Last summer, Celtic reportedly banked a joint-club-record fee of £25m for Denmark international Matt O’Riley when they sold him to Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 24-year-old maestro moved on from Parkhead after an exceptional return of 18 goals and 13 assists in 36 appearances in the Scottish Premiership during the 2023/24 campaign.

O’Riley provided a huge threat at the top end of the pitch, particularly as a goalscorer, and that earned him a big-money move to the Premier League last year.

The Dane’s departure meant that Brendan Rodgers did not have a natural goalscoring midfielder who could chip in with anywhere near as many as the left-footed star did.

Celtic lacked a consistent goal threat in midfield

The Hoops signed Arne Engels from Augsburg to ‘replace’ O’Riley and the Belgian did provide a threat at the top end of the pitch, ending the season with ten goals and 12 assists in all competitions.

However, seven of his nine goals in the Premiership came from the penalty spot in his first year in Glasgow, which shows that he did not offer a huge threat from open play as a goalscorer.

Arne Engels

21

2

Reo Hatate

24

9

Callum McGregor

29

8

Luke McCowan

12

5

Paulo Bernardo

11

2

As you can see in the table above, none of Celtic’s central midfielders hit double figures for goals last season, but they did spread the goals among them.

The Premiership champions are now reportedly one of the teams in the race to sign former Burnley star Josh Brownhill on a free transfer, and he could be their best central midfield signing since O’Riley.

Why Brownhill would be Celtic's best midfielder since O'Riley

The experienced midfield star would be an influential figure in the middle of the park for the Hoops, as he is fresh off the back of an exceptional campaign with Burnley in the English Championship.

His brilliant performances in central midfield helped the Clarets to earn promotion to the Premier League by finishing in second place in the league, as he showcased his ability to make a big impact in the final third.

Unlike the options Rodgers currently has in his squad, Brownhill has the potential to deliver O’Riley-esque numbers in front of goal after an 18-goal haul in the Championship.

Only three of those 18 goals came from the penalty spot, which means that he scored six more goals than the top-scoring Celtic midfielder at league level last term.

The 29-year-old star, who was lauded as “immense” by journalist Josh Bunting, could be the man to finally replace the prolific level of scoring that O’Riley provided when he was at Parkhead in the 2023/24 campaign.

Brownhill also made 2.3 tackles and interceptions per game for his team, whilst no Hoops midfielder managed more than 2.0 tackles and interceptions per match, which suggests that the potential is also there for him to offer more to the team out of possession as a screening presence in front of the defence.

These statistics show that the free agent maestro has the qualities to be an exceptional addition to the squad on a free transfer, as he has the goalscoring and defensive capability to be the club’s best central midfield player since O’Riley left to sign for Brighton as a standout offensively and defensively.

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No Celtic midfielder has stepped up to take on the goalscoring mantle from the Dane in the past 12 months, but Brownhill’s form for Burnley suggests that he is the man to step up for Rodgers, which is why they must push to get a deal done for him in the coming days.

It took Aston Villa a long time to finally kick into gear on the transfer front, but they’re now starting to make serious moves.

Last weekend, Unai Emery welcomed the arrival of Evan Guessand in a potential £30 million deal from Nice – their first major signing of the window – but NSWE are not done there.

In what is expected to be a hectic final two weeks of the summer window for the club’s president of footballing operations, Monchi, it is believed the Spaniard is eyeing a host of other late incomings.

Departures are fully expected too, with Leon Bailey left out of Saturday’s Premier League opener against Newcastle United amid his talks to join Roma – which are seriously progressing.

To combat losing the likes of Bailey, Villa are believed to be firm contenders to sign Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson, who Enzo Maresca confirmed has a chance to leave Stamford Bridge before the transfer deadline on September 1.

Villa are among the clubs to be offered Jackson, a player who Emery knows well from their time together at Villarreal, but it remains to be seen whether they’ll opt to meet Chelsea’s lofty price tag or could even agree a loan with an obligation to buy (talkSPORT).

Amid their links to the Senegalese, it is also reliably reported that PSG attacker Marco Asensio could make a return to the Midlands.

The former Real Madrid star made a real impact on loan at Villa from the European champions over the second half of 2024/2025, scoring a brace against Chelsea and notching three Champions League goals over two legs against Club Brugge.

With Jacob Ramsey leaving for Newcastle United, Villa have begun negotiations to re-sign Asensio, with personal terms on a three-year contract already agreed (Sky Switzerland).

Aston Villa in 'advancing talks' to re-sign Marco Asensio in cut-price deal

Now, according to Football Insider and journalist Wayne Veysey, those discussions are progressing well.

