell, Josh Brown (Heat), Laurie Evans, Gurinder Sandhu (Thunder)
Out Aaron Finch, Nic Maddinson (Thunder) Shaun MarshWomenAlice Capsey, Sarah Coyte, Emma de Broughe, Josie Dooley, Deandra Dottin, Nicole Faltum, Ella Hayward, Milly Illingworth, Hayley Matthews, Sophie Molineux, Georgia Prestwidge, Naomi Stalenberg, Tayla Vlaeminck, Georgia Wareham, Courtney WebbIn Alice Capsey, Deandra Dottin, Nicole Faltum (Stars), Milly Illingworth (Stars), Naomi Stalenberg (Hurricanes)
Out Tammy Beaumont, Jess Duffin, Harmanpreet Kaur, Ellen Falconer, Erica Kershaw, Rhiann O’DonnellAmelia Kerr has been a big-name signing for Sydney Sixers•ICC/Getty ImagesMelbourne StarsMenScott Boland, Hilton Cartwright, Brody Couch, Tom Curran, Ben Duckett, Sam Harper, Campbell Kellaway, Glenn Maxwell, Hamish McKenzie, Usama Mir, Joel Paris, Tom Rogers, Mark Steketee, Marcus Stoinis, Beau WebsterIn Tom Curran (Sixers), Ben Duckett, Hamish McKenzie (Stars)
Out Nick LarkinWomenYastika Bhatia, Sophie Day, Tess Flintoff, Kim Garth, Maisy Gibson, Hasrat Gill, Liv Henry, Marizanne Kapp, Meg Lanning, Rhys McKenna, Sasha Moloney, Sophie Reid, Deepti Sharma, Annabel SutherlandIn Yastika Bhatia, Maisy Gibson (Hurricanes), Marizanne Kapp (Thunder), Deepti Sharma, Hasrat Gill
Out Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Sophia Dunkley, Nicole Faltum (Renegades), Milly Illingworth (Renegades)Perth ScorchersMenAshton Agar, Finn Allen, Mahli Beardman, Jason Behrendorff, Cooper Connolly, Sam Fanning, Aaron Hardie, Nick Hobson, Matthew Hurst, Josh Inglis, Keaton Jennings, Matt Kelly, Mitchell Marsh, Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson, Matthew Spoors Ashton Turner, Andrew TyeIn Finn Allen, Mahli Beardman, Sam Fanning, Matthew Hurst, Keaton Jennings, Matthew Spoors
Out Hamish McKenzie (Stars)WomenChloe Ainsworth, Stella Campbell, Piepa Cleary, Maddy Darke, Sophie Devine, D Hemalatha, Amy Edgar, Mikayla Hinkley, Amy Jones, Alana King, Lilly Mills, Beth Mooney, Chloe PiparoIn D Hemalatha, Mikayla Hinkley (Heat)
Out Taneale Peschel (Thunder), Nat Sciver-Brunt, Lauren Winfield-HillSydney SixersMenSean Abbott, Jackson Bird, Jafer Chohan, Joel Davies, Ben Dwarshuis, Jack Edwards, Moises Henriques, Akeal Hosein, Daniel Hughes, Hayden Kerr, Todd Murphy, Kurtis Patterson, Mitch Perry, Josh Philippe, Jordan Silk, Steven Smith, James VinceIn Jafer Chohan, Akeal Hosein
Out Steve O’Keefe, Tom Curran (Stars)WomenHolly Armitage, Maitlan Brown, Erin Burns, Mathilda Carmichael, Lauren Cheatle, Sophie Ecclestone, Ashleigh Gardner, Alyssa Healy, Amelia Kerr, Isabella Malgioglio, Kate Pelle, Ellyse Perry, Kate Peterson, Courtney SippelIn Holly Armitage, Sophie Ecclestone, Amelia Kerr (Heat), Isabella Malgioglio, Courtney Sippel (Heat)
Out Chloe Tryon, Suzie Bates, Jess Kerr, Lindsey SmithSydney ThunderMenWes Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Sam Billings, Ollie Davies, Lockie Ferguson, Matthew Gilkes, Chris Green, Liam Hatcher, Sam Konstas, Nic Maddinson, Nathan McAndrew, Sherfane Rutherford, Will Salzmann, Daniel Sams, Jason Sangha, Tanveer Sangha, David WarnerIn Wes Agar, Sam Billings, Lockie Ferguson, Nic Maddinson (Renegades), Sherfane Rutherford
Out Alex Ross (Strikers), Gurinder Sandhu (Renegades)WomenGeorgia Adams, Chamari Athapaththu, Samantha Bates, Hannah Darlington, Sienna Eve, Saskia Horley, Shabnim Ismail, Sammy Jo-Johnson, Heather Knight, Anika Learoyd, Phoebe Litchfield, Claire Moore, Taneale Peschel, Georgia Voll, Tahlia WilsonIn
Georgia Adams, Sienna Eve, Shabnim Ismail, Taneale Peschel (Scorchers), Georgia Voll (Heat)Out Lauren Bell, Marizanne Kapp (Stars), Lauren Smith (Hurricanes)

Ben Stokes unable to stem progress as visitors seal six-wicket win

