All posts by z3u9t.icu

After falling to their eighth Premier League defeat of the season away to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Christmas Eve, it looked as if Chelsea's season was all but over; however, a string of three league wins since has given the Blues some hope that they can salvage something before May comes around.

Mauricio Pochettino still has a lot to work on, and with the January transfer window in full swing, it will almost certainly involve some new faces.

The latest one touted for a move to Stamford Bridge could help to shore up the defence and become the modern-day Ricardo Carvalho alongside another star who has been likened to John Terry.

Chelsea look to Lisbon for their next Carvalho

According to a report from football.london earlier this week, Chelsea are interested in Sporting CP's incredibly promising young centre-back Ousmane Diomande, and have already 'held talks' with the Lisbon side.

The Blues aren't the only ones interested in the Ivorian though, as the Liverpool Echo revealed earlier this week that Premier League rivals Liverpool are also keen on signing the 20-year-old this year.

Alongside this tough competition, the Pensioners will also have to stump up a considerable amount of cash to get this deal over the line, with football.london reporting that the Sporting star has a release clause worth around £69m inserted into his contract, although there is a reluctance to pay that much.

That said, if Chelsea can get this deal over the line they would have a very talented footballer on their hands, and one that might just be able to follow in the footsteps of Carvalho.

Diomande could become the Carvalho to Colwill's Terry

With Diomande being just 20 years old, it is hard to say whether he'll go on and have a career as impressive and illustrious as Carvalho's, but there are some apparent similarities.

First, if the "immense talent", as described by U23 scout Antonio Mango, were to sign for Chelsea, he would follow in the legend's footsteps, going from one of the Portuguese league's biggest clubs to Chelsea, with Carvalho arriving from Porto in 2004. Second, both men are right-footed, and lastly, he has the opportunity to form a brilliant partnership with a Blues star who has been likened to Terry: Levi Colwill.

The Southampton-born gem has been compared to the former Chelsea captain for some time now, even giving his thoughts on the matter in an interview with The Athletic: "I'm not going to complain. It's not a bad thing to be called the new John Terry.

"John Terry is a club legend and leader, someone every centre-back at Chelsea should look up to."

The comparisons became more frequent this year, as upon his return from Brighton & Hove Albion this summer, the Englishman was given Terry's iconic 26 shirt number, and like clockwork, the comparisons started flooding in.

While the similarities are there, it will take a lot of hard graft and years of success for the pair to rightfully own the comparisons, with it some feat to live up to a duo who were key figures under Jose Mourinho back in the mid-2000s – memorably forming part of a defence that shipped just 15 league goals in 2004/05.

Still, based on Diomande's underlying numbers from this season, he certainly looks like he could make that happen.

5.42

91.0%

1.45

0.97

83.3%

2.08

80.9

1.94

5.97

The "elite talent", as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, produces a massive 5.42 progressive passes per 90, takes 80.9 touches, makes 5.97 ball recoveries and wins 83.3% of his challenges, indicating his stellar defensive prowess.

At the end of the day, it'll be challenging to live up to the tag of 'the next Carvalho and Terry', but there will be few pairings more likely to do so than these two young starlets.

Sheffield Wednesday look to be nearing towards their first signing of the January transfer window already, with the expected arrival of James Beadle on loan from Brighton now almost a certainty to join the Owls according to reports.

Yet, even with a potential new starting goalkeeper added to the ranks, Danny Rohl won't stop there and could well look to his native Germany for some left-field January additions to further bolster his team.

When speaking to the Sheffield Star and outlining his approach for the transfer window, the former Bayern Munich assistant coach stated that he could well flex his past connections:

"You are always looking and talking to some people. It's not just our former clubs, it's also about the Bundesliga, the second division."