Villa are in ‘advancing talks’ with all relevant parties over a deal for Asensio, with Emery a ‘big fan’ and personally keen to bring the Spaniard back on an indefinite basis.

PSG are also open to the possibility of green-lighting this potential deal for a ‘cut-price’ fee, considering the 29-year-old has just one year left on his £120,000-per-week contract, which comes as a major boost for Villa in terms of avoiding the ever-swinging PSR axe they’ve had serious trouble with this year.

Earlier this summer, NSWE actually pulled the plug on a move for Asensio over costs, according to Veysey, but it appears they’ve pulled a U-turn and are now working on an agreement.

Emery praised Asensio during their spell together last term, and after losing Ramsey, the tactician could get a major boost in the form of his comeback.

Fulham are now “working on” a deal to sign a “special” forward, having already struck an agreement on personal terms, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

Khan tipped to sell amid quiet transfer window

The Cottagers have been extremely quiet in the summer transfer window, with back-up goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte the only addition they have made up to this point, and journalist Sebastien Vidal believes owner Shahid Khan may now want to sell up.

Not only have the likes of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Joao Palhinha been sold, but the west Londoners could also be in line to lose their star striker this summer, with Serie A side Atalanta now confident they will be able to get a deal for Rodrigo Muniz over the line.

As such, there is not much to shout about for Fulham fans at the moment, but it has now been revealed they are stepping up a pursuit of a new forward, who could be in line to join in a club-record deal…

According to an update from Romano on X, the Cottagers are now “working on” a deal to sign Shakhtar Donetsk winger Kevin, with an agreement being struck on personal terms, although they are yet to agree a fee with the Ukrainian club.

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Shakhtar are insisting on €50m (£43m) for the Brazilian, which means Marco Silva’s side may need to shell out a club-record fee to get a deal over the line, with Emile Smith-Rowe currently their record signing at £27m.

Talks are set to continue in the next few days, with Fulham clearly keen to get a deal done, although negotiations could continue into next week.

"Special" Kevin could be exciting signing for Fulham

With Willian and Reiss Nelson exiting Craven Cottage this summer, Silva could do with bringing in a new winger, and the Shakhtar star could be an exciting addition to the squad.

The 22-year-old has been a reliable source of goals ever since arriving at Shakhtar, finding the back of the net 16 times in 55 outings, while also providing ten assists.

Shakhtar boss Arda Turan has been left impressed by his forward’s performances too, saying: “Kevin is a special player for our attacking decisions. I love him like a brother, not just as a football player.”

Should Muniz depart, Fulham will also need to bring in an out-and-out centre-forward, but Kevin’s displays for Shakhtar indicate he could be capable of replicating his compatriot’s attacking output.

Gary Lineker has admitted he is “really worried” about Ruben Amorim’s handling of Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo. The teenager, once seen as a cornerstone of the Red Devils’ future, has struggled for minutes this season despite his reputation as one of England’s brightest prospects. Lineker says the situation is “slightly baffling” given the midfielder’s talent and potential.

Mainoo's rise stalling under Amorim

Mainoo, who starred for England during Euro 2024, has seen his progress stall since Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford. The 19-year-old has yet to start a Premier League game this season despite United’s injury issues in midfield. His frustration even led him to request a loan move in the summer, but the club blocked any potential exit.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportLineker 'baffled' by Amorim's treatment of Mainoo

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said: "I don’t think he’s going to change his system now. He’s been very stubborn so far, why change now?

"It really worries me the way Kobbie Mainoo has been kind of dismissed. Such an incredible, young talent, a local boy as well doing really well.

"I thought when he came on he did really quite well. I don’t get it, I don’t know if there’s something we don’t know about but it’s slightly baffling to me."

Mainoo's downward trajectory at Man Utd

Mainoo was expected to build on his breakout season under Erik ten Hag, but finds himself on the fringes under Amorim. Manchester United’s struggles in midfield have only made the lack of opportunities more puzzling. If the situation continues, questions will grow over whether United are stalling the progress of one of their brightest academy products.

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(C)Getty ImagesCould Mainoo start against Chelsea?

Manchester United face Chelsea next in the Premier League, with Amorim under pressure to shake things up. Mainoo could once again be left waiting for a starting chance unless the manager reconsiders.

نجح الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي الزمالك، في هز الشباك بالمباراة الجارية حالياً أمام منافسه الأهلي، وذلك ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

ويلتقي الأهلي مع الزمالك، على أرضية استاد القاهرة الدولي، ضمن منافسات الجولة التاسعة من عمر مباريات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وجاء هدف الزمالك في الدقيقة 32 عن طريق حسام عبد المجيد، بعد ركلة جزاء تم احتسابها بعد عرقلة من ياسين مرعي داخل منطقة الجزاء لصالح عدي الدباغ.

