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Aston Villa have not had the best of starts to the 2025/26 campaign, having picked up just one point from their opening three Premier League fixtures, yet to break their duck.

There was an acceptance from Unai Emery and the powers that be that the summer transfer window would weigh heavily on the club after missing out on Champions League football following a contentious final-day defeat at Manchester United.

However, a late flurry of activity indicates progress and promise. Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliot completed deadline-day loan moves; Victor Lindelof joined on a free transfer after his deal with Man United expired.

The late moves salvaged Villa’s frustrating summer, especially since Monchi and Damian Vidagany have retained the services of the most talented first-teamers.

Aston Villa have kept their best players

In August, Aston Villa sold Jacob Ramsey to Premier League rivals Newcastle United for a £43m fee. A poignant one, for sure. However, the sale of the homegrown talent has turned pure profit for the club, and perhaps played a role in securing a series of late-window additions.

Loan deals for Marcus Rashford, Axel Disasi and Marco Asensio came and passed, but the likes of Ollie Watkins and John McGinn remain at Villa Park after offers from divisional competition were resisted.

Watkins might not be coming off the back of his best season, but he still notched 17 goals and 14 assists across all competitions, while McGinn’s leadership, energy and presence within the dressing room are factors not easily replaced.

While the opening weeks of the campaign have felt somewhat stale, the mixture of fresh quality and abiding experience emphasises the club’s capacity to challenge in the Europa League and push for a high finish in the Premier League.

These players will play important roles this season, but none more so than Morgan Rogers, who was exceptional last season and might be viewed as the talisman of Emery’s project.

How Morgan Rogers' market value compares

Last month, Rogers was named the PFA Young Player of the Year for the 2024/25 Premier League season. The honour bears testament to his extraordinary strides in such a short time, only joining Villa from Middlesbrough in the Championship in January 2024.

The 23-year-old earned opportunities across the second half of the 2023/24 season in the Premier League, but it is last year that he truly came into his own, scoring 14 goals and supplying 16 assists across all competitions, including a haul of 19 goal contributions in the league alone.

He scored a hat-trick against Celtic in the Champions League and bagged a consolation goal as Villa were knocked out against eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain, with pundit Jamie Carragher hailing him as an “unstoppable” force.

The Lions might have started the campaign without much of a roar, but you can bet your bottom dollar that Rogers will be among the driving forces when Emery does create a winning formula for the months ahead.

Athletic and enterprising, no matter the tactical role handed to him, Rogers typically plays in a forward-thrust central midfield berth or out on the left flank, where his pace and power allow him to take on defenders and split lines.

Left winger

93

24 (10)

Attacking midfield

48

14 (10)

Right winger

43

9 (17)

Centre-forward

23

7 (4)

Young he may be, but Rogers has already led a storied career, developing his talents in the EFL after first looking for success within Manchester City’s packed youth academy.

The exciting part is there’s still so much for the England international to give, so much potential as yet untapped.

Senior figures at Villa feel Rogers has the potential to become one of the very best in the Premier League, defining the coming years for Emery’s side and perhaps fetching a transfer fee to rival that of Liverpool’s Alexander Isak, who joined the champions from Newcastle United for a British record £125m fee on deadline day.

One of the most dangerous strikers in the world, Isak’s name has come to be feared in English football, and he has made incremental progress across his three terms on Tyneside. Rogers, too, has shown the signs of bit-by-bit development, and could find himself stretching into even loftier conversations with another knockout year under Emery’s wing.

Indeed, as per CIES Football Observatory, Rogers has been valued at £99m, whereas Isak actually comes in at a smaller price: £89m.

Of course, this doesn’t paint an accurate picture in actuality, since Isak has just moved to Merseyside for a record-breaking fee. Still, it underscores the Three Lions star’s potential to develop into a star of a similar stature, having made such impressive progress across just one full season in the top flight.

Isak, 25, wasn’t refined when leaving Real Sociedad and arriving at St. James’ Park in 2022, but his years under Eddie Howe’s tutelage have shaped him into a superstar. So the parallels can be found with Rogers at Aston Villa.