EFL Championship done deals: Every January 2024 transfer

As the January transfer window closes, FFC has you covered for every in and out involving your club in the EFL Championship.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

With that in mind, here are three potential signings Rohl and Wednesday could sanction this month to give the South Yorkshire club a brand-new Bavarian feel…

1 Leon Dajaku

The first of three potential transfer targets with this in mind is former Sunderland attacker Leon Dajaku, the versatile German forward adept at playing down the wings or as a second striker which could be useful for Rohl.

Dajaku didn't set the world alight with the Black Cats – contributing towards eight goals from 37 appearances in League One with the sleeping giant at the time – but the current Hajduk Split man could well be up for a return to English football if the Wednesday boss tempts him.

Rohl and Dajaku were together at Bayern for two years between 2019 and 2021, the six-time Germany U19 international even winning himself a first-team start for the Bundesliga giants in this patch of his career.

Scoring three goals and notching up a further two assists for Split this season, it could well be an astute buy for the Owls this month to add Dajaku to their attacking positions.

2 Fiete Arp

Hyped up to be destined for the big-time when breaking through at Bayern, Fiete Arp's career hasn't quite gone to plan after outlandish suggestions that he would eventually take the world by storm as a world-class striker.

The German boy wonder did score a ridiculous 37 goals from 45 appearances playing for Hamburg at U17 level back in 2017, the Bundesliga giants swooping in to sign Arp off the back of his unbelievable goal record at youth level.

Arp never managed to replicate that blistering knack of putting away goals for fun when joining Bayern, with Rohl there every step of the way bearing witness to Arp's progression as coach.

With the now Wednesday boss one for putting his arm around the likes of Bailey Cadamarteri at Hillsborough currently, helping the teenage sensation perform well even with heaps of pressure on his shoulders, the Owls boss could look to do the same with the 24-year-old German attacker even with Arp now matured.

The 6 foot 1 centre-forward has found his prolific streak again in the 2.Bundesliga this season with Holstein Kiel however, scoring five times from ten starts. Could he be a gem under Rohl in the Championship?

3 Remy Vita

The final signing Rohl could make putting his Bundesliga links to good use is Remy Vita, the French defender formerly on the Bayern books. Interestingly, he has even played in South Yorkshire during his career to date.

Vita was on loan at Barnsley during their dreadful 2021/22 relegation campaign down to League One from the Bayern II side, barely sparking into life with the Tykes but showing his pedigree in bursts.

In a rare win over QPR that same season, the diminutive wing-back stood out – winning six of his ten ground duels at Oakwell on the way to the hosts winning 1-0 over the Hoops.

Predominantly playing as a left-back throughout his career, this would be another smart addition to the Owls squad this January with a lack of available options already at the club able to play in that spot with Rohl having to rely on Akin Famewo – who is usually a centre-back – to fill in there on occasion.

Rohl would have to get over the hurdle of landing Vita from his current club Fortuna Sittard, but with Vita familiar to how the German boss operates after spending time at the Allianz Arena together, this could be a move that has legs this month.

Glasgow Rangers have taken off to Spain for a mid-season training camp in the hopes that the sunshine could rejuvenate tired bodies ahead of the second half of the season which begins on 20 January.

Philippe Clement will be under no illusions that winning one trophy is enough as boss of the Ibrox side and, while League Cup success was required, more silverware will be expected.

The Belgian has accumulated plenty of credit in the bank during his first three months in charge and with the January transfer window now in operation, he could bolster his squad adequately.

Several areas of the team need a fresh face or two, none more so than the left back area and there have been a few names already mentioned.

Josh Doig was a player who was linked, yet it appears as though this move may have bypassed the Gers with a recent update on his situation.

Rangers' interest in Josh Doig

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio (via Toro Goal) claimed towards the end of 2023 that the Light Blues were one of the teams battling it out for Hellas Verona left-back Josh Doig this month as he looks set to leave the Serie A club.

Torino, AC Monza and Leeds United are also keen on signing the defender in January as Clement appeared to face stiff competition for the youngster.

Rangers could sign Barisic replacement in Josh Doig

Rangers could sign a dream Borna Barisic replacement in Hibernian starlet Josh Doig.

