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Newcastle United will now need to stump up £39m to sign a “complete” striker in the summer transfer window, according to a new update.

Newcastle still clinging on to Isak

The future of Isak has dominated the Magpies-related headlines of late, with Liverpool making it clear that they would like to sign the Swede in a potential British record transfer, whereas Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal are also circling.

Newcastle are understandably holding firm, however, not wanting to lose not only their best player, but one of the leading strikers in the world currently.

A move to the Saudi Pro League for Isak would surely be a huge shock if the 25-year-old suddenly wanted to move to a far lesser league at the peak of his powers.

Should the unthinkable happen and Newcastle lose Isak this summer, it will then be a case of the best option possible coming in. Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez jumps out as a leading choice after recent links emerged, but now another player has been mentioned, too.

Newcastle need to pay £39m to sign striker after contact

According to Italian publication Corriere dello Sport [via Sport Witness], Newcastle will need to pay £39m to sign Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani this summer.

The Magpies have already made contact regarding a move for the France international, which is again highlighted in the recent report. Kolo Muani is considered a potential option to replace Isak, should he move on. The report even states that Newcastle are “resigned” to losing current hero Isak.

Muani could shine in a Newcastle shirt, but it goes without saying that signing him will only be a positive if Isak has also stayed put at St James’ Park.

The 26-year-old has impressed many in recent years, not least Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe, who has described him as a “complete” player.

“He is a striker who offers different game options to our team. He is very complete and has an impressive volume of play. We are happy with the game he played on Friday and I hope he scores tomorrow. Tomorrow we will try to get him to score a goal.”

Muani has scored nine goals in 31 caps for France, helping them reach the final of the 2022 World Cup, and he has also netted a combined 53 times in Ligue 1, the Bundesliga and Serie A, showing that he can make an impact in some of Europe’s top leagues.

He's Bruno Guimaraes 2.0: Newcastle considering move to sign £50m "machine"

Newcastle could consider a move for an English midfielder

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 22, 2025

The bottom line is that he is still a far cry from Isak as a player, though, so if the current Magpies ace departs this summer, a higher calibre of player such as Alvarez will need to come in over the PSG man, or as well as him.

Aston Villa are now “ready to make a move” for a “special” £60m star, with Unai Emery believed to be a “big fan”, transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke has revealed.

Aston Villa eyeing striker amid Watkins uncertainty

Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri recently revealed that Villa have held talks over selling Ollie Watkins to Manchester United, and with the Englishman keen on a move to Old Trafford, Emery may need to bring in a replacement this summer.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani is on the shortlist as a potential heir to Watkins, while the Villans have also set their sights on Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, having made initial contact over a deal for the striker earlier this week.

There has now been a new update on Aston Villa’s pursuit of Jackson, with O’Rourke revealing that Emery is a huge admirer of his former player, and the Football Insider report states the ex-Villarreal man could jump at the move.

O’Rourke said: “Unai Emery remains a big fan of Nicolas Jackson, so it’s no surprise that Villa are in the market for him.

“We know Villa need reinforcements in attack – they still haven’t really replaced Jhon Duran – and Jackson’s future’s is up in the air at Chelsea as well.

“If he does become available before the end of the window, there’s no doubt that Aston Villa will be one of those clubs ready to make a move for him, because Unai Emery is a huge fan of his.”

The Chelsea forward is thought to be unsettled by the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, which could open the door for a move to Villa Park.

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BySean Markus Clifford Jul 18, 2025 Jackson could be "special" signing for Aston Villa

A deal for the Senegalese striker is unlikely to be cheap, with previous reports suggesting the Blues could hold out for £60m, but there are signs he could be an exciting signing for Villa this summer.

While the arrivals of Delap and Pedro suggest Enzo Maresca doesn’t fully trust the 24-year-old, he has maintained a solid goal and assist record since his arrival in the Premier League.

Journalist Rahman Osman was also left impressed by the improvements the Chelsea ace made to his game last season.