Whether Aston Villa succeed in nurturing Rogers toward a world-class level remains to be seen, but there’s no question that he has the skills and passion to achieve just that.

Already considered by leading data and analytical site in CIES Football Observatory to have a projected value above that of Liverpool’s new striker (though take that with a pinch of salt, given Isak’s actual price), Rogers is the Midlands outfit’s biggest star, and many feel the best is still to come.

Aston Villa sold "one of the best young players", now he's emulating Sancho

Amid the signing of Jadon Sancho, Aston Villa may wish they still had another star at the club

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 3, 2025

Everton manager David Moyes is reportedly weighing up the idea of signing a “special” Premier League player alongside their move for Tyler Dibling this summer.

The Saints teenager has emerged as a leading target for the Blues in the current transfer window, with three bids already rejected for his services by the Championship club.

Now, Southampton chief executive Phil Parsons has produced a bullish update on Dibling’s future, promising that he won’t be sold to Everton for anything below their asking price, which is thought to be around £50m.

“We’re not a club that’s going to roll over and just accept a bid because they feel like they want him on the cheap. If you want a player, bid for them and bid well. If we lose a player, we need to give Johannes (Spors, sporting director) the funds to replace that player. But it’s really been about cleaning up the squad.

“We’ve had a really big squad for a couple of years. That’s when it comes to bringing in academy products because that’s a part of who we are. We have to produce talent from our academy. We’ll see how the window goes, but if Tyler’s here this season, he’ll play for Southampton. He’s not going to sit around. It’s the same for every player.”

He’s not the only talented young British player is being eyed up by the Merseysiders however, following a fresh transfer claim.

Everton eyeing move for "special" Sunderland teenager

According to a new report from TEAMtalk, Everton have “explored a deal” for £40m-rated Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg, having sent scouts to watch him in action last season. It is claimed that the Blues still see Dibling as their top target, but will follow Rigg’s performances in the Premier League cloesly with Moyes a massive fan of the 18 year-old. Deals for both players could amount to £90m.

Rigg is a player who could have an enormous future in the game, so the idea of him in an Everton shirt alongside Dibling is mouthwatering, even though signing both won’t be easy.

The Sunderland ace is already a key man for the Black Cats at the age of just 18, starting 37 Championship matches last season and being hailed by former teammate Jobe Bellingham after sharing the Young Player of the Year award at the North East Football Writers’ Association Awards.

“I think first and foremost Riggy really deserves it and I’m delighted that we can share it because I think it’s really special. Both of our names will be attached to that forever because I love playing with him. We’ve got a really special bond on and off the pitch, we’re really good mates.”

Dream Dibling alternative: Everton explore move for "phenomenal" £40m teen

Everton are hoping to make another signing or two in the summer transfer market.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 9, 2025

While some Everton fans will understandably want to see Rigg sign this summer, seeing how he performs over the next year could be more sensibly planning, even though it is risking bigger clubs coming in for him next year.

On the dawn of their Premier League meeting to open their respective seasons, Manchester United and Arsenal have reportedly set their sights on the same impressive target.

Amorim: "Smart" Sesko "ready" for Man Utd debut

It’s a big weekend for Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United side. They’ve had investment this summer and excuses are running out for any potential disastrous form.

Man Utd set sights on Baleba alternative who scored stunner at Old Trafford

The Red Devils are looking at options beyond Carlos Baleba.

BySean Markus Clifford Aug 16, 2025

Whilst there’s still work to do in the transfer market, the arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko should hand the Red Devils more than enough firepower to battle their way back into the top six this season. And that could start in statement fashion against Arsenal.

If Amorim wants to see exactly where his side are at in the early days of the season, then Arsenal’s visit will certainly be welcomed. The Portuguese manager may waste no time before turning towards his fresh forwards either, having told reporters that Sesko is “ready”, despite only arriving one week ago.