Indeed, a recent update by the Scottish Sun, Torino have tabled a £3.5m offer plus add-ons, a 10% sell-on clause along with sending midfielder Gvidas Gineitis to Verona on loan and this could be too good for the club to turn down.

This suggests that the Gers have potentially missed out on luring Doig back to Scotland – where he won the Young Player of the Year award in 2021 – and it could be back to the drawing board for Clement.

Ridvan Yilmaz may be close to joining Verona for a fee in the region of £3m according to reports in Italy (via the Sun) and this heightens the need for another left-sided defender.

The 49-year-old could forget all about Doig, however, by focusing his interest on highly rated Dutch defender Gijs Smal, who has been linked with a move to Scotland.

Rangers' interest in Gijs Smal

Reports in the Netherlands over the weekend (via the Scottish Sun) claim that the Gers are monitoring FC Twente left-back Smal as a potential target this month.

The good news is his contract expires this summer, which indicates that he wouldn’t break the bank should he complete a move in January. He could even arrive for nothing in the summer, yet Clement will be looking to bring in another defender sooner rather than later.

Sam Lammers

31

Ronald Waterreus

59

Frank de Boer

15

Fernando Ricksen

223

Bert Konterman

100

Ronald de Boer

111

Michael Mols

128

Arthur Numan

154

Giovanni van Bronckhorst

103

Theo Snelders

6

Peter van Vossen

8

Pieter Huistra

9

The Dutch side will be doing everything they can to keep a hold of the 6-foot gem, however, with their technical director Arnold Bruggink saying: "Of course we would very much like it if Gijs signed a new deal with us. But both parties have to want that. And we have to be realistic about that part of his future sadly."

Celtic have previously shown their interest in the Twente gem, but it looks as though it is the Ibrox side who are currently leading the chase to bring him to Scotland in the near future.

Gijs Smal’s season in numbers

The 26-year-old has missed a large chunk of the campaign due to suffering a calf injury, but he has started Twente’s previous seven matches in the Eredivisie, indicating that he is returning to full fitness.

Despite a lack of game time this term, Smal has still shown his attacking capabilities from a left-back slot, as he currently ranks fifth in the squad for key passes per game (1.5) along with ranking sixth for successful dribbles per game (0.6) and for shots per game (1.6), underling how impressive he has been going forward.

Indeed, the defender has also shone when compared to his positional peers in similar leagues in Europe, as he ranks in the top 6% for assists, shot-creating actions, progressive carries, and total shots per 90, which is further evidence of how good he is at pushing forward down the left-hand side on a regular basis.

Securing a player like this without having to pay a transfer fee would be a wonderful piece of business, but the reality is, Clement may need to shell out something this month in order to sign him.

How Gijs Smal compares to Josh Doig

Kai Watson – the founder of the Rangers Journal – analysed Smal due to his links with the club, and he dubbed the 26-year-old as “much more aggressive on the defensive end” compared to Borna Barisic while also saying he “would provide quality deliveries from the left” and a move is a no-brainer.

When compared to Doig, not only has Smal registered more shots per 90 (1.66 vs 0.61), but he also has a higher pass completion percentage (79.3% vs 73.9), generated more shot-creating actions per 90 (3.93 vs 1.09) and has taken more touches in the final third (134 vs 97), suggesting he is a much better attacking option than the former Hibs starlet.

Defensively, the Dutchman wins more aerial duels per game (0.8 vs 0.5), but Doig holds the upper hand when it comes to tackles (1.5 vs 0.9) and clearances (1.3 vs 0.9) along with losing possession on fewer occasions per game (9.9 vs 11.6) and it is clear from the statistics that while Smal is a much better option going forward, Doig looks more solid from a defensive viewpoint.

Barisic’s game is built on attacking as often as possible and this could be something which Clement wishes his next first-choice left-back to continue to do.

If so, Smal must be the main target as he could generate plenty of chances for his teammates during games and this will only benefit the attack.