Jackson could be an exciting addition to Emery’s squad, but if possible, the manager should also hold onto Watkins, given that the England international has amassed a very impressive 87 goals and 42 assists in 223 games since arriving at Villa Park.

It’s almost time for Arsenal to return to action.

On Wednesday, the Gunners will take on AC Milan at the Singapore National Stadium, also facing Newcastle United in Kallang next Sunday, before heading over to Hong Kong for a meeting with Tottenham Hotspur at Kai Tak Sports Park.

Ahead of their pre-season tour of Asia, the Gunners have been busy in the transfer market, but are they about to land their most important target of all?

Arsenal's busy transfer window

So far this summer, Arsenal have made four signings, following the announcement that Noni Madueke had arrived from Chelsea on Friday, doing so for a reported £53m.

He follows fellow new arrivals Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martín Zubimendi, and Christian Nørgaard, while it is widely expected that Cristhian Mosquera will join from Valencia for £16.5m.

Meanwhile, Mark Brus of Caught Offside claims that Arsenal are in talks to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig, which would certainly be an exciting addition.

Nevertheless, as noted by Art de Roché of the Athletic, a new centre forward remains the priority position that both those inside the club and supporters are concerned about, but there could be a breakthrough in that regard.

That’s because, according to Ben Jacobs of Give Me Sport, Arsenal are now close to a “full agreement” with Sporting CP over the signing of Viktor Gyökeres, with optimism that a “breakthrough”, when it comes to add-ons, will be made over the weekend.

The Gunners have agreed to pay the Primeira Liga champions £55m plus close to £9m in add-ons, with the Swedish international still ‘waiting for permission to undergo a medical’, but there is hope he will be able to feature for Arsenal during their aforementioned fixtures in Asia.

Transfer Focus

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

It was reported by Miguel Dantas and Ed Aarons of the Guardian last weekend that Gyökeres had failed to report for pre-season training, having informed Sporting he had no intention of returning, so this deal does appear set to be finalised.

Why Viktor Gyökeres will be so transformational for Arsenal

Given that midfielder Mikel Merino started pretty much every game from Valentine’s Day onwards last season at centre-forward, it was clear to all that Arsenal needed to spend big in this position.

Speaking on the Arsenal Vision podcast, Clive Palmer believes that the Gunners simply need a forward with a killer instinct in front of goal, and Gyökeres certainly provides that, whilst Simons would only offer a decent threat as a scorer from an attacking midfield role.

Viktor Gyökeres

102

97

Xavi Simons

76

22

Arsenal’s highest scorers in 23/24 & 24/25 combined:

Bukayo Saka

84

32

Kai Havertz

87

29

Leandro Trossard

102

27

Gabriel Martinelli

95

18

Martin Ødegaard

93

17

Declan Rice

103

16

Gabriel Jesus

63

15

As the table outlines, no Arsenal player or Simons comes remotely close to having scored as many goals as Gyökeres across the last two seasons, with the Swede having bagged only six fewer goals than Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus combined.

Of course, there is the caveat that the Primeira Liga is the seventh-best league in the world, according to Global Football Rankings, but even if Gyökeres scores 20 times across all competitions next season, that would be a major boost.

Recent Portuguese top-flight golden boot winners, namely Jackson Martínez, Bas Dost, Haris Seferović, Carlos Vinícius and Darwin Núñez do raise a bit of a red flag, but Thom Harris of the Athletic believes Gyökeres will be a success in North London, impressed by his ‘frightening physical profile’ as well as his ‘unerring ability to thump’ the ball really hard into the net.

So, of course, signing Simons would be exciting; it’s Arsenal heritage to have a team full of diminutive number tens. Tomáš Rosický, Alexander Hleb, Santi Cazorla, Mesut Özil, Cesc Fàbregas, Jack Wilshere and many others spring to mind.

