Sunderland are not messing around with their plans to build a squad that is capable of avoiding an instant relegation from the Premier League next season.

The Black Cats have already signed Enzo Le Fee on a permanent deal from AS Roma, Habib Diarra in a club-record £30m move from Strasbourg, and Noah Sadiki from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise to bolster their ranks.

They are not done there, though, as the club are also reportedly in talks to secure a deal for Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who played with Diarra in Ligue 1 last season.

At the other end of the pitch, Sunderland are also looking to bring in a new number nine to fire them to safety, as they go in search of their next Asamoah Gyan, Steven Fletcher, or Jermaine Defoe.

Sunderland eyeing deal for new striker

According to Foot Mercato, Sunderland are one of the teams interested in a deal to sign Lyon centre-forward Georges Mikautadze, following his team’s expulsion from Ligue 1.

Transfer Focus

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

The report, however, claims that the Georgia international is not the club’s main option in that position, as the Black Cats have made Nantes striker Matthis Abline their priority target.

It states that Mikautadze is their ‘plan B’ option in the event that they fail to get a deal over the line for Abline, who is the player they are currently pursuing to bolster their attacking ranks.

The outlet adds that Sunderland have already made an offer of £17m to sign the 22-year-old forward, but it remains to be seen exactly how much will be needed to snap him up.

If the Black Cats can do land their priority target and bring Abline to the Stadium of Light, Regis Le Bris could have his own version of Asamoah Gyan.

Why Abline could be a Gyan repeat for Sunderland

Back in the summer of 2010, Sunderland smashed their transfer record to sign Gyan from Ligue 1 side Rennes for a reported fee of £13m, after he had plundered 13 goals in 29 matches in the French top-flight the previous season.

The Ghana international scored ten goals in 31 matches in the Premier League in his only full year at the club to fire them to safety, and Abline could enjoy similar success.

If Sunderland can bring the France U21 international to the club, he could provide Le Bris with a big goal threat in the top-flight, having proven his quality in the French top-flight last term.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig claimed that the 22-year-old is “making waves in Ligue 1”, and that praise is backed up by his impressive statistics in the division for Nantes.

xG

8.10

Top 23%

Goals

9

Top 23%

Non-penalty xG

7.31

Top 23%

Non-penalty goals

8

N/A

Shots on target

27

Top 14%

xA

3.37

Top 9%

Assists

2

Top 33%

As you can see in the table above, Abline ranked highly among forwards in the division with his contributions at the top end of the pitch, as he outperformed his xG and created high-quality chances for his teammates at an impressive rate.

One of his nine Ligue 1 goals was also a sensational solo goal against Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, in which he beat Willian Pacho all ends up.

This shows the kind of quality that the £17m forward can produce against the very best in Europe, which also suggests that he has what it takes to deliver in the Premier League against high-quality teams.

Therefore, Abline has the potential to be Gyan 2.0 for Sunderland as another expensive centre-forward recruit from Ligue 1 who has the potential to be a brilliant goal threat for the Black Cats.

Sunderland concern over "excellent" star has Southampton considering move

The Saints are looking to bounce back after relegation…

BySean Markus Clifford Jul 4, 2025

أعلنت رابطة الأندية المصرية، مواعيد مباريات الزمالك في بطولة كأس الرابطة “كأس عاصمة مصر” للموسم الجديد 2025-2026.

وتقام بطولة كأس الرابطة بمشاركة 21 فريقًا من أندية الدوري المصري الممتاز، على أن تقام خلال التوقف الدولي لبطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا 2025 في ديسمبر المقبل، بينما ينتهي دور المجموعات في يوم 17 يناير 2026.

وأسفرت القرعة عن تواجد الزمالك ضمن فرق المجموعة الثالثة والتي ضمت كلًا من المصري وحرس الحدود وزد والاتحاد السكندري وسموحة وكهرباء الإسماعيلية.

يُذكر أن سيراميكا كليوباترا هو حامل لقب البطولة، بعد فوزه في نهائي النسخة الماضية على البنك الأهلي بهدفين دون رد.

طالع | فيريرا يصعد ثلاثي شباب الزمالك وتأهيل محمد شحاتة استعدادًا لـ المصري مواعيد مباريات الزمالك في كأس الرابطة 2025-2026

الجولة الأولى

الزمالك أمام كهرباء الإسماعيلية يوم الثلاثاء 9 ديسمبر على استاد هيئة قناة السويس في تمام الثامنة مساءً.

