As Thierno Barry closes in on completing his move, Everton are now reportedly “interested” in signing a Premier League rival who David Moyes loves this summer.
Latest on Thierno Barry's Everton move
With pre-season fixtures looming, Everton are finally set to commence their summer business and commence it in impressive fashion. According to Fabrizio Romano, Barry is in Merseyside to complete a medical and finalise a move worth around £30m to The Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The impressive forward will instantly replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who chose to depart after failing to put pen to paper on fresh terms. And whilst the latter’s departure may sting, Barry’s arrival should more than soften that blow given the excellent season that he just enjoyed at Villarreal.
League stats 24/25 (via FBref)
Barry
Calvert-Lewin
Minutes
2,559
1,609
Goals
16
3
Assists
4
1
Expected Goals
12.5
6.7
At just 22 years old, Barry is arguably yet to reach the peak of his powers but would already hand Moyes an instant upgrade on Calvert-Lewin next season.
In a new era for the Toffees, the incoming arrival represents a solid start, but that’s not to say the The Friedkin Group don’t still have work to do on the transfer front.
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The American owners have already reportedly submitted an enquiry over signing Douglas Luiz from Juventus following a disastrous spell in Italy for the former Aston Villa man, and he would certainly represent an impressive second signing this summer.
Douglas Luiz in action for Juventus.
Meanwhile, Everton have also reportedly made contact to sign Manchester City’s young midfielder James McAtee. Like Luiz, he would be an excellent addition. Picking up Premier League talent from elsewhere could become quite the trend too, with the Toffees now also linked with signing another rival player.
Everton now "interested" in signing Mark Travers
According to Sky Sports, Everton are now “interested” in signing Mark Travers from Bournemouth this summer as they enter the market for a backup goalkeeper. Following Asmir Begovic’s and Joao Virginia’s departures, Friedkin could turn towards a player who Moyes is a “big fan of” in Travers, who could, in turn, leave the Cherries in a permament move.
Whilst Travers has been unable to claim the No.1 shirt at Bournemouth, he did impress on loan at Middlesbrough last season and may now have the chance to star in the Premier League again as a result.
Dubbed “fantastic” by former manager Mark Molesley during his time at Weymouth, the Irishman is still just 26 years old, handing him the chance to compete with Jordan Pickford and perhaps even replace him in years to come. As backups go, Travers would certainly be an upgrade on Begovic and Virginia.
Arsenal are undergoing a major restructure of their squad ahead of the 2025/2026 campaign, with manager Mikel Arteta desperate to end the club’s long wait for a Premier League title.
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New sporting director Andrea Berta’s arrival in north London three months ago brought plenty of anticipation with it, and the Italian has already been busy for a long time behind-the-scenes.
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is set to join Arsenal after the Gunners and Berta agreed to pay over his release clause. While Arteta’s side need to stump up a larger fee overall for the Spain international, this cost will be spread out across installments, allowing Arsenal to both navigate PSR regulations and take less of a chunk out of their summer transfer kitty for this year.
Kepa Arrizabalaga is also still joining Arsenal from Chelsea as David Raya’s new back-up goalkeeper (The Times), and the experienced 30-year-old is set to compete for Arteta’s number one spot between the sticks.
While Arsenal are yet to bring in a new striker, despite talks for both Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Arteta’s dire need for a centre-forward means it’ll surely only be a matter of time.
Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)
Money on new signings
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
Amidst all of this activity, when it comes to recruitment, players deemed surplus to requirements have been going the other way as well.
Jorginho and Kieran Tierney have officially departed Arsenal, with the former terminating his contract early so he can link up with Flamengo for the Club World Cup, and the latter re-joining former club Celtic on a free transfer.
Now, amid challenging talks over a new deal for star £200,000-per-week midfielder Thomas Partey, the Ghanaian is close to joining them.
Thomas Partey could leave Arsenal in the next few days
He made over 50 appearances under Arteta last season in what was his best-ever campaign for Arsenal, prompting the club to open discussions over an extension, but these negotiations have gone nowhere.