On the transfer front, however, Manchester United seem far from done. After failing to negotiate a way past Brighton & Hove Albion’s £100m price tag for Carlos Baleba, those at Old Trafford could yet turn towards the likes of Angelo Stiller or others, whilst a Champions League winner is now also on their radar.

Man Utd eyeing Lee Kang-in move

According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are now eyeing a move to sign Lee Kang-in from Paris Saint-Germain this summer. The winger is free to leave amid competition for places in France and has already reportedly had direct contact from Arsenal.

In a fresh transfer battle ahead of their Premier League tie, United may already find themselves behind but, based on this summer, that may not be a problem.

Despite not having much to offer in terms of European football or a thriving project this summer, the Red Devils have still managed to lure the likes of Sesko away from rivals such as Arsenal and Newcastle United. Now, they could do the same with Lee.

Described as “brilliant” by scout Jacek Kulig in the 2022/23 campaign, and a “joy to watch”, Lee sent a timely reminder of his quality for PSG in their recent Super Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur – scoring an excellent goal to get the Champions League holders back in the contest late on.

Now, it appears the South Korean could well leave with Gianluigi Donnarumma, as he “seriously” considers an exit before the summer deadline.

Tottenham are in the market for a new number 10, which has been made all the more imperative by James Maddison’s nightmare injury, and Thomas Frank is also in need of a replacement for club legend Son Heung-min.

It was a night of both beauty and heartbreak in Seoul last Sunday as Son bid adieu in what was his final ever appearance.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The Seoul World Cup Stadium brimmed with 64,773 fans as he received a guard of honour from both Spurs and Newcastle players, before being subbed off in the 65th minute. Tears streamed down his face as he walked off, overwhelmed by chants, tributes and heartfelt ovations in his homeland.

The now-former Lilywhites captain, who helped to end Tottenham’s trophy drought whilst etching his name into folklore with 173 goals in 454 games, has arrived in Los Angeles after sealing a near-£20 million move to LAFC as per PA Media – drawing the curtain on an incredible last decade in north London.

In what was a major blow for Frank, the occasion was unfortunately somewhat marred by James Maddison’s horrific-looking knee injury. Maddison, having finally returned from a knee issue that kept him out of the Europa League final, entered the fray late only to collapse off the ball clutching that same knee.

He was stretchered off around seven minutes from full-time, later seen leaving the stadium on crutches, with Maddison now joining fellow chief creative outlet Dejan Kulusevski on the sidelines.

Kulusevski and Madders were Tottenham’s standout attacking outlets when fit and available last term, and Frank now faces the overwhelming headache of being without them both for the start of 2025/2026 – alongside the departed Son.

It makes signing a new attacker absolutely non-negotiable, and chairman Daniel Levy would ideally have at least one before they face off against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup on August 13.

Technical director Johan Lange has displayed a tendency to operate in silence, as we’ve seen previously with his out-of-nowhere moves for Wilson Odobert last summer and Morgan Gibbs-White this window, so the Dane may have something brewing.

Their deal for the latter unceremoniously failed in almost ‘Spursy’-like fashion, with Gibbs-White joining the likes of Paulo Dybala and Jack Grealish on Levy’s list of transfer near-misses.

Lange is still in the market for a new playmaker as a top priority for Tottenham, as per reliable media sources like Alasdair Gold, and GiveMeSport claim that they have registered an interest in Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers.

Tottenham given response as Levy eyes Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers

Rogers lit it up at Villa last season with his dynamic runs, direct dribbling and eye for goal – earning both their Young Player of the Season award and a PFA Young Player of the Year nomination.

The England international can operate on both the left-hand and right-hand sides, as well as in the 10 position, meaning he could step into both Maddison and Son’s shoes.

The 22-year-old’s 14 goals and 16 assists in all competitions were absolutely vital for Unai Emery, so much so that Villa are demanding around £100 million to let Rogers leave the Midlands before deadline day.

As per GMS, Tottenham are eyeing a move for Rogers, but Villa have responded to this with a ‘not for sale’ stance with London rivals Chelsea also thought to be admirers.