الجولة الثانية

الزمالك أمام حرس الحدود يوم السبت 20 ديسمبر على استاد القاهرة في تمام الثامنة مساءً.

الجولة الثالثة

الزمالك أمام سموحة يوم الأربعاء 24 ديسمبر على استاد القاهرة في تمام الثامنة مساءً.

الجولة الرابعة

الزمالك أمام الاتحاد السكندري يوم الخميس 1 يناير 2026 على استاد الجيش ببرج العرب في تمام الخامسة مساءً.

الجولة الخامسة

الزمالك راحة.

الجولة السادسة

الزمالك أمام نادي زد يوم الأحد 11 يناير 2026 على استاد القاهرة في تمام الثامنة مساءً.

الجولة السابعة

الزمالك أمام المصري البورسعيدي يوم الخميس 15 يناير 2026 على استاد الجيش ببرج العرب في تمام الثامنة مساءً.

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.

Related Derby face Blackburn in race to sign midfielder with same agent as Forsyth

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

Posts ByBrett Worthington Jun 26, 2025

“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.

While it failed to culminate in any silverware, this season wasn’t all doom and gloom for Arsenal.

For example, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly broke into the first team, with the latter establishing himself as a regular starter and now a full-fledged England star.

Moreover, despite missing almost four months of action, Bukayo Saka once again proved he’s a world-class attacker by racking up a haul of 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 games.

Saka’s 24/25
Appearances (Starts)	37 (30)
Minutes	2619′
Goals	12
Assists	14
Goal Involvements per Match	0.70
Minutes per Goal Involvement	100.73′
All Stats via Transfermarkt

Yet, it’s impossible to overlook that, in the end, a lack of invention in the final third prevented the team from winning anything, so it’s a good thing that reports have now linked Arsenal to someone compared to Saka and Rodrygo.

Arsenal transfer news

With Arsenal creating just the seventh-highest expected goals figure in the Premier League this season, per FBref, it’s easy to understand why there has been such an emphasis on the club signing players capable of both scoring and creating more goals in recent weeks.

Transfer Focus

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

Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has been one name linked with the club, as has Aston Villa and England star Morgan Rogers, although a player touted more heavily for a move to the Emirates than both this summer has been Rodrygo.

The Real Madrid star scored 14 goals and provided ten assists in 51 games for Los Blancos this term.

However, with a price tag of at least £84m and murmurs that he does not want to leave the Spanish capital, the North Londoners may be forced to sign another attacking talent from the Santiago Bernabéu, a talent who’s won comparisons to the Brazilian.

According to a recent report from Spain, Arteta has asked Arsenal to inquire about Brahim Diaz, who he believes could thrive at the Emirates.

Moreover, the story has revealed that the North Londoners are now willing to make an offer of €50m for the Moroccan international, about £42m, despite Xabi Alonso wanting to keep him in Spain.

It might not be a straightforward transfer to get over the line, but Diaz is undeniably talented, and as he’s already won comparisons to Saka and Rodrygo, he could be just what Arsenal need.

How Diaz compares to Saka & Rodrygo

Now, there are a number of reasons why Arsenal should be looking to sign Diaz this summer, but before getting to them, it’s important to address these comparisons to Saka and Rodrygo and where they come from, for that matter.

Well, in both cases, the comparisons stem from FBref, which looked at players in similar positions in the Champions League this season and then created a list of the ten most comparable players for each.

In this instance, it concluded that the Brazilian international was the fifth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Morccan star, while the Englishman came in as the seventh most similar.

Diaz & Rodrygo
Statistics per 90	Diaz	Rodrygo
Non-Penalty Expected G+As	0.48	0.48
Goals per Shot	0.20	0.20
Passing Accuracy	84.8%	85.1%
Live Passes	45.7	44.3
Tackles Won	1.11	1.13
Successful Take-On %	56.5%	58.1%
Carries	42.0	41.3
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 UCL Campaign

The best way to see how these conclusions were reached is by looking at the underlying numbers in which the players ranked closely, which, for the case of his Real Madrid teammate, included things like non-penalty expected goals plus assists, goals per shot, passing accuracy, carries, tackles won and more, all per 90.

For the Gunners’ own number seven, the metrics that overlapped with the former Manchester City gem included things like shots on target, goal-creating actions, key passes, passes into the penalty area, non-penalty expected goals and more, also per 90.