It could be a long few weeks for the supporters as they wait to sign more players following the arrival of Fabio Silva late last month and Clement will hopefully avoid the mistakes of his predecessors by making all his January signings before deadline day.

Manchester City are always in the market for up-and-coming talent, and they have started internal discussions regarding a player who is already thriving within the City Football Group.

Manchester City look to arrest Premier League slump…

For most sides, losing just once in their last six Premier League wouldn't be deemed as a slump, especially given when the sole defeat came at the hands of Aston Villa, who have put together an almost formidable run of results at Villa Park this term.

Nevertheless, Manchester City aren't like most sides, which is evidenced by the fact Pep Guardiola and his men are attempting to pull off a record-breaking fourth successive title in a row. Four draws, one triumph over Luton Town and a loss in the West Midlands have left the Sky Blues with work to do if they are to retain the league; however, they will hope to take confidence from their Club World Cup success last week.

Man City make "big-money" offer to "very unique" target; he's wowed scouts

City are in pole position to secure his services.

BySean Markus Clifford Dec 24, 2023

Goodison Park awaits Guardiola's side in one of the toughest assignments they could encounter following their trip to Saudi Arabia. Speaking to official club media pre-match, Portugal international Bernardo Silva said his side must improve as they seek the Premier League crown: "First, we have to focus on the games left this month as it is going to be a very tough month with Everton, then Sheffield United and then Huddersfield in the FA Cup.

"Now we are really focused on the domestic competitions – especially the Premier League as we are not in a very good position. We can think about Copenhagen in the Champions League later on as we have some tough, tough games coming up."

Now, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has offered up the latest state of play regarding Manchester City's pursuit of a talented attacker who could arrive in the summer.

Manchester City discuss Savio deal

Taking to social media platform X, Romano has confirmed that on-loan Girona attacker Savio is a player City chiefs are "discussing internally" as they plan for the long-term under Guardiola.

On loan from ESTAC Troyes, the Brazilian wonderkid is operating under the umbrella of two clubs that are already in the City Football Group, creating a potentially complicated scenario that could eventually lead to the 19-year-old moving to Manchester.

Labelled a "brilliant talent" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Savio, also known as Savinho, has registered five goals and five assists in 20 appearances across all competitions this campaign at the time of writing (Savio statistics – Transfermarkt).

Five similar players to Savio (as provided by FBRef)

Player

Club

Takefusa Kubo

Real Sociedad

Rodrigo Riquelme

Atletico Madrid

Viktor Tsyhankov

Shakhtar Donetsk

Jonathan Bamba

Celta Vigo

Julian Brandt

Borussia Dortmund

Harnessing the power of the player network provided by the creation of the CFG, Guardiola could now land himself a star of the future if negotiations go to plan.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to secure a deal to extend Pierluigi Gollini’s stay at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

What’s the word?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication TuttoMercatoWeb (via Sport Witness), who claim that, despite previous reports suggesting that Tottenham will not be looking to make the Atalanta goalkeeper’s loan deal a €15m (£12.5m) permanent switch this summer, Fabio Paratici now would like to extend the stay of the 27-year-old in north London.

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However, the report goes on to state that Torino are also interested in a move for the Italy international this summer, with the Serie A side believed to already be in contact with the shot-stopper regarding a switch to the Olympic Grande Torino Stadium.

Paratici must axe Gollini

Considering just how little Gollini has featured for Tottenham since joining the club last summer, in addition to the widespread reports that Spurs previously had no intention of activating the goalkeeper’s purchase clause, the news that Paratici could now be considering a deal to keep the shot-stopper on is certainly surprising.

Indeed, over his four appearances in the Europa Conference League this season, the £9m-rated stopper did little to convince that he would be a worthwhile signing for Spurs, being unable to keep a clean sheet against the likes of Stade Rennais, NS Mura and Vitesse, in addition to conceding an average of 1.5 goals and making just 1.3 saves – at a success rate of 45% – per game.