As things stand, Partey could now leave Arsenal in a matter of days, as explained by Fabrizio Romano.
The 32-year-old seemed nailed-on to quit the north London club before 2024/2025, given his well-documented past injury problems, but Partey’s resurgence has suddenly made the star’s exit a much bigger blow for Arteta.
Arsenal’s manager was public in his desire for Partey to remain in N5, after the ex-Atletico Madrid man thrived playing in both midfield and as an emergency right-back last term, which included some pretty big performances against the likes of Real Madrid.
Amid serious interest from AC Milan and José Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe, the curtain appears to be drawing on Partey’s five-year stay at the club, which could now leave Arteta one “sensational” player short in the engine room.
Newcastle United have accepted that a move for long-time transfer target Bryan Mbeumo may not work out this summer, with the Brentford forward reportedly preferring to sign for Manchester United.
Whether that will happen is another matter, and no longer the Magpies’ concern, for Eddie Howe and the powers that be have turned their attention to alternative options, Anthony Elanga and Mohammed Kudus among the targeted.
While Newcastle are in talks with Callum Wilson for a new contract, the ageing striker failed to register a goal contribution in the Premier League last season as he battled through injury problems, and some extra firepower to complement Alexander Isak wouldn’t go amiss.
Newcastle plotting to sign new striker
Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro is right at the top of the shopping list, but Newcastle may well be plotting to sign an even more exciting centre-forward.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to Football Insider, Newcastle are considering an official move for Porto’s Samu Aghehowa in the coming months, having been keeping tabs on the prolific striker.
Though the 21-year-old has an £82.5m release clause in his contract, he could be sold for considerably less, with a fee of £63m mooted.
FC Porto's SamuOmorodioncelebrates scoring their first goal
Manchester United are also interested as they search for an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund, and the Premier League competitors may well battle it out for the number nine.
What Samu Omorodion would bring to Newcastle
Tall, powerful and blessed with swift pace, Aghehowa has the fundamental skills to become a fearsome marksman in the Premier League, more still a perfect counterpoint to ther breezy dynamism of Isak.
He might not be the finished article, but this wouldn’t actually be a negative: Aghehowa would join a Newcastle team blessed with “the best striker in the Premier League” in Isak, as has been said by pundit Jamie Carragher, and Wilson, an experienced poacher.
It’s a fantastic mix, and one which could see Aghehowa springboard into the ascendency. Who knows, he might even prove an even bigger star than Pedro with some careful man-management over the coming years.
Though Pedro has impressed since joining Brighton from Watford in a deal worth around £30m two years ago, scoring 30 goals and providing ten assists across 70 matches, 18 of those strikes have come from the penalty spot.
Aghehowa’s ceiling is higher.
Joining Porto from Atletico Madrid last summer just weeks after a move to Chelsea collapsed, Omorodion has thrived in Portugal, scoring 25 goals across 42 matches in all competitions, including a six-goal haul in the Europa League that saw him fire two past Man United.
League 24/25 – Samu Omorodion vs Joao Pedro
Stats (* per game)
Omorodion
Pedro
Matches (starts)
30 (23)
27 (23)
Goals
19
10
Assists
3
6
Shots (on target)*
2.7 (1.1)
1.7 (0.7)
Big chances missed
18
7
Pass completion
79%
75%
Big chances created
5
11
Key passes*
0.6
1.1
Dribbles*
0.4
1.1
Duels won*
3.3
4.9
Stats via Sofascore
Hailed as a “monster in the making” with a “complete profile” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Aghehowa has the mark of an elite-level goalscorer, and while Brighton’s Brazilian forward is more creative and dynamic, Newcastle must invest their chips in the man who could become one of the deadliest number nines in the business.
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Glasgow Rangers have failed to win the Scottish Premiership title in each of the last four seasons, having last lifted the trophy under Steven Gerrard in 2021.
The English head coach led the Ibrox giants to the title in the 2020/21 campaign, going unbeaten in the process, and none of his successors have been able to match that feat.