Diaz & Saka
Statistics per 90	Diaz	Saka
Non-Penalty Expected Goals	0.28	0.34
Shots on Target	1.31	1.42
Key Passes	1.11	1.19
Passes into the Penalty Area	1.30	1.19
Goal-Creating Actions	0.80	0.83
Miscontrols	2.04	2.02
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 UCL Campaign

Usually, being so statistically similar to two of the most exciting wingers in the modern game would be reason enough to sign someone, but away from these comparisons, there are other reasons the North Londoners should be looking to recruit the Málaga-born maestro this summer, such as his versatility.

For example, while the 25-year-old does tend to play out on the right at the moment, his most played position across his entire career is attacking midfield, but even then, he’s also capable of playing off the left and has spent time as a second striker and up top to boot.

Moreover, while he has mainly been kept to substitute appearances in Spain, he’s got the ability to do something seriously special, with former professional turned pundit Owen Hargreaves describing a goal he scored in the Champions League last season as “Messi-esque.”

However, Hargreaves doesn’t limit the comparison to strictly that goal, pointing out that it’s his “low centre of gravity” and “way he can dribble”, which also makes the 5 foot 7 magician similar to the Argentine legend.

Ultimately, Arsenal need to add more quality to their attacking and midfield options this summer, and while he might not be the biggest of names, Diaz is undeniably talented and could add that extra spark the team need.

Dream Gyokeres alternative: £40m striker now wants to sign for Arsenal

The free-scoring forward could be the missing piece for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 16, 2025

Blaze victory rules Thunder out of finals contention, despite career-best 6 for 35 by Fi Morris

ECB Reporters Network04-Sep-2024

Grace Ballinger appeals for a wicket•Getty Images

A career-best 6 for 35 by Fi Morris for Lancashire Thunder was countered by a List A best for The Blaze of 4 for 23 by Grace Ballinger as the visitors ran out winners by 24 runs at Sale to keep their hopes alive in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy. Defeat for Thunder ends their hopes of making the knockout stages of the competition.In a low-scoring contest, The Blaze – having started well – were pegged back to 197 all out at the hands of Morris once the spinner was introduced into the Thunder attack in the 30th over.By contrast Ballinger did significant early damage by taking the first four Thunder wickets but the rest of The Blaze attack combined to bowl Thunder out for 173 in the 46th over despite a hard hitting unbeaten 53 by Tara Norris to clinch a vital victory.The Blaze made a good start after being put in to bat with Sarah Bryce and Michaela Kirk laying a good foundation of 66 runs off 87 balls. But both openers fell in quick succession. Sarah Bryce was caught at mid-off for 34 trying to hit Darcey Carter, making her Thunder debut, over the top with Kirk bowled for 29 by Hannah Jones’ second delivery.And The Blaze were pegged back further when Marie Kelly edged behind for 7 off the first ball of Phoebe Graham’s second spell to leave the visitors 101 for 3 in the 24th over.Kathryn Bryce and Ireland all-rounder Orla Prendergast rallied with a 34-run alliance off 45 balls before the introduction of Morris transformed the innings as wickets tumbled.The Thunder off-spinner struck with a 17-ball sequence of 3 for 6 that began with her fourth delivery that Kathryn Bryce cut to Norris at gully for 31.Having made an attractive 29 off 34 balls, Prendergast fell lbw sweeping at Morris, as did Lucy Higham for 4.Hannah Jones returned to take her competition-leading 22nd wicket when Kirstie Gordon drove to Eve Jones at extra cover for 4 before Morris ran through the rest of The Blaze line-up in spectacular style bowling Ella Claridge for 6, having Grace Ballinger lbw for 6 and Cassidy McCarthy caught for 8 with The Blaze losing their last seven wickets for 62 runs.It was Ballinger who did the early damage with an impressive spell of left-arm swing that returned figures of 4 for 13 to destroy the Thunder top order, having Eve Jones caught at mid-off for 0, Alice Clarke caught at cover for 8 followed by Morris (10) and Dani Collins (0) bowled in the space of three deliveries.But having completed seven overs Ballinger limped off injured to be replaced by Prendergast who struck immediately with her sixth delivery which Seren Smale cut savagely but straight to Kirk at point for 13 with the Thunder innings in disarray at 41 for 5 after 15 overs.Ellie Threlkeld pulled a short ball from Prendergast to Higham at deep backward square for 10, Carter was bowled by McCarthy for 11 before Grace Johnson holed out to Kirk off Groves for 27 as Thunder continued to struggle.Ballinger returned in time to see Groves trap Graham lbw for 5 but a defiant last-wicket partnership of 50 – the highest of the Thunder innings – between Norris, who hit three sixes in a List A career-best 53 not out off 56 balls, and Hannah Jones, who finally fell to Kathryn Bryce for 17, held up The Blaze who eventually wrapped up victory with 26 balls to spare.