ECB Reporters Network02-Jul-2024Half-centuries from Kashif Ali and Adam Hose led Worcestershire to a six-wicket win against Durham at the Seat Unique Riverside, their first win of the Vitality County Championship season.Ali (76 not out) and Hose (50) came together when the visitors were 65 for three and combined for a partnership worth 129, which took the game away from the hosts, who will be left scratching their heads after they were firmly in the ascendancy prior to the lunch break on day three.Worcestershire wrapped up the Durham second innings early on, with the Pears needing 231 to break their winning duck.Gareth Roderick batted positively early on and set a platform for Ali and Hose to guide the visitors to a vital win in the Division One relegation battle.Ali, a graduate of the South Asian Cricket Academy, has been a bright spark in a difficult season for Worcestershire and picked up his second half-century of the match to give his side that all-important first win of the season, while Hose, who has now got fifties in back-to-back matches, was also imperative to the win.For Durham it is a first home defeat in the County Championship since April 2022, but it drags them back towards the bottom end of the table, with the North East county now just 11 points ahead of today’s victors, who occupy the second relegation spot.Resuming on 148 for nine, the job for Bas De Leede and Ben Raine was to get as many runs as possible for the hosts, but they only added four to the total, as Ben Allison got De Leede for three when the Dutch international edged to second slip.Beginning their chase of 231, the Pears’ opening duo of Roderick and Jake Libby had the job of giving the visitors a good start with a difficult chase on their hands, as the pitch had given the bowlers plenty of assistance in the previous two days.While Roderick initially struggled against Raine, he started to go through the gears and punched one from Matthew Potts down the ground for four, which was followed by a glorious cover drive in Ben Stokes’ opening over.Despite the visitors making a good start to their chase, there was a sense that a wicket was coming as Libby survived an LBW appeal from Peter Siddle and Roderick nearly chopped a Stokes delivery onto his stumps.Durham then made the breakthrough with Stokes getting Roderick for 38, as he attempted a pull shot from a short ball but he feathered it through to Ollie Robinson behind the stumps.Wickets came like buses for Durham as a second arrived soon after as Libby went for 19 after he whipped a Siddle ball to mid-wicket to swing the momentum back to the hosts. Stokes then dismissed Rob Jones with an absolute beauty as he bowled him for one to leave Worcestershire 65 for three.First innings top scorer Ali and Hose then came together and saw the visitors through to lunch without further loss.Ali and Hose looked to consolidate after lunch and withstanded a lot of short-pitched bowling from the Durham attack.The pair then took 12 from a De Leede over to reach the 50 partnership, with Ali taking a liking to the all-rounder’s bowling.The number three then followed this up with a perfect cover drive for four from a Potts ball and then former Warwickshire man Hose played a great straight drive for four.Ali survived an LBW shout on 33 as Siddle was convinced he had his man, but the umpire thought there was an inside-edge, while an erratic over from Stokes went for 15 to only add to Durham’s woes.Hose continued to cash in on the England captain’s bowling and got back-to-back fours including a delightful cover drive.Ali then reached his half-century from 77 balls, with Hose reaching his milestone soon after from 86 balls.Raine finally broke the partnership when Hose was caught behind for 50, but the excellent Ali finished unbeaten on 76 and guided his side home.