Steven Gerrard
Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Michael Beale, Philippe Clement, and Barry Ferguson have all tried and failed to win the division in the subsequent four seasons.
During that season, Gerrard had an excellent squad that were able to deliver consistently brilliant performances on the pitch, and Ryan Kent was one star who stepped up time and time again.
The English winger racked up ten goals and nine assists in 37 appearances in the Premiership, as he provided a regular threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals for the Gers.
However, Rangers have failed to find another left-winger as influential as Kent since he left Ibrox on a free transfer in the summer of 2023, which is one of the problems that the 49ers should sort out this summer.
Why Rangers need their next Ryan Kent
During the 2024/25 campaign, Clement and Ferguson did not have a regular starter in the left wing position, as several players played out wide on the left.
Hamza Igamane, a centre-forward, and Ianis Hagi, an attacking midfielder, are two players who were utilised in that role, whilst Nedim Bajrami and Oscar Cortes failed to deliver enough quality at the top end of the pitch.
Rangers have already confirmed that Hagi will be released by the club at the end of his contract this summer, and Igamane is a centre-forward by trade, so he should not be a long-term option on the left wing.
That leaves Bajrami and Cortes as the left-wing options for the new head coach to assess in pre-season, and their respective performances in the Premiership do not suggest that they are good enough to be the first-choice in that role.
Rangers’ left wingers
24/25 Premiership
Ianis Hagi
Nedim Bajrami
Oscar Cortes
Appearances
24
28
10
Goals
4
2
0
Big chances created
6
4
0
Key passes per game
1.7
1.0
0.4
Assists
5
1
0
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, neither player managed more than three goal contributions in the top-flight, whilst Cortes did not provide a single goal or assist in his ten appearances in the division.
This does not suggest that they are likely to reach the incredible tally of 19 goals and assists that Kent managed when Rangers last won the Premiership title under Gerrard.
Therefore, it should come as good news to Rangers supporters that the club are reportedly interested in a deal to bring a new left winger to the club ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Rangers eyeing deal for Leeds star
According to TEAMtalk, Rangers are eyeing up a deal to sign winger Largie Ramazani from Premier League side Leeds United in the summer transfer window.
The report claims that the Light Blues have emerged as a potential suitor for the Belgian forward, who only started seven matches in the Championship on his side’s way to the league title.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It states that Ramazani has shown ‘flashes of brilliance’ since his £10m transfer from Almeria last summer, but the Gers are now hoping to capatilise on his lack of minutes by swooping for him this summer.
TEAMtalk adds that the Scottish giants are monitoring his situation at Elland Road for now, and that a decision could be made on his future by Daniel Farke during pre-season, which means that any move is unlikely to happen until next month.
Sporting director Kevin Thelwell should, now, push for a deal to be done whenever Leeds make a final decision over his future because he could finally replace Ryan Kent at Ibrox.
Why Largie Ramazani could finally replace Ryan Kent at Rangers
First and foremost, Ramazani is a natural left winger who likes to play on that side of the pitch to cut inside onto his stronger foot, just as Kent did during his time in Glasgow.
Whereas, Bajrami is more of an attacking midfielder who wants to be in central positions. Cortes is a natural left-winger, like Ramazani and Kent, but his return of zero goals and zero assists in ten league games simply was not good enough this season.
Despite his lack of game time at Elland Road, the £10m-rated winger showed plenty of signs of the kind of quality that he could deliver as a regular starter on the left flank.
The Whites star, who was described as an “explosive” forward by journalist Joe Donnohue, scored six goals and provided two assists in 28 matches in the Championship, despite starting just seven times.
Ramazani also produced three goals and five assists in 16 starts in LaLiga for Almeria during the 2023/24 campaign, which shows that he can perform well in Europe’s major leagues.
24/25 Championship
Largie Ramazani
Appearances
29
Starts
7
xG
4.67
Goals
6
Touches per game
16.0
Big chances created
1
Assists
2
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the 23-year-old star was clinical in front of goal, outperforming his xG, and landed eight goal contributions despite only averaging 16 touches per game.
