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Everton will want to build on their 15th-placed finish in the Premier League next season, with the club needing to dip into the market to improve Sean Dyche’s squad.

The Toffees produced a great end to the campaign, winning five of the last eight matches to secure another season of top-flight football, despite receiving a total of eight points deducted during the 2023/24 campaign.

However, the club’s biggest issue on the field was highlighted, with the lack of goals evident during the 38 outings in the Premier League.

Dyche’s side only managed to score two or more goals in a game on ten occasions, accumulating a tally of just 40 goals – an average of just 1.05 goals per game, the second-lowest in the division narrowly ahead of relegated Sheffield United.

Only two players within the squad managed to score more than five goals, with £25m signing Beto failing to reach such heights following his big-money move to Goodison from Udinese last summer.

However, the Merseysiders are already targeting attacking alternatives ahead of the summer window, including one player who could prove to be excellent value for money following his impressive stint in England during 2023/24.

Everton interested in signing £8m talent this summer

According to Sport BILD via Sport Witness, Everton are one of a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing TSG Hoffenheim forward Jacob Braun Larsen this summer.

The Danish talent scored six times during his loan spell at Burnley last season, finishing as the Clarets’ top scorer in a campaign where they suffered an immediate return to the Championship.

The Toffees aren’t alone in the pursuit of the 25-year-old, with Julen Lopetegui’s side also interested in bringing Bruun Larsen back to England ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Unlike his move to Turf Moor, a deal for the former Borussia Dortmund man is likely to be a permanent one, with the report claiming he’s on the German club’s ’cut list’ and could be available for as little as €10m (£8m).

He would certainly be a shrewd addition to Dyche’s side, transforming his attacking and finally allowing the Toffees’ boss to forget about one player who failed to shine on Merseyside.

Why Bruun Larsen would be an upgrade on Jack Harrison

Jack Harrison spent the previous campaign on loan at Goodison from Leeds United after the Whites dropped back into England’s second tier after three years back in the top flight.

The 27-year-old Englishman featured 29 times for the Toffees in the Premier League, scoring just three goals in an all-round disappointing season for the forward.

However, after Daniel Farke’s side failed to claim promotion in the play-off final a couple of weeks ago, it was reported that the Toffees would look to re-sign the wideman on loan for next season.

Given his lack of impact and the availability of Bruun Larsen, Dyche’s side simply must forget about a reunion, with the Danish attacker producing high tallies in the vast majority of areas last term, proving why his former Borussia Dortmund boss Lucien Favre claimed that he "has the nose [for scoring opportunities]".

When comparing the duo on FBref, they both have produced the same amount of goals and assists combined, but the former Burnley loanee has a higher goal per 90 average – a real key for Dyche’s side given their recent lack of goals.

Bruun Larsen also averages more shots per 90, whilst putting 6% more of his efforts on target, potentially having the ability to transform the Toffees’ dire record in front of goal.

The “superb” forward, as dubbed by ScoutedFTBL, has impressed in the Premier League and with the quality in the Everton ranks, he could be able to thrive once more, with the £8m fee touted a bargain for a player of his talent.

Everton can forget about Broja by signing £40m "goal machine"

The club have been targeting reinforcements for their attacking department this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 13, 2024

Barcelona are set to gain financially due to Gavi's long-term injury that he suffered last year while on international duty.

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• Barcelona set to receive huge amount for Gavi's injury
• Spanish midfielder could return to action next weekend
• Barcelona set to face Sevilla on October 20

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The young midfielder has remained sidelined since November 2023 with an anterior cruciate ligament injury that he suffered during a Euro 2024 qualifying game against Georgia. He missed the remainder of the 2023-24 season and also failed to make it to La Roja squad for the European Championship which was held this summer. The player finally reported back to training during pre-season and Mundo Deportivo now reports that Gavi could be included in Barcelona's matchday squad for the Sevilla clash on October 20.