Nevertheless, the Gunners need to win and they need to win now, and the signing of Gyökeres underlines this mission statement, even more so than Simons.

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Leeds United are in the battle to sign a high-earning Premier League player this summer, according to an exciting update from journalist Graeme Bailey.

Leeds eyeing moves for British pair

The Whites have been linked with two different British footballers in recent days, both of whom could prove to be shrewd acquisitions in their own right.

Firstly, Angus Gunn has been mentioned as an option to come in as an upgrade on Illan Meslier, with the Scotland international available on a free transfer after exiting Norwich City at the end of last season.

Meanwhile, Newcastle United midfielder Joe Willock has also been mentioned as a Leeds target ahead of their return to the Premier League, with the Englishman potentially in need of joining a club where he can start regularly. That isn’t the case at St James’ Park, with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton keeping him out of the team.

Now, another British player has been linked with a summer switch to Elland Road, and this one could be even more popular than Gunn or Willock heading to Yorkshire.

Leeds in race to seal Kalvin Phillips reunion

Speaking to LeedsUnited.News, Bailey claimed that Leeds are very much in the race to sign Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City, sealing a memorable reunion with him in the process.

Seeing Phillips back in a Leeds shirt would be so heartwarming, considering what a hero the 29-year-old was at the club, becoming a key starter for England in that time.

The midfielder may still have much to offer Daniel Farke, despite years of injury struggles with City and relegation on loan at Ipswich Town last season.

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Granted, Phillips’ £150,000-a-week and £7.8m-a-year wages would be tough to match, but the hope is that a return to Leeds appeals so much that he could be willing to take a pay cut. The fact that Bailey suggests as much can only bode well, making this one to watch.

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

Derby sign Carlton Morris

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Derby open talks to sign John Swift

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

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

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

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

The news everyone feared at Burnley, but ultimately expected, has now been officially confirmed, with CJ Egan-Riley taking up an opportunity at Ligue 1 giants Marseille after turning down a new Turf Moor deal.

This will be a sizeable hole to fill on the end of Scott Parker’s men, considering Egan-Riley is just fresh off a glittering Championship promotion season that saw him collect a mammoth 26 clean sheets.

But, the Clarets have been here before and bounced back well, with both Ben Mee and James Tarkowski exiting the club once upon a time garnering this same level of dismay.

Therefore, Burnley will be hopeful they can plug Egan-Riley’s gap very soon by landing an adequate replacement.

Burnley keen to re-sign £20m defender

As per a new report from football journalist Alan Nixon, Burnley are keen to bring Taylor Harwood-Bellis back to Lancashire after his current employers, Southampton, crashed out of the Premier League last season.

It’s stated that the 23-year-old is eager to stick it out in the top-flight over heading down to the Championship with the Saints, meaning a second spell at Burnley could soon be on the cards.

Nixon does reveal that West Ham United are also keeping tabs on the former Manchester City youth starlet, but a deal would only take place if a sale was made, owing to Harwood-Bellis’ reported price tag of £20m.

Therefore, the newly promoted outfit could soon race to the front of the queue to land Harwood-Bellis back on a permanent basis, with the 6-foot-2 defender a very suitable replacement for the now departed Egan-Riley.

Why Harwood-Bellis is even better than Egan-Riley

Whilst the 22-year-old is just fresh off an unbelievable campaign in the heart of the Clarets’ defence, the former Burnley number six has only collected one Premier League appearance across his career to date, meaning he might well struggle with the demands of a top-five league.

On the contrary, Harwood-Bellis is well versed with the challenges of the daunting Premier League now, with the Stockport-born colossus even winning himself a senior England call-up last season when battling away valiantly for basement side Southampton.

Games played

34

41

Goals scored

1

1

Assists

0

1

Touches*

74.1

80.8

Accurate passes*

55.1 (88%)

59.7 (86%)

Big chances created

3

2

Ball recoveries*

3.6

4.5

Clearances*

4.1

4.7

Total duels won*

3.2

4.2

It’s clear from the table above that Harwood-Bellis is very similar in approach to Egan-Riley, with the defensive pairing both comfortable performers with the ball at their feet, as much as they are also adept at getting stuck in when necessary.