يحل فريق ريال مدريد ضيفًا على خصمه فريق ريال سوسيداد، عصر يوم السبت، في إطار منافسات بطولة الدوري الإسباني لكرة القدم، موسم 2025/26.

ويلتقي ريال مدريد مع نظيره ريال سوسيداد في خضم لقاءات الجولة الرابعة من بطولة الدوري الإسباني لذلك الموسم، على ملعب “ريالي آرينا”.

ويدخل ريال مدريد تلك المباراة وهو لديه 9 نقاط في صدارة جدول الدوري الإسباني، بينما يمتلك ريال سوسيداد نقطتين فقط في المركز السادس عشر.

ويفتقد ريال مدريد خدمات اللاعب أنطونيو روديجر، في ضربة قوية للمدرب تشابي ألونسو، بعد إعلان إصابته التي قد تجبره على الغياب عن 18 مباراة (لمطالعة التفاصيل كاملة من هنا). تشكيل ريال مدريد المتوقع أمام ريال سوسيداد اليوم في الدوري الإسباني

حراسة المرمى: تيبو كورتوا.

خط الدفاع: ترينت ألكسندر أرنولد، إيدير ميليتاو، دين هويسن، ألفارو كاريراس.

خط الوسط: فيدي فالفيردي، تشواميني.

خط الوسط الهجومي: أردا جولر، ماستانتونو، كيليان مبابي.

خط الهجوم: فينيسيوس جونيور.

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.

Arsenal have been extremely busy in the transfer market over the last week, putting the final touches on a few key deals, but more are expected to follow.

Agbonlahor slams "very odd" Arsenal transfer decision as Berta agrees deal

The Gunners are shopping “at Asda”.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 27, 2025

Mikel Arteta is facing a crucial campaign in the dugout as pressure grows on the Spaniard to clinch major silverware, with their FA Cup triumph in 2020 coming as their last major honour, if you don’t count Community Shields.

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

Their summer business will be absolutely vital when it comes to Arteta’s chances of bridging the gap between Arsenal and Premier League champions Liverpool next term, with Arne Slot’s side already making a serious statement this window.

The Reds have signed Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong already, spending nearly £200 million in the process, and this will worry Arsenal supporters, who are desperate to see their side win a first league title in over 20 years.

Man City have also splashed the cash in an effort to seriously rebuild their squad after a disappointing 2024/2025 campaign for them, but Arsenal have made some progress when it comes to their own recruitment plans.

Arsenal finalised a deal for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi last week after months of talks, with goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga also completing a medical in the last few days ahead of his £5 million move from Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are in ongoing talks to sign defender Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia, with Brentford captain Christian Norgaard poised to join the north Londoners before him.

Earlier this week, it was widely reported that Arsenal agreed a deal for Norgaard after accelerated talks, with Fabrizio Romano also sharing that the Denmark international will undergo a medical.

The 31-year-old is set to become their third signing of the window to replace the exit-bound Thomas Partey, and while Norgaard’s signing has been questioned by pundits like Gabriel Agbonlahor, former Chelsea and Tottenham director, Frank Arnesen, has heaped praise on the transfer.

Frank Arnesen praises Christian Norgaard with Arsenal deal agreed

Speaking to Danish news outlet Tipsbaldet, as translated by Sport Witness, Arnesen says that Arsenal are about to sign a “fantastic” player in Norgaard – calling him the “whole package”.

“It would be fantastic for him if he could get a contract at Arsenal.

“Christian is a fantastic guy. I have nothing but good things to say about him. You meet players many times in your life, but I always hoped this one would have a fantastic career. He has got that. He has become captain of Brentford and has done incredible.

“If he can take a step up and come to Arsenal, it would be fantastic. Every dressing room would be thrilled to have him. He has the right mentality, is a team player and has the attitude.

“Mikel Arteta was fantastic as a player, I think, and as a coach he has done absolutely superbly, both as an assistant at Manchester City and afterwards at Arsenal with the way he plays football.

“He doesn’t just take a player in without knowing exactly what he’s going to use him for. Maybe he won’t play 50 games, you don’t know, maybe it’ll only be 30, but it’s about the whole package. He gets the whole package with Christian.”

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.

