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Aston Villa have now made an enquiry to sign a £60 million star who scored in a win at Villa Park during the 2023/24 season, according to a recent report.

Rumours of Aston Villa exit for Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa made the hard decision to let Jhon Duran leave Villa Park in January, as they prioritised keeping Ollie Watkins over the Colombian international. Six months later and the Villans could now have a battle on their hands to keep hold of the England international.

That is because Watkins is attracting strong interest from teams in the Premier League. Earlier this week, Caught Offside reported that Manchester United are considering a move to sign Watkins, as the forward is being described as a “key target” for Ruben Amorim. Meanwhile, it’s also been reported that Arsenal are also in the race to sign Watkins and have opened talks over a possible transfer.

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Talks are planned ahead of a potential move to Villa Park.

Posts ByHenry Jackson Jul 12, 2025

Newcastle United are another team who have identified Watkins as a possible transfer target this summer, as well as Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike. The Villans would ideally like to keep hold of their striker this summer, but it’s also been reported that the Midlands side have placed a £60 million price tag on the 29-year-old’s head.

Villa have already been linked with a move for Semih Kilicsoy of Besiktas, but there is now a new forward on their list, and he is already well known to the Premier League.

Aston Villa make enquiry to sign £60m striker Jackson

According to journalist Nabil Djellit, Aston Villa and Monchi have submitted an enquiry to Chelsea over signing striker Nicolas Jackson.

Djellit reports that the door is open for Jackson to leave Stamford Bridge in this transfer window, with a decision being made on his future after the Club World Cup final on Sunday evening. He claims that Jackson could leave Chelsea for a fee of £60 million and has been the subject of an enquiry not only from Villa but also from Manchester United, who are searching for a new striker.

Napoli are also a team interested in the Premier League striker, as they look to provide competition and backup to Romelu Lukaku now they are back playing in the Champions League. Jackson is under contract at Chelsea until 2033, but given the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, his time at Stamford Bridge could now be coming to an end.

Nicolas Jackson’s 24/25 Premier League stats

Apps

30

Starts

28

Goals

10

xG

12.34

Shots per game

2.5

Goal conversion

13%

Big chances missed

19

Assists

5

xAG

1.92

Big chances created

6

Key passes

0.9

The 24-year-old has taken to life in English football very well, as he’s scored 24 goals in 65 league games and 30 goals for Chelsea in 81 games in all competitions. In fact, he is a player Villa do know well, as the forward scored at Villa Park in an FA Cup fourth-round replay during the 2023/24 season.

Jackson started all but two games in the Premier League last season when available, but recent ill-discipline issues in the Premier League and Club World Cup could spell the end of his time working with Enzo Maresca.

شارك النجم المصري محمد صلاح، لاعب فريق ليفربول، في مباراة يوم الأحد ضد خصمه فريق بيرنلي، وذلك في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وحل ليفربول ضيفًا على بيرنلي في ملعب “تورف مور” في إطار منافسات الجولة الرابعة من الدوري الإنجليزي، 2025/26، حيث فاز الريدز بهدف دون رد.

وخاض نجم ليفربول، محمد صلاح، تلك المباراة كأساسي رفقة كتيبة آرني سلوت ولعب حتى النهاية وسجل هدف الفوز القاتل. ملخص لمسات محمد صلاح في مباراة ليفربول وبيرنلي

وحظى محمد صلاح برقابة دفاعية قوية في الدقائق الأولى من الشوط الأول، حيث مُنع عنه وصول الكرة إليه في أكثر من مرة، في محاولة من أصحاب الأرض لامتصاص قوة ليفربول في البداية.

وتدخل لاعبو بيرنلي على محمد صلاح في الدقيقة 24، لإبعاد الكرة قبل الوصول إلى المصري، الذي لم يظهر بأدائه المعهود عنه في النصف الأول من الشوط.

وتحصل محمد صلاح على خطأ لصالحه، في الدقيقة 34 من عمر الشوط الأول، نتيجة تدخل أحد لاعبي بيرنلي ضده.