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  The report also claims that with the 20-year-old all set to take the field after exactly 335 days, the Catalan giants will gain financially. As part of the club protection program, FIFA will pay the Blaugrana more than €6m (£5m). The amount was calculated based on the number of days the player remained out of action starting December 16, 2023, after he spent 28 consecutive days with the injury. However, it has to be noted that €4.6m has already been settled for 226 days of the player's injury until June 30, 2024, and has been reflected in the club's account books for the last financial year. The remaining €1.6m, starting July 1 will be settled in due course and will be reflected in their books for the 2024-25 financial year.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Earlier this summer, Paris Saint-Germain were plotting a move to sign Gavi, however, Barcelona outright rejected the offer as they were not interested in selling one of their prized assets whose contract runs until 2026 and has a €1 billion (£858m/$1.1bn) release clause.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

  Gavi's return will come as a huge boost for La Liga leaders. After facing Sevilla next Sunday, they will be back in action in the Champions League as they take on Bayern Munich in a mega-European clash on October 23.

As Eddie Howe and Newcastle United look to strengthen their squad depth this summer, they've been linked with a fresh face to hand their side an exciting attacking boost in the transfer window.

Newcastle transfer news

Newcastle aren't wasting any time this summer. Already, it looks as though Lloyd Kelly is on his way upon the expiry of his current Bournemouth contract, whilst Tosin Adarabioyo could also complete a similar move at the end of his Fulham deal. The two defenders could be just the start of a busy summer for the Magpies, who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing season.

Howe could bin Longstaff in Newcastle swoop for "immense" £30m award-winner

The player has produced an excellent campaign in 2023/24.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 31, 2024

It's not just their backline that those at St James' Park need to upgrade though, especially if Miguel Almiron does leave in the coming months. The winger hit new heights in the 2022/23 season, but failed to return to such form this season to hand Newcastle a fresh problem going forward.

Now, in search of rediscovering that quality, the Magpies have reportedly turned to a fellow Premier League side and a winger who earns a reported £45k-a-week at his current club.

According to L'Equipe, Newcastle have expressed their interest in Bryan Mbeumo ahead of a potential move to sign the Brentford winger this summer. Mbuemo was a standout in the absence of Ivan Toney for the majority of the campaign until he suffered an untimely injury blow. Nonetheless, it seems as though that form was enough to attract Newcastle, who are also reportedly joined by Liverpool in their interest.

With doubts over the future of Almiron and the winger struggling to replicate the form of last season, Mbeumo could step in to offer Newcastle the ultimate upgrade in the summer transfer window.

"Brilliant" Mbeumo can replace Almiron

Still just 24 years old, Mbeumo is entering his prime, which makes now the perfect time to leave Brentford and complete a big move elsewhere. Whilst the attention has been on Toney's future, it is the Cameroon international who could steal the headlines in deserving fashion this summer to become Newcastle's Almiron replacement.

Those at Newcastle will be hoping to see Mbeumo end his current St James' Park record if he does complete a move, however, given that he's never won there with Brentford in a frustrating run for the winger.

That record aside, however, Mbeumo is a player on the up and one who has been recognised by Brentford boss Thomas Frank in the past, who said via FourFourTwo: "It’s brilliant I must say. He’s been brilliant for us this year in the Premier League. He came back from a minor injury, we knew that he wanted to play ready for Tuesday. And three quality finishes, very composed.”

After a deal to sign Jose Cordoba collapsed, Rangers have turned their attention towards another South American defender, who already reportedly has an offer on the table from Ibrox.

Rangers transfer news

The Gers looked destined to sign Cordoba, before a deal ultimately collapsed with Norwich City now the leading candidates to land the young defender's signature. He would have followed Jefte through the door to complete Rangers' second signing in a matter of weeks to start their summer transfer window with a bang, but Philippe Clement has now been forced to find another option.

That's not to say that Rangers have given up on the South American market following their Cordoba failure, however. In fact, it's quite the opposite. According to Chilean outlet Despliegue Fútbol, Rangers have presented an offer to Thomas Galdames, who has reportedly played his final game for Godoy Cruz in Argentina, winning 4-0 against El Porvenir this week.