These returns saw the £23k-per-week Italian who John Wenham dubbed both “damaging” and “unnecessary” average an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.25, ranking him as Conte’s second-worst performer in the competition.

Furthermore, with it being reported that Tottenham are closing in on the signing of West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on a free transfer – an England international who highly impressed during his last campaign in the Premier League – a move to sign Gollini for around £12.5m appears to make even less sense this summer – leading us at Football FanCast to believe that Paratici simply must axe the Atalanta shot-stopper at the end of the current campaign.

AND in other news: Paratici could land Spurs their own KDB with £68m signing, he’d be “unreal” for Conte

With Jesse Marsch’s Leeds United currently staring down the barrel of relegation from the Premier League, whether or not the 48-year-old manager remains at the club in the event of the Whites dropping down to the second tier appears very much up for debate.

Indeed, this question was posed to the American in a recent press conference, with the former RB Leipzig head coach appearing to suggest that he was not brought into the club by Victor Orta to simply oversee the remaining fixtures of the season, but rather to build a project at Elland Road.

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Regarding his future in LS11 beyond the end of the current campaign, Marsch said: “I am so focused on what we are doing right here, right now. My vision was not 12 games. It’s over years. The first step is staying in the Premier League. The club deserves it and the club has earned it. But we have to earn it in the moment right now.”

However, despite the 48-year-old’s rather optimistic outlook, the fact remains that, should Leeds find themselves playing Championship football next season – an outcome which, following the 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday, is now a 65% probability – he will have failed in what will undoubtedly the primary objective given to him by Orta and Andrea Radrizzani back in March.

In a recent article for The Athletic, Phil Hay suggested that securing survival for the Whites is the only real way the American can back up his positive outlook concerning his future, with the journalist writing:

“He is nine games in and you cannot tell at this stage if you are seeing all of the coach or the man, which creates confusion over whether to be convinced or perplexed by some of what he is saying. Gandhi won’t get Leeds United out of trouble and neither will Mother Theresa. Marsch, on the other hand, can. It is an essential first step in proving he can walk the walk.”

Indeed, despite Leeds’ brief upturn in form following Marsch’s arrival at the club, results in recent weeks, as well as individual player performances – have been well below par, rendering Sunday’s meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion a must-win game if the Whites are to remain a Premier League side heading into 2022/23.

However, aside from deciding the club’s immediate future, the visit of the Seagulls could also determine whether or not Marsch will fulfil his prophecy of spending a number of years at Elland Road – as a defeat against Graham Potter’s outfit will force both Orta and Radrizzani into making a decision as to whether the 48-year-old is the man who they want to lead the Whites into a campaign in the second-tier of English football.

And, in the event of relegation, while it is true that a number of the current playing staff – including the likes of Rodrigo and Mateusz Klich – should be moved on this summer, we at Football FanCast also believe it would be wise to axe the £80k-per-week American, as the 48-year-old once again appears to be “out of his depth.”

AND in other news: Forget James: “Completely anonymous” dud should’ve just played his last game for Leeds

Glasgow Rangers manager Russell Martin has now directly held talks over an Ibrox deal for a “fearless” forward, according to a report.

Rangers vying to sign forward to boost title push

Barry Ferguson believes the Gers will be real Scottish Premiership title contenders next season, although they may still have to make a number of additions to the squad if they are to close the gap on Celtic.

When the former manager was asked who he thinks will win the league, he said: “I have to go with Rangers. At some stage, it has got to change. Russell coming in as the new manager. Got a certain type of way that he wants to play.

“I still think he is going to add another three or four players. There is no doubt in my mind about that. I think one or two of them will certainly be the experienced ones. We keep looking back at the one he brought in, Rothwell, who I think is going to be a brilliant signing. You can tell that he is a proper football player.”

Rangers: "Fearless" gem wants to move to Ibrox with Gers in negotiations

The Gers have been handed a major boost.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 28, 2025

With Vaclav Cerny not returning to Ibrox, it may be particularly important for Martin to bring in a new forward, and the manager is now directly involved in the Light Blues’ pursuit of a Premier League forward.