For context, Kent averaged 58.8 touches per game in the Premiership during the 2020/21 title-winning campaign, and Bajrami averaged 34.6 touches per match in the league this term.
Now, imagine the kind of impact Ramazani could have at the top end of the pitch, bearing in mind what he did with minimal touches at Leeds, if he had between 34 and 58 touches a game on the left wing week-in-week-out in the Premiership.
The exciting attacker could thrive as a regular starter at a lower level in Scotland, reviving his career after a season of riding the bench for the most part, and that is why he could finally be the replacement for Ryan Kent that the Gers desperately need.
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It now remains to be seen whether Russell Martin, who is reportedly set to be the new head coach at Ibrox, would be interested in working with the Leeds dynamo.
This summer could be make or break for Mikel Arteta in his position as Arsenal manager, needing to make the right additions to catapult his side to Premier League glory.
The Gunners have finished runners-up to Manchester City and Liverpool in each of the last three campaigns, being unable to go all the way and get the job done.
Injuries have certainly prevented such a charge from occurring in 2024/25, but with new signings during the off-season, it could aid the manager in his quest.
Arsenal manager MikelArtetalooks dejected after the match
It remains unclear how much money the hierarchy will hand the Spaniard during the window to make changes he needs, with an emphasis on strength in depth after the recent fitness struggles in North London.
With a busy transfer window expected at the Emirates, no time has been wasted, leading to moves already being made in the market for new additions to strengthen the side.
The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for new additions this summer
Even though the transfer window is yet to open, Arsenal have already made moves for new attackers, with Viktor Gyokeres the main player on their shortlist.
The Swede has gained huge attention in 2024/25 after scoring 54 goals this campaign, with Sporting CP demanding a fee in the region of £60m to part ways with their talisman this summer.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokeres
However, he’s not the only attacker on the Gunners’ radar this window, with Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Rodrygo on their shortlist, according to Spanish outlet AS.
They claim that Arteta’s side has made an approach to sign the 24-year-old forward, who’s registered 23 combined goals and assists across all competitions this season.
It also states that the LaLiga giants would demand a fee in the region of €100m (£84m) to part ways with the youngster, with Chelsea also keeping a close eye on the situation.
Why Arsenal’s £84m target would be perfect alongside Sesko
Striker Benjamin Sesko is another attacker who’s been strongly linked with a switch to Arsenal this summer, looking to offer a needed focal point to the first-team squad.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates after the match
The Slovenian, who’s scored 21 times in all competitions this campaign, has already been subject to talks between the Gunners and current employers RB Leipzig, which could see a move develop in the coming days.
Like Rodrygo, he has an £84m valuation on his shoulders, but Arteta’s side could land him at a cheaper price if they enter negotiations with the Bundesliga outfit.
His goal tally from this campaign is evidence that he can provide the goods within the final third, potentially striking up a deadly partnership with the Brazilian in attacking areas.
The Real Madrid star has the quality with the ball at his feet to provide any fellow attacker the goods to improve their own respective tallies, which could catapult Arsenal to the top of the tree next time around.
Rodrygo, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has completed 2.3 successful dribbles per 90 this season, along with a 52% success rate – showcasing the threat he carries.
However, he often has the end product too, completing 1.2 crosses per 90 and creating 2.3 chances created, handing Sesko the platform to explode in North London.
Rodrygo’s stats for Real Madrid in LaLiga (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
30
Goals & assists
11
Successful dribbles
2.3
Dribble success rate
52%
Crosses completed
1.2
Chances created
2.3
Shots taken
2.5
Touches in opposition box
6.5
Stats via FotMob
He’s also registered 2.5 shots per 90, averaging 6.5 touches in the opposition box per 90 – offering a constant threat to the backline, which could see him partner the Slovenian and link up given his hold-up play.
Whilst both would set the hierarchy back a fair whack of money, their respective figures highlight what they could offer to the side, handing Arteta the depth he craves in the final third.