Derby face Blackburn in race to sign midfielder with same agent as Forsyth

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

ByBrett Worthington Jun 26, 2025

“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.

Newcastle United’s summer transfer window is kicking into life, all right, with Eddie Howe determined to package a squad with enough quality to challenge across the Premier League and Champions League campaigns.

Last season was one of staggering success for the Magpies, who deservedly beat Liverpool at Wembley in March to lift the Carabao Cup, so ending 70 years adrift from that matchless trophy-winning feeling.

On the last day of the top-flight term, the Toon also secured their place in next year’s elite European tournament after finishing fifth in the league.

However, Newcastle’s 2024 summer window still lingers in the minds of all affiliated. It’s something of a miracle that Howe led his troops to glory in spite of the market setbacks.

The new campaign is a little over a month away, and United are planning to make a series of signings despite their slow start to the window.

That slow start has started to gather some pace, in fairness, but more is needed if Howe’s to piece together Newcastle’s dream squad for the 2025/26 season.

The goalkeepers James Trafford becomes the new No. 1

Newcastle have maintained a vested interest in Burnley shot-stopper James Trafford for a while now, and though Howe has been bruised by a number of setbacks in the market, this one looks like it will glide through to the finish line in a potential £30m deal.

Hailed as a “world-class keeper” by Clarets boss Scott Parker, the Englishman will jockey for a regular starting berth with Nick Pope, who has been a staple of the Howe era but missed ten Premier League matches last year due to injury.

Newcastle, for sure, aren’t strapped for options between the sticks. Martin Dubravka, Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie all form a bloated chunk of the St. James’ Park first-team squad.

Profit and Sustainability technicalities have played heavily into the unique situation, but there’s no question that Trafford would sit atop the pile if signed this summer.

Full list of goalkeepers: James Trafford, Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka, Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy, Mark Gillespie

The defence Howe finally lands a new centre-back

Amid the long list of rejections this summer is likely to be Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, who was the subject of four failed bids from the Tynesiders in 2024 and has entered Newcastle’s sights once more this year.

But Liverpool appear to hold the lead in the race, and Newcastle have thus swivelled their attention to Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini, who, aged 22, is valued in excess of £50m.

The dynamic defender will complete a backline already replete with depth and quality. A fully-fit Sven Botman could provide the right-footer with a formidable partner, while Fabian Schar and Dan Burn offer high-level competition that will be vital across a multi-front campaign.

And Howe’s diligence and planning over the past few years has also limited the attention required on the flanks. Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall make for one of the most exciting young partnerships in the game, while Matt Targett and Kieran Trippier bring leadership to the fold.

Full list of centre-backs: Fabian Schar, Giorgio Scalvini, Jamal Lascelles, Sven Botman, Dan Burn

Full list of right-backs: Tino Livramento, Kieran Trippier, Emil Krafth

Full list of left-backs: Lewis Hall, Matt Targett

The midfield Magpie midfielders remain the essence of Howe's system

Newcastle’s defence is in pretty good nick, but not so much as the midfield, which has been pieced together masterfully over the past few years. When Sandro Tonali gelled with Bruno Guimaraes after last winter’s blip, United reached new levels, establishing the form that would lead to silver-tinted glory.

Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy has certainly sung their praises, saying of the midfield: “One of the best in the league. Probably just behind Liverpool’s or maybe even on par with Liverpool’s. They’ve got a blend of everything and incredible players. I think they’ve got some of the best players in the world in that position.”

Tonali’s redefinition as a number six promoted the ball-playing focus of Howe’s game and allowed Guimaraes to operate in a more advanced, fluid role. Joelinton’s undying energy was magnified but Sean Longstaff, who has been linked with a summer sale could exit to please PSR. Leeds United have already tabled an offer.

In his stead, Newcastle have been named suitors for Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher, with the England international valued at £50m. His completeness and athleticism would be the perfect counterpoint to a midfield already rich with contrasting quality.

Newcastle would likely look to whittle down Atletico’s asking price, but it’s an exciting time for the Toon, who already are so strong in the centre, with Joe Willock and the young Lewis Miley looking to play their part too.

Full list of central midfielders: Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Conor Gallagher, Joe Willock, Lewis Miley

The forwards Sweeping changes built around Alexander Isak

Alexander Isak remains Newcastle’s talisman, and PIF’s £200m price tag for the Sweden star should keep him at St. James’ Park for at least one more year.

He does need competition though, since Callum Wilson has packed up and left at the end of his contract. There have been a few blows in that regard so far, but Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has recently been lined up. The sticking point, of course, is that the Bees want £50m.