According to a report from The Boot Room, the Rangers boss has now personally held talks with Tottenham Hotspur over Mikey Moore, in order to convince them to let the 17-year-old move to Ibrox this summer.

Moore has attracted widespread interest from the Championship, but the Scottish Premiership is now looking like his most likely destination, with a loan move to the Gers very much on the cards.

The youngster is said to be open to a move to the 55-time Scottish champions, and Tottenham have liked what they have heard from Rangers, meaning a move is looking increasingly likely.

"Fearless" Moore could kick on at Ibrox

The £5k-a-week forward is yet to establish himself as a first-team regular at Spurs, given his age, but there are plenty of signs that he could be capable of making a real impact at Ibrox.

Tottenham’s James Maddison has singled the starlet out for high praise in the past, saying: “[He has] that young, fearless mentality and you never want to take that away from him. He’s a young kid, a brilliant lad, a lovely boy. He takes in information, and he’s got bags of ability.”

Not only that, but the young forward has been prolific at youth level, amassing 32 goal contributions in 24 games for Spurs U18s, which led to former manager Ange Postecoglou giving him a run in the first team.

As such, Moore may now be ready to be a consistent starter at Rangers, so it is exciting news they are in the driving seat for his signature.

It’s not been a year to remember for West Ham United supporters, and there are few signs of encouragement so far this summer.

The Hammers finished 14th in the Premier League last season, sacking Julen Lopetegui in January, having picked up 1.15 points-per-game under the Spaniard, before this actually dropped to 1.11 points-per-game following Graham Potter’s appointment.

As they look to improve ahead of next season, star attacker Mohammed Kudus has been sold to fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur, while full-backs Kyle Walker-Peters and El Hadji Malick Diouf have arrived.

Now though, with another one of the Hammers’ most high-profile players potentially on his way out, should they replace him with an “exquisite” talent?

West Ham target Lucas Paquetá's replacement

On Friday, it was reported by Martyn Ziegler and Matt Lawton of the Times that Lucas Paquetá is ‘set to be cleared’ of spot-fixing.

As documented by Mario Cortegana and Roshane Thomas of the Athletic, the Brazilian was alleged to have intentionally collected yellow cards in four Premier League matches, thereby ‘affecting or profiting from the betting market’, which, if found guilty, would have seen him handed a lifetime ban by the FA, but this will now not come to pass.

These allegations scuppered Paquetá’s proposed move to Manchester City two years ago, but it is now forecast that the Brazilian will push for a transfer this summer, reportedly valued at around £80m by West Ham.

Should he depart, the Hammers would need to sign a replacement, hence why journalist Ben Jacobs is reporting that they are interested in signing Fábio Vieira from Arsenal, adding the Irons are ‘planning to add multiple midfielders’ to their squad.

Transfer Focus

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

Vieira was not included in the Gunners’ squad that is currently in Hong Kong, but that’s due to his exploits at the Club World Cup, starting all three of Porto’s fixtures in the United States last month, providing an assist during their bonkers 4-4 draw with Al Ahly.

So, could he become the latest player to go directly from Arsenal to West Ham, following in the footsteps of Jack Wilshere, Manuel Almunia, Jérémie Aliadière, Marouane Chamakh, Carl Jenkinson, John Hartson, Freddie Ljungberg, Lucas Pérez, Davor Šuker, Nigel Winterburn, Ian Wright, and many others? We could go on!

What Fábio Vieira would bring to West Ham

Vieira joined Arsenal from Porto three summers ago for a reported fee of £34m, and has shown glimpses of why they paid that money, but has never produced on a consistent basis.

The table below illustrates Vieira’s statistics for the Gunners, as well as what he produced last season, having been loaned back to Porto.