Whilst it is obviously impressive to pick up the numbers Egan-Riley managed at the top-end of the Championship, Parker will view his new target as an upgrade for what he can offer in the league above, with Harwood-Bellis actually averaging more accurate passes per match stuck in a relegation battle than his Marseille counterpart managed in a promotion race.

He was even labelled as “incredible” last season by former boss Pep Guardiola for the progress he had made away from the Etihad, with a Three Lions call-up further proof that he belongs in the big time.

On the flip side, away from his standout showings last season, Egan-Riley has only ever been exposed to a top division fully on loan with Hibernian, with just that one paltry Premier League appearance next to his name. Harwood-Bellis, despite only being one year older, boasts a hefty 34 and counting, away from his 113 outings in the taxing Championship.

Further hailed as a “warrior” by journalist Josh Bunting when shining bright previously at Turf Moor, the composed, yet dominant defender could well be an even better figure for Burnley to have at the back than Egan-Riley, especially as they transition back to the daunting reality of Premier League life.

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ByKelan Sarson Jun 10, 2025

There have been a lot of players who have tormented Arsenal over the years, from Roberto Firmino to Jamie Vardy and Mohamed Salah.

However, when it comes to the striker who has scored more goals against the North Londoners in the Premier League than anyone else, it’ll come as no surprise to most that it is Harry Kane.

The former Tottenham Hotspur star scored 14 goals against the club in 17 appearances before moving to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, and then added another in the Champions League quarter-finals last season.

So, the Gunners faithful should be excited about reports linking them to a free-scoring striker who’s won comparisons to the England captain.

Arsenal's striker search

With Arsenal’s need for a striker this summer practically undeniable, the last few weeks have seen the club linked with a host of talented options, from Benjamin Sesko to Evann Guessand.

The club are reportedly in talks for the former at the moment, who could cost around £67m, which might just prove to be a bargain price, as in 45 appearances for RB Leipzig this season, the 22-year-old dynamo was able to score 21 goals and provide six assists.

Coming in with a cheaper price tag that is said to be around the £25m mark, Guessand would be the more economical option, and with a tally of 13 goals and ten assists in 42 games, it would be a tempting one at that.

Transfer Focus

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

Yet, there is now another forward whose price fits nicely between both and has been compared to Kane: Nick Woltemade.

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are one of several teams incredibly interested in the VfB Stuttgart poacher.

In fact, the report reveals that the Gunners, as well as Liverpool, have made contact with the German outfit over their star striker, who could be available for around €50m, which comes out to about £42m.

He might not be a known quantity to fans in England, but given Woltemade’s ability and potential, this is a deal worth pursuing – with the comparison to Kane a nice bonus.

How Woltemade compares to Kane

Now, there are several reasons why Arsenal might want to go out and sign Woltemade this summer, but before getting to them, it’s worth examining this comparison to Kane and where it originated from.

In this case, it stems from FBref, which compared players in similar positions in the Bundesliga this season and came to the conclusion that the Englishman was the second most similar forward to the German.

The best way to understand how this conclusion was reached is by looking at some of the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, live passes, expected assists, passes into the penalty area, tackles won and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.70

0.70

Goals per Shot

0.22

0.16

Expected Assists

0.19

0.21

Live Passes

26.5

23.4

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.28

1.36

Tackles Won

0.39

0.42

Successful Take-On %

43.7%

43.4%

However, while the comparison to England’s captain and one of the best strikers in the game is certainly encouraging, it’s not the only reason the Gunners should be looking to sign the Stuttgart star.

For example, despite playing for a midtable side, the “exceptional” marksman, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, was able to rack up an impressive haul of 17 goals and three assists in 33 appearances, totalling 2039 minutes.