طالع أيضاً.. تشكيل الزمالك أمام الأهلي اليوم في الدوري المصري.. ثلاثي هجومي

وتحصل الزمالك على ركلة الجزاء بعد تأكيد من حكم تقنية الفيديو، وتقدم عبد الله السعيد للتصويب ونجح محمد الشناوي في التصدي لها، ثم عاد حكم المباراة مرة أخرى إلى حكام الفار ليقرر إعادة تسديد ركلة الجزاء.

ويحتل الزمالك صدارة ترتيب جدول الدوري المصري برصيد 17 نقطة من 8 مباريات، فاز في 5، وتعادل في 2، وتلقى هزيمة.

على الجانب الآخر، يدخل الأهلي المباراة محتلاً المركز الثامن بجدول ترتيب الدوري المصري برصيد 12 نقطة، جمعها من 7 مباريات، حقق الفوز في 3 لقاءات، وتعادل في مثلها، بينما تلقى هزيمة واحدة. هدف الزمالك الأول أمام الأهلي في الدوري المصري.. حسام عبد المجيد

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.

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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.

Arne Slot has hinted at the timetable Liverpool have lined up for Alexander Isak, with the most expensive player in British football seeing his Reds debut delayed. The decision was taken not to include the Swedish striker in plans for a trip to Burnley, with the £125 million ($169m) frontman being eased into long-term plans by the reigning Premier League champions.

• Getty
  

  Isak training with Liverpool

  Isak, who finds himself at Anfield after successfully forcing his way through the exits at Newcastle, has been training with his new employers. No risks were taken on his fitness at Turf Moor, as a late Mohamed Salah penalty earned Liverpool a fourth dramatic win of the 2025-26 campaign.  

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• Why Isak was left out at Burnley

  Having spent much of the summer on strike at St James’ Park, Isak is lacking match fitness and sharpness. With that in mind, Slot will not be rushing Liverpool’s record signing into his starting XI.  

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Slot reveals plan for Isak's integration

  Slot said of Isak after lacking an attacking spark for much of a 1-0 victory over battling Burnley: “You make a choice for a good reason, for a good argument. That choice was because he missed out for four months on team training. He's in his second or third week of pre-season. We have given him a proper week and then we think maybe he will get more than 10 or 15 minutes in our Wednesday game and that's the way to build him up. He needs proper playing time but also build him up so he has a good base.”  

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• Debut date: When Isak could make Liverpool bow

  Isak appears to have been lined up for a Liverpool bow off the bench in a Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday. That contest will introduce him to the Anfield faithful before a derby date with Merseyside neighbours Everton on September 20.  

Regular captain Shanto continues to miss out due to a groin strain

Mohammad Isam02-Dec-2024

Mehidy Hasan Miraz will continue to lead Bangladesh in regular captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s absence in the ODI series against West Indies. Mehidy was named captain for the ongoing two-Test series in the Caribbean, which the hosts are leading 1-0, with Shanto missing out due to groin strain. Shakib Al Hasan, who has not played for Bangladesh since the Tests in India, continues to miss out, with BCB president Faruque Ahmed saying the senior allrounder was not “in a mental state to play for the country”.Middle-order batter Towhid Hridoy also misses out due to a groin injury which he picked up while playing football recently. Mushfiqur Rahim also misses out as he recovers from finger injury, while Mustafizur Rahman has opted out of the series due to personal reasons. Left-handed opener Zakir Hasan, meanwhile, has been dropped. Litton Das, who missed the ODIs against Afghanistan in November, returns to the side, while Parvez Hossain Emon, Afif Hossain Dhrubo, Hasan Mahmud and Tanzim Hasan Sakib have also been included.Shakib, who retired from Tests and T20Is in September, missed the ODIs against Afghanistan last month too. He was part of the Abu Dhabi T10 where he played seven matches for Bangla Tigers. He had not traveled to Dhaka to play his farewell Test, against South Africa, in October because of protests against him after being named in an FIR for an alleged murder during the political unrest in the country.BCB president Ahmed said Shakib remained in contention for selection in ODIs, adding that he needed sufficient preparation to get back into the national side.”Right now, he [Shakib] is still in the list,” Ahmed said. “We hope that the issues get solved in the way he wants. Definitely, he still possesses the capability to play for the national team. Playing for a franchise and playing for the country is not the same thing. You need preparation and also you really need to gel with the team. Since he can’t do those things, I don’t think he is in a mental state to play for the country. Because of that, we have left this thing up to him.”The players named for the ODIs will leave Dhaka on Monday to link with the rest of the players in St Kitts to play the three ODIs on December 8, 10 and 12.Bangladesh ODI squad vs West IndiesMehidy Hasan Miraz (capt), Litton Das (wk), Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Parvez Hossain, Mahmudullah, Jaker Ali, Afif Hossain, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan, Nahid Rana.