It would take Levy to completely smash the club’s transfer record to even get Villa talking, but time is running out for Spurs to sign a new playmaker and replacement for Son, so they’ll need to make a decision very soon.

Besides from picking up Anthony Elanga for a whopping £55m, Newcastle United has been quiet with incoming signings this summer transfer window so far.

Unfortunately, multiple advances, away from securing the ex-Manchester United winger’s services, have fallen to the wayside, with James Trafford looking more likely to move to Manchester City now over relocating to Tyneside, alongside long-term Magpies target Hugo Ekitike also favouring Liverpool over St James’ Park.

Thankfully, time is still on the Toon’s side as the early September deadline is a month and a bit away, with Newcastle now wanting to press on with securing some other new additions, away from cursing any failed captures.

Newcastle send scouts to watch £34m star

Clearly, the Magpies want to add another exciting striker to their ranks this summer – even if Alexander Isak does remain put – as the likes of Benjamin Sesko and Yoane Wissa appear on Eddie Howe’s ambitious shopping list.

Reports do suggest that Sesko would cost an extortionate £78m to obtain, on top of Wissa being valued around the £40m mark, with far cheaper targets on Newcastle’s radar when trying to bolster their personnel defensively.

Indeed, as per a development from NUFC Blog, Newcastle are now interested in a £34m deal to bring Inter Milan centre-back Yann Bisseck to England, having even sent scouts out to Italy to watch him in action.

The report also states that further Premier League interest has come Bisseck’s way from Aston Villa, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur, but the Magpies will hope they can land the 6-foot-5 titan’s signature at the expense of their rivals, as they bid to replicate their Sandro Tonali magic with another gem from Italy.

How Bisseck can be a Tonali repeat

Much like Bisseck has managed at the San Siro, Tonali would rise from being a promising starlet at Inter’s foes in AC Milan to becoming a dependable first teamer worthy of a pricey move to English shores.

Tonali would tally up a promising seven goals and 13 assists on the books of the Rossoneri before St James’ Park came calling, and the battling 25-year-old has never looked back since, with the Toon number eight only missing two Premier League clashes all of last season as one of Howe’s first, concrete names on the teamsheet.

Four goals and two assists would also come Tonali’s way across those 36 top-flight outings, with this wonderfully struck effort the pick of the bunch from the efforts that were cannoned home.

Bisseck will pray that if a move to Newcastle gets off the ground, he can make similar strides and become a key first-teamer under Howe’s wing, with his numbers in the Serie A this season just gone pointing in the direction that he could soon make these dreams a reality.

Games played

27

Goals scored

3

Assists

2

Touches*

55.4

Accurate passes*

43.0 (92%)

Ball recoveries*

2.4

Clearances*

2.3

Total duels won*

2.9

Clean sheets

3

Looking at the table above, there is plenty to be encouraged by if Newcastle were to land the £34m titan, with Bisseck putting his towering 6-foot-5 frame to effective use when chipping in with three goals last season in Serie A action, on top of also being assured with the ball at his feet as an imposing presence with 43 accurate passes averaged per league game.

He does have room to improve, too, but he has also shown flashes of his “commanding” excellence – as he was once labelled by football analyst Ben Mattinson – in the Champions League with eight duels won in total across two legs versus Barcelona last season, whilst also silencing Man City menace Erling Haaland in a 0-0 stalemate versus the Citizens during a group stage affair.

Newcastle will be competing on Europe’s grandest stage again next campaign, meaning Bisseck might well be just the buy to pursue to improve Howe’s options as the fixture list grows in size, with a golden Tonali-like repeat hopefully in the offing.

More clinical than Ekitike: Howe plotting Newcastle move to sign £75m+ star

Losing out on Ekitike could prove to be a blessing in disguise.

2 ByTom Cunningham Jul 19, 2025

Sunderland completed their sixth signing of the summer transfer window earlier this week when they confirmed the arrival of Simon Adingra from Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Black Cats have signed Adingra, Chemsdine Talbi, Noah Sadiki, Habib Diallo, Enzo Le Fee, and Reinildo to bolster Regis Le Bris’ options across the park.