Clement already personally eyeing new Rangers moves after Cordoba collapse

The Gers aren’t wasting any time…

By
Tom Cunningham

May 29, 2024

The 25-year-old left-back, who can also play as a centre-back, also reportedly has offers from Belgium and must now make his decision. With Rangers looking to fill the role that many believed Cordoba would, Galdames could emerge as the perfect option at Ibrox this summer.

Having already filled their left-back role with the arrival of Jefte, it will be interesting to see whether Clement would opt to turn Galdames into a central defender on a permanent basis if he completes a move to Scotland this summer. On paper, it's a risk, but it could be one worth taking if the Chilean finds his feet quickly and becomes the defender that the Gers are clearly after.

"Confident" Galdames can make up for Cordoba collapse

The Gers certainly aren't wasting any time feeling sorry for themselves after missing out on Cordoba, turning their attention straight to Galdames. And if Nathan Joyes' praise is anything to go by, dubbing the defender as "confident in the final third" among other positives, then those at Ibrox should be hoping to see Rangers get this one over the line.

If the aim isn't for Galdames to arrive and step into the centre-back role, then he will be left competing with Jefte and question marks will naturally begin to rise regarding the future of Ridvan Yilmaz, who has been linked with an Ibrox exit in the past.

It's certainly solid planning from Rangers, either way. On the one hand, they'll have a left-back ready to compete if Yilmaz leaves, and on the other, Clement could mould a top centre-back.

There are plenty of rumours to be found regarding Season 4 of Ted Lasso, but Brett Goldstein – who plays Roy Kent – says “the plan is not in action”.

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• Popular show ended in May 2023
• Cast members excited by return rumours
• No definitive plans in place as yet

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Warner Bros have reportedly taken up options on three of the show’s main stars, while plenty of others have expressed their excitement at potentially rejoining the ranks at AFC Richmond. There have been reports of pre-production getting underway in early 2025.

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  THE GOSSIP

  There has, however, been no official word from Apple TV+ or Jason Sudeikis – who fills the roles of title character and writer – meaning that expectation needs to be reined in somewhat. Goldstein claims to have no insider knowledge on when fans could be encouraged to “Believe” once more.

• WHAT BRETT GOLDSTEIN SAID

  Goldstein, who won a legion of fans with his grumpy Kent character, has told when asked about the Lasso speculation: “I don’t know anything. I heard about it in the press. I heard about it because I got a phone call from my team saying it had been picked up. See! What are we f*cking doing? I feel sorry for you – I feel sorry for me – that we have to do this. But in this case, I genuinely know nothing. There will be a plan put into action soon, but so far the plan is not in action.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Goldstein added when asked about the mixed response to Season 3, as Lasso brought the curtain down on his time as a coaching novice in English football: “It’s a difficult question because I don’t take time to reflect and have feelings. How do I feel about it? We were following a vision, and there are things that I really admire about Jason Sudeikis and sticking to the vision. We were aware of the internet and what people enjoyed and wanted. But we had to ignore all of this and stick to the vision – for good and bad, regardless of outcome. That’s a pretty impressive and unusual quality, certainly in a populist arena. It was received mixed-ly, but that’s the risk of taking the art route.”

Pundit Keith Wyness has dropped an exciting update regarding Celtic's upcoming transfer business this summer, with Brendan Rodgers not messing around and set for a serious charge at Champions League success.

Celtic transfer plans in progress after title win

The Hoops sealed yet another Scottish Premiership title this week – their third in a row – following their ruthless 5-0 victory away to Kilmarnock on Wednesday evening. It is a fantastic achievement by Rodgers and his players, who trailed Rangers earlier in the campaign, as their victory over their rivals last weekend sealed the deal in emphatic fashion.

New signings are still needed despite this success, however, ensuring that Celtic don't rest on their laurels, and a replacement for the soon-to-be-retiring Joe Hart will be at the top of their list of priorities, with Southampton ace Alex McCarthy backed to join this summer.

It is being reported that Trabzonspor stopper Ugurcan Cakir is a top target, with a £6m+ bid believed to have been submitted, with the 27-cap Turkey international looking like an exciting choice. Liverpool 'keeper Caoimhin Kelleher has also been linked with a move to Parkhead, should the Irishman feel that now is the time to leave Anfield and stop playing second fiddle to Alisson.