That means the 23-year-old goalscorer maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.65 games this year, or every 101.95 minutes, which is undeniably impressive.

On top of that, the Bremen-born star comes in at a massive 6 foot 6 but remains agile and quick on his feet, so not only could he interchange with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard at the Emirates, but he’d add even more height and physicality into the Gunners’ squad.

Ultimately, Woltemade has been incredible this season, and his goalscoring abilities combined with his physical characteristics make him someone Arsenal should not miss out on – the comparison to Kane is just another reason they should be going all out to sign him.

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Chelsea are prepared to open talks over re-signing a former “leader”, who one source describes as the perfect player for Enzo Maresca’s dressing room.

Enzo Maresca makes "very important" Conference League claim

The west Londoners take a commanding 4-1 lead into their Conference League semi-final second leg against Djurgardens tonight, and all signs point towards Chelsea easing past Jani Honkavaara’s side as they look to confirm a spot in the final on May 28.

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Maresca has a golden chance to win his first piece of silverware as Chelsea manager during his debut season in charge, and a lot of expectation is riding on him, as they’ve been backed as solid favourites to lift the trophy since the beginning of 2024/2025.

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

While Chelsea have much grander ambitions in the long-term, being knocked out of the Conference League at this stage would arguably be a disaster, and Maresca says winning the competition is “very important” for many reasons.

“Very important, very important for sure, 100 per cent,” said Maresca on Chelsea’s Conference League ambitions.

“For different reasons but the main reason is because we want this club winning trophies. In this moment we are in the Conference so we have to try to win the trophy in the competition that we are.

“So yeah, it’s important personally, but for me, it’s much more important for the club, for the fans. We said many times that it’s the only trophy that Chelsea didn’t win in the past and Chelsea can become the first club in Europe to win all the European competitions so it’s also good for the club.”

It would also end the campaign on a high, even if Chelsea’s race for Champions League qualification is taking centre stage right now.

The club’s ambitions to compete in Europe’s most prestigious competition will also have a knock-on effect when it comes to summer transfers, and it is believed the signing of a new centre-back is a top priority for Chelsea ahead of next term.

Bournemouth starlet Dean Huijsen and Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi are among Chelsea’s rumoured central defensive targets, but according to Football Transfers, they now have their eyes on a possible reunion with Antonio Rudiger.

Chelsea ready to open talks over bringing back Real Madrid star Antonio Rudiger

According to their information, the Blues have made contact with their ex-defender’s camp “in recent days” to be informed on his future at the Bernabeu – as they lay some groundwork over a potential deal.

The Germany international, while generally satisfied with life at Real, has apparently become “increasingly difficult” to deal with, and one source describes his situation as “tense” amid clashes with those in his inner circle.

The reasons for Rudiger’s dissatisfaction are kept vague, but this has apparently alerted Chelsea. Indeed, as well as reaching out to the £238,000-per-week defender’s representatives, it is believed Chelsea are “ready to negotiate” re-signing Rudiger if they get the green-light from him or Real.

The 32-year-old, despite some drama behind-closed-doors, has been described by an FT source as “exactly what the dressing room needs”. Rudiger’s experience could also be vital for Maresca’s very young squad, and he’s already a proven Premier League defender.

“He’s a leader, a warrior, exactly what this Chelsea dressing room needs,” said the source.

“There’s no fear about his personality. If anything, that fire is what we’re missing.”

With the summer transfer window approaching, Everton are reportedly among those racing to sign a relegated Premier League star, who is available at a bargain price.

Friedkin need statement Everton summer

So far, it’s been so good from The Friedkin Group. Everton are about to bid an emotional farewell to Goodison Park ahead of moving into their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium next season and the appointment of David Moyes has ensured that a new era will commence in the Premier League. The veteran manager returned to a number of doubters but has steered the club to safety with great comfort.