Sunderland have only added Reinildo to their defensive ranks, though, and could look to improve their back four in the coming weeks before the end of the window.

It had been reported in June that the club were considering a permanent deal for Chris Mepham, who spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan from Bournemouth, but there has not been an update on the situation since then.

Sunderland plotting deal for Ligue 1 star

The Black Cats appear to be looking at alternative options to the Wales international in that area of the pitch, though, as they are reportedly keen on another right-sided centre-back.

Transfer Focus

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

According to Football Insider, Sunderland are interested in signing Toulouse central defender Charlie Cresswell to bolster their team this summer.

The report claims that the Premier League new boys are ‘plotting’ a deal to bring the England U21 international to the Stadium of Light in the coming weeks.

Speaking to Football Insider, scout Mick Brown added: “Sunderland have been looking at Charlie Cresswell. They had scouts at the Under-21 Euros and from what I hear they were impressed by what they saw.”

The Sun have previously claimed that it will take a fee of £18m to tempt Toulouse into cashing in on the former Leeds man, who would be an upgrade on Mepham for Sunderland.

Why Sunderland should sign Charlie Cresswell

Le Bris should push the club to strike a deal for the 22-year-old colossus, who won the U21 Euros with England this summer, because he would add defensive quality to the squad.

Cresswell caught the eye with his impressive performances at the Euros, winning 67% of his duels across six appearances, but he also showcased his ability in Ligue 1 for Toulouse.

The English star showed that he can deliver brilliant defensive displays on a regular basis in a major European league, which is something Mepham, who played 38 times in the Championship last term, has failed to do.

Appearances

31

10

Goals

3

0

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.0

1.9

Clearances per game

6.1

2.9

Duels won per game

4.9

4.3

Ground duel success rate

51%

37%

Aerial duel success rate

66%

60%

As you can see in the table above, Cresswell’s showings in Ligue 1 were significantly more impressive than Mepham’s were when he last played in the Premier League with Bournemouth.

These statistics suggest that the former Leeds man would come in as an immediate upgrade on what the Welshman could have offered in the top-flight, as he is more dominant defensively and offers a greater threat from set plays.

The Toulouse star, who was once hailed as “incredible” during his loan spell at Millwall by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is also five years younger than Mepham, which means that he also has more long-term potential as a young player with time left ahead of him to develop and improve.

Therefore, Cresswell could be a significantly better signing for Sunderland than Mepham due to both his quality in the here and now, as well as his potential to get better in the future.

Adingra & Lauriente's dream CF: Sunderland have big interest in £21m "icon"

Sunderland are still in the race to sign this exciting attacker who could well be Armand Lauriente and Simon Adingra’s dream partner up top.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 9, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have their sights set on clinching more silverware in 2025/26, with Thomas Frank replacing Ange Postecoglou in the dugout after the latter won the Europa League.

Of course, that doesn’t paint the full picture by half: Postecoglou’s chaotic tactics led to his demise, for his Spurs side finished 17th in the Premier League and endured miserable fortunes throughout the campaign.

However, Tottenham exhibited incredible resilience and togetherness to pick themselves up from the wayside and end 17 years of barrenness on the trophy front.

The players did so well, and so did Ange, who has departed a hero, immortalised in the club’s sweeping history.

And with a place in next year’s Champions League secured, Tottenham must now accelerate their summer transfer plans and bring in some impactful additions to kickstart the Frank era.

The latest on Spurs' search for wingers

Tottenham were left bruised after Bryan Mbeumo intimated that he would only leave Brentford this summer to sign for Manchester United, ignoring intrigue from Spurs and Newcastle United, both of whom will play in the Champions League; the Red Devils will not.

Now, fears are rising concerning West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus too. The Ghanaian winger has been the subject of a rejected £55m bid from Spurs but is now of increasing interest to Chelsea.

Frank clearly wants to strengthen his attacking ranks with athletic and potent wingers capable of dynamising his frontline.