Celtic are also reportedly battling with Rangers for the signing of Connor Barron, who has impressed in Aberdeen's midfield and is considered an exciting long-term prospect at the age of 21.

Celtic backed for busy summer

Speaking to Football Insider, Wyness claimed that Celtic could make as many as five signings this summer, as Rodgers looks to make big changes, with a larger focus on the Champions League next season:

"I’m expecting Celtic to be looking at four to five new signings this summer. I’m hearing that Brendan Rodgers will place more of a focus on getting through in the Champions League. They had a difficult time this year with that particular issue, with some heavy losses.

"But I think he’ll plan and try to equip themselves better on the European stage with some of the business they do. I hope they can do so because the Scottish coefficient needs it."

This is a hugely exciting update at a time when Celtic supporters are already in buoyant spirits, suggesting that another busy summer is on the cards.

The worst thing that the Hoops could do is not kick on after the current campaign, allowing Rangers to narrow the gap in the process, and ruthlessness is needed in the transfer market. With Champions League football coming their way next season, higher quality players are required, having finished bottom of their group with just four points from six matches this season.

Celtic make £6m+ bid to sign "highly rated" goalkeeper to replace Hart

He could be the new first-choice ‘keeper at Celtic Park.

By
Ben Browning

May 15, 2024

This isn't a Celtic squad that needs major surgery, as their title success shows – they could still clinch Scottish Cup glory, too – but a new goalkeeper to replace Hart looks set to kickstart a mini squad overhaul this summer.

Rodri suffered a season-ending ACL injury during Manchester City's draw with Arsenal but that did not stop him celebrating their late equaliser.

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• Rodri suffered serious injury against Arsenal
• Ruled out for rest of season
• Still managed to celebrate City's late equaliser

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The fall-out from Manchester City's draw with Arsenal continues after a fiery contest that saw Rodri go off injured and subsequently be ruled out for the rest of the season. Despite the seriousness of the injury, Rodri still managed to enjoy the late equaliser by John Stones at the Etihad. According to, the Spain star managed to "celebrate raucously in front of the Arsenal bench" despite being forced off with an injury that has required surgery.

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  The rivalry between the two sides appears to have ramped up several notches after the 2-2 draw at the Etihad. Stones accused Arsenal of "dirty" tactics after the match, while manager Pep Guardiola has claimed City have been provoked into a "war" by the Gunners and has hit out at Mikel Arteta after the Arsenal boss claimed he had inside information on the Cityzens.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Rodri's injury will be a huge blow to Manchester City and their hopes of claiming more silverware this season. The midfielder is unbeaten in his last 52 Premier League appearances, while City's last four defeats in the top flight have all come when Rodri has been absent.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY

  Manchester City's first test without Rodri comes on Saturday against Newcastle at St James' Park, while Arsenal play host to Leicester later in the day.

Pep Guardiola has backed Rodri in his comments suggesting Manchester City's stars would consider a 'strike' due to an increasingly intense schedule.

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• Rodri hinted players could strike
• City could play more than 70 games this season
• 'Players have the power to make change' insists Guardiola

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Guardiola echoed Rodri's sentiments that the players are the most important factor in football, with the City boss claiming that any change would only come from the actions of his own stars. Rodri had criticised the decision to add more fixtures to the football calendar, believing many players would be willing to go on strike as 'we are the guys who suffer'.

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  UEFA has introduced a new-style Champions League format, leading to more fixtures being added to an already-intensive football calendar. City are also set to play in the revamped Club World Cup at the end of the season, which will feature additional teams and matches, leading to Rodri's claim that the wellbeing of players was being overlooked, although some have claimed any notion of a strike as 'nonsense'.

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  WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

  Guardiola said: "I agree that many voices are talking about the players. If something is going to change, it must come from the players. They are the only ones who can change something.

  "The business can be without managers, sporting directors, media and owners – but without players you cannot play. They alone have the power to do it."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GUARDIOLA AND MAN CITY?