وحاول محمد صلاح اختراق دفاعات بيرنلي في الدقيقة 44، ومرر الكرة ناحية فلوريان فيرتز، ولكن الأخير لم يتمكن من فعل أي شئ وسط الضغط الدفاعي المميز لأصحاب الأرض.

وحاول محمد صلاح صناعة هدف لصالح ليفربول في الدقيقة 61، بعدما مرر كرة رائعة ناحية آندي روبرتسون وسددها الأخير ولكن بعيدة عن المرمى.

وانطلق محمد صلاح وسدد كرة بالقدم اليمنى بطريقة مميزة صاروخية، من الناحية اليسرى للملعب، ولكنها لم تكن دقيقة وابتعدت عن المرمى، في الدقيقة 65.

ومرر محمد صلاح كرة ناحية دومينيك سوبوسلاي، في الدقيقة 75، ولكن الأخير مررها بجوار قائم مرمى بيرنلي، ليستمر التعادل السلبي قائمًا بين الفريقين.

وحاول محمد صلاح تمرير كرة داخل منطقة جزاء ليفربول، ولكنها جاءت أطول من اللازم، لتتحول إلى ضربة مرمى لصالح بيرنلي، في الدقيقة 89.

وتكرر الأمر في الدقيقة 91، حيث حاول محمد صلاح تمرير كرة في العمق، ولكنها اصطدمت بالدفاع.

وقبل نهاية الشوط الثاني والمباراة، تحصل ليفربول على ضربة جزاء في الدقيقة 95 ونفذها محمد صلاح بنجاح، ليحولها إلى هدف فوز قاتل لكتيبة آرني سلوت.

Chelsea are set to welcome two more new signings, with Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro poised to join Enzo Maresca’s side from Borussia Dortmund and Brighton respectively, but this £100m-plus double deal means that outgoings simply have to be sorted out sooner rather than later.

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They once came close to signing him.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Jul 1, 2025

The Blues were given an almighty boost when their fourth total bid for Gittens was accepted by Dortmund, and the Englishman will now undergo a medical after Chelsea finally shook hands on a £55 million deal with the Bundesliga side.

Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season

Average match rating

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Chelsea will also add another new striker to their ranks after their £30 million move for Liam Delap, with Pedro sealing a switch to west London for an initial £55 million, which may rise to £60 million if certain add-ons are met (Fabrizio Romano).

The moves take BlueCo’s total outlay for the window to around £140 million at least, and they now face some pressure from UEFA after allegedly breaking their financial fair play rules.

Chelsea and Aston Villa are apparently facing UEFA FFP breaches, with clubs required to limit spending on wages and transfer fees to around 80 per cent of revenue. They’re also permitted a loss of around £77 million over three years, less than the PSR threshold of around £105 million in that same timeframe, and this has sparked additional pressure on Chelsea’s recruitment team to raise money.

Maresca’s side are set to be fined this week as they attempt to reach a settlement, according to the i paper, so Chelsea may need an influx of cash from player sales to help balance the books.

Europe’s financial regulations are generally tighter than England’s, and they’re under more pressure in that regard, as Chelsea’s £200m sale of the women’s team to a separate company, Blueco 22 Midco Ltd, has not been permitted as a viable source of revenue by UEFA for 24/25 – despite being allowed by the Premier League.

Christopher Nkunku pushing to leave Chelsea

Even when taking into account the financial side of things, this influx of new attackers has also left Maresca awashed with too many final-third options, so the squad needs to be balanced out with key exit deals.

According to Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, £195,000-per-week Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku is a prime contender for the Stamford Bridge exit door, and the club will indeed be forced to sell players in the coming weeks.

The Frenchman bagged 14 goals in all competitions last season but ultimately failed to break into Maresca’s starting eleven on a regular-enough basis, and he’s been regularly linked with an exit since January.

Nkunku is “pushing” to leave Chelsea right now as he seeks to embark on the next chapter of his career, as per O’Rourke, and their Premier League rivals have been credited with interest.

Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign Nkunku, according to some reports, while the reliable Ben Jacobs reported in May that Tottenham made an enquiry over the 27-year-old’s availability.

While Nkunku has struggled to fit into a highly competitive squad, he has largely chipped in when required, and the former RB Leipzig sensation’s current teammates rate him very highly.

“Yeah, he’s a top player, we all know his quality, how he is as a player,” said João Félix last season.

“We already saw him doing amazing things at Leipzig. And yeah, I like to play with him. I think we think the game kind of like the same way. So I think he already know what I’m going to do, and I know what he’s going to do. I think it’s pretty easy to play with him. I think we connect very well.”

Prospect of Atkinson and Wood in same XI is early indication of attack England want for Ashes

Vithushan Ehantharajah17-Jul-2024From Thursday, James Anderson will be perched up on the England balcony in the Trent Bridge pavilion, at the side of the ground that is due to be renamed “The Stuart Broad End” before the start of the first day’s play. Broad himself will be at the other end, on the ones-and-twos as part of the Sky commentary team.Meanwhile, out in the middle, sandwiched by the gaze of 355 caps and 1,308 Test dismissals, a new era of English Test fast bowling will get underway. No pressure, lads.And yet, despite this being the first time in 12 years on home soil that England have put out a Broad-and-Anderson-less XI, a familiarity remains. Chris Woakes will earn his 50th cap. Mark Wood will return to Trent Bridge, nine years on from taking the decisive wicket here to secure England’s most recent Ashes success. Fresh from 18 overs in the first Test, Ben Stokes is on his way back to being the allrounder he once was.The biggest change is England’s shiniest new thing, Gus Atkinson, taking the new ball. Indeed, this promotion might also be the biggest indicator of what is to come. Not since a Test against New Zealand in 2021, when Olly Stone lined up alongside Wood, have England picked two genuine quicks in their attack.This was always going to be the direction of travel as soon as the 2025-26 Ashes were put at the top of the in-tray, leading to Anderson’s pensioning-off. Despite the deserved eulogies and celebrations of a remarkable career, it is in this second Test – only days after his Lord’s farewell – that England have truly shown their hand. And while it is no overt criticism of Anderson, the England captain made no secret that speed was at the top of England’s agenda.”You ask any batter in the world, whether it be Joe Root, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, pace is a massive weapon that makes you do different things,” Stokes said.”It makes you think differently. But also there has got to be skill attached to your pace. Gus showed that last week, that he’s more than just an out-and-out quick bowler, he’s incredibly skilful. As is Mark Wood. The ability for him to be able to bowl as quickly as he does but have the control and swing as well is something that’s very rare in someone who bowls that fast.Gus Atkinson will take over new-ball duties from the retired James Anderson•Gareth Copley/Getty Images

“It’s an added bonus having people who you can select who can bowl at 90mph and above, but you still have to be very skilful with what you’ve got.”Trending towards a quicker attack tallies with the make-up of October’s central contract list. Quicks populated every tier, from Wood on his three-year deal, down to the three development contracts, all of which were handed to fast bowlers: Matthew Fisher, Saqib Mahmood (both capped at Test level on the Broad-and-Anderson-less tour of the Caribbean in 2022) and, most intriguingly of all, John Turner.Despite not featuring in four-day cricket since July 2023, Turner was plucked off the Hampshire bench to play for the County Select XI against West Indies at the start of the month and impressed with five in the match, including 4 for 60 in the first innings. It would be a rogue shout to elevate a 23-year-old with just three first-class appearances to his name this summer. But is it that much more bold than, say, parking Anderson?Jofra Archer, meanwhile, is the biggest indicator of England’s caution. An encouraging return at the T20 World Cup, with 10 dismissals across eight matches, does not mean a revision to the management’s initial plans to reintroduce him to red-ball cricket in 2025.”For us, it’s about not getting too giddy with it,” Stokes said on Archer’s progression from his 18-month nightmare of elbow and back injuries. “If we don’t see him until next summer, for example, because we’re just making sure… if we don’t have him for a year, let’s say, but it prolongs his career for another two, three years, that’s what we are looking at trying to do.Related