And despite signing Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest in a £55m deal, more is needed, to be sure. Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes hold down the fort pretty well on the left flank, but Newcastle are still interested in signing another name to enrich the ranks.

And that would be Manchester City’s Jack Grealish, who is set to leave the Etihad Stadium this summer. His £40m price tag might put the Magpies off, for this would take their spending over £200m after having bagged Elanga already.

Instead, a loan move looks like it could be the order of the day, one which would provide creative relief and allow a deal for someone like Wissa to be pursued too.

Centre-forward

86

34

8

Left winger

28

6

4

Right winger

7

4

0

Attacking midfield

3

1

0

The recent rumours surrounding Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike make for compelling reading, but it’s just hard to envisage a world where Newcastle win the race for the £85m-rated centre-forward while keeping Isak on the books too.

And Isak is staying. Thus, a more pragmatic, but still impressive, deal for a Premier League-proven and positionally dynamic player in Wissa could prove the order of the day for Newcastle as they look to polish off this remarkable squad of Magpies.

Full list of right wingers: Anthony Elanga, Jacob Murphy

Full list of left wingers: Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Jack Grealish

Full list of strikers: Alexander Isak, Yoane Wissa, William Osula

Elanga's new Gibbs-White: Newcastle leading race for £40m "magician"

Newcastle are hoping to make more signings after landing Anthony Elanga.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 12, 2025

The ICC’s broadcast partners ask the global body if it believes it delivered an event that justified the huge investment made in securing media rights

ESPNcricinfo staff29-Aug-2024Overshooting its own budget is not the only fallout for the ICC from its recently concluded men’s T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies. ESPNcricinfo understands that Disney-Star*, the ICC’s broadcast partners, have raised concerns about the event, asking whether the ICC believes it delivered a product that justified the investment made in the rights, and whether better value overall can be derived from the rights deal.Among the concerns raised was the schedulling of matches, in particular the timing of those games which ended up being broadcast in the early morning hours in the subcontinent, thereby affecting viewership significantly. These include most of West Indies’ games, the co-hosts and two-time champions, as well as the first semi-final between South Africa and Afghanistan.It is also believed that the broadcaster had communicated its worries about the drop-in pitches that were ultimately used for the Nassau County stadium for the New York leg of the tournament. The venue saw a succession of bowling-friendly surfaces on which two sides were bowled out for less than 100 and the highest completed score was 137.Related

T20 World Cup 2024: New York, Tarouba pitches rated 'unsatisfactory'

ICC Board seeks answers after costs spiral for US leg of T20 World Cup

No rain, but still no play: Lauderhill washouts prompt questions

The first two surfaces were eventually rated as “unsatisfactory” by the ICC, only one rung above “unfit”. The venue also hosted the marquee India-Pakistan match, for which the pitch was rated “satisfactory” but where Pakistan failed to chase down a target of 120.Later in the tournament, the Trinidad surface for the semi-final between South Africa and Afghanistan, where the latter was routed for 56 on a brutish pitch with excessive seam and uneven bounce, was also rated “unsatisfactory”.Through its various iterations, Disney-Star has held the the rights to every single ICC event since the 2011 men’s ODI World Cup. Last year, Disney-Star acquired the rights to broadcast ICC events in the India market in a four-year deal worth just above USD 3 billion. Dissatisfaction from such a long-term broadcast partner is likely to be taken seriously, given the implications it has for all ICC members, who receive annual revenue derived from the rights deal. Most members, other than India, Australia and England, rely heavily on these revenues.ESPNcricinfo understands that there were discussions within the ICC to swap the USA-West Indies event with either India in 2026 or England in 2028 in order to give the venues more time to get ready, but those discussions did not go far.Apart from New York, Florida came in for criticism as a venue as well, where matches could not be held even though the majority of the rain there fell in the preceding week. The ground’s drainage was not up to date, and it didn’t have enough covers to protect the whole playing area, which led to frustrating scenes where the pitch was ready but there were wet patches on the outfield despite strong sunlight. Three of the four matches in Florida were abandoned, one of them an India game.ESPNcricinfo understands that the disgruntlement is limited to this event, the handling of which is already undergoing an audit after it emerged that the original budget for the US leg ballooned over by up to USD 20 million. The event has prompted one idea to be floated to convert the 2025 ODI Champions Trophy to T20Is. There has not been any development on this since the grievance was first raised a month ago. This issue was not discussed in the ICC meetings this Tuesday.