Should they transfer their skill sets over to England, the thought of the pair combining at the Emirates is truly frightening, making them a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League.
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Sunderland fans will be nervously counting down the days until Saturday’s Championship playoff final with only one huge match now standing in their way of Premier League glory.
There are some bad omens heading into the clash with Sheffield United, considering the Black Cats haven’t won on their last three visits to Wembley, but Regis Le Bris will pray his side can just get the job done by any means necessary in front of their raucous supporters.
Sunderland manager RegisLeBris on the touchline
It could also be another occasion where Daniel Ballard bails his team out in the most dramatic of fashions, with Sunderland entirely reliant on the ex-Arsenal man to guide them to the playoff final.
Ballard's astonishing heroics versus Coventry
If it wasn’t for Ballard popping up with a last-gasp header, the second leg tie against Coventry City would have headed to the nauseating lottery of penalties.
Thankfully, the Northern Irishman was in the perfect position to nod home Enzo Le Fee’s late corner kick, with the header undoubtedly leaving Coventry reeling, but it was a moment of unbelievable ecstasy for the Stadium of the Light to take in.
Ripping his shirt off in delight in the chaos that ensued, Ballard’s imposing presence from these scenarios could well be an effective weapon for Le Bris and Co to call upon for the final, particularly if it’s a tight and scrappy affair.
The Frenchman will also hope his attackers pack their shooting boots to try and upset the Blades on the biggest stage, with one promising forward player now actually worth the same as Ballard after he too played his part in Sunderland knocking out Frank Lampard’s Sky Blues.
The Sunderland star who's now worth as much as Ballard
Sunderland do have a whole host of sellable assets on their books, meaning promotion up to the Premier League will be key in attempting to keep the likes of Jobe Bellingham around for longer.
Ballard was even rumoured to be on the Blades’ shopping list once upon a time, but down the line, Sunderland number 12 Eliezer Mayenda could well be eyed up by some higher suitors himself with his performances for the Black Cats this season showing off a very promising striker that’s still got lots of room to improve.
He showed off his instinctive game when firing home the late winner in the first leg against Coventry, with Mayenda staying alert to any possible errors before rounding Ben Wilson confidently to finish off the gifted opportunity.
That would bump up his goal tally for the season to a nine strikes despite the 20-year-old only starting 22 Championship contests, with ex-Black Cats great Kevin Phillips even complimenting Mayenda as a “handful” after his winner at the CBS Arena.
The decision to snap up Mayenda for a measly £843k as a promising teenage talent has proven to be a steal, therefore, with the Zaragoza-born striker now worth around £3m according to Transfermarkt, which is the exact same value as Ballard.
Mayenda’s Sunderland numbers
Stat
Mayenda
Games played
48
Goals scored
9
Assists
5
Original value when joining
£843k
Value now
£3m
Sourced by Transfermarkt
Much like Bellingham’s value has skyrocketed amongst other shrewd Black Cats buys, it’s not out of the question to assume Mayenda’s value will continue to rise and rise too, particularly if he becomes a Premier League player very soon.
Sunderland's Eliezer Mayenda celebrates scoring their first goal
Before anyone gets too carried away at the Stadium of Light and starts picturing top-flight utopia, however, the playoff final is obviously a nerve-wracking day out that will really test the resolve of Le Bris’ young squad.
But, it could also be the perfect time for his group to mature even more, with both Mayenda or Ballard no doubt ready to be heroes again if a chance falls their way.
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Liverpool know they are heading into next season without Trent Alexander-Arnold amid his impending move to Real Madrid, and they could be set to lose another star player to the Spanish giants in the future, per reports.
Liverpool look to freshen up in the summer window
Arne Slot has done a miraculous job in the eyes of many Liverpool supporters and will be given backing by FSG to shape his squad following their Premier League title victory.
Nevertheless, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure to Real Madrid on a free transfer has delivered a sting in the tail, with the Dutchman now left without one of his best creative outlets from the end of this month.