Arsenal are swiftly moving on to their next targets after striking a long-awaited deal for Viktor Gyokeres, who officially joined the Gunners from Sporting CP on Saturday in a deal worth up to £64 million.

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Gyokeres’ arrival comes as a major boost for Mikel Arteta as he seeks to end the club’s two-decade-long wait for a Premier League title.

Arsenal drew more games than any other side in the top 10 last season, and their struggle for goals was a key reason for this. Arteta’s side managed just 69 in the league by the end of 2024/2025, paling in comparison to their tallies of 88 and 91 in the previous two seasons.

A prolific frontman of Gyokeres’ ilk will certainly help Arteta’s side return to their clinical best, and Arsenal’s manager is thrilled to welcome a centre-forward who’s just bagged 54 goals in all competitions.

“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyökeres to the club. The consistency he has shown in his performances and availability have been outstanding, and his goal contributions speak for themselves,” said Arteta in an official statement.

“Viktor has so many qualities. He is a quick and powerful presence up front, with incredible goalscoring numbers at club and international levels. He brings a clinical edge with a high conversion rate of chances into goals, with his intelligent movement in the box making him a constant threat.

“We’re excited about what Viktor brings to our squad and are looking forward to start working with him. We welcome Viktor and his family to Arsenal.”

After Gyokeres, it is reliably reported that sporting director Andrea Berta is turning his attention towards Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze.

The England international is at the centre of Arsenal’s rumoured interest in signing a new creative number 10, and he reportedly has a £60 million release clause in his contract that could rise to £68m through bonuses (Sky Sports).

Crystal Palace identify Eberechi Eze replacement as Arsenal advance

According to multiple recent reports, there are suggestions that Eze has loosely agreed personal terms with Arsenal already, with Sports Zone even claiming that the 27-year-old has reached a “full agreement” over a proposed contract at the Emirates.

A north London switch for the player appears to be gaining serious traction, and according to Sky Switzerland reporter Sacha Tavolieri, Palace are moving to try and sign a replacement – providing a further indication that Arsenal could be closing in on Eze shortly.

Tavolieri, via X, claims Palace have identified Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss as a potential heir to Eze, but face competition from RB Leipzig.

Eze was released by Arsenal as a teenage academy prospect, but it appears the playmaker who bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season could be facing his final summer at Selhurst Park.

The PCB is yet to hear from the ICC about the questions regarding India’s unwillingness to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy next February.The PCB wrote to the ICC a week ago, asking the governing body for details and clarity on the BCCI’s decision, which was conveyed to the ICC. The PCB has asked for a written response from the BCCI as well as the date when it informed the ICC about its stance.Despite the lack of a response, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Monday that he retained “positive expectations” about the tournament, the first ICC event Pakistan will host since 1996.Related

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“We have sent them [ICC] the questions we had,” Naqvi said at a press interaction at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. “We are still waiting for their response. I believe that sports and politics are separate and no country should mix the two. Even now I still have positive expectations about the Champions Trophy.”Naqvi also said that the PCB intended to stick to its stance – of not using a hybrid model for the tournament – and will not shift from it. But he did say he was willing to talk to the BCCI about the situation in a bid to break the deadlock.”At this moment, every team that has qualified for the Champions Trophy is ready to come,” he said. “Nobody has any issues. I will say today also, if India has any concerns, speak to us about them, we can ease those concerns. I don’t think there is any reason for them not to visit.”When asked whether the PCB would consider the option of boycotting the event should hosting rights be taken away from it, Naqvi said: “Pakistan’s pride is of primary importance.”Naqvi was asked about the event’s trophy tour, which began on Saturday in Islamabad but with an altered route after the BCCI had raised objections with the ICC.The PCB had announced the original route last week, which would have taken in Muzaffarabad, capital of Pakistan Administered Kashmir. That destination was taken off after the BCCI’s complaint but has not yet been cancelled. The trophy tour returns to Pakistan in January, after visiting the other seven participants in the Champions Trophy.”My feeling is that the ICC will have to think about its credibility, that are they an organisation for all the world’s bodies,” Naqvi said. “And that route has been rescheduled, we haven’t been told about any cancellation.”Naqvi said he hoped the ICC would announce the tournament schedule soon so that the PCB can continue its preparations for the event.