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England go back to the future as post-Anderson era begins at Trent Bridge

“We’re not looking to rush Jof back. For me, as a huge Jofra Archer fan, it’s just great seeing him back in an England shirt.”Moving the seam attack along won’t be, erm, seamless. Atkinson has only opened the bowling three times in competitive first-class cricket. Wood, while not in need of overs under his belt to fire at full throttle, is making his first Test appearance after a chastening tour of India.Woakes, too, is emerging out of a tough period following the loss of his father. Following a break from the game, he returned to action for Warwickshire in June, ending a four-month absence from competitive action.His one wicket from 18 overs in the first Test showcased a lack of the snap and zip that earned him the Player-of-the-series gong for last summer’s Ashes, despite only being parachuted into the series from the third Test at Headingley.Woakes admitted a return to Test whites was his way of moving forward after his father’s death., and it promises to be an emotional cap presentation for his half-century of appearances on Thursday, after a journey which began in August 2013. Stokes, who lost his father in 2020, empathises with his desire to use the game to process his grief.”I’m probably guilty of that as well,” Stokes said. “But we had a chat before the game started. Coming into his first game back for England, when you look at the grand scheme of things with what Woakesy went through, that was his first game back without his dad there. There was a lot more emotion attached to that game for him.”I still think, even though he did not quite hit his straps like we’re used to seeing from Woakesy, it was a good run-out – if that makes sense – coming into this week. He’s played a game, obviously took some time out of the game because of an emotional time, but now he’s back out on the field doing what he wants to be doing. There was a lot of emotion last week attached to Woakesy.”Meanwhile, Anderson’s guidance in his new mentoring role was evident on Wednesday as he spent time coaching Stokes through developing a wobble-seam delivery. “I wish I had it last week when it was swinging,” Stokes said. “I could have nipped one back in. Everything he said to me made complete and utter sense and made it sound like the easiest thing in the world to do … but it’s not.”For all the wisdom that will sit watching on from that balcony – and critiquing from the other end – this new iteration of the England pace attack must apply it out on the field. All while staying true to their own attributes that have them front and centre of this new era. A daunting ask, but one Stokes implores all incumbents – present and future – to relish.”I think it’s a great opportunity for someone like Woakesy and even myself to take on a bit more responsibility in terms of speaking to the bowlers.”Jimmy has taken the new ball and will always see what is best to do; swing it, if not, go to his wobble ball. That burden and responsibility now falls on Gus and Woakesy this week and then whoever is lucky enough to take that new ball going forward.”

Trent Boult, who was part of defending champions MI Emirates last season, has not been retained

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Jun-2024

Kieron Pollard, Nicholas Pooran, Akeal Hosein and Dwayne Bravo have all been retained by MI Emirates•Creimas/ILT20

Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Nicholas Pooran, David Warner and Mohammad Amir are among the 69 players retained by their respective ILT20 franchises ahead of the third season.Captain Pooran, Dwayne Bravo, Akeal Hosein, Kieron Pollard and Fazalhaq Farooqi are also among defending champions MI Emirates’ retainees. Trent Boult, who was part of Emirates last season, has not been retained. Captain Narine and Russell are among the 11 players retained by Abu Dhabi Knight Riders along with the likes of David Willey, Charith Asalanka and USA’s Ali Khan and Andries Gous.Apart from Amir, the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga, Alex Hales and Azam Khan have also been retained by Desert Vipers. The notable absentees from the retention list are fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Matheesha Pathirana, and Colin Munro, who captained the Vipers last season.Captain Warner aside, Dubai Capitals have retained big names such as Rovman Powell, Sam Billings and Jake Fraser-McGurk. England’s Joe Root and Mark Wood, who were part of the squad last year, have been left out. Shimron Hetmyer headlines Gulf Giants’ retention list, along with captain James Vince. USA’s Saurabh Netravalkar and Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rehman haven’t made the list. The likes of Kusal Mendis, captain Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Johnson Charles are among the eight players retained by Sharjah Warriors.Each franchise has also retained two UAE players each, and there was no limit on retention of international players. Teams can now sign new players in the ongoing player acquisition window which will stay open till 15 September. The franchises will also need to complete their quota of four UAE signings after the completion of the ILT20 development tournament which will be held in October.The third season of the ILT20 is scheduled to be played in 2025 from January 11 to February 9 in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.ILT20 retention listAbu Dhabi Knight Riders: Aditya Shetty, Ali Khan, Alishan Sharafu, Andre Russell, Andries Gous, Charith Asalanka, David Willey, Joe Clarke, Laurie Evans, Micheal Pepper and Sunil Narine.Desert Vipers: Adam Hose, Alex Hales, Ali Naseer, Azam Khan, Bas de Leede, Luke Wood, Micheal Jones, Mohammad Amir, Nathan Sowter, Sherfane Rutherford, Tanish Suri and Wanindu Hasaranga.Dubai Capitals: Dasun Shanaka, David Warner, Dushmantha Chameera, Haider Ali, Raja Akif, Rovman Powell, Sam Billings, Sikandar Raza, Zahir Khan, Jake Fraser McGurk and Oliver Stone.Gulf Giants: Aayan Afzal Khan, Blessing Muzarabani, Chris Jordan, Dipendra Singh Airee, Gerhard Erasmus, Jamie Overton, James Vince, Jamie Smith, Jordan Cox, Mohammad Zohaib Zubair, Rehan Ahmed, Richard Gleeson and Shimron Hetmyer.MI Emirates: Akeal Hosein, Andre Fletcher, Daniel Mousley, Dwayne Bravo, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Jordan Thompson, Kieron Pollard, Kusal Perera, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Muhammad Waseem, Nicholas Pooran, Nosthush Kenjige, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth and Waqar Salamkheil.Sharjah Warriors: Dilshan Madushanka, Johnson Charles, Junaid Siddique, Muhamad Jawadullah, Kusal Mendis, Luke Wells, Peter Hatzoglou and Tom Kohler-Cadmore.

Newcastle United will play Champions League football once again next season, but Eddie Howe will certainly know that first-team signings are needed if his side are to make headway after an extraordinary year.

Top five was secured, as was the Carabao Cup trophy after an incredible performance against Liverpool, who so dominantly won the Premier League.

Somehow, Howe achieved the feats with limited attacking options, but he’s seeking to rectify that in the summer transfer market.

Newcastle looking at Elanga alternative

Indeed, despite a slow start, The Athletic’s David Ornstein has revealed on Wednesday that the Magpies have seen a £45m offer rejected for Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga.

The Tricky Trees have no intention of selling, and while Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth and West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus have been also discussed, there’s another winger on British shores who could move to Tyneside this summer.

As per Football Insider, Celtic are determined to keep Nicolas Kuhn beyond the summer transfer window, although it’s anticipated that Newcastle and German club RB Leipzig will push to swipe his signature.

Brendan Rodgers considers the 25-year-old one of his most valuable players, but offers in and around £20m would likely be accepted by the Scottish champions.

Given the amount of money offered to Forest for Elanga, this might prove an incredibly shrewd piece of business for a Newcastle side boasting the fluent tactical conditions for such a player to flourish.

What Nicolas Kuhn could bring to Newcastle

Kuhn, who played for Ajax and Bayern Munich in his youth, joined Celtic from Rapid Vienna for just £3m in January 2024, and his stock has since risen considerably.

With 42 goal involvements from 68 matches across all competitions, the German winger hasn’t done too badly, even hailed for his “breathtaking” technical quality by Marvin Bartley.

With such sharp pace and dribbling skills, Kuhn fits the bill from a tactical perspective, with Howe questing for such a profile to add competition for the industrious Jacob Murphy on the right flank.

As you can see below, the Celtic star definitely boasts faculties that rival those of Elanga, albeit having performed his duties at a level of lower quality in the Scottish Premiership.