Arne Slot and Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool
Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah’s contract extensions have softened the blow somewhat, but there is a clear acknowledgement that the summer window will be a decisive one as the Reds seek to claim further silverware.
With the time for transfer business fast approaching, Liverpool are expected to make a ‘serious move’ for Lyon winger Malick Fofana despite Arsenal also remaining attentive to his situation.
Dean Huijsen and Murillo are candidates for the Reds to strengthen their backline from Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest respectively, though it remains to be seen whether either will arrive at Anfield to shore it up ahead of another challenging campaign.
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Henry Jackson
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Second-season syndrome isn’t an evil Liverpool want to experience. Forward planning will be needed to ensure that doesn’t happen, and contingency plans have to be identified early to avoid uncomfortable scenarios.
Nevertheless, they could now be set for another considerable blow after the news that Real Madrid are lining up another one of their most talented assets on a free transfer.
Real Madrid looking to press ahead for Ibrahima Konate
Per reports in Spain, Real Madrid want to sign Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool in 2026 should the Frenchman opt against extending his current terms at Anfield.
The report notes that he has shown no willingness to sign a new contract and that his demands have created internal ‘tension’ on Merseyside, which may pave the way for an acrimonious exit next summer.
Ibrahima Konate’s statistics in 2024/25 – all competitions
Appearances
39
Goals
2
Assists
2
Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Manchester City are also keeping eyes on Konate’s situation, though Real Madrid are said to be in the box seat due to their experience in landing lucrative players without having to pay a transfer fee.
Labelled “outstanding” by Virgil van Dijk, the 25-year-old has won 128 duels this season on Premier League duty, becoming a mainstay in Slot’s Premier League-conquering side alongside the aforementioned Netherlands international.
Mooted to earn £70,000 per week at Liverpool, Konate may well be in the hunt for a significant pay rise – something his current employers haven’t been able to find an agreement on as of yet.
With his future firmly up in the air, the Reds may need to sit down sooner rather than later with his entourage to thrash out a deal.
Liverpool are now keen on signing a “lethal” £50m striker, who’s scored the same number of goals as Alexander Isak this season, according to a report.
Liverpool eyeing Nunez replacement
Arne Slot has enjoyed a remarkable first season at Anfield, having secured the Premier League title with a squad effectively built by Jurgen Klopp, but the manager is looking to bring in some new faces this summer, having been left unconvinced by some of his current options.
One such player is Darwin Nunez, with reports stating the Dutch manager doesn’t trust the striker, and with the Uruguayan open to an exit this summer, the manager could well be tasked with bringing in a replacement.
There has recently been a positive update on the Reds’ pursuit of Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo, with it being revealed that a bid for the 25-year-old is likely to be accepted, should they decide to make a concrete approach.
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Having proven himself at Premier League level, the France-born striker could be an attractive option for Slot, but he is not the only target they have in mind, with Newcastle United’s Isak also on the shortlist.
A deal for Isak could be difficult to pull off, however, which means Liverpool could make a move for an alternative option, and a report from Anfield Watch has now revealed they are now keen on signing Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui.
Atalanta's MateoReteguicelebrates with the man of the match trophy after the match
Retegui has been added to the shortlist, having impressed in front of goal this season, and the report adds that Nunez is now expected to depart this summer, which exacerbates the need to bring in a new striker.
Isak and Hugo Ekitike are also of interest to the Reds, but they could choose to hone in on the Atalanta forward, and previous reports have revealed he could be available for the relatively affordable fee of £50m.
"Lethal" Retegui keeping up with Isak this season
Isak has been one of the Premier League’s stand-out players this season, netting 27 goals for Newcastle in all competitions, but the Atalanta star has been juist as prolific, having found the back of the net 27 times in 45 outings.
Italy manager Luciano Spalletti has been left particularly impressed by the 26-year-old’s performances, saying: “Inside the box, he is lethal. And now he has learned how to connect with the team better. He’s going to become a top player.”