Appearances

33

16

42

Starts

14

3

30

Minutes

1,415

561

2,698

Goals

2

1

5

Assists

6

4

6

As the table notes, Vieira never managed to establish himself as a first-choice figure in the Arsenal team, starting just three times during his most recent campaign with the club, his only goal an 88th-minute penalty during a 5-0 demolition of Sheffield United.

Despite this, his talent is obvious, with presenter Adam Keys impressed by his “incredibly clean ball-striking” ability, labelling him “exquisite”, while Lorihanna Balabanova of Total Football Analysis outlines how he is at his best as a ‘creative attacking midfielder’ who likes to ‘occupy the right half-space’.

Well, similarly, Karim Shahine of Total Football analysis notes that Paquetá thrives as a ‘right-sided half-space’ number ten, praising his ‘creativity’ and ‘tactical flexibility’.

Based on that, it would appear as though Vieira would be the ideal replacement for his fellow left footer, so let’s take a look at how the duo compared last season.

Minutes

2,533

2,239

Goals

5

5

Assists

0

6

Big chances created

4

11

Shots

39

59

Shots on target %

7.7%

30.5%

Shot-creating actions

82

116

Goal-creating actions

6

16

Progressive carries

26

32

Progressive passes

155

154

Take-on success %

44.7%

41.2%

Touches per 90

64

56

Average SofaScore rating

6.92

7.29

As the table outlines, in 300 fewer minutes, Vieira’s statistics were, almost across the board, more impressive than Paquetá’s, notably when it came to chances created, shooting and dribbling.

Of course, the caveat is that he was doing so at a lower level, with the Primeira Liga ranked by Global Football Rankings as the seventh-strongest league in the world.

Nevertheless, Vieira is certainly available this summer, no longer in Mikel Arteta’s plans, so the Gunners may well sanction another loan deal, making his signing a low-risk, high-upside move for West Ham.

West Ham now making final checks on £15m "star" GK who's open to the move

The Hammers are lining up a move for a new goalkeeper.

ByDominic Lund Jul 29, 2025

Manchester United have a huge task on their hands this summer if they are to be successful in the Premier League throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

The Red Devils ended the previous season in a measly 15th place, with Ruben Amorim unable to transform the club’s situation after taking the reins at Old Trafford.

If he is to be a success during his time in the role, he will need to receive backing from the hierarchy, with all areas of the pitch in desperate need of investment.

Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have already made the move to join the Amorim revival, adding needed talent and depth into the forward line after netting 35 combined league goals last season.

However, if the side are to stand the best chance of rising up the Premier League in the near future, further signings will need to be made between now and the end of the current window.

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

Ollie Watkins is a player who’s been firmly on United’s radar over recent weeks, unsurprisingly so given his record of 16 league goals for Aston Villa last season.

A £60m price tag has been quoted for the 29-year-old’s signature this summer, potentially a figure that’s too high given he’s entering the back end of his professional career.

However, another name has been thrown into the mix over recent days, with Juventus star Dušan Vlahović firmly in their sights this summer, according to the Daily Mail.

They claim that the Red Devils have already been in talks with the Serie A side over a deal to land the Serbian international after he netted 17 goals across all competitions last time around.

The report also states that a deal could also see Jadon Sancho depart in the opposite direction, with the Italian outfit still interested in a move for the winger.

Why United’s latest target would be a better signing than Sesko

Alongside Watkins, RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko has also been touted with a move to join United, potentially costing the Red Devils a pretty penny in the process.

The Slovenian international has been one of Europe’s hottest talents, with the forward highlighting the quality he possesses last season despite his tender age.

He managed to net 21 goals for the Bundesliga side across all competitions, helping Ole Werner’s men end the 2024/25 campaign in an impressive seventh position.

However, given he’s just 22, the German outfit are currently demanding a fee in the region of £67m for his signature, a price tag which may put United off, given their heavy spending already this window.

As a result, the likes of Vlahovic have also been taken into consideration, with the Serbian subsequently handing Amorim’s side a cheaper alternative to Sesko.