League Stats 24/25 – Nicolas Kuhn vs Anthony Elanga

Stats (* per game)

Kuhn

Elanga

Matches (starts)

32 (24)

38 (31)

Goals

13

6

Assists

9

11

Shots (on target)*

1.9 (0.8)

1.2 (0.6)

Big chances missed

9

6

Pass completion

77%

78%

Big chances created

11

9

Key passes*

1.6

1.3

Dribbles*

1.8

0.7

Tackles*

1.2

0.5

Duels won*

3.5

3.0

Stats via Sofascore

But even so, the winger takes things in his stride and likes to be in the thick of the action, making things happen. Moreover, his tenacious approach has led to impressive defensive metrics, always chipping in with tackles and duels.

He also carries the ball forward with regularity, although it must be said that Elanga’s low average in that regard is largely due to the pragmatic nature of Nuno Espirito Santo’s tactics.

Ultimately, Newcastle could find that they could sign a dynamic forward in Kuhn who is capable of special things, and for a portion of the price that Elanga would be available for.

Given the underlying strengths that point in the Hoops man’s favour, it might not turn out to be a bad thing for a Newcastle side in need of reinforcements across a wealth of positions.

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Pakistan captain says lack of rhythm upfront with the bat, and then again in the middle overs, cost his side against India

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Jun-20241:47

Mumtaz: PCB needs to provide leadership skills to players

Babar Azam reckoned not utilising the batting powerplay well enough and then playing too many dot balls in the middle overs were the main reasons behind Pakistan not being able to chase down 120 in their T20 World Cup 2024 match against India in New York.”In our mind, we wanted to play normally, utilise the first six overs in the batting and [if we had done that] we win,” Babar said after Pakistan’s six-run defeat. “But one wicket down and we were not up to the mark in the first six overs. We were targeting like 40 to 45 runs in the first six overs, but we did not capitalise properly and yes after the ten overs also we made the same mistake.”Related

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Having restricted India to 119, Pakistan did not lose too many wickets upfront but also did not score many runs. They managed 35 for 1 in the powerplay and then moved 72 for 2 in 12 overs. Then, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya orchestrated a collapse. Hardik got rid of Fakhar Zaman with an excellent short of a length ball, before Bumrah breached Mohammad Rizwan’s stumps with the first ball of his second spell.

In the middle overs (6.1 to 15.6), Pakistan played 29 dot balls and scored 50 runs while losing three wickets.”We bowled well after ten overs and we would have taken 120. It’s a better total here. In the batting, we went run-a-ball but unfortunately, but we lost back-to-back wickets and then there were too many dot balls,” Babar said. “Tactics were simple, play normally, just rotate the strike and just try and play one boundary and be normal…get five or six an over. But in that period we had too much dot balls, the pressure was on us. And we lost back-to-back two to three wickets.”Having suffered back-to-back defeats to start this World Cup, Pakistan now find themselves struggling to make it out of the first round. Babar said they will just look to win their last two Group A games, and then take it from there.”Obviously we have to win the last two matches. We will sit and discuss our mistakes but we are looking forward to the next two matches.”Pakistan play Canada on June 11 at this venue and then finish the group stage against Ireland on June 16 in Lauderhill.

Manchester United have made ‘first formal contact’ over a move to sign a star who wants to move to Old Trafford rather than Barcelona.

Man Utd looking to upgrade on Hojlund and Onana

It is shaping up to be a frantic few months in the transfer window for the Red Devils, with a major squad overhaul potentially on the cards ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge.

A plethora of players such as Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho have returned from loan spells and could be moved on permanently, whereas Matheus Cunha became United’s first summer signing.

More attacking additions are on the cards, with a replacement for Rasmus Hojlund being mentioned. The Denmark international has struggled for goals at Old Trafford and has been linked with a return to Serie A.