If Tottenham fail to sign Mbeumo (which certainly seems the case), Frank will still expect to see a goalscoring winger added to his ranks, easing the goalscoring workload of Dominic Solanke in the middle.

And Daniel Levy may well have found a shrewd solution.

Spurs learn conditions for new winger

According to Football Insider, Tottenham have been informed by Celtic that they will have to pay something in the region of £25m if they wish to sign Daizen Maeda this summer.

The free-scoring Japan forward is one of the dominant Scottish champions’ prized assets, and with Brentford, West Ham and Fenerbahce overseas all interested too, there’s every chance the valuation will balloon over the coming weeks.

Celtic’s stance might appear absolute, but there is a gulf in finances between the English and Scottish footballing border, and given Frank needs such a profile in north London, there’s every chance an affordable deal could be struck.

What Daizen Maeda would bring to Spurs

While Maeda is principally a left-sided forward, Heung-min Son’s future at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is in the air, and thus, he could be the perfect addition given that Timo Werner has departed after his two-year loan spell.

It was Postecoglou who signed Maeda on loan from Yokohama F Marinos back in January 2022, before the transfer was made permanent that summer.

While he’s perhaps struggled for consistency at times in Scotland, who could argue against the 27-year-old’s prolific ability after the recent season? Indeed, Maeda scored 33 goals and provided 12 assists for his teammates across 51 outings.

His goalscoring aptitude suggests Frank could fashion him into his new version of Mbeumo.

Matches (starts)

34 (30)

38 (38)

Goals

16

20

Assists

10

7

Shots (on target)*

1.7 (0.8)

2.2 (1.1)

Big chances missed

17

9

Pass completion

82%

74%

Big chances created

10

17

Key passes*

1.3

1.8

Dribbles*

0.7

1.4

Ball recoveries*

2.1

4.1

Tackles + interceptions*

1.7

1.7

Duels won*

3.1

4.7

As we can tell from the data above, Maeda isn’t quite on the level of Mbeumo, for the Cameroonian forward is so complete in his performances, blending everything together to become “unplayable” when on his A-game, as has been said in the past by Frank.

However, Maeda’s certainly no joke, with Celtic’s dominance in the Scottish Premiership perhaps precluding the usage of his athletic attributes that he does possess. Indeed, his former coach at Yokohama F Marinos, John Hutchinson, has described him as a “physical beast”.

Furthermore, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has claimed that the Japan international is one of the best pace-setters on the globe, doubting that “there’s anyone better in world football” at leading the charge and dictating tempo.

With such machine-like stamina, you’d think he might even be tailor-made for a role in a Frank system, emulating Mbeumo and maybe seeing his game go from strength to strength as he adapts to the rigorous nature of the Premier League, something that seems well within his powers.

He’s also proven his capacity to succeed on the biggest stage, scoring for the Hoops against Bayern Munich in last year’s Champions League group phase.

If Maeda wishes to reach his full potential, you’d think he might want to pursue a career in the Premier League, where he could dovetail right into a new Tottenham set-up which promises so much: stability, fluency, dynamism.

Mbeumo has reaped the rewards of plying his trade for the Lilywhites’ Danish manager, only outscored in the English top flight last term by Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland and Alexander Isak.

You can see why Spurs are so keen on securing the right-sided forward’s signature. Saying that, given that Brentford are in for Maeda, one could surmise that the Bees are also keen on bagging themselves a similar profile to their soon-to-depart talisman, thus strengthening Tottenham’s case to forge ahead with a move.

Described as an “absolute nuisance” of a forward by pundit Rio Ferdinand, Maeda has all the tools to succeed in the Premier League, and for just £25m, Tottenham could hit the jackpot by reeling him in.

Dele 2.0: Spurs open talks to re-sign the Championship's "best full-back"

Tottenham are looking to make some shrewd signings ahead of the 2025/26 season.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 4, 2025

Having already welcomed Carlton Morris from Luton Town, Derby County are now reportedly in talks to sign an experienced winger at a bargain price this summer.