Despite his cheaper valuation of just £15m, the 25-year-old would also be a better on-field addition, as he managed to better the Leipzig star in various key areas throughout 2024/25.

Vlahovic, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Bologna boss Vincenzo Italiano, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but because of his tally of fewer games played, he’s actually registered more contributions per 90.

Games played

29

33

Goals & assists

14

18

Goals & assists per 90

0.71

0.68

Shots on target

1.3

1.1

Pass accuracy

69%

67%

Carries into opposition box

0.9

0.5

Key passes made

0.8

0.7

He also registered more shots on target per 90, highlighting the threat he possesses with the ball at his feet in front of goal, potentially putting an end to United’s dismal run in front of goal.

The former Fiorentina talent’s dominance is further reflected in his higher tallies of passes completed and more key passes per 90, subsequently having the tools to provide others around him with opportunities in the final third.

Given the difference in price tags and also the stats produced, it’s evident that Vlahovic would be an excellent addition for United during the current window.

If he can replicate his form from Serie A in England, it would be a sensational signing and one that could allow them to forget about any expensive deal for Sesko.

Better than Sesko: Man Utd in talks to sign "one of the best STs in Europe"

Manchester United could be about to forget about Benjamin Sesko with another move elsewhere.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 25, 2025

Burnley are fighting for promotion to the Premier League and Scott Parker has wasted no time in profiling targets ahead of the summer window, per reports.

Burnley edge ahead of Championship title rivals

Following a chaotic afternoon of Championship action, Burnley emerged at the summit following a vital 2-1 victory over Coventry City on Saturday courtesy of a double from Jaidon Anthony.

Sheffield United’s unexpected slip-up at Oxford United and Leeds United’s dropped points on their visit to Luton Town have played into the Clarets’ hands, with promotion specialist Scott Parker licking his lips at the remaining fixture schedule.

Nevertheless, Burnley also have an eye on next season and potential recruits once the window opens for business. Per reports, out-of-contract Rangers midfielder Tom Lawrence could move to Turf Moor on a free transfer.

Despite the Clarets’ appeal as a serious promotion candidate, West Bromwich Albion, Middlesbrough, Coventry City and Wrexham are among other destinations on the table for the Wales international.

Burnley’s final six Championship fixtures

Derby County (A)

Pride Park

Norwich City (H)

Turf Moor

Watford (A)

Vicarage Road

Sheffield United (H)

Turf Moor

QPR (A)

Loftus Road

Millwall (H)

Turf Moor

On the same token, West Brom star Grady Diangana is on Burnley’s radar and they have been urged to put forward a proposal for the versatile attacker by David Prutton.

Ultimately, any concrete information on high-profile targets will need to wait until the summer. Parker’s men are in a good position with the end of the campaign near, but there is plenty of work to do before celebratory champagne can be cracked open at Turf Moor.

Either way, Burnley are making tracks to lure a rising EFL star to Lancashire despite competition from Premier League clubs for his signature, per recent developments.

Burnley eyeing Bristol Rovers midfielder Kofi Shaw

According to reliable reporter Alan Nixon via The 72, Burnley are eyeing a move to sign Bristol Rovers midfielder Kofi Shaw alongside Premier League duo Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford.

Born in 2006, the 18-year-old has made ten appearances for the Gas this campaign, while his loan spell at Yeovil Town earlier on yielded two goals and an assist.

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The trio are battling for promotion to the Premier League and also a star who is available on the market.

BySean Markus Clifford Apr 3, 2025

Versatile by nature, the youngster is capable of playing across various roles in the engine room, on either flank or as a foil for the main striker.

Labelled “a clever player” by boss Inigo Calderon, he would likely be deemed as one for the future at Turf Moor, but stockpiling homegrown talent for years to come is a strategy that could save millions down the line if worked correctly.

It remains to be seen the sort of fee he would be available for if Burnley do follow up on their initial interest. One imagines he could be attainable for a relatively inexpensive fee, though only time will tell if a deal is to come to fruition.