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Ruben Amorim wants to sign a new centre-forward this summer.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Jun 15, 2025

In fact, Amorim has reportedly made it clear that Hojlund doesn’t feature in his long-term Man Utd plans, with the club looking to sell the forward on a permanent basis, although an initial loan offer which includes an obligation to buy may also be considered.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres are just two strikers who United have spoken about to solve their number nine issues.

Meanwhile, someone who has been heavily linked to replace Andre Onana is World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez.

Regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world right now, there have been recent claims that the Aston Villa star wants to make the move to Old Trafford over the coming months. Now, a promising development has emerged regarding Man Utd and Martinez.

Man Utd make first contact for Emiliano Martinez

According to reports abroad, relayed by Sport Witness, Man Utd have now made ‘first formal contact’ to sign Martinez from Aston Villa.

It is reported that the Red Devils have approached Martinez’s agent over a deal as they want to make him first choice at Old Trafford over Onana.

They back up reports that Martinez is keen to stay in England despite interest from Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, and Galatasaray, who have also been in touch. However, with Martinez willing to snub a move to Spain and Turkey, it is added that this ‘further paves the way’ for Martinez to join United.

On £150,000-a-week at Villa Park which works out at £7.8m per season, Martinez’s last trip to Old Trafford was extremely eventful.

The Argentine received a red card on the final day of the 24/25 season as Villa failed to to qualify for the Champions League, and despite no European football being on offer at Old Trafford for now, he seems to be keen on a move to Manchester.

Everton are in the market for a forward this summer and could now be narrowing down their options to replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin when he leaves the club, according to a report.

Everton's uncertain situation involving Dominic Calvert-Lewin

The Toffees are settling into life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but there is still a question mark hanging over whether a couple of their established stars will be at the club beyond this summer.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is out of contract at Everton and looks poised to leave the club despite the offer of a new deal being on the table, which could spell the end to his long-standing status as their number one striker.

71 goals in 273 matches is a respectable record considering the Toffees’ close brushes with relegation over the past few years, with the Three Lions international becoming a reliable focal point due to his hold-up play and instinctual nature.

However, injury struggles and a stalemate in negotiations over Calvert-Lewin’s wages have made him a prime candidate to move on unless an immediate agreement can be found.

In turn, David Moyes has begun his search for a new striker to fill the void, and Villarreal forward Thierno Barry could join Everton for £34 million amid reports they are ready to meet his release clause.

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Rangers striker Hamza Igamane is also on the Toffees’ radar, albeit West Ham United, Brentford, Lens, RC Strasbourg, Lille, and Stade Rennais are also tracking him.

Competition will be high for targets on the market this summer, meaning Everton need to harness their appeal in light of a new dawn for the blue half of Merseyside.

Scouring the market, they have now found a Premier League striker who could be available to make a switch that would create nationwide headlines.

Everton enter the conversation for Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson

According to The Irish Times, Everton are interested in Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson and he may be allowed to leave the South Coast on a permanent deal this summer.

Once valued at around £55 million, an unfortunate period of injury has seen the Republic of Ireland striker’s stock fall; however, he is still only 20 years of age and remains highly regarded among his peers.

Evan Ferguson’s Premier League record – could Everton reignite his fortunes?

Appearances

68

Goals

13

Assists

3

Labelled an “amazing player” by Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, he was most recently on loan at West Ham United and failed to register a goal in eight appearances.

Nevertheless, he was found on the periphery in East London, so it is hard to judge his impact based on the fact that he only completed 151 minutes of football under Graham Potter.

Continuous game time is critical for Ferguson to find his mojo again, and Everton could be the perfect environment in light of their need for depth in the forward areas.

The Premier League has had some of the best passers in recent history, such as Paul Scholes, Xabi Alonso and David Beckham.

Pass completion percentage is now a big part of the modern day’s data-driven analysis, with possession-based styles being adopted by more and more managers.

But who was statistically the best passer in England’s top flight during the 2024/25 season? Using data from football analytics site FBref, we’ve listed the top 10 Premier League players by pass completion rate. (Note: players have to have played at least 30 minutes per match to be counted.)