  The intensity does not stop for City, with Guardiola's men facing off against Arsenal on Sunday in a match which could have significant implications on the title come the end of the season.

  City will then play in three competitions over the course of a week, hosting Watford in the Carabao Cup before visiting Newcastle in the Premier League followed by a Champions League trip to Slovan Bratislava prior to the international break.

Celtic attacking midfielder Matt O'Riley collected multiple trophies at the club's end-of-season awards night at the weekend after a sublime season from the star.

He won the Young Player of the Year, Men's Player of the Year, and Men's Players' Player of the Year awards for his contributions on the pitch this term.

It will now be interesting to see whether or not the Hoops can keep hold of the Denmark international, who was recently named as a player of interest to Italian giants Inter.

The Bhoys have made a profit on a number of players, who O'Riley could join this summer, over the years and one star they hit the jackpot with was goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

How much Celtic paid for Fraser Forster

The towering stopper initially joined the Hoops on loan from English Premier League side Newcastle United in the summer of 2010 and spent two seasons on loan from the Magpies.

In the summer of 2012, Celtic completed a reported £2m deal to sign the goalkeeper on a permanent deal from the English team, and then-manager Neil Lennon claimed that he would be a "magnificent" signing for the club.

As you can see in the table above, his form over his two seasons on loan with the Scottish giants warranted them making a move to sign him permanently.

He caught the eye with a staggering 42 clean sheets in 69 appearances in the Scottish Premiership, conceding just 42 goals for the club in that time.

How much Celtic sold Fraser Forster for in 2024 money

After two more years with the Hoops, Forster's performances in Scotland were impressive enough to draw in interest from Premier League side Southampton.

When you adjust for the inflation of transfer fees in football over the subsequent years, per Totally Money's index, then the £11.2m the Saints paid to sign him in the summer of 2014 would be worth a staggering £20.2m in today's (2024) money.

This shows that Celtic hit the jackpot with Forster as they made a significant profit on the initial £2m they paid Newcastle to sign him, making £9.2m, and the fee they raked in from Southampton would be worth a huge £20.2m in the current day, which speaks to how expensive the deal was at the time.

The England international, who now plays for Tottenham Hotspur, later enjoyed another season on loan with the Hoops, from the Saints, during the 2019/20 campaign and has racked up 118 clean sheets in 234 appearances for the club in all competitions to date.

Forster was, as shown by the aforementioned statistics, a clean sheet machine for the Scottish giants with more than one shutout every other match on average.

Celtic's "pressing machine" was as good as O'Riley in the Old Firm

The Hoops star was unplayable for Brendan Rodgers against Rangers on Sunday.

By
Dan Emery

May 11, 2024

He was a colossal performer on the pitch, winning eight domestic trophies in total, and then made the Hoops a huge sum of money just two years after being signed for only £2m, which illustrates how much of a blinder they played with the titan.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said he is not concerned about Lamine Yamal's playing time while on Nations League duty.

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• Yamal played 90 minutes against Serbia
• Barca reportedly worried about his playing time
• Spain coach not bothered by club's concern

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Yamal, 17, played the full 90 minutes as Spain opened their Nations League campaign with a 0-0 draw against Serbia on Thursday. The winger started all four of Barca's La Liga games this season, too, racking up 356 minutes already.

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  Yamal played an important role in Spain's Euro 2024 success, starting all but one of La Roja's games as they went on to beat England in the final. Since he did not have a proper summer break, there are concerns about his workload at such a young age, but De la Fuente remained defiant when asked about him.

• WHAT DE LA FUENTE SAID

  He told reporters: "It's a blessing to have a player like Lamine Yamal who has the ability to play so many games. Lamine is perfect."

  When asked about clubs' hoping their players will be given a rest, he said: "Well, if we can't play 180 minutes in September, then let me know. We put our best players in because we have the great responsibility of representing our country. Besides, it would be very unfair to give minutes to players based on their origin. I won't do that."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR YAMAL?

  It appears Yamal can expect to be included in the starting XI when Spain take on Switzerland in their second Nations League game on Sunday.