Derby sign Carlton Morris

Leaving relegated Luton in favour of a move to Pride Park, Morris became the first signing of the summer at Derby earlier this week and will be hoping to ensure that they, unlike The Hatters, push beyond the Championship’s dropzone next season. At 29 years old, he’s now a player with plenty of experience and his versatility to play all across the frontline could prove pivotal for John Eustace.

After putting pen to paper, Morris told Derby’s official website: “It’s a massive club that I’ve heard a lot of good things about. When they came in for me, it was a bit of a no-brainer, really.

“[The move is] a big change, especially with my family. You want to know about the football club, about the area, and I’ve heard nothing but good. I’ve heard it’s a great family club, so I’m excited to get going.

“I think I’m entering the prime stage of my career as a striker now. I spoke to Rob Edwards, who has told me how good Keith Downing is and that Matt Gardiner is exceptional to work with as well.

Derby face Blackburn in race to sign midfielder with same agent as Forsyth

Derby County are now in a race with fellow Championship teams to sign a versatile midfielder.

ByBrett Worthington Jun 26, 2025

“They’re only going to make me a better player which is crucial as I’m at a place where I’m probably the most coachable I’ve been in my career and ready to kick on.”

In their second season back in the Championship, Derby are seemingly ready to welcome more experience after Morris this summer and that includes one particular winger. As Eustace’s side aim to push on, they’ve reportedly opened talks in pursuit of a bargain deal.

Derby open talks to sign John Swift

As reported by Birmingham World, Derby are now in talks to sign John Swift alongside three other EFL clubs. The former West Bromwich Albion winger is now a free agent after leaving the Hawthorns and is believed to have already met with two managers regarding his future, one of them being Eustace.

Whilst he endured a mixed spell for the Baggies, Swift’s experience may prove invaluable for a side in Derby’s position. Meanwhile, at his best, Swift is someone who has often found himself at the centre of impressive praise.

That includes from former West Brom manager Tony Mowbray last season, who told reporters after Swift scored a free-kick against Burnley last season: “John Swift’s free-kick was a fantastic goal. He’s a wonderful player and he’s very talented. Certain games need certain types of players to give us the best chance to win.”

With three other EFL sides interested, there’s no doubt that signing Swift would represent an impressive coup for Derby, who have already made a statement by signing Luton’s Morris this summer.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will be “pushing” the Hoops to complete the signing of an attacking “superstar” this summer, according to former scout Mick Brown.

Players Celtic could sign this summer

New signings are needed for the Hoops, in order to be ruthless and continue winning Scottish Premiership titles, as well as improve their performances in the Champions League.

Plenty of players continue to be linked with summer moves to Celtic, with West Ham midfielder Andy Irving reportedly among their list of targets. He was limited to only one start and 10 appearances in the Premier League last season, so a new challenge may make sense for him.

Meanwhile, Sondre Orjasaeter has also been mentioned as an option for the Hoops, having registered 17 goal contributions in 41 matches for Sarpsborg 08.

Kawasaki Frontale attacker Shin Yamada is the latest Japanese player to be linked with a switch to Celtic, with the 25-year-old potentially seen as a strong choice to bolster Rodgers’ attack. It looks like someone else is on the mind of the Hoops boss, though.

Celtic boss Rodgers "pushing" to sign "superstar" Ferguson

Speaking to Football Insider, Brown claimed that Celtic want to complete the signing of Brighton striker Evan Ferguson this summer, with Rodgers “pushing” to get a deal over the line.

“Celtic can offer attractive opportunities to players like Ferguson. They’re going to be playing in the Champions League and competing for trophies, which would be valuable experience for a player of his age. He’d come in as their first-choice striker as well, he might not be guaranteed that elsewhere. Especially in the Premier League where he’s proved he struggles to hold down a starting place. He struggled on loan at West Ham last year and now he needs to put down a marker and show he can be the player everybody thinks he can be.