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Data correct as of 25th May 2025

Rank

Player

Club

PL pass%

1

William Saliba

Arsenal

94.3%

2

Manuel Akanji

Man City

93.6%

3

Ruben Dias

Man City

93.5%

4

Curtis Jones

Liverpool

93.1%

=5

Andre

Wolves

92.9%

=5

Ezri Konsa

Aston Villa

92.9%

7

Jan Bednarek

Southampton

92.7%

8

Mateo Kovacic

Man City

92.6%

9

Leny Yoro

Man Utd

92.4%

10

Jack Stephens

Southampton

92%

Here's a detailed look at the top 10 Premier League passers in 2024/25… 10 Jack Stephens (Southampton) 92% pass completion

Southampton defender Jack Stephens, though the centre-back had an injury-impacted campaign as he only started 17 times.

He still scraped into the top 10 come the end of the season, squeezing ahead of Premier League-winning captain Virgil van Dijk in the process.

9 Leny Yoro (Man Utd) 92.4% pass completion

Manchester United may have endured a dreadful season, but one of the brighter elements of the campaign perhaps came in the form of Leny Yoro’s emergence in the first team.

The Frenchman took time to make his mark at Old Trafford after getting injured soon after signing, but ended the season as one of their most reliable players – made all the more remarkable given his age of 19.

Interestingly, another new signing was United’s next-best passer – Matthijs de Ligt clocked an average of 89.9% successful passes throughout 2024/25.

8 Mateo Kovacic (Man City) 92.6% pass completion

With numerous injuries at the Etihad Stadium, Mateo Kovacic was able to get more game time with Man City than he was perhaps expecting last season. He took his opportunity, whether that be in the form of scoring goals or his general all-round play.

As to be expected in a Guardiola side, Kovacic is tidy on the ball played a big role in the absence of Rodri.

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Posts ByBarney Lane Oct 28, 2024 7 Jan Bednarek (Southampton) 92.7% pass completion

Southampton’s possession-based style saw Saints centre-back Jan Bednarek end up in the top 10.

The Saints may not have got anywhere near enough points on the board, but Bednarek’s pass completion rate was a rare positive sign at St Mary’s.

6 Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa) 92.9% pass completion

Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa has been a regular under Unai Emery and offers the versatility of being able to play at right-back and centre-back.

The Englishman has now made over 200 appearances for Villa and is clearly comfortable on the ball.

5 Andre (Wolves) 92.9% pass completion

Arguably a surprise name on the list is Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Andre.

The Brazilian midfielder arrived from Fluminense ahead of the 2024/25 season but wasn’t a nailed-on starter under Gary O’Neil. He had been in and out of the starting lineup, but started more regularly under Vitor Pereira, showing his true worth to the Old Gold during this time.

4 Curtis Jones (Liverpool) 93.1% pass completion

One of the players who starred under Arne Slot during his first season as Liverpool manager was midfielder Curtis Jones.

Jones had the best pass completion rate of any Reds star and started 19 games last term as his rise in the first team continues.

3 Ruben Dias (Man City) 93.5% pass completion

Another Man City star on the list is Ruben Dias, with the Portugal international a mainstay in the Man City side.

Dias has found himself in the opposition half for plenty of City’s Premier League games due to their dominance, and he’s kept possession most of the time when on the ball. In fact, both of City’s centre-backs were exceptional last term…

2 Manuel Akanji (Man City) 93.6% pass completion

The top Man City passer last season was Manuel Akanji, who also occasionally chipped in at right-back as injuries bit hard at the Etihad Stadium.

The Switzerland international has seemingly nailed down a centre-back role under Pep Guardiola, becoming a trustworthy player in the absence of John Stones and Nathan Ake – particularly on the ball, if these stats are anything to go by.

1 William Saliba (Arsenal) 94.3% pass completion

Topping the charts this season is Arsenal star William Saliba, reaching over 94%.

A guaranteed starter for the Gunners under Mikel Arteta, Saliba’s place at the top of the game for some time is all but assured. Part of the reason for that is his calmness in possession, as evidenced by his high pass success rate.

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