The Everton boss will have his eye on more than just surviving next season, however, as will Friedkin. The new owners have the chance to make their mark for the first time in a summer transfer window in Merseyside and rumours suggest that they’re planning to do exactly that.

Recent links have even suggested that the Toffees are interested in re-signing Richarlison from Tottenham Hotspur. The Brazilian has struggled ever since swapping Merseyside for North London and may yet be heading back in the opposite direction this summer.

It’s a reunion that would see a club hero return to commence a new era and one which could be spent away from the dangers of the dropzone. That said, Richarlison isn’t the only name who reportedly finds himself on Everton’s radar.

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Those in Merseyside have also reportedly set their sights on taking full advantage of the Premier League’s relegated trio and potentially landing one particular bargain deal when the summer arrives.

Everton racing to sign Wilfred Ndidi

According to The Boot Room, Everton are now racing to sign Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester City this summer, triggering his £9m relegation release clause in the process. Friedkin are reportedly admirers of the experienced midfielder and are set to do battle with both Sheffield United and Burnley in pursuit of his signature at a bargain price in the coming months.

Starts

25

29

Tackles Won

46

27

Interceptions

24

9

Ball Recoveries

114

139

It becomes clear why Friedkin are admirers of Ndidi when comparing his talent to that of Abdoulaye Doucoure’s, who is on course to depart as a free agent at the end of the season. In comparison, as impressive as Doucoure has been at times, it is Ndidi who stands out for his work off the ball – work which deserves to stay in the Premier League.

Once described as an “incredible player” by former Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, Ndidi will be one to watch this summer, especially amid his reported £9m release clause.

It’s a price that Everton should take full advantage of to not only land a replacement for Doucoure, but arguably an upgrade.

Birmingham City are now ready to offer a £30,000-a-week contract to sign a 23-year-old on a free transfer this summer, according to a recent report.

Birmingham City eye proven Championship defender

The Blues’ stay in League One was short-lived, as expected, as they have been by far the best team in the division. Chris Davies’ side are back in action on Thursday evening, with nothing on the game apart from pride, as Birmingham wrapped up promotion and the League One title a long time ago.

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They have four games left to play in the league, but the focus will likely be turning towards next season and what the club wants to do in the summer transfer window. It’s already been reported by Wales Online that the Blues are interested in a move to sign Harry Darling from Swansea City. The centre-back is out of contract at the end of this campaign, and while he has an offer on the table from the Swans, Birmingham are keen on swooping in and securing a free transfer.

The 25-year-old has performed well for the Welsh side this season, and his experience of Championship football could be the reason why Davies wants to add him to his Birmingham team for the next campaign.

Birmingham plan to offer big contract to Kwame Poku

It is not just Darling that the Blues want to sign on a free transfer; according to Football League World, Birmingham City are preparing to offer £30,000 a week to sign Kwame Poku on a free transfer from Peterborough United.

It was reported earlier this month that the Blues were already in talks with Poku over a move to Birmingham. It was also claimed that, as well as Birmingham, Crystal Palace and Rangers are also interested in the EFL attacker, who has once again had an impressive season.

Football League World now reports that Birmingham are planning to beat Rangers and Palace to the signing of Poku by offering the attacker a £30,000-a-week contract, which is likely a significant increase on his current deal with Peterborough.

Posh did try and secure Poku’s future at the club earlier this season, but the forward turned down what was a record contract offer for Peterborough, and now the League One side expect him to leave for nothing at the end of this campaign.

Apps

146

Goals

30

Assists

30

The 23-year-old has scored 12 goals and recorded eight assists in 26 League One games this season, and that has been achieved in a team that has underperformed and been nowhere near competing for a League One play-off place.

Poku’s potential arrival at Birmingham would see him join the likes of Jay Stansfield, Alfie May, Keshi Anderson, Scott Wright and Lyndon Dykes – there will be a lot of competition in the forward ranks, which is exactly what’s needed to fire upwards instead of looking downwards next term.