Nunez, on the other hand, has never really managed to make a name for himself at Anfield, scoring just five Premier League goals this season, so it is little wonder that Slot is looking to bring in an upgrade this summer.
There is every indication that Retegui could be a fantastic signing for Liverpool, so it is exciting news they are in the race for his signature, but there could be competition from Manchester United, who have already held talks.
The campaign is still a month away from completion, although attention at Manchester United is swiftly turning toward the summer transfer window and the need to bolster Ruben Amorim’s ranks.
While it would be foolish for anyone of a United persuasion to be too optimistic regarding the impact of potential new signings, amid the club’s wretched recruitment record over the last decade or so, it is difficult to argue that this side is in need of major surgery once again.
With departures expected to reach double figures, ahead of next season, there is likely to be something of an overhaul at Old Trafford, with drastic improvement needed amid the Red Devils’ place in the bottom half of the Premier League table.
Erik ten Hag
Much could depend on whether or not Champions League qualification is secured, via Europa League glory, although regardless of what occurs on the continent, it looks as if the INEOS regime are already closing in on the signing of wantaway Wolverhampton Wanderers man, Matheus Cunha.
The latest on Man Utd's move for Cunha
It’s fair to say that Cunha can’t have done much more to catch the eye of those at Old Trafford this season. Indeed, during Wolves’ 2-0 win over United on Boxing Day, the Brazilian was simply sensational for the hosts, having scored directly from a corner, while also teeing up Hwang Hee-chan for the second of the day.
That was followed by the 25-year-old’s impact in Sunday’s 1-0 win for the Old Gold, as it was actually his surging run which earned the free-kick that Pablo Sarabia duly converted.
Now onto 14 league goals for the season, Cunha appears all but certain for a Molineux exit this summer – following prior January interest – having already outlined his desire to “take the next step” in his career.
Cunha stats
As widely reported, that ‘next step’ looks set to lead the former Atletico Madrid man to Manchester, with positive talks having been held regarding the forward’s potential contract at the Theatre of Dreams.
That move for the £62.5m sensation could represent the first piece of business in a potentially hectic summer for the Red Devils.
Man Utd readying offer for new midfielder
Alongside that interest in the Wolves ace, it would appear that United are also keeping a close eye on Ipswich Town starlet, Liam Delap, with the Englishman set to be available for £30m amid the Tractor Boys’ impending relegation.
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Elsewhere, meanwhile, reports in Spain have suggested that Amorim and co could also go back in for a long-term target, in the form of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, with the Dutchman said to be ‘back on the Red Devils’ radar’.
As per the report, United are ‘willing to present a proposal’ in order to entice the LaLiga giants into a summer sale, with the Premier League said to be ready to ‘test the limits’ of Barca’s resolve.
Benfica's Kerem Akturkoglu in action with FC Barcelona'sFrenkiedeJong
The 27-year-old was famously linked with the Old Trafford side back in the summer of 2022, during Erik ten Hag’s first window in charge, albeit despite an agreement on a fee, a deal for the former Ajax midfielder couldn’t get over the line amid issues regarding personal terms.
There may be a feeling of De Jong’s chance having come and gone, although United should still jump at the opportunity to land such a statement signing.
How De Jong could fit in at Man Utd
There could well be a fresh look to Amorim’s 3-4-3 set-up next term, with a new goalkeeper and centre-forward seemingly set to be prioritised, while Cunha would likely line up in one of the two number ten berths.
The Wolves talisman has already thrived in a similar system under Amorim’s compatriot, Vitor Pereira, in recent months, with his overall record in England’s top-flight now standing at 39 goals and assists in just 77 games.
What the one-time RB Leipzig man will need, however, is quality service from those around him, hence why bringing De Jong into the fold could be a dream scenario.
Likely to operate as part of the midfield two – potentially alongside Bruno Fernandes or Manuel Ugarte – the Netherlands international is simply a master at progressing play, as emphasised by the fact that he ranks in the top 9% of European midfielders for progressive passes, and the top 16% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.