“For a team like Everton or Forest, he would still have a lot to offer. But he could go to Celtic as the main man up front, away from the pressure that comes with the Premier League, and prove what he can do. I think Brendan Rodgers will be pushing to get that done, he wants to be ambitious in the market. He expects to be backed and this would be a statement of intent, even if it’s on a loan deal.”

Ferguson’s stock has fallen over the past 12 months or so, having been seen as an incredible talent who was linked with Manchester United at one point, being described as a future “superstar” by Micah Richards.

That’s not to say that the Republic of Ireland international couldn’t be a great signing for Celtic, though, despite struggling on loan at West Ham, and he is still only 20 years of age.

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As Brown says, it would be a statement piece of business by the Hoops, even if it’s a season-long loan move to Parkhead, with Ferguson possessing the ability to thrive in the Scottish game, scoring goals for fun.

Manchester United have been known for big sales over the years, often making big-money on players, which has led to their own heavy spending in the transfer market.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains their record sale to this day, after the Portuguese sensation departing in a £80m deal to join Real Madrid way back in the summer of 2009.

Romelu Lukaku and Ángel Di María both also departed Old Trafford for fees over £50m, with the club not afraid to offload stars, even if it resulted in a loss on the money paid for their signatures.

This summer could see multiple other stars depart the Theatre of Dreams, as Ruben Amorim looks to offload options to allow for funds to make the desired impact in 2025/26.

Numerous stars have already been touted with a switch during the off-season, with one player set to follow in the footsteps of another former star in the coming months.

The latest on players who could leave United this summer

Rasmus Hojlund has failed to deliver at United this season, only scoring four league goals – even going 21 games without a goal at one stage, highlighting his lack of impact.

He’s already been of interest from Italian sides Napoli and Inter Milan, with the Red Devils looking to recruit as much of the £72m fee forked out for his signature two years ago.

However, he could be joined out the door by winger Antony, who looks almost certain to leave the club this summer, according to one Spanish outlet’s latest report.

They claim that Jason Wilcox has already entered talks with Spanish side Real Betis over a deal for the Brazilian, who registered nine goals and five assists on loan with the same outfit last season.

It also states that Amorim’s side are demanding a fee in the region of £50m to part ways with the 25-year-old this summer, but the Spanish side are only prepared to offer around £30m.

Why United’s £50m star could be their next Elanga

Attacker Anthony Elanga joined United at the age of 12, rising through the youth ranks at Old Trafford, before making an impact in the first-team back in 2021.

The Swede managed to score against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, a moment that was undoubtedly the highlight of his time as a Red Devil.

However, he would leave in a £15m deal to join Nottingham Forest back in the summer of 2023, a deal that has since proved to be a huge mistake, with the forward taking his career to the next level since.

The 23-year-old has registered 32 combined goals and assists across all competitions in the last two seasons, including a tremendous solo effort against Amorim’s side back in April.

As a result, he’s been the subject of a £50m bid from Newcastle United, showcasing the rise he’s enjoyed since leaving United – with the club undoubtedly selling him for a bargain.

They must regret such a deal, something which could happen once again this summer, with Antony set to follow in his footsteps by succeeding away from the club next campaign.

The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by content creator Angry Ginge, has already demonstrated his quality away from United this campaign – showcasing he still has the tools to be a success at the club.

Games played

17

Goals & assists

7

Pass accuracy

84%

Shots taken

2.8

Shots on target

1.2

Chances created

2.4

Successful dribbles

1.6

His underlying figures from his time in Spain showcase his talents, creating 2.4 chances per 90 and completing 1.6 dribbles per 90, highlighting the threat he carries with the ball at his feet.

Antony has also managed 2.8 shots per 90 along with 1.2 shots on target per 90, having the end product that United have often lacked – as seen by Hojlund’s unthinkable goal drought.

Whilst his time at Old Trafford has undoubtedly been a disappointing one given his £86m transfer fee, he still has the potential to shine at the club, as seen by his recent run away from the Theatre of Dreams.

It’s highly unlikely that his £50m asking price will be met this summer, which could prove to be a blessing in disguise, with the club potentially regretting his departure, and having the chance to replicate Elanga in the process.

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