Also ranked in the top 1% for pass completion, the experienced metronome has rightly been lauded as “one of the best midfielders in the world” by former boss, Xavi Hernandez, ensuring he would be a worthy upgrade in Amorim’s ranks.
Frenkie de Jong – compared to European midfielders
Stat
Record (per 90)
Ranking
Non-penalty goals
0.12
Top 25%
Assists
0.12
Top 28%
Shot-creating actions
2.59
Top 36%
Passes attempted
82.09
Top 4%
Pass completion
93.8%
Top 1%
Progressive passes
7.17
Top 9%
Progressive carries
2.09
Top 16%
Passes into final third
9.20
Top 3%
Tackles (in attacking 3rd)
0.49
Top 10%
Stats via FBref
As stated, that forward-thinking ability that De Jong provides would ensure he is the ideal figure to pick out the likes of Cunha ahead of him, as indicated by the fact that he also ranks in the top 3% for passes into the final third, at an average of 9.21 per 90.
What also sets the 5 foot 11 maestro apart is just how effective he is at regaining possession too. As evidenced last season – considering he has only started seven league games this time around – De Jong averaged 2.2 tackles per game, having also recovered the ball 5.9 times per game in LaLiga.
For context, United’s ball-winning monster, Casemiro, has only recovered 3.9 balls per game in the Premier League this term – albeit while enjoying a far superior record with regard to tackles made (3.5).
For De Jong to then have such quality both in and out of possession would ensure he can comfortably cope in a midfield two, with United having the chance to acquire two players entering their peak years, in the form of him and Cunha.
After Cunha: Man Utd in talks to sign a "monster" upgrade on Delap
Man Utd could be set to land another sparkling forward this summer, alongside Matheus Cunha
A Europa League club have held talks over a move to sign a Wolverhampton Wanderers player who Molineux chiefs are ready to sell, and it’s not Matheus Cunha.
Wolves could cash in on Cunha as numerous Premier League clubs circle
Despite signing a contract extension earlier this year, there has still been plenty of talk about Cunha leaving Wolves this summer.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' MatheusCunhareacts after the match
The Brazilian penned new terms until 2029, however, importantly, the new contract to includes a release clause. Cunha, talking in recent weeks, admitted the “need to take the next step” and “fight for titles” in his career, hinting at a Molineux exit.
“I had a lot of offers but I wouldn’t feel well if I had done it (left Wolves). Some things you can’t control but I couldn’t leave the club in the middle of the season, in a difficult situation, in the relegation zone. Now, we’re close to achieving our goal (of staying up). But I’ve made it clear that I need to take the next step. I want to fight for titles, for big things. I have potential.”
There is plenty of interest in Cunha as well, with reports recently saying both Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest are ready to pay a huge £75m to sign the Wolves star over the coming months.
Both Villa and Forest could be able to offer Champions League football ahead of the new season, so Vitor Periera may soon lose his star striker.
£23m Wolves star is going to swiftly become more important than Cunha
Wolves could be set to lose Matheus Cunha this summer…
By
Ross Kilvington
Apr 15, 2025
However, another forward on the books at Molineux, Fabio Silva, could also be about to find a new club. Currently on loan in Spain at Las Palmas, recent reports have claimed that Wolves are ready to sell Silva for £25m.
That would be a loss for the Old Gold, and one club have made their move for the Portuguese attacker.
Wolves may sell Fabio Silva as Eintracht Frankfurt hold talks
According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Eintracht Frankfurt have held “initial talks” over a move for Wolves forward Silva.
Currently in the Europa League quarter finals, Frankfurt see Silva as a “very interesting option”, although there are more clubs keen on the 22-year-old.
Things haven’t gone to plan for Silva in England after signing for a then record €40m (£33.4m) from FC Porto in 2020.
He’s scored just five goals in 72 Old Gold appearances, whereas on loan at Las Palmas this season, Silva has already netted 10 times.
Therefore, it could make sense for Wolves to cash in on Silva, and who knows, with Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike linked with a move to the Premier League, the Wolves man could be seen as his